HearnNation67

1. I could've played better. It's my job to make the big save and I couldn't.
2. I think I started to find my groove at the end of the season, got a few shutouts and helped us get into the playoffs.
3. I'd say it was decently successful. Would've liked a longer playoff run but we'll build on the season for next year.
4. I want to work on my focus and big game performance.
5. Maybe try to get an elite scorer
6. I like to travel and explore new cities and countries, go on hikes, etc

European Wildcard Showdown Preview
The Prague Phantoms vs The Helsinki Titans
 
It's playoff time ladies and gentlemen! The playoffs are always an exciting time, it's where you usually see everyone firing at all cylinders and just givin' her 100% out there. The overall emotion on the ice  also peaks and you can see the beginning of great rivalries being built. That just may be what we're about to see with the European Conference wildcard showdown between the Prague Phantoms and the Helsinki Titans. Both teams have been rather close to each other in the standings all season long as they both had to battle hard just to make it to the playoffs as the European Conference was just stacked this year with the Prague Phantoms taking the last wildcard position over H.C. Davos by tiebreaker as they both finished the season with 80 points. Helsinki, was just a point ahead at 81 points. For comparison in the North American Conference there wasn't much of a competition for the wildcard spots as the Calgary Wranglers(78pts) and the D.C. Dragons (79pts) made it into the round with at least 13 points to spare over the next team, the Chicago Phoenix (65pts).  
 
The Prague Phantoms
 
The Phantoms entered the last wildcard round by winning 3 of their last 4 games and narrowly squeezing by Davos who was also playing some great hockey in the last push for a playoff spot. In their last ten games of the season the Phantoms are a mediocre 5-5 winning also half their games, however in those ten games there were 3 games against the Titans of which the Phantoms won 2 of them. Those three games are going to be a point of reference throughout this article as it gave us a little preview on how these two teams were going to matchup. 
 
Phantoms Forward Group
@animal74 @Doomsday @diamond_ace  @wcats @Jayrad28 @cartoes @Garrett @flyersfan1453
 
LW Ondrej Ohradka ----- C Thomas Landry II ----- RW Gary Tarantino
LW John Leclair II ------- C Dagmar Havlova ----- RW Dan Baillie Jr.
LW Ben McGirr ----- C Alex Pearson ----- RW Andre LeBastard
 
The Phantom's forward group has been changing recently as some of the prexisting core in Prague are growing near retirement and are having to step aside in order for some fresh faces to transition in. Veterans like Alex Pearson and Ben McGirr have been big parts of the Phantoms forward group in past years. They've aged and depreciated and they're at the point where they're now being used as complimentary scorers for the Phantoms and they're doing a damn good job in their new roles, Pearson almost broke the 50 point mark falling one shy at 49 points, McGirr got 38 points but has adapted to be more of a energy guy trying to play with a physical edge which gives room and compliments Pearson really well. LeBastard however has been struggling only posting 11 points and doesn't even look like the same player that was drafted by the team in 15th overall in S73, the young lad just looks disinterested and just plain out of shape. 
 
Havlova and Ohradka has lead the team in offense this season with both players being able to break the 80 point mark, which was a milestone that was never hit by a Phantom before this season. Havlova lead the team in scoring with 84 points but doesn't get enough credit for her defensive game. I see her as a great two way center, she lead her team in plus/minus being +17 this season and she's currently the franchise leader in plus/minus having been +46 during her entire career as a member of the Phantoms. The coach to me is aware of her two way play as she's being used to center two rookie wingers, Dan Baillie Jr. and John Leclair II on the 2nd line rather then the 1st line. The team is looking at guys like Baillie Jr. and Leclair II to lead the new generation of Phantoms forward and is hoping that Havlova can teach them the ropes and provide leadership. The top line is consisted of veterans, Ohradka and Tarantino with winger turned 1st line center, Thomas Landry II. Although Landry isn't the most experienced centerman, this line has been hard to shut down and has been hot down the stretch. Ohradka has been espeically hot having 12 points in his last ten games and has had two first star selections in his past 3 games by scoring 6 points. Ohradka lead the team in goals with 35 goals and is a guy the Titans will have to focus on specifically because he looks ready and determined to hurt the Titans on the scoresheet. It will definitely help the Phantoms odds if Tarantino can also return to his old form and come out strong.
 
Phantoms Defense Corps
@omgitshim @Cornholio @Liberty_Cabbage @KnightRiley
Cinnamon Block ---- Wolf Stansson Jr.
Jacob Perry ---- Riley Knight Gee
 
The Phantoms will obviously use their go to defensemen Cinnamon Block and WSJ on their first pairing. The two have been leading the team for several years on the backend and this year was no different as both players managed to top the 50 point mark and have showed that age isn't going to slow them down. Block has had himself a good enough season to earn himself a spot on the VHL's all star game voting list after scoring yet another point per game season by ending the year with 74 point and 2 shy of missing the 60 assist mark. WSJ earned 57 points for the year playing along side block and is a very respected figure in the team's locker room with him having been a member of the Phantoms since their inaugural year. The 2nd pairing features the return of Jacob Perry to the team after having been gone for two seasons playing as a member of the Moscow Menace. Perry has found his game back after returning to the Phantoms and playing alongside rookie defender Riley Knight Gee. Gee himself has been no slouch either having impressed the Phantoms brass with a 38 point rookie season in which the young lad played well and unlike many of the other Phantoms, has stayed out of the box. The Phantoms may try splitting the veteran top pairing in order to better shelter Gee come playoff time, but Gee has built such a good chemistry playing with Perry that the Phantoms may just give the pairing a shot to perform together in the playoffs.
 
