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In honour of your overlord's (that's me) birthday, everyone who likes this post gets 1 TPE. #teepz #lovevictator #tpeinflation Edit: for anyone still here, check the date. This is a decade old and is no longer valid, please don’t try.

@Members Normally this would just go to the ban thread but given the circumstances I think it's best that everyone know what's going on. It has unfortunately come to the attention of myself and @Acydburn that @Josh has been embezzling league funds for his own purposes. Via his access to the league PayPal he was stripping donation funds as payments for portal, forum, and domain hosting with amounts far higher than were actually needed. Because the line items were things he was paying for we had no reason, for a number of years, to think anything of it and were unaware that the costs were actually far less than what he was reimbursing himself which amounts to potentially thousands of dollars; we're still working out the total figures. Obviously we are completely shocked at this behaviour and have immediately stripped Josh of his role as commissioner pending potential future legal action. We have always held firm that the league funds are used exclusively on league related activities so I am quite frankly pissed that a member of the blue team would take donation money for their own uses; whatever his excuses may be. Please be aware that we will be launching a further investigation and audit of all our costs and funds to be sure that no one else has done anything of the sort in the past. Sincerely, @Commissioner Edit: In case any future people see the is and don’t see the date; it was purely an April Fool’s joke, Josh was in on it (in fact it was his idea) and the donation money is not only safe but audited.

So hello everyone, I like to keep my topics here usually VHL related but I need to break character for a moment to announce something that’s happened very recently to me. All small handful of members knew what I’ve been going through the past 2 weeks. That is, I’ve been running for my American university’s student government vice president position (as a freshman). The pain staking 2 weeks of campaigning, repeating each presentation time after time to different groups, $600 in expenses, and countless nights of rough sleep…paid off. I’m beyond thrilled to announce that I will be my university’s next student government vice president. There were about 900 votes cast, and my ticket won by 8 votes. Now these results are unofficial but I as of now do not suspect that the outcome will change . i don’t know how it will impact my involvement here, I still hold the VHL very close a dear to my heart as it’s been a crutch the past 3.5 years for me. Thank you everyone for just reading this little rant but I’m beyond ecstatic right now.

Gonna keep it short here. You may seen or not my April 1st post in here where I was messing around on stepping down and thing. Except this was a hint, not joke. Following this season I'm no longer a Riga Reign GM. The reason is pretty basic, nothing left in the tank. My involvement in sim leagues is on the way to non existent at this point. And as Riga is close to competing again, there is a need of a way more energetic GM who can make this happen. I'm fairly sure that this time my interest won't come back the same way it did couple of times before. But it was fun times regardless, especially when I was on my prime. Just wish I had more cups lol (here is the part where I'll blame Simon for one last time). So yeah, nothing much else to say. Thanks everyone for the fish and good luck! P.S. don't show this thread to Bana, cause he bout to have a heart attack from happiness

NEED I SAY MORE?

Welcome to the PRESEASON edition of weekly updated power rankings where I spend the first 50 words explaining how this works for a bit. Firstly, projected rankings are based on rosters as of March 17th. Some players may have been signed, released, or traded since that point in time and those were not considered in the new ranks or scores. Also, my projected lines that I use to find the scores assumes a maximum of two appearances per player. Draft Grades mainly consider how well the draft set the team up for success this season. Future value is considered partially but not heavily. Enjoy the rankings!!! Overall Rank: 10th Overall Score: 8.53 Forwards Rank: 10th Forwards Score: -13.60 Defensemen Rank: 4th Defensemen Score: 46.00 Goalies Rank: 10th Goalies Score: 0.00 Draft Grade: D+ Notes: San Diego is in a clear rebuild for S93. The team's draft was mostly focused on using a limited pool of picks to find developmental projects. It may take until season 94 but some of those picks could be future stars. I'd predict Stanton @horoscope is once again going to be on the move at the TDL with the goal of San Diego recuperating after being fleeced in the Gretzky trade. They are also the only team in the M without a goalie after trading Wazinski @samthemancub. A few are available in open Free Agency but it appears their agents are fiercely negotiating and leaving the Marlins in a tough spot. To spotlight a positive, the most glaring hole for SDM is the forwards which are the most common spot for first gens to settle in so maybe some waivers save the day. Overall Rank: 9th Overall Score: 28.22 Forwards Rank: 7th Forwards Score: 34.53 Defensemen Rank: 10th Defensemen Score: 3.55 Goalies Rank: 6th Goalies Score: 58.60 Draft Grade: C- Notes: The Marauders are the polar opposites of the San Diego. They do have the advantage of a deep center core which leaves some flexibility for trades with a team like Las Vegas who has... calculating... zero Cs. They also do have a backup goalie so maybe the potential for a trade with San Diego for one of those Defensemen they have. Moves will need to be made and @Ricer13 showed his willingness to make trade at the deadline of S92 during his stint as Saskatoon's interim GM. Overall Rank: 8th Overall Score: 29.62 Forwards Rank: 9th Forwards Score: 6.23 Defensemen Rank: 7th Defensemen Score: 45.20 Goalies Rank: 4th Goalies Score: 68.60 Draft Grade: D Notes: The reigning champs once again find themselves low on my rankings and maybe they'll shock me again. This team has good depth on defense but none of those players are coming out the gate as stars. They also boast the second roster so far with less forwards than defenders. One of the key factors in this low score admittedly is Krupis's @hedgehog337 0 applied TPE but they need depth badly. Unlike San Diego this team has a goalie and a damn solid one at that. With the right waiver additions and MUCH MORE EARNING from the Jinns, I expect a similar rise as I predicted for Houston last season. Overall Rank: 7th Overall Score: 38.68 Forwards Rank: 4th Forwards Score: 43.67 Defensemen Rank: 9th Defensemen Score: 21.75 Goalies Rank: 7th Goalies Score: 57.60 Draft Grade: B- Notes: This is the first team that has a great foundation in my opinion to grow a lot. They are going to rely on some waivers and their goalie is in my estimation a weakness, but I like the base. Strong vets on the D-core that will likely be capped by season's end. Two star forwards that could put up numbers like Ivanov and Shotzky last season. In fact, according to my metrics the Hounds have the 1st and 4th best forwards in the VHLM to start the season. Once again, they need some work but the foundation will be enough to keep them hovering .500 until they get some support. Overall Rank: 6th Overall Score: 38.85 Forwards Rank: 5th Forwards Score: 43.23 Defensemen Rank: 7th Defensemen Score: 30.85 Goalies Rank: 10th Goalies Score: 41.70 Draft Grade: D+ Notes: This may sound odd based on their ranking, but last year's title favorites are in a rebuild. The primary reason for their appearance in this position is they have depth. Eight wingers grace their roster with, as stated earlier, no centers. Options exist in the free agent market but a trade between Miami and Las Vegas feels natural. Ricer and @McLovin did manage a trade last season that saw Annie Oaks move. Goaltending is a weakness currently but maybe McLovin's guidance can get Cavill @Firekiss back on track in their development. Overall Rank: 5th Overall Score: 39.07 Forwards Rank: 6th Forwards Score: 40.87 Defensemen Rank: 1st Defensemen Score: 55.90 Goalies Rank: 8th Goalies Score: 55.20 Draft Grade: B Notes: The rookie GM made some solid moves on draft night and made the Piffcast Pick of the Draft, brought to you by Gatorade, with their selection of Anthony Simmons II @Starchychaff at 28th overall. Great locker room presence and a solid build to boot. This team much like last season is built on its defense, but with a potential downgrade in net. Hellebuyck @HockeyFan4Life could develop into the top tier but this season has ton of talent in net and it just feels like he is just a step behind. With a few waiver additions to the forward core, Mexico could be a contender soon. Overall Rank: 4th Overall Score: 40.47 Forwards Rank: 8th Forwards Score: 31.23 Defensemen Rank: 8th Defensemen Score: 25.60 Goalies Rank: 1st Goalies Score: 97.90 Draft Grade: C- Notes: The draft wasn't that great due to last year's deadline moves from @AJW. There is hope in the form of a returning player. This team is eerily similar to the Reapers of last season. They have pretty rough skaters. The forwards are weak but numerous, the defense has stars but no depth. Goaltending could save this team and carry them. We will see if the meta of the VHLM teams becomes "have a great goalie or bust" if they win it all. Overall Rank: 3rd Overall Score: 43.78 Forwards Rank: 3rd Forwards Score: 43.90 Defensemen Rank: 6th Defensemen Score: 36.20 Goalies Rank: 5th Goalies Score: 58.60 Draft Grade: A- Notes: New GM @LucyXpher really showed poise in this draft and I liked the picks. Simard in the 5th was a candidate for pick of the draft. Overall the class followed the foundation that Mississauga was going for but with more selections to have depth. Lucy took some "projects" but overall I see the vision of rebuilding the 21st locker room as a priority over competition. Still a great roster was built. I think if Dylan decides to actually use some TPE then Halifax will be a total threat! Overall Rank: 2nd Overall Score: 53.70 Forwards Rank: 2nd Forwards Score: 45.33 Defensemen Rank: 2nd Defensemen Score: 53.90 Goalies Rank: 2nd Goalies Score: 78.40 Draft Grade: A Notes: Jack of all trades, master of none, but still better than one. This team is not the best at anything but they are great up and down the lineup. They have star power and depth everywhere. Most importantly, they have a star goalie! Something this franchise has desperately been lacking for a long long time was addressed with a trade to the Las Vegas Aces. This is a roster that will change very little from now until the end but will be solid that whole time. I see them cruising to a top finish in the east while other teams find their footing. A lot of pressure will fall on Jillian Woods @jacobcarson877 as they are the top defenseman in the league which means expectations. Overall Rank: 1st Overall Score: 58.22 Forwards Rank: 1st Forwards Score: 56.77 Defensemen Rank: 3rd Defensemen Score: 53.10 Goalies Rank: 3rd Goalies Score: 72.80 Draft Grade: A+ Notes: The new GM did great but I think we have to give a specific shoutout to Ricer for this draft after last season's deadline that saw the Wild perfectly set up for a good class in S93 while still making the playoffs. This team boasts a most impressive top end in Oliver Loo @Misty and the returning Leo Neelson III @silentnyrf31 while the defense also looks poised to shock us with draftees like Lazlo Holmes @Gustav and Carson Tripp @Cartripp14. Also what a nice move in getting Da TypThond @Erik with the last pick. If it wasn't for reports from my sources that he is a non factor in the locker room, this would have been my pick of the draft. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful S93!

Looking back at my first time scrolling the VHL forums, before I created an account, made a player, and learned the ropes, some I have yet to learn. As someone who struggles with Anxiety, pushing myself to say “fuck it” and go for it came with a lot of hesitance, but in the end, it was so worthwhile. The community is so welcoming, the people here are so kind, I have yet to interact with someone who even comes close to rubbing me the wrong way. All and all it’s been a good experience so far. My player, Oliver Loo, a name I just slapped together is a player or rather character that I didn’t think I’d be putting so much effort and creativity into although my writing is not the best, needing to be improved upon and I don’t exactly have the means to make graphics. I originally made him just to test the waters, and see if I like how the VHL works under the surface that is the forums. Within the Discord servers, the people and such. It’s a lot more laid back than what I first thought, it’s enjoyable. I like pretty much ever aspect that I have discovered so far and can see myself sticking around. Hell, I even already have plans for my next player and this one isn’t even close to done yet. 230 words

Graphic credit: @Triller On Monday evening, the VHL’s Junior Showcase Tournament wrapped with Game 6 between the Warriors and the Steel. With the Warriors already in control of the series at three games to two, they clinched the Season 92 Junior Showcase Tournament in a 4-3 victory that featured a three point performance by Connor Simard @Alex99 and a stellar night in goal by Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu. While the Steel managed to keep the Warriors’ top line off the scoresheet in game 6, it was the second line players of GM @Nathan_8’s squad that pushed them over the top in this game as Simard, Bruhmaninho @BigBruhman, and Robinson @isaak combined for 3 of the team’s 4 goals. 6:04 into the 3rd period, Simard would bury the game winner on the powerplay from de Trueno @Thunder and Robinson. The Steel would draw back to within 1, but the Warriors would seal the Steel fate with an empty netter by Jillian Woods @jacobcarson877 and that was all she wrote. In the ensuing celebrations, an ecstatic Nathan had only two words for any who may have doubted his managerial pedigree, “I’m him.” It’s hard to argue with the confidence of a manager who clinched World Junior Championship gold with Team World and the Junior Showcase Championship on back-to-back nights. Safe to say, his managerial career is off to a hot start and he’ll be carrying this confidence into his first season as general manager for the Mississauga Hounds in the VHLM. And while the Warriors’ triumph may be the top story of the tournament, it was far from the only one. ════ ⋆★⋆ ════ www.hitsfordays.jst - Okay, here’s a random fun fact for you, would you believe that the top three hitters in the JST were Wladyslaw Mintus @mintusaurus, WWumbo @Fire Tortorella, and Walter Jinn @Adrest245? Welcome to the world of weird and wacky... or maybe that's just my tired brain getting overly excited about the letter W. Did I mention that the Warriors won the JST? Sorry-- on with the article! Fire Brigade At one point in the regular schedule, the Brigade were the class of the field. In my preview article, I had the Brigade ranked 5th in the early roster power rankings and it seems that @samx's squad took that to heart. From days 11-25 of the tournament, the Brigade were unbeaten– 11-0-0 during that stretch, outscoring their opponents 32-15. Unfortunately, the Brigade cooled off immediately following this hot streak and lost their next 6 in a row, finishing the season 3-4-4 in their next 11 games. For the Brigade, it was perhaps a case of peaking at the wrong time. Though they still finished the regular season in 2nd place behind the Warriors, their late struggles seemed to shake their confidence in the playoffs as they fell to the Steel in 6 games in the first round, despite having home ice advantage. Notably, Tyler Lawson @Nyx was the Brigade’s leading scorer throughout the regular season and the playoffs. The 14th overall selection of the Helsinki Titans scored 26 points in the 30 regular season games and followed that up with 9 points in the Brigade’s 6 playoff games. Defender, Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher, and winger, UghSike @UghSike, both led the team and were among the tournament’s top scorers during the Brigade’s 11 game tear, but both cooled off considerably down the stretch, finishing with 22 and 21 points respectively. The team boasted a strong two-way game with players like Goncalves @leandrofg, Reynolds Jr @Crstats23, and Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito leading the way in that respect, but seemed to lack scoring punch at times, conceding points in a tournament high 6 shootout or overtime losses. Though they led the tournament with 212 shots blocked, the Brigade conversion rate of 9.91% on the powerplay was nearly 5% lower than the league average. While goaltending was thought to be a question mark for this team entering the tournament, it proved to be a strength as Da TypThond @Erik and Kendra Cavill @Firekiss both posted solid numbers in the regular season, highlighted by Da TypThond’s .918 SV% and 1.84 GAA. In the playoffs, however, Cavill struggled to a .877 SV% and 4.75 GAA in all 6 starts for the Brigade. Though it would be unfair to pin the Brigade’s playoff disappointment on Cavill who performed well during the regular season, it was certainly a performance to forget. Solid Steel In my preview for the Steel, I suggested that if they chose to play Kolesinska @chikn and Swift @lilchrist on the same line along with Artav @jake, they could boast one of the most complete starting lineups in the tournament. While Swift and Kolesinska didn’t play together all season on the Steel’s top line, they did play together on the team’s tournament best powerplay. Perhaps the team I was most accurate about in that preview, the Steel placed a solid 3rd in the tournament, never losing more than 3 games in a row or winning more than 4 in a row. The Steel were consistently a solid team throughout the tournament with Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee leading the way from the blueline, notching 34 points in 30 games. He was also tied with Trimiskez Artav with 13 goals, which was the second highest goal total in the tournament. Despite the Steel’s consistency, there were some anomalous numbers on their stat page, including Abenduct and Dukat @MSouthworth both being a minus rating throughout the tournament at 5-on-5. For the Steel, the statistical performance of goaltender, Ondrej Vencko @Mutti, was also a bit mystifying. With a .904 SV% and 2.07 GAA in a tournament-high 17 starts, Vencko’s numbers were respectable, though perhaps not as impressive as his closest rivals from this past season in the VHLM. Vencko, however, did claim the distinction of the tournament’s most victorious goalie, claiming 12 wins with only 5 losses on his record. In the playoffs, however, Vencko was arguably outperformed by his backup, Austin Goulet III @Tuchy, who posted a .919% compared with Vencko’s .903%, though both goalies held a record of 3-3. For Steel GM, @dstevensonjr, this tournament has to be considered a success. Entering the playoffs as the 3rd seed and knocking off the Brigade in the first round, the Steel were in the final with a chance to win it all. Despite losing the first two games of the finals on the Warrior’s home ice, the Steel pulled off two wins in their own barn to draw even at two games apiece. Unfortunately, they lost a close game 5 to the Warriors 4-3 which was punctuated by a Jean-Pierre Devote @eagle_3450 hattrick, and then the 4-2 loss in game 6. While they didn’t achieve their desired outcome, the Steel proved to be a formidable opponent throughout the season and measured up competitively against the eventual champions. No Rush If it wasn’t for the performance of Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish, I’m not sure where this team might have finished… Where have I heard this story before? Lovstrom paced the field of netminders with a .931 SV%, a 1.44 GAA and an impressive 4 shutouts in 15 games. Compare those numbers to his counterpart, Connor Hellebuyck @HockeyFan4Life, who is no slouch between the pipes, and you start to see why Lovstrom was so important to his team. For his part, in an equal sample of 15 games, Hellebuyck posted a .902% and 2.51 GAA. While he won the same number of games as Lovstrom, it’s clear which goalie gave his team the best chance to win. In the best of 5 play-in round, Lovstrom still managed a respectable .906, despite a shocking 4.50 GAA which likely reflects more on the team’s performance in front of him as the Rush would fall in 4 games to the Royals, who were the tournament’s weakest team through the regular season. Offensively, the Rush were led by 2nd overall selection in the S93 VHL draft, Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor, who finished the tournament with 24 points in 30 games, followed closely by Oliver Loo @Misty with 20 in 30. Notably, Loo was a net 2nd in the tournament at +11 in 5-on-5 play and tied for net 3rd in goals, also with 11. In the play-in round, Nathan Ecker @Nathan_8 led the team with 6 points in 4 games, though the team seemed to lack scoring throughout that series against the Royals, managing to score only 2 or fewer goals in three of the four games. The Rush never really seemed to get going in this tournament, losing three consecutive games on four separate occasions, while only managing a three game winning streak at one point during the schedule. Having the second fewest total goals in the tournament with 62, the Rush were asking a lot of their goaltending tandem– and not to put too fine a point on the goaltending disparity in the Rush crease, Lovstrom only allowed 22 of the team’s 66 goals against. With a goal differential of only -4, the Rush were not so far off the mark that they weren’t competitive game to game, but they did seem to lack the offensive spark that would have put them in contention for the JST title. In the end, the overall result was not what the Rush would have hoped for, though the tournament still provided a spotlight for some of the team’s brightest stars. We’ll Never Be Royals… Okay, maybe that subtitle is a little harsh, but I’m trying to keep things light so allow it... please? Finishing last in the regular season with only 9 wins in 30 games, the Royals never really got going in the Junior Showcase Tournament. Going 9 games without a win in the middle of the season certainly doesn’t help the cause either. After their top goal scorer and point getter, Steve French @Seabass, who had 11 goals and 10 assists in 30 games, the next highest goal scorer on the Royals only had 7 goals and 17 points. You might be surprised to learn that this player was selected 1st overall in the recent VHL and VHLE drafts, and also went 1st in the VHLM draft a season ago. While I don’t think for one second that this JST performance is indicative in the slightest of what Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica is or might become, it is a surprising outcome for a player and a team that I had among the favorites to win the tournament. Revisiting this Royals roster, it’s frankly shocking how poorly this team performed in the tournament, despite featuring the likes of Annie Oaks @Noodle Enjoyer, Forum Content @frescoelmo, The Phantom of the VHL @Hogan, Maple Dogwood @dogwoodmaple, Felicia Hardy @JCarson, Toby Cooke @KRZY, and the aforementioned Bucatini and French. With the tandem of Wazinski @samthemancub and Benson @Benson, two proven goaltenders at the VHLM level, it’s even more puzzling that this team allowed the most goals in the tournament– 77! With a goal differential of -18, they were in a class of their own at the bottom of the table. Look, I don’t want to pile on a team that had a run of bad luck so I’ll reiterate what I said before– I don’t think their record is indicative of the quality of the players on the roster. Chalk it up to bad puck luck, chemistry, low morale, or just speak the unspeakable name. Here’s the thing, whatever the Royals were in the regular season, they were a different team in the playoffs. Take Forum Content, for example, who scored 17 points in the regular season, but 18 points in the playoffs in 20 fewer games! Oaks and Bucatini experienced similar scoring bumps, both recording 15 points in 10 playoff games. The Royals would dispatch the Rush convincingly in the best-of-five play-in round, and matched up quite competitively against the eventual champion Warriors, losing in 6 games. If nothing else, the tale of two teams that was the Royals in this tournament is just another example of how fickle the game can be at times– or perhaps we just give the devil his name… Simon. The Warriors are… them? If their GM, Nathan, is him, then they are them, but let’s not get bogged down in semantics. The bottom line is that the Warriors were the class of the tournament. The only team with more than a +1 goal differential, the Warriors lapped the field with an absurd +20 in 30 games, finishing the tournament with a record of 21-8-1. In the regular season, Yermolai Nabokov @fonziGG led the way with 16 goals and 30 points in 30 games, while Jean-Pierre Devote pitched in 20 assists to go with his 8 goals. Jillian Woods and Ray Stanton @horoscope were standouts on the back end, logging 23 and 21 points respectively, but it was the Warrior’s goalie who may have really stolen the spotlight. Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen played an unbelievable tournament, recording 11 wins with only 4 losses in his 15 starts, a .924 SV%, and a 1.51 GAA. In the playoffs, AKK continued his strong run of form with 8 wins and only 3 losses, a .920%, and a 2.72 GAA. While Lovstrom may have had slightly better percentages and Vencko, more wins, AKK played the most consistent tournament of those 3 top goalies and deserved every bit of his team’s victory. Throughout the tournament, the Warriors never really struggled and, unlike the Brigade, managed to heat up at just the right time. Down the stretch, the Warriors racked up 11 wins in their last 12 games and went into the playoffs flaming hot. In the playoffs, they would never face elimination and took care of business against the resurgent Royals and the consistent Steel. While the Brigade came the closest in the regular season to reaching the level of the Warriors, they seemed to lack the bona fide starting goaltender that the Warriors had to go along with a strong blueline and a frightening forward corps. This was a well constructed Warriors team that found a way to win most nights and delivered on the lofty promises made by their GM before the tournament started. Fair play and congratulations to the Warriors on a dominant Junior Showcase Tournament! ════ ⋆★⋆ ════ Players of the Tournament: Goalie: Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu Regular Season (11-4-0, .924%, 1.51 GAA, 2 SO) Playoffs (8-3-1, .920%, 2.72 GAA) As I suggested earlier, I think AKK was the most consistent goalie throughout the tournament and played a huge part in his team’s success. While his last season in the VHLM may not have played out the way he hoped, his JST performance reminded us why he’s considered among the best goalies in his draft class and was a highly rated prospect in the recent VHL and VHLE drafts. Congratulations to Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen on a fantastic tournament. Skater: Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee Regular Season (30GP, 13G, 21A, 34P) Playoffs: (12GP, 9G, 13A, 22P) There’s really not much debate when it comes to the top skater of the tournament and who I would consider the tournament MVP. Abenduct led the tournament in points as a defenseman, scoring the second most goals, and recording the highest assist total. He was also 3rd in shots blocked, 6th in hits, and played the 4th most minutes of any player in the tournament. In the playoffs, he led the tournament in points again, had the 2nd most goals, 3rd most assists, and was 2nd in shots blocked. It was an absolutely dominant performance by Abenduct at this tournament and there’s really no other player who performed at the same level throughout both the regular schedule and the playoffs. Though he came up short in the finals with the Steel, it wasn’t for lack of effort. Congratulations to Benjamin Abenduct for his incredible individual performance and a great run to the final. ════ ⋆★⋆ ════ And that concludes my coverage of the S93 Junior Showcase Tournament! Thank you to all the players and managers for giving us an entertaining showcase, as well as the simmers and commissioners who made it all happen behind the scenes… despite a few hiccups and a false start. I wish the best of luck to all the players continuing their careers-- some returning back to the M, while others are moving up to the E, and even potentially the VHL as early as this season. We’ll see what the future holds for this generation of players, but if this JST was anything to go by, the future is bright! LucyXpher for VSN Claim 03/24/24 - 2676 words Claim 03/31/24

