jRuutu

Just like Santa Claus when he has done flying around delivering all the gifts, I am sitting here in front of my fireplace and thinking to myself: "What now?". A lot of hard work and effort has led to this moment. I am not wearing any pants, I am thirsty but too tired to get up. However, the difference between myself and Santa Claus is that instead of making countless families laugh and smile, I have participated in making countless families cry. I play for the Moscow Menace.
 
The organization had its annual Christmas party today in Moscow. I called in sick, but then went on to post myself having the time of my life rollerskating at the local rink. There might be a fine coming later, but I will cross that bridge once I get there. But things were not as joyful and glorious as the pictures on my social media might suggest. As I was skating around the oval-shaped rink, I experienced something new, I had almost an out of body experience. No matter how hard I skated, I was not able to avoid seeing my teammates at the center of the rink. I felt like I was every VHL player in VHL - skating circles around Moscow Menace players.

Just like Santa Claus when he has done flying around delivering all the gifts, I am sitting here in front of my fireplace and thinking to myself: "What now?". A lot of hard work and effort has led to this moment. I am not wearing any pants, I am thirsty but too tired to get up. However, the difference between myself and Santa Claus is that instead of making countless families laugh and smile, I have participated in making countless families cry. I play for the Moscow Menace.
 
The organization had its annual Christmas party today in Moscow. I called in sick, but then went on to post myself having the time of my life rollerskating at the local rink. There might be a fine coming later, but I will cross that bridge once I get there. But things were not as joyful and glorious as the pictures on my social media might suggest. As I was skating around the oval-shaped rink, I experienced something new, I had almost an out of body experience. No matter how hard I skated, I was not able to avoid seeing my teammates at the center of the rink. I felt like I was every VHL player in VHL - skating circles around Moscow Menace players.

1. Who do you believe should be our team MVP this season? Whoever is in charge of cleaning our pants
2. What team do you remember beating this season?  Warsaw, proper bottom of the standings mayhem
3. If you celabrate Christmas, what's the top thing you would want?  World peace ( a guaranteed nice guy answer anytime few others say their honest answers first)
4. With the playoffs coming up, do you see any upsets going to happen? I have not been following, but I hope one of the Euro teams win it all!
5. Do you like Gladiator movies?  Not really, lately I have been watching some Western films, they I do enjoy, some similar elements to them, maybe.
6. Do you have a big feast for Christmas dinner? Traditional Finnish Christmas meal; ham, potates, potato salad, some sauce.

If you keep your eyes open and you listen for long enough, you might start to recognize certain patterns, guaranteed events, and stories as old as time that keep happening time after time. Think of a headache that follows when you eat ice cream real fast, or a bet that fails because the "sure pick" ended up being the one that prevented you from winning, or the start of the off-season in Moscow that seems to always bring new wave or rumors up to the surface.  
 
Whispers coming from inside the Moscow Menace organization suggest the team is heading into the off-season ready to make "tons of changes". According to a source close to the team, during a end of season meeting with the management of the team, each player was ordered to pick three teams they would like to play in, under each team the players were ordered to create two trade scenarios that could be considered "fair and beneficial" for Moscow Menace especially. Despite gaining interesting data on how the players value themselves and rival players, the management of the team was reportedly left disappointed as none of the players was smart enough to include Moscow Menace in one of the three teams, which has resulted in a week shorter holiday for the whole team.
 
Another rumor from Moscow states the team is actively shopping the Moscow S92 1st round pick as the organization believes the pull of Moscow is enough to make any prospect say no to other teams. Picking so early is not seen as smart business as the first-round pick could be traded for a later pick and some other asset, while still getting the targeted player(s).

If you keep your eyes open and you listen for long enough, you might start to recognize certain patterns, guaranteed events, and stories as old as time that keep happening time after time. Think of a headache that follows when you eat ice cream real fast, or a bet that fails because the "sure pick" ended up being the one that prevented you from winning, or the start of the off-season in Moscow that seems to always bring new wave or rumors up to the surface.  
 
Whispers coming from inside the Moscow Menace organization suggest the team is heading into the off-season ready to make "tons of changes". According to a source close to the team, during a end of season meeting with the management of the team, each player was ordered to pick three teams they would like to play in, under each team the players were ordered to create two trade scenarios that could be considered "fair and beneficial" for Moscow Menace especially. Despite gaining interesting data on how the players value themselves and rival players, the management of the team was reportedly left disappointed as none of the players was smart enough to include Moscow Menace in one of the three teams, which has resulted in a week shorter holiday for the whole team.
 
Another rumor from Moscow states the team is actively shopping the Moscow S92 1st round pick as the organization believes the pull of Moscow is enough to make any prospect say no to other teams. Picking so early is not seen as smart business as the first-round pick could be traded for a later pick and some other asset, while still getting the targeted player(s).

If you keep your eyes open and you listen for long enough, you might start to recognize certain patterns, guaranteed events, and stories as old as time that keep happening time after time. Think of a headache that follows when you eat ice cream real fast, or a bet that fails because the "sure pick" ended up being the one that prevented you from winning, or the start of the off-season in Moscow that seems to always bring new wave or rumors up to the surface.  
 
Whispers coming from inside the Moscow Menace organization suggest the team is heading into the off-season ready to make "tons of changes". According to a source close to the team, during a end of season meeting with the management of the team, each player was ordered to pick three teams they would like to play in, under each team the players were ordered to create two trade scenarios that could be considered "fair and beneficial" for Moscow Menace especially. Despite gaining interesting data on how the players value themselves and rival players, the management of the team was reportedly left disappointed as none of the players was smart enough to include Moscow Menace in one of the three teams, which has resulted in a week shorter holiday for the whole team.
 
Another rumor from Moscow states the team is actively shopping the Moscow S92 1st round pick as the organization believes the pull of Moscow is enough to make any prospect say no to other teams. Picking so early is not seen as smart business as the first-round pick could be traded for a later pick and some other asset, while still getting the targeted player(s).

If you keep your eyes open and you listen for long enough, you might start to recognize certain patterns, guaranteed events, and stories as old as time that keep happening time after time. Think of a headache that follows when you eat ice cream real fast, or a bet that fails because the "sure pick" ended up being the one that prevented you from winning, or the start of the off-season in Moscow that seems to always bring new wave or rumors up to the surface.  
 
Whispers coming from inside the Moscow Menace organization suggest the team is heading into the off-season ready to make "tons of changes". According to a source close to the team, during a end of season meeting with the management of the team, each player was ordered to pick three teams they would like to play in, under each team the players were ordered to create two trade scenarios that could be considered "fair and beneficial" for Moscow Menace especially. Despite gaining interesting data on how the players value themselves and rival players, the management of the team was reportedly left disappointed as none of the players was smart enough to include Moscow Menace in one of the three teams, which has resulted in a week shorter holiday for the whole team.
 
Another rumor from Moscow states the team is actively shopping the Moscow S92 1st round pick as the organization believes the pull of Moscow is enough to make any prospect say no to other teams. Picking so early is not seen as smart business as the first-round pick could be traded for a later pick and some other asset, while still getting the targeted player(s).

Still created by @leandrofg
 
Okay, here we are at the end of the regular season and one last time to look to see how I did at predicting where the teams would finish. What a finish did we have to the regular season with Helsinki Titans waiting until the very last game to know if they would be play-off bound or dusting off the golf clubs. In the end it was Prague Phantoms that seen the ghost and will be golfing instead. Oh, And HC Davos Dynamo killing Cinderella story of the season by finish ahead of the Riga Reign to win the European conference and another Victory cup!!
 
So, Predictions for last two weeks; how did I do?
 
North American
Standings                                                 Record              Points                            Last WK                                                        Predictions Last Wk                                                
1.     Los Angeles Stars                     46-19-7           99Pts                      (12-5-3)                                    🔺               2nd North American Conference
2.     Toronto Legion                         46-24-2           94pts                      (13-6-1)                                    🔻               1st North American  Conference
3.     Chicago Phoenix                     35-23-14          84pts                      (10-10-1)                                   🟰               3rd North American Conference
4.     D.C. Dragons                             36-28-8           80pts                      (12-5-3)                                    🟰               4th North American Conference
5.     Calgary Wranglers                   30-30-12          72pts                       (8-7-5)                                     🔺                7th North American Conference
6.     Seattle Bears                             27-34-11          65pts                       (7-9-4)                                     🟰                6th North American Conference
7.     New York Americans                29-38-5           63pts                       (7-11-1)                                     🔻                5th North American Conference
8.     Vancouver Wolves                    21-42-9           51pts                       (5-13-2)                                               8th North American Conference
 
Summary: Strong finish to the season by Los Angeles Stars; as I had stated I wasn`t confident in moving them out of the top spot and they proved that doubt correct as they managed to keep a five-point lead that they had heading into the final two weeks of the season over the Toronto Legion. Calgary sneaks into the play-off as it looked like no one really wanted the final wildcard spot and New York in my predictions were the biggest loser in this situation as they should have moved up in the past two weeks but ……..
 
