Ahma

welcome to Davos, J-Dad!
 
@JCarson
@jacobcarson877 

welcome to Davos, J-Dad!
 
@JCarson
@jacobcarson877 

welcome to Davos, J-Dad!
 
@JCarson
@jacobcarson877 

Post Draft Interview with Felicia Hardy 
 
While there is a lull between picks in first round of the VHL season 94 draft we wanted to take a moment to sit and talk with Felicia Hardy who was taken sixth overall by HC Davos. 
Felicia, thanks for agreeing to talk with us, how are you feeling about being taken sixth overall? 
 
Honestly, the VHL is the premier hockey league in the world, anyone who gets drafted is among the top talent anywhere. I know I personally played with several players who accepted entry into lesser leagues like the NHL just so they could continue their careers. Yes, we all dream of being drafted first overall but if you look at the draft board so far there are now seven players listed who are exceptional players and there are still a list more waiting for their name to be called that in any other draft would have gone first overall. So overall I am happy with sixth, but more importantly I am looking forward to signing with and playing for Davos. 
 
Speaking of Davos, can you elaborate on the process that got you there? 
 
I had several interactions with the GM prior to the draft. They had a well thought out plan that was designed to allow them to be competitive within the league for several seasons. They knew exactly what they were looking for. I liked the fact that they were honest about where they were sitting and that they were going to need to adjust depending on how this draft went. I was given the assurance that I was their top choice for Defender, and we would need to see how things progressed.  
 
What do you think you bring to Davos that will help them be competitive? 
 
The focus of my training is on being a defensively minded defender, I know I still have a lot to work on, but I expect that I will integrate into the team structure well in a couple seasons. That being said, I also have spent a lot of time focusing on the passing side of my game, to facilitate zone entry and exit but I have also found that it helps immensely in the offensive zone to assist in setting up plays. We will see how that plays out in the overall game. Either way I know I am going to get a lot of opportunities to work with the training staff in Davos so that I can elevate my game. I am also working on a lot of off ice things to improve my strength with the puck and my endurance. I am excited by this opportunity. 
 
Felicia, I want to thank you for your time tonight. We look forward to watching you this coming season in the VHLE and look forward to the VHLE Draft on Monday night. We expect that you will have an exceptional season and we look forward to seeing more of you as the seasons progress. Good luck in the draft Monday and in Season 94. 

1. Going into the offseason, what do you believe Davos needs to become competitive once more?
some great moves by @Alex
2. How would you reflect on your player’s season individually? Is there anything you would’ve wanted to improve on or see from them?
Individually it was a superb season, personally my best season ever.
3. To those who have just graduated from the VHLE, welcome to Davos! What do you hope to bring to the team? To our veterans, what would you like to see from our rookies next season?
 
4. Did you sign up for the ProAm tournament this offseason?
no
5. In a Game 7 shootout situation, which active VHL starting goalie would you want in net for you?
Summers.
6. How did you find out about the existence of the VHL?
I honestly don't remember. I assume it was through google search, by chance.
7. Thoughts on this year’s NHL draft lottery? 
THANK GOD CHICAGO DIDN'T WIN!!!!!!!!!!!
8. Have you ever met a professional athlete before? If so, who was it?
multiple. I've met many Liiga pro players when I was a kid.
Over ten years ago now, I met Jere Lehtinen in Iron Maiden concerts VIP dinner. Imagine that a legend was eating right next my table! it was an experience.

-Josh

DAVID!

At this point feels like we have to do this every single season....
 
With that said, we do expect our GM's to do their jobs and follow the rules. There is a big difference between leaving your bot goalie in for 1 or 2 extra games. This punishment comes from way more. For that reason, the draft lottery odds are being adjusted as a form of punishment for LA @InstantRockstar who started their goalie 19 times an extra 11. 
 
In order to keep things fair to the other teams in the lottery. We as the commissioner team have decided that LA will lose 15% odds of first overall (they will keep the position just not the odds). This 15% will then be re-distributed.
 
The lottery odds this season are:
 
1. LA - 10.0%
2. Davos - 23.0%
3. Riga - 20.5%
4. Vancouver - 18.0%
5. Calgary - 15.5%
6. Helsinki - 13%
 
In addition LA will lose their 2nd round pick. 
 