Player Information Username: aimkin Player Name: Ahsoka Tano Recruited From: Returning Age: 31 Position: D Height: 75 in. Weight: 165 lbs. Birthplace: Greenland Player Page @VHLM GM

Hello everyone, and welcome to ScoutsNet! I have been wondering how to approach a "new and improved" version of my scouting content to bring back to the forums, and this was the best I could come up with. For this season, I will be posting scouting content pretty sparingly, but next season, ScoutsNet will host a new version of my previous series, Tallinder's Draft Profiles. ScoutsNet is a media network aimed at providing scouting content for upcoming VHL draft classes, and it is has three hosts: Patrik Tallinder - S72 Continental Cup Winner & Host of the Draft Profiles series Nils Tallinder - Notorious bust, but makes a killer grilled cheese Lucas Tallinder - Previous owner of RavenSkill Agency/Development Program The three brothers are enjoying retirement in Sacramento, California, but they have felt an itch to be back near the game. ScoutsNet is the product of this, as they each aim to produce meaningful content in a number of ways. Patrik will be in charge of the draft profiles, scouting players and discussing their strengths/weaknesses. Nils will be in charge of the final mock draft upon the end of each season, and Lucas will be creating graphics for some of the top prospects. Now, without further ado, let's get into our very first article, hosted by Reign and Wrangler alumni Patrik Tallinder. AN EARLY LOOK AT THE S94 VHL DRAFT Welcome to ScoutsNet everyone! I'm so pleased to have you all on board for what should be an exciting revival of my draft content from the early S70s. I have already begun digging for research relating to this upcoming draft, and I have a few major points I would like to share with you all. First off, let's get the elephant out of the way; Here are my current top 16 rankings! These rankings are based on all TPE earned up until the week ending March 24, as this week is still ongoing. Remember that these are subject to change, and also far from objective truth, so don't take them too seriously. EARLY THEMES Upon first glance, it appears that this draft class is pretty top-heavy. There are several future superstars in the top ranks of this draft, but the talent does start to wear a bit thin after the first round. With that being said, there are certainly some diamonds to be found in the rough. Another primary theme in this draft is its strength on the blue line; Eight of my top 16 prospects from this draft are defensemen, including my projected first overall pick, Jillian Woods. Woods is a phenomenal prospect, but she will not have an easy claim to the pinnacle of this draft class, as winger Maverick Goncalves is neck and neck with her. Let's take a look at my projected top 2 picks in the S94 VHL Entry Draft. Also, remember that the TPE numbers reflect their amount earned up until the end of last week, not any earned this week. It would be impossible to update my spreadsheet every day, so my weekly updates will have to suffice lol JILLIAN WOODS | D | 244 TPE | @jacobcarson877 | Ranked #1 Overall The draft's top prospect thus far is one that could change the direction of an entire franchise. Woods is an elite two-way defender with an impressive 16 points in 16 games to begin her season in Ottawa. User @jacobcarson877 is an extremely active member and the GM of the VHL's London United, as well as coming off a career where he earned a ridiculous 2174 TPE. Woods looks to be another future superstar, with the build and TPE earning to back it up. Woods has earned an average of 23 TPE per week, including all 84 capped TPE available to her since creation. Expect to hear the name Jillian Woods very early in this upcoming draft, and expect to see her excellent mobility and hockey sense displayed at even the highest levels of play in the future. MAVERICK GONCALVES | LW | 245 TPE | @leandrofg | Ranked # 2 Overall Next, we look at the draft's top ranked forward. Choosing to play in the VHLE this season, Maverick Goncalves has not had it easy. Yet, despite being the youngest player in the league, he has managed to create chances and show flashes of brilliance, with 17 shots and 11 hits in only 14 games with the Cologne Express. The Swiss prospect is somewhat of a Swiss Army knife on the ice, able to play in all situations and pose an immense offensive threat as well. Goncalves' TPE earning has also been incredible, averaging 24 TPE per week and collecting all possible capped TPE. Much like Woods, @leandrofg is a known entity in the community, being the GM of the Calgary Wranglers and coming off a stellar previous career. Look for Goncalves to seriously challenge for the first overall selection this season, and don't be surprised if his name is announced first. A LOOK AT FIRST GENS Ahead of each draft, some of the most interesting storylines to follow are surrounding the draft's first gens. There are always some that go on to have hall of fame careers, and others that fizzle out rather quickly. In this draft, a couple first gens have really caught my attention as extremely promising prospects, but others have already began to blossom in potential as well. As for the two that have made my top 16, here what I can say about them: ANDREW SKILTON | D | 133 TPE | @ace_five_ | Ranked #13 Overall A defender with a tremendous two-way game and great vision, Andrew Skilton is a player that just oozes potential. I have sources inside the Halifax locker room (of which he is captain), and he is someone that just naturally garners the respect of his peers through his relentless work ethic, positive attitude, and his willingness to play the game the right way. It has now been two straight weeks of capping out for Skilton, and he has earned an insane 51 uncapped TPE in his three full weeks thus far. Expect to see this player soar in pre-draft rankings, as he is already doing so in mine. With 38 hits and 18 shots blocked in just 16 games, the Canadian is a nightmare to deal with in the defensive zone for any opposing forwards. Additionally, he has earned himself a very respectable 9 points in those 16 games with the 21st. KEVIN JONATHEN | D | 101 TPE | @meandyoc | Ranked #16 Overall Another first gen to keep an eye out for is Kevin Jonathen. Standing at a colossal 6'6", Jonathen is a bulldozer on defence with skill to match his physicality. So far in 15 games with San Diego, he has put up 40 hits, 37 shots blocked, and 5 points. User @meandyoc has already landed himself an AGM position in the VHLM, and he is a very active member in the community. His TPE earning, especially capped, has been steadily rising as well. He has squeaked into my top 16 this week, but expect him to potentially shoot up the rankings even more before the draft. A FINAL WORD I hope you all enjoyed the first instalment of ScoutsNet! I hope to release an article or two more between now and my final mock draft, and I will have regular articles starting next season. If you were not featured here and would like to be in the future, send me a message! I'm happy to discuss your player in an article in the future.

Okay, I am finding the weeks are either getting shorter or we are really speeding through this season as we now reach the halfway mark of the season, school is just starting for most here in Japan and Spirng is in full bloom; is that same situation for everywhere else as I thought that I had seen Alberta managed to get some more snow. I really live in a bubble now that I am an expat!! Eitherway you didn`t come here from me to talk about the weather but rather to see what I think of your teams chances and to rub some salt into the fact that I was most likely incorrect again!! Well, Lets get started since we didn`t have any think fake that I am aware of this week!! Current Standings: Standings Record Points Last Wk Prediction Last Wk 1. Toronto Legion 29-8-1 59pts 11-2-1 1st North American 2. D.C. Dragons 27-10-1 55pts 7-6-1 2nd North American 3. New York Americans 21-11-6 48pts 8-4-3 4th North American 4. Seattle Bears 22-14-2 46pts 8-5-1 5th North American 5. Chicago Phoenix 17-14-7 41pts 6-3-5 6th North American 6. Vancouver Wolves 15-19-3 34pts 8-5-1 7th North American 7. Calgary Wranglers 16-21-1 33pts 4-9-1 3rd North American 8. Los Angeles Stars 1-36-0 2pts 0-13-0 8th North American Next Week Predictions: 1. After post back-to-back weeks with eleven wins; it is very hard to bet against the Toronto Legion at this moment. The Legion should once again be looking at their third week with eleven wins and should hold down the top spot in the North American conference for a second week. Scoring by committee with five different players with more than twenty goals (Diego Machado @Dadam30(28-36-64pts), Harry Callahan @dstevensonjr (21-40-61pts), Jimi Jaks @ke1vi(27-31-58pts), Mac Atlas @v.2 (24-28-52pts) and Steve Lattimer @pugsood(25-27-52pts) already on the season shows how well the offense is spread. Add in another strong season from Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer and you have a unstoppable Legion marching to their own beat. 2. Battle of the Legion and Dragons should heat up this week as the teams face off against each other to start the week. In the end I cannot see the Dragons over taking Toronto but should at least keep pace with the team from the North American hockey capital of the world. Ugh!! If the Dragons have any chance at taking the fight to the Legion they will need Mark Calaway @Beketov(17-39-56pts) to climb back on top of the defensive scoring leader board and The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath (27-42-69pts) needs to stay as hot as coq au vin!! 3. Can New York prove that they are a contender in the North American conference? Well, if they have any chance it would be this week as they have a weak schedule and should actually pull away; and hopefully secure third in the conference. FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ(22-18-40pts) and Francesco Mancini @GioSivo(16-24-40pts) will need to be better if my prediction is going to come with fruits of my labor. 36W @rory(2.26ga & 0.933%) is still showing that you can never have enough W in one name. While I jest, will New York actually break the Longest cup droughts of all time or will this reach 40 seasons? Yes, I brought this up!! What!! 4. The Bears looks set to fall back slightly this week but I think they have locked themselves into a playoff spot; if asked at the start of the season would I have said the Bears make the playoffs? Double Hockey sticks no!! The Eagle finally learned how to fly in Henry Eagles @Greg_Di(23-34-57pts) and who knew ice cream and cookie could be so great in Oreo McFleury @JB123(23-30-53pts). Not to mention that the House Targaryen symbol was not that of Dragon but rather that of a bear making Severus Targaryen @Banackock(21-29-50pts) feel right at home in Seattle. Congrats on most likely proving this writer wrong and making the playoffs; now don`t mess it up!! 5. Chicago will try to raise this week but, in the end, I think they might be in tough just not to get burned by the ashes as the Phoenix are set for a European invasion. Chicago will either raise from the ashes this week or become ashes so will look to keep Yaroslav Trunov @qripll(30-25-55pts) hot!! Putting some shrimp on the bbq keeps them tasty as Babay Shrimp @Blazzer(13-34-47pts) has shown so far this season. Phoenix will need fan the flames of Ryan Artyomov @Enorama(3.53ga & 0.906%) and see if he catches fire and becomes a Phoenix reborn. Playoff are within reach if Chicago can just avoid being wrangled in or chased off by wolves!! 6. Hey, you know that trade? No not the fake one!! The one completed last week with Calgary; Well, Yeah, that seems to be working out just fine for the Wolves from Vancouver. As the Wolves seem more like a pack going 8-5-1 since that trade and announcement of a leadership group lead by Liv Slater @Subject056(16-23-39pts) or was it due to the bar fight with Calgary fans; in which fingers might have been gifted between players; bring the team closer together on and off the ice. More Seriously Logan Ninefingers @Scurvy(12-15-27pts) finally seems more comfortable and should help pack hunt down a playoff birth. It remains very close between Calgary, Chicago and Vancouver so I have no faith in this placement. 7. Last week I asked the question if Calgary was going to be contenders or pretenders. Well, With a resounding F bomb to my predictions; Calgary has proven that they cannot wrangle their way into a playoffs or higher up the standings. Calgary will need to wrangle up some wins and wrangle up some offense; which at this point of the season; I think we all know that is unlikely!! Phil Strasmore @Phil (9-26-35pts) has been a physical presence on the back end and is really wrangling up the defense for the Wranglers!! Calgary still has a chance at the playoff but they need to stop playing with the fire of the Phoenix and try to keep the wolves a bay!! 8. Huge week for Los Angeles as they once again look to lose every single game for the third straight week. Makes me wonder if they have any fans or stars left coming to their games. Battle for last will provide some star light but it might not be that bright!! Dim season for Los Angeles but the future will look much brighter after this week. Fans will be wishing to continue to see a falling stars. Current Standings: Standings Record Points Last Wk Prediction Last Wk 1. Moscow Menace 26-9-3 55pts 9-3-1 1st European Conference 2. London United 24-10-4 52pts 9-4-1 2nd European Conference 3. Malmo Nighthawks 24-9-4 52pts 8-3-2 3rd European Conference 4. Prague Phantoms 24-10-4 52pts 10-3-0 4th European Conference 5. Warsaw Predators 22-13-2 46pts 8-4-1 5th European Conference 6. Helsinki Titans 19-18-0 38pts 8-5-0 6th European Conference 7. Riga Reign 11-23-4 26pts 1-10-2 7th European Conference 8. HC Davos Dynamo 4-32-2 10pts 3-10-1 8th European Conference Next Week Predictions: 1. Moscow will continue to be a menace in the backsides of the European Conference as I once again have the club from Moscow finish a top of the conference as Axle Gunner @Steve(21-32-53pts) continue to gun down the league and Jeff Lewis @nerji(20-31-51pts) isn`t flipping out; just yet!! Moscow also has a grasp of that it is easier to be a menace as part of a gang with eight players at a point per game or higher. No I am not labeling them all here as these articles are long enough as they are. (that want she said!!) The Menace have the rest of the league looking at help self books on how to deal with a pain in the donkey as that is what the Menace are becoming!! 2. Tied for second, third and fourth isn`t that great is it? Actually if you are playing as united as the United are than you will be more than happy to looking at the playoffs. London is showing it is no Sjin @Sjin (21-29-50pts) to act like a Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ(29-39-68pts) as it is actually quite Leonard Triller @Triller(24-33-57pts). Was that a bit of reach? LOL!! Jesse Teno @aimkin(2.59ga & 0.923%) showing he still very much an artist like Jesse Reno!! London are banded together sing “Going to London” all the way to the playoffs. 3. The Nighthawks are trying to hawk everyone into believing that they are the best and are being down right hawkish!! Instead of using their obscurity to have the rest gawking come the playoffs. One of the peacocking hawks is Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro(2.61ga & 0.921%); who rightfully can be a bit hawkish but might want to watch sparking other teams!! Jacob Stone @scoop(12-36-48pts) will hope that Hawks don`t drop like a stone come playoff time once again. While Viktor Jensen @Advantage(21-29-50pts) will try to dictate a different outcome!! How Hawkish with the Nighthawks be come playoffs? 4. Last week I rather suggested that Prague should look at making a trade or two but I was rather ghosted on that one!! The Phantoms are proving a bit more than a hallucination after drinking too much John Jameson @Frank(29-43-72pts) and a kid with nightmares after eating too much Skor McFleury @Alex(13-47-60pts) while laying in bed looking at Spanish Moon Moth @Renomitsu (25-31-56pts) needing Matt Murdock @Acydburn (2.70ga & 0.934%) to solve a crime of how the Phantoms continue haunt the league with a limited roster. Prague will continue to haunt the league and have many concerned about the Phantoms wraith!! 5. Warsaw is still showing that they still have some teeth and are an animal of prey. Lachlan Summers @kirbithan(2.60ga & 0.934%) still looks like a lion on vacation that continue to be a man-eatting carnivore just devouring the league leading scorers. While Maxim Anisimov @McLovin(25-33-58pts) is proving that he is no fat cat like Vasily!! While Thor Reingaard @N0HBDY(26-27-53pts) might just be a god with more than amazing blond hair. None of that compares to the great defensive play of Rex Wolffe Gregor @oilmandan(11-29-40pts), but don`t look at this man being cloned. Can Warsaw continue to feast and prey to make the playoffs? 6. Helsinki has a behemoth of a task ahead of them just to try to get back in the playoff picture as the look more like a bulky monster of mammoth stranded on a mountain rather than a gods most associate with Titans. Daryl Dixon @Ricer13(20-26-46pts) must think he is back in the walking dead and might rather want to put his head into YaBoi Oven @Doomsday(11-32-43pts) and light a match. Helsinki season has been an Adi Dassler @BOOM(7-19-26pts) and will hope that it will stay Kronchy Kardashian @Garsh(12-26-38pts) rather than go soggy. Either way Fuukka Rask @Jubis(2.97ga & 0.918%) will need to be up to the task otherwise Helsinki will continue to flop around like a beached titan of a whale!! 7. The Monarch has fallen with the announcement of long-term GM @hedgehog337 tenure will come to a close ending a dynasty in Riga. Can he use his influence to rein it in for Riga to make the playoffs? Kimi Raikkonen @mattyIceman(11-17-28pts) on his day could rein in anyone in a formula one car but might not be able to sway things his way as the Reign are playing like they are wearing Elf shoes @ELF_SH0ES(1-1-2pts) while also playing like Reginald the Dodo @Esso2264(9-19-28pts) birds or a bit of a blockheads. Who will have the Eno Velvson @Nykonax(12-19-31pts) to turn these boobs into a new team of dynasty? 8. Holly Davos!! The achieved something that I didn`t expect last week. Yup, the generated a few wins through hard work and being a spak plug kids. Does that mean that they will win more this week. Yup, say hello to the fallen Stars of Los Angeles so I can almost say dynamo might be a mover and shaker this week but will still be last by the end of the week. Say hello to second overall; all depending the outcome of the lotto of course!! Final Thought: 68.75% this week or 11/16 and would have been much better if we didn`t find out that Calgary was a bunch of pretenders unable to wrangle in anyone in the North American conference. European Conference is where all the real action is taking place with top four teams all within reach the conference title but that also means overall the playoff teams are locked and loaded; only fighting for positions. While in the North American conference we have three polite guys all holding the door wide open for each other but no one has bothered to walk through; yet!! This might continue to a while and if it does it might become rather annoying rather than entertaining.

