With a new season comes newfound interest in writing articles. For this season’s debut piece, I’m going to shed some light on each team’s “Big 3.” For the purposes of this discussion, I have decided to calculate each team’s Big 3 using statistical analysis for individual contribution to total goals scored (with attendance factored into the equation). In simple terms, I have taken the stats for every player in the league, and determined how many goals they have been involved in (via goal, primary assist, or secondary assist). Furthermore, the denominator of total team goals is variable, thus it depends on the games that the player has participated in.
To give a general idea of expected production rates, I have calculated the average goal scoring rate, as well as total point production rate. League-wide, the average goal production rate for an individual is 14.56%. This means that the average player scores about 15% of his team’s goals. Furthermore, the average total point production for an individual player is 29.78%. This means that the average player scores, or assists on about 30% of his team’s goals. Allow me to reiterate that these numbers factor in attendance, thus total team goals for is variable.
Let’s begin.
Blue Storm:
| Player | Team | GP | G | 1A | 2A | P | GF | GA | % of G | % of T |
| Michael Moore | Blue Storm | 18 | 22 | 13 | 3 | 38 | 70 | 85 | 31.43% | 54.29% |
| Stephen Rafuse | Blue Storm | 15 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 19 | 55 | 74 | 20.00% | 34.55% |
| Mike Clarke | Blue Storm | 12 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 15 | 45 | 60 | 17.78% | 33.33% |
The Big 3 for the Blue Storm includes team captain Mike Moore, along with Stephen Rafuse and Mike Clarke. According to the table above, Mike Moore is involved in 54% of the team’s goals. Steve and Mike Clarke contribute in similar fashion, at 35% and 33%, respectively. In addition, we see that Mike Moore has been the goal-scorer 31% of the time.
Golden Panthers
| Player | Team | GP | G | 1A | 2A | P | GF | GA | % of G | % of T |
| Ian Stevens | Golden Panthers | 15 | 18 | 11 | 11 | 40 | 71 | 57 | 25.35% | 56.34% |
| Ian LaPointe | Golden Panthers | 15 | 18 | 8 | 1 | 27 | 64 | 59 | 28.13% | 42.19% |
| Douglas Taylor | Golden Panthers | 18 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 33 | 79 | 72 | 15.19% | 41.77% |
The Golden Panthers boast Ian Stevens, Ian LaPointe, and Doug Taylor as their Big 3. Not surprisingly, Ian Stevens leads the way with his lethal point shot. Thus far, Ian Stevens has been involved in 56% of the team’s goals. Similarly to Blue Storm, the 2nd and 3rd heads of the Big 3 for the Panthers contribute at a nearly identical rate, with LaPointe and Taylor both finding themselves part of the scoresheet on 42% of goals scored.
Purple Heys
| Player | Team | GP | G | 1A | 2A | P | GF | GA | % of G | % of T |
| Joel Thorne | Purple Heys | 18 | 26 | 18 | 5 | 49 | 85 | 63 | 30.59% | 57.65% |
| Jeff Schriver | Purple Heys | 18 | 20 | 16 | 4 | 40 | 85 | 63 | 23.53% | 47.06% |
| Jamie Carson | Purple Heys | 18 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 25 | 85 | 63 | 8.24% | 29.41% |
Apparently your name needs to begin with J to qualify for the Big 3 on the Purple Heys. Joel Thorne, Jeff Schriver, and Jamie Carson are currently boasting the numbers for the purple squad. Joel Thorne leads the way, scoring 31% of the team’s goals, and contributing to 58% in some fashion. Jeff contributes to nearly half of the Purple Heys attack with a 47% rate. The dynamic duo have been putting up impressive numbers in the early goings of the season. League President and defensive presence Jamie Carson has displayed some offensive flash to contribute in 29% of the Heys goals.
Red Light District
| Player | Team | GP | G | 1A | 2A | P | GF | GA | % of G | % of T |
| Jamie Williams | Red Light District | 18 | 23 | 14 | 3 | 40 | 75 | 91 | 30.67% | 53.33% |
| Troy Doyle | Red Light District | 18 | 11 | 14 | 6 | 31 | 75 | 91 | 14.67% | 41.33% |
| Jon Loubert | Red Light District | 18 | 18 | 5 | 7 | 30 | 75 | 91 | 24.00% | 40.00% |
The Red Light District sports a Big 3 of Jamie Williams, Troy Doyle, and Jon Loubert. Although “big” really isn’t the best word to describe Troy and Jon physically, it certainly does apply to their scoring contributions thus far. Jamie’s dominance as a power forward is evident, as he is accountable for 31% of the team’s goals, and has contributed in 53% of the total goals scored. Meanwhile, Troy and Jon are hovering around 40%, in terms of total scoring contributions. With Troy patrolling the point, and Jamie and Jon battling for loose balls around the net, look for these three to continue adding to their point totals all season long.