 
 
European Conference
Standings                                               Record             Points                             Last WK                                                         Predictions Last Wk                                      
1.    HC Davos Dynamo                   49-16-7           105pts                        (16-4-0)                                   🔺           3rd European Conference
2.     Riga Reign                                49-17-6           104pts                        (11-6-3)                                    🟰           2nd European Conference
3.     London United                         44-19-9           97pts                          (11-7-2)                                    🔺           4th European Conference
4.     Malmo Nighthawks                  45-22-5           95pts                         (10-9-0)                                   🔻           1st European Conference
5.     Helsinki Titans                         41-27-4           86pts                          (11-7-2)                                    🟰           5th European Conference
6.       Prague Phantoms                  39-26-7           85pts                          (15-4-1)                                    🟰           6th European Conference
7.     Moscow Menace                       19-43-10         48pts                          (5-13-3)                                   🟰            7th European Conference
8.     Warsaw Predators                    20-48-4          44pts                           (8-12-1)                                   🟰            8th European Conference
 
Summary: So I messed up how strong or weak the schedule for HC Davos was in the final two weeks of the season but I really didn`t miss that much as I had the team going 12-8 when they finished 16-4 so only a four game or eight point difference. Congrats on the late season run and the Victory cup. I also think HC Davos ended up being one of the biggest movers of the season going from 4th in the standings to first in last 20 games. New Champion will be crowned with HC Davos now entering as the favorites; let’s see if the Victory Cup curse stay true!!  
Now for the season review aspect of the article with a look at the expectations at the start of the season for each team and where they actually finished. It will be a bit different from last season since I also have the records from each week and we will also look at the positives and negative aspects if any for each team moving forward.
 
 
 
 
Season Review:
Positives & Negatives moving ahead
 
 
16.
Predicted Placements:
🟰     8th European Conference
🔻  13th League
 
Positives:
Maxim Anisimov @McLovin(24-33-57pts)  and King Kisslinger @Kisslinger(17-24-41pts) have given the fans in Warsaw some hope for the future; add in what could be a very talented player with a high overall pick and the building pieces are starting to fall in place.
 
Negative:
Prospects development just isn`t producing enough talent at the moment with no new prospects set to make the roster next season and only one first round pick this off season means the rebuild will continue to be ugly in Warsaw next season. Add in the fact that Maxim Anisimov @McLovin and King Kisslinger @Kisslinger will be looking for extensions this off season and only Tom Creeg @Creegan610(18-18-36pts) as the currently only signed player means GM @N0HBDY and AGM @Mysterious_Fish have busy off season ahead if they are looking to keep these two players long term and look to improve the roster.
 
 
 
15.
Predicted Placement:
🟰     7th European Conference
🔻   12th League
 
Positives:
Likely Rookie of the year winner in Axle Gunner @Steve(32-41-73pts), Jarmo Ruutu @jRuutu(9-30-39pts) and  Obuz Schneider Canet du Bocage @Grape(6-29-35pts) all having a solid rookie seasons. All of course led by veteran Left Alone @okochastar(38-55-93pts). Add in the prospects ready to make the jump next season in Ellis Woolfenden (VAS) @D3X(35-34-69pts), Leif Reingaard (VAS) @Zetterberg(20-53-73pts), Thor Reingaard (VAS) @N0HBDY(18-41-59pts) and Goaltender Olober Syko (STO) @Spartan (2.42GA, 0.938% & 7SO). Oh, I also almost missed the fact they should pick up two very good prospect during the draft; with a top pick in the first round and one later in the first.
 
Negative:  
Could this will leave Moscow in an interesting situation where they have too many prospects? Prospects also take time to develop so if they don`t add any further veterans to the roster next season; they will be looking at another long season but one filled with future and hope at least giving the fans something to cheer about.
 
 
 
14.
Predicted Placement:
🔻        7th North American Conference
🔺      15th League
 
Positives:
FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ(41-38-79pts) and Liv Slater @Subject056(10-52-62pts) had strong season as the new leaders of the team. They will be heavily relied upon to provide a veteran presence as the team starts the rebuilding process. Justin Lion @Emperor_Fun(3.88GA & 0.913%) was also a bright spot for the team after coming over from Malmo Nighthawks in a mid-season trade. Center Mikko Borisyuk (BRA) @Minebro(39-38-77pts) and goaltender Dalkr Vidarsson (ROM) @KaleebtheMighty(2.09GA, 0.942% & 5SO) should be joining the roster next season. Five first round picks with two of them mostly being in the top five. (it could be interesting to see if they flip or move some of these picks.) 
 
Negatives:
Similar situation as both other teams in the rebuilding stage as they have prospects but until they join the roster in a few seasons it will be ugly in Vancouver. Unless Vancouver Wolves bring in veteran or two to boost the roster performance. A few season away still as the rebuild has just started.
 
 
 
 
13.
Predicted Placement:
🔺     8th North American Conference
🔺     16th League
 
Positives:
Top five forward in Jasper Davis @Josh(39-66-105pts) and top ten forward in Francesco Mancini @GioSivo(47-54-101pts) add in strong defense defenseman in Tord Yvel @Trazan(13-47-60pts). Prospects joining the roster next season in goaltender  WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW @rory(2.55GA, 0.926% & 3SO) and a pair of defender in Callum Gary Yannick Janser (VAS) @Daniel Janser(12-36-48pts) and Rin Kagamine (OSL) @Rin(14-45-59pts).  Top five draft prospect to boost the teams offense and the fans have something to cheer about even if the team should take a step back next season.
 
Negatives:
Prospects pool is rather shallow and only having three picks this season means they will need to look elsewhere to improve the team as the young prospects continue to develop. Should take a step back next season and could be further set back if Jasper Davis @Josh decides to leave via UFA during the off season. Otis Boudreaux Jr @Otis Boudreaux Jr(4-10-14pts)and Zyn Westwood @Sullvino(16-18-34pts) will also be looking for extensions keeping the GM @thadthrasher busy this off season.
 
 
 
 
12.
Predicted Placement:
🔻       5th North American Conference
🔻     11th League
 
Positives:
Top 5 defenseman in scoring Rex Wolffe Gregor @oilmandan(27-52-79pts) and Strong rookie season from Severus Targaryen @Banackock(22-36-58pts), Toby Kadachi  @ROOKIE745(6-7-13pts) and Simons Worst Nightmare @zepheter(6-36-42pts). Prospect Spanish Moon Moth (STO) @Renomitsu(46-46-92pts) should be ready to join the roster next season.
 
Negatives:
Aging players on the roster in goaltender Clueless Wallob @DMaximus (2.94GA & 0.926%) and defender Scoish Velociraptor Maloish @youloser1337(13-42-55pts) will need to be replaced sooner than later. Not to mention retirements to Calen McKay @Kendrick(2-17-19pts) and Svatopluk Puk @Otaznik(34-37-71pts) leave the team looking to UFA market and the draft to find replacements but they don`t have much draft stock. It could be an interesting off season as Seattle needs to decide to either start a full rebuild or retool with veteran players.
 
 
 
 
11.
Predicted Placement:
🔻        2nd North American Conference
🔻       7th League
 
Positives:
Most of the team returns next season and had solid goaltending from Merome Dilson @MexicanCow123(2.39GA 0.923% & 3SO). Managed to salvage the season by sneaking into the final wildcard spot in the North American conference and anything can happen as long as you make the play-offs. Still a young developing team so should only get better. Calgary has draft stock even if it is later in the three rounds and could be used to boost the future roster via trades.
 
Negatives:
Lack of scoring production almost cost them this season so they will look for improvement next season in the scoring department with most looking at Randy Bobandy @AJW(30-29-59pts), Sadie St-Louis @sadie(26-22-48pts) and Oreo McFleury @JB123(26-28-54pts) for these improvements but also expect them to look for help via trades. Calgary will also need to look at rebuilding the defense as they have a season or two left with Malum Maellard @frescoelmo(7-56-63pts) and Phil Strasmore @Phil(8-32-40pts). AirRig GoodBrandSun @Rhynex Entertainment(10-25-35pts)  is set to retire at the end of the season even further complicating the back-end.
 
 
 
10.
Predicted Placement:
🔻      3rd North American Conference
🔻     8th League
 
Positives:
Enter the play-off as one of the hotter teams in the final week and had a strong season from The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath (44-49-93pts) and Vincent Laroche-Gagnier @vincentlg2007(35-43-78pts); both returning for at least another season with the Dragons. Jason @Jason kranz(44-45-89pts) also had a strong season and places D.C. in a difficult situation to try to resign the star forward or let him walk as he enters his finals season. Solid young defensive core lead by Mark Calaway @Beketov(15-52-67pts). Prospect Theo Allard (COL) @InstantRockstar(14-29-43pts) should be ready for the VHL next season.
 
Negative:
Will need to add a veteran presence on the back-end next season as Ryuji Sakamoto @der meister(9-51-60pts) is set to retire at season end and will look to boost the goaltending as Geoff Bezos @Quik(2.55GA, 0.927% & 4SO)is also looking for an extension. While they have a ton of prospects, they will look for some of them to take large steps in the next few seasons.
 
 
 
9. 
Predicted Placement:
🔺          6th North American Conference
🔺         14th League
 
Positives:
Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside(49-63-112pts) had an amazing season for a team that really had no business being in a play-off position yet making the play-offs. Goaltender Ryan Artyomov @Enorama(2.78GA, 0.926% & 2SO) had an amazing rookie campaign and should have heavy consideration for Rookie of the Year honors. Dank Turtle @DankTurtle(13-29-42pts), Legacy Gaming @Gaming Ringleader(39-47-86pts) and Tullemore Dew @Spade18(8-19-27pts) all had strong sophomore seasons and should be part of the core moving forward with new prospects joining the roster next season in Joshua Schwarzer (COL) @Velevra(35-38-73pts) and Lionel Collberg (COL) @Masu Chan(17-46-63pts). Two first round picks in the up-coming draft should add more overall depth prospects to the roster in a few seasons.
 
