Peace

I know it's a little late for some of you, and I apologize, but here are some PC questions now that I'm back from camping: 1. Another season has come and gone... what are your thoughts on how this season went? 2. What can be done -- in your opinion -- to improve the team during the off season? 3. Any particular requests to management? Does the chef need to spice up his meals, do we need better pre-game music? 4. TOR G is capable of better results, but would you say this is the norm or was TOR G just struggling this season? 5. Merrick will be joining the Toronto Legion next season... do you think he'll be the top rookie? 6. Who do you think will win the championship?

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- Toronto Legion skipper Rylan Peace, formerly a Toronto Legion center late in his VHL career, left for a planned camping trip with his family that spanned the course of six days last Saturday while his team was still in the playoffs. He left while the Legion were in a playoff spot, a healthy position he thought, but today he returned from his camping trip to the news his team was eliminated from contention as the Washington based DC Dragons leaped over them in the standings and finally secured a post season birth. "It's unfortunate," Peace admitted in a private interview. "I thought we had it, honestly, but if I'm being blunt I'm not entirely surprised. Our team knew we degraded from the team we were last season, and looking back at the season with hindsight, it's pretty obvious it hurt us in the long run. That being said, I think we fought well this season and battled through some adversities that we simply didn't emerge victorious from even last season." The Toronto Legion may not have made the playoffs, but the Legions' future remains bright, despite the team lacking any form of first round selections in the upcoming S75 VHL Entry Draft. They're expected to be augmented from their prospect pool, featuring just two prospects after the league dumped those who had left the league. The accelerated development of Ziaria Anigbogu -- who's benefited moderately from a new training regime approved by the league recently -- is expected to join the Ontario hockey team during the off season. S74 first round draft pick John Marrick will join the Legion with some moderate expectations from the management team, and comes with a genuine likelihood of being an honest competitor for top rookie honors. "There was almost no contract movement in the league this season," GM Peace stated. "I tried to improve our team a few times, but the price was either too steep -- they took too much from our pipeline or picks -- and others took away from the long term goals I had when I took over from [Devise]. I think Toronto will come back stronger next season, but there's certainly an area we need to improve upon, and that'll be an area I hope to address as the off season approaches now." The Legion still have two more games left to play in the regular season, but they've been officially eliminated from the playoffs after their 5-1 defeat at the hands of the New York Americans. Toronto plays one last hockey game against New York tomorrow, and they'll certainly be fighting for a revenge victory. After that, the final game of the season for the Legion is against the DC Dragons, the team who squeaked in above them during Peace's vacation. The Legion look to get a revenge win there, and perhaps shake the Dragons' confidence heading into the playoffs. At this point, however, there isn't anything the Toronto Legion can do to claw their way back into the post season. It's unfortunate, but not entirely unexpected as GM Peace commented earlier, and we're excited to see what both Anigbogu and Merrick bring to Ontario next season.

Before I’m gone camping, here is some PC questions. 1) Do you think Toronto will make the playoffs this season? 2) Who do you think will be the Legions leading scorer at the end of the season? 3) How many wins do you think TOR G will get? He’s got three more starts to his season. 4) Looking further down the road, onto next season, are you excited for Merrick and Anigbogu to join the club? 5) What would you say is the most impressive thing about the team this season so far? 6) What about the most frustrating thing about the season?

Well then!

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- There are two certain things in this universe that'll always happen -- some would call these 'fixed points in time' -- and they're an always occurring event, an absolute point in the universe, whether or not you change your past for the future or change your future by adjusting the past. The first is the big bang event, the seed of creation itself, while the second... well that's Jaxx Hextall, to be certain. There's no doubt in any mind that Toronto would be worse off (far worse) without the Canadian puck stopper between the pipes for the Legion. among other individuals as well. Jaxx Hextall has performed remarkably well for a team that has struggled the majority of the season, visually unable to gain any consistency as it progresses along, leading to the Legion battling themselves on their roller coaster seesaw of victory and defeat. Hextall has been the lone porch light a family leaves on in hopes those lost are eventually found, and it seems to occasionally work. The Legion have -- as stated above -- struggled, unable to chain together more than a few wins to extend point totals as they were capable of last season before an unfortunate slide. Hextall is 24-18-5, with a .919 save percentage and a 2.91 goals against average. His stats are certainly suffering as his team struggles in front of him, but yet he stands tall. Hextall the wall answers the call and stands tall for Toronto. @ROOKIE745

Hit me up when your boss isn't making you work 60 days in a row without a break.

