Exlaxchronicles

It's been a little bit known for awhile that I eventually wanted to step down from GMing. I had intentions 3-5 seasons ago, but just kept going for the ride. I'm not as committed to it as I used to be. I wanted to win a cup before I stepped down, but now I don't really care about that. The job would be better suited for somebody who's very active and wants to learn the ropes.
 
I can let you tag alongside me as AGM for a season and show you what's what, or just give you the GM title and be your helper whenever I'm needed. We can even get somebody in before the next draft even starts up, and it could be perfect timing.
 
Apply in this thread and PM me if you're interested.

It is my pleasure to be selected as GM of Team Canada for the World Championships.
After achieving a Gold medal as The GM of Team Canada at the World Junior's I am very excited to try my hand at the next level.
Without further delay, I present to you the S62 Canadian Roster.
 

 
@Bushito @Beaviss @Exlaxchronicles @boubabi @TheLastOlympian07 @Beketov @pennypenny @DollarAndADream @Green @Lunaro
 
@Devise

Nice, my old VHLM team wins another cup. Congrats boys'

Really like the blue grey patterned background and its light enough to offset the darker player.
The filter you've used gave the player a comic book type of look which is nice to see.
And that's a unique touch with the lettering so large but it doesn't over power everything else. The border, font style, darker color and outline of the lettering work well with the rest of the SIG.
Really like this one Green. Nice job.

Like I've said...Over achievers. Plus, this sim is too all over the place. Good luck against Calgary!

Quebec = Over achievers. ?

My two friends n I used to make the old way with the hops, malt powder etc. having to clean each used beer bottle, cap etc. It was a long process but when your 18 and full of piss n vinegar it was worth it. We once made 66 cases(12 packs) of beer one summer and the house we were renting smelled like a brewery!

You know I got love for you @Beaviss but I want my revenge, GO DAVOS.

You definitely have a flair for writing McWolf! Keep it up.

Beautiful in sharpness of the player, and I like that touch of over saturation of colours throughout the whole sig esp. his face.
The black back drop looks really nice with the layering of the blue lines and light sources over it.
I do like the larger font but find the other two a little plain, but they still look good. The distortion looks great along with the depth and color scheme of the letters.
A bang up job DnD!
 

PLAYOFF BOUND 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Let's have a look at the teams hoping to be the top ? at the end of the playoff's. We'll start with the fifth and fourth place teams.
 
                                                                           THE SEATTLE BEARS
?????????????????????????????????????????
 
 STRENGTHS: 
 
Their top line of Thompson, Smirnov and Kovalev carries the majority of the teams offense, with Kovalchuk and Martinov anchoring the blue line.
This is as formidable as any line in the league. The three have combined for a total of 181 goals and 209 assists which is remarkable.
The second line of Green, Shepard and Denning are solid if unspectacular. They only play about 30% of the time on ice so I would assume if they garnered more ice time they would produce more offensively.
Defensively wise the pairing of Martinov and  Kovalchuk compliment each other. Both have combined offensively for total of 42 goals and 99 assists, with Kovalchuk carrying the work load. They both can bang  and are terrific with shot blocking. 
Seattle can definitely score as they are the third highest in that department with 280 goals, so expect the same type of output in the post season.
 
WEAKNESS'S:
 
As goal scoring is a plus with the club defence on a whole is suffering. The team is fifth in the league with goals against at 254 which cancels out their offensive achievements.
Roger Sterling has struggled this season, although having a decent SV % of 0.915 his GAA is 3.40. He is a lot better then what his stats show so he shouldn't be counted out yet.

Seattle's PP hovers around 27.4 % which is solid, but having a 78.4 % at the PK doesn't help the teams cause. The Bears need to improve in this area to help bolster their chances for playoff success.
The club could stand to improve in the face off zone as well to help their odds as they sit at an all around 46 % avg in all off/def zones.
 
OUTLOOK:
 
A first round elimination in three games.
                                                                               THE RIGA REIGN
?????????????????????????????????????????
 
STRENGTHS: 
 
This is another club that is top heavy when it comes to offense, more so than the Bears. Riga's   first line of Twinger, Cast and Preencarnacion also have a potent attack. These three have contributed a total of 200 goals and 231 assists which is amazing. This line is probably the most dangerous in the league.
 
