Week 1 Summaries
Bruins defeat Jets 8-6
The first game of the season got underway this weekend with the Bruins taking on the Jets. The Bruins inserted Ridwaan Khanji as a last minute sub, and the Jets were ready to pepper him with shots. The Jets struck first with two goals coming from Divesh Sharma and veteran Sadik Patel. The Bruins cut the lead in half with a goal from Mohammed Sale, only to have Muaz Bharucha make it 3-1 for the Jets. The Bruins recouped and netminder Khanji was absolutely unstoppable with jaw breaking saves, while the Bruins went to work offensively to gain the 4-3 first period lead. The second half was some cleaner hockey from both teams, but the Bruins finished strong with a pair of goals from GM Suhaib Shaikh to seal the deal. Bruingang wins this one 8-6, and Ricky Saili was quick to make some moves, sending Shoaib Rangrez and goalie Kaleem Mirza to the Hawks for Jason Gogna and Abbas Shaikh.
Nordiques defeat Hawks 9-8
The Nords and Hawks picked up right after in a much faster paced game. The Nords struck first with a goal from Moose Khan, but the Hawks soon doubled up with goals from Zahid Panchbhaya and Jalil Shaikh. This game literally went back and forth all night, displaying some amazing offence and netminding from Ridwaan Khanji and Mohammed AK (Hawks sub). The Nords took the one goal lead after first, with a goal from Abraar Gangat. Moving on into the second period, GM Mohammed Kazi would tie things up for the Hawks. Nords star Syed Ahmed would net a pair to grab the lead, but the Hawks were relentless and got within one goal at the 2 minute mark with a goal from Aziz Patel. Manjot Bhatti would score the insurance goal for the Nords, as a late Zahid Panchbhaya effort fell short. The Nords won this one 9-8 in our closest game of the night.
Sharks defeat Falcons 7-4
The under new management Sharks took on the young gun Falcons in a game that had more of a playoff atmosphere. The Sharks struck first with a goal from Fahad Panchbhaya. The Falcons equalized a few minutes later with a goal from Maaz Panchbhaya. However, the goaltending of Mohammed Bashir was absolutely rock solid that night, and the Sharks pressed on with three straight goals to finish the first period, featuring a pair from Yusuf Ingar. The second period saw some firepower from the Falcons, including back to back goals from Zakaria Manjra and Zahid Patel. That being said, the goalie kept the Sharks in the game all night, and they were able to pull off the win despite a last second effort from GM Huzzy Panchbhaya to force a comeback. Sharks win this one 7-4.
Week 1 Previews
Jets Vs Bruins @ 8:45 pm
The Bruin gang will be facing off against the Jets in the first game of this season. The Bruins boast AK as their goalie, and GM Suhaib Shaikh has taken a defensive approach in his draft featuring a Kazi trio. GM Ricky Saili on the other hand, has gone with veteran Kaleem Mirza and a more aged group of players. All eyes will be on Mohammed Bhad, Muaz Bharucha, and Dipan Coshal as fans and players alike aim to size them up.
Nordiques Vs Hawks @ 9:45 pm
The Nords take on the Hawks next, with GM Shoaib Khan drafting players who have historically fared well with him. He has the split option of goalies between Ridwaan Khanji and Syed Ahmed, if need be. As for GM Mohammed Kazi, he has faith in netminder Abbas Shaikh to hold it down, while drafting players that are more offensively focused. Jalil Shaikh is his trump card, and will be watched closely by all.
Falcons Vs Sharks @ 10:45 pm
The Falcons and Sharks will finish the night off. GM Abdul Manjra of the Hawks has gone with an exclusively young run and gun squad, save for his netminder Joe Bruno. Whatever weaknesses he may have in defense will be supplemented by young stars Ammar, Huzaifah, Maaz, and Umar Panchbhaya. As for the Sharks, GM Mohammed Bashir is quite possibly the strongest defensively. Having the option to split netminding duties between himself and Fayaz Bhayat will prove to be an asset down the road.
FALL 2017 GENERAL
MANAGERS
Abdul Rahim Manjra
Perhaps this year has fate written in Abdul's name, who has to date still win a Verdi Cup as GM. There is no doubt he is a learned and well-respected leader; however, the one win that matters still eludes him. Looking at previous drafts, MMGL analysts suggest Abdul should take the unorthodox approach and stack the Falcons heavily on offence instead of his usual balanced approach.
Mohammed Kazi
Analysts are predicting the Hawks will be an offensive-minded team this season, embracing the run-and-gun tagline. It's difficult to predict how GM Mohammed Kazi will draft this season, but we are almost certain that there will be a strong offensive component. Can Kazi lead the Hawks to another MMGL championship? Only time will tell if he has matured into a strategic GM.
Ricky Saili
One of MMGL's finest, Ricky Saili and the Jets have been without a cup for 3 straight seasons. Something's gotta give this season, or else his leadership will come into question. The days of drafting friends are long gone, and this season is calling for a merciless draft that expects players to do nothing but win. Expect a strategically well-rounded draft from Saili this season.
Mohammed Bashir Patel
This season welcomes rookie GM Mohammed Bashir 'Badger' Patel. Relative to his counterparts, maturity and emotions will play a huge part in his success. Transitioning from player to leader will bring with it some challenges, and can have a serious impact on overall performance for the Sharks. That being said, Badger has risen to overcome obstacles in the past, and we look forward to seeing that again this season.
Suhaib Shaikh
Suhaib Shaikh and the Bruins are synonymous, as fans have grown to love #BruinGang. That being said, the Bruins are also synonymous with losing; being the only franchise in the league not to have won a cup yet. History can be made this season under the helm of emerging leader Suhaib Shaikh. Seeing as previous drafts had repetition of some key players, analysts assume they will be donning the Bruin jersey again this season.
Shoaib Khan
Captain Khan is back, hoping to lead the Nords back to 2012 glory. Fans from old know this GM as Mr. Nice Guy, always looking to improve those around him. Analysts are suggesting he drop that approach this season, and go all in for the Cup. Defence has always been an integral part of Khan's draft, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out.