I hate you all.

i really do miss the purple though @kirbithan

VSN Presents: S93 Weekly Predictions After what seems like an extremely long off season; but one must not forget the importance of the off season as the general managers work to improve the teams or shape the future for the teams moving forward; either through Free agency, draft or trade. The biggest question on the minds of most will be “has our team improved enough to be contenders for the Continental cup at the end of the season. Well, I am not here for that I am here to try to predict the weekly standing and if your team is going to make big early season push or flop out of the gate like a dead fish looking for water. Either way let get into this week’s Predictions: 1. As one of the stronger teams in the conference after a solid off season Jebediah Big Ol Doinks in Amish @hylands via a trade with Malmo Nighthawks only strengthening the chances of taking the top spot in the North American conference this season. New York starts the season as the strong team in the conference with challenges coming from Toronto Legion and defending champions D.C. Dragons. New York plays both those teams twice this week but I feel at this time New York is slightly ahead of D.C. Dragons and I have them actually finish equal with Toronto by the end of the week but gave them the tie break via overall TPE strength. 2. Similar to New York, Toronto Legion will make up what I think should be a two-way race for the top of the conference but it didn`t look that way at points in the off-season until Toronto secured their defensive core by trading for Mason Rice @Sawyer13 from HC Davos Dynamo. While Toronto are one of the best two teams in the conference to start the season, it is unlikely to remain that way as I think other teams are bound to catch them as the season progresses. Add in being right against the salary cap and concerns around the defensive core. Similar schedule as New York means a similar result but the games between Toronto and D.C. will be interesting as I think they could be closer than I am current predicting. 3. Next, we have a group of these teams Calgary Wranglers, D.C. Dragons and the Vancouver Wolves that really should battle most of the season over third place and the wildcard placements. Vancouver lands here at third thanks in part to an busy off-season that sees Vancouver add veteran players Left Alone @okochastar, Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101, Larry Abass Jr @RileyL and Jens Lekman @Bobcat from Moscow and Los Angeles. Add in the addition of six rookies and Vancouver might really grow up this list this season. Easy start to the season should see Vancouver the top of these three teams at the end of the week and might be closer to Toronto depending on how the two game series between Toronto and D.C. goes. 4. Again, since it is early days, I have the next two teams tied in my predictions so I am giving the tie breaker of defending Champions to the Dragons this week. It would seem on paper a quiet off season but D.C Dragons made a controversial move just before the trade deadline when they flipped a S94 DCD 1st to Moscow for S93 VAN 2nd; having most question the trade. In the end it was a calculated risk reaching into the draft to grab goaltender Herald Benson @Benson and should secure the teams future in net; so doesn`t look as bad as when the trade was first made. D.C while the defending champions have question about the defensive side of the team with an below league average defense and middle of the pack goaltender. The Dragons are still a very good team and should at least stay in playoff conversation. This week the Dragons fall victim of the top two teams with a two game set against Toronto and New York; while I have them also in tough against Vancouver, Calgary and Warsaw. 5. Calgary Wranglers had one of the most interesting and likely stressful off seasons. Calgary started the off season needing to clear salary cap to sign star goaltender Merome Dilson @MexicanCow123to a new contract. Calgary managed to clear the space when they shipped Sadie St-Louis @sadie to Seattle Bears for a few picks but than shocked many by completing other trades shipping out Oreo McFleury @JB123, Skor McFleury @Alex and Rip Wheeler @ScottyP while bring back Moritz Stauffer @GoodLeftUndone and Kyle Toms @Ktoms22 making the team slightly younger but also left the team scrambling to find replacement forwards trading for Adam Rage @MrMom & Thor Odinson @GoalPlays. Without these moves Calgary might have struggled this season but fifth is the best that the Wranglers can salvage this week due to a fairly tough schedule; which should determine the pecking order in the North American Conference play six of the seven team in the conference, add in Moscow and I have them with a rather split record around five hundred. 6. What to say about the Bears? Made moves to improve their roster with additions of Henry Eagles @Greg_Di and Tullemore Dew @Spade18 via free agency and brought in depth scoring option via trade with Calgary in Oreo McFleury @JB123 and Sadie St-Louis @sadie. While I don`t have Seattle as playoff team come season end, I have them like a lurking animal at the edge of the camp fire ready to maul you should you make a mistake as the Bears are close enough to the three teams ahead to be a rather pain in the arse and could just sneak into a wildcard spot. Most likely team that Seattle will be mauling or at least harassing this season will be their pacific coast rivals Vancouver Wolves. The Bears should be just below five hundred this week but that could swing in their favor should the up-end any of the three teams above them in Calgary, Vancouver or D.C. Seattle will also have a good understanding where they stand in the North American conference as they play all team in the conference in the first week. 7. Chicago is a sort of weird team where they are not good enough to really contend for a play-off spot but not really bad enough to be fighting for a top pick either. Rather Chicago feels stuck but have improved by adding Babay Shrimp @Blazzer via UFA and Karol Lamb @dlamb joins the roster for their rookie season. Minor trade seeing Chicago ship out Michael Shotter @TacocaT9 to Helsinki. Chicago gets a bit of break this week as Los Angeles, HC Davos and a huge game against Seattle should seem them maybe climb higher than I am currently projecting them. 8. How the night sky must be a lite with beautiful shooting stars this season as the Stars have fallen!! If I am correct after the first week of last season the Stars hadn`t lost a game but I am predicting a much uglier fate for the team this season as I have them really going winless to start the first ten games of the season but it not about wins this season is it? Made moves in the off season to collect prospect and picks while selling off remaining assets as Eric Queefson @twists, Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101, Larry Abass Jr @RileyL and Jens Lekman @Bobcat. First season of rebuild always looks worse than it really is. 1. Moscow might not be the best team in the European conference but they should lead the conference after the first week due to a fairly easy schedule with the toughest game coming from London United, which could really go either way. Big series that could put Prague Phantom behind the Eight-ball early in the season with a three-game set and another two against Riga Reign are the most notable games of the week. Moscow surprised a lot of the league completing a trade to bring in last season ROY Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard from Helsinki Titans for ROY prospect Adi Dassler @BOOM; which should replace Dog Woodmaple @dogwoodmaple nicely as the forward retired at the end of last season. Moscow also moved on from aging forward Left Alone @okochastarto make room for Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard and Rookie George Richmond @badcolethetitan. This team should continue to improve quickly with a young developing roster. 2. London United have a much more difficult schedule with four swing games two against Malmo Nighthawks, a game each against Moscow Menace and Helsinki Titans. Which can either have them placing as high as second at the end of the first week or as low as fourth or fifth. It will be interesting to see how the United handle the early season challenge without Molly the Cat @JCarson; who retired at the end of last season and will look to Sjin @Sjin to try to provide much needed secondary scoring vacated by the Cat. Dustin Funk winning Nick Sansoe @Tipskid97 returned to London via free agency after a return to the VHLE Rome and a season with the Vancouver Wolves but made the interesting choice to move to defense this season. Question surrounding London once again being around the defensive core and if it can hold together like last season. Again London will rely heavily on Jesse Teno @aimkin as they did last season making the Continental Cup finals. 3. While my college has Helsinki Titans as the top team in Europe this season, I don`t share the same view as the loss of Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito and mentioned trade of Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard have clearly set the team back slightly. While Kronchy Kardashian @Garsh and YaBoi Oven @Doomsday should be able to fill the void of Bouchard. I am less confident that Helsinki found the correct answer; if any at forward for replacing Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard; Owen Lazaro @traphag will be tasked with this role in supporting Daryl Dixon @Ricer13 but it is a rather large drop off in the depth charts after that; which might leave Helsinki looking for secondary scoring sooner than later. Helsinki will be tested in the first week with a three game set against Malmo Nighthawks and other notable game being against London; otherwise a fairly early schedule that should see them in third by the end of the week or as low as fifth if Helsinki struggles out of the gate. 4. Can you have a statement week in the first week of the season? Well, this is how I see Malmo Nighthawks opening week. Malmo will face Helsinki Titans in a three-game series, London United in two game set and Moscow in a single game that see them play every team in the European conference except Riga Reign. Malmo can very much set the tone of the conference this week if they end up higher in the standing than predicted as I feel that I am doing them injustice by placing them this low as Malmo could easily finish second this week in a tight European Conference but just too many swing games has them placed lower in the standings. Malmo Nighthawks off season included trading away Jebediah Big Ol Doinks in Amish @hylands to New York Americans in a trade that seen them aquire Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish, who Malmo hopes is their goalie of the future. While also losing Henry Eagles @Greg_Di to the Seattle Bears via free agency. Malmo Nighthawks are a very good team but seem to lack any true star power outside Jacob Stone @scoop, the Jake Wylde co-winner. It will be interesting to see if a team can win a Championship without individual star power. 5. Warsaw Predators are in a group of two that should fight for Wildcard spot this season with Prague Phantoms and like the Seattle Bears; I see Warsaw playing the spoiler role. Key addition in Lachlan Summers @kirbithan from HC Davos Dynamo should keep the Predators hunting rather than being the prey most nights. Tough week to start the season but if Warsaw can upset Helsinki, Malmo or Moscow; if not all three than I can see them as high as second by the end of the week and putting the conference that they won`t roll over. Add in a huge two game series against Prague; which will establish how the season for Warsaw might just play out. 6. Similar to Malmo Nighthawks; Prague will face a statement week in the very first week facing every team in the European Conference and a huge three game series against Moscow Menace; not to mention the two game set against Warsaw Predators mentioned above. Prague, I have trying to hang on this week and not falling to far behind the other six teams above them so early into the season. If they fail to keep the standing close I feel that they could be on the outside looking in at the end of the season. A ton of change during the off season see new Manager in @Tetricide take control of the team and he completed a few huge deals bring in Skor McFleury @Alex and Rip Wheeler @ScottyP from Calgary Wranglers while shipping Moritz Stauffer @GoodLeftUndone and Kyle Toms @Ktoms22 the other way. The hope I am assuming is that Skor McFleury @Alex can rediscover his scoring touch from his HC Davos and Malmo days providing a much need set-up man for Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide and John Jameson @Frank; both set to retire at the end of the season. While Rip Wheeler @ScottyP will try to add secondary depth scoring. Other minor trade sees Pope Francis @nurx arrive from HC Davos. 7. Riga Reign are still a very much young and developing team that needs; maybe, to become more aggressive in rebuilding their team as Riga just seems stuck always waiting for players to develop and has the team stuck at the bottom of the conference. While I don`t have Riga going winless in the first week playing the second worse team in the league, HC Davos Dynamo. To win more than a single game this week Riga will need to play spoiler against Vancouver, Warsaw and Prague but I still have them a clear lock for seventh this week and in the season standings. Only single move of note from Riga trading Gregger McKeggegger @TheNeonShaman for prospect Stefan Nikolaev @Is_thatok and S95 MAL 1st in a move that made a ton of sense for both the player and the team. 8. Another difficult season in Davos as the Dynamo currently waits for prospect to develop as HC Davos selected eleven players this past draft with Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica, opting to play a full season in the VHLE rather than joining the VHLE equivalent Dyanmo in the VHL. Biggest off season move came when Davos traded Lachlan Summers @kirbithan, while he still held value to Warsaw Predators for S95 WAR 1st and Prospects with Sunset Moth @McWolf being the most notable. Most other deals being what I consider minor deals even though Davos manager @Alex remain busy completing eight other trades on top of the Summers deal. Final Thoughts: Should be a very difficult season to predict as we have six teams in each conference that should be fighting for the playoff this season and while we have a few different groups within each conference every given night most of these teams can beat each other. Great for the league but mendosai for this writer as I try to predict what might happen every week so as always tell me how wrong I am in the comments below; as I am 100% sure you will be right at least this season!!

@Noodle Enjoyer

The Houston Bulls achieve 1000 Franchise Regular Season Wins! Graphic Credit: @Vice Entering S93 the Houston Bulls had a total of 988 regular season wins all time. In our 12th win this season, Houston has officially reached the milestone of 1000 Franchise regular season wins. If you'd like to check our history, click me. I want to give a shoutout to the former GMs before me as well, here is the list of wins each GM contributed: S65, S71-S72 @Sonnet - 67 S66-S70 @FrostBeard - 162 S73-S79 @rjfryman - 248 S80-S82 @Moon - 142 (@mattyIceman in S80 too) S83 @Arce - 21 S84-S89, S92-present @AJW - 291 S90-S91 @STZ - 69 Total: 1000 It is very nice to be GM of a franchise with a deep history already, Houston only entered the VHLM in S65, so in 25ish seasons we have averaged roughly shy of 40 wins/season... Tradition, Playoffs, and Development Tradition is something I want to create more of for my team in Houston and reaching this milestone is huge for us. In 25+ seasons the Houston Bulls are still itching for our 2nd Founder's Cup, only hoisting it once in S68. Since my arrival in S84 I am unfortunate to say that I do not sit on the podium along side Frosty, but our playoff history in the last 10 seasons is something that is progressing! S84: 1st round exit S85: Missed Playoffs S86: 1st round exit S87: 2nd round exit S88: 1st round exit S89: 1st round exit S90: Missed Playoffs S91: 2nd round exit S92: 2nd round exit Current S93: 5th overall in standings Houston may hold the 2nd round curse I can't lie. I've been GM for 8 seasons here now and that is the furthest I have managed to push my team. With consistent failure eventually comes success, and I am finding Houston to have success in many other ways besides winning games and trophies. As well as team tradition in consistent playoff appearances and competitive rosters, our team pumps out a lot of young talent! We pride ourselves on development of our players and have seen a lot of recent draft success and gains in TPE. Here's a TPE update on last and current season's rosters to see how everyone's earnings are doing: S92 Roster Antonia Bucatini: 518 TPE Nathan Ecker: 312 TPE Chris Reynolds Jr: 307 TPE Tyler Lawson: 251 TPE Barry McOckiner: 231 TPE Filip Zinek: 175 TPE Jack Dickins: 201 TPE Miner vHLer: 341 TPE Micah Cederbaum: 162 TPE Benjamin Abenduct: 351 TPE Lucy Leitner: 385 TPE Cody Toland: 230 TPE Toby Cook: 150 TPE Ondrej Vencko: 290 TPE Herald Benson: 270 TPE S93 Current Season Roster Filip Zinek: 175 TPE Johnny Tsunami: 169 TPE Elf shoes: 158 TPE Charlie klepacki: 132 TPE Cole Stermer: 130 TPE Hulk Smash: 82 TPE Tommy James Longpre: 67 TPE Ray Stanton: 220 TPE Billy Joel: 214 TPE Wladyslaw Mintus: 206 TPE LaClapbomb Hitstick IV: 70 TPE Herald Benson: 270 TPE Already in last season's roster 12/16 players are ready to move up to the VHLE next season if they haven't already done so. So far with this season's roster we have 10/12 over the 100 TPE mark and 7/12 over the 150 TPE mark. This is really awesome for our team as it puts Houston on the draft map for VHLE and VHL teams to draft our players. With consistent draft success coming from the consistent TPE earning of these talented players, Houston can make a stronger name for itself in the development aspect of our league. It will always be our goal to put the best team on the ice in order to win trophies for our club! Development is the first key of success towards that, so I am pleased to bring in so many new faces who want to hop on board. If you're curious towards our roster this season, we actually made some recent moves! Starting off the season, Houston only acquired contract rights to goaltender Herald Benson. With that in mind and a short stock of draft picks, I traded for two forwards from Miami: Elf shoes and Charlie klepacki. After that, the draft was under way and Houston came out with 2 defenders: Billy Joel and Wladyslaw Mintus, and another forward: Cole Stermer, bringing our roster total to a 4-2-1. This was below bare minimum and thankfully two waivers decided to join right away, forwards: Hulk Smash and Tommy James Longpre. The season rolled on and Houston was only successful for one more waiver signing in forward: Johnny Tsunami, bringing our roster to a 7-2-1. With trade deadline around the corner, a second trade was needing to be made: Graphic Credit: @Vice Defenders Ray Stanton and LaClapbomb Hitstick IV enter the locker room for the cost of two future draft picks. Houston was in need of the support on the blue line in order to have a successful playoff run this season. With second season star Herald Benson putting up league leading numbers, and our second line of forwards: Cole Stermer, Charlie klepacki, and Elf shoes leading the charge on offense, this trade felt like the missing puzzle piece we needed. Before the trade, Houston was riding a last ten game record of 4-5-1. Since the trade, the Bulls have managed to come out of their slump and hold a winning 6-4 record heading towards the trade deadline. I feel good with our play as of late and Houston management will no longer be looking to move assets until the off-season. One more trade was made recently, here, where I made the trade in order to meet S94 pick compliancy. S95 pick compliancy will be a future problem to deal with. --- Now here we are in present date. Houston sits in 3rd, 1 point behind the Las Vegas Aces for 1st place in the Western Conference. It will be a battle to the finish line but I have full faith in the squad we have created this season to find another deep playoff run. The birdies have also been chirping and a recruitment drive may take place following this season's trade deadline. Will Houston see some new faces enter the locker room? Hopefully a fuller roster can be a reality for the Bulls as playoffs are only weeks away. Either way, thank you again to anyone and everyone who has contributed towards Houston's all time team success. 1000 wins is a huge accomplishment that I will hold high for us Houston Bulls

