The Hitmen and GM Michael Lanzillotta began their LTP journey as an expansion team during the 2008-2009 season. The Hitmen made the deals required to win the championship; though have been known to draft smart and patiently groom talent. The Hitmen’s championship roster had two inaugural season players V. Hedmen and R. McDonough; and lead by C. McDavid who was drafted at 16 years old in 2013.
The race to the championship was not easy as the Canucks managed by Joe Gallo continued to threaten the first place position all season as in several consecutive seasons. Though, they could not stop the Hitmen from tying the Canucks record for quickest championship by an expansion team (8 years*). A mighty challenge considering the expansion teams inaugural rosters.
Commendation should also be given to Joey Conforti and the third place Oilers. They were committed to finish top three and maneuvered the roster to make that possible. Also, congratulations to Roma for winning the annual LTP Playoff Cup.
2016 - 2017 Regular Season Championship
RNK TEAM TOTAL
1 Hitmen - Mike L 1122
2 Canucks - Joe G 1092
3 Oilers - Joey C 1037
4 Leafs - Steve 1008
5 Coyotes - Rob & Mass 1006
6 Blackhawks - John 985
7 Vikings - Mark & Mike R 897
8 Roma - Cory & Danny 888
9 Wolf Pack - Joey O 864
10 Islanders - Greg 746
11 Devils - Charlie & Rocky 741
12 Ferrari - Adrian 714
Championship Roster
Forwards:
McDavid, C (EDM) (F) 100
Scheifele, M (WPG) (F) 82
Panarin, A (CHI) (F) 74
Staal, E (MIN) (F) 65
Skinner, J (CAR) (F) 63
van Riemsdyk, J (TOR) (F) 62
Kuznetsov, E (WAS) (F) 59
Miller, J (NYR) (F) 56
Coyle, C (MIN) (F) 56
Stepan, D (NYR) (F) 55
Schenn, B (PHI) (F) 55
Bozak, T (TOR) (F) 55
Defense:
Hedman, V (TB) (D) 72
Schultz, J (PIT) (D) 51
McDonagh, R (NYR) (D) 42
Jones, S (CBJ) (D) 42
Streit, M (PIT) (D) 27
Ekblad, A (FLA) (D) 21
Goalies:
Dubnyk, D (MIN) (G) 85
2017 Lifetimepool Cup
RNK TEAM TOTAL
1 Roma - Cory & Danny 119
2 Coyotes - Rob & Mass 91
3 Oilers - Joey C 69
*Canucks expanded (with Coyotes) in 2003-2004 and won their first championship in 2011-2012. While Hitmen expanded in 2008-2009 and won 2016-2017