jRuutu

Don't worry, I'll be playing winger for a couple seasons! You guys won't be replaced!

The season 92 VHL draft took place a few days ago. Many exciting young players were picked by VHL teams. As usual, some players are seen as more ready to play in VHL early on than others, one of the players not far from VHL level is second overall pick George Richmond, who was picked by Moscow Menace. What makes the pick interesting is the position Richmond is usually seen at - center. Moscow Menace already has two young centers on the roster, Gunner and Ruutu. If you compare the two centers, Ruutu is most likely to feel the burn and heat as Richmond is breathing on their neck as Gunner lead the team last year. Meanwhile, Ruutu also played in the team.
 
However, rumors coming from Moscow suggest that it is Gunner who is most likely going to make room for Richmond. Sources near the Moscow Menace training grounds have stated that Gunner has refused to walk in and out of the locker room, he has been carried by what looks like a carrying chair, similar to one you might have seen in ancient times in Egypt. What has caused the management to question the motives of Gunner is the peanuts Gunner keeps throwing at the feet of other players. According to one anonymous player: "the peanuts are high-quality, even after you eat them from the ground".
 
Remains to be seen what happens in Moscow, one thing is for sure - things are spicy.

The season 92 VHL draft took place a few days ago. Many exciting young players were picked by VHL teams. As usual, some players are seen as more ready to play in VHL early on than others, one of the players not far from VHL level is second overall pick George Richmond, who was picked by Moscow Menace. What makes the pick interesting is the position Richmond is usually seen at - center. Moscow Menace already has two young centers on the roster, Gunner and Ruutu. If you compare the two centers, Ruutu is most likely to feel the burn and heat as Richmond is breathing on their neck as Gunner lead the team last year. Meanwhile, Ruutu also played in the team.
 
However, rumors coming from Moscow suggest that it is Gunner who is most likely going to make room for Richmond. Sources near the Moscow Menace training grounds have stated that Gunner has refused to walk in and out of the locker room, he has been carried by what looks like a carrying chair, similar to one you might have seen in ancient times in Egypt. What has caused the management to question the motives of Gunner is the peanuts Gunner keeps throwing at the feet of other players. According to one anonymous player: "the peanuts are high-quality, even after you eat them from the ground".
 
Remains to be seen what happens in Moscow, one thing is for sure - things are spicy.

The season 92 VHL draft took place a few days ago. Many exciting young players were picked by VHL teams. As usual, some players are seen as more ready to play in VHL early on than others, one of the players not far from VHL level is second overall pick George Richmond, who was picked by Moscow Menace. What makes the pick interesting is the position Richmond is usually seen at - center. Moscow Menace already has two young centers on the roster, Gunner and Ruutu. If you compare the two centers, Ruutu is most likely to feel the burn and heat as Richmond is breathing on their neck as Gunner lead the team last year. Meanwhile, Ruutu also played in the team.
 
However, rumors coming from Moscow suggest that it is Gunner who is most likely going to make room for Richmond. Sources near the Moscow Menace training grounds have stated that Gunner has refused to walk in and out of the locker room, he has been carried by what looks like a carrying chair, similar to one you might have seen in ancient times in Egypt. What has caused the management to question the motives of Gunner is the peanuts Gunner keeps throwing at the feet of other players. According to one anonymous player: "the peanuts are high-quality, even after you eat them from the ground".
 
Remains to be seen what happens in Moscow, one thing is for sure - things are spicy.

But he brings us cookies. 

Yea we knew you got scared you'd be the worst of the 3 rooks lol

Sources close to Thor said he described Moscow as a "toxic environment" where the gm was verbally abusive and the multiple talented rookies joining the team created a power struggle within the locker room.

As I look back and think about Season 91 of Moscow Menace and my own season as a player, I am feeling a similar sensation as when you look down at an almost empty box of chocolates. What was supposed to be a pleasant and enjoyable experience turned into something else. As I now look down at the almost empty box I see chocolates like Orange Marzipan, Dark Chocolate and Orange Caramel, and finally; Marzipan and Gianduja. Only the bad ones are left. I feel sick, but not because I ate too many chocolates. I feel sick because I went through the whole thing and the end result is worse than I expected.  I feel sick because I allowed myself to get too excited, I got carried away. I wanted to eat all the nice pieces and still feel like a winner. I think the only way you feel like a winner after eating a box of chocolates is when you eat the bad ones first, then you end with the good ones while staring at the empty box.
 
I am a rookie when it comes down to eating a chocolate box. I am a rookie when it comes down to playing for the S91 Moscow Menace. That is all going to change next year as I will enter the season with well over 600 TPE. That is a lot more than before the rookie season started, which gives me a reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season. I think I am able to simply play better against the better players. That is something every rookie has to overcome as the teams you face often tend to look for any exploit they can from the opposite team, and often it is the rookie players as they tend to have some sharp edges to their game. I am no different, I had to learn the hard way that playing defense is just not for the defenders, the forwards have to participate as well.
 
If I think about the team, I think there are a lot of players who are now better than a year ago, and that is automatically going to lead to a better season. The question still is - can Moscow make the playoffs? That is a tough thing to say right now. The European division is so much more competitive than NA, which sucks for us as there are so many good teams we have to beat at home and away if we want to make the playoffs. Meanwhile, the teams in North America can coast it and still make it into playoffs. Even if it might feel unfair now, this type of competition will be the reason why Moscow is going to celebrate multiple championships in the near future. The whole organization is going to improve at a steady pace while facing top teams on the EU side and then having a bit of a relaxing time with the NA teams. I think when you play against the NA teams you need to be really careful in not thinking you have already won before the puck even drops.
 
