Malton Muggers - 14 Teams in 14 Days

Day 12 - The Malton Muggers

General Manager: Donnie Jaikissoon

Established: 2008-09

Years Active: 3 (2008-09 to 2010-11)

Lifetime Record: 153-138-24 (.523) 330pts

13th overall in points, 6th overall in winning pct.

Best Finish: 3rd (2009-10)

Worst Finish:  5th (2008-09)

Cups: 0

2009-2010 Results: 3rd - 78-63-13  (.549) 169pts

League Records: None

Alternate Logos:

Alternate

The Malton Muggers entered the RHL in 2008-09 as a part of a league overhaul. The Chatham Clamhammers finished last in 2007-08, and due to other reasons, were removed from the league. The franchise was granted to to Donnie Jaikissoon and there were talks that was going to act as owner and hire Edwin Mok to manage his team. Fortunately for Jaikissoon and the league, Mok was also granted a franchise forcing Jaikissoon in to the General Manager role. No one could have predicted so much success in a short two seasons.

For 2008-09, the Muggers were not expected to make much of a splash in their league debut. However, they battled all season long and ended the year in a log jam as three teams would be tied for the last playoff spot wit 161 points. The Jets had 70 wins, the Colts had 72, so the final playoff berth would be awarded to the Muggers with 75 wins. The Malton team drew the 3rd seeded Moonstone Nordiques and were defeated in a very close 4-3 opening round match-up. The following season, the Muggers experienced a slight improvement as they finished seeded 4th with 169 points in the 2009-10 season. The first round would pit the Muggers against the Mullets and they destroyed them 6-1.... Jaikissoon would now find himself in the semi finals in his sophomore season. Unfortunately, the Muggers would go down hard to the top seeded Tigers, who were on their way to the Cup.

The man that originally wasnt interested in managing a team has really surprised the league by maintaining a constant winning record (+500) - Entering the Playoffs in 4th and 6th the past two years shows a very reserved GM who plays it safe at the draft. Admittedly, Jaikissoon was not a hockey fan prior to joining the RHL, which is an indication as to why he has done well. Drafting the stats without knowing much about the players has worked to his advantage in building solid teams. This has changed however in the past two seasons and his love for the sport has grown immensely which is why I predict the Muggers to miss the playoffs this year. I hate to do it, but if you have been reading this blog from the beginning and following my predictions, you will know that there are not any playoff spots left which forces me to pick the Muggers to finish around 12th place. This is a harder league with 14 teams and it is extremely difficult for any team to make 3 playoff appearances in a row. Jaikissoon may be able to improve this number if he can continue to draft the stats and don`t favor any particular players or teams over raw numbers .... in the RHL, this is sometimes referred to as the ``Moonstone Syndrome`` .....

INTERESTING FACT: In two short seasons the Muggers have always maintained a winning (+500) record. Their all time record is 153-138-24 (.523) which comprises of 2008-09`s 75-75-11 (.500) and 2009-10`s 78-63-13  (.549) - Interesting also is their winning playoff record of 11-10 (.524) despite only winning a single playoff series out of three.