Editor's Note: This is a neat story! When in doubt, ask yourself: What Would Wendel Do? In this case, it was 'be yourself'. Congratulations to one of our younger members on winning a great award.

Ok, so I don't post here very often, mainly because by the time I get to the comments section on posts, my opinion is usually already expressed by others. That being said, I frequent the site quite a bit and I probably whittle away 2-3 hours a couple days a week just reading the various posts and comments. I thought this would be a good opportunity to share a neat story to share with everyone here, and then toss in some thoughts I have about the Leafs as well.

So I'm a highschool senior, out of here in a week or so (exams are actually next week and I'm super prepared, thanks a lot PPP). I was fortunate enough to win a Loran Scholarship this year, and I firmly believe this website played at least a partial role in it.

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Let me explain.

In my opinion, this offseason has been a great one for the Leafs. Increased team toughness, filled some holes in the defence, and well, if you're reading this, you've probably heard it all before. We're going in the right direction.

Most importantly, we're bringing up talent through the system. It's a cheap way, and definite way to ensure your team does well in the future. The players are already familiar with your style of play, have hopefully created some chemistry with other guys coming up through the system, and are used to playing under the microscope in Toronto. Maybe this is why free agents or players coming in through trade don't often work well here. Take Jason Blake, in the island, he was coming off a 40 goal season, but he was already familiar with that team. It took him time to get adjusted to Toronto and return to a respectable level of play. Look at Lee Stempniak (if you can find him), for another example of why talent is just better off homegrown.

Maybe the proof of how this process is successful will be apparent in a few years, with the emergence of Luke Schenn as a premier stay at home defenceman in the game. There's nothing like great talent brought up through your own system - which is why I believe Burke should be trying his best to deal Luke Schenn away as soon as possible.

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