Grant Haakeson
Grant Haakeson (born February 8th, 1986) is a Finno-Valorian former professional ice hockey player who played as a center. Widely considered one of the best ice hockey players of all time, he was renowned for his speed, athleticism, and precision.
Haakeson began his VHL career with the Acadia Rage, signing for the 2006 season. although seeing limited time as he played on the fourth line. Becoming a starter in 2007, Haakeson was instrumental in the Rage's runner-up finish in the championship and Coupe Balbuzard victory. After winning the Golden Puck and nearly achieving the Double in just his second season, Haakseon signed a record-breaking contract with the Boston Spirits. In 2008 and 2009, he was key to the Spirits back-to-back Doubles, and nearly won a third in a row in 2010. After two consecutive runners-up finishes in the championship, Haakeson won a final title with the Spirits in 2013 before retiring from professional play.
Haakeson played for the Valorian National Team from 2006 to 2014, helping win two Olympic gold medals and the 2007 IIHF World Championship.
Across 8 seasons in the VHL, Haakeson has won 19 trophies: 4 league titles, 6 Earle Trophies, 3 Coupes Balbuzard, 2 Doubles, and 4 Golden Pucks. He is widely considered one of the greatest ice hockey talents in history, and, because of his early retirement, the greatest unfulfilled prospect in VHL history.
Year-by-year record
| Year | League Results | Pts. | Playoffs | Coupe Balbuzard | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Spirits | |||||
| 1987 | Third | 39 | Runners-up | Quarter-Finals | Rookie of the Year |
| 1988 | First (1st trophy) | 47 | Champions (1st title) | Runners-up | x1.9 (1) |
| 1989 | First (2nd trophy) | 49 | Champions (2nd title) | Round of 16 | Golden Puck (1) |
| 1990 | First (3rd trophy) | 54 | Champions (3rd title) | Round of 16 | Golden Puck (2), 50+ Season |
| 1991 | First (4th trophy) | 46 | Champions (4th title) | Quarter-Finals | |
| 1992 | Second | 40 | Champions (5th title) | Runners-up | x1.9 (2) |
| 1993 | First (5th trophy) | 47 | Champions (6th title) | Round of 16 | Golden Puck (3) |
| 1994 | First (6th trophy) | 48 | Semi-Finals | Semi-Finals | |
| 1995 | Second | 45 | Runners-up | Champions (1st title) | |