So the theme week is upon us, right? This time the staff team is enticing each member to discuss their own VHL recreates, or the ability to write about another users potential recreate -- among a few other things, it seems. Obviously I'm going to talk about mine, and generally I feel like it isn't hard to see I'm not overly unique in any way, unlike some of the names and builds around here on VHL currently or in the past. With Rylan Peace, I chose a random first name and added my last name, which certainly isn't really anything special -- well, I suppose other than the fact that it's not wise to do in terms of cyber security. Sum it up though? Nothing really fancy, no deep thought about it, so when it came to Erik Killinger I took a last name from a character in the novel I'm writing (and have rewritten a few times) instead of defaulting to 'Peace Jr', in fact I think it's more likely than not I won't use the Peace surname again. That's all there is too it, really. I plan on doing it again, but this time a full character in the story I've been working on. Sierra Klix In my story, she's the daughter of the third highest ranking naval officer within the Canadian Exo-atmospheric Navy, and turns into a moderately stuck up individual after joining the 'fleet' straight from her naval academy graduation... obviously all strings pulled by her father in a position to do so, which turns more into her trying to proving herself outside of her fathers shadow, only to experience that it wasn't ever possible with how involved he truly was behind the scenes. Now that'll have nothing in common with the character I'll create here on VHL, with the only common variables being her gender, bio info and name. With Sierra Klix, I plan on testing my knowledge of STHS I've been gaining as a GM and two players so far. She'll be small as possible, weighing as realistically as you can go for a smaller frame, with the primary build being offensive in an attempt to make the hall of fame. I wanted to do that with Killinger, but I bit the bullet and swapped to D for the Toronto Legion. I don't enjoy simulating a goalie, I don't really know why, even though I enjoy playing the position in real life... so that's not on the table. With Killinger right now, I'm discovering that I'm not really enjoying my time on the blue line either, so a forward is probably what I'll mostly stick too for any recreate in my future here on VHL. I also want to experiment with the attributes. I don't necessarily know what type of build I actually want, but I know this'll be my attempt to make a hall of fame player. While Killinger's career is rather early, I feel like the time has already passed on any potential building room being a S71 player with no real eye popping qualities, well until Toronto starts being a serious competitor and the production stays consistently above a point-per-game. I guess that's it.

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- It's been a draft removed since the young Legion forward was drafted by Toronto, and he's been rewarded with his dedication by being slotted on the first offensive unit, effortlessly playing alongside Magnum and McDagg at a relatively high level. While unfortunately his production hasn't been (likely) where he would want it to be, and other rookies have steadily paced forward in the top rookie race, Gainer brings more than award considerations to his team. He's been reliable, in fact he's pretty sound in his own zone, as scouts rate him -- among Legion players -- the second best defensive forward they've got. A mixture of his ability to skate, handle the puck, his awareness both away and controlling the play, has inevitably left Gainer in a unique position. Externally, a recent lack of developmental effort leaves questions about his confidence as a rookie in the VHL. "Look, he's a great player," Killinger stated. "I know he's dropped out of the rookie race, I know how it feels, I dropped out of the rookie lead and never got it again. His confidence might be shaken right now, but we're... without a doubt... better with him on the team than without. He brings a great defensive presence to the team." "The scoring? That'll come later." "Trust me." @joeg

Tells a story, doesn’t it? I appreciate the support, and the kind words from you @Advantage, and everyone else.

Unfortunately, @Shaka has been absolutely bombarded by his work schedule, so I must gently release him from his duties. I haven't seen him, or heard from him, in quite some time but I do know he's 'swamped' from his work calling him to shifts day in and out, pulling multiple weeks in a row last time I spoke with him. I understand that work catches up to everyone, but I'd like an active AGM presence within Toronto's small sphere here on VHL. If you're interested in joining the Legion as an AGM, please send me a personal message. Standard duties, really. Looking forward to seeing who's interested.

And another one! 1. Of the games you've played in, what has been your favorite? 2. What about your most disliked game? 3. Our second line has a unique story. They're either super dominant, or usually - +/- on the game... any way to describe that? 4. Jaxx Hextall is a stud, do you agree? 5. Chad Magnum is bruising bodies and remaining disciplined, while Killinger is hitting far less and is still taking more penalties. Do you know why? 6. Who would you rather face in a qualifying round... Vancouver or Las Angeles? @Corco @NyQuil @joeg @Viperxhawks19 @Sixersfan549 @Peace @DaftRaincloud @Gwdjohnson @ROOKIE745 @ngine4

I mean it's Dil, can't expect too much from him.