Phantoms Goaltenders
@HearnNation67 @CrlineDijohn14
 
Woody McPine
John Poremba
 
This is only McPine's 2nd season in the VHL and to me I'm ready to claim that McPine will be considered a member of the VHL's elite soon enough with the careers of Rayz Funk and Raymond Bernard ending in the next 2 years. Mcpine has been steadily improving every season and there's no reason to think he's done improving. This year he has posted the best numbers by a Phantom's goaltender since the days of them having Brick Wahl between the pipes as McPine ended the season with a .914 save percentage. 
 
 
The Helsinki Titans
 
Titan's Forward Group
@Jubo07 @Jbeezy76 @enigmatic @Spaz @PatrikLaine @Dil @Big Bob
 
LW Valtteri Vaakanainen ----- C Ola Vikinstad ----- RW Erik Draven
LW Patrik Laine ----- C Hiroshi Okada ----- RW Jared Spaz
LW Bob Helminen
 
The Titans don't have as much depth as the Phantoms forward group but it sure has fire power and they're offense has been red hot as of late. Scoring has never really been a problem for the Helsinki Titans as they have three 30+ goal scorers in Okada (32), Vaakanainen (34) and Vikingstad (34). The real problem for the Titans have been that they let in more goals then they manage to score. If the Titans want to compete with the Phantoms in the playoffs the forwards will have to work at assisting their defensemen a little more by adding a little more effort when it comes the defensive coverage.
 
This forward group has seen contributions from everyone in the lineup as everyone has been able to produce offense for the as of late. Leading the forwards in production has been VHL veteran HIroshi Okada who posted a career best, 80 pts. Okada was a key player to last year's final run for the Titans and they are gambling for Okada to be a impact player once again for them in this year's playoff round. Okada plays between young forward Jared Spaz and rookie, Patrik Laine. Spaz was Okada's main trigger man scoring 29 goals and was one shy of joining Okada at the 30 goal mark. Laine has had flashes of brilliance and 38 points is not bad for a rookie but he's lacked the consistency required to be a VHL star, but the young man still has a lot of time the develop so there's no worries and that Laine just has to grow and mature a little more. The top line has been one of the best in the VHL as of late and he's been hot since the trade deadline addition of Ola Vikingstad to compliment veteran Erik Draven and sophomore Valtteri Vaakanainen. The line has been red hot lately, with every member of the line playing above a PPG pace during the last ten games and the three combined have produced 40 points in the last ten.  Old man Erik Draven who has announced earlier in the season that this would be his last has been especially hot as of late scoring 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists) in the team's last ten games. He is showing that he still belongs on the teams top line and is showing a lot of hunger to end his career with a Continental Cup. 
 
Titan's Defense Corps
@Erik Summers @Tbeez99 @Spence King
 
Erik Summers ---- Seabass Perrin
Spencer Elsby ---- Tony Bolonee
 
Like I mentioned above, the main weakness of the Helsinki Titans is that they've let in about just as many goals past their goaltenders as they've been able to score themselves. So the defense will have to be able to tighten it up in their own end to be able to survive the wildcard round. The top pairing features the Titan's captain,  Erik Summers who finished playing his 5th season as a member of the Titans and key free agent addition Seabass Perrin. Both veterans have been able to produce some offense with Summers ending the season leading all Titans skaters in scoring by producing 82 points (22 goals, 60 assists) topping his previous career best of 80pts set in last year. In last year's finals run Summers was clutch in playoffs leading his team with an amazing 28 points in the team's 17 playoff games. This year, how far the team goes into the playoffs really depends on if Summers can recreate that playoff performance. His defensive partner, Perrin has struggled on and off with his new team after spending the last 6 seasons playing on the opposite side of the fence for the Prague Phantoms but has been picking it up as of late. The 2nd pairing consists of Spency Elsby and Tony Bolonee. Sophomore defenseman Spencer Elsby has raised his game from his rookie season and ended the year with 65 points which is a 20 point improvement. Tony Bolonee on the other hand has regressed from his 61 point season +41 season, scoring a team low 27 points being +9. It's not all his fault as this comes after being bumped from playing with Summers after the acquisition of Perrin. Also consider that if we don't count the one 60 point season, this year's numbers matches up with Bolonee's career average.  Bolonee was always more of a defensive defenseman anyways and is currently giving Elsby more room on the ice to do bring out the offense.  
 
Titan's Goaltending
 
Zamboni Driver
Calvin Harvey
 
Helsinki's goaltender Zamboni Driver will have to perform when it counts, the youngster has had a mediocre season with flashes of brilliance but still ended the season with the lowest save percentage out of every starter in the league. So its safe to say that Driver will have to turn it around and produce better results for this team to have chance. This will also be his first playoff series as the team's starting goaltender so it'll be interesting to see how the sophomore goalie will handle the added pressure of the playoffs. 
 
 
 
Team Grades:
 
Phantom's Forward Group Grade: B+
Titan's Forward Group Grade: A
 
The Titan's have more elite fire power than the Phantoms and possess more playoff experience than the Phantom's young group. 
 
Phantoms Defence Corps Grade: B
Titan's Defence Corps Grade: B+
 
I'll give the Titan's the slight edge as they again are more seasoned when it comes to the playoffs and they're 2nd pairing of Elsby + Bolonee > Perry + Gee.
 
Phantom's Goaltending Grade: A-
Titan's Goaltending Grade: B-
 
McPine has been playing better than Driver and his numbers back up that statement. McPine has been hot for the Phantoms during the playoff race so it's safe to say that'll probably carry over to the playoffs. 
 
Familiar Faces:
 
There are three players in this series that will face their former teams adding some extra emotion to this series.
 
Erik Draven
-Was drafted by the Phantoms during their expansion draft.
- Played 2 seasons for the Phantoms collecting 122 points in 144 games.
- Was the Phantoms franchise's first captain. 
- Left for Helsinki via Free Agency at the end of his entry contract and has been there ever since.
 
