Icecats pushing for playoffs

The Siberia Icecats entered the season with visions of hoisting the Kehler Cup in the near future. Last season was difficult, missing the playoffs and almost finishing last, but the silver lining was getting lucky with the lottery balls which allowed them to draft Bowen Byram. "Last year really sucked. You could see it in everyone's eyes. Every player knew that they did not play their best" said captain McDavid. "We wanted to rebound this year and we had confidence in GM Saouaf to get the pieces we need to take a step forward".

GM Silvio Saouaf was certainly busy this offseason trying to improve his team. Players were traded to bring in others, and sometimes those players were traded. There was probably no bigger move than bringing in perennial Norris defenseman, Victor Hedman. Hedman comes from the defending champion Minnesota Norsemen and will be called upon to assume a large role in helping lead this team deep into the playoffs. "Yeah, it was a heck of a year last year with Minnesota, and once you get a taste of the cup, you want it again. I am definitely looking to win another cup", said Hedman.

Along with Hedman, Siberia brought in steady and dependable Erik Johnson and veteran Dan Girardi, who announced his retirement at the end of the year. "I definitely want to go out with a bang, so yeah, I want to finally lift that cup, so I am going to give it my all", said Girardi.

At forward, Siberia brought in tough guy and scorer Evander Kane and another member of the Norsemen's championship team, Alexander Radulov. Siberia then parted ways with youngster Nikolaj Ehlers, who was an original Icecats draft pick, to bring in scorer Viktor Arvidsson. Siberia then brought in veterans Michael Grabner and Robert Bortuzzo to provide veteran depth.

The Icecats have a long hill to climb to reach their goals, but they are off to a good start.