Some come to laugh their past away Some come to make it just one more day Whichever way your pleasure tends If you plant ice, you're gonna harvest wind -from the Grateful Dead's "Franklin's Tower" As of next season, I will have spent 30 seasons in the VHL. I've always been a big fan of the VHL's 30 in 30 series for telling me lots of stories about the league from before my time. These brought up things that I wouldn't necessarily have gotten from reading through old indexes and checking out records, and that's lived experience--people giving perspectives on the things that happened, instead of just lists of those things that happened. Thanks to those articles, I learned why lots of the things I'd heard about were significant, and the views offered in them also served as a valuable time capsule for me as I learned how important some things are to the league despite never being talked about anymore. So, because I hate myself, I'm doing one of my own. This isn't intended to be a comprehensive picture of league history over the past 30 seasons, nor is it a VHL 30 in 30 in its own right. I'm writing a Gustav 30 in 30, recounting not the league's history but my own and going through what's been most important to me across hopefully the next season and a half and probably a bit longer than that. And what's a better place to start than at the very beginning? It's a very good place to start, after all. Installment number one of 30, here we go It was 2019, and then-18-year-old me was on the floor of my bedroom lost on Reddit. I remember fairly clearly having been "in the middle of some homework," which to me meant that the second I came across anything I couldn't do off the top of my head, I'd pick up my phone and scroll through it for an hour like the degenerate I am. Seriously, my degree probably would have come pretty easily if I could make myself stop doing that. I also remember getting the sort of foggy head feeling that one gets after staring at a screen for hours on end. I'm not sure if this was from whatever I was doing, or my phone, or both, but you'd think that one little promotional post on r/sabres wouldn't tip the scales in favor of (let's be honest) a whole lot more staring at screens in that moment. I'm sure you know where this is going, because you're seeing the product of where it's gone. I joined the forum, made a few "please help me" posts, did my first press conference, and actually closed the VHL window and figured I'd seen about enough. The reason why I came back was that I was dumb enough to still sign up for things with an email address that I actually check, and later that day I got a scouting message from @Thranduil (then a long-time AGM in Halifax) in my inbox. So...yeah, whatever, maybe I'll see what happens after this "draft" people are talking about. After all, I read through the very short-lived and now entirely-nonexistent-on-the-forum VHLM newsletter (recruitment, take note!) and enjoyed it. VHLM Gustav lasted until the 5th round and was taken 36th overall. I'd been scouted two or three times at the time, having joined two or three days before the draft and not earned much yet. But it's pretty safe to say that first-ever Bulls GM @Rin hit on a pick, kicking off what would be a formative first season for me (and one that you'll see talked about across the first few installments of this series). I'd been invited to join the team server and was initially really hesitant--I'd never talked to random people online before and wasn't sure I wanted to--but jumped in late at night (in the middle of some other assignment that I wasn't really doing) and had a good conversation right away about player builds and stuff. I think that sort of thing was a bit intoxicating for an 18-year-old kid whose friends were suddenly all busy moving away and having responsibilities. I suddenly had a group to hang out with whenever I wanted it again, and that really built a sort of bond with this place that I don't think I'd have if I joined today. I'm not sure what I thought the VHL was when I joined. I don't remember being particularly surprised (I was never someone who thought we were a gaming community) but I also remember being mildly taken aback when I heard that our sim output was entirely text-based. I spent a few sims reading through the full play-by-play (because new people stuff; why not?) and thought it was cool anyway. In a way, I miss skimming through that and being excited to see that my player intercepted a pass or whatnot. As far as earning and being part of the community went, it took me a minute. I wasn't always the word-dumper I am today. Instead, my first mark on the league was made in team-specific shitpost articles with very long titles. This extended anywhere from my teammates being detained at airports for "looking too Nordic" to Halifax secretly being a satanic cult to me running player quotes through a colloquial Scottish English translator for some aggressively Groundskeeper Willie-type energy. I was well-entrenched in writing media spots by this point, but my first serious article didn't even come out until halfway through that first season. I won't give away the rest, but S65 was a great time. I learned a lot, got to know lots of people, and grew to appreciate the culture of the VHL. And if you're interested in hearing more of a deep dive into my history--stick around. It's coming just as soon as I can make it.

My first graphic back from break. Be gentle.

Happy birthday @Victor

On this day 10 years ago I was VHL Commissioner and chose my birthday to be a time of benevolence, handing out TPE to all those who liked my announcement on the day. The post has 114 likes, I don't think all of them are from back then as more filtered in over the years. Alas I no longer have the power to hand out TPE on the day of my birth but is it too much to ask for some well wishes? Thanks, love you all. Ten years is wild of course – that was my last year in school. The next year was my only birthday I actually came into the office for, until today, with weekends, COVID, and vacations helping me avoid that from 2016 to 2023. It's a pretty uneventful day today but with a long Easter weekend coming up I am claiming that for my birthday instead and it should be a fine time filled with drinks and debauchery. Anyway, what are you up to today? What were you up to 10 years ago? Do you think we should be given free TPE given it's the 10-year anniversary of free TPE? What's the best birthday present I could get from the VHL?

Hello VHL! I'm going to be doing something I couldent find anyone else has done yet in VHL, but I have done myself in PBE and SHL. And as you have read the title already you know how this goes. VHL Scrabble! So I will be taking every teams players one by one to a scrabble score calculator and then after I'm done with the team I will calculate the total points, the average etc. So with out a further a do here we go! Calgary Wrangles Jonny Elgar: 21 Merome Dilson: 17 Joe Block: 23 Moritz Stauffer: 31 Phil Strasmore: 20 Thor Odinson: 15 Raimo Tuominen: 17 Catia Goncalves: 22 Adam Rage: 12 Kyle Toms: 17 Randy Bobandy: 24 The Total: 219 The Average: 19.909... The Highest points: Moritz Stauffer The Lowest points: Adam Rage Chicago Phoenix Amir Redzic: 24 Ryan Artyomov: 23 Reinhard von Kongming: 34 Karol Lamb: 17 Darko Alexander Malkovich: 50 Lionel Collberg: 19 Yaroslav Trunov: 23 Joshua Schwarzer: 42 Bryce Woodworth: 31 Dank Turtle: 15 Legacy Gaming: 22 Babay Shrimp: 25 The Total: 325 The Average: 27.83.. The Highest points: Darko Alexander Malkovich The Lowest points: Dank Turtle D.C Dragons Henry Tucker Jr: 32 Mark Calaway: 25 Eurydyka Sklodowska Dudzinska: 65 Ben Laas: 9 Theo Allard: 14 Lucas Grey: 15 Keita Kourou: 19 Keegan Gamble: 22 Vincent Laroche-Gagnier: 33 The Frenchman: 25 The Total: 259 The Average: 25.9 The Highest points: Eurydyka Sklodowska Dudzinska The Lowest points: Ben Laas HC Davos Dynamo Karl Pedersen: 19 Womp Womp Womp Womp Womp Jr: 64 David Jokinen: 28 LeBen Aky: 17 James MacAvoy: 31 Carson Walker Jr: 30 The Total: 189 The Average: 31.5 The Highest points: Womp Womp Womp Womp Womp Jr The Lowest points: LeBen Aky Helsinki Titans Fuukka Rask: 25 YaBoi Oven: 17 Tommy Sleeves: 22 Kronchy Kardashian: 37 Michael Shotter: 24 Owen Lazaro: 22 Daryl Dixon: 22 Adi Dassler: 12 Jarkko Laakkonen: 38 Ellis Woolfenden: 22 Isaac mclflopper: 28 The Total: 247 The Average: 22.454... The Highest points: Jarkko Laakkonen The Lowest points: Adi Dassler London United Geoff Bezos: 28 Jesse Teno: 16 Nick Sansoe: 16 Jack Jeckler: 37 Lloyd Braun: 16 Isamu Knievel: 21 Wann Kerr: 15 Sjin: 11 Halvar Torbjorn: 29 Brad Marchand: 23 Ben Dover: 14 John Richards: 28 Leonard Triller: 15 The Total: 269 The Average: 20.69... The Highest points: Jack Jeckler The Lowest points: Sjin Los Angeles Stars Matthew McCagg: 29 The Mediocre One: 22 Astro Singh: 14 Mclean Hoover II: 24 Alexander Stroheim: 30 Jim Benning Jr: 31 Timothy Swearingen: 29 The Total: 179 The Average: 25.57... The Highest points: Jim Benning Jr The Lowest points: Astro Singh Malmo Nighthawks Karl Herzlich: 33 Ash Sparks: 18 Jacob Stone: 21 Eric Queefson: 26 Reese McFleury: 23 Conference Prince-de-Galles: 37 Yaroslav Bogatyrev: 32 Savaisk Tzesar: 29 Ronald Johnson MacWallace III: 46 Phillip Rave: 21 Gregger McKeggegger: 33 Viktor Jensen: 26 The Total: 345 The Average: 28.75 The Highest points: Ronald Johnson MacWallace III The Lowest points: Ash Sparks Moscow Menace Olober Syko: 19 Joseph Reed: 23 Obuz Schneider Canet du Bocage: 51 Nils Andersson: 14 Leif Reingaard: 18 Celise Pereira: 17 Jeff Lewis: 25 Grimgor Ironhide: 23 George Richmond: 24 David Rashford: 25 Axle Gunner: 18 Jarmo Ruutu: 19 The Total: 276 The Average: 23 The Highest points: Obuz Schneider Canet du Bocage The Lowest points: Nils Andersson New York Americans WWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWW: 96 Rin Kagamine: 18 Jebediah Big Ol Doinks in Amish: 52 Callum Gary Yannick Janser: 47 Tord Yvel: 15 FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist: 23 Jasper Davis: 24 Alfred Champagne: 29 Keon Jeannot: 22 Vinny Lecavalier: 26 Francesco Mancini: 27 The Total: 379 The Average: 34.45... The Highest points: WWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWW The Lowest points: Tord Yvel Prague Phantoms Matt Murdock: 22 Skor McFleury: 26 Pope Francis: 20 Admir Bala: 14 Spanish Moon Moth: 27 Rip Wheeler: 18 John Jameson: 30 Nikolas Kauppi: 25 Chris Sanzone: 26 The Total: 208 The Average: 23.11... The Highest points: John Jameson The Lowest points: Admir Bala Riga Reign Red Panda: 12 Reginald the Dodo: 22 Mina: 6 Braeden Panarella: 21 Fradin McGryer: 25 Martin Kemp: 20 Kimi Raikkonen: 27 Eno Velvson: 16 Otis Boudreaux Jr: 32 Eric White Jr: 26 Shubham Anand: 23 The Total: 230 The Average: 20.90... The Highest Points: Otis Boudreaux Jr The Lowest Points: Mina Seattle Bears Justin Lion: 17 Giorgiy Costanzov: 35 Simons Worst Nightmare: 31 Sigma Freud: 17 Justin Williams: 26 Big B: 9 Toby Kadachi: 26 Sadie St-Louis: 13 Oreo McFleury: 22 Gustav Mattias: 19 Henry Eagles: 18 Severus Targaryen: 23 Tullemore Dew: 18 The Total: 274 The Average: 21.07... The Highest points: Giorgiy Costanzov The Lowest points: Big B Toronto Legion Toddly Bobbly: 26 Joel Castle: 19 Walter Fitzroy Jr: 40 Mason Rice: 13 Bobby Bob: 21 Steve Lattimer: 18 Mac Atlas: 12 Jimi Jaks: 28 Harry Callahan: 24 Diego Machado: 22 Kobe Johnson: 27 The Total: 250 The Average: 22.72.. The Highest points: Walter Fitzroy Jr The Lowest points: Mac Atlas Vancouver Wolves Dalkr Vidarsson: 23 Vlad Von Carstein: 24 Guntis Gavilrovs: 23 DB IV: 10 Liv Slater: 12 Jens Lekman: 23 Riley Martin: 16 Mikko Borisyuk: 32 Logan Ninefingers: 21 Larry Abass Jr. 24 Left Alone: 12 Sunglasses Joyo: 25 The Total: 245 The Average: 20.41... The Highest points: Mikko Borisyuk The Lowest points: DB IV Warsaw Predators Pipo Popa: 16 Lachlan Summers: 23 Hannibal Barca: 22 Rex Wolffe Gregor: 33 Tim Riggins: 14 Tater Tottingham: 21 Zyn Westwood: 30 Behrens Minion: 20 Montgomery Burns: 25 King Kisslinger: 24 Thor Reingaard: 18 Maxim Anisimov: 29 The Total: 275 The Average: 22.91... The Highest points: Rex Wolffe Gregor The Lowest points: Tim Riggins That concludes the calculating! Now we can get on with the speculation and talking about the stats! So to recap The Highest total points goes to New York Americans with 379, The Single highest point goes to WWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWW with 96! (Absurd), and the least points goes to Mina with 6! The highest average also goes to New York unsurprisingly! Now if we look at some other teams with high averages we can see that Davos with 31.5 is up there in second place! Although they only have 189 total points (the second least) their roster size makes up for that puts them firmly in 2nd place with average. So what does this all mean, I can hear you ask. Well nothing to be honest, this is just something I thought would be funny to do and did it. I will be doing one for E and M combined later since this is already 1000 words long! See you then! Total word count 1084 Claiming for week ending 24/3 and 31/3

With about 20% of the season left to play in S93, contenders in the VHL's European Conference are in the midst of a potentially unprecedented race for playoff positioning. Just a couple of days ago, teams one-through-five in the EU were *all* tied with 36 wins and separated by just two points in the standings overall. For five teams to be so tightly-packed is incredible, and certainly makes for an exciting ride for the fans! The teams aren't just close in terms of points in the standings either, as they have the second-through-sixth place goal differentials in the VHL as well, with a range of +43 to +60. All five teams seem poised to battle it out for positioning right to the bitter end. Malmo Nighthawks Leading the EU with a 38-15-4 record and 80 points are the Malmo Nighthawks. The Nighthawks have, to an extent, had some issues offensively this season, but they are riding strong team defense and goaltending to a contending spot. Their 190 goals for ranks 8th in the VHL, but their 144 goals against is fewest in the league. Netminder Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro is in the league's top-five in SV% (0.925) and is second among starters in GAA (2.43) and shutouts (4). Viktor Jensen @Advantage is the star of the show offensively, leading the team with 68 points, although Malmo's offense features a pretty balanced attack overall with six players right around or above the PPG mark. All-situations defender Jacob Stone @scoop is having his best year in the VHL, with 67 points, 178 hits, and 138 blocks as the #1 defenseman on the league's best defensive team. London United The London United are actually tied with Malmo at 80 points, but have one more game played and one fewer win (37-15-6). The United boast a formidable roster that's a little differently-constructed than Malmo. They're a lot more top heavy with less depth, but equally effective, with Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ leading the entire VHL with 102 points and linemate Leonard Triller @Triller with a remarkable 85 points in 58 games himself. London has the sixth-best offense but second-best defense in the VHL, with certified superstar Jesse Teno @aimkin between the pipes. Teno is in the final season of an eight-year VHL career spent entirely with London, and he is authoring yet another excellent campaign. Prague Phantoms The Prague Phantoms come next, currently one point back of Malmo/London (37-16-5, 79 points). Prague has a bit of a unique roster construction as they have played most of the season with two fewer players than most VHL contenders. The recent pickup of LeBen Aky now leaves them just one defenseman short of a "full" roster. They have not been punished for this, though, as they've been on a roll all year long. Prague has some true star power in the lineup with John Jameson @Frank, Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide, and Skor McFleury @Alex, and all three players are living up to the hype. Jameson is second in the VHL with 101 points, Kauppi leads the league with 46 goals (93 points), and McFleury leads the league in assists (62) and defenseman scoring (82) points - while being top-5 in hits (231) and blocked shots (185), too. Moscow Menace The Moscow Menace are fourth in the conference but they, too, are sitting on 37 wins (37-18-3, 77 points) and boast the league's second-best offense with 214 goals for. Moscow are a young team with a roster built similarly to Malmo's in that they're very deep and balanced, and having nine players at the 50-point mark is a testament to that depth. Axle Gunner @Steve has been the team's best player since his rookie season in S91 and continues to improve, having gone from 73 points to 94 to now pacing for 103 this season (83 points in 58 games). On the back end, Leif Reingaard @Zetterberg is having a stellar year with 68 points in 58 games so far. The second-year pro is already one of the league's best offensive blueliners. Warsaw Predators Warsaw (36-20-3) sits in fifth place, with brick wall Lachlan Summers @kirbithan having a massive part to play in that. Summers was brilliant in S90 for Davos and captured some individual hardware then - he seems poised, now, to fill up that trophy case a little further in his first year outside of Davos. Summers has faced a tougher workload than most starters - the only goalies that have faced more shots are Matthew McCagg, Karl Pederson, and Red Panda who all play for rebuilding teams in LA, Davos, and Riga (for perspective - Summers has 32 wins himself; LA, Davos, and Riga combine for 34 wins all together). Despite facing 260 shots more than the nearest goaltender on a playoff team, he's atop the league with a .935 SV% and also has 4 shutouts. Their offense has been keyed by breakout seasons from their entire top line of King Kisslinger @Kisslinger (88 points in 59 games), Thor Reingaard @N0HBDY (86 points in 59 games), and Maxim Anisimov @McLovin(85 points in 59 games). Their biggest weakness is a lack of depth - they have six players over 56 points, but then nobody else with more than 17 - but they did make a recent move to pick up Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101 to help remedy that. This will mark the 21st season since the league's expansion to 16 teams, and only twice in that time have teams 1-through-5 in either conference been separated by even less than 10 points: S87 when first-place Davos was separated from fifth-place London by 9 points, and S77 when first-place Chicago was 9 points ahead of fifth-place Vancouver, making this season's race potentially historically-close. For the vast majority of S93 so far, these five teams have not been separated by more than 5 points. Remarkably, the first-through-seventh place teams were only separated by 11 points in S87, so there were higher stakes in that case, as two teams didn't even make the playoffs. Still, if the level of play shown by all five of these teams so far continues through the final 13-15 games, we could be witnessing the hardest-fought battle for positioning within a conference in recent VHL history. --- 1032 words, for this week and next