Alex Pearson
-Was drafted by the Titans with the 30th overall pick n S67
-Was left exposed to the S68 Expansion Draft and subsequently picked up by the Phantoms.
-Been a member of the Phantoms ever since.
 
Seabass Perrin
-Was drafted by the Phantoms with the 17th overall pick in S68
- Spent 6 seasons playing for the Phantoms scoring 290 points in 432 games
- Was Phantom's captain in S71
-Left the Phantoms via Free Agency for Helsinki.
 
 
Three Game Preview:
 
Game 525
Result: 2-1, Phantoms Win in regulation
Shot Clock: HSK 39/PRG 29
1st Star: Woody McPine PRG
2nd Star: Spencer Elsby HSK
3rd Star: Gary Tarantino PRG
 
Game 522
Result: 4-2 Titans Win in regulation
Shot clock: PRG 34/ HSK 32 
1st Star: Hiroshi Okada HSK
2nd Star: Ondrej Ohradka PRG
3rd Star:  Jared Spaz HSK
 
Game 565
Shot clock: HSK 45/ PRG 35
Result: 6-5 Titan's shootout victory
1st Star: Ondrej Ohradka
2nd Star: Cinnamon Block 
3rd Star: Bob Helminen
 
Both teams have been able to play a little preview series during the playoff race as they played three game against each other during their respective last ten games of the year. During those 3 games we saw the Phantoms get the better of the Titan's as they won 2 out of the 3 games. Actually throughout the whole season the Titan's only managed to win one out of the total 5 games played against the Phantoms. During the 3 game preview we saw the Phantoms and Titans play in tight games as two of them ended up being a one goal games also both teams earned a total of 10 goals during those 3 games.  In those 3 games we saw 4 players scoring at above PPG rate, 3 of them belonging to the Titans with Elsby, Okada and depth player Bob Helminen scoring 4 points each. The Phantoms had Ondrej Ohradka score four points as well, but their scoring was more mixed throughout the lineup compared to the Titans. The Phantoms even got some production out of rookie Andre LeBastard in those games. Goaltending wise things were a little more interesting. McPine continued playing comparible to his season average and posted a save percentage of .913% during the 3 games while his team got outshot 116 to 98 by the Titans. On the Titan's side Driver posed a save percentage of .854% as he was pulled in the one game after letting in 4 goals in 13 shots in game 565. Calvin Harvey, the team's backup came in relief and gave his team a chance to comeback and tie the game after going down 4-2 by the end of the first period. Harvey saved 21 out of 22 shots for a save percentage of .955 and the Titan's tied the game to end up losing in the shootout. The showing gives the Titans a backup plan with Calvin Harvey in case Driver struggles out of the gate. 
 
 
(Please forgive me for being late in posting this, keep in mind at the time of writting the series hasn't started yet.)
 
WORD COUNT 2700+

The Prauge Phantoms. Born in season 68, they’ve been an exciting team to watch, although they’ve had limited success, the town still loves to watch the team play. They haven't been around very long, but a lot of faces have come and gone, some fan favourites have retired, and some are still in the league but on other teams, but one thing is for sure, once a phantom, always a phantom.
 
 
They’re a lot of players who are remembered fondly in Prague, so I’m gonna do a top 6 and top 4 breakdown with some honourable mentions to be fair. 
 
 
First line
 
RW-Thomas Landry @Doomsday
 
Landry is becoming an absolute stud for Prague, and just signed a massive extension, basically committing to the team for the entirety of his career. He’s a strong power forward, a terrific sniper, and one of the best teammates in the league. He will forever be remembered in Prague, and I excpect his number to someday be retired next to Pearson’s. 
 
 
C- Alex Pearson
 
Pearson has been a lifelong Phantom, he’s been a solid top 6 forward for them in his entire career, serving as captain twice, and providing key offence in his prime seasons. His fast paced, shoot first style of hockey has captured fans of Prague for almost a decade, and helped push the phantoms into popularity in Prague.
 
 
LW-Blake Laughton
 
Blake was a very efficient power forward in his 359 Games with the phantoms, he never was a huge offensive force, but he gave it 100% night in and night out, and came back to Prague to finish his career after a year in Helsinki.
 
 
Second Line
 
RW- Ondrej Ohradka @animal74
 
Acquired in a trade for Willie dredge, He head been a very effective playmaker. His career has really excelled in Prague, and he’s proven he can be a dominant forward and leader in the VHL
 
C-Roll Fizzlebeef @TacticalHammer
 
The Veteran forward was acquired for three seasons and was a terrific addition as a veteran. He helped Prague to the playoffs two out of his three seasons. He Will definitely not be forgotten despite his short time in Prague. 
 
LW -Ben Mcgirr @Grape
 
He was a very strong two-way forward, but he was very valuable, in his later seasons he’s managed to score a lot. He has very good vison and hockey sense. He was a bit of a reach when he was picked but had worked out in spades for the phantoms.
 
 
Honorable Mentions 
 
Willie Dredge
Gary Tarantino
Ben Mcgirr
Don Draper
 
 
 
Defenceman
 
Defence has often been the strength of the phantoms for their entire existence, so this was a hard list to pick from. They’ve always had at least 3 very very solid defensemen in their lineup. 

 
 
Wolf Stansson Jr  @Cornholio
 
The Strong Two way defensemen has been terrific for his entire career with the phantoms. He’s always been a team first player, and it looks like he s going to retire a phantom. I would not b surprised to see his name next to Pearson’s in the rafters.
 