It is the hope of the league that this will not be an every season occurrence and that it was simply a mistake on the part of the GM's rather than malicious tanking and no further adjustments to the rules will be made at this time so please don't prove us wrong and have to make this a seasonal thing that we punish more harshly. I feel like I say that every season, we expect the GMs to follow the rules. As this punishment continues every season don't be surprised if the punishment continues to be more severe on each occurrence. 
 
@Commissioner

1. Will DAVID be a contender again next season?!
YES! I BELIEVE!
2. Now that we are deep into the Continental Cup playoffs, which team do you believe looks the strongest?
 
3. Do you believe the regular season should be adjusted in any way in terms of amount of games (lengthened or shortened)? Or is 72 just the sweet spot?
keep it at 72. it has been that way forever.
4. What was your player’s best stat this season?
Points!
5. The Stanley Cup playoffs are also heating up! Was there a series outcome in particular that surprised you?
Toronto actually putting up a fight against without Matthews. Winnipeg getting trashed Tampa out in only 5 games.
6. Other than hockey, what other sports do you enjoy watching?
champions league football and occasional baseball game
7. What was the last movie you watched?
Rebel Moon Part 2 The Scargiver
8. How many holes does a straw have?
math says its one hole, technically, i'll go with that.

1. Will DAVID be a contender again next season?!
 
Oh yes.  I trust Alex
 
2. Now that we are deep into the Continental Cup playoffs, which team do you believe looks the strongest?
 
Moscow
 
3. Do you believe the regular season should be adjusted in any way in terms of amount of games (lengthened or shortened)? Or is 72 just the sweet spot?
 
72 is good
 
4. What was your player’s best stat this season?
 
Ah crap, I wasnt paying attention.  I’m gonna say, the bar bill after winning the division. 
 
5. The Stanley Cup playoffs are also heating up! Was there a series outcome in particular that surprised you?
 
Not yet.  I just hope Boston wins
 
6. Other than hockey, what other sports do you enjoy watching?
 
Football, the Red Sox, been watching Tag lately 
 
7. What was the last movie you watched?
 
At the theaters? Cant remember. Too expensive.  Budget cuts going on here.  On the TV? The Lincoln Lawyer.  
 
8. How many holes does a straw have?
@Ahma says one, he’s always right.  If I didnt look at his presser, I’d have said zero.
 

1. Will DAVID be a contender again next season?!
YES! I BELIEVE!
2. Now that we are deep into the Continental Cup playoffs, which team do you believe looks the strongest?
 
3. Do you believe the regular season should be adjusted in any way in terms of amount of games (lengthened or shortened)? Or is 72 just the sweet spot?
keep it at 72. it has been that way forever.
4. What was your player’s best stat this season?
Points!
5. The Stanley Cup playoffs are also heating up! Was there a series outcome in particular that surprised you?
Toronto actually putting up a fight against without Matthews. Winnipeg getting trashed Tampa out in only 5 games.
6. Other than hockey, what other sports do you enjoy watching?
champions league football and occasional baseball game
7. What was the last movie you watched?
Rebel Moon Part 2 The Scargiver
8. How many holes does a straw have?
math says its one hole, technically, i'll go with that.

DAVID

I could have been DC's GM if it weren't for you meddling kids--who knows what would have happened?
 
 
I also would have had way, way less to say about my time in the VHLM if I ended up being promoted in S68 with the addition of a couple new teams. The BoG toyed with the idea, but eventually they'd decided that they hated me some others were better fits at the time. But I was pretty darn good, after all...
 
 
...and my time was going to come eventually.
 
Cue @ShawnGlade fucking up.
 
I mostly joke because I think I would have been moved up sometime not far from S70 anyway. At one point, I was the one @Advantage wanted to take over Malmo eventually, and had the league known that he'd be giving up the team right after S70, they definitely would have waited a little bit on hiring me and done that instead. I almost could have flushed Malmo's hopes and dreams down the toilet too--could you imagine? At least two franchises should be glad I was unlucky.
 
But anyway, back to what I said earlier. When I joined the league, I knew Shawn as the builder of a solid player and a passionate GM in Davos who made a lot of moves that people questioned. Davos got made fun of a lot, even when they were good on paper. So did Shawn, by extension. Even when the team was good on paper, they just couldn't seem to piece it together. Which, by itself, wasn't a negative reflection on his management. With that being said, it certainly meant that when there was an actual shortcoming, the league picked up on it and ran with it.
 
