Peace

So I still need two capped, and while I wanted to talk about this in a podcast, I understood that the next episode of 'WeAreLegion' is still very much in its infancy. I decided last night that instead of waiting around until the trade is more or less forgotten about, I'd briefly talk about my thoughts even if a VHL.com article ends up being a media spot. To sum of the trade for everyone Toronto acquired Hornet, Adrienne and a second pick from Vancouver recently. I sent Anigbogu, Weiss, Upton, a first round pick and a second round pick back to Vancouver in order to find neutral ground in both value and salary cap. Fonzi and I talked for nearly a full day in what I would say were good discussions, but the origins of this trade -- in my opinion -- stretch back to when Beaviss was still the GM of Vancouver and the original target was Sandstrom. Now Fonzi decided at one point in that he wanted to keep his player, I understood as most GMs actively used a now abolished clause to acquire their own player in the draft. Having the opportunity to play for the same team you manage is nice, and clearly you're going to rely on yourself to continue updating. Anyway when Beaviss stepped down and sadly left the league, the trade talks ceased for a bit until I discovered that Poptart was authorized to make moves for Vancouver. Poptart was smart though, he didn't want to commit to a large trade and his foresight may have saved Fonzi from my grubby large hands in the long run. There was a partial deal in place that would have sent a roster player and a pick to Vancouver in exchange for Sandstrom, but it never materialized and the negotiation for value never truly began. The ball park offer was decent though, so it could have happened if history was written a different way and Poptart landed the then open GM spot for Vancouver. About half a week later Fonzi was announced as the GM. I bug him a few times about a trade but the season is early and no one wanted to make moves just yet, which is absolutely understandable so I had no choice but to go with the status quo and just wait for opportunities to arise and at this point the original target was still Fonzi's player. Fast forward to the end of March and I approach the new Vancouver GM after a fresh sim and Seattle's latest trade. I know Toronto is doing well but I figure there is more I can do to get my team to another level, I wrote a media spot about those thoughts separately; original deal at this point was still on the table. This is when Fonzi informed me that he wanted to keep his player in Vancouver -- something I respected -- so the trade negotiations shifted to me asking about the availability of Adrienne. I sense there was a reluctant affirmation primarily due to the time that passed after I asked during what was an active conversation, but he was available at that specific moment in time so I jumped on the opportunity to improve my defense and upgrade away from Upton. (The reason we wanted to upgrade from Upton is I learned he may be quitting sim leagues, and I'm on a mission to win ROOKIE a cup this season. I couldn't have a member of my blueline fall to inactivity.) The asking price for Adrienne was -- firmly stating that this is (or was) my opinion -- a little much initially, but I could work with it. Fonzi said he was open to trading Hornet if I needed a forward and that actually threw a wrench in my plans, so off to Smarch I went to discuss the potential of this trade and how it suited Toronto's needs. We crunched the cap and discovered that we'd have just enough left over for a bag of pucks, but the value just wasn't where it needed to be for Toronto at the time. Proceed to renegotiate part of the trade with Fonzi, he does what he needed to do for Vancouver, and the trade is agreed upon later that evening. And there we go; through my eyes these were very much connected and spanned two GMs and an acting GM. I'm glad the trade was finally complete and now Toronto can focus on moving forward despite a rough sim with the new members of Toronto immediately producing for the Legion and our failure to play a third period of hockey. Have a good day!

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Killinger has a pulse? Thank you McWolf for trusting in me, I'd like to thank my teammates for the support as I recover from whatever Killinger is suffering from. We did it boys, a seven bomb for Devise.

Final claim

Well hello there! New PC for you wonderful people. 1. Toronto just completed a huge trade that brought in Hornet and Adrienne... thoughts? (For McWolf/Poptart: What do you think about the value sent that brought you here?) 2. What has been your favorite game of the season so far? 3. The Toronto Social Club said goodbye to two members of our LR yesterday... how do you feel? 4. SS Hornet somehow had a -20 this season with Vancouver. Care to guess why? 5. Giant and Welch are tied with ten goals a piece. Who do you think reaches 15 first? 6. Green and Sens are tied with seventeen assists each. Who do you think gets the next for 18? @McWolf @Smarch @osens @BOOM @NickSunderbruch @Rayzor_7 @rjfryman @Webberj @Poptart @fromtheinside @DoktorFunk @Juice @ROOKIE745 @hedgehog337

He was my mentor.

@fonziGG lied to me!

