Sabers Weekend Recap Oct. 11th

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Hello Sabers Nation! This is the first edition of the brand new Sabers Weekend Recap! Every week I will give you a rundown of what happened in each Sabers game. I’ll be talking the scores and record from the games, statistics and top performers, and any other big plays you are going to want to hear about. This article will cover the Sabers’ opening weekend in Medford, Oregon playing the Southern Oregon Spartans as well as a preview of the Sabers’ game against the Valencia Flyers on October 11th. Let’s get right into it!

GAME 1

The Sabers opened the season on Friday night facing the Spartans in a fierce back and forth competition. A scoreless 1st period had both teams still feeling each other out and shaking off the rust from training camp. Play picked up quickly in the 2nd with the first Sabers goal this season just 32 seconds into the period scored by Karel Kankovsky with assists by Tyler Balok and Jakub Vesely. Just 8 seconds later the Sabers are on the board again as Zakary Hanaford scores from David Grindstaff. The Spartans were able to answer with a goal of their own, but the Sabers score 3 more times before the second period gets out including two goals by Ashton Jones in the last 5 minutes of the period. Going into the 3rd the score is 5-1. As the goal scoring ratcheted up, so did the intensity with a big fight before the end of the period between Spartans Hodgkinson and Sabers Kankovsky. Final period of the game the Spartans make a push scoring 3 goals, but it is not enough. 2 more Sabers’ goals bring the final score to 7-4 for a Sabers opening night victory. Starting goalie Tomas Svoboda made 33 saves in a strong performance.

GAME 2

The second game of the weekend series saw another good battle. Just like game 1 another quick goal from the Sabers to start the game. This one scored by Ashton Jones on his way to a 3 point game and assisted by Kankovsky; the first of his 3 in the game. Hayden Moistner of the Spartans answers with 2 goals of his own to give the Spartans a quick lead, but a goal from Bolak tied the game at 2 after the 1st period. The second period was another even battle with both teams scoring twice. Sabers goals scored by Grindstaff and Hanaford to help keep pace with the Spartans. Unfortunately, the Sabers cannot get back on the board and drop game 2 6-4. Marshall McKallip got the start in net and made 32 saves in his first loss of the season.

GAME 3

The final game played on a Sunday afternoon came to be a tiebreaker for the weekend. Like in the previous two games, Sabers score first with a goal from Jones his first of two in the period. Kankovsky, Bolak, Vesely, and Jere Jaakkola all pick uo assists. However, the Spartans score one in between the two Sabers goals, 2-1 at the end of the 1st. A flurry of scoring in the second period by the home team brings their score to 4 by the end of the second period. Moistner scores 2 in the period giving him an early game hat trick. Sabers’ Sean Devaney scores in the second also bringing the score to 4-3 going into the final period of the weekend. A final goal by the home team in the 3rd brings the final score to 5-3. Starting goalie Svoboda made 34 saves in an otherwise impressive loss for him.

OVERVIEW

Although the Sabers’ come home from Oregon with a 1-2 record there is a lot of positive to take from the weekend. First both goaltenders, Svoboda and McKallip, made a ton of saves. Even in the losses they put up over 30 saves in each game. Kankovsky and Bolak from the blue line can generate offense with 5 and 4 points respectively. Jones and Hanaford are the goal scorers of the weekend with 5 and 3 respectively as well. Finally forward David Grindstaff had a good weekend with 5 points of his own.

Flyers Oct 11

Sabers’ start this weekend with an away game against division rival Valencia Flyers on Thursday October 11th. This is the Flyers’ first game of the season as well as their home opener. Last season, the Flyers finished 4th in the division with a record of 25-22-4. Last season the Flyers dominated the head to head matchups with an 8-1 record, but the Sabers are looking to turn it around this season. 

Hello Sabers Nation! Welcome to your San Diego Sabers Weekend Preview. The Sabers have a very important weekend ahead of them with games against 2 different division rivals; the Ontario Avalanche and the Valencia Flyers. On Friday the 2nd and Sunday the 4th the Avs will be the opponent, while the Flyers will be the opponent in between those games on Saturday the 3rd.