After pinging Shawn, I hope I can keep it clear that I like him a lot while also fairly saying that I don't blame league leadership for considering it a red flag when he missed a couple drafts in a row without notice. Which is essentially all that presented a serious issue to the league. Things happen, and sometimes things matter a little more than this website--so when that runs to enough of an extent that the league has to BPA your picks and your players start leaving in free agency (future HoFer Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen was a big loss), it's enough for the league to also consider that maybe your team could use a bigger loser with more time and energy to devote.
 
I came across the BoG thread on the matter a couple seasons later when they let me in, and it actually started out as a discussion about (deservedly) removing Bushito as Calgary's GM after the Wranglers were functionally run by Dil and/or Blade for a few seasons on end. But S70's draft came and went with that thread up, and with Davos discourse becoming very public afterward, the topic quickly shifted. To be honest, things went into "who should we hire" pretty soon after that, and it was @Rin who pretty soon after that managed to avoid a lot of debate and lists and whatnot by recommending me specifically for the job. Really, the only bump in the road was Advantage bringing up that maybe I could run Malmo at some point--which he walked back later on saying that he wasn't sure what his plans were yet. So it was settled--I'd known myself that I was the heir to the Nighthawks and was a little bit disappointed to find out that it wouldn't be working out that way, but I've also mentioned before that S70 wasn't very happening in Mississauga and I was really excited when Beav contacted me to offer the big-league job. It was also cool to watch my then-both-former-and-future AGM @Berocka, who had just been hired in Halifax and made a questionable trade there, be moved over to run the Hounds because the personal connection we'd both built with the franchise was strong enough to warrant it.
 
With all the hype around me moving up, I was also a bit conflicted because I really didn't want it to happen the way it did. I'd seen Shawn's resignation post (the league asked him to quit instead of announcing it officially, but it was no secret) and subsequent discussion thread, and really did feel a bit bad. I also wasn't really sure how to approach the situation from my end. Here was someone I really had no issue with, whose team I'd inherited and would have to work with, who was a rostered player on that team, and who also probably was not a fan of me in that moment. I did reach out and we talked briefly, but we mostly gave each other some space at the start.
 
Something that was really important to me was the buildup of team culture. Davos was not in any position to win games in S70, and I'd heard a lot about how the team's community needed work. I didn't really want to deal with figuring out what that meant or how true that was, so I almost immediately created a new team server altogether. I followed the same exact strategy I had in building a locker room in Mississauga (which was mostly a carryover from my first season in Houston), which was to try to focus discussion into publicly accessible channels as much as possible and try to create a mutually beneficial environment for the team and the rest of the community. With the Hounds, I'd never had the need to bring in people who weren't affiliated with the team (and there were some cases where people would join the team for this reason!), but with a gutted and mostly demoralized roster, and no alumni network in my newly-created server, I decided to invite a handful of people who had been particularly good to me up to that point. I especially remember people like @Doomsday, @GlowyGoat, @McWolf, and @Esso2264 at the start, some of which would stay active in that server through my entire tenure even if they never made it onto my roster. On the roster itself was...really not much. We had the ever-reliable @Ahma on defense, and right around the time I was hired was when @Brrbisbrr (one of the nicest people I've ever met on this website) decided to make a comeback. Samuel Ross was my first Davos goaler, and he faced the absolute barrage of pucks faithfully in S70.
 
As you might guess, the biggest event of S70 was my hiring. I won't act like we won much of anything (we finished last, of course). My GM tenure had gotten off to a rocky start. I could have just thrown lines together and checked out until I finally got to draft in S71. But I felt that it was worth putting the time and effort into making a team run, at least a little bit, and I felt that our server benefited from that. I was really proud of some of the ways I felt appreciated by my new team, and haven't quite forgotten this article that's over 4 years old at this point. 
 
My first year with Davos reinforced a lot of what I already knew--that running your VHL team like a VHLM team and actually trying to see that your players have a positive experience instead of zoning them out and doing your lines when you have to is something that pays off. I'd much rather have the record I did in S70, and know that my team had a good time getting there, than have no connection with them and win a bit more. And while it's unfortunate that I couldn't do both of those things at once, you'll see as I cover the rest of my GM tenure that I don't regret it.
 