In the end, I would like to say that the past is in the past. My eyes are on the future, what I see is cup rings and good times.
 

Thor Reingaard, one of the best prospect wingers in the world of VHL was traded from Moscow to Warsaw. In return, Moscow gets an S92 1st-round pick and an S94 2nd-round pick. What makes the trade interesting is the fact that Thor Reingaard has not played even one game in VHL, but the expectations for the winger were high in Moscow as he was expected to feature in the upcoming training camp and play for Moscow in the upcoming VHL season. Sources close to the organization suggest that Olober Syko, another exciting young prospect, is the reason behind the trade. According to the sources, Syko wants to be known as "The Rookie" in Moscow this season, which has caused players like Leif Reingaard to shake in their boots as they could be next out of the door.
 
Other rumors coming from Moscow suggest the trade has nothing to do with the rookie status. The trade of Reingaard is simply part of a larger shake-up that could see every single player in Moscow being traded for picks. It is not 100% clear what could be the motive of such trade action, but when a top prospect like Reingaard is traded for picks, one thing is for sure - nobody is safe in Moscow.

Thor Reingaard, one of the best prospect wingers in the world of VHL was traded from Moscow to Warsaw. In return, Moscow gets an S92 1st-round pick and an S94 2nd-round pick. What makes the trade interesting is the fact that Thor Reingaard has not played even one game in VHL, but the expectations for the winger were high in Moscow as he was expected to feature in the upcoming training camp and play for Moscow in the upcoming VHL season. Sources close to the organization suggest that Olober Syko, another exciting young prospect, is the reason behind the trade. According to the sources, Syko wants to be known as "The Rookie" in Moscow this season, which has caused players like Leif Reingaard to shake in their boots as they could be next out of the door.
 
Other rumors coming from Moscow suggest the trade has nothing to do with the rookie status. The trade of Reingaard is simply part of a larger shake-up that could see every single player in Moscow being traded for picks. It is not 100% clear what could be the motive of such trade action, but when a top prospect like Reingaard is traded for picks, one thing is for sure - nobody is safe in Moscow.

Thor Reingaard, one of the best prospect wingers in the world of VHL was traded from Moscow to Warsaw. In return, Moscow gets an S92 1st-round pick and an S94 2nd-round pick. What makes the trade interesting is the fact that Thor Reingaard has not played even one game in VHL, but the expectations for the winger were high in Moscow as he was expected to feature in the upcoming training camp and play for Moscow in the upcoming VHL season. Sources close to the organization suggest that Olober Syko, another exciting young prospect, is the reason behind the trade. According to the sources, Syko wants to be known as "The Rookie" in Moscow this season, which has caused players like Leif Reingaard to shake in their boots as they could be next out of the door.
 
Other rumors coming from Moscow suggest the trade has nothing to do with the rookie status. The trade of Reingaard is simply part of a larger shake-up that could see every single player in Moscow being traded for picks. It is not 100% clear what could be the motive of such trade action, but when a top prospect like Reingaard is traded for picks, one thing is for sure - nobody is safe in Moscow.

Thor Reingaard, one of the best prospect wingers in the world of VHL was traded from Moscow to Warsaw. In return, Moscow gets an S92 1st-round pick and an S94 2nd-round pick. What makes the trade interesting is the fact that Thor Reingaard has not played even one game in VHL, but the expectations for the winger were high in Moscow as he was expected to feature in the upcoming training camp and play for Moscow in the upcoming VHL season. Sources close to the organization suggest that Olober Syko, another exciting young prospect, is the reason behind the trade. According to the sources, Syko wants to be known as "The Rookie" in Moscow this season, which has caused players like Leif Reingaard to shake in their boots as they could be next out of the door.
 
Other rumors coming from Moscow suggest the trade has nothing to do with the rookie status. The trade of Reingaard is simply part of a larger shake-up that could see every single player in Moscow being traded for picks. It is not 100% clear what could be the motive of such trade action, but when a top prospect like Reingaard is traded for picks, one thing is for sure - nobody is safe in Moscow.

1. Have any expectations about  your Christmas gifts? Want something special? I wanted a life-sized painting of myself, but nobody was willing to paint me in the position and outfit I wanted to be in.
2. The team is shaping up really well, what are your thoughts on the team? Things are looking good, Moscow moving forward is a nice thing to see.
3. Spartan is going to be our goalie. Does that motivate you in any way? I want to train as little as possible, so he has to make as many save as possible, that way he will grow to be elite goalie faster.
4. What's the best part about the VHL you like the most? Seeing your player grow into a nice player is always fun.
5. What's the worst thing about the VHL? The depreciation perhaps, not so much fun to lose so much TPE at once.
6. Do you have your own family get together or does your whole family have a feast for the holidays.   We had a family Christmas dinner, it was lovely times!

1. What do you think about the playoffs. Doesn't look like the regular season is any indicator.  Outside of the finals, not that many tight series, which is surprising for playoffs.
2. Who do you think will be in the finals?  Helsinki will come from behind and take it!
3. What do you see that needs to be changed on our team? The players need more money, that is the first thing that needs to be changed. Or well I need more money, so we can start with that.
4. We have some really good players that should develope into a contender. How soon will that be? In few seasons we will win the cup.
5. Did you buy  yourself a xmas present yet? I bought a kitchen drain. I bought meatballs and mashed potatoes for lunch last Saturday, felt like an early Christmas gift.
6. Out of all the previews of upcoming video games, does GTA 6 standout to you? Could be fun, I have not really followed the news, but I hope the online wont be the main focus point.

That sounds about right!! LOL!!

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.

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. 
 
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