The Avalanche right now sit in last place in the Western Division with a record of 2-5, giving them 6 points. Friday’s game against the Sabers will be the 2nd of the weekend for the Avalanche. They opened up with a game Thursday night against the Flyers which they lost 6-5. Their last two games were both 1 goal losses with a loss to the Long Beach Bombers last weekend. In net, the Avalanche have played 3 of their 4 goaltenders, but 2 have received the majority of the work; #30 Connor Duffy and #32 Kurt Yano. Duffy has played more so far this season with a 1-3 record and .914 save %. Yano, on the other hand, is 1-1 with an .833 save %. Expect them to split the two games in net this weekend. In terms of offense the number one threat for the Avs is #64 Jeremy Van Dyke. Van Dyke leads the team with 7 goals and 10 points. The next two point leaders for the team, #82 Brett Ruiz and #13 Joseph Aguirre, each have 3 goals for the team and 8 and 7 points respectively. Those 3 players will be the most important to watch on offense for the Sabers.

The Flyers come to town just one time this weekend, but it is not the first time we have seen them this season. Earlier the Sabers beat the Flyers in overtime to open the season for Valencia. Since then, the Flyers have gone 3-2 and sit in 3rd place in the division with 10 points. Last weekend the Flyers also had a 2 game series against the Bombers in which each team won 1 game. The Flyers have 3 goaltenders, but have only played 2. While #1 Tate Martishius does have some playing time, #35 Brooks Dimarino has the lion’s share and will most likely be starting Saturday. Dimarino has a 1-1 record and a .917 save %. The Flyers have 3 players with at least 10 points; #18 Dominik Knap (3,9,12), # 8 Danylo Moroz (4,7,11) and #14 Tristan Warr (9,1,10). 

For the Sabers, this series is another that will weigh heavily in the division standings. The Sabers sit 4th in the Western Division with a record of 3-6 for 8 points. A couple wins would help solidify their position above Ontario and Valencia while asserting themselves back into the mix for the division lead. Losses this weekend though could dig the Sabers a larger hole for this season. #28 Aleksei Vereshchagin and #29 Marshall Mckallip both played well in games last weekend. I expect both of them to start the games with Ian Wigton in backup. Vereshchagin has a 1-2 record and a .907 save % while Mckallip has a 1-3 record and a .876 save %. #18 Ashton Jone is still the goals and points leader with 7 and 12 respectively. #2 Karel Kanokovsky and #13 Jakub Vesely both also have over 10 ppoints, but the Sabers have relied on a balanced attack with 9 different players recording 5 or more points. Big weekend in Escondido so make sure you get your tickets and come out to the Iceplex. Games will be Friday at 7:45pm, Saturday at 8:15pm, and Sunday at 12:00pm. Get your tickets online at sandiegosabershockey.com or if you can’t be there in person be sure to watch the live stream on WSHL TV.

Before I give you my picks, I should make some general explanations to show how I picked what I did. This is a combination of things I have read and heard, my evaluations of the players and the team needs, and outcomes that I think are likely and that I would like to see happen. I explain a little of my rationale after each pick. Thanks for reading.

1. Phoenix Suns: DeAndre Ayton – Arizona

DeAndre is by far my favorite player in the draft. He averaged 20.1 points and 11.6 rebounds at Arizona and basically carried that team. I have heard comparisons to Olajuwon and Ewing which is just scary. Pac 12 player of the year as a freshman. He also fits a need for the Suns. Devin Booker, Josh Jackson, and Ayton are a solid big 3 to grow together. His defense will get better he is huge. An interesting criticism is that the game has changed and centers are not important. Are you telling me if Shaq was in his prime now he would get bounced out of the league because he can’t shoot 3s? No, teams would have to adjust, and I think Ayton has that type of talent.

2. Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley III – Duke

I like this kid a lot. He can score like crazy, 21 pts and can rebound as well, 11 per game. He is much more your modern NBA player at 6’11” and shooting almost 40% from deep. Defense may be an interesting question, a little to skinny for centers and a little to slow for 4s, but I still do not think it will matter.