There’s something amiss in the VHLM right now. There’s definitely something strange going on. I cannot put my finger on it, but I know that I am onto something because the sun is definitely not lining up with the moon. Well apparently it did for a little while, but that doesn’t explain the phenomenon that is happening. And this is the topic I get to write about for my TPE; however, before I get into it, if you read through this I am asking for your help to provide some input and solve this anomaly because I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure it out. How can Halifax 21st be the nemesis of the Saskatoon Wild in season 93? Saskatoon is a dominating team and hands down is going to win the Founders Cup this season, yet every time Saskatoon matches up with Halifax the skies turn dark, the birds stop singing, the squirrels hide their nuts, and Halifax kicks the living shit out of Saskatoon. Halifax and Saskatoon have matched up four times this season, and Halifax has come out on top all four games. These two teams match up two more times in season play, and I’ve got to figure out how Halifax is cheating before the next two games take place. Saskatoon GM, @Dadam30, is doing everything right, and even with their expertise managing the team, cannot seem to overcome the trickery and dirty handed play by Halifax GM, @LucyXpher. Lucyxpher is no stranger to internal investigations, considering the recent jelly coin debacle. But to continue, it has come to the point of having to hire some private investigators to determine what means lucyxpher is doing to cause Saskatoon’s misery. With the help of Harry Bosch, Mitch Rapp, Scott Coleman, Joe Pike, and Elvis Cole, here are some of the potential suspicious actions by Halifax over the course of the season to cause Halifax to have a huge advantage over Saskatoon. When I say “huge advantage” one only needs to look to the record. Look what has happened over those four games. Saskatoon outshot Halifax 102 to 91, yet Halifax put the puck in the net 13 times to Saskatoon’s 4 goals. Halifax was unusually more aggressive in the competitions, outhitting Saskatoon 89 to 68. With the extra hits came more penalty minutes, as Halifax spent 69 minutes in the box while Saskatoon had 57 minutes in the sin bin, yet there was no advantage to Saskatoon. Saskatoon blocked 31 of Halifax’s shots, while Halifax blocked 27 of Saskatoon’s shots. Both teams scored two of their goals on power plays. Given these statistics, the biggest stat that is lopsided, and yes I agree its the most important stat, is the goals scored. What is Lucyxpher doing to give Halifax such an advantage? I asked Elvis Cole to look into this and here is what he found out. Elvis Cole spent a lot of time looking at the accommodations in Halifax, as well as in Saskatoon and he discovered that the conditions of the hotel rooms provided to Saskatoon were sub par. The heating was at uncomfortable levels and the air quality was just above hazardous levels, which is likely the reason the Saskatoon players seemed to be out of shape during the contests in Halifax. Barely breathing while on the ice, there’s no doubt Saskatoon was a victim of foul play. Investigating further, it was determined that Halifax AGM, @Will3, signed for all of the hotel adjustments. To make matters worse, the food provided to Saskatoon was determined to have been poisoned, which to no surprise caused some indigestion problems with Bollos de Trueno, as if Thunder Buns needed any help there. Scott Coleman conducted covert surveillance on a few of Halifax 21st players and reported that John Season, @dylanjj37, spent a lot of time at the Juan Ceson Zoo, which is not unusual, but what he found to be unusual was the secret laboratory that he found John Season going to every day. Coleman noted the unusual manipulation of the monkeys and the walrus. To make matters even more suspicious was the Geico team meeting with John Season and Halifax goaltender, John Webber III, @Webberj. Webber was providing some advice to Duncan the walrus. Coleman came to the conclusion that Webber was given a synthetic cocktail giving him super agility and vision which played a pivotal role in the inability of Saskatoon to score goals against Webber III. Harry Bosch conducted his investigation in the locker rooms and around the arenas to determine foul play. His report indicated that the Saskatoon sticks had been tampered with as there were several sticks with splinters causing a severe loss of power. Saskatoon goal scorer, Oliver Loo, @Misty, had complained about something being wrong with the sticks and this certainly explains why Loo didn’t more score goals against Halifax. Bosch also discovered that the Saskatoon blades had been dulled and all the sharpening tools were not functional. To make matters worse, there were steel weights found in the pads giving the Saskatoon players a sluggish feel on the ice to go with not having edges on their skates. Joe Pike helped Harry Bosch and he found the boards behind the Saskatoon goal to have been altered, giving Halifax an rebound advantage. You might ask, “what about when the teams change sides,” and Pike located wireless devices that automatically adjusted the boards to the desired rebound. Just ask Boston how Florida got their first goal in the last game. This was obvious as Halifax players, Pierre Marc Bouchard, @Gaikoku-hito, has scored 1/5th of his goals against Saskatoon; Maple Dogwood, @dogwoodmaple, put up 6 points against Saskatoon; Aanarsi Reingaard, @Laine, has 21% of his points credited when playing Saskatoon; and John Season has 4 of his 27 assists against the Wild. The final part of the investigation was completed by Mitch Rapp. Rapp spent some time investigating @lucyxpher, finding her to have secretly have been attending the workouts of Carson Tripp, @Cartripp14, and Micah Cedarbaum, @MicahC. Lucyxpher adjusted the tensions of the ropes, causing Cedarbaum and Tripp to have rubber arms just before game 3. Strategically having John Season create a general fight, GM Lucyxpher picked Dorji Kahn, @Oddpurplefly to fight Carson Tripp; and Ty Duke, @TheDuke, to fight Micah Cedarbaum. Both of these fights, which would have normally ended in Duke and Kahn getting their faces smashed in by Cedarbaum and Tripp, ended in draws and had no favorable bearing for Saskatoon. Luckily for Saskatoon, Leon Bruhmaninho, @BigBruhman, worked out at a different gym when Lucyxpher was commmitting the fouled play, and did not have rubber arms and Bruhmaninho kicked the shit out of an uninformed Robin Sierra, @ethanjaeda. Although the Saskatoon luck was not enough to come up with a victory as Halifax goaltender, Joe Webber III, was all jacked up on juice and stopped every puck that went at him. All of these allegations were found to be factual and everything has been turned over to VHL Commissioners, @Beketov, @Acydburn, and @Josh, who requested a $1000.00 filing fee, which was paid in small unmarked bills to Josh, as directed. We will all have to wait for games 296 and 331 to take place to determine if the commissioners did their jobs or if lucyxpher has juice and everything was overlooked. I can only hope that by the time playoffs start the moon is no longer aligned with the sun, the birds are singing again, the squirrels found their nuts, and the Halifax curse no longer exists. 1261 words To be claimed 04-21 and 04-28.

Captain of the Vancouver Wolves After a season where Vancouver Wolves decided not to name a single captain but ran with a rotating system of alternate Captains instead; Vancouver is set to name a new leadership group as the team looks to make the playoff again this season. “We have a young core of players that have joined the roster this season and we felt that it would be hugely beneficial to the younger players to have a veteran presence and leadership group this season.” Stated AGM Gaikoku-hito. “The Team voted and we have a clear direction that as team that we agree will provide a solid group for the younger players to learn from. And no, It isn`t like a Survivor voting!!” continued Gaikoku-hito. “So, without delaying this announcement any further here are our Captains for S93!!” Assistant Captains: Captain: Congrats to our New Leadership group!! @Frank@RileyL@JetsGoalie101@Smarch@Scurvy@Dom@Girts@okochastar@Cwalker@Minebro@Tipskid97@Subject056@wcats@KaleebtheMighty@Gaikoku-hito

Player Information Username: Phil Player Name: Phil Sakic Recruited From: Member (Knight) Age: 17 Position: LW Height: 71 in. Weight: 195 lbs. Birthplace: United Kingdom Player Page @VHLM GM

me and the owner of the Las Vegas Aces got into a gambling match legally I can't divulge much but lets just say i didn't lose

Brian Payne, Class of Season 91 User: @Scurvy TPE: 1818 Position: Defenseman Nationality: American Height: 6'1" Weight: 225 lbs. VHL Drafted: 26th Overall, by the Warsaw Predators VHLE Drafted: 20th Overall, by the Bratislava Watchmen Played for: San Diego Marlins, Bratislava Watchmen, Warsaw Predators, Vancouver Wolves -- Career Awards Individual All-VHL First Team | S85 All-VHL Second Team (4x) | S86, S88, S89, S90 Jake Wylde Trophy | S86, S85 Sterling Labatte Trophy | S85 Team Continental Cup | S84 Terence Fong Trophy | S84 Victory Cup | S85 -- Before the VHL Some players are born with natural talent. Easy on the eye and easy to catch on. Brian Payne, like others, was brought up with relentless work ethic and determination. This story begins in Spokane, Washington, where Brian grew up and developed his passion for hockey. Payne faced numerous challenges during his early years in hockey. He might have had the wildest passion for the sport but didn't have the talent to match it. Despite the rejections, he never waivered and kept fighting for spots on his teams. That determination paid off when he was drafted by the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League. After four complete seasons in the WHL, Brian Payne became a pillar for the Everett Silvertips. He wasn't just the enforcer anymore, with his growth recognized enough by the coaching staff to be deemed worthy of 1st-Line duties on even-strength opportunities and Special Teams. He didn't, however, lose track of who he was and led the league in penalties and fighting majors during his last two amateur seasons. Despite leading the league in penalties and fighting majors, Payne's style caught the attention of scouts around the VHL. The Minor Leagues After so much progress, Payne hoped to see his name called in the upcoming VHLM draft, but that didn't happen. Instead, his legend as an underdog grew, and Payne signed a free-agent contract with the San Diego Marlins, a team then led by Nathan Powers, who went on to create the first dynasty in the VHLE. It was the moment of truth for Payne. As with most underdogs, they may crawl and fight for an opportunity, but it can vanish without notice. That season was of the utmost importance for Brian Payne, and he knew. During the regular season, it was evident Payne was still adjusting from his amateur enforcer role into a complete professional player. Although his scoring numbers weren't eye-catching, he was able to be the physical player the Marlins needed. During those playoffs, the world saw the first glimpse of what Brian Payne would eventually become. As he grew to a top VHLM player, Brian was paramount during the Marlins playoff run. As the 3rd seed in the West, the Marlins were considered an outsider but took down the Eastern Conference's 2nd-seeded Mississauga Hounds in six games. In the second round of the playoffs, they met the best team during the regular season and eventual champions, Ottawa Lynx - who they took to game seven! Even though their story ended there and the team had quality players, Payne's numbers were recognized as they should. This performance caused Brian's draft stock to rise. However, the VHL world remained skeptical. Drafted 20th in the VHLE and 26th in the VHL, Payne was shortly after those drafts considered a steal. How did management teams across the leagues make such a big mistake? Brian Payne didn't lose any sleep over this and got to work. Moving up to the VHLE meant the competition level would be higher again, but that never held him back. Quickly, he made connections with other players in the Watchmen roster, such as his counterpart, Bo Johansson. While both are defensemen, their style couldn't be any different. They did play off each other and led the Watchmen to the playoffs, but their story wasn't like the Marlins. Regular Season 82 (BRA), 72 Games Played, 12 Goals, 33 Assists, 45 Points, 2 Plus/Minus, 178 Hits, 109 Shots Blocked 81 (SDM), 72 Games Played, 11 Goals, 20 Assists, 31 Points, -21 Plus/Minus, 166 Hits, 76 Shots Blocked Playoffs 82 (BRA), 5 Games Played, 1 Goals, 1 Assists, 2 Points, 1 Plus/Minus, 8 Hits, 9 Shots Blocked 81 (SDM), 13 Games Played, 6 Goals, 11 Assists, 17 Points, -6 Plus/Minus, 43 Hits, 25 Shots Blocked Perseverance That was the word Brian Payne used to describe his time in the VHL. From Washington to Warsaw. From the Silvertips to the Predators. After being selected 26th overall, his goal was to become as valuable, if not more, than any of the 25 players taken before him - and make every team pay. As Payne got to the VHL, it seemed he was already the best version of himself. His presence on the ice was like no other, and his effect was undeniable. Coming up to a star-studded team in Warsaw, the expectation was for Payne to stand back and play second fiddle to the team's stars. Instead, he became one of them. Facing more difficult competition, Payne rose to the challenge admirably. Embracing his role as a physical defenseman, Payne quickly earned the respect of his teammates and opponents alike. With guidance from Dakota Lamb, Payne continued to improve his technique, culminating in a breakout season where he set personal records in multiple categories. Warsaw finished as the 3rd seed in the European Conference but couldn't get past the first-round matchup with the Riga Reign, who showed they were the better team in six games. Season 84 saw Payne's continued growth and success. Despite his defensive-first mentality, Payne's offensive contributions were starting not to be overlooked, and he played a pivotal support role for the Predators' offense. Repeating their previous season's feat, they finished the regular season as the 3rd seed in their conference. They did not repeat their previous performance during the playoffs and embarked on a championship-run playoff journey culminating in winning the Continental Cup. They beat the Helsinki Titans in the first round, the league favorites Moscow Menace in the second, and incumbent champions Seattle Bears in the Finals. This playoff run set the tone for the remainder of Payne's career, and his contributions would be for any team he'd play for. By Season 85, Payne had silenced his doubters and emerged as one of the VHL's premier defensemen. This season marked the start of his six straight 80-point season, and his all-around prowess was more prominent than ever. The Predators team improved throughout the season and became the top team in the league, winning the Victory Cup - but unlike the previous season, there was no Cinderella story in the making, and the Moscow Menace were feeling vengeful. The Predators were swept in the first round of the playoffs, giving life to the tale of the Victory Cup curse. Individually, Payne's dedication and perseverance had finally paid off, winning both the Sterling Labatte Trophy and Jake Wylde Trophy, awarded to the Top Defenseman and Top Defensive Defenseman in the VHL, respectively. From S86 to S88, Payne, already a leader in the Predators Locker Room, tried to galvanize the team towards the Continental Cup again but couldn't. In Season 86, the Predators couldn't get past the first round of the playoffs. In Season 87, the Wildcard round, and in Season 88, they didn't make the playoffs. Brian Payne maintained his elite status, anchoring the Predators' defense with skill and determination. His play and leadership propelled the team to success in the regular season, although they faced playoff disappointment. His level of play rewarded him with a deserved second Jake Wylde Trophy. Brian Payne found himself traded to the S86 champions, Vancouver Wolves. The move marked a significant shift in his career as he transitioned from a rebuilding phase with the Predators to a Vancouver Wolves team poised for a new championship run. His leadership and defensive prowess made an immediate impact, which propelled the team to the Continental Cup Finals. Brian found himself with the opportunity to do something unique and become part of a short list of players who led two different teams to a Continental Cup. The Wolves fought bravely but fell to the HC Davos Dynamo, a team that broke their decade-long cup-winning drought. As Payne entered his final season, the Wolves were poised to make another run at the playoffs, but the team wasn't as strong as the previous year, which amounted to an early playoff exit. It was unfortunate. The trade revitalized Payne as he pursued championship glory one last time. Payne's presence and skill were instrumental in guiding the Warsaw Predators and Vancouver Wolves in the VHL. Before Payne, only one previous Hall of Famer had combined more than 1.300 blocked shots with the point-per-game stat he had held for six seasons. Adding his more than 2.000 hits, and Payne stands alone. Regular Season 90 (VAN), 72 Games Played, 24 Goals, 58 Assists, 82 Points, 24 Plus/Minus, 245 Hits, 133 Shots Blocked 89 (VAN), 72 Games Played, 16 Goals, 68 Assists, 84 Points, 22 Plus/Minus, 261 Hits, 159 Shots Blocked 88 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 15 Goals, 69 Assists, 84 Points, 7 Plus/Minus, 272 Hits, 169 Shots Blocked 87 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 19 Goals, 65 Assists, 84 Points, 2 Plus/Minus, 303 Hits, 195 Shots Blocked 86 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 17 Goals, 63 Assists, 80 Points, 38 Plus/Minus, 246 Hits, 148 Shots Blocked 85 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 21 Goals, 67 Assists, 88 Points, 44 Plus/Minus, 241 Hits, 200 Shots Blocked 84 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 19 Goals, 50 Assists, 69 Points, 14 Plus/Minus, 261 Hits, 190 Shots Blocked 83 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 16 Goals, 36 Assists, 52 Points, 33 Plus/Minus, 235 Hits, 132 Shots Blocked Playoffs 90 (VAN), 11 Games Played, 4 Goals, 6 Assists, 10 Points, -7 Plus/Minus, 26 Hits, 19 Shots Blocked 89 (VAN), 16 Games Played, 3 Goals, 8 Assists, 11 Points, 6 Plus/Minus, 62 Hits, 46 Shots Blocked 87 (WAR), 3 Games Played, 0 Goals, 3 Assists, 3 Points, -1 Plus/Minus, 9 Hits, 8 Shots Blocked 86 (WAR), 7 Games Played, 2 Goals, 4 Assists, 6 Points, -1 Plus/Minus, 37 Hits, 31 Shots Blocked 85 (WAR), 9 Games Played, 4 Goals, 10 Assists, 14 Points, 5 Plus/Minus, 30 Hits, 23 Shots Blocked 84 (WAR), 20 Games Played, 4 Goals, 12 Assists, 16 Points, 1 Plus/Minus, 73 Hits, 42 Shots Blocked 83 (WAR), 6 Games Played, 0 Goals, 3 Assists, 3 Points, -5 Plus/Minus, 23 Hits, 15 Shots Blocked This induction pays tribute to a player who was often overlooked but was able to grow into his unique place in the VHL Hall of Fame. Congratulations on an incredible career, @Scurvy! -- Regular Season Career Stats 576 Games Played, 147 Goals, 476 Assists, 623 Points, +184 Plus/Minus, 2064 Hits, 1326 Shots Blocked Playoff Career Stats 72 Games Played, 17 Goals, 46 Assists, 63 Points, -2 Plus/Minus, 260 Hits, 184 Shots Blocked

