Hey there readers,
With the 9th season of the CDL well upon us, now would be a good time to take a look at some of the big stories of this season, and the big stories still to come. This season has been a season of drama, intensity, excitement and party… Where do we go from here?
10. All-star game approaches (more records to be broken?)- Last season the CDL announced the return of its Skill Competition as an extension to its first ever All Star Game. Both events were a huge success highlighted by Jack, captain of the Headhunters shattering all previous CDL/VDL Hardest Throw records with a sizzling 77 MPH throw. One season later, is there anyone who can match this shot? Who will be selected to represent each team for the All-Star game? Can Jack break 80?
9. The Rise of Contenders- Like any sport, dodgeball has its own unique learning curve. Regardless of athleticism, conditioning or pure brute strength, nothing pulls a dodgeball team or player together like raw experience. This season has seen a number of previous ‘Diamond in the Rough’ teams take serious strides into becoming contenders. Led by Matt Creamer, perhaps the most underrated player and captain in the CDL, the Comrades appear poised to make a very real run at the top of A tier this season. Similarly, longtime mid-tier contenders Double Ball 7 have continued their long and gradual ascent to the upper echelons of the CDL. While a Golden Dodgeball may still be a full season away, these teams have both put themselves in a position where they can be considered true top contenders
8. Re-defining Party Party Party- In the past the CDL has always brought a solid Wednesday party party party. This season, with a new host bar and its additional resources, CDL’s Party Planner Dave Baxter has changed the way that the league celebrates post dodgeball. Karaoke nights, team competitions and ugly sweater parties are just a taste of the nature in which Baxter has truly re-affirmed that in the CDL, the C is for Party
7. New to the Party Party Party- While no team has ever entered the league and proven to be elite in their first season, one new team has proven to be an elite squad of partiers in their first few months with the CDL. With a name like the Jagger Bombers, could you expect any less? While this group of newcomers has been a solid mid-tier competitor on the courts, they have proven to be second to none in off-the-court partying. From their weekly contribution to the post-game party, to their full force representation at this season’s Extravaganza, these guys have proven to be a party to be reckoned with.
6. Upping their game- The C and D is for party tiers are full of fun and excitement. This season has seen several developing teams take huge strides in their game and teamwork on their path to becoming future contenders. Former basement-dwellers, Admiral Ackbar’s Dodgeball Academy, have truly become the upstart squad of the season, and now find themselves firmly entrenched as a solid mid-tier contender. Additionally, the DA, with the improvement of their core and the addition of several talented rookies has made the impressive transition from being the nail to being the hammer. Where these two teams will end up as the season progresses is unknown. That said, what could once be considered easy wins are now guaranteed to be a handful for anybody.
5. Legends Continue {Part 1}- In the 9 seasons of CDL, there have only been two teams to grace our dodgeball games for every single season. The Brave Little Toasters are one such team, and as an even more impressive note, have done so with the same captains and core for nearly 5 years. CDL’s original power-couple of Adam Perrie and Hailley Lind-Pedersen recently led their Toasters to their first ever championship, winning C is for Party tier last season. With no end to their legacy in sight, the CDL is eager to watch BLT continue toasting well into seasons 19 and 20!
4. Legends Continue {Part 2}- They are Sweet! They are Sour! And for 9 seasons they have been the only other team to play every single season of dodgeball. Recently, dodgeball master Mark Williams pulled out some shrewd negotiating in order to return original captain and all around sexy hero Shawn Chow to his proper place with the rest of his Porkers. What at the start of the season was just a shell of name is now back in full force as the team once almost named, “The Jigglypuffs” have re-assumed their place as CDL royalty.
3. Return of the Kings?- Hate them or pretend to hate them, last season’s defending champions The Headhunters are back and looking better than ever this season. With a huge 45-0 winning streak that spanned 3 full weeks of undefeated play, even the best of this team’s competition will be hard pressed to make a dent in the armour of the champs. That said, there is plenty of tough, eager and willing competition hoping to bring down the Apollo Creed of the CDL. With Magic School Bus, Black Out City and PANDAMONIUM all waiting in the wings the champs may certainly be the favourites, but they will certainly have their work cut out for them come playoffs.
2. Hottest Costume Heating Up- While the Headhunters have played the best dodgeball of the past few seasons, The Unicorns have certainly looked the best. With matching Vests, hats and now necklaces, this team of serious partiers have come dressed to impress and have indeed impressed many winning back-to-back Best Uniform prizes with the CDL. No team has ever accomplished what the Unicorns have, but a 3-peat to their prize will be no easy feat. Led by jersey making guru’s Kaitlin Sterndale-Bennet and Lauren Kennedy, Sesame Street looks poised to give the champs a run for their money. Additionally, new comers the Jager Bombers, the new look and named Trained Targets and the hilariously pink Clam Jam are all in a position to be considered the best looking team in the CDL.
1. More Adventures to Come- Call it a cop-out, but the best thing about the CDL this season has been that the best stories are yet to come. In addition to aforementioned All Star game and the continuation of the weekly party party party the CDL has a number of great events for its players that will only add to the excitement. With a Christmas Tournament in December, a Giants Game in January and both playoffs and the CDL’s first ever Dodgie Awards coming in February now is the best time to have ever been a part of this league. And just think… next year is our 10 season anniversary.