Morozov, Pajari and Ball join to make up Riga's second line. As a trio, they're average at best and probably would add to the offence more if they had more ice time. 
 
On the blue line stands the guy who's last name is a slang for a hard on and that's Boner. His line mate is McDragon and together both these players contribute an effective offensive attack. These two add even more to the clubs scoring.
 
WEAKNESS'S:
 
The Reign rely heavily on their number one line, and if the opposition can manage to shut them down through aggressive fore checking and physical play, they can be neutralized during regular and special teams play.
For what the club brings offensively, they pretty much squander their attack with lapses in their defensive game.
Riga has the third most goals against in the league with 259, which negates a lot of their scoring opportunites.
 
Goalie Arvid Aamo's season is one I'm sure he'd like to forget. Coming in at a meager 0.899 SV %/ and only a 3.55 GAA, you would think these stats came from the 1980's. Riga may be hard pressed to go far these playoffs with such an anaemic defence and goaltending.
 
Also what's surprising is that although their offensive output is high, Riga is only hovering around the 20 % mark for the PP. And with their struggling defensively, it stands to fit that the teams PK is at about 77.5 % on the kill. They need to improve on special teams play to help their chances during these playoffs.
 
Puck control is decent in the oppositions end but weak in the neutral and defensive zone. This group could be a sleeper pick if they can clean up their play without the puck.

They could improve their time in the faceoff circle as well as they hang around 50 %. Its crucial to be proficient in this area, especially when it comes to special team play.
 
OUTLOOK: 
 
First round elimination in...? five games.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We'll carry on with the other three teams in the next installment, so until then.....
Word Count: 783

 

PLAYOFF BOUND 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Let's have a look at the teams hoping to be the top ? at the end of the playoff's. We'll start with the fifth and fourth place teams.
 
                                                                           THE SEATTLE BEARS
?????????????????????????????????????????
 
 STRENGTHS: 
 
Their top line of Thompson, Smirnov and Kovalev carries the majority of the teams offense, with Kovalchuk and Martinov anchoring the blue line.
This is as formidable as any line in the league. The three have combined for a total of 181 goals and 209 assists which is remarkable.
The second line of Green, Shepard and Denning are solid if unspectacular. They only play about 30% of the time on ice so I would assume if they garnered more ice time they would produce more offensively.
Defensively wise the pairing of Martinov and  Kovalchuk compliment each other. Both have combined offensively for total of 42 goals and 99 assists, with Kovalchuk carrying the work load. They both can bang  and are terrific with shot blocking. 
Seattle can definitely score as they are the third highest in that department with 280 goals, so expect the same type of output in the post season.
 
WEAKNESS'S:
 
As goal scoring is a plus with the club defence on a whole is suffering. The team is fifth in the league with goals against at 254 which cancels out their offensive achievements.
Roger Sterling has struggled this season, although having a decent SV % of 0.915 his GAA is 3.40. He is a lot better then what his stats show so he shouldn't be counted out yet.

Seattle's PP hovers around 27.4 % which is solid, but having a 78.4 % at the PK doesn't help the teams cause. The Bears need to improve in this area to help bolster their chances for playoff success.
The club could stand to improve in the face off zone as well to help their odds as they sit at an all around 46 % avg in all off/def zones.
 
OUTLOOK:
 
A first round elimination in three games.
                                                                               THE RIGA REIGN
?????????????????????????????????????????
 
STRENGTHS: 
 
This is another club that is top heavy when it comes to offense, more so than the Bears. Riga's   first line of Twinger, Cast and Preencarnacion also have a potent attack. These three have contributed a total of 200 goals and 231 assists which is amazing. This line is probably the most dangerous in the league.
 
Morozov, Pajari and Ball join to make up Riga's second line. As a trio, they're average at best and probably would add to the offence more if they had more ice time. 
 
On the blue line stands the guy who's last name is a slang for a hard on and that's Boner. His line mate is McDragon and together both these players contribute an effective offensive attack. These two add even more to the clubs scoring.
 
WEAKNESS'S:
 
The Reign rely heavily on their number one line, and if the opposition can manage to shut them down through aggressive fore checking and physical play, they can be neutralized during regular and special teams play.
For what the club brings offensively, they pretty much squander their attack with lapses in their defensive game.
Riga has the third most goals against in the league with 259, which negates a lot of their scoring opportunites.
 