Negative:
Retirement of Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside will have the biggest impact on the team as they look for someone else to replace the offensive numbers. Stronger than expected season also means expected disappointment next season when they take a step back but this could be softened if they retool with veterans during the off season.
 
 
 
8. 
Predicted Placement:
🔻     3rd European Conference
🔻     3rd League
 
Positives:
John Jameson @Frank(46-45-91pts) and Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide(32-53-85pts) had good season with Jameson top 10 in scoring. Goaltender Matt Murdock @Acydburn(2.48GA, 0.929% & 5SO) had strong second half of the season and almost led them into a wildcard spot. Kyle Toms (VAS) @Ktoms22(28-38-66pts)  looks ready to replace retiring zack martinez @Sam_19(10-20-30pts) and defender Conference Prince-de-Galles (ROM) @UnkemptCL4PTP(20-42-62pts) will give the team options when it comes to back-end next season and if they extend Faith Hope Love @MMFLEX(6-30-36pts). Full complement of draft picks so they should have a solid pick this season and continue to add to future or have resources to trade in a retool.
 
Negative:
With most of the roster returning it is hard to see this team missing the play-off again next season but a retool is not far away with all three of the forwards set to retire in the next season or two. Which is also the similar for the defensive core so the question is when do they start the rebuild or do they try to retool?
 
 
 
 
7. 
Predicted Placement:
🟰        5th European Conference
🔻       6th League
 
Positives:
Great offense led by the retiring Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877(53-48-101pts), Daryl Dixon @Ricer13(30-63-93pts) and Kronchy Kardashian @Garsh(31-45-76pts); the later showing that he is ready to lead the Titans as true number one defender making Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito(14-72-86pts) expendable? Fuukka Rask @Jubis(2.55GA, 0.925% & 5SO) took a step in the right direction in becoming a solid starting goaltender setting career best across all stats. Strong Sophomore season from YaBoi Oven @Doomsday(11-27-38pts) will see him looking for big role next season and a strong rookie season from Tommy Sleeves @dasboot(4-9-13pts); which Helsinki hopes continues develop into a solid depth defender in the near future. Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard(35-47-82pts) is more than ready to make the move to the VHL and the Titans next season (my early favorite for the ROY in S92)
 
Negative:
Snuck into the play-off otherwise it would have been a disaster of the season for the Blue & White team from Helsinki with Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877 set to retire; Helsinki will need to look for someone to replace his offense. Add in aging Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito and Chip Stone @DoktorFunk(26-40-66pts); this teams are looking at a bit of a re-tool in the off season.
 
 
 
 
6.
Predicted Placement:
🔻      1st North American Conference
🔻      5th League
 
Positives:
Goaltender Joel Castle @animal74(2.06GA, 0.938% & 3SO) had a slow start to the season but simple was fire down the stretch as he finished the season top 3 in goals against and save percentage, top five in wins and top 10 in shut-outs; while leading the Legion to the best goals against in the league. Jimi Jaks @ke1vi(39-42-81pts)  and Mac Atlas @v.2 (46-42-88pts) still in their prime and still under contract for another season. Another strong season from Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer(10-56-66pts), who Toronto hopes will take another step forward in becoming a true number one defender for the team. Still have their first-round pick so they can use that asset to help retool.
 
Negatives:
Will need to address secondary scoring as Tomas Sogaard @Brandon(30-30-60pts) and Dens Oden @Snussu(16-43-59pts) retire. No prospects ready to join the roster means that they will need to look to the UFA or trade markets to retool the roster; made harder with an estimated eleven million after they extend Diego Machado @Dadam30(18-32-50pts), Harry Callahan @dstevensonjr(24-31-55pts) and Montgomery Burns @LastOneUp(16-29-45pts) , who are all looking for new contracts.
 
 
 
 
5.
Predicted Placement:
🟰      4th European Conference
🔻      4th League
 
Positives:
Long term extension of Yaroslav Bogatyrev @Bojovnik(40-42-82pts) and the return of Henry Eagles @Greg_Di(42-54-96pts). Viktor Jensen @Advantage(25-50-75pts) continued development and solid defensive core of Skor McFleury @Alex(22-67-89pts) and Jacob Stone @scoop(17-52-69pts). Solid bounce back season after disappoint S90 and missing the play-offs.
 
Negatives:
Cap will be an issue with Henry Eagles @Greg_Di, Skor McFleury @Alex, Ronald Johnson MacWallace III @RJMW(8-26-34pts) and Yaroslav Trunov @qripll(34-40-74pts) all looking for new contracts so they will need to figure out the cap to bring back most of the current roster. Maybe a slight re-tool but no major repairs needed.
 
 
 
 
4.
Predicted Placement:
🔻     1st European Conference
🔻     1st League
 
Positives:
Second best goals against in the league only behind Toronto led by Jesse Teno @aimkin(2.02GA, 0.937% & 6SO), who should be in the running for an award or two at the end of the season. Two top ten scorers in Molly the Cat @JCarson(52-55-107pts) and Leonard Triller @Triller(24-79-103pts), both of whom should be returning for next season. Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ(44-52-96pts) did okay coming over to provide more offense for the United.
 
Negative:
Lack of secondary scoring after Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ, Molly the Cat @JCarson and Leonard Triller @Triller with the next closest 46pts behind; this will need to be fixed. Defense needs a complete retool with Deron Nesbitt @AW13(7-29-36pts) and Hunor Solyom @solyom(3-37-40pts) retiring. Add in Sjin @Sjin(21-23-44pts) and Thor Odinson @GoalPlays(8-6-14pts) looking for new contracts and half the roster is set to change. It will be an interesting and maybe stressful off season in London.
 
 
 
 
3.
Predicted Placement:
🔺      4th North American Conference
🔺     9th League
 
Positives:
Powerful offensive attack with three players over a hundred points in Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101(35-72-107pts), Todd Cooke  @KRZY(43-62-105pts) and Larry Abass Jr @RileyL(46-55-101pts). Continued development as true number one defender by Elias Lampi @Pifferfish(18-64-82pts) and solid secondary scoring by Napoleon Dynamite @thadthrasher(38-41-79pts) and Adam Rage @MrMom(29-36-65pts). All leading to the best offensive team in the league. Top team in the North American Conference, home ice advantage and will look to run it back to the Finals again this season.
 
Negatives:
Goaltender Art Vandelay @Gustav (2.41GA, 0.928% & 6SO) was rather mid when compared to his counter parts around the league while tied for most shut-outs this season. He will need to be much better if Los Angeles is going to make a run at the Continental Cup and not be swept in the Finals for a second straight season. Age as this truly looks like the last kick at the can situation with half the team set to retire in the next two seasons. They can still run it back for another season if they think they can win but it would lead to a very long rebuild. Salary cap might be a bit of a concern but overall, I think they should be able to manage it.
 
 
 
 
2.
Predicted Placement:
🔺     6th European Conference
🔺     10th League
 
Positives:
Never really expected to be Cinderella of the league as most had predicted this team to retool with prospect ready to join the team next season as they currently have an aging core led by AK92 Wit da Hoodie @hedgehog337(50-47-97pts), surprise signing Babay Shrimp @Blazzer(25-66-91pts) and Sock Monkey @chikn(34-48-82pts). Better than expected defensive numbers from retiring Brian Kowalski @Wheaties(15-55-70pts) and James Marino @Adrest245(9-49-58pts) that seen this team play competitive hockey all season and surprise the European Conference. Prospect ready LW - Eric White Jr (COL) @Mysterious_Fish(20-40-60pts), RW - Mclean Hoover II (ROM) @McLean Hoover(24-33-57pts), LW - Martin Kemp (COL) @leafsman(14-15-29pts), D - Mina (BRA) @Baozi(21-51-72pts) and goaltender  Red Panda (BRA) @Lemorse7(2.91GA, 0.928% & 1SO) meaning the future is bright for Riga. Add in two first round picks this season and this team is set for a retool rather than a rebuild.
 
Negatives:
Only two players signed for next season will see the team very active in the off season as they try to extend players around what should be a rather young developing core. How they rebuild the team will play a huge role in how much the team falls back next season assuming they aren`t next season Cinderella again.
 
 
 
 
1. 
Predicted Placement:
🔺     2nd European Conference
🔺     2nd League
 
Positives:
Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg (55-57-112pts) had an amazing final season and tied for the league lead in scoring while leading the league in goals. Alfred Champagne @Anthique(39-41-80pts) improved his numbers for the second straight season and will be looked upon heavily in the future as someone needs replace Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg offensive numbers. Jake Thunder @Thunder(16-68-84pts) will finish his career with HOF aspirations after another strong season will see him nominated for a few awards. Lachlan Summers @kirbithan(2.24GA, 0.933% & 5SO) continues to be a top five goaltender in the league even after a slower than normal start to the season.
 
