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Two long standing members of the Cleveland Intrepids moved on today. LW Alexey Balyaev was sold to the Chi City Blackhawks of the American League IV.1. Balyaev was originally slotted as the #1 LW but slid to the third line after he failed to produce. Finding the net only five times this season, the Russian Sniper had a grand total of 20 points. In a somewhat surprising move RW Borna Odorcic was sold to the Ghost Squad of the Canadian League IV.6. Odorcic became unhappy when it appeared he was going to be demoted from the 2nd line to the 3rd line in favor of Finney Berrginson. Berginsson is younger and has a better upside. Little can be said negatively of Ordorcic's work ethic. He finished the season with 14 goals and 37 Assists for 51 points and a superb +32 rating. Both players will have a chance for amazing success as they are now playing in lower leagues against worse talent.
"we wish them all the best," said coach Gabriel Bastrzyk, "These guys are excellent offensive talents but we felt we needed to go in a different direction.

That different direction has all the lines looking different and younger. The moves open the doors for RW's Tygo Post and István Raffai, who will compete for the 3rd line RW spot. 2nd year Player Arno Neubauer is penciled into the 4th line LW spot. "We feel the fourth line, centered by up and coming star Raul McCarter, is a dynamic line and will be able to contribute offensively, allowing our top line players to rest a bit. I think that was our problem when it came playoff time. We were just too tired," said coach Bastrzyk.

The departures also opened the door for Finnborg Berginson and Devon Suggs. Smelly (Ordorcic) will be hard to replace but I think Finney came on at the end of the year and I'm Sure he'll fill in admirably. Suggs will take Belyaev's spot on the third line. Sugg's finished the year 2g/5a/7pts in limited action on the fourth line. Berginson finished 13g/9a/22pts on the third line. Of the three 2nd year players filling in only Raffai really saw any action, playing 27 games on the 4th line scoring 6g/2a/8pts. Raffai seemed to develop great chemistry with McCarter once McCarter replaced veteran center Kent "Superman" Miller on the 4th line.

It seems this youth movement offers more questions then answers. Season 12 awaits.

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