Goalie Arvid Aamo's season is one I'm sure he'd like to forget. Coming in at a meager 0.899 SV %/ and only a 3.55 GAA, you would think these stats came from the 1980's. Riga may be hard pressed to go far these playoffs with such an anaemic defence and goaltending.
 
Also what's surprising is that although their offensive output is high, Riga is only hovering around the 20 % mark for the PP. And with their struggling defensively, it stands to fit that the teams PK is at about 77.5 % on the kill. They need to improve on special teams play to help their chances during these playoffs.
 
Puck control is decent in the oppositions end but weak in the neutral and defensive zone. This group could be a sleeper pick if they can clean up their play without the puck.

They could improve their time in the faceoff circle as well as they hang around 50 %. Its crucial to be proficient in this area, especially when it comes to special team play.
 
OUTLOOK: 
 
First round elimination in...? five games.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We'll carry on with the other three teams in the next installment, so until then.....
Word Count: 783

 

Another season has past and Kiaskov is another year older. With one more season left before retirement the Right Winger is soon to be an UFA after this years playoff's.
 
The forward has once again finished strong in the last ten games producing his third straight season with 76 points in 72 games.
Playing along side Axelsson and Ron on the second and fourth lines, the three have some chemistry. " I couldn't have done it without the help of my team mates, they're a talented bunch of guys".
 
As the forward enters his final option year he looks back in retrospect reflecting on his career thus far..." Its been a life long dream of mine to play professional hockey". " Going through all the physical challenges I've had all my life it has held me back in development". " But I perserverd and was able to have a career in the VHL". " Its been a good run, regardless of whether or not I've won a Founders Cup."
 
During a local station interview with spot lights on home town heroes, Kiaskov was asked about him going into next season without a contract and he replied  "Well so far along I've been traded three times already in three years". "To be honest, it doesn't make you feel secure in your situation as a professional player, but its all part of the game and I can't let personal feelings get in the way". "
 
 "As for coming into UFA my final year, I've already been offered the chance at extension but my decision at this time is still up in the air". "My focus right now is on winning a cup".
 
So with that, Kiaskov's final season hangs in the air in regards as to where he will spend his final year. Will it be HC Davos, another team or will the winger  exercise his option and enter free agency ? Only the future knows.
 
Word count: 329

 

Hello all, 
 
I have a few changes to announce that will come into effect this off-season. The first two are small changes and part of our ongoing effort to simplify things and clean up outdated rules and systems. The third is a change to address issues we have noticed with GM 2nd players over the past several seasons. 
 
Removing VHL Waivers
VHL Waivers is very rarely used. There was a time when it was used, mostly due to a loophole that allowed teams to release players at any point without retaining any salary, however since that was patched up it has been mostly stagnant. As well, if you actually read the Waiver rules carefully, they make little sense when you consider the VHLM TPE restrictions in place. 
 
The new rules for send-downs/call-ups/releases are as follows:
A two-way contract is implied for entry-level VHL players who are eligible to play in the VHLM as per the VHLM's TPE/TPA limits, allowing these players to be freely sent down and called up. Non-entry level players are not eligible to be sent down to the VHLM. Players who are not eligible to play in the VHLM can be released by their VHL team: the releasing team will retain half of the player's annual salary for the duration of the contract and the player will go to active or inactive Free Agency. No major implications here, this is more or less just a much simpler way of handling what Waivers sets out to do.
 
Removing the RFA Rules
I've been here since S37 and not once can I recall the RFA rules being used. In practice, virtually all new draftees sign 3 year deals and the ones who don't want to sign with their drafting team are traded. For that reason, we're eliminating the RFA system and replacing it with something simpler and something that happens 99.9% of the time anyways:
Entry level contracts for new draftees must be 3 seasons in duration. Players retain the option of holding out or calling for salary arbitration prior to signing, however, the player will not become a free agent and cannot sign with another team in the meantime. Again, no major implications, with the option of holdout/arbitration remaining, draftees retain virtually the same amount of power they have now.
 