3. Atlanta Hawks: Luka Doncic – Europe

Doncic is the most accomplished teenager in Euroleague history. He just won MVP and lead his team to a championship. He has been a pro since 13. He is the real deal. 6’8” guard who can do a little of everything and has a lot of skill. Not overly athletic, but very intelligent and has great court vision. I personally am not totally sure of his ceiling, but he can play immediately.

4. Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr. – Michigan St.

This is a big kid who can immediately come in and anchor your defense. Pair him with Gasol and Conley and they can compete for a playoff spot. Eventually he will learn how to shoot, but that is not why you draft him.

5. Dallas Mavericks: Mo Bamba – Texas

I also really like Mo Bamba. An absolute giant at 7’ with a 7’10” wingspan. Can be insanely disruptive on defense, which will help Dirk. Also has 3 point potential. Bamba and Ayton I think long term are the best players in the draft.

6. Orlando Magic: TRADE: Knicks: Trae Young – Oklahoma

I am not sure if it will be the Knicks, but I am fairly confident someone trades up to get Trae. With Steph Curry range and flash he is an exciting prospect. I think someone is going to trade up to get him, and I could see it being New York. I think Trae is fools gold though.

7. Chicago Bulls: Wendall Carter Jr. – Duke

Another big Duke body to put next to Lauri. He also shot 41% from beyond the arc and almost 60% overall. Nice piece to add to a team.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: TRADE: Hornets – Michael Porter Jr. – Missouri

I think if the Cavs are going to make a legit pitch to keep Lebron they need to get an established player. I have them trading this pick and Clarkson for Kemba Walker. Then the Hornets draft Porter Jr. They need a lot of help and do not really need Kemba anymore. This allows them to get two high prospects. Porter Jr. is a simple prospect because it all depends on his medical report. He is an elite scorer, but already has had back surgery and had some hip problems leading into the draft. If he is healthy, he is a number 1 or 2 talent. If not, this may be a wasted pick.

9. New York Knicks: TRADE: Magic: Colin Sexton – Alabama

Magic traded down with the Knicks to get my favorite point guard in the draft. Sexton is big and strong with a 6’7.25” wingspan. Scored 19.2 points a game for Alabama, He is great defensively and the Magic basically do not have any guards.

10. Philadelphia 76ers: Shai Gilgeous Alxander – Kentucky

A lot of people had him as the best point guard in the draft. 6’6”, shot 40% from downtown, super athletic. He can play defense, shoot 3s and is athletic? Sounds like the perfect NBA point guard.

11. Charlotte Hornets: Robert Williams – Texas A&M

This is kind of a weird pick here. The Hornets need everything, especially if they trade Kemba. I read that Kupchak likes Williams a lot. A 6’9” dunker who can jump out of the building and shot block. 10.4 points, 9.2 boards, and 2.5 blocks sounds great for Charlotte.

12. Los Angeles Clippers: Mikal Bridges – Villanova

This is a little bit of a selfish pick. I don’t really think he will fall past 10 or 11, but I like him a lot. Played at Villanova so he is a winner, 6’7” 200 pounds so he has good size. Scored 17.7 points per game and shot 43.5% from 3. This guy can be your 3 and D anchor I hope he falls.

13. Los Angeles Clippers: Lonnie Walker IV – Miami

Explosive guard who can score a little and shoot as well. I think the Clippers are looking to move past some players like Austin Rivers which would open up room for guards. I could see the Clippers doing a lot with these two picks including trade up in a package or trade one for an established player.

14. Denver Nuggets: Kevin Knox – Kentucky

I have been reading that Knox has been rising. One of the few real wings in the top of this draft, the kid is crazy athletic. He can score at 15.6 per game and shot 34% from deep. Comparison to Tobias Harris, who has looked fantastic on the Clippers.

Just Outside the Lottery: 

Aaron Holiday UCLA

Zhaire Smith Tex Tech

Miles Bridges Mich St.

*statistics from The Ringer NBA Draft Guide unless otherwise specified