Also use the report feature. It'll help the staff team!

Not sure when I got it, but I deleted it when I submitted my media spot this morning.

Yeah I've gotten a PM about it. Just some bored kid thinking he's funny. Nothing really new.

[This is for portal.] 9-AUG-2020 claim as well.

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- The Toronto Legion appear to be tearing themselves apart from within, as if this was the aircraft that disintegrated during the pilot episode of LOST, but why are the frustrations so high... and why do a few certain players appear to be at each others throats? It was recently revealed that Jaxx Hextall forced Legion defender Erik Killinger into the net on a puck-heavy practice, one shot from Hextall on Killinger for each shot the team has allowed. A taste of his own medicine, if you will, or perhaps making members of the Legion walk a mile in his shoes. "I get it," Killinger admitted. "I know his upset, but he's not the only one beating himself up over it." The Toronto Legion are 12-11-3, a record that they simply didn't expect heading into this season, and one that isn't good enough for the entire team. The process of rebuilding has been long, and a lot of these players are entering the most valuable time in their career lengths, as the VHL's player agreement states that a player can only play a maximum of eight seasons after they're drafted to a VHL or VHLM team. "I'm not happy either," Killinger added. "[but] I'm trying my best to not let it get to me mentally. All I can say is... what does everyone honestly expect? I came into this league as a forward, swapped to D for the team, so I'm still learning the finer points on how to play the position. I would say I'm alright now, but there is certainly room for improvement and a dedicated defender is still a whole other tier above me. It's going to take time." Killinger has produced eight goals from the blue line, while contributing eighteen assists for twenty six points in the same amount of games. Part of the reason the Legion are so frustrated is the offense has seemingly dried up some, especially when you consider the team had one of the highest goal differentials at the start of the season and sat in second place when their record was 7-3-1 rather than 12-11-3. "I think it's human." GM Rylan Peace answered. "People get frustrated, they get upset, they get angry. It's how we all deal with it that determines how effective we will remain as a hockey team, and how we respond to these events. We have a roster here capable of picking it up, we've all seen the Legion at their best, so it's not a far cry to assume we can do better." "Maybe it's just time to mix it up again, I think." GM Peace continued. "We've tried two different tactics in an attempt to reduce the stresses upon our players, but in truth I think there is only one tactic that'll really work at the moment. We simply don't have the defensive strength to play a more shut down game, which in turn unfortunately means that Hextall faces more shots. He's a good man, a good goalie, one of the best in the league." The league has been far more offensive this season than most prior seasons, largely due to the recent expansion of four clubs into the league, and another part due to teams being smaller in size. Top players are on the ice longer, resulting in more opportunities for them, and teams simply don't have the depth they once had. A more offensive league has produced numerous players on pace for one hundred points, a feat that became rare or even non existent throughout the mid and late sixth decade of VHL play, and early into the leagues seventh decade of hockey. Most goalies are facing a lot more shots than they otherwise would have, and players are taking more opportunities to take a shot on net. It's no surprise that expansion team Las Angeles features two of the leagues top forwards: Both Sigard and Tyler Barabash Jr are recipients of an expanded league, obviously, and are continuing to distance themselves from other teams' top forwards. The primary weapons of the Stars aren't the only expansion team to have a player in the running either, as both the London United and Warsaw Predators have a man in the top five scoring race. The Toronto Legion, meanwhile, don't have anyone near the top scoring players... but they've got consistent scoring across the board. Six Legion players have registered twenty or more points, and the rest -- aside from rookie Blaze -- are near the milestone. The team is hoping that these players start producing more as a switch, indicated by GM Peace above, appears to be focusing on a more offensive style of play now. It's been the Legion way since the rebuild started, so it's not really a surprise to go back to something that worked. Something that forced the best team in the regular season to seven games in the post-season. Jaxx Hextall in particular though has a lot to be proud about. He's got a .928 save percentage, a 2.58 GAA and a league leading 3 shutouts. He's facing a lot of shots, sure, but he's capable of doing so. The Legion are present, too. 11-8-2, likely higher had he played some of TOR G's five games he started. He has a right to be upset though. He's the third highest goalie in shots against, while being the third lowest goalie for actual ice-time. His workload has been tremendous, which could end up burning the still-young goalie out quickly, but at least it's not boring... right? He's always making that fantastic save that makes the home crowd either collectively cheer or sigh on disappointment. He's capable of tanking fifty shots and winning the game for his team in the shootout... while shutting you out. There's a lot of respect for Hextall in Toronto... and not so much for TOR G. "If he needs to dress me up as a goalie, I'll let him." Killinger ultimately revealed. "We all need stress releases, and if it works for him, then it works for us." 1, 000+ words. Claiming for 2-AUG-2020 and 9-AUG-2020. @Beketov @Quik @Beaviss OOC Note here (which is why you're tagged) -- I completed this article last night around 9 PM, but my internet went out until just now. If it's alright, I'd appreciate it if I could claim for the week that just passed and this following week so I don't miss out on capped TPE.