GM 2nd Players
Over the past several seasons, we've seen GM 2nd players finding their way to the GM's team far too often. This system was not intended to give GMs two GM players - it was intended give GM's the ability to maintain a 'regular player' while being a General Manager. As such, we are making a small change and strengthening drafting rules around GM 2nd players to further discourage GM players from being drafted by their own teams.
GM's may only create a 2nd player when that 2nd player will be, at minimum, 3 draft classes later than their GM player. (i.e. if they have an S62 GM player, they cannot create until the S65 draft class opens). A new GM player being created is not subject to the above limitation. However, a new GM Player must be created in between each 2nd player. 2nd players will be closely monitored when it comes to VHL Drafts. If a GM makes statements, publicly or privately, expressing doubt about the future of their player, subtly hints at refusing to play for other teams, or if we come to learn of any evidence whatsoever of a GM attempting to manipulate the draft in effort to draft their own player, the Commissioner's Office maintains the discretion to respond with appropriate punishments that may include, but are not limited to: Auto-Retirement of 2nd player Draft pick fines Suspension of 2nd player privileges Termination  The hope here is that, by forcing a 3 season separation between GM and non-GM players, we push the 2nd player away from the GM's sort of 'prime drafting period' where they are likely to have a lot of draft picks during a rebuild. We encourage GMs to embrace the system in its actual purpose - to provide them the opportunity to have a regular player whilst they GM. The system is very much a privilege, not a right, and any abuse going forward will be met with a forceful response. 
 
Existing 2nd players are grandfathered under the old creation rules - but anyone with an existing 2nd player will have to create a new GM player before they may create another 2nd player.

S62 regular season is now finished and what a year it has been!? Quebec finished second in the standings with 51 wins from 72 games. Only Calgary managed to beat us, their total was 60 wins from 72 games. Before the season started, evrybody in Quebec were hoping for a good year, quite few rookies joined the team and in general there were quite few changes to the roster, but to see the team finish second in the standings and securing a spot in the playoffs so early was above what most even dreamed about. Now the hunt for final icing to the cake is starting
 
On individual level the regular season was also a positive one, was my rookie year and I got put into solid role right away, second line with special team minutes on both PK and PP.  42 points in 72 games is a good foundation to build on. If I would have to pick one area that I surprised myself, that would be the faceoffs. I won well over 50% of them, 59.61% exactly. That total is the fourth best among all centers in the league and best in Quebec. 
 
In the future my plan is to keep on working on the defensive side of my game and on the faceoffs, not going to be the most offensive center out there, but I hope I can be the difference maker defensively and give wingers next to me a chance to be slightly more offensive.

Another season has past and Kiaskov is another year older. With one more season left before retirement the Right Winger is soon to be an UFA after this years playoff's.
 
The forward has once again finished strong in the last ten games producing his third straight season with 76 points in 72 games.
Playing along side Axelsson and Ron on the second and fourth lines, the three have some chemistry. " I couldn't have done it without the help of my team mates, they're a talented bunch of guys".
 
As the forward enters his final option year he looks back in retrospect reflecting on his career thus far..." Its been a life long dream of mine to play professional hockey". " Going through all the physical challenges I've had all my life it has held me back in development". " But I perserverd and was able to have a career in the VHL". " Its been a good run, regardless of whether or not I've won a Founders Cup."
 
During a local station interview with spot lights on home town heroes, Kiaskov was asked about him going into next season without a contract and he replied  "Well so far along I've been traded three times already in three years". "To be honest, it doesn't make you feel secure in your situation as a professional player, but its all part of the game and I can't let personal feelings get in the way". "
 
 "As for coming into UFA my final year, I've already been offered the chance at extension but my decision at this time is still up in the air". "My focus right now is on winning a cup".
 
So with that, Kiaskov's final season hangs in the air in regards as to where he will spend his final year. Will it be HC Davos, another team or will the winger  exercise his option and enter free agency ? Only the future knows.
 
Word count: 329

 

Another season has past and Kiaskov is another year older. With one more season left before retirement the Right Winger is soon to be an UFA after this years playoff's.
 
The forward has once again finished strong in the last ten games producing his third straight season with 76 points in 72 games.
Playing along side Axelsson and Ron on the second and fourth lines, the three have some chemistry. " I couldn't have done it without the help of my team mates, they're a talented bunch of guys".
 