Negatives:
Consistent talk of rebuild by the GM @Alex will not happen as long as they have Lachlan Summers @kirbithan on the roster. Retool is more likely as they look for replacements for retiring Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg , Pete Mitchell @Crstats23(33-35-68pts) and Jake Thunder @Thunder but with estimated thirteen million and David Jokinen @Ahma(13-43-56pts) ready to take over number one defensive duties; this really shouldn`t be an issue.
 
 
Summary of the season:
Really unpredictable season with Chicago and Riga really having strong season. Death Conference in Europe seen the defending Champions miss the play-offs on the last day and last game of the season. Unexpected strong offensive season from Los Angeles Stars and great defensive efforts from London United and Toronto Legion. It really is setting up for an interesting play-offs and an interesting off season. What a great seasons!!
 

Christmas is just around the corner. Everywhere you go around the bigger cities of Russia, you can see ladies walking alone as they look for gifts for their cats and kids, as most of the men are dead or fighting in Ukraine.  Not a surprise that the sales numbers of the typical "guy gifts" have plummeted, whereas the sale numbers of cat food and gaming consoles have skyrocketed.  On the positive side, the number of stray cats in Moscow and St. Petersburg is lower than ever as the broken families have rescued the cats, so they can still wake up on Christmas morning to something hairy lying on the kitchen floor. Such is life in modern-day Russia. If you take away the death and war, the life of the average Russian lady in their late 30s is not that different from the life of many 30-something males in the West as cats and gaming consoles also dominate their existence.
 
Traditionally, Moscow Menace players have participated in various Christmas-related events from bringing gifts to children at hospitals to dressing up as elves and shoveling snow from the driveways of the elderly. The whole purpose is to bring Christmas spirit to people and show that the Moscow Menace players are regular people too. For the upcoming Christmas, the organization decided to invest heavily into boosting the morale of those living in Moscow. Every player in The Menace was ordered to donate their time and to get out there.
 
As of recent, many Moscow Menace players have been doing all kinds of volunteer work around the city. David Rashford and Jeff Lewis were seen in the suburbs in mini-tractors cleaning the streets from snow. Against all odds, no cars or city property were damaged, but many locals were annoyed about the quality of the work as many streets had snow walls that made it difficult to walk in and out of driveways. Igor, the city worker, who was supervising the work done by Rashford and Lewis, pointed out that the duo did solid work and it was he who instructed Rashford and Lewish to drive straight and ignore any snow walls and build-ups as it is not unusual for the people to throw frozen cabbage out of the buildings towards the mini-tractors. It is believed that 12 months of good luck follow if you are able to hit the mini-tractor with a piece of cabbage.
 
Fraser Wallace, Nils Andersson, Obuz Schneider Canet du Bocage, and Axle Gunner participated in a flash mob with a few local singers. They sang Christmas songs to anyone who happened to walk through the subway station at the heart of Moscow. Rumors suggest the group was thought to be drunk, but these rumors were later denied, the singers were just bad at singing.
 
Eric Queefson, Left Alone, and The Mediocre One followed the police force on a Saturday evening. For the most part, everything went smoothly, the trio patrolled the streets and brought candy and peace to the people of Moscow. The only time any of the players were close to doing actual police work was when Queefson attempted to tackle a suspect who stole a purse, but Queefson missed spectacularly. The robber appeared to recognize Queefson and his defensive abilities as he rushed straight toward the space where Queefson was standing.  Not known for his ability to defend the open space or mark his man, Queefson rushed forward and launched himself towards the bad guy, missing his target completely. Luckily the police were armed, few warning shots in the air were enough to stop the bad guy on his track. Queefson stayed down on the ground for an extended period of time holding his face, apparently to show the police that the bad guy had hit him in the face.  No contact was made between Queefson and the bad guy, so no extra beatings were handed out. Everything ended well, the purse was retrieved.

Sam Tombstone visited a local car repair shop that repairs cars for free. The repair shop offers opportunities for young people to learn about cars and to earn some pocket change during the process. In return, people get their cars fixed without any cost! Tombstone, the only goalie in Moscow, was reportedly delighted to spend a couple of hours fixing cars as the bot goalie of Moscow is under repair constantly. According to their own words, Tombstone now feels they can try to help fix the bot goalie if needed.
 

 
Last Sunday, rookie Jarmo Ruutu was seen in a Moscow shopping mall dressed up as Santa Claus. He was there to answer questions from the audience and to pose in pictures.  It was reported Jarmo Ruutu managed to be at the shopping mall for a solid 30 minutes before anyone realized it was him. Then they brought him the Santa outfit, which resulted in another 30-minute wait as people thought he was just another Santa. Things started to pick up after the security staff of the shopping mall put a name tag on Jarmo and yelled at people to come over. More and more people started to show up to ask questions from the Menace center. 
 
Those present reported the atmosphere was friendly and fun. People of all ages asked all kinds of questions and posed in pictures with Jarmo Ruutu.  A lot of the action was also filmed and posted on social media. Here are some of the highlights transcribed:
 
Smart, elegant, and talented, are words that can be used to describe Axle Gunner as a player. What words would you use to describe yourself as a player?
JR: Smart, elegant, and talented. Just because someone else is smarter, more elegant, and more talented than you are does not mean you can't also be seen as smart, elegant, and talented.  I think I have improved a lot during my short time in Moscow. If you come back next year to ask the same question, I am sure using those same words is not as out of the place as now, because you will see I have improved a lot as a player.
 
What is Moscow Menace?
JR: That is a tough question. To many, Moscow Menace is a professional hockey team, we play in the VHL against different teams from different corners of the world. If you are a fan, Moscow Menace is like a hobby, you take an interest in the team and follow the team around, you hope that the team does well, so you feel good.  If you are a hardcore fan, Moscow Menace is more than a hobby, Moscow Menace is a way of life. You feel very good when the team plays well, but you also feel sad when the team does not do well.
 
Am I going to get Christmas gifts?
JR: Have you been naughty? There is still plenty of time to turn things around. Christmas is weeks away. You know, our coach in Moscow always says between the periods if we are losing: "Cmon guys, we can turn this around!", quite often we then start to laugh together as we all deep down know we can not turn it around, 20 minutes of hockey goes by so fast and if you are down by 3 goals against some of these teams in VHL, getting even is close to mission impossible, but even then there is a chance. Never give up hope, starting from this minute, you will be on your best behavior, and help others when the opportunity comes.  Now, get off from my knee and go do some security guard work.
 
Do you know where my father is?
JR: I know I am the Santa, but I am also an honest Santa, so I am not going to lie to you: your father is more than likely dead. He might come back home, but is he really the same person anymore? War changes people, soldiers age years and years in a short period of time. Think about the mental and physical stress they are under, the lack of sleep, the lack of food, being out there against the elements, not to mention the stress that comes with seeing your friends getting blown up. If they are lucky, physically they are somewhat intact, but the glow in their eyes is long gone.  Never mind, is that your father over there? Standing next to the security guard and waving his hand? Go on, run to your father!
 
When do the people of Moscow get to participate in the VHL Championship parade?
JR: Hopefully soon, we have a lot of talented players on the roster, and others will join through the draft, and if you add the potential free agent or two, it won't be long now. The ongoing season has been a tough one, but next year will be better, the year after that even better, and the year after that even more better. Things are looking up for Moscow Menace. I encourage you and everybody here to come watch us play whenever you can. When we one day celebrate together in the streets of Moscow, the victory will be special, because we got up from the bottom together!
 
After spending around an hour or so answering questions and taking pictures, Jarmo Ruutu removed his name tag and walked away from the shopping mall in his Santa Claus outfit, he was again just another Santa walking around the streets of Moscow. 
 
1550ish words
4.12-10.12
11.12-17.12
18.12-24.12
 

I thought they do, but only on Epiphany as that is when the three wise men arrived in Betlehem, but I only know it from hear-say...

Doesn't even realize that Russians don't celebrate Christmas but New Year, smh.

Christmas is just around the corner. Everywhere you go around the bigger cities of Russia, you can see ladies walking alone as they look for gifts for their cats and kids, as most of the men are dead or fighting in Ukraine.  Not a surprise that the sales numbers of the typical "guy gifts" have plummeted, whereas the sale numbers of cat food and gaming consoles have skyrocketed.  On the positive side, the number of stray cats in Moscow and St. Petersburg is lower than ever as the broken families have rescued the cats, so they can still wake up on Christmas morning to something hairy lying on the kitchen floor. Such is life in modern-day Russia. If you take away the death and war, the life of the average Russian lady in their late 30s is not that different from the life of many 30-something males in the West as cats and gaming consoles also dominate their existence.
 
Traditionally, Moscow Menace players have participated in various Christmas-related events from bringing gifts to children at hospitals to dressing up as elves and shoveling snow from the driveways of the elderly. The whole purpose is to bring Christmas spirit to people and show that the Moscow Menace players are regular people too. For the upcoming Christmas, the organization decided to invest heavily into boosting the morale of those living in Moscow. Every player in The Menace was ordered to donate their time and to get out there.
 
As of recent, many Moscow Menace players have been doing all kinds of volunteer work around the city. David Rashford and Jeff Lewis were seen in the suburbs in mini-tractors cleaning the streets from snow. Against all odds, no cars or city property were damaged, but many locals were annoyed about the quality of the work as many streets had snow walls that made it difficult to walk in and out of driveways. Igor, the city worker, who was supervising the work done by Rashford and Lewis, pointed out that the duo did solid work and it was he who instructed Rashford and Lewish to drive straight and ignore any snow walls and build-ups as it is not unusual for the people to throw frozen cabbage out of the buildings towards the mini-tractors. It is believed that 12 months of good luck follow if you are able to hit the mini-tractor with a piece of cabbage.
 