Retribution
| Player | Team | GP | G | 1A | 2A | P | GF | GA | % of G | % of T |
| Ray Chase | Retribution | 18 | 38 | 19 | 6 | 63 | 109 | 67 | 34.86% | 57.80% |
| Marc Guitard | Retribution | 18 | 19 | 24 | 8 | 51 | 109 | 67 | 17.43% | 46.79% |
| Aaron Cornish | Retribution | 12 | 13 | 11 | 3 | 27 | 76 | 42 | 17.11% | 35.53% |
Retribution is represented by Ray Chase, Marc Guitard, and rookie Aaron Cornish. Ray currently produces 35% of the team’s goals, while contributing to a total of 58%. Captain Marc Guitard, who is self-admittedly not playing as well as he could, sits 2nd with 47% contribution. Aaron Cornish, a newcomer to the Freddy Ball Hockey League, has found early success on the scoresheet. In addition to Cornish’s 35% contribution rate, he also exudes strong work ethic and dedication to defence.
Slashing Pumpkins
| Player | Team | GP | G | 1A | 2A | P | GF | GA | % of G | % of T |
| Richard Kwiatkowski | Slashing Pumpkins | 12 | 25 | 9 | 4 | 38 | 80 | 35 | 31.25% | 47.50% |
| Matt Vautour | Slashing Pumpkins | 17 | 27 | 9 | 5 | 41 | 105 | 53 | 25.71% | 39.05% |
| Jacob Wilson | Slashing Pumpkins | 18 | 18 | 10 | 2 | 30 | 108 | 55 | 16.67% | 27.78% |
The Big 3 Pumpkin Slashers consist of Richard Kwiatkowski, Matt Vautour, and rookie Jacob Wilson. At the time of writing, the orange squad sits first place in the standings, thanks in large part to their Big 3. Richard is currently setting the standard by scoring 31% of the team’s goals, while contributing to 48%. Matt Vautour is not far behind, with his 39% contribution. Jacob Wilson, another impressive rookie, is rounds out the Big 3 by involving himself in 28% of the team’s goals. It should be noted that the Slashing Pumpkins have five players that contribute at a rate between 20%-30%, which is an outstanding display of team depth.
The Green Machine
| Player | Team | GP | G | 1A | 2A | P | GF | GA | % of G | % of T |
| Collin Sleep | The Green Machine | 18 | 24 | 9 | 4 | 37 | 66 | 102 | 36.36% | 56.06% |
| Craig Maranda | The Green Machine | 18 | 17 | 10 | 3 | 30 | 66 | 102 | 25.76% | 45.45% |
| Stephen Atherton | The Green Machine | 15 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 17 | 55 | 71 | 7.27% | 30.91% |
Collin Sleep drafted Craig Maranda thinking he would produce offensively. He thought right. With 56% and 45% contribution rates, Collin and Craig find themselves carrying the load for the Green Machine. Defenceman Steve Atherton rounds out the Big 3 by contributing to 31% of the team’s goals, primarily with his assists. With a recent shuffle of positions, The Green Machine has begun their ascent in the standings. With strong offensive games from Collin and Craig, this team has the makings to place much higher than they currently reside.
White Lightning
| Player | Team | GP | G | 1A | 2A | P | GF | GA | % of G | % of T |
| Dave MacKenzie | White Lightning | 6 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 13 | 20 | 25 | 50.00% | 65.00% |
| Sean Keenan | White Lightning | 13 | 5 | 10 | 2 | 17 | 43 | 67 | 11.63% | 39.53% |
| Wayne Helpard | White Lightning | 18 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 21 | 55 | 112 | 16.36% | 38.18% |
White Lightning looks to have found their stride with the addition of rookie Dave MacKenzie. Although the sample size is small, Dave has been absolutely dominant offensively. By scoring 50% of the team’s goals, and contributing on a whopping 65%, Dave has vaulted himself to the head of the Big 3. First overall pick Sean Keenan is currently producing at a 40% rate, with Wayne Helpard following closely behind at 38%. Despite a lackluster start, White Lightning has begun to show flashes of brilliance. With continued offensive production from their Big 3, look for White Lightning to begin evening out their record.