As the forward enters his final option year he looks back in retrospect reflecting on his career thus far..." Its been a life long dream of mine to play professional hockey". " Going through all the physical challenges I've had all my life it has held me back in development". " But I perserverd and was able to have a career in the VHL". " Its been a good run, regardless of whether or not I've won a Founders Cup."
 
During a local station interview with spot lights on home town heroes, Kiaskov was asked about him going into next season without a contract and he replied  "Well so far along I've been traded three times already in three years". "To be honest, it doesn't make you feel secure in your situation as a professional player, but its all part of the game and I can't let personal feelings get in the way". "
 
 "As for coming into UFA my final year, I've already been offered the chance at extension but my decision at this time is still up in the air". "My focus right now is on winning a cup".
 
So with that, Kiaskov's final season hangs in the air in regards as to where he will spend his final year. Will it be HC Davos, another team or will the winger  exercise his option and enter free agency ? Only the future knows.
 
Word count: 329

 

Hat trick on the final day to get above 50, beautiful. The drive for 400 goals is on life support, but still alive.

Father of Yukon Rush Goalie Rhett Stoffiday passes away at 53.
 
 
Las Vegas, Nevada—Lincoln “Link” Stoffiday, Goalie of the Las Vegas Wranglers from 2000-2004, has passed away. He was 53. He is the father of starting Goaltender Rhett Stoffiday of the Yukon Rush.
Link, as he was known to his teammates, was known as a strong leader, and a rock in the Wrangler’s Locker Room during his tenure, and would often bring his young son Rhett out onto the ice during practices. Link was also a mainstay during home games for the Yukon Rush, cheering on his son any chance he got.
 
He is survived by his only son Rhett.
 
When asked about his father, Rhett replied:
 
“My dad was my hero, and for so long, he was my coach too. He’s watched every single hockey game I’ve ever played. He used to say, “I’m the dad of Rhett Stoffiday! The best goalie ever!” but I think from now on, I’m gonna say I’m the son of Link Stoffiday, the best dad ever.” 
 
No arrangements have been made at this time.

TO wins a tight game.

FWIW, I think this is the argument for keeping awards like the separate Offensive/Defensive D-Man, as well as Two Way Forwards. Rewards for different player builds.

VHL Dynamo smack down.

VHL Dynamo smack down.

David Kiaskov wore the C in Quebec and has carried his leadership abilities to Davos.
 
I remember the day of the Season 57 draft when it came to my pick at number 13 I had no clue who to take. I had just been named GM and was a little unprepared for the draft. Never the less I got three strong contributers to my team even if it took a while for one to come home. Kiaskov at 13 was a pick I made on the spot with no real prior knowledge. He seemed like a decent member who was comitted quietly to adding TPE to his player. That player is David Kiaskov who has been a solid reliable two way player for seasons now in the VHL. He was drafted by Davos but eventually moved to Quebec in a trade before I reacquired him this off season. I, and my locker room, knew we were going to need scoring with the changes in the off season. In the end, the target was pretty clear.
 
Kiaskov has had back to back 76 point seasons, first in Quebec and later in New York. Despite that he's never had any real name recognition around the league as a star. This is due in large part to being on rebuilding teams and the style of player he is. He isn't flashy or the kind of player to elevate your team. Instead, he is a reliable player that can play in any situation and can even grind the other teams down if need be. You will never see his name in the Hall of Fame or in the record books, but he is an important key piece to the puzzle that is HC Davos. While the team has struggled this year he has remained consistent putting 40 assists together on a team that is starved for creativity up front. What is maybe most important however is his ability to play the game the way it was played in the 80's and 90's.
 
He is not big by any means. Only five foot seven but he is mean and he loves to play with an edge to his game. That is why he was a fan favourite in Quebec, New York and now Davos as well. A good comparison would be a less skilled and grittier Brad Marchand. He will fight anyone who is willing even if it means eating punches from bigger opponents. He is one of the locker room favourites and someone the GM is looking to keep around after this season. Maybe hist most valued moments will be in the post season as he has experience to come along with his talent and grit. He is the kind of player every single team needs in order to win. It's a cliche, but the players you go out and battle harder for. He can play all throughout the lineup and as a nose for creating offense on the rush. It's yet to be seen how regression hits him hardest this off season, but for now he is looking to make a big cup run for Davos, before heading in to the next season. 

I'm really star ting to hate Calgary.