 

Read my other articles for the full Gustav experience:
 
#1: Lightning Glory Gonna Be My Name
#2: Can't We All Just Get Along?
#3: Who Needs Cybersecurity Anyway?
#4: The House That I Built
#5: Can We Fix It?
#6: American Beauty
#7: The Kids Are Alright
#8: Dogs In A Pile
#9: I Just Wanna Grill For God's Sake

it has been a long time tradition in Davos indeed

it has been a long time tradition in Davos indeed

Thank you all for your nominations! Receiving more than 1 vote and therefore a place on the ballot are...
 
@Banackock
@LucyXpher
@Spartan
 
also receiving a vote each were...
@AJW @Ahma @Beketov @Joel Main @Tetricide @UghSike @ace_five_ @dlamb and @dstevensonjr
 
If you would like to know what you got nominated for, please PM me. I won't be able to respond promptly as currently travelling but I can let you know when I'm back next week.

1. We’ve only got a few regular season sims left, who do you predict will be the Continental Cup champion?
 
Moscow
 
2. Our beauty of a captain, David Jokinen, has had a career year! Any words to commend him on this feat? 
 
He’s my hero.
 
3. What do you believe we can learn from this season that we can carry onto the next? Any bold predictions or suggestions?
 
Win more, lose less
 
4. If you had a chance to add a new award to the VHL, what would it be and what would you name it?
 
The Ray Bourque Trophy.  Player who wins the most fights
 
5. Regarding fighting in hockey, do you believe it is a staple of the sport? Or is it something that should be phased out of the game entirely?
 
Ouch.  You serious?  Whoever is suggesting that fighting be phased out is not a hockey player.  You cannot participate in playoff hockey without hitting hard and that sometimes flares up into a fight.  Now, the fighters can decide how hard to punch.  
 
6. The Stanley Cup playoffs have begun! Which team has impressed you most thus far?
 
It’s easier for me to tell you which team has not impressed me.  That would be the Bruins, my team.  They cannot maintain 60 minutes of playoff hockey.  I thought Big Rig would help motivate them, but thus far, they soften up too soon.
 
7. In terms of playstyle and build, which NHL player is yours most similar to?
 
Radko Gudas.  Love that Gudas hip check!!
 
8. Since this debate has flared up again recently: is a hot dog a sandwich?
 
It can be when it’s called a polish sandwich, ie. the hotdog is split in half and placed on two slices of bread with pickles mustard ketchup and onion.  Other than that, no.  Especially when a hot dog is cut up and put in spaghettiios.  Oh, now I’m hungry.
 

1. We’ve only got a few regular season sims left, who do you predict will be the Continental Cup champion?
I've still got Toronto. Europe is going to be a slog to get through, and the Legion have had such a strong team from day one.
 
2. Our beauty of a captain, David Jokinen, has had a career year! Any words to commend him on this feat? 
Oh captain my captain! And assistant captain! And other assistant captain! Here's to hoping it continues next season when I'm also up.
 
3. What do you believe we can learn from this season that we can carry onto the next? Any bold predictions or suggestions?
To be honest? Not really. There's going to largely be a new roster next season, so while it's been great to get a few wins, I think a lot of the game planning will start from square one.
 
4. If you had a chance to add a new award to the VHL, what would it be and what would you name it?
You say people don't build players with fighting? Then let's change that - most fights won now gets an award. We're calling it the Rocky Award until we get a good VHL legend to name it after.
 
5. Regarding fighting in hockey, do you believe it is a staple of the sport? Or is it something that should be phased out of the game entirely?
I swear I didn't see this question before answering the last one. Honestly, the reason that a lot of people play sports is to get some aggression out. As long as it's not causing lasting injuries, then yeah, let them have at it.
 
8. Since this debate has flared up again recently: is a hot dog a sandwich?
People focus too much on this question and not the alternative: I think every ham sandwich should be called a hot dog. Think about it - contains a pig-based meat, you typically want to eat it with condiments for flavor, comes within some sort of bun. Real geniuses have been saying this.