Fraser Wallace, Nils Andersson, Obuz Schneider Canet du Bocage, and Axle Gunner participated in a flash mob with a few local singers. They sang Christmas songs to anyone who happened to walk through the subway station at the heart of Moscow. Rumors suggest the group was thought to be drunk, but these rumors were later denied, the singers were just bad at singing.
 
Eric Queefson, Left Alone, and The Mediocre One followed the police force on a Saturday evening. For the most part, everything went smoothly, the trio patrolled the streets and brought candy and peace to the people of Moscow. The only time any of the players were close to doing actual police work was when Queefson attempted to tackle a suspect who stole a purse, but Queefson missed spectacularly. The robber appeared to recognize Queefson and his defensive abilities as he rushed straight toward the space where Queefson was standing.  Not known for his ability to defend the open space or mark his man, Queefson rushed forward and launched himself towards the bad guy, missing his target completely. Luckily the police were armed, few warning shots in the air were enough to stop the bad guy on his track. Queefson stayed down on the ground for an extended period of time holding his face, apparently to show the police that the bad guy had hit him in the face.  No contact was made between Queefson and the bad guy, so no extra beatings were handed out. Everything ended well, the purse was retrieved.

Sam Tombstone visited a local car repair shop that repairs cars for free. The repair shop offers opportunities for young people to learn about cars and to earn some pocket change during the process. In return, people get their cars fixed without any cost! Tombstone, the only goalie in Moscow, was reportedly delighted to spend a couple of hours fixing cars as the bot goalie of Moscow is under repair constantly. According to their own words, Tombstone now feels they can try to help fix the bot goalie if needed.
 

 
Last Sunday, rookie Jarmo Ruutu was seen in a Moscow shopping mall dressed up as Santa Claus. He was there to answer questions from the audience and to pose in pictures.  It was reported Jarmo Ruutu managed to be at the shopping mall for a solid 30 minutes before anyone realized it was him. Then they brought him the Santa outfit, which resulted in another 30-minute wait as people thought he was just another Santa. Things started to pick up after the security staff of the shopping mall put a name tag on Jarmo and yelled at people to come over. More and more people started to show up to ask questions from the Menace center. 
 
Those present reported the atmosphere was friendly and fun. People of all ages asked all kinds of questions and posed in pictures with Jarmo Ruutu.  A lot of the action was also filmed and posted on social media. Here are some of the highlights transcribed:
 
Smart, elegant, and talented, are words that can be used to describe Axle Gunner as a player. What words would you use to describe yourself as a player?
JR: Smart, elegant, and talented. Just because someone else is smarter, more elegant, and more talented than you are does not mean you can't also be seen as smart, elegant, and talented.  I think I have improved a lot during my short time in Moscow. If you come back next year to ask the same question, I am sure using those same words is not as out of the place as now, because you will see I have improved a lot as a player.
 
What is Moscow Menace?
JR: That is a tough question. To many, Moscow Menace is a professional hockey team, we play in the VHL against different teams from different corners of the world. If you are a fan, Moscow Menace is like a hobby, you take an interest in the team and follow the team around, you hope that the team does well, so you feel good.  If you are a hardcore fan, Moscow Menace is more than a hobby, Moscow Menace is a way of life. You feel very good when the team plays well, but you also feel sad when the team does not do well.
 
Am I going to get Christmas gifts?
JR: Have you been naughty? There is still plenty of time to turn things around. Christmas is weeks away. You know, our coach in Moscow always says between the periods if we are losing: "Cmon guys, we can turn this around!", quite often we then start to laugh together as we all deep down know we can not turn it around, 20 minutes of hockey goes by so fast and if you are down by 3 goals against some of these teams in VHL, getting even is close to mission impossible, but even then there is a chance. Never give up hope, starting from this minute, you will be on your best behavior, and help others when the opportunity comes.  Now, get off from my knee and go do some security guard work.
 
Do you know where my father is?
JR: I know I am the Santa, but I am also an honest Santa, so I am not going to lie to you: your father is more than likely dead. He might come back home, but is he really the same person anymore? War changes people, soldiers age years and years in a short period of time. Think about the mental and physical stress they are under, the lack of sleep, the lack of food, being out there against the elements, not to mention the stress that comes with seeing your friends getting blown up. If they are lucky, physically they are somewhat intact, but the glow in their eyes is long gone.  Never mind, is that your father over there? Standing next to the security guard and waving his hand? Go on, run to your father!
 
When do the people of Moscow get to participate in the VHL Championship parade?
JR: Hopefully soon, we have a lot of talented players on the roster, and others will join through the draft, and if you add the potential free agent or two, it won't be long now. The ongoing season has been a tough one, but next year will be better, the year after that even better, and the year after that even more better. Things are looking up for Moscow Menace. I encourage you and everybody here to come watch us play whenever you can. When we one day celebrate together in the streets of Moscow, the victory will be special, because we got up from the bottom together!
 
After spending around an hour or so answering questions and taking pictures, Jarmo Ruutu removed his name tag and walked away from the shopping mall in his Santa Claus outfit, he was again just another Santa walking around the streets of Moscow. 
 
1550ish words
4.12-10.12
11.12-17.12
18.12-24.12
 

1. How is your NHL team doing if you follow one? My Kings are looking good. I don't follow any teams that closely, I just see the stories and headlines about Finnish players.  Maccelli in Arizona underrated one.
2. Who do you think we will be  looking at in the next draft? Could be anyone, but whoever that player might be, I heard they are being transformed into a center to create true competition into the lineup.
3. Coming down to the wire, how do you feel you  are doing, as a player and an earner? I do alright, I just ask the old bag to do my point tasks if I am tired.
4. I am kind of looking forward to the off season, do you have any plans during our off time? Nothing too big, I might go skydiving and see if I make it without destroying my pants.
5. I think Spartan has done a good job at making us lose, should he be able to recieve an award?  Maybe a coffee mug with the word "winner" written on it will be enough.
6. If you could only listen to one band for a month, who would it be?  Metallica, I sometimes listen to Metallica, maybe I could listen to them for a month.

Article review:  Articles of this nature that provide added depth and story around the players in the league provide depth that can't be achieved by looking at only the numbers.  It is the creativity of the individuals writing, creating graphics, or commenting on others work that adds to the experience of the VHL.  Thanks for being part of the broader VHL experience by providing a unique viewpoint into the relationship of Jarmo and Axle.  This is well written.  Would be fun if Axle wrote a counter piece to this to add more drama to the situation.  All said this is a great article and deserves a 9/10.  Hopefully no children were injured as a result of Jarmo's actions.

According to sources close to Moscow  Menace, center Jarmo Ruutu has been forced to pay a fine of 200k for breaking the team rules. It is believed the violations took place during the game between Prague and Moscow earlier this week.  In the game, Ruutu was penalized twice for shooting the puck over the glass, which resulted in two minor penalties for delaying the game. Those who watched the game or saw the clips may have noticed that Ruutu appeared to stop in his tracks completely and aim the puck toward a specific section of the stands as he proceeded to lob the puck over the glass. When looking at the first penalty, many speculated whether Ruutu thought there was a power break, but when the same scenario took place again in the second period, all shadow of doubt was removed. In the middle of the game, Ruutu lobbed two pucks into the crowd on purpose. Praque failed to take advantage of the powerplays, but the management of Moscow Menace was reportedly not impressed about the behavior of their rookie center.

To make matters even worse, during the few days after the game vicious rumors started to circulate around the internet about Jarmo Ruutu and Axle Gunner. Ruutu and Gunner are both rookie centers in Moscow.  Axle is one of the best young forwards in the game, "The Stallion" has been enjoying a great rookie year in Moscow. Meanwhile, Jarmo Ruutu "The Donkey",  as he is known for his inability to follow tactical instructions, has also played in Moscow this season. The rumors started to run wild when a few eagle-eyed viewers appeared to spot Axle Gunner's mother watching the Praque vs Moscow game in the stands. When Jarmo Ruutu lobbed the two pucks over the glass, on both occasions they were sent flying towards the area where Axle Gunner's mother was sitting, which resulted in rumors about Jarmo Ruutu being Axle Gunner's new daddy circulating around the internet.
 
Jarmo Ruutu himself commented on the incident during a radio interview for Good Morning Moscow yesterday:

"I can not believe I am forced to come out and say it, but I am not Axle Gunner's new daddy. In the game against Prague, I took two silly penalties for delaying the game, I was not thinking straight. I thought I heard a whistle, so I lobbed the puck to the fans in the crowd. There were plenty of kids watching the game, so I thought a puck would make a young fan smile. I lobbed it in, but it was thrown back on the ice right away. I thought I heard one of the kids yell: "We want Axle to shoot it here, not you". That got me a bit mad, but I moved on.
 
In the second period the same thing happened, I thought there would be a break, so I went and lobbed the puck over the glass again towards the same area. I wanted them to show some respect to me. This time around they kept the puck, but I was still forced to sit in the box for two minutes again.