@fonziGGAppreciate the trade talks bud! I dunno how I feel about being the one to pop your VHL GM cherry, but someone had to do it. In all seriousness it was a back and fourth but I'm glad we found neutral ground. @Poptart and @McWolf I'm glad to have you both in Toronto. Let's go get that championship!

Just out of curiosity but could this have grown into a problem? I'm not the most popular GM by any stretch of the imagination, I've had my fair share of arguments and drama with select individuals, but I won't hold everything inside until it reaches the point where I feel like I'm confined to my own mind by the opinions of others because of my role as a VHLM/VHL GM. Things get frustrating, hell the league can be frustrating quite often. If you never had a route to vent steam or expel frustrations directly to me, then I feel like I've failed you as a friend.

Rookie VHL GMs: Veteran VHL GMs:

Yeah... I remember too.

Edited away GIF, go ahead and delete this post.

I don't want to cause any drama, but I will say some of the refusals I've gotten make a little more sense now. I appreciate the compliment, Frost. For what it's worth I really enjoyed my time in Houston with Killinger, I'm still in that LR although not overly active.

Huh. I'd say I'm surprised but I'm really not. For the rest of this article... I knew 66 was bad, but I didn't realize just how much was still behind closed doors.

1. I've covered it in a media spot I recently posted, but honestly I think I let my expectations get the better of me now that we're 8-5-2. 2. They all fell like dominoes. 3. I've spiked his water bottle with a very special, homegrown... thing. 4. They've both scored a goal now, so the next question is... who gets to 20 faster. 5. 40%? I expect better from the legendary Rayz player agency! (I really don't, I'm happy to have him on the team.) 6. Life is uh... boring, damn bloody pandemic.

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- The Legions' season has officially begun; the seemingly decade long off season has finally concluded. An 8-5-2 record off the season start seems decent on paper, but the reality behind Toronto's early record has the GM of the club scratching his head trying to figure out what has gone wrong. While the season may be early there is a lot to like about how the team is playing. Here are some examples; Toronto's blue line is hyper active at the moment, producing more points than any other defensive core in the league; the Legions' offense is moderately comfortable at second best in the VHL, and just one goal behind league leaders Chicago; and frankly Toronto features one of the more restrictive defensive pairs in the league, landing forth in shots against... however there are early signs of struggle by the Toronto Legion. Wait... did you say Toronto has the most productive blue line? Yes, actually, we do... The Legion have received a massive contribution from their four defenders and GM Peace is both extremely thankful for it and completely surprised about it. Jolly Green Giant, Scotty Kaberle, Kristof Welch and Kate Upton have acquired a combined 65 points from the blue paint this season (so far). It's one thing to claim this, and quite another to show you, so here are the defensive points from other teams: London's defensive core has produced 45 points, Helsinki's blue line has produced 43 points, Vancouver's four defenders have contributed 52 points, Riga's developing defensemen have chipped in 41 points, Seattle's veteran defensive core has earned 42 points, Warsaw's dangerous blue line has 52 points, Chicago's group comes close with 64 points, Malmo's lighter crop of defenders have 34 points, Prague's group have produced 39 points, Los Angeles' skilled quartet has 56 points, Moscow's consistent efforts have earned them 50 points, Calgary's younger group has 47 points, New York's rebuilding blue line has 34 points, Davos' has five defenders contributing to 38 points, and finally DC has earned themselves 57 points. So... yes, Toronto has the highest producing blue line in the VHL at the time this article was written. Chicago comes in just one point less than Toronto, but beyond