Brad Hayden

Arena: McDonald Arena (Seating Capacity: 12,682)
Asst GM: Donny Azoff
Head Coach: Anton Chigurh
Cup
2003-2004, 2005-2006, 2008-2009, 2017-2018, 2022-2023, 2023-2024

Six time Palucci Cup champion

Little Lopezers

On September 20, 2016, the hockey world was rocked by a major shift as The Duck Hunters sold a majority stake to outside investors, rebranding themselves as The Little Lopezers. Speculation has been rife that Mr. Ernesto Rivas, the dynamic figure associated with the Montreal Knee High P.I.s, is among the investors. Rumors suggest he could become the majority shareholder and possibly overhaul the entire staff.

In the midst of these sweeping changes, the competitive landscape continues to evolve. Recent trade moves have stirred discussions among hockey enthusiasts. Mr. Hayden, in a strategic maneuver, traded Henrik Zetterberg and a 3rd round pick (Marian Hossa) to secure The Knee High P.I.s’ 1st round pick. That pick led to the acquisition of what many consider one of the top goaltenders in the league, Henrik Lundqvist. While some might view the trade as Zetterberg and Hossa for Lundqvist, Mr. Hayden himself has suggested that it played a pivotal role in shaping his drafting strategy, ultimately helping him secure Joe Thornton. Regardless of perspective, the trade appears to have been beneficial for both sides.

Despite these developments, the looming threat posed by The Little Lopezers cannot be understated. However, there are whispers of a potential decline. Although Mr. Hayden is renowned for his strategic draft choices and meticulous player evaluations, some doubt his ability to secure a three-peat. The enduring legacy of The Knee High P.I.s, tracing back to the era of Brother Hesekiah and their storied tradition, seems unmatched by the McDonald family’s current efforts. In a dramatic turn of events, a recent recruitment episode highlights the shifting tides of power. The Duck Hunters had a verbal agreement with a talented, rugged defenseman named Robert, who is also known for his musical skills on the keyboard. The deal seemed imminent until a chance encounter changed everything. Stepping outside for fresh air, Robert saw a rival in a tuxedo, symbolizing success and grandeur. Inspired by the vision of numerous Stanley Cups, Robert opted to sign with the rival team for the league minimum—$1.

As The Little Lopezers prepare to embark on this new chapter, the landscape of professional hockey is poised for significant shifts. With Mr. Ernesto Rivas potentially at the helm and strategic moves redefining team dynamics, the season ahead promises to be one of high stakes and transformative changes. The enduring legacy of past franchises will be tested against the fresh ambitions of a newly rebranded and reinvigorated team.

Prediction for 2024-25: 2nd Place

Protected Players 2024-25

Round Player
1
2 Dylan Larkin / Jack Hughes / Elias Pettersson / Kirill Kaprizov / Andrei Vasilevsky / Timo Meier / Aleksander Barkov
3
4
5 Evan Bouchard / Brayden Point
6
7 Jason Robertson
8
9 Logan Cooley
10 Jacob Markstrom /
11
12
13 Quinton Byfield / Alexandar Georgiev
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 *** TRADED PICK TO TEAM COBRA

Drafted Players 2024-25

Round Player Team Traded To On Dropped On
1 Auston Matthews Tor
2 Dylan Larkin Det
2 Jack Hughes NJ
2 Elias Pettersson Van
2 Kirill Kaprizov Min
2 Andrei Vasilevsky TB
2 Timo Meier NJ
2 Aleksander Barkov Fla
3 Sam Reinhart Fla
4 Quinn Hughes Van
5 Evan Bouchard Edm
5 Brayden Point TB
6 Dougie Hamilton Car
7 Jason Robertson Dal
8 Brock Faber Min
9 Logan Cooley Uta
10 Jacob Markstrom NJ
10 Pyotr Kochetkov Car
11 Cole Caufield Mtl
12 Logan Stankoven Dal
13 Quinton Byfield LA
13 Alexandar Georgiev Col
14 Morgan Rielly Tor
15 Will Smith SJ
16 Brandt Clarke LA
17 Brandon Hagel TB
18 Dylan Guenther Uta
19 Ivan Fedotov Phi
20 *** TRADED PICK TO TEAM COBRA
** Indicates dropped player during regular or off season