I want to make it very clear, there is no hostility inside the team. I got a punishment for my actions, I will try to learn from this experience. "

After two high-scoring games against Malmo Nighthawks, Moscow Menace players were ordered to come in for early morning practice on Sunday. The theme of the practice was defense. Almost everybody managed to come into the practice, but one player was missing: Jarmo Ruutu. The whispers around the training rink suggest the Finnish forward hurt his back while helping the general manager move his belongings into the new office. If we are to believe those who have been in the office of the general manager, the heaviest and most likely object to cause an injury is the antique gaming chair that is reportedly as heavy as a dinner table made from solid oak.
 
It is believed the chair is the GM's lucky chair, but for everyone else, the chair is starting to have the opposite effect.  Last month, while cleaning the office, a cleaner accidentally tripped on the chair, and while falling down their brand new iPhone 15 Pro Max flew out of the open window. The phone was never recovered, but the general manager reportedly gave the cleaner one of his own to compensate for the loss.
 
There has not been any official confirmations on whether Jarmo Ruutu is able to play in the game against LA, but at least on Sunday, the Finnish center was not seen on the ice or at the gym.

According to sources close to Moscow  Menace, center Jarmo Ruutu has been forced to pay a fine of 200k for breaking the team rules. It is believed the violations took place during the game between Prague and Moscow earlier this week.  In the game, Ruutu was penalized twice for shooting the puck over the glass, which resulted in two minor penalties for delaying the game. Those who watched the game or saw the clips may have noticed that Ruutu appeared to stop in his tracks completely and aim the puck toward a specific section of the stands as he proceeded to lob the puck over the glass. When looking at the first penalty, many speculated whether Ruutu thought there was a power break, but when the same scenario took place again in the second period, all shadow of doubt was removed. In the middle of the game, Ruutu lobbed two pucks into the crowd on purpose. Praque failed to take advantage of the powerplays, but the management of Moscow Menace was reportedly not impressed about the behavior of their rookie center.

To make matters even worse, during the few days after the game vicious rumors started to circulate around the internet about Jarmo Ruutu and Axle Gunner. Ruutu and Gunner are both rookie centers in Moscow.  Axle is one of the best young forwards in the game, "The Stallion" has been enjoying a great rookie year in Moscow. Meanwhile, Jarmo Ruutu "The Donkey",  as he is known for his inability to follow tactical instructions, has also played in Moscow this season. The rumors started to run wild when a few eagle-eyed viewers appeared to spot Axle Gunner's mother watching the Praque vs Moscow game in the stands. When Jarmo Ruutu lobbed the two pucks over the glass, on both occasions they were sent flying towards the area where Axle Gunner's mother was sitting, which resulted in rumors about Jarmo Ruutu being Axle Gunner's new daddy circulating around the internet.
 
Jarmo Ruutu himself commented on the incident during a radio interview for Good Morning Moscow yesterday:

"I can not believe I am forced to come out and say it, but I am not Axle Gunner's new daddy. In the game against Prague, I took two silly penalties for delaying the game, I was not thinking straight. I thought I heard a whistle, so I lobbed the puck to the fans in the crowd. There were plenty of kids watching the game, so I thought a puck would make a young fan smile. I lobbed it in, but it was thrown back on the ice right away. I thought I heard one of the kids yell: "We want Axle to shoot it here, not you". That got me a bit mad, but I moved on.
 
In the second period the same thing happened, I thought there would be a break, so I went and lobbed the puck over the glass again towards the same area. I wanted them to show some respect to me. This time around they kept the puck, but I was still forced to sit in the box for two minutes again.

I want to make it very clear, there is no hostility inside the team. I got a punishment for my actions, I will try to learn from this experience. "

1. Thanksgiving is over. Did you get your fill if you celebrate that holiday? I did not, but that was because we did not celebrate in Finland
2. Keeping with the holiday theme, anyone get a special "Black Friday" deal? I bought socks, saved few euros. I like socks, because they keep your feet clean and they also support your ankles a little.
3. Looks like we are doing really good as a team, not winning much at all. Does it feel good to lose? I also love it, I hope we keep losing next year too.
4. Looking at the standings, do you see any surprises?  London winning so many games despite being not so high-scoring team
5. A couple of weeks left in the season, is your player developing to your satisfaction? Slowly getting there
6. I watch Formula 1, what is my favorite color?  Red!

According to sources close to Moscow  Menace, center Jarmo Ruutu has been forced to pay a fine of 200k for breaking the team rules. It is believed the violations took place during the game between Prague and Moscow earlier this week.  In the game, Ruutu was penalized twice for shooting the puck over the glass, which resulted in two minor penalties for delaying the game. Those who watched the game or saw the clips may have noticed that Ruutu appeared to stop in his tracks completely and aim the puck toward a specific section of the stands as he proceeded to lob the puck over the glass. When looking at the first penalty, many speculated whether Ruutu thought there was a power break, but when the same scenario took place again in the second period, all shadow of doubt was removed. In the middle of the game, Ruutu lobbed two pucks into the crowd on purpose. Praque failed to take advantage of the powerplays, but the management of Moscow Menace was reportedly not impressed about the behavior of their rookie center.

To make matters even worse, during the few days after the game vicious rumors started to circulate around the internet about Jarmo Ruutu and Axle Gunner. Ruutu and Gunner are both rookie centers in Moscow.  Axle is one of the best young forwards in the game, "The Stallion" has been enjoying a great rookie year in Moscow. Meanwhile, Jarmo Ruutu "The Donkey",  as he is known for his inability to follow tactical instructions, has also played in Moscow this season. The rumors started to run wild when a few eagle-eyed viewers appeared to spot Axle Gunner's mother watching the Praque vs Moscow game in the stands. When Jarmo Ruutu lobbed the two pucks over the glass, on both occasions they were sent flying towards the area where Axle Gunner's mother was sitting, which resulted in rumors about Jarmo Ruutu being Axle Gunner's new daddy circulating around the internet.
 
Jarmo Ruutu himself commented on the incident during a radio interview for Good Morning Moscow yesterday:

"I can not believe I am forced to come out and say it, but I am not Axle Gunner's new daddy. In the game against Prague, I took two silly penalties for delaying the game, I was not thinking straight. I thought I heard a whistle, so I lobbed the puck to the fans in the crowd. There were plenty of kids watching the game, so I thought a puck would make a young fan smile. I lobbed it in, but it was thrown back on the ice right away. I thought I heard one of the kids yell: "We want Axle to shoot it here, not you". That got me a bit mad, but I moved on.
 
In the second period the same thing happened, I thought there would be a break, so I went and lobbed the puck over the glass again towards the same area. I wanted them to show some respect to me. This time around they kept the puck, but I was still forced to sit in the box for two minutes again.

I want to make it very clear, there is no hostility inside the team. I got a punishment for my actions, I will try to learn from this experience. "

I've always been fascinated by the nationalities of the VHL, both at a member level, but also in the countries that members have chosen for their players. There has been a dominance of Canada and the US as expected but also a lot of other traditional and non-traditional hockey markets, which has meant a very eclectic list of entries into the Hall of Fame, and also a very balanced World Cup which has recently become a particularly underappreciated tournament. I'm moving away from the most unusual locations for the purpose of this article but you can see the nationality of every single Hall of Famer in the linked thread below. In the meantime, here is an attempt to create all-time rosters (3 forwards, 3 defencemen, and 3 goaltenders) for the most popular nations in VHL history.
 
https://vhlforum.com/topic/63841-hof-players-builders/
Note: Blue = Hall of Famer. Italics = out of position (i.e. centers used as wingers)
 
Canada
Matt Thompson - Unassisted - Brett Slobodzian
Jardy Bunclewirth - Ethan Osborne - Zach Parechkin
Tom Lincoln - Andrew Su - Josh Vestiquan

Sterling Labatte - Daniel Braxton
Black Velvet - Aurelien Moreau
Elijah Incognito - Lincoln Tate

Aidan Shaw
Benoit Devereux
Rhett DeGrath
 
Canada's obviously #1 in this discussion. 46 Canadians have been inducted into the Hall of Fame to date, by far the most of any country, and nearly enough for 3 rosters exclusively made out of Hall of Famers. Strength in depth was never going to be an issue here but what I do find interesting is that Canada has almost not produced any player considered the best beyond dispute. Yes there's the award namesakes – Slobodzian, Labatte, Shaw – and for a time they would have been considered the pinnacle of their position, but all have been moved down the ranking with the passage of time. It's also curious that there's not really been an all-time great coming out of Canada since Matt Thompson retired in S68, evidenced by the fact only Su, Moreau, and Tate would be considered “modern” players and all three are a bit buried on the depth chart. Make no mistake, Canada would almost certainly win a hypothetical all-time tournament but it's nice that there is quite a bit of individual brilliance sprinkled across the other nations.
 