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- Toronto's backup goalie, TOR G, has played in five starts for Toronto's VHL team. Unfortunately for the Legion, and himself we're sure, his record of 1-3-1 hasn't been exactly what the club was looking for. While TOR G does possess a respectable save percentage at .925, he's let in nearly three goals every game he's started. His most recent victory aside, a 3-1 win over the Moscow Menace, dropped his GAA to 2.97 and earned the backup his first victory of the season. Being tossed under the bus though? Well that's something to be expected for what is essentially a robot at this point, really. "We had higher hopes," Erik Killinger admitted. "We could have played better, but there were games where there was nothing we could do and soft goals were still allowed." Toronto is 12-10-3 now, two points above expansion team LA for the fourth position in the conference.

Update on myself I suppose. I ordered an exercise bike, but in reality I cancelled the order after loosing motivation and faith in myself. Last time I posted in this thread, I was 319.9 Lbs and enjoying my time fishing with my dad. Things went down hill for me, I returned to drinking and binge eating as a coping mechanism for a life I actually hate to live [and feel like I can't do anything to change]. Fast forward since June 13th up to July 26th. I got back on the scale just because I had a surge of motivation to do anything than sit around and wait to die. 350.9 Yep... in just over a month I went from 320 to 351 Lbs. No more. The bike is here now. I've put it onto it's second hardest program for ten minute sets [ten minutes six times for one hour]. Tons of tension, and tons of momentum, and now I'm seeing results. I'm biking at what is considered a great pace from what I gather, at or above 30 KP/H according to the machine, and I rarely dip blow that. I've been keeping a spreadsheet about it, and I invite everyone else to make one too so we can support each other. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vFRagp_EMR-ftDPd2POuJe2fZ29fkh4eqHGHuM8Icnk/edit#gid=0 From biking alone, and cutting back on the drinking and eating, I weight -- as of this evening -- 341.9 and that is a massive improvement over what I was just under a week ago.

Other than the noodle shoulders, blue hair and soul patch, I can relate to my guy.

I kept up with some of the other games, but holy fuck this thread is massive. Yeah... I'm gunna need a TL;DR recap. lmao

Can we not spend an entire fucking period on the penalty kill? Good god.

Tossing up a quick press conference for you guys. 1) The Toronto Legion are on a fairly hot start with a record of 7-3-2, do you think this'll level out as the season advances? 2) Chad Magnum has seventeen points in just twelve games. What do you think is contributing to his offensive success this early? 3) Jaxx Hextall has been absolutely magnificent so far -- how could the Legion help lessen his workload so he doesn't fatigue? 4) League offense is up quite significantly compared to the last half a dozen seasons. Do you think expansion is the cause for more offense league wide? If not, why? 5) Our rookie, Joseph Gainer, still has an opportunity to climb back into the top ten race (he's tied for tenth). Any advice you'd like to give, or words of encouragement as he seeks the top rookie award? 6) In a scale of one to ten, how involved would you say the management team is with their players? @Corco @NyQuil @joeg @Viperxhawks19 @Sixersfan549 @Peace @DaftRaincloud @Gwdjohnson @ROOKIE745 @ngine4

No surprise honestly.

WE - ARE - LEGION 1) A new season is upon us! Are you excited to be playing hockey again? 2) How do you think the Legion will fare this upcoming season? 3) Who do you think will be the Legions' leading scorer? 4) Toronto was in on a few free agents, but ultimately we didn't land any active ones, any thoughts on that? 5) Joseph Gainer and his shot at top rookie. Do you think it's possible? 6) If there was one thing you could guarantee -- besides awards and a championship -- what would it be for yourself? @Corco @NyQuil @joeg @Viperxhawks19 @Sixersfan549 @Peace @DaftRaincloud @Gwdjohnson @ROOKIE745 @ngine4