Seabass Perrin @Seabass
 
A terrific Defensive minded back end stalwart. He was a shot blocking a hitting machine for many years on that phantom blueline. Known as a terrific teammate, he was a also a very fun to watch, he never took a game off, hitting hard and often, and also not afraid to lake the large slap shots.
he is definitely missed in Prauge
 
Cinnamon Block @omgitshim

One of the most underrated defencemen in the league, she has been terrific for the entirety of her career, the former first overall selection is fantastic at both ends of the ice, she is one of the best at stick snd poke checking. But she’s also terrific at making long passes out of their own end, (Andrei Markov Esc). She has been terrific a phantom and seems happy, if she keeps her level of play consistent for her career she will continue to be the teams best player. 
 
 
Gert B Forbe @NumberJ5
 
The once feared enforcer on the phantoms blueline. He would hit, fight, and occasionally score, all while providing to be a defensive stalwart on that defensive core. He has since moved on to Warsaw, But Hess still a solid bottom pairing defencemen nonetheless.
 
 
 
Honourable mentions

Jacob Perry
Mountain Thunderfist
Riley Knight Gee
Cody Smith
 
 
 
 
Goaltenders
 
Goaltending is the most parity position in the league. You can have a good team and win a cup with an average goaltender, but you won’t even make it to the playoffs with a bad one.
 
Prauge hasn’t had many faces in net, but have seem to have found their starter for the foreseeable future in Woody McPine. They’ve drafted 2 failed prospects, and one semi successful trade for a goalie, but now it seems like finally have some stability at the position, something that has hindered them for years. 
 
Brick Wahl @BladeMaiden
 
As his name suggests, Brick wahl was a Brick Wall for his entire career. He was terrific in Calgary for many seasons, manning the net and almost dragging them to a cup once, before eventually being traded to Prague as a Vet. He responded by putting forward two of the best season of his career. In his last year he was easily the best goalie in the league that year, posting an insane 
931. save percentage and a 1.97 Goals against average. He won the award for league MVP And best goalie of the year, forever cementing himself as a legend among Phantoms fans and Players.
 
 
Woody McPine @HearnNation67
 
The young netminder does not have many games under his belt, but he’s slowly proving he can’t be a force in this league, taking over the starting job from Virgil Ligriv last season, he showed people why he is the future face of goaltending in Prague pretty easily. He is athletic, A great teammate and is not afraid to get a little aggressive with players when they enter his crease. Watch his career in the coming years as he could be a star.
 
 
 
Honourable Mentions
 
Koljur Bjorensson
Virgil Ligriv
Solomon Crawford
 
 
 
 
And with that end my breakdown of Prague’s dream team. Would this team win a cup? Probably not, they’ve only been in the league 7 seasons so they havn't had a lot of alumni yet, but GM Jason Glasser had done a terrific job building his core and I’m sure we are all excited to watch this team take the next step with their exciting prospects and young players. 

1. F - Alex Pearson  F - Thomas Landry II F - Ondrej Ohradka D - Wolf Stansson Jr D - Cinnamon Block G - Brick Wahl
2. He's incredible. I'm glad I signed a 3 year deal
3. No doubt about it
4. Baillie Jr has been incredible all season. The future is bright
5. B. It's ok.
6. My family is Lebanese, so we make a bunch of Leb food for all our holiday meals. Grape leaves, cabbage rolls, kibbeh. Things like that

27 games into his first full season as the Prague Phantoms starting goalie, Woody McPine has his first shutout. The young stud was as solid as an oak, turning aside 48 shots in a 3-0 win over the Warsaw Predators. With 18 saves in the first period, 9 in the 2nd, and a massive 21 stops in the third, young McPine earned himself the first star of the game. The game started strong with chances back and forth all period, but it was Prague who came away with the advantagenwith goals from Dagmar Havlova and Ondrej Ohradka in the first period to jump to a 2-0 lead. Assisting on those goals were John Leclair II and Dan Baillie Jr (Havlova), and Cinnamon Block and Wolf Stansson Jr (Ohradka). The second period was all Phantoms, as they outshot the Predators 19-9 and got another goal, this time from John Leclair II for his second point of the night, assisted by Dagmar Havlova, also with 2 points and Riley Gee Knight. For their efforts, Leclair II and Havlova were awarded second and third star of the game, respectively. The third period was dominated by Warsaw, outshooting Prague 21-6, but the Phantoms stellar defense and goaltending were able to shut them down. The win was the third of Prague's current 4 game win streak.

27 games into his first full season as the Prague Phantoms starting goalie, Woody McPine has his first shutout. The young stud was as solid as an oak, turning aside 48 shots in a 3-0 win over the Warsaw Predators. With 18 saves in the first period, 9 in the 2nd, and a massive 21 stops in the third, young McPine earned himself the first star of the game. The game started strong with chances back and forth all period, but it was Prague who came away with the advantagenwith goals from Dagmar Havlova and Ondrej Ohradka in the first period to jump to a 2-0 lead. Assisting on those goals were John Leclair II and Dan Baillie Jr (Havlova), and Cinnamon Block and Wolf Stansson Jr (Ohradka). The second period was all Phantoms, as they outshot the Predators 19-9 and got another goal, this time from John Leclair II for his second point of the night, assisted by Dagmar Havlova, also with 2 points and Riley Gee Knight. For their efforts, Leclair II and Havlova were awarded second and third star of the game, respectively. The third period was dominated by Warsaw, outshooting Prague 21-6, but the Phantoms stellar defense and goaltending were able to shut them down. The win was the third of Prague's current 4 game win streak.