@Beketov @STZ @JardyB10 @DollarAndADream @Da_Berr @v.2  @sterling @Frank @Tate
 
USA
Gabriel McAllister - Thomas O'Malley - Diana Maxwell
Jarvis Baldwin - Mike Szatkowski - Cam Fowler
John Locke - Kevin Brooks - Brannan Anthony

Conner Low - Ryan Sullivan
Hard Markinson - Jake Wylde
Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen - Brian Payne

Apollo Skye
Xavier Booberry
Benjamin Glover
 
The US might have only half of Canada's Hall of Famers but it's arguably got more bang for its buck. O'Malley and McAllister are two of the 3-4 names in VHL history who can challenge Scotty Campbell as the league's GOAT. Conner Low and Ryan Sullivan – that's basically your #1 and #2 in the all-time defencemen ranking. Any of the 3 lines could realistically be the first and rolling out the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th all-time top scorers as your 3 centers puts the recent Pittsburgh Penguins dynasty to shame. Defence has been historically a weak spot (behind Low and Sullivan) but Markinson and Smitty have bridged the gap as the best of their generations, and likely S91 inductee Brian Payne is building on an impressive recent legacy. Whisper but America could well knock Canada off its perch in a one-off playoff.
 
@CowboyinAmerica @OrbitingDeath  @scoop @Will @Smarch @Advantage @Fire Fletcher @Velevra 
 
UK
Chris Hylands - Leeroy Jenkins - David Smalling
Brennan McQueen - Phil Rafter - Phil Gerrard
Dougie Daniels - Podrick Cast - Uhtred

David Walcott - Matt Bentley
Jeff Hamilton - Phil Hamilton
David Henman - Joseph McWolf

Hans Wingate
Adrian McCreath
Finn Davison
 
The streak of HOF-only rosters ends at 2. But the UK put up a very strong effort and is only 2 forwards and a goalie away from matching Canada and the US. Also, the UK as #3 in a hockey setting? The VHL's English speaking background has definitely had its impact here as has the influence of a handful of Builders. The Knight brothers account for 6 of the players on the team (hint: it's anyone named Phil or David) and as a UK resident I have also assisted with Cast and Bentley. Is it enough to challenge the top two? Probably not, despite a sprinkling of real VHL royalty in Jenskins, Smalling, and Rafter. Goaltending depth is where the team falls down (this will start to be a recurring theme from here), with McCreath widely considered one of the weaker goalies in the Hall, and Wingate's famous playoff heroics might not be enough to rescue the UK here.
 
@hylands @Knight @Phil @leafsman @McWolf
 
Switzerland
Scott Boulet - Scotty Campbell - Matt Bailey
Branden Snelheid - Daniel Janser - Leander Kaelin
Rudolph Schmeckeldorf - Jasper Davis - Tomas Ziegler

Tomas Jenskovic - Alexander Sauve
Petr Shirokov - Lars Intranquilo
Mike Kloepfer - David Tavau

Sandro Clegane
Matthew Pogge
Marius Henchoz
 
Probably the most unbalanced team of them all. Switzerland was a VHL superstar hotspot in its early days (see Campbell, Boulet, Jenskovic) and then after S20 or so stopped producing notable talent with any regularity at all. “Recent” Hall of Famers Clegane and Janser retired some 40 seasons apart. Tellingly, Jasper Davis makes the cut despite being in his third season at the time of writing. Tavau, Kloepfer, and Ziegler in the meantime might be the worst players on any of the teams being profiled although satisfyingly have a Davos connection as either cup-winners with the Swiss team (Kloepfer, Ziegler) or Dynamo lifers (Tavau). In a 6v6 tournament, Switzerland would be up there with the best of them. Even the second line can hold its own but it all falls apart after that and the production line doesn't seem to be getting any better.
 
@Quik @Daniel Janser @Corco @Josh @diamond_ace @Ahma
 
Sweden
Mathias Chouinard - Anton Brekker - Theo Axelsson
Miles Larsson - Niklas Lindberg - Lasse Milo
Ola Vikingstad - Sebastian Ironside - Scotty Sundin

Alexander Valiq - Mats Johnsson
Battre Sandstrom - Bo Johansson
Robin Galante Nilsson - Patrick Bergqvist

Torstein Ironside
Papa Emeritus
Oskar Lindbergh
 
Probably the team most expected to be third in the list, Sweden likely does occupy that spot based on quantity, but has not really provided the VHL's absolute cream of the crop over the years. The thing that does stick out here is the overall balance – take out Brekker and Valiq and there's not really much separating the Hall of Famers from the 3rd liners. Most of the players on the roster have been or currently are on the HOF ballot. In particular this is relevant in net where Emeritus and Lindbergh are still awaiting the call and could change the complexion of this Swedish team if they do get inducted. Overall, however, the verdict would have to be solid but unspectacular which definitely fits the stereotype.
 
@solas @boubabi @Dil @fromtheinside @Acydburn @Shindigs @RomanesEuntDomus @Doomsday
 
Finland
Tukka Reikkinen - Mikka Virkkunen - Jukka Hakkinen
Saku Kotkakoivu - Aleksi Koponen - Joel Jarvi
Valtteri Vaakanainen - Mikko Lahtinen - Karsten Olsen

Fabio Jokinen - Voittu Jannula
Kasper Kankkunen - Spencer Elsby
Kerkko Hyvärinen - Ville Sixten / Velociraptor Greg

Tuomas Tukio
Vase Trikamaki
Fuukka Rask
 
Sweden's neighbours and eternal rivals are hot on their tail and one thing stands out from the off – they love a center. 8 of the 9 forwards are centers by trade and fittingly the only winger, Karsten Olsen, was a defenceman to begin with. This means great depth in the middle (not quite US level but very possible second place) but less so elsewhere. This is particularly obvious on defence where Jokinen flies the flag alone in the Hall of Fame and the depth guys blend so much that I couldn't even pick one between Sixten of 30s Toronto fame and current Prague dinosaur Greg. But the contrast is clear in goal as well – Tukio is one of the greatest ever in contention with Shaw, Wingate, and the Cleganes yet somehow my first-gen who retired in S16 with 634 TPE is still the second-best Finland has managed to produce. Like Switzerland, we are top-heavy here and will struggle on the line changes.
 
@.sniffuM @Jubo @jRuutu @Spence King @samx @Higgins @Jubis
 
Denmark
Aloe Dear - Lars Berger - Max Molholt
Jerome Reinhart (GR) - Aksel Thomassen - Zach Arce
Tomas Sogaard - Venus Thightrap - Niels Skovgaard / Tyler Reinhart (GR)

Zeedayno Chara (GR) - Frans Spelman
Asher Reinhart (GR) - Reylynn Reinhart (GR)
Joe Madison (GR) - Sven Eightnine

Grekkark Gyrfalcon (GR)
Jakob Kjeldsen
Tobias Reinhart (GR)
 
The Danes have really put all their eggs in one basket. Six Hall of Famers is actually quite good going for a country that's not necessarily a hockey hotbed but each one has been a forward. Offense as a strategy is a pretty good one in the VHL and Dear, Berger, and Molholt is one of the higher-scoring first lines out there, but we shouldn't cut Denmark too much slack. They've been bailed out significantly by the VHL's Greenland and interlinked Reinhart epidemic and will soon need to worry about whether a stand-alone Denmark team could beat a stand-alone Greenland one. For now though, this is a well-balanced combined team which would hold its own in a Nordic tournament.
 
@Renomitsu @Molholt @MexicanCow123 @Arce @Brandon @BladeMaiden @Zetterberg @Ricer13 @BarzalGoat @Spaz @Sharkstrong
 
Germany
Tyson Kohler - Markus Strauss - Christian Stolzschweiger
Ignatius Feltersnatch - Felix Peters - Shawn Muller
Marek Schultz - Lukas Muller - Wolfgang Strauss / Christoph Klose

Jochen Walser - Joey Kendrick
Erik Summers - Torsten Schwarz
Cole Hagstrom / Jaeger Stryker - World B. Free / Klaus Muller

Dominik Stryker
Greg Harbinson
Mathieu VanCoughnett
 
Germany is definitely closer to the Swiss end of the range in that a lot of its strength comes from its past rather than more recent seasons. The majority of the roster had retired or at least debuted by S30 and talent has only trickled in since. There are two old names who continue to hold up well in modern discourse in Stolzschweiger and Walser and a strong trio of centers, while the 3 split decisions on the third line show that there is more than decent depth to call upon. Goaltending is definitely a weakness however, with one of the great first overall busts in VanCoughnett propping up two names more famous for their GM roles than their exploits on the ice.
 
@Kendrick @gregreg @TheLastOlympian07 @der meister @Erik Summers @stevo @Zero
 
Russia
Alexander Beketov - Daric Radmonovic - Pavel Koradek
Evgeni Fyodorov - Sergey Preobrazhensky - Nikolai Lebedev
Bogdan Trunov - Igor Molotov - Yuri Grigorenko

Maxim Kovalchuk - Aleksei Federov
Radislav Mjers - Vladimir Boomchenko
Siyan Yasilievich / Vladimir Pavlov - Victor Grachev

Alexander Labatte
Maxim Desny
Rara Rasputin
 
Finally we close off this piece with the Russian team which is quite similar to the Swedes in 1) being quite balanced with no real standout superstar and 2) being pleasingly stereotypical. Russia's famous in the hockey world for producing individually brilliant players with good attacking instincts and little in the way of a two-way game – it is both their strength and often their downfall. The all-time VHL Russian team is no exception with pretty much everyone on the team focused on scoring (other than the goalies of course) and doing so well enough to be in the Hall of Fame or at least the Hall of Very Good. Everyone on the roster except Desny is also a cup winner which is quite impressive so if nothing else, team Russia would be entertaining.
 