the reining champions no one else comes within being 'practically close' over a small stretch of games. The impressive activity from the Legions' four defenders is... well... impressive, and they've certainly helped their team skate away with a somewhat disappointing 8-5-2 record at the end of the first week of VHL hockey. Full disclosure here: I am the one who thinks the record is somewhat disappointing... not members of Toronto, they're actually quite happy being where we are early in the season considering we failed to make the playoffs last season at all. I don't mean to be negative, but I see some signs that concern me. Noted above I said Toronto has allowed the fourth least amount of shots on goal, yet we've allowed the second most goals in the VHL and that's indicative of an issue somewhere. It doesn't matter if we're playing 5 DEF, 4 DEF, 0 DEF... I can't seem to stop the bleeding, and that's gotten in my head a little since discovering it. I guess the only thing I can say about why I think it's a somewhat disappointing start is because I truly believe this team is capable of more, we're better than the results of some of the games we've had. So yeah... safe to say it got in my head a bit. Anyway, I guess it would be kinda awkward switching back to the original perspective, so from this point on it'll be my thoughts essentially. I do want to cover some of the positive stuff, I'm not a pit of darkness and I've found some enjoyment out of my teams 8-5-2 record. I'm happy that Toronto is improving from where we left off last season and thankful that the drama in the LR has melted away, so I'm enjoying the current crop of users that make up the roster. They're a pleasure to have and I loath the day I have to part with any of them... damn that 40m cap. On another front we've been pretty active in trade discussions early but they've all dried up. Some of them were negotiations, some of them were just discussions, while others were GMs telling me they were waiting for this or that day/scenario to happen. Each one of them is understandable, we've only just begun the season so anything can happen and I understand not wanting to shake up the roster too much. Teams that are on the outside like Riga with rosters that shouldn't be on the outside may rebound into a playoff position by game forty or so, but I've realized something. We need expansion... that's just my opinion anyway, but hey the numbers have been ran, right? I don't think we'd need a salary cap adjustment if the rosters were limited to six forward, four defenders and a duo of goalers. Teams are simply stuffed to the brim and active members on the third line... well they're not enjoying it. I know I wouldn't if I was only getting 9-13 minutes a game! I and many others have the opinion that the VHL should be a 6F/4D/1-2G league. Moving away from this topic, there's not much more I can add. Something further related to Toronto's start is the we have in goal, which is Rookie's Hextall and Hedge's Klamasteris for those of you who didn't know. Hextall just recorded his 400th career VHL game -- all for Toronto -- with a record of 181-167-43. He's got a career save percentage of .917 and a career goals against average of 2.97, he's been a solid goaltender for us and I've covered it a few times already. I just wanted to show my appreciation again my acknowledging the sacrifices Rookie made to stay with Toronto when he could have gone to any other team or requested a trade away from the club to somewhere more competitive. I'm thrilled he's decided to stay with Toronto for his career, and we'll try to get him those 200 career wins he deserves. This season's theme is #WinForRookie for a reason and I'm determined to get him at least one more playoff appearance before Rookie is forced to hang Hextall's skates. Eight seasons just isn't enough sometimes, it just doesn't feel like natural regression when the end product is a forced retirement when the player still has more than serviceable TPA with the potential to continue to bank. Save the record books! I guess that's it for this. If you read all of this... I'm sorry. Maybe I'll be more cohesive next time.