27 games into his first full season as the Prague Phantoms starting goalie, Woody McPine has his first shutout. The young stud was as solid as an oak, turning aside 48 shots in a 3-0 win over the Warsaw Predators. With 18 saves in the first period, 9 in the 2nd, and a massive 21 stops in the third, young McPine earned himself the first star of the game. The game started strong with chances back and forth all period, but it was Prague who came away with the advantagenwith goals from Dagmar Havlova and Ondrej Ohradka in the first period to jump to a 2-0 lead. Assisting on those goals were John Leclair II and Dan Baillie Jr (Havlova), and Cinnamon Block and Wolf Stansson Jr (Ohradka). The second period was all Phantoms, as they outshot the Predators 19-9 and got another goal, this time from John Leclair II for his second point of the night, assisted by Dagmar Havlova, also with 2 points and Riley Gee Knight. For their efforts, Leclair II and Havlova were awarded second and third star of the game, respectively. The third period was dominated by Warsaw, outshooting Prague 21-6, but the Phantoms stellar defense and goaltending were able to shut them down. The win was the third of Prague's current 4 game win streak.

Woody McPine's first career shutout! Woot! @HearnNation67

Announcing the S73 Prague Phantoms’ Team Awards as voted by the players.
 
Best Defenseman
Cinnamon Block
Although she placed second among Prague “D” in many categories (goals, plus/minus, penalty minutes, shots, shot blocks) in what was a down year in production, she did lead the Prague backend in power play goals (7) and game winning goals (4). Her overall play and dedication to special teams gave her the edge as her teammates voted her the Phantoms’ best defenseman for a third year in a row.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Seabass Perrin, Wolf Stansson Jr
 
 
Unsung Hero
Dagmar Havlova
Havlova displayed poise, skill, and heart every shift as she led the team with six game-winning goals and tied for the lead with +20. She also was 8th among league centers with 40 blocked shots. She exploded in her fourth season anchoring Prague’s lethal second line and was third in scoring with a career-high 61 points and was tied for the team lead with 29 goals and 293 shots.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Ben McGirr, Alex Pearson, Cody Smith, Gary Tarantino
 
 
Most Energetic
Thomas Landry II
Whether on the ice or in the locker room, Landry II exudes a contagious energy that rubs off on his teammates. He led the Phantoms in hits for the second time in his career. His 356 hits were fourth in the league. He wins the award for the second time.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Ondrej Ohradka, Kefka Palazzo, Seabass Perrin
 
 
Most Gentlemanly
Seabass Perrin
The adage, “It’s better to give than to receive” fit Perrin’s season in S73. He posted a career low in penalty minutes and hits but led the Phantoms with a career-high 57 assists which also placed him second in team scoring with a career-high 63 points. Although a beast on the ice, the Phamily appreciates his gentlemanly demeanor in the locker room.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Woody McPine, Thomas Landry II, Ondrej Ohradka, Wolf Stansson Jr, Gary Tarantino
 
Rookie of the Year
Woody McPine
The winner of the Phantoms’ Rookie of the Year by way of being the only rookie to make the team, McPine nonetheless had himself a successful season. He took over the starting role part-way through the season and never relinquished it as he went 16-17-5 with a 3.22 GAA and 0.904 SV%.
 
 
Most Valuable Player
Gary Tarantino
Another breakout season for the Phantoms had Gary Tarantino on fire all season as he led the team with career-highs in goals (33), points (66), power play goals (8). He posted the second-highest single season goal total in franchise history and was a force all season long. He also led the team with four fights and was second in game-winning goals with 5.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Cinnamon Block, Thomas Landry II, Seabass Perrin
 
 
Phantom of the Year
Ondrej Ohradka
He didn’t enjoy as much growth as he expected, Ohradka still posted career-highs in many categories including goals (29), assists (26), points (55), hits (129), and shots (274). But it was his humble leadership and dedication to team building that helped him win this award for the second straight year.
 
Others Receiving Votes: Alex Pearson, Seabass Perrin, Cinnamon Block
 
3-Stars Award
Gary Tarantino
 
As is befit of the team’s leading scorer, Gary Tarantino also led the team with 3-Star points during the regular season and thus wins the team’s 3-Stars Award.
 

Player 1st 2nd 3rd Star Points Total Stars Gary Tarantino 8 4 3 350 15 Ben McGirr 5 7 2 310 14 Thomas Landry II 5 3 3 240 11 Ondrej Ohradka 5 2 3 220 10 Virgil Ligriv 3 2 3 160 8 Dagmar Havlova 3 1 3 140 7 Cinnamon Block 2 1 4 120 7 Woody McPine 2 2 2 120 6 Seabass Perrin 1 2 3 100 6 Wolf Stansson Jr 1 2 2 90 5 Alex Pearson 1 2 2 90 5 Kefka Palazzo 2 1 0 80 3 Cody Smith 0 2 4 80 6  
 
 
@Doomsday @diamond_ace  @MMFLEX @cartoes @Garrett @omgitshim @HearnNation67 @Seabass @Cornholio @Jayrad28 @cody73 @animal74

1. Moscow's had our number all season so far
2. I think they'll all get them in the same game
3. Landry II will get another one
4. Dallas. Kiviranta will score the winner with his foot in the crease
5. Gotta be Dobby
6. What is this "outdoor" you speak of?

1. Moscow's had our number all season so far
2. I think they'll all get them in the same game
3. Landry II will get another one
4. Dallas. Kiviranta will score the winner with his foot in the crease
5. Gotta be Dobby
6. What is this "outdoor" you speak of?

1.  Honestly, just getting back and seeing the team again. We have a great squad
2. Thomas Landry II has been flying out there
3. I'd love to have a strogner glove hand
4. I took my moped
5. Eat your green vegetables
6. Thrilled, always happy to have some solid D out front

F- Lewis Dawson
D -  Hulk Hogan
 
still @Mrpenguin30s turn

The Prague Phantoms, throughout much of the history of their franchise, have been able to pull late round gems from the draft. It's become such a routine thing that this season, only having picks 8 and 32, it was a bit of a surprise that there were no late picks around to use in this manner. Let's go through some of the picks that have given this franchise the reputation it's earned throughout the seasons.
 