As I wake up this morning at 7:45 (15 minutes before my 8:00am alarm clock) to my roommate's bangs on my door in expense of the key's to my car, I took a long pause to understand the reality I have woken up to. Once this puzzle in my brain was fully completed, my next move was swiftly grabbing my keys and opening the door without making a word. A "thank you" was all I needed to meet my satisfaction of this interaction and my roommate's response was just that. You see this roommate of mine does not have a way of transportation to his 8:00am workout, the same workout I will be doing later this morning since we are on the same sports team, so I granted his wishes as I like him and I want him to succeed on the same team that I play for. I respect when my roommates are appreciative when we do things for each other so thank you's are a big one to me. I scrolled through my phone for a bit before starting my morning routine of breakfast, emails and other communications, getting my shit together blah blah blah. As time rolls on I see a notification in the Calgary Wrangler's discord locker room, "HUGE DRAMA ON FORUMS" ~ @Phil A members tag, followed by an explanation of why all eyes should be witnessing this event, followed by the face of the VHL, the most famous name on our forum @Beketov announcing the removal of a long time beloved member @Josh. @Acydburn still having a blue colored name while Josh's color defaulted made me put my phone down. My untouched coffee got a good sip before I picked my phone right back up to read away. Some background knowledge of my relationship with Josh goes back to my first VHL Draft, my player AJ Williams was drafted 5th overall in the S79 VHL Draft to the Los Angeles Stars, Josh GM'd at the time. Josh has been a massive hand for this community and I have liked the guy since I first started getting to know him. Josh was claimed to have been taking earnings out of the VHL community's pockets for his own personal use and the legal amount of reimbursement could potentially be in the $1000 range. This really upset me, not only was I still cranky tired because I had a Philosophy paper worth 30% of my grade due at 12:00pm and I was not even halfway done it, but a once loved member had committed embezzlement and put me in full disgust. I have donated money to this community, I suggest my players donate if they are interested, many of you reading this have donated to fund our beautiful community once in your history here... and Josh put portions in his pockets!? I wanted to reply to this impactful thread to share my voice as a member of the VHL community with my thought process of "Dude, what the f---?!?!". 9 replies filed into the announcement thread before I could get a chance to finish what I wanted to say. The members before me were not answering any of the questions I still had, they were almost joking around with the situation. Calgary Wranglers GM @leandrofg was quoted in the discord Locker Room saying "holy shit" when seeing the announcement made. I couldn't understand this second strange situation I was put in today and my fingers started typing away, I filed my report and clicked send. Will this audit be made public? Will we be able to see how the money we earned from our real life jobs benefitted Josh or potentially others? Or will the use of our money still be for Blues and higher ups eyes only? Can we see how the VHL aims to spend our money moving forward so it is clear to us that this will not happen again? I beg for recruitment drive ads which definitely cost less than the money that went into Josh’s pockets. Let me know because I’d love to see how the VHL is trying to grow from this and from what your members give you to grow it. It’s in my eyes disgusting that a respected member did this, I don’t want to donate any money moving forward unless I actually know where it’s going. ~ AJW 10:08am. Shortly after settling my peace, I finished my breakfast and noticed a few reactions on my reply, then a few unexpected discord notifications from some big names. 10:12am, only 4 minutes after my reply was finalized to the forum, a very familiar and strong member to our community appeared in my discord direct messages. My VHLM Commissioner showed his face to me with a short but straight to the point question, "What day is it today" ~ @Spartan A quick glance to the bottom right of my computer screen gave my brain an immediate shock of reality. (My face after realization) I then replied to Spartan not even a minute later, "Are you fucked" ~AJW 10:12am I WAS SABOTAGED!! It was the first morning of the fourth month this year, the Lord of Joker's day... It was April Fool's... I felt so defeated and upset. I close my messages with Spartan to then open the second message by the same face who created the "I got you" announcement. Beketov answered all the questions to my forum thread reply and explained to me that this was all a joke. Josh is not a stealing thief - he even accidentally bought a steam game with league funds and then quickly reimbursed the league - and that we actually do audit everything to keep track of exactly every penny. I gave him my frustration as to why Josh and the Blues broke my heart, he then apologized to me and I was having Deja vu of the same feelings from this morning's interaction with my roommate's "thank you". My head then took a chill pill of calm peace knowing that all was good in my world and I dialed into my Philosophy Paper which I actually got to finish before the odd 12:00pm deadline. I then rode my bike to my workout and just got back to tell y'all about how crazy and eventful my brain's morning has been. Life is good now, we're chillin. To the Blues: I find this hilarious and I'm never forgetting April 1st again. I love this community and you guys just got me in the soft spot a bit while my brain wasn't shifting gears yet haha

Credits to @Dom for putting me on to this song! Don't look (away) now, but Moscow is enjoying a strong start to the season. Depth has been the key to success this season, as 7 players are at or over a PPG pace (rip Leif Reingaard 1 point shy). The Menace sit 4th in GF and 4th in GA as well which is really nice to see, both sides of the ice are playing as top 5 units in the league. I'm not sure if Moscow can still be called a "young" team considering how many players are off their ELCs now, but with the amount of TPA still yet to be added to builds before the depreciation begins to loom, I think there's still a fair amount of growth to be seen in the future. Adding Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard has given us an immediate injection of physicality that Moscow had been lacking behind Jarmo Ruutu @jRuutu, and the team is starting to feel more like the older Moscow teams I ran in the S80's - dominant centers and strong defensemen with excellent complimentary wingers. The main area for improvement seems to be special teams, where Moscow ranks dead last in PK% and 6th in PP%. Will definitely be an area to focus on and try to improve on for the future. Overall EU thoughts - WAR and PRG surprising with strong starts, most expected WAR to replicate their middling performance from last season considering they basically tried the same approach. Lachlan Summers definitely putting in work as usual. Prague running a 5-3-1 pulling an LA from a few seasons ago, curious to see how long that lasts. LDN/MAL/HSK all underperforming by a bit, but EU is always competitive so things can change at a moment's notice. HSK is especially concerning due to depth, running 4 forwards at/under 600 TPA. Curious to see if they take advantage of the seller's market depending on how sims go over the next week or so. They've got some fantastic assets that should both fetch a good price, and be eagerly snapped up. League wide news is a bit lacking, not too much change appears to be on the horizon. Goalie changes were the main topic in the past and results are going to be re-evaluated at the end of the season. Frankly I think scoring went up but goalies are simming even better than before, which is pretty opposite of how our admittedly limited test sims went. With a large class of goalies facing retirement soon, it might be an opportune time to revisit adjusting the goalie update scale. I feel like goalies can hit around 1.1k TPA and max out their core attributes and get secondaries in a really good spot and just bank, which is pretty counter to how skaters operate right now. 1.1k TPA seems like the threshold for a superstar, with 1.2/1.3k being a true max earner's peak. What else should be discussed in the BoG? Feel like we haven't opened up any channels for suggestions recently. Willing to take stuff into the back rooms if anyone has suggestions!

Graphic created by @Triller Welcome back to a new season in the VHL and last season we had twenty-six rookies start their careers. With a great three-way battle for the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy handed to the best overall rookie at the season end. This season we have twenty-three rookies looking to make a name for themselves and have a impact in the VHL. Here once again I will try to determine rank the Top 10 Rookies that I feel have a chance at winning this award. So, lets get one with it!! 10th (S90) C - Eno Velvson @Nykonax A bit older rookie as season 90 drafted player but in the past this has helped rookies as they have matured nicely in the VHLE and Velvson should be very similar as he has maintained a point per game pace but the biggest question mark is can this player develop as fast as the others on the list; that I am not sure but if he can maintain a pace per game like he has in other league he will move up this list and see his name at least nominated at the end of the season. 9th (S92) LW - Kimi Raikkonen @mattyIceman Finds himself in similar situation as his team mate but much younger as season 92 draft pick so has a ton more upside, which has him placed one slot higher but lack of offensive ability at the moment has some scouts wondering if this player will stay on the list with such a strong honorable mention list. Time will tell if he has more offensive game than the scouts suggest and if he can keep up his development to stay on the list. 8th (S92) G - Giorgiy Costanzov @Mongoose87 Giorgiy Costanzov is one of four goaltenders that will make the rookie debut this season but should have the biggest impact for his team as he starts the season likely sharing duties with Justin Lion @Emperor_Fun but it won`t be long before he claims the net full time. As he goes so likely does the Bears chances to make the playoff this season; no pressure for a rookie right!! I also expect to see him move up this list as the season progresses but is still a long short for the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy but that could change if Seattle remains in the hunt. 7th (S92) D - Vlad Von Carstein @Dom One of what should be a few Wolves on this list is my guess as the sixth overall pick by Vancouver could quickly move up this list but overall concern similar to Raikkonen @mattyIceman about his offensive game has scout having placed lower on the list than most would expect. Von Carstein has been a point per game player in the minors and if he gets anywhere close to those numbers as rookie in the VHL than he will rocket up this list quickly. His defensive partner might also add him depending on who is get paired with as Vancouver still have Liv Slater @Subject056 in jail after winning a few awards last season and should make whoever she is paired with better. 6th (S92) LW - Adi Dassler @BOOM Very tough ask for this rookie since Dassler was traded for last season Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy winner Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard so start the season on the back foot and ton of eyes judging to see if this was a correct move by the Titans. Dassler is a balanced player that slightly leans towards the offensive zone but at the moment seems to lack that wow factor; add in the fact that Dassler struggled last season in VHLE at under a point per game pace leaves most scout wondering what this player will become. Dassler does have the benefit of playing with Super-star Daryl Dixon @Ricer13, if slotted directly into Ironhide slot in the line up. Will be interesting to see if they can duplicate what Ironhide did last season or anything similar. 5th (S91) C - Theo Allard @InstantRockstar I feel that Theo Allard is a bit under the radar pick and has the nice benefit of joining the defending Champions in the D.C. Dragons but again as an older rookie that struggled his first season in the VHLE putting up only 43pts about half a point per game pace until Allard bounced back with a strong second season in the VHLE instead of moving up to the VHL with the Dragons by posting 83pts season campaign. So, What player are we going to see? The offensive player that the Dragons thought the drafted at 10th overall or the VHLE player that struggled. Luckily for Allard he has benefit of joining an offensive veteran line-up that should aid him in adapting to the VHL this season. 4th (S92) D - Guntis Gavilrovs @Girts Finally the second of what I was expecting to be many of the Vancouver Wolves rookies make an appearance and this one is an interesting case since Guntis Gavilrovs is more of a defensive defenceman that has put up a point per game pace in the minors that seen Vancouver draft this giant of a defender at 7th overall in season ninety-two. Not to mention ability to throw around his 6’8” frame to punish the opposing forwards. It will be hard to judge this player since hits and shots blocked are more likely be this players main stat lines but if he can find the same touch as he had in the minors than he could easily find himself higher on this list. 3rd (S92) RW - Riley Martin @Smarch The 6’2” American forward has all the skill set to score a ton of goals as he showed last season in the VHLE scoring an impressive thirty-two. Vancouver has an interesting problem after trading for a veteran forwards but one I don`t think they hate too much in the fact that they need to try to integrate their rookies into the line-up will giving them enough ice time to continue to develop. Depending on placement within the Vancouver line-up will determine if Martin has real chance at the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy by season end. Issue might also be with Rookies taking points off each other in Vancouver or they could also lift each other up. We will see what happens. 2nd (S92) C - George Richmond @badcolethetitan Another big American at 6’6” in George Richmond ranks in at second to start the season and will look to bring his offensive tough to the VHL as similar to Riley Martin @Smarch has the skill set to score a ton of goals also scoring thirty-two last season but Richmond at the moment is more of two way power forward, which gives him a slight edge in the rankings. Not 100% sure where Richmond slot into a young and fast improving Menace team but it will likely see him start on the wing as Axle Gunner @Steve and Jarmo Ruutu @jRuutu seem to have the center positions locked down. So how will the young American transition to the wing is one of the biggest questions entering the season. Not to mention who will his line mates be? Either way clearly one of the favorites for the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy to start the season. 1st (S92) RW - Logan Ninefingers @Scurvy A lot of eyes on Vancouver this season due to the 1st overall pick in season ninety-two all but set to break into the league with the Wolves this season but it is also coming on the back of what some might consider a down season in the VHLE with only a point per game pace after lighting up the VHLM for 152pts, yup, that isn`t a typo!! Most have a ton of expectations that Ninefingers might easily claim this trophy but he will need to find his spot in what is a much improved Vancouver line-up. Likely Ninefingers will line-up long side fellow rookies Mikko Borisyuk @Minebro and Riley Martin @Smarch to at least start the season. If this trio struggle expect them to move around the line-up to be insulated by the veteran players in Larry Abass Jr @RileyL, Left Alone @okochastar and Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101, the whole reason why Vancouver brought these players in during the off-season. Honorable Mentions: (S89) C - Mikko Borisyuk @Minebro– Vancouver Wolves (S89) LW - Chris Sanzone @handfullofbubba – Prague Phantoms (S92) D - Karol Lamb @dlamb – Chicago Phoenix (S91) LW - Behrens Minion @UnknownMinion– Warsaw Predators (S91) LW - Isaac mclflopper @sportexperts show– Helsinki Titans (S91) RW - Bryce Woodworth @SirRupertBarnes- Chicago Phoenix Final Thoughts: It should be another interesting race this season and since the season has started already, I know that some of these players have had amazing starts to their rookie season and well, some have rather struggled at the start. As mentioned at the end of last season I will cover Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy race every twenty-four games or so and I expect to see another surprise player jump up and grab the award like Ironhide did last season as Ironhide moved up from 6th on my first ranking last season to finish 2nd by the end of the season but was my pick to win the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy as did the league. So who will win the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy this season?

S93 Halifax 21st Official Roster LW - Connor Simard @Alex99 LW - Dorji Khan @Oddpurplefly C - Pierre Marc Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito C - Robin Sierra @ethanjaeda C - Ty Duke @TheDuke C - Tommy Shelby @Will RW - Captain Nugget Jr @Captain nugget RW - Maple Dogwood @dogwoodmaple RW - Robert Tango @trains D - Andrew Skilton @ace_five_ D - Alexandr Novotny @Patrik Tallinder D - John Season @dylanjj37 G - Jon Webber III @Webberj G - Samuel Wazinski @samthemancub

It's time.

@Frank Hey everybody! Welcome to this season’s VHL Season preview, after a busy offseason, full of roster changes there’s been a considerable shift in team’s outlooks this season with a major shift towards the European Conference. So, without further to do, let’s jump right into it! North American Conference 1 - Toronto Legion Forward Rank - 1st Defense Rank - 8th Goalie Rank - 3rd Conference Rank - 2nd League Rank - 2nd Toronto is in a very unique spot right now, their top forwards all have 3 seasons left, along with Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer currently being the leagues top defensemen in terms of TPA. While their core is strong there is one player that really puts an end date on their window, as Joel Castle @animal74 is set to retire in 2 seasons. With that being said they are still a top goalie in the league, and we can expect Toronto to be a bit more aggressive in the trade market to try and win another cup with their aging core. Toronto should come out of the gate quickly this season and if they can pick up a true number 2 defensemen, they could very well be favourites to win it all. 2 - New York Americans Forward Rank - 2nd Defense Rank - 3rd Goalie Rank - 9th Conference Rank - 1st League Rank - 1st New York is Toronto’s only real threat at this point in time and it was essentially a coin flip on who to put ahead of the other, ultimately it came down to goaltending as the new sliders leave a lot unknown on the goaltending side of things. While we do have New York just behind Toronto to start the season they have the deepest roster in the league and some fast improving young players that will close the gap to the top players in the league. As of right now New York is the favourite team to win the Continental Cup at the end of the season assuming their players continue to improve at an elite pace. 3 - D.C. Dragons Forward Rank - 4th Defense Rank - 10th Goalie Rank - 7th Conference Rank - 4th League Rank - 8th The D.C. dragons are in a similar position to Toronto in the sense of having an aging roster that has a window directly related to their goaltenders' imminent retirement. As of right now this season is D.C.’s last chance to build off of last season's championship. With most of last season’s roster back there’s no reason they can’t win it all again. We can also expect D.C. to be in the market for a number 2 or 3 defensemen. As of right now D.C. is the final North American team that is a lock for the playoffs and should be set for another solid season. 4 - Calgary Wranglers Forward Rank - 14th Defense Rank - 7th Goalie Rank - 1st Conference Rank - 5th League Rank - 10th The Calgary Wranglers are in a very unique spot, they have top players in nearly every position including the league best goalie and reigning MVP in Merome Dilson @MexicanCow123. However, Calgary has a bit of a drop off with their depth players. Brining in 2 depth forwards right before the season really helps, but we can look for Calgary to continue looking for another upgrade. Calgary should make the playoffs by all means, but do have some serious questions offensively. 5 - Vancouver Wolves Forward Rank - 7th Defense Rank - 4th Goalie Rank - 12th Conference Rank - 3rd League Rank - 7th Vancouver probably makes the playoffs this season, which is a huge step forward from season 92. Liv Slater @Subject056 has really come into their own, and aggressive trades in the offseason look like they will pay off. The main question mark with their roster comes with their goaltending as Dalkr Vidarsson @KaleebtheMighty is the lowest TPA off all the starting goalies on competing teams, they should improve quickly though in a season where the impact of goaltending is uncertain itself. 6 - Chicago Phoenix Forward Rank - 12th Defense Rank - 12th Goalie Rank - 11th Conference Rank - 6th League Rank - 12th Chicago is very much in the middle, not quite good enough to truly compete, but not bad enough to get a top pick (without lotto luck). Their saving grace this season could very well be their offensive depth, while they lack a top forward in the league, Yaroslav Trunov @qripll is coming off of a great season and will be looking to replicate what Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside did for Chicago only a few seasons ago. We can expect Chicago to be right around the playoff bubble all season and maybe even push one of the top teams out. 7 - Seattle Bears Forward Rank - 8th Defense Rank - 14th Goalie Rank - 15th Conference Rank - 7th League Rank - 13th This offseason left one question in everyone’s mind, why on earth did Henry Eagles @Greg_Di go to Seattle? While they do drastically impact their offensive outlook, the roster is far from ready to contend. The main issue for Seattle this season will more than likely be goaltending as while Giorgiy Costanzov @Mongoose87 does have a lot of potential they just aren’t quite there yet and don’t have the blue line in front of them to limit chances. Seattle will likely prove to be a trade partner for many of the teams looking to add a player or two, but they aren’t ready to compete for a playoff spot just yet, unless their offense and Eagles put the team on their back. 8 - Los Angeles Stars Forward Rank - 16th Defense Rank - 16th Goalie Rank - 14th Conference Rank - 8th League Rank - 16th After seasons of competing near the top of the league, a new era has begun in Los Angeles. All the players remaining from their previous core have been shipped off for futures. Matthew McCagg @Jack kidd may just play spoiler at some points this season, but Los Angeles is a lock for the bottom of their conference. European Conference 1- Helsinki Titans Forward Rank - 9th Defense Rank - 2nd Goalie Rank - 5th Conference Rank - 3rd League Rank - 5th Helsinki is back again this season, despite some losses due to retirements, Helsinki is still a formidable team and could very well turn some heads this season. Despite a bit of a drop off from their top two forwards to everyone else, Helsinki should be fine though with potential MVP Daryl Dixon, and Adi Dassler who should develop quickly throughout the season. Overall, Helsinki is in a very good position, but with their window starting to close the clock is ticking in Helsinki. 2 - London United Forward Rank - 3rd Defense Rank - 6th Goalie Rank - 2nd Conference Rank - 1st League Rank - 3rd London is back and with one big question this season; can Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ step up and replace Molly The Cat @JCarson? The answer to this is probably yes, however it is a tough loss for the United. Safe to say this season is London’s last kick at the can before a prolonged rebuild as Jesse Teno @aimkin will be retiring following this season. There is a silver lining there though as the franchises’ top goalie ever will continue to improve this season in what is their final push. 3 - Malmo Nighthawks Forward Rank - 5th Defense Rank - 1st Goalie Rank - 8th Conference Rank - 2nd League Rank - 4th Malmo comes into this season as probably the most well-rounded roster, almost every player would be a top 3 forward or top 2 D on most teams. With that being said the onus will be on Jacob Stone @scoop to carry this roster as the only elite player. In previous seasons goaltending has been a bit of a question mark, and the same thing could be an issue this time around, while Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro is coming off of a great S92, there is just a hint of uncertainty around goaltending at this moment. In all honesty any of these top 3 teams could finish first in the EU, and there is a fairly considerable gap down to 4th. 4 - Moscow Menace Forward Rank - 6th Defense Rank - 5th Goalie Rank - 10th Conference Rank - 4th League Rank - 6th Moscow is back again this season and is only better than they were last season where they finished 3rd in the conference. There is a good chance that given their rapid improvement that they could challenge one of the top three teams and maybe even top the conference by the end of the season. As of right now there is a considerable gap, but there’s no reason why Moscow can’t close it. As of right now Moscow is the 4th best team in the EU and the gap back to 5th is honestly massive. Moscow should comfortably make the playoffs. The future is really bright in Moscow, and with the rest of the conference nearing a rebuild, or currently in one, Moscow should run the EU for a good amount of time in the near future. 5 - Prague Phantoms Forward Rank - 10th Defense Rank - 11th Goalie Rank - 6th Conference Rank - 5th League Rank - 9th Prague is in a very interesting situation right now, their top 4 players are either retiring or a pending UFA, so similarly to London this season is cup or bust given the pending rebuild. Realistically Prague does have a good chance to do well this season, but they will need some aggressive roster moves to round out their roster with the best players available. Time will tell what happens in Prague, while their chances to make the playoffs are good, some trades will be needed before calling them a contender. 6 - Warsaw Predators Forward Rank - 11th Defense Rank - 13th Goalie Rank - 4th Conference Rank - 6th League Rank - 11th Warsaw could very well be the team to watch this season, they finally have the goaltending that they’ve needed for some time with Lachlan Summers @kirbithan, and their forwards are just hitting their prime. While their defense is still a little lackluster, Summers more than makes up for it. Similarly to Prague we can expect Warsaw to be a bit aggressive in the trade market as the two teams will likely compete for the final playoff spot. We have Warsaw behind Prague right now just due to the difference in top end talent, however, Prague’s lack of depth could end up being Warsaw’s gain. 7 - Riga Reign Forward Rank - 13th Defense Rank - 9th Goalie Rank - 13th Conference Rank - 7th League Rank - 14th Riga is comfortably the 7th best team in the European conference right now, with that being said don’t be surprised if they challenge for a playoff spot as all in all their roster is very solid and should improve fairly quickly over the course of the season. Riga’s bright spot right now is their defense, as they do have a very solid group led by Fradin McGryer @Fradin99 and Mina @Baozi. Red Panda @Lemorse7 will also be looking to improve this season and just maybe push Riga towards a playoff spot. 8 - HC Davos Dynamo Forward Rank - 15th Defense Rank - 15th Goalie Rank - 16th Conference Rank - 8th League Rank - 15th Similarly to Los Angeles, Davos is comfortably the worst team in the European Conference. David Jokinen and a forward group composed of rookie and sophomore players should lead to an interesting season, but this team will more than likely be in a close battle with LA for last.