Okay you two. Go to your rooms and think about what you've done.

Added @hedgehog337's goalie. The graphic was complete, we were just waiting for a jersey number. I gave him one, so if you want me to change it Hedge let me know. #1 may seem like a lazy pick... blame random.org for that one.

Oh fuck off.

#WinForRookie!

I agree, but I know members of my own team meme voted for firing me. I can guarantee you that's not exclusive to just Toronto.

Problem with Berocka’s poll was some of the answers were “for the meme”. It was anonymous, but still not taken seriously given the drama at the time.

[Deep Inhale]

This.

#WinForRookie

So the season begins today and I'm excited to finally reveal something we've been working on, but first I need to make a very special acknowledgement: @BOOMhas risen above and beyond for our roster by offering his time and talents for each individual we currently entertain on the Toronto Legion. He's even created graphics for players that have departed or Toronto targeted in free agency, so we all owe him a token of our appreciation. I want to state that I am not claiming any of this for TPE, and the graphics provided by BOOM are his and his only... we'll just be using them here in the Toronto Social Club. Without further ado... your season seventy-seven Toronto Legion! Yes you can finally use these as your signatures now! #1 | G | Sirkants Klamasteris | @hedgehog337 Klamasteris joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the Riga Reign a few seasons ago. Although Sirkants will serve as the 1B goaltender for the Legion this season, he'll absolutely become Toronto's starting goaltender upon Jaxx Hextall retiring. 'The Klam' had a rough sophomore season and seeks to improve upon his 3.1 goals against average, and make no doubt he is the next starter of Toronto after signing a three season extension with the club during the off season. #7 | LW | Frank Funk Jr | @Rayzor_7 Frank Funk Jr joined the Toronto Legion after being selected sixth overall in the S76 VHL Entry Draft. He had a rough rookie campaign but looks poised to fight for the most improved individual award, and Toronto is going to attempt to get him there. He will attack S77 with the experience he's gained from his rookie campaign, and personal improvements from his ongoing development. #13 | RW | Ziarie Anigbogu | @ngine4 Ziarie Anigbogu joined the Toronto Legion as a defensemen during the S72 VHL Entry Draft -- where Toronto selected him thirty eighth overall -- and has quietly done his duties for the club. He eventually joined the roster in S74 and has recently moved to the right wing to bolster Toronto's offensive firepower. #15 | D | Scotty Kaberle | @fromtheinside Scotty Kaberle joined the Toronto Legion after being selected eleventh overall in the S75 VHL Entry Draft and has quickly risen to become the top defender on the Legions' depth chart. The impressive improvement both as an individual and a professional hockey player guide him towards being a star in the VHL... and fast. #21 | LW | Nicholas Sunderbruch | @NickSunderbruch Nicholas Sunderbruch joined the Toronto Legion after being selected thirty-fifth overall in the S74 VHL Entry Draft. Although he has endured through a rollercoaster of emotions -- from a great rookie campaign to a depressing sophomore season -- Sunderbruch has quietly earned himself a reputation as a reliable player for Toronto. #23 | C | Wolf Weiss | @Matmenzinger Wolf Weiss joined the Toronto Legion after being selected twenty-fifth overall in the S74 VHL Entry Draft. As a player his development has been steady and reliably, although he had a rough sophomore season after an early shake up of Legion last season. Weiss will be a key piece of Toronto's depth for a while longer, and will get to display his improved skills this season. #29 | C | Asher Reinhart | @rjfryman Asher Reinhart joins the Toronto Legion after being selected sixth overall in the S77 VHL Entry Draft. The young rookie looks to make an immediate impact as Toronto's second line center and will fight for the top rookie individual award as perhaps the leagues dark horse in that race. Welcome to Toronto, rookie, let's get that bread for you. #43 | D | Jolly Green Giant | @DoktorFunk Jolly Green Giant joined the Toronto Legion after being selected second overall in the S75 VHL Entry Draft. Giant is a reliable offensive defensemen who looks to improve upon his rookie campaign, and represents Toronto's investment in their defense. Giant will anchor the blue line on a more offensive team, and could battle for some individual trophies this season. #54 | G | Jaxx Hextall | @ROOKIE745 Jaxx Hextall joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the HC Davos Dynamo during the S70 VHL off season. He's served as your CAPTAIN -- and does so again this season -- for numerous consecutive campaigns and already has his number all but retired for Toronto. He has endured with the team through thick and thin, and now the team will try to get him a championship for his efforts. #WinForRookie #59 | RW | Gunnar Odinsson | @BOOM Gunnar Odinsson joined the Toronto Legion from the Helsinki Titans after a mid-season trade during Toronto's last campaign. Odinsson immediately moved to forward and quickly represented Toronto's offensive hopes for the upcoming season. Gunnar was named ALTERNATE CAPTAIN by management prior to the season beginning after displaying a true team first mentality, going 'above and beyond' of what is typical in a team environment. #72 | D | Kristof Welch | @Juice Kristof Welch joined the Toronto Legion after being selected fifth overall in the S76 VHL Entry Draft. Welch had a decent rookie campaign but looks to achieve more for both Toronto and himself in his second season, and will benefit from starting the season on his friends line. Together the duo have the potential to create a reliable pair for the Toronto Legion, and could fight to become one of the better pairs in the league. #81 | RW | Oh Sens | @osens Oh Sens joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the Helsinki Titans near the S74 trade deadline. During his time with Toronto Oh Sens has become the offensive leader, averaging north of point-per-game and looks to continue his performance in this upcoming season with a strengthened Toronto offense. #91 | RW | Jon Webber | @Webberj John Webber joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the Helsinki Titans during this offseason. Webber replaces Gainer on the depth chart and hopes to best Gainer's rookie season on a more offensive Toronto roster. The rookie will start the season on the third line but has the ability to move up the depth chart as he develops. #94 | C | Lester Green Lester Green joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the Las Angeles Stars last season. He has immediately improved the locker room environment, put the team above his own desires and recently switched to C for his team. Green looks to being the Legion into dominance and has been named an ALTERNATE CAPTAIN for numerous reasons... including his infectious positivity. #96 | D | Kate Upton | @OscarTheSwagDude Kate Upton joined the Toronto Legion during the free agency frenzy and will play on the same team as friend Ziarie Anigbogu. Upton agreed to a one season deal with Toronto and looks to improve upon her fourteen point rookie campaign with a reimagined Toronto hockey club. And finally... your GM: It as I... actually me. I am your GM.