Season 68, Pick 50 (Round 4 Pick 12): Ben McGirr @cartoes
This particular pick, the one that started it all, was actually a bit unexpected. I remember during the draft going through and finding McGirr, not really knowing much about him at the time, but as the pick approached, going through the player page and seeing a guy who regularly updated and at that stage of the draft, that was more than enough. Since then, McGirr has climbed the draft charts and is currently the 20th highest TPE player from the Season 68 draft, having passed more than half of the guys above him. His career has largely been pretty quiet and under the radar, which I'm sure is helped by the fact that he's been an exclusively forum guy in a league that's moved so much of its discussions to discord, but he's certainly had some solid years in there - especially the last two, after he reorganized his TPE. To think that early in his career, I almost traded him so I could fit the team under the cap. I'm especially glad to have managed to find a way not to do that. He may not have the flash of a guy like Thomas Landry II who has climbed the TPE charts so quickly that going by TPA, he's the best player on the team already, but guys like McGirr are great to fill a roster with; when opposing defenses are busy shutting down Landry, McGirr and company will be there to make them pay for that.
 
(Season 68 honorable mention: Jacob Perry, Pick 38, Round 3 Pick 12 - inactive now, but outlasted many of those near him.)
 
Seasons 69 and 70 Prague had no picks later than 14th overall.
 
Season 71, Pick 35 (Round 3 Pick 11): Woody McPine @HearnNation67
Unlike McGirr, McPine was a bit more planned out. Having drafted the aforementioned Landry at 5, I had plenty of time to scour the boards and see if there was anyone in particular I wanted. McPine stood out about half a round or so earlier than the pick with which I ultimately selected him, but the problem was I'd just been kind of lingering in the draft room, with two 4ths and nothing sooner. People were moving their later picks in this draft, so I got hold of @GustavMattias and offered one of the 4ths plus a 3rd the following draft to get in at 35. He accepted it, and the goalie of the future was brought into the team. The traded 4th became Linea Alba, who has added 0 TPE since the draft, and the 3rd the following draft was moved to Moscow and became Keith Krestanovich, who has been active since then but was taken by London in the expansion draft. Assuming Davos got something equivalent to Krestanovich in exchange for that 3rd, it's still a decent trade on their end, but I'm pleased with that price for Prague's first true franchise goalie (Wahl was amazing, but only here 2 seasons, and Crawford and Grimaldi didn't work out as planned). Since then, McPine has climbed to 16th in TPE for S71 draftees, only 13 TPE behind Joakim Bruden, another goalie who was selected 20 spots ahead of him (this is not a knock on Bruden, he was taken 15th and has earned the 15th most, he's right where he should be - plus both goalies will pass Joe Proto shortly). Absolutely worth the trade up and McPine will be the guy behind the new era of Phantoms hockey.
 
Season 72, Pick 32 (Round 3 Pick 8): Riley Knight Gee @KnightRiley
Having traded away the 1st and 2nd in other deals, and the 3rd in the deal for McPine the prior season, Prague entered the S72 draft with nothing but two 4ths. This was another draft much like the prior one where I was just kind of lingering in the draft room, waiting to see what happened. As it turned out, teams were moving later picks again, and an opportunity came up with Seattle to get pick 32 in exchange for my S74 3rd. Gee had also been falling down the board, for what seemed like no real reason at all. Teams had identified him as a guy in the mix for selection but just for whatever reason, they weren't taking him. Naturally, this meant I had to trade into the round and pick him up. The 3rd I sent to Seattle was further sent to Calgary, with which they selected William Shakespeare II, and since this draft happened yesterday the jury is still largely out on him. Gee, on the other hand, is looking every bit the part of a player who can lead the new era of Prague defense; he has big shoes to fill, as the era of Seabass Perrin, Wolf Stansson Jr, and Cinnamon Block comes to an end, but it seems likely so far that Gee will have no problems doing so.
 
Season 72, Pick 46 (Round 4 Pick 10): Ernie King @Greg Ernest
I mentioned in the last bit about Gee that I had two 4ths. One of these was sent to New York (with which they took Bacon, who has been a great selection for them, all credit to Esso). The other, the third to last pick of the draft, was Ernie King. This pick represents both a miss (in that Pietro Angellini was taken with the very next pick and is now the 21st highest TPE in the class) and a hit (King himself hasn't passed many people yet, but he's at least still around and sometimes updating, which is more than some of the people at his stage of the draft). At 46th overall, King will be considered a successful pick if he makes the VHL, which I'm confident he will do at some stage. It may take him a bit longer, but with some consistency, King could become a McGirr type player in the long run.
 
Season 73, Pick 46 (Round 3 Pick 10): Theodore James St.Louis @Nick Kirkpatrick
Season 73, Pick 51 (Round 3 Pick 15): Zachariah Kisslinger @Kisslinger
Season 73, Pick 56 (Round 4 Pick 4): Secel Keller @xsjack
 
The trio of late rounders from the S73 draft who are still active represent a 60% hit rate in that draft, as I also had two picks in Bobbie Cheechoo and Jack Ogilvey who've gone inactive. However, these three are all still around, have started to pass up a few people (currently 40/41/43 in TPE for the draft class) and could be good building blocks for the team going forward. Kisslinger in particular has been active in the discord and seems particularly motivated to crack the roster next season. Keller has been around before (as Jack Lynch) and knows the league well for a guy at this end of the draft.