Halifax, Nova Scotia - Canada With the VHLM draft taking place this past Saturday and free agency opening immediately afterward, rosters in the M began to take shape. For Lexie Leitner, a first time general manager who was recently named to the Halifax 21st front office, it was a busy but exciting weekend. Halifax added 10 new players with their draft selections, 1 new goalie by trade, and 2 new players so far through free agency. Following the weekend frenzy, I had the opportunity to chat with Leitner about the weekend and the state of the team going into Season 93. ༻❁༺ "Lexie, thank you for taking the time with us today and congratulations on the new job." "Thank you, Lauren, and it's my pleasure!" "So let's get right into it, you were named as the next GM of the Halifax 21st just over a week ago, how are you finding the new role? And maybe you could just talk me through your experience joining the team." "Sure, yeah, so far it's been a challenging but exciting job. With very little time between being named to the team and the VHLM draft, it was a bit of a chaotic week reaching out to draft eligibles, doing scouting reports, and getting prepared for our picks. Thankfully, I was lucky to have Will @Will3, our AGM, who has been a tremendous help in the scouting process and keeping up with the day-to-day management of the team. To be honest, I wasn't certain that I'd get this job-- being a little lighter on experience than some candidates-- and there was a chance I might have ended up in Mexico City since they were also looking for a GM, but when it was announced that I was named to Halifax, I was super excited for this opportunity and I really hope I can live up to expectations and bring success to the city and the organization." "It sounds like a lot of your focus so far has been on the draft and adding new players to your roster. What was your strategy going into the draft?" "Well, when I joined here, we already had a couple of 1st round picks and we were able to acquire a 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 7th by trade. My goal was simply to add good players and quality people to our roster right away to give us the best chance to compete this season. In our draft scouting, Will and I had identified a list of players who we really liked because of their on-ice skills and their draft interviews. Ideally, they checked both of those boxes for us. We're very happy with the players we were able to select and I think our roster is in a great place for the beginning of the season. Obviously, things will likely change in the coming days and weeks with more free agent signings and development, but I'm confident that our core is strong and we've got some great young prospects as well who are already making a name for themselves." "So you picked 2nd overall in this draft and it seemed like you were very quick to select Pierre Marc Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito. With your 6th overall pick, you surprised some people by selecting Andrew Skilton @ace_five_. Talk me through those two picks and how you came to decide on those two players with your important 1st round picks." “Both of these players interviewed very well and really exemplified the qualities we were looking for, you know, strong character, hard working, involved in the locker room, and competitive on the ice. With Bouchard, we really wanted to make sure we had a great number one center who could really stabilize our top line. He’s got great defensive sensibilities too so we know he can be relied on in all situations. And as for Skilton, we were just really impressed with his development leading up to the draft and I know he was on the radar of a few other teams. Sure, there’s an argument that he might have been available in the 2nd round, but we just didn’t want to risk missing out on a player who we are confident is going to be a strong player and leader for us this season.” “Your next two picks were at 12th and 13th overall, talk me through those selections.” “Yeah, we had a number of players on our list that were still available who we liked, but Novotny @Patrik Tallinder and Dogwood @dogwoodmaple were always the next two that we wanted. Novotny-- a little bit like Skilton-- had been really rising fast on draft boards and we were really impressed with his training during the offseason. His agent, is a known quantity around the VHL as well so we’re pretty confident what we’re getting with him. And Dogwood, similarly, really gave us a lot in his draft interview and was developing well during the offseason. In our scouting, we also found out that he’d played with Bouchard before so the thought was that reuniting them could spark some instant chemistry.” “So you then picked Tommy Shelby @Will at 22nd overall and had a long break before 43rd where you picked Connor Simard @Alex99. Were you also targeting those players? And were there any players in those early rounds that got away from you?” “Yeah, so it’s funny you should ask, actually, with both of those we had a player in mind that we really wanted to pick that was taken just before our selection, so we had to pivot our strategy a little bit here and even explored some possibilities to trade into the 4th round. Obviously, that didn’t happen. With Shelby at 22nd, he was a player we’d been targeting, but didn’t necessarily expect to be able to pick because of where our picks landed. With Shelby, we’re very confident in our center ice position now and that was certainly a priority for us because there were always likely to be more wingers available later on. And then with Simard, I was honestly shocked to see that he was still available at 43 so it was kind of a no-brainer for us because we needed a left winger and he’ll fit in perfectly with Bouchard and Dogwood on our top line.” “You didn’t make a trade into the 4th round, but you did trade away a goalie after selecting another one in the draft. What was the thinking around the pick and the trade?” “We viewed goaltending as a priority position for us this season so that’s why we traded for Wazinski @samthemancub before the draft. Going into the draft with two goalies, we always felt confident that we would never have to reach for one. At 46, we had the opportunity to take Jon Webber III @Webberj, who we were really high on from our draft interviews and scouting reports. So even though we already had two goalies that we liked, we saw it as an opportunity to add some value in the crease and made the pick. After that, it was really about just becoming compliant with the VHLM roster rules allowing only 2 goalies. On a personal level, it is difficult to trade away a good player and we wish Cavill @Firekiss all the best in Vegas.” “And so your last three picks in the draft were Dorji Khan @Oddpurplefly, Ty Duke @TheDuke, and Robert Tango @trains. What can you tell us about those selections?” “With this draft, we knew that there would be hidden talent to be had all the way into the 7th round so it really kind of became a matter of selecting players who we see as being capable of developing over the course of the season. Khan, in particular, we had done some scouting on and liked the potential we saw there. With Duke and Tango, we add another player at the center position who has plenty of room to grow and a right winger with some versatility that may help us on special teams.” “When the draft ended, free agency opened up and Halifax managed to sign a couple of players. What were you looking for with those signings and how are those players doing so far?” “Yeah, we were absolutely thrilled to sign Robin Sierra @ethanjaeda who has been putting in some great work off the ice to get his game to another level. He’s also been awesome in the locker room as well so we’re really happy with the early returns on him. And Captain Nugget Jr. @Captain nugget comes into the lineup with some real skill and finishing ability on the right side and really has the potential to be an impact player in our lineup this season.” “Right now, it seems that there is one hole on the roster as it’s currently constructed, and that is at defense on the second pairing. What are your plans to address this need?” “Ideally, we would be able to find someone in free agency or on waivers that we could bring in right away, but at the moment it’s just not looking like that player is out there. We’re also exploring some potential trade targets and if the right deal presents itself, we’re definitely open to making a move. It’s a balance between wanting to give ourselves the best chance to win this year, but also not leaving ourselves too depleted for the future, so the deal would have to make sense. I guess we’ll see what happens in time, though I’m confident that the players we have are capable of compensating for that with extra minutes right now.” “Finally, looking around the league, which teams do you think will be the biggest challenge to compete with on the ice?” “Well, I think Ottawa had a great draft. I know they managed to grab a few players that we liked so I think our scouting probably revealed some similar things. They’ve also got a pretty complete roster as well, so they’ll have the depth to get out to a good start early on. Saskatoon and Houston, I think, will also be good this season. Saskatoon just had a ton of picks and I think they got some great talent on that roster as well, and Houston– I mean, I just can’t count out @AJW as he’s got a knack for finding great players on waivers and in free agency so we’ll see what he can cook up this season.” “Okay, one more quick question before I let you go because you mentioned AJW and waiver signings. Last season, Lucy Leitner was a waiver signing for the Houston Bulls and was selected 3rd overall in the VHL draft by Riga, and 2nd overall by Vasteras in the VHLE. For those who may not know, what’s your relation to Lucy?” “Yeah! So Lucy is my cousin. It was really cool seeing her get drafted so high and it’ll be fun to see how she does in Vasteras this season. It would have been kind of cool to be a VHLM GM while she was still playing in this league, but who knows, maybe there will be an opportunity down the road to compete against one another. Anyway, I’m really happy for her.” “Great! Well, thank you for your time and best of luck to you and the 21st this season.” “Thanks, Lauren.” ༻❁༺ With the first games of Season 93 in the VHLM happening today, Halifax will take on the Ottawa Lynx in back-to-back games. In what may become a real rivalry in the Eastern Conference this season, Halifax and Ottawa will both want to claim victory first and start their seasons off on the right foot. It’s a great opportunity for both teams to see how they measure up against one another and it’s sure to be an exciting night of action. Notes: I’ll be writing a bi-weekly column on the Halifax 21st this season called Pier 21 so keep an eye out for those if you’re interested in following the story of the 21st this season. Game updates: Halifax took game 1 of the season against Ottawa by a score of 2-1 in a shootout, but fell in the second game of the back-to-back, 6-2. Lauren Lambert for VHL.com 03/24/24 - 2044 words 04/07/24 - 2nd claim

Flying over the Atlantic to start my career in the VHL Europe league I was very nervous. When I got to Oslo, Norway and my lodging for my Europe career it finally set in that I made it up a level in the journey to the VHL. Once I arrived, the staff for the Storm helped get me situated as well as showed me the facilities as well as places of interest around the area. I had made sure to come early so I could explore Oslo more to get a lay of the area and just enjoy. Going into the offseason from VHL Minors, I worked on shoring up my defensive skills as well as puck handling. I did a lot of skating around the rink trying to get better at my motions so I can adjust on the fly better during a game. I also did some strength training to help take hits and keep the puck in my possession so I can keep the play going for the team. I have no expectations for this season, my goal is to learn as much as possible from my teammates and other players in the league. I had a good season in VHL Minors, and I do want to continue it but I understand that this isn’t the minors anymore and the talent level is even better. I would like to average at least half a point a game this season, maybe even get enough to finish top 5 in points for all defensemen. Even if I don’t achieve those as long as I learn and keep improving my game and myself the season will be a success in my book. For the team, we have a talented group of players anchored by the #1 pick of the VHL draft Antonia Bucatini. Antonia Bucatini as well as Chris Reynolds Jr and Miner vHLer, a great leader in the locker room, join me from the VHL Minors from the team I was on, Houston Bulls. I believe the talented group of players the Storm has assembled will work well together and we can get the Storm back to the VHL Europe playoffs and hopefully a chance for the championship. In my mind if we give it our all then we can’t be ashamed of however the season goes. I am excited to play against my fellow teammates in VHL Minors as well. On top of that I and two other defensemen have entered a little rivalry on who will score the most points this season between the three of us. Lucy Leitner (@LucyXpher), Gul Dukat (@MSouthworth), and I decided that we will rank each other in Hits, Shots Blocked, and Points. Whoever has the best average ranking will be declared the Top Amigo of the Trio. It is almost time to get ready and have some fun. Going to be a great season.

It's a tad off with the video and audio but only a second, maybe less. Enjoy my lookback at what I accomplished with Jesse. Thank you to everyone who supported me and Jesse over their career. I truly appreciate it.

Player Information Username: RileyL Player Name: Boris Bone-Breaker Recruited From: Returning Age: 29 Position: D Height: 78 in. Weight: 238 lbs. Birthplace: Russia Player Page @VHLM GM

Maybe an idea for a third jersey rather than a complete rebrand. Anyways, hope you like it.

For no other reason than because foxes are my favorite animal and Halifax is the VHLM team I'm most involved with, I introduce to you the Halifax Foxes! For anyone who might think this is serious, let me be clear, it's not. I think that the reference to Pier 21 in the Halifax 21st name is an amazing moniker for a VHLM team and I have no serious reason to suggest it change... but we can have fun here, and that was the goal when I put together this rebrand-- and it's not like Foxes aren't native to Nova Scotia, right? *Google confirms they are!* In any case, here are the jerseys! Home Away Alternate I'm not the biggest fan of the diagonal wordmark (unless it's the New York Rangers), but I didn't have an alternate logo to use and it looked decent enough with the gradient so I decided to stick with it. Let me know what you think and why the Halifax Foxes should never exist. And what other names would suit Halifax as a VHLM team? Foxes as a Vancover Wolves minor league affiliate anyone? ༻❁༺ Claimed for 04/14/24 theme week (rebrand)

Imagine being from Boston. Your city is big, important, and historically relevant. You're in a crowd of some of the most passionate sports fans around. You love a good bowl of clam chowder and you find it a little bit charming that you can sometimes tell who's your neighbor by listening to the way that they talk. It's a much better existence than that dump over in New York, where the people sound funny, the Giants fans won't stop reminding you of what Eli Manning did to the Pats, and don't even get you started on their idea of pizza! But what's to stop them from feeling the same sort of pride in themselves and the same sort of derision towards you? After all, you sound funny to them, the helmet catch was pretty sweet, and maybe living in a heavily Italian area has given some people a pretty good idea of how to make a pie. It's obvious to most on either side who take the time to think about it that all these things are silly, but that doesn't even stop lots of people who think it's silly to think that way from doing so regardless. I've seen this come up in the VHL time and time again over the years, which will make this a perfect intro to at least one other article I have lined up, but here it shall fit as I'm doing my best to put things in chronological order. My first experience with VHL tribalism came not long after I signed up. I distinctly remember one of my very first questions in the Bulls server being related to team rivalries and who I should write articles about--which led to me writing some of the anti-Halifax pieces I alluded to in my last article--but something a little more serious than friendly rivalry between @Rin and @McWolf was more serious conflict that arose between the VHLM's two expansion franchises that season, boiled over into personal issues between members, and had effects that persisted for seasons longer than they should have. Anyone who was around at the time is probably aware that I'm talking about Houston and Philadelphia and the conflict between Sonnet and inaugural Reapers GM @BladeMaiden. I'm going to stay out of anything personal related to this because I feel that isn't quite my story to tell, but I think there was a lot to sort out from the perspective of the players themselves. The expansion teams in S65 had quite a bit in common that would naturally lead to competition. They were led by very active first-time GMs with one or two seasons of VHL experience, they started with similar assets, and they both featured team servers that were among the most active the league has ever had to offer. VHLM expansion then was symbolic of a whole lot more than just having more teams--the league had just started to boom, its then-largest-ever draft class had just opened the floodgates, and everyone was out to prove that they were important in this whole sea of newness. And where most teams were active and built their identities on positively representing themselves to the wider community, Houston and Philly were really active and got there by hating each other. In my almost-30 seasons in the VHL, I've never seen anything like it and I've really never seen anything close. Both teams were full of first-gens (hello to fellow S65 Bull @Grape!) and the bad thing about that, if someone chooses to manipulate it, is that first-gens are super impressionable. I'm unfamiliar with how things got started in the way they did. All I know is that not long after I'd joined the team, I'd read through some really nasty exchanges on the forums, been snapped at a few times myself with not much reason, and heard a lot secondhand. Beyond just whatever GM conflict there may have been, the players were heavily involved. In Houston, we were never mobilized to join in arguments, nor were we ever told what to think (something that I don't think could have been said the same both ways. @FrostBeard has a great thread covering the Reapers' side of things that also happens to explain a lot about some of the interactions I remember having with people I'd have no reason to dislike normally). That said, we certainly had enough exposure to the situation that we knew what to think anyway and were often fueled by the need to do what we thought was necessary to defend our team. I remember being part of some Discord arguments. I remember being angry at some forum topics that should have had nothing to do with me. And you know what? It probably helped keep me active. I had people in Houston that I considered my friends and I wanted to see them treated right. I wasn't about to walk away from that situation. People who played for the Reapers probably felt the same way, and though my perspective is probably biased, it seemed absolutely insane how deep that ran. I remember multiple occasions when I saw one person fighting with someone else--and within a few minutes, that amped itself up into three or four. I don't believe any of the worst offenders there are still in the league, and I also can't say I'm disappointed by that. What I am disappointed by is some of the negative fallout that caused for some. I talked to a handful of people at the time who felt that they were treated very unfairly, and I remember a particularly unpleasant experience had by one of our active first-gens that he later cited as a major reason why he left the league altogether. Were this only a GM problem, it would be one thing. But players came to believe that being part of the problem equated to being part of things in general, and some who wanted to be important got sucked too far into that. It was also a shame that it led me to think negatively of some people who played for the Reapers (Frost is one example, but I can think of others) who weren't even part of the problem. I'm sure that some people also associated me negatively with the Bulls. And there was no reason why that should have been the case--former S65 Reapers like @McLovin and fellow Buffalo expat @DMaximus are people I genuinely like and people who I've never seen trying to fight anyone. But that sort of thing was hard to see in the moment when I saw others who I won't name coming after my GM and teammates simply for existing. It's something that I never hope to see again in the VHL and it's a problem that I'm glad to say our current group of GMs never has. It also happened to be something that was on my mind quite a bit in my first VHL season, enough so that there has to be some way that it shaped my course as a member. I think it made me realize early on that GMs are only human and that not every person I met online is worth my time and effort in stressing about. But do you know what else I learned? I had enough fun anyway that I learned that that's OK. Read my other articles for the full Gustav experience: #1: Lightning Glory Gonna Be My Name

@dogwoodmaple

It's roughly the midpoint of the season which means soon I will be putting up the HOF ballot up for BOG discussion. Most of you will see the results of that discussion and vote in around a month or so when the induction is announced in the off-season. Anyway, I like to use this time to look ahead at who currently playing might be joining the ballot after their retirement and on this occasion will share the (not particularly detailed) thought process. S85 draftees: John Jameson @Frank and Jesse Teno @aimkin are slam dunk Hall of Famers in my mind, perhaps even both first ballot entries. Teno has the two utterly dominant playoff runs in S88 and S92, plus a league-best regular season in S91 in between, and an overall consistent body of work dragging London to becoming an elite franchise. Jameson maybe had less trophies than expected, but is on track for a fourth 100-point season, has been ever-present in the Boulet conversation and also has transformed a middling franchise in Prague. Doubt anyone else from S85 makes it. S86: The Frenchman's @OrbitingDeath case is gathering pace, having won his first championship and individual trophy last season and likely adding to that in S93. Lachlan Summers @kirbithan is in the same boat as Teno, maybe needs another strong season to be slam dunk but has done enough for the ballot. Time is running out for the rest of the draft class and too early to tell for anyone younger.

