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10 Years... I was 23 when I first started. I was 3rd year university, playing a lot of video games, playing World of Warcraft and banging the ex during that time in the empty classrooms of ICT. At this time I was also still playing other forum based games like Star Wars Combine, a Stargate rpg, and a bunch of other simulated hockey games like Metroho. I had plenty of time, a laptop and the ability to sleep only 2-3 hours a day so playing VHL was a cinch back then. Plus I was able to do it during class as well (likely a contributing factor to some lower grades). Many of these activities I've dropped now but I've still stayed here at VHL. My activity has waned since those early days but mostly because i find writing such a chore now. So what I'd like to write about today is in regards to the things I've been thankful for the VHL for and why I've stayed as long as I have here. The Community ~ This has been talked about time and time again I think and it is the VHL usually compared to other sim leagues about community. VHL isn't as big as the SHL or some of the other ones I've taken part in for short stints but that hasn't been a bad thing for me honestly. One of the major contributing factors for me to be here is the community of veterans and people I've been around here and for the most part I like them. Even the guys that leave and come back like Anderson (if thats even his name), and Robbie have alot of value to me. They make it interesting here, whether it is the drama or the nonsense that guys like them drive. There are just all sorts at the VHL but what I have noticed is that I feel people actually like being here and chatting with others. Sure some of it is because they want to troll each other or argue (DTF) or whatever you call it but it reminds me of when i play hockey. At the end of the day outside of VHL (or the ice rink), everything is ok. You don't carry your baggage outside I hope and let it affect you negatively. The Escape ~ A lot of times I just sit on chat (lately not as much since i've been hanging out on discord servers doing the same thing now) and just chatting up random topics. For those that know me, I have some oft radical positions on things that come up in the spur of the moment conversations in chat most times. I have to say at first i was happy the new chat rooms but i just don't find myself drawn to them as before. I have to say even my fantasy hockey league on discord offers better chats there lately and hopefully its just a dry spell. But otherwise the escape for me here was really that i can share alot of discussions with people here on topics I would normally not get to discuss since well, I am slightly odd or radical in my approach to things. But again this has been great to have as an option and especially back in the last 10 years, I've spent countless hours in chat just talking about things aimlessly to pass time. Its Easy ~ I know some people are really against it but my position has been that welfare and the ability to make an decent character in VHL with less than hardcore effort has been a driving force in keeping me here while I may have left all those years back. Yes the welfare system has been a great benefit to me while I only write articles on special occasions or just when I feel like it. Yet my player can still have an impact on the league. Granted I do usually stay PT active in my pre-draft year but as people notice, I'm always really around to collect on freebies. I'm ok not being a star player and being a 2nd line guy. I did notice when I was at SHL the same things were not afford to me unfortunately. Indescribable Feelings ~ Soaring tumbling...free wheeling...actually not quite sure but I've treated VHL as just a daily part of my routine now. Lot of it stems from being able to access VHL from work of course which plays a large role. But really there is also something I can't put my finger on...brotherhood? Nostalgia? Or perhaps simply its I've spent so much time here that I really don't want to have to give it up unless its for a really good reason. I feel like the moment I leave, unless the world is crashing down on VHL, that I'm going to miss something. Whatever is the case though, I'm still here. For how much longer? Not quite sure. But I'm here as long as it is viable and I can continue to “play”. So why not? Cheers to VHL 10 years!

Wedding is finally done and over with. Heading to Italy for the next few weeks if anyone is wondering what happened to me Cheerio! (PS Kel is the new Brampton GM and yes I'll probably have to pension TPE haha)