1. Blue Gatorade
2. My guess is Ondrej Ohradka
3. I'd have to go with either Dallas or Tampa
4. Helsinki
5. Seabass Perrin beause I love seafood, Cinnamon Block for some flavour, and Wolf Stansson Jr for some extra meat.
6. Sonny's Dream by Ron Hynes or Mull River Shuffle by The Rankin Family

1. Helsinki, because they're in 1st place
2. I don't remember but I probably picked us. Still confident
3. I think it's Colorado's year
4. I think baseball, I've always enjoyed playing
5. I think we have top notch defense, but we could use some help scoring.
6. I have not, but I would like to try it at least once.

1. 10-0!
2. I think its Thomas Landry II up next
3. I think I'm guilty of that one
4. I usually go for Honey Garlic
5. I like our squad as is but if we do add someone, hopefully it won't be a goalie
6. Most likely a Halifax Mooseheads or Cape Breton Screaming Eagles game in the QMJHL. First NHL game was Leafs vs Boston in Toronto

1. Rebound control and hand speed have worked for me so far!
2. Getting in the zone with music and dressing the same order each game
3. Let's say within the next 4 games and with a huge one-timer
4. Probably Los Angeles with their close to .500 record
5. Yep, gonna go with Dagmar
6. Gary Tarantino is crushing it lately, already a career high in goals and points, with just over a point per game

Congrats to Woody McPine @HearnNation67 for a fine VHL debut! Not easy to get thrown into the wolves (or Menace) but you played with poise and gave us a chance to make it look respectable.

McPine FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY @HearnNation67

Top Defenseman award "Ryan Sullivan Trophy"
 
This award is named after a true legend in VHL, a brilliant defenseman that ruled the league during his time and was absolutely dominant on the blue line. We have had many fantastic players receive this award and it is time we see another join the club. The winner of this award is truly prolific from an offensive perspective and also an elite defender.
 
As runner-ups we have two brilliant players who showed VHLM that they both have what it takes to be stars on any level and will sure try to show the same amount of energy and passion in VHL! Runner-ups for Ryan Sullivan Trophy are Tyler Walker from Saskatoon Wild and Liam Flaten from Minnesota Storm! 
 

And the winner of the S72 Ryan Sullivan Trophy is an amazing all-around star with the ability to play physical and wonderful skill game at the same time.
Award goes to King Kruul of Saskatoon Wild!
Congratulations @LefLop!

 
Next up - Top Goaltender award, the Benoit Devereux Trophy!

1. @ahockeyguy 1216.53 points - 6 TPE 2. @Jubis1184.26 points - 5 TPE 3. @DMaximus - Group Manager 1152.19 points - 4 TPE +1 TPE 4. @Sharkie 1082.58 points - 3 TPE 5. @Zetterberg 1067.97 points - 2 TPE 6. @jacobaa19 1040.85 points - 1 TPE  

1. @twists 1251.97 points - 6 TPE 2. @Acydburn - Group Manager 1153.53 points - 5 TPE +1 TPE 3. @BarzalGoat 1148.06 points - 4 TPE 4. DQ 1137.79 points - 3 TPE 5. @McLovin 1071.85 points - 2 TPE 6. @Erik Summers 882.22 points - 1 TPE  

1. @Tape-to-Tape 1298.49 points - 6 TPE 2. @HearnNation67 1127.72 points - 5 TPE 3. @omgitshim 1123.94 points - 4 TPE 4. @Doomsday - Group Manager 1067.65 points - 3 TPE +1 TPE 5. @Big Mac 1031.46 points - 2 TPE 6. @Tate 1014.37 points - 1 TPE  

1. @Jayrad28 1234.46 points - 6 TPE 2. @studentized 1180.99 points - 5 TPE 3. @Enorama - Group Manager 1129.38 points - 4 TPE +1 TPE 4. @der meister 1092.17 points - 3 TPE 5. @SweatyBeaver 1055.49 points - 2 TPE 6. @Poptart 991.53 points - 1 TPE  

1. @OrbitingDeath 1238.45 points - 6 TPE 2. @jRuutu 1199.79 points - 5 TPE 3. @Mr_Hatter - Group Manager 1175.38 points - 4 TPE +1 TPE 4. @Velevra 1145.66 points - 3 TPE 5. @chillzone 1081.57 points - 2 TPE 6. @Kekzkrieg 967.13 points - 1 TPE  

1. @enigmatic 1161.33 points - 6 TPE 2. @Corco 1148.85 points - 5 TPE 3. @animal74 1148.1 points - 4 TPE 4. @Zyrok 1088.26 points - 3 TPE 5. @Renomitsu - Group Manager 1080.59 points - 2 TPE +1 TPE 6. @Beaviss 1051.17 points - 1 TPE  

1. @Mike 1279.12 points - 6 TPE 2. @FrostBeard 1156.45 points - 5 TPE 3. @TXC 1129.13 points - 4 TPE 4. @Bushito 1120.77 points - 3 TPE 5. @Nykonax 1105.59 points - 2 TPE 6. @Jubo07 - Group Manager 1096.09 points - 1 TPE +1 TPE  

1. @leafsman 1234.29 points - 6 TPE 2. @Jbeezy76 1111.13 points - 5 TPE 3. @VinCal 1082.79 points - 4 TPE 4. @MMFLEX 1073.38 points - 3 TPE 5. @Berocka 1061.57 points - 2 TPE 6. @DoktorFunk - Group Manager 1030.65 points - 1 TPE +1 TPE  

1. @dasboot 1269.26 points - 6 TPE 2. @TTtheT 1178.59 points - 5 TPE 3. @a_Ferk 1172.33 points - 4 TPE 4. @Rayzor_7 - Group Manager 1040.57 points - 3 TPE +1 TPE 5. @Da_Berr 1036.29 points - 2 TPE 6. @TheFlash 1010.38 points - 1 TPE  