Life as the GM of the Mexico City Kings – Trade talks As I noted at the beginning of the season, I am going to do a series of media spots about the ongoing thoughts I have related to being a first season GM. Up to now I have covered the offseason prep for the draft and then how I progressed through the draft itself. Originally, I thought that I would do my media spot this week on the ongoing drama of the waiver system, from following new players coming into the league to building a waiver pitch, to the frustration of watching players leave immediately after creating. It was set to be a dramatic piece filled with angst and frustration. But then early this afternoon another situation came up and I thought this might be a good topic to discuss while it was occurring. Now to protect individual teams and players I am not going to name anyone. And as I write this we are not extremely far into discussion and potentially nothing could happen but the beginning of trade talks have started. Now for those who don’t know I am going to give you a small glimpse behind the secret curtain. The VHLM GM have a private chat group on discord where we talk about several things, mainly asking the commissioners to clarify rules. However, this afternoon one of the GM noted that they had player(s) that they may consider trading. They provided reasoning which I am not going to share but let me reassure everyone it had nothing to do with the individual player(s). Looking to find a way to improve my roster and help secure a playoff position, I looked at the player(s) and thought there may be some potential as long as I didn’t have to give up too much. So, I reached out to the GM and a DM conversation started. Now I will fully admit that it is about how far things have gone so everything I am going to discuss are my thoughts. The first conundrum with trade talk is how do you evaluate players. More importantly how do you evaluate a player who at any time could become inactive and may not be on your team at the end of the season? How do you evaluate someone who is not fully developed? Then how do you evaluate what you may be willing to give for today without mortgaging the next season? The second conundrum is how do you position yourself in your first inter GM conversation, how do you build a reputation of being a fair but tough trade partner? Honestly, you don’t want the reputation of being a push over, but you also don’t want the reputation of being a jerk. How do you get the most, pay the least but gain respect in the process? All I know is that there are so many variables at play, and I can’t know for sure what is going to happen, but I can suggest that there is a unique level of excitement in the process. You will have to wait to find out what happens if anything.

I once again find myself in the middle of tax season grasping for these moments when I have some time to sit down and write for the VHL. As I wrote in my article yesterday, nothing comes to mind anymore besides updating Jesse’s weekly stats and how I feel about their performance. And there are only so many ways I can do it without becoming repetitive. I think that’s also a downside of being a goalie. Only so much comes down to your performance when we all know that forwards and defensemen are just as equally the reason for a win or loss. Sure, sometimes it comes down to someone pulling off a hat trick or a goalie managing a shutout or OT/shutout win, but for the majority, we all know the stats are the runner of the numbers. All that to say that it’s hard to build a story week after week when the player is approaching the end of their career. How many times can I type that Jesse is surprised by a win or disappointed in a loss? I feel like Fs and Ds sometimes have a bit of an easier time since they can talk more specifics like goals, fights, ice time, etc.. With Jesse being the starter for all but one season, I can’t even fabricate drama with a backup goalie coming in and taking their spot. Sometimes I wish it was easier to write a good story for Jesse. And while I am going to miss them when they retire and move on, I’m really excited to start all over again. The idea of being able to build a character from the ground up. Their personality, their family, their story. It’s all fresh and new and I can try different approaches. Maybe the next one will be a cocky asshole who becomes a heel within the VHL. Or maybe I’ll stick with the really like personality that seems to make Jesse really likeable amongst most members. Or, perhaps, my next player will land in the middle. Maybe they’ll be kind and caring to friends and teammates but a real thorn in the side of anyone who gets in their way. Who knows. From writing in general in the past, I know that characters take on a mind of their own the more you write them so I suppose I’ll have to see where the next one takes me when I write up their bio. So while on the subject, I’m trying to decide if I want to go goalie again or make a defensemen. I was talking with Kirby yesterday who agreed that it almost seems too hard of a pivot to go from goalie to forward when it’s your first recreate. The transition just seems too severe. Maybe my third player I’ll feel different but for now, I’ll stick to the defensive side of the ice. I’ve decided that I’ll wait and see if there is a drought for either when the TDL comes and I’ll probably make my decision off of that. Yes, I know I just complained that being a goalie makes me feel limited in what I have to talk about but at the same time, I kind of love the position. There’s something that feels good about being that last line of defense for a team. It’s also easier to be competitive since there are so many less of us. I don’t know. I suppose I’ll see what happens and go from there. As for the name and render? Well, you’ll just have to wait and see. I’m keeping that close to my chest and I’m hoping it’s going to be a great surprise for everyone. I’m sad to see Jesse go soon, but I’m excited to recreate. 629 words for week ending 3/31/2024

VSN Presents: S93 Weekly Predictions Due to the league not paying the bills this week, these predictions are a bit later than normal but as you read through understand that some of the stats are three days old and some a bit newer due to not being able to collect them all at the same time. I will have more time in the coming weeks so should be able to produce these Predictions/reviews a bit faster and should also be able to produce a bit different coverage of the VHL than the past two season so watch for some new articles coming in the next few weeks. Thanks for understanding and hopefully you enjoy the read. Current Standings: Standings Record Points Last Wk Prediction Last Wk 1. D.C. Dragons 7-3-0 14pts (7-3-0) 4th North American 2. Toronto Legion 7-3-0 14pts (7-3-0) 2nd North American 3. Chicago Phoenix 6-3-1 13pts (6-3-1) 7th North American 4. Seattle Bears 6-4-0 12pts (6-4-0) 6th North American 5. New York Americans 4-3-3 11pts (4-3-3) 1st North American 6. Vancouver Wolves 5-5-0 10pts (5-5-0) 3rd North American 7. Calgary Wranglers 4-6-0 8pts (4-6-0) 5th North American 8. Los Angeles Stars 1-9-0 2pts (1-9-0) 8th North American Next Week Predictions: 1. Defending Champions are showing that they are for real or is that the real deal? The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath (12-12-24pts) continue to domintate the league and Mark Calaway @Beketov(6-12-18pts) was happy being over looked at the awards last season and clearly has a goal to claim at least one this season. Henry Tucker Jr @NSG(2.32ga & 0.930%) showing that the old man still has some life left in his old bones. D.C. Dragons continue to roll and should maintain first in the North American conference. 2. If the Dustin Funk was to be award at this point of the season say hello to Walter Fitzroy Jr @Moon (1-18-19pts), who has clearly found his step this season. Joel Castle @animal74 (2.47ga & 0.925%) continue to carry the Legion as Toronto is playing a strong team game at the moment. No reason to drop them this week but they might need to watch over their shoulder as New York is coming fast. 3. New York will try to keep up with the two top team if they have any chance at winning the conference. Has Jasper Davis @Josh (4-14-18pts) re-found his S91 form? WWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWW @rory (2.19ga & 0.940%) show that his rookie season was a fluke and New York should make up ground and move up to at least 3rd this week. 4. Yaroslav Trunov @qripll (9-12-21pts) is trying to drag the Phoenix out of the ashes and should keep them within the playoff if he can keep this pace. Lionel Collberg @Masu Chan (0-16-16pts) is currently having a breakout season and showing that he will be a star defender for season to come but I still have Chicago falling back this week as I think they struggle to play five hundred hockey this week. 5. Rookie Superstar Logan Ninefingers @Scurvy (2-3-5pts) continue to struggle to adapt to the VHL but luckily for Vancouver they add veteran forwards to carry the team as Left Alone @okochastar (10-13-23pts) has been caring the team on his aging back. Vancouver needs all their rookie firing on all cylinders or they will continue to spin their wheels. Five hundred hockey continues until they can figure it out but they should jump rival Seattle this week as it will remain close between Vancouver, Calgary, Chicago and Seattle. 6. Calgary seems to be the same team as last season but worse, if that is possible, well, they did trade most of their roster away during the off-season. Either way Calgary is hunting for goals as Catia Goncalves @cLoWn (4-8-12pts) and Raimo Tuominen @SlapshotWrangler (7-5-12pts) led the team at only a point per game pace. Luckily for Calgary they are getting above average goaltending from Merome Dilson @MexicanCow123 (2.42ga & 0.938%) ; the understatement of the season. Calgary should continue to play around five hundred hockey but don`t make up much ground. 7. Seattle Bears are currently led by Oreo McFleury @JB123 (9-13-22pts), Henry Eagles @Greg_Di(9-11-20pts) and Severus Targaryen @Banackock (6-11-17pts). Questions around the teams goaltender seems be ready to set the team back as Rookie Giorgiy Costanzov @Mongoose87 (3.68ga & 0.899%) has been having a tough time transitioning to the league and should see the Bears fall back this week in the standings should this continue. 8. Rebuild is about to get ugly as I have Los Angeles running off a rather impressively bad record this week and will be lucky to win a game. Very hard to say anything about a team that I think a VHLE team could most likely beat at the moment. Current Standings: Standings Record Points Last Wk Prediction Last Wk 1. Moscow Menace 7-4-0 14pts (7-4-0) 1st European Conference 2. Warsaw Predators 7-3-0 14pts (7-3-0) 5th European Conference 3. Prague Phantoms 6-2-2 14pts (6-2-2) 6th European Conference 4. Malmo Nighthawks 6-3-0 12pts (6-3-0) 4th European Conference 5. Helsinki Titans 6-4-0 12pts (6-4-0) 3rd European Conference 6. London United 4-4-2 10pts (4-4-2) 2nd European Conference 7. Riga Reign 4-5-1 9pts (4-5-1) 7th European Conference 8. HC Davos Dynamo 0-9-1 1pts (0-9-1) 8th European Conference Next Week Predictions: 1. Prague is simply rolling through most teams offensively as only two players as of writing are not at a point per game pace. Prague not surprisingly are led by John Jameson @Frank (12-16-28pts) and Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide (13-13-26pts) with new comer Skor McFleury @Alex (4-17-21pts) clearly returning to form as I expected. Add in amazing goaltending for Matt Murdock @Acydburn(2.26ga & 0.943%) and you have a team that won`t be losing too many games in the near future at least. Weird to say Prague will move up when really they tied for 1st last week so I have them either moving into sole first place or staying tied with Malmo Nighthawks (spoilers). 2. Malmo doesn`t really have a player that really stands out as Star and the stats don`t really lie as Phillip Rave @tcookie(9-8-17pts) leds the offense for the Nighthawks and a goaltender that real has been only been serviceable in Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro (2.76ga & 0.905%) So how are they still ranked 2nd in the tough European Conference? Malmo Nighthawks is probably the most complete team in the league with depth through out the line-up and don`t rely on star power to win games. While this come back to hurt them a later in the season? I don`t know but for now they should continue their winning ways. 3. London continues to heavily relay on Jesse Teno @aimkin (2.35ga & 0.931%) and the offensive duel of Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ (9-19-28pts) and Leonard Triller @Triller (7-13-20pts). The aging team continues to show that London will be a playoff team again this season but the question I guess on everyone lips; is this the last season before London needs to get younger or enter a long rebuild? London did complete a trade this week to get young by trading for Alexandros Mograine @sliceruser giving up a second to Moscow and should join the team as yearly as next season. This week I have London third but could be putting pressure on the top two teams by the end of the week. 4. Moscow Menace have a tough schedule this week and I am not sure what really to make of it at the moment as it is too early in the season so I have Moscow splitting a lot of the games playing around five hundred but if continue to get solid goaltending from Olober Syko @Spartan (2.48ga & 0.916%) and continuing to play solid; as team as only two players are below a point per game pace similar to Malmo; Moscow might surprise everyone and finish higher up in the standing this week. Jarmo Ruutu @jRuutu (5-17-22pts) led the offense for the Menace with three or four players only three or four point back. (Axle Gunner @Steve, David Rashford @Knight, Obuz Schneider Canet du Bocage @Grape, George Richmond @badcolethetitan and Jeff Lewis @nerji) 5. Helsinki Titans are struggling at both ends of the ice at the moment as they are near the bottom of the league is goal scoring and while closer to mid table in goals against; this feels like it has more to do with Fuukka Rask @Jubis (3.16ga & 0.918%) than the team overall. Almost equal goals for and goals against usually means a five hundred record and that is what I am predicting for the Titans this week; boosted by HC Davos coming to town btw. Daryl Dixon @Ricer13 (10-12-22pts) and Owen Lazaro @traphag (7-14-21pts) continue to lead the offense but Helsinki needs to find some secondary scoring. Also of note YaBoi Oven @Doomsday (5-15-20pts) has also taken a huge step this season and might end up in the conversation for the Dustin Funk by season end. 6. The Predators are hunting again and that is largely thanks to new goaltender Lachlan Summers @kirbithan (2.61ga & 0.934%) allowing the team to cheat more towards the offensive side of the puck with Maxim Anisimov @McLovin (12-16-28pts), King Kisslinger @Kisslinger (6-18-24pts) and Thor Reingaard @N0HBDY (8-13-21pts) ripping a part the other teams defensively. Similar to other teams down fighting for a wildcard spot I have concerns about secondary scoring and this keeps Warsaw playing just around five hundred hockey. If they can pull off a few upsets in close games they can easily be as high as maybe fourth or fifth, but I also feel it is just a matter of time before this team fall off the back of the other teams in Europe. 7. Young Riga is clearly not ready to make the playoff this season but the Reign will continue to make life tough for any team that takes them lightly. Shubham Anand @Will3 (11-14-25pts) is clearly having a career season and Eric White Jr @Mysterious_Fish (8-14-22pts) looks more comfortable in his second full season in the VHL. Riga biggest issue at the moment is defensively as we would have liked to see Mina @Baozi (1-4-5pts) and Red Panda @Lemorse7 (3.60ga & 0.915%) take a larger step this season but that simply hasn`t happened. 8. When your team consists of six players in total and two are VHLE caliber; it is really hard to find any bright spots to take about but rookie James MacAvoy @Enraged (4-12-16pts) was one of them as he was second in Rookie scoring at the end of first week. Does he stay there? No, I don`t think so as this feels more like a boost of due to playing time as in a cruel fate he can play a full sixty minutes, if the team wasn`t force to dress some fans or staff members to give the poor players a bit of a rest. Maybe a single win this week if they can upset someone but I would place any money on it. Final Thought: Six for sixteen in the first week isn`t that good but isn`t that bad right? 37.5% correct so I take it as the first weeks are always the hardest to predict since we have no visual data and points/standings tend to stay close. So hopefully the tends become clear and the teams start to break away from each other a bit more but I also don`t think that will happen too much since European Conference clearly has five teams fighting for the playoff with Warsaw looking to make it tough on anyone and sneak into the conversation. We are starting to see a bit of split in the North American conference with three teams clear at the top but it is leaving four teams fighting for the final two playoff spots. It could be a great season of unpredictability, which is good for the league but very bad for me the predictor of the weekly standings.

CALGARY - “It feels so good to have them on the wings again. It was a pleasant surprise to see them acquire Catia Goncalves prior to last season and prior to this season they acquire Kyle Toms. I was convinced that I’d have to wait long in my career until the possibility of them becoming Wranglers opened up. Glad I didn’t have to wait as long as I thought.” Raimo was all smiles at practice as the newly formed “first line” got their first laps together. They caught up with Kyle Toms, who had come over from Prague. These three can’t seem to escape each other and Raimo couldn’t be gladder. “Catia was also a Houston Bull but only the season before I came in. Kyle and I played together on the Bulls for a season. Kyle was always a great teammate and an excellent goal scorer. Then after the season, I heard that I was going to be drafted by Oslo. And then to my surprise, Kyle also ended up being there. I met Catia at the JST and the WJC and we seemed to click there. Then poof! Catia was also in Oslo. I was eventually traded to Rome and had a slightly rough time there but we were a deep team.” Fate would catch up with them once more. “I was very very shocked at the Catia acquisition considering she was just with Riga. Kyle was also a sneaky good pick up. I hope we can recreate the chemistry we showed in Oslo. What surprised me the most is that I never talked to the GM about acquiring them but… the GM still chose on his own to get them. It is almost magical.”

The season has begun, and Vancouver’s young rookie Logan Ninefingers has struggled to say the least. In six games the powerful youngster has only tallied two goals and is a -5 as the young team tries to battle nightly. So what is the problem? We caught up with Logan and here is what he had to say. Reporter: “Hey Logan. It’s been a tough start to the season for you and the Vancouver Wolves thus far. What do you think is the problem.” Logan: “Well for me it’s just nerves, I think. I am playing against tougher talent and maybe I am gripping the stick just too tight right now. I need to be better defensively first and let the offense come. As for the team, I think its just a matter of playing with each other a bit and figuring out what works. Were a young team and nobody really has played together yet.” Reporter: “How do you think the rest of the season plays out for you? Its early and there is so much talent on this club, do you think you can turn it around in Vancouver?” Logan: “Well… I think there is so much talent on this club that we will for sure turn it around. Riley @Smarch, Guntis @Girts, and VVC @Dom are so damn good, added to the veteran talent on this club it will click, and we will be a menace for any team we play against. Reporter: “Thank you Logan and best of luck this season.” Logan: “Thank you. And a huge shoutout to the fans in Vancouver for being patient. We promise you better as we earn and learn to play together. We all want to hoist a Cup at some point here. Go Wolves!”