The Next Ones www.VHLHockeyNews.com The Brampton Blades, since the arrival of GM Terence Fong, have yet to miss the playoffs and as a result have turned into quite the machine for developing prospects for the VHL. Utilizing a system of rotating players into the system and playing them to their strengths and instructing them on their weaknesses to address, many Blades alumni have since gone on to the VHL in large roles. Today we take a look at some of the other players in the Brampton pipeline that may possibly become the next big stars in the VHL. Maxime Perron Prior to the deadline trade that sent the Brampton star center to the Oslo Storm, Perron was absolutely tearing up the VHLM to the tune of 82 points in 50 games, leading Brampton in all offensive categories. Big time intangibles and scoring skill marked this forward, whom many questioned in prior years as being nothing more than a depth player. A late round pick by Brampton, GM Fong has recently told press that Perron was one of the most impressive prospects in growth that he has seen in a long time. Perron is projected to be a top six forward in the near future, his continued growth trend could see him be a first line center in a few years down the road as well since he is still considered fairly raw but with loads of potential. Zach Parechkin Recently signed and acquired off waivers, the Brampton Blades have taken a special interest in the Canadian winger whom projects to be a top six at the VHL level. Despite only entering the VHLM recently, Parechkin has adjusted to the team style effortlessly and exploded onto the scene of the junior league. With 27 points in 15 games, it is clear that Parechkin’s offensive talent is unmeasurable. Still eligible for the VHLM draft in the coming season, GM Fong expects that he will be a highly sought after commodity both in the VHLM draft and the VHL draft. Envisioned as a speedy sniper with quick hands and a heavy shot, the left wing prospect could bust into the top 5 of the draft in the near future. Mathieu Baptiste The words to describe Mathieu are strong, powerful and with amazing vision. That is the package that comes with Baptiste in what is projected in the long term as strong offensive center. Considered extremely raw at this point, Brampton scouts like the tools and mindset of the big center likening him to Dallas Stars Jamie Benn. Technique in skating and attention to detail will be priority improvements for Baptiste, but he will have the next season in the VHLM to work on his game. When all is said and done, Baptiste projects as a top line center, though there are some concerns that he could fall in the VHL draft if his skating does not improve enough along with his other skills. In his limited action with the Blades, Baptiste has shown he has the vision and craft to play a larger role next season along with his ability to win key draws for his team. Baptiste is expected to be a top line forward in the VHLM in the coming year. Lars Siktanc Siktanc is all about potential. Everything about him currently is either raw or underdeveloped but in his limited action with Brampton, has shown the brilliance of a star calibre player. It is only a matter of time GM Fong thinks, before he breaks out of his shell. With 12 points in 15 games, Siktanc is as inconsistent as they come, one moment he will dazzle and the next moment disappoint. One thing is for certain, and that his when he is on his game, he is as deadly as any star player in the VHL. The massive potential will be his main attraction as any team that chooses him either in the VHLM or VHL will be looking at needing to see him develop for a season or two and work on keeping his play consistent throughout an entire game. A longer term project with massive reward is what Siktanc brings to the table. Tune in next week to see some long shots from Brampton. These are the players that could make or break a franchise as getting good picks in the late rounds is how a team builds the foundation of a dynasty.

Firing Fong will be Questioned in Davos Forever www.VHLHockeyNews.com It is something that will forever be questioned in the history of the VHL. Long time coach of the Davos Dynamo, Terence Fong was unexpectedly fired just as the regular season ended and the post season run for the Dynamo began. It is a move that will confound history analysts for awhile, why would Davos, a team, fresh off a Championship season prior and winners of the European Conference this year fire arguably the most successful coach in all of VHL history prior to the start of the playoffs? For those that have been living under a rock and haven't heard the name Terence Fong, here is a bit of information for you. Prior to coaching, Fong played for a number of teams, including his hometown favorite, the Avangard Havoc (later moved to Davos) but his legend grew from the players that he brought over from Asia and helped trained. Over the years most of his agents had in one form or another played for the Davos franchise, winning several championships in the process. Notably his current player Xin Xie Xiao, was on the winning side of the VHL playoffs when the New York Americans dispatched the Davos Dynamo in five games to claim the championship. In S35, Fong was named the head coach for the Davos Dynamo where he coached up until the current S39. Terence Fong Head Coach Stats: Fong had a spectacular 67.5% win ratio in the regular season, his team never missed playoffs in the five seasons he coached. Under his coaching, the Dynamo also claimed four out of five Conference titles as well. In comparison, Scotty Bowman, widely known as the best coach in NHL hockey, sported a 58.2% win rate in the regular season. Fong's post season performance was even stronger, winning two championships in four trips to the playoffs. Widely known for his tactical mastery and line shuffling, Fong constantly altered his lines to great effect. His knowledge of the VHL systems was considered top rate and his current system of play has even been adopted to a VHLM team that he owns as well, the Brampton Blades. It is to this effect that the move to fire Fong just before the Dynamo began their playoff run is so questionable. Why was it done? Certainly it can't be for performance, Fong had an excellent track record. Who made the decision and more importantly why? We caught up to Fong after his firing and asked him if he knew the reasons behind his removal and he responded, "You know guys, I have no idea why this happened. Was kept in the dark about this the entire time, nobody ever had asked me previously or warned me that it was coming. I was in the middle of wrapping up an end of season meeting when Reilly called me into his office. He said that management had decided to let me go. I could not believe my ears, it blindsided me to say the least, I was speechless and to this day I still haven't received word on why I was let go from Davos. Politics? I'm not sure, but to take me out right before the playoffs began, I mean I didn't even get a chance to finish the season. Someone out there wanted me out of that position right away I guess." - Terence Fong, ex-coach of Davos Dynamo The question will be forever seared into the minds of Davos fans. Why?????