1. @DollarAndADream 1204.17 points - 6 TPE 2. @McWolf - Group Manager 1179.79 points - 5 TPE +1 TPE 3. @Greg_Di 1123.65 points - 4 TPE 4. @Boragina 1086.18 points - 3 TPE 5. @pennypenny 1076.49 points - 2 TPE 6. @.sniffuM 1052.06 points - 1 TPE  

1. @CowboyinAmerica 1253.39 points - 6 TPE 2. @rory 1160.09 points - 5 TPE 3. @Sonnet - Group Manager 1157.25 points - 4 TPE +1 TPE 4. @Z16 1120.57 points - 3 TPE 5. @Alex Bridges 1047.81 points - 2 TPE 6. @Hylands 984.78 points - 1 TPE  

1. @gorlab 1340.26 points - 6 TPE 2. @Proto - Group Manager 1121.74 points - 5 TPE +1 TPE 3. @wcats 1081.45 points - 4 TPE 4. DQ 1077.17 points - 3 TPE 5. @Peace 1007.49 points - 2 TPE 6. @Bacon 904.61 points - 1 TPE  

1. @Spartan 1241.93 points - 6 TPE 2. @MexicanCow123 - Group Manager 1122.65 points - 5 TPE +1 TPE 3. @diamond_ace 1101.94 points - 4 TPE 4. @Pengu 1093.57 points - 3 TPE 5. @KnightRiley 1080.58 points - 2 TPE 6. @Aye my name jeff 957.4 points - 1 TPE  

1. @Ricer13 - Group Manager 1180.66 points - 6 TPE +1 TPE 2. @Spence King 1178.05 points - 5 TPE 3. @GRZ 1174.73 points - 4 TPE 4. DQ 1154.81 points - 3 TPE 5. DQ 1069.59 points - 2 TPE 6. @Snussu 1059.57 points - 1 TPE  

1. @rjfryman - Group Manager 1184.29 points - 6 TPE +1 TPE 2. @JeffD 1181.17 points - 5 TPE 3. @ColeMrtz 1140.34 points - 4 TPE 4. @Jtv123 1088.13 points - 3 TPE 5. @Midnite 1060.46 points - 2 TPE 6. @Cornholio 1012.65 points - 1 TPE  

1. @Tagger 1244.79 points - 6 TPE 2. @GustavMattias - Group Manager 1126.18 points - 5 TPE +1 TPE 3. @DarkSpyro 1117.09 points - 4 TPE 4. @hedgehog337 1109.25 points - 3 TPE 5. @ROOKIE745 1104.34 points - 2 TPE 6. @Cxsquared 1032.57 points - 1 TPE  

1. @Matt_O 1250.18 points - 6 TPE 2. @Quik - Group Manager 1188.86 points - 5 TPE +1 TPE 3. @BigTittySmitty 1124.53 points - 4 TPE 4. @solas 1110.34 points - 3 TPE 5. @Seabass 1095.57 points - 2 TPE 6. @Anthony Matthews 1056.45 points - 1 TPE  

1. @bluesfan55 1188.97 points - 6 TPE 2. @Sharkstrong 1180.46 points - 5 TPE 3. @ng1291 1134.18 points - 4 TPE 4. @TheLastOlympian07 1086.61 points - 3 TPE 5. @Esso2264 1050.85 points - 2 TPE +1 TPE 6. @fonziGG 1027.13 points - 1 TPE  

1. @STZ 1278.17 points - 6 TPE 2. @Dill - Group Manager 1104.99 points - 5 TPE +1 TPE 3. DQ 1090.53 points - 4 TPE 4. @zepheter 1079.06 points - 3 TPE 5. DQ 1078.61 points - 2 TPE 6. @Beketov 1066.65 points - 1 TPE
 
1. @Advantage - Group Manager 1198.99 points - 6 TPE +1 TPE 2. @Ahma 1176.77 points - 5 TPE 3. @Phil 1167.46 points - 4 TPE 4. @Josh 1095.69 points - 3 TPE 5. @Motzaburger 1016.85 points - 2 TPE 6. @eaglesfan036 920.58 points - 1 TPE  

1. @Victor 1203.05 points - 6 TPE 2. @Patrik Tallinder - Group Manager 1111.54 points - 5 TPE +1 TPE 3. @flatl99 1111.26 points - 4 TPE 4. @oilmandan 1064.73 points - 3 TPE 5. @GrittyIsKing09 1025.97 points - 2 TPE 6. @bigAL 982.98 points - 1 TPE

- A couple minutes, my laptop likes to disconnect from the internet so I have to do a quick "get in get out" thing whenever I use it
-Considering I haven't played a game yet... every team other than Prague
- Pizza or Thai food
-Can't say I've ever done that tbh
- I think about butts all the time
- Imagine if there were 2 really fluffy dogs

- A couple minutes, my laptop likes to disconnect from the internet so I have to do a quick "get in get out" thing whenever I use it
-Considering I haven't played a game yet... every team other than Prague
- Pizza or Thai food
-Can't say I've ever done that tbh
- I think about butts all the time
- Imagine if there were 2 really fluffy dogs

Woody McPine has issued the following statement following the conclusion of the VHLM s72:
 
“Congratulations to the Saskatoon Wild on a well deserved championship victory. You guys had a fantastic season and were always a tough battle when we played. Our 3-2 regular season record against you means absolutely nothing now, but had the Storm and Wild met, it would've been a hell of a battle between us for sure.
 
Also, congratulations to Zamboni Driver of the Mexico City Kings on making the finals. Our round 2 series showed which tendy could show up for the big games, and it wasn't me this year. Keep up the hard work, and I'll be coming for you in the VHL.
 
Lastly, congrats to all my Storm teammates on a great 2 seasons. It was a ton of fun and can't wait to see you all in the big leagues someday.
 
Happy summer,
Woody
 
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