1. We’ve only got a few regular season sims left, who do you predict will be the Continental Cup champion?
Long Live The King! London got this.
2. Our beauty of a captain, David Jokinen, has had a career year! Any words to commend him on this feat? 
Thanks
3. What do you believe we can learn from this season that we can carry onto the next? Any bold predictions or suggestions?
Our rookies will dominate.
4. If you had a chance to add a new award to the VHL, what would it be and what would you name it?
We could try and bring back Top Leader award and name it The Annual @Phil Award.
5. Regarding fighting in hockey, do you believe it is a staple of the sport? Or is it something that should be phased out of the game entirely?
Personally I don't like fighting in hockey, but I understand why it's there. I hope there will be less of it in the future, doesn't need to be fully phased out of the sport though
6. The Stanley Cup playoffs have begun! Which team has impressed you most thus far?
McDavid, 5 assists in the first game of Oilers playoffs. For a team it's too early to say imo
7. In terms of playstyle and build, which NHL player is yours most similar to?
Brady Skjei?
8. Since this debate has flared up again recently: is a hot dog a sandwich?
 

1. We’ve only got a few regular season sims left, who do you predict will be the Continental Cup champion?
Long Live The King! London got this.
2. Our beauty of a captain, David Jokinen, has had a career year! Any words to commend him on this feat? 
Thanks
3. What do you believe we can learn from this season that we can carry onto the next? Any bold predictions or suggestions?
Our rookies will dominate.
4. If you had a chance to add a new award to the VHL, what would it be and what would you name it?
We could try and bring back Top Leader award and name it The Annual @Phil Award.
5. Regarding fighting in hockey, do you believe it is a staple of the sport? Or is it something that should be phased out of the game entirely?
Personally I don't like fighting in hockey, but I understand why it's there. I hope there will be less of it in the future, doesn't need to be fully phased out of the sport though
6. The Stanley Cup playoffs have begun! Which team has impressed you most thus far?
McDavid, 5 assists in the first game of Oilers playoffs. For a team it's too early to say imo
7. In terms of playstyle and build, which NHL player is yours most similar to?
Brady Skjei?
8. Since this debate has flared up again recently: is a hot dog a sandwich?
 

1. We’ve only got a few regular season sims left, who do you predict will be the Continental Cup champion?
Long Live The King! London got this.
2. Our beauty of a captain, David Jokinen, has had a career year! Any words to commend him on this feat? 
Thanks
3. What do you believe we can learn from this season that we can carry onto the next? Any bold predictions or suggestions?
Our rookies will dominate.
4. If you had a chance to add a new award to the VHL, what would it be and what would you name it?
We could try and bring back Top Leader award and name it The Annual @Phil Award.
5. Regarding fighting in hockey, do you believe it is a staple of the sport? Or is it something that should be phased out of the game entirely?
Personally I don't like fighting in hockey, but I understand why it's there. I hope there will be less of it in the future, doesn't need to be fully phased out of the sport though
6. The Stanley Cup playoffs have begun! Which team has impressed you most thus far?
McDavid, 5 assists in the first game of Oilers playoffs. For a team it's too early to say imo
7. In terms of playstyle and build, which NHL player is yours most similar to?
Brady Skjei?
8. Since this debate has flared up again recently: is a hot dog a sandwich?
 

Need some more David's to topple the evil Alex's.

DAVID!

So the first thing I had to ask myself is, why? Why would I come back to the league and why now. I wish I had a better answer for you, but it's totally random and not interesting. I have a folder in my bookmarks titled "Sports" and in there was the VHL Link, TSN.ca, Discord, Fantasy Football and Sports Betting. I clicked the wrong one and went here but in turn it technically may have been the right one if you are a VHL lifer. Then I was like, wow when I was 16 (19 years ago) I really enjoyed that place. Now with the odd grey hair coming in, a four year running around and another on the way; it seemed like the worst time to join. But when have I ever done things logically and with much thought? (don't answer that). I'm both excited to see some fresh faces and catch up with some of the guys who made this place what it was. Weird as an original member to come back and feel like the newbie but I might be lost on Point Task stuff. I'll stick to what I do know and then go from there I guess. This is me asking for tips! (Phil, not that type).

I mean that also applies to anyone who ever took a team over from @Devise