[MCHL] MCHL preview
[MCHL] MCHL preview
The inaugural Micras Champions' Hockey League is nearly upon us and fans of both the Intercontinental Hockey League and Mercury Elite Hockey League can't wait for teams of both leagues locking horns against each other for the very first time. 16 of the worlds finest ice hockey franchises will each compete in a four-team group stage with the winners and runner-ups qualifying for the playoffs. Each round of the playoffs will consist of two legs except the Final which will be hosted by the finalist with the best overall record in the competition. Over the coming days, previews of each group will be posted on here starting with group A all the way to Group D. The Micras Champions' Hockey League promises to be an amazing concept for Micrasian ice hockey and we can't wait to see the first matches being played!
Re: [MCHL] MCHL preview
Group A
Dyas StiksOne of Micras most prestigious ice hockey franchises, Dyas Stiks in their inaugural participation in the Mercury Elite Ice Hockey League finished first in the International Conference and an impressive fourth place in the overall league standings. However, their dream first season in the MEHL was ended in the Playoff Quarter-finals after fellow Group A participants Kuiper Jets proved to be way too much for the team as Kuiper Jets beat them 7-1 and 6-5 respectively. Dyas Stiks are in a very tough group in this year's inaugural edition of the tournament and is very likely to be battling with Florian champions Northcliff Golden Knights for 2nd place in the group and advancing to the playoffs.
- Qualified as an original MHL franchise.
- Only Senyan team to compete in this year's competition
Kuiper JetsOne of Mercury's most skilled teams, Kuiper Jets finished 3rd in the MEHL Central Conference, arguably the MEHL's toughest conference and finished 5th place overall. The Jets reached the MEHL playoff weekend last season and were six minutes away from the playoff before eventual playoff champions Bisminister Battalion scoring two quickfire goals with moments to go.
- Finished 5th overall in the MEHL
- Reached the semi-finals of the MEHL playoffs
With plenty of playoff experience with the team, Kuiper will have a good shot of winning the group and possibly the tournament however the team will be hit with issues of travelling to Apollonia twice and having to adapt to the smaller playing surfaces of the Intercontinental Hockey League when they visit the Golden Knights.
Northcliff Golden KnightsChampions of the Florian Republic and the Florian Hockey League, Northcliff Golden Knights are a very dangerous outfit to deal with. The team has outstanding, world-class talent however the offseason has affected the team slightly with the team receiving the unfavourable last draft pick selection in last years ICHL Entry Draft. However, due to Meadowedge Lightning's withdrawal from the ICHL, the team was fortunate enough to grab Aston Armstrong off the Lightning who is set to be one of the Florian Republic's superstars in the future. The Golden Knights are against three MEHL teams in this group which also makes their MCHL campaign slightly more difficult due to having to adapt to MEHL sized rinks. However, due to different rink sizes, this gives the team a huge home advantage when them teams play on Florian soil. Despite slight under preparation in the offseason, Florian fans should be confident of the team reaching the playoffs with competition though they will be likely battling with Dyas Stiks for that runners up spot.
- Last years Florian Hockey League champions
- Also won Champion of Floria and Presidents Shield
Newcastle LeopardsGroup A's weakest team on paper. The team will have to dig deep to get some good results in the group but the other teams in the group should be too much for the Nova English franchise but this is the MCHL, this competition promises to come up with the unexpected.
- Finished 8th overall in the MEHL
- Eliminated from MEHL Qualifying playoffs
Spoiler!