@Bulduray_1 @qripll @Dom @Banackock @InstantRockstar @BOOM @badcolethetitan @KaleebtheMighty
 
After Russia the disparity grows, with no other country really providing a consistent stream of high quality VHL players. Ukraine is the only other nation with more than 2 Hall of Famers, with 4, and features prominently on the best of the rest roster I've put together below just for fun. Of course there are not many traditional hockey markets not covered above (and indeed the UK and Denmark are probably less traditional than others). The Czech and Slovak presence has also been low in the VHL with just 1 Hall of Famer between them, while Latvia actually does quite well with 2 but as expected doesn't really have the depth. Apart from that, lots of VHL members opted to bring in talent from eclectic destinations, from Asia to Australia, from South Africa to the Caribbean. It's provided a good deal of flavour to the overall list but does mean there are still gaps to fill on the more traditional teams which should be the main takeaway from this.... don't make Canadians and Americans.
 
Everyone else
Volodymyr Rybak (UKR) - Franchise Cornerstone (MON) - Odin Tordahl (NOR)
Lord Karnage (SOM) - Alexander Chershenko (UKR) - Duncan Idaho (SMR)
Pietro Maximoff (ROM) - Grimm Jonsson (ISL) - J.D. Stomwall (NZL) *Ronan Lavelle (IRL) could have a claim here

Japinder Singh (IND) - Condor Adrienne (VAT)
James Bencharski (UKR) - Patrice Reynaud (FRA)
Tui Sova (FIJ) - Roque Davis (POR)

Greg Clegane (IRL)
Daisuke Kanou (JPN)
Alex Gegeny (NAM)
 
@Baozi

One of the more interesting matchups during the ongoing week's sim was the game between Moscow and Davos, but not because of the teams playing. It was the potential fight between Jarmo Ruutu and Alfred Champagne that got the biggest headline before the game. Especially Champagne has been one of the most active fighters in the league this year and Ruutu is among the top 10 also. Ruutu, the rookie fighter, vs Champagne, the seasoned warrior. That was the matchup. To the delight of everyone watching the game, the two dropped the gloves and went head to head. Champagne started the fight strong by being the more aggressive one, but Ruutu quickly got into the fight as he found a way to land one solid punch. From there on Ruutu dominated the fight, never letting Champagne to even touch him with his punches. Ruutu was the clear winner of the fight.
 
After the game Ruutu had this to say about the fight: "Yea you know, Alfred is a big guy, but I wasn't afraid. Before the game, the coach was saying something about fighting him, but I wasn't really listening, so I can't say for sure if the coaches were happy that I dropped the gloves, but when a good opportunity came I asked Alfred if he wanted to have a go, he said yes and we went at it. I managed to land a couple of nice ones and I think I won the fight, so that was cool. I am sure we will meet again."

One of the more interesting matchups during the ongoing week's sim was the game between Moscow and Davos, but not because of the teams playing. It was the potential fight between Jarmo Ruutu and Alfred Champagne that got the biggest headline before the game. Especially Champagne has been one of the most active fighters in the league this year and Ruutu is among the top 10 also. Ruutu, the rookie fighter, vs Champagne, the seasoned warrior. That was the matchup. To the delight of everyone watching the game, the two dropped the gloves and went head to head. Champagne started the fight strong by being the more aggressive one, but Ruutu quickly got into the fight as he found a way to land one solid punch. From there on Ruutu dominated the fight, never letting Champagne to even touch him with his punches. Ruutu was the clear winner of the fight.
 
After the game Ruutu had this to say about the fight: "Yea you know, Alfred is a big guy, but I wasn't afraid. Before the game, the coach was saying something about fighting him, but I wasn't really listening, so I can't say for sure if the coaches were happy that I dropped the gloves, but when a good opportunity came I asked Alfred if he wanted to have a go, he said yes and we went at it. I managed to land a couple of nice ones and I think I won the fight, so that was cool. I am sure we will meet again."

1. How did you find the VHL? Years ago I heard a homeless looking person yell about Bitcoin and VHL when I went to buy juice, I decided to invest in VHL as it sounded more fun.
2. Do you find it fun most of the time? Any suggestions?  I do, but some of the users I talk to here and there make it less fun. Suggestion: create multiple users and talk with yourself in the forums
3. Our team has won a game or two. How do you think we will do next season? Playoff hockey time next year!
4. Anything good or bad going on in your life? I bought a scarf. I don't know if I wear it or will I just be cold instead. I might just be cold instead.
5. I am really having fun with Baldur's Gate 3, do you have a favorite game you play? Football Manager games are fun games, casual fun, can do other stuff at the same time and have it run on the background.
6. The hybrid system has been in place for serveral seasons, do you think it's time to maybe adjust the ratios a bit? 
I think updating fighting should bring 0.25 to scoring and checking.  Lets bring the old school hockey back!
 

The topic for the theme week is recruitment.  When I think about recruitment, my mind goes to an army recruiting soldiers for war or some kind of criminal organization recruiting new members to join their ranks. The result is that the person is being asked to commit to something and they are being asked to put themselves on the line.  If I now think about the average person out there, they are not going to commit to something unless they see others doing the same thing, they are not going to put themselves on the line for most things, they will much rather follow what everybody else is doing.  To even get someone to stop and listen to whatever you have to say is a hard task as the recruiting efforts can be seen as invasive and even aggressive, which causes so many to tune out automatically.
 
I started to wonder how can you reach the average person who might not want to hear what you have to say. Instead of posting a few things here and there to various sites, I think VHL should create accounts on multiple forums and be active members of those communities. VHL should create "forum accounts" that point towards VHL. Then through these community accounts, VHL should aim to get notorious in these forums by posting content that speaks to the members of these communities. The goal is to attract users to VHL as they recognize interesting and entertaining times could be had in VHL as the community accounts put out a fun vibe. In many ways, it is what VHL is doing already with ads and posts to wherever, but this type of work requires more effort. It showcases the creative, fun, and hardworking side of VHL in real-time. Each post in each forum should be seen as a mini-version of VHL.
 
The forum and layout of VHL need to be changed. New users are interested in the site and what VHL could be about, so they come to check it out, the brightest thing on the site can not be "donate".  It simply sends the wrong message: "Ahaa, these people are after money. I am not interested in paying for something". There are way too many links and headlines that look identical, nobody has time to read through this much stuff. Highlight the best stuff, and hide the boring stuff.
 
As I was thinking of some kind of ending to this article, I got bored. I think it was a mistake highlighting recruitment for the theme week. Just like the donate button on the site, it sends the wrong message.  Seeing comments about advertising in TikTok, Instagram, etc is doing great harm to the members on the site already. The ship is really sinking, isn't it? Nobody has an idea? There is no plan?  Post to social media and hope people see it:  "Noo noo, we have an idea, but it was a hot topic last week, so we thought it would be fun to hear what everybody in the league has to say about it".
 
THE END IS NEAR.

SAVE YOUR VHL DONATION MONEY,  START A TIKTOK CHANNEL, AND SPEND THE MONEY ON LIKES AND VIEWS TO GET YOUR NOTIFICATION BUZZ!

The topic for the theme week is recruitment.  When I think about recruitment, my mind goes to an army recruiting soldiers for war or some kind of criminal organization recruiting new members to join their ranks. The result is that the person is being asked to commit to something and they are being asked to put themselves on the line.  If I now think about the average person out there, they are not going to commit to something unless they see others doing the same thing, they are not going to put themselves on the line for most things, they will much rather follow what everybody else is doing.  To even get someone to stop and listen to whatever you have to say is a hard task as the recruiting efforts can be seen as invasive and even aggressive, which causes so many to tune out automatically.
 
I started to wonder how can you reach the average person who might not want to hear what you have to say. Instead of posting a few things here and there to various sites, I think VHL should create accounts on multiple forums and be active members of those communities. VHL should create "forum accounts" that point towards VHL. Then through these community accounts, VHL should aim to get notorious in these forums by posting content that speaks to the members of these communities. The goal is to attract users to VHL as they recognize interesting and entertaining times could be had in VHL as the community accounts put out a fun vibe. In many ways, it is what VHL is doing already with ads and posts to wherever, but this type of work requires more effort. It showcases the creative, fun, and hardworking side of VHL in real-time. Each post in each forum should be seen as a mini-version of VHL.
 
The forum and layout of VHL need to be changed. New users are interested in the site and what VHL could be about, so they come to check it out, the brightest thing on the site can not be "donate".  It simply sends the wrong message: "Ahaa, these people are after money. I am not interested in paying for something". There are way too many links and headlines that look identical, nobody has time to read through this much stuff. Highlight the best stuff, and hide the boring stuff.
 
As I was thinking of some kind of ending to this article, I got bored. I think it was a mistake highlighting recruitment for the theme week. Just like the donate button on the site, it sends the wrong message.  Seeing comments about advertising in TikTok, Instagram, etc is doing great harm to the members on the site already. The ship is really sinking, isn't it? Nobody has an idea? There is no plan?  Post to social media and hope people see it:  "Noo noo, we have an idea, but it was a hot topic last week, so we thought it would be fun to hear what everybody in the league has to say about it".
 
THE END IS NEAR.

SAVE YOUR VHL DONATION MONEY,  START A TIKTOK CHANNEL, AND SPEND THE MONEY ON LIKES AND VIEWS TO GET YOUR NOTIFICATION BUZZ!