SlapshotLegion

1. Mix of both but mostly the former, we had a great run and I totally think we can get back at it but on paper this was gonna happen. I still believe in our team and I still believe we can be a surprise this season. Regardless, I am glad to see that the young core we have is progressing! 2. I would have to play with Sigard Gunnar. One of my favourite teammates from the Lafontaine era. It would be interesting to have Gunnar with Tuominen. IIRC, they were both centers so I'd probably just have Tuominen go to the wing. 3. Throw fish at them until the bears get distracted. Jokes aside, I would love to think that we would surprise them and do it wwith out own hands. 4. They lost a team in the NHL, they lost a team in the VHL, and the QMJHL Ramparts proved that Quebec City loves it's hockey. 5. Let's move Vancouver back to Quebec City, just for old time's sakes. Under a different name than the original though. 6. We need to give a team to Portugal so I'd say let's give a team to Lisbon!

CALGARY - If you had to ask Raimo to describe his career in three words so far, he would say “Ups and Downs”. How do I know? Because I asked him what three words he would use in a press conference. “If I had to describe my career in three words? Ups and downs. Definitely ups and downs. I mean, you can speak to my lack of consistency up until this season. You can look at my point totals through my career. You can look at my VHLE and VHLM days. I’ve definitely experienced both. Highs and lows. Last season, hitting the 30 goal mark was definitely a high. Getting eliminated because we couldn’t get a point in the last two games and knowing that I was kept off the scoresheet completely? Definitely a low point. And I think that applies to any career, really. The key is to find out how to recover from low points and to maintain the good stuff.” Raimo even quipped about his point and goal total. “If you want an example of how inconsistent I’ve been, as of today, I have tied my career season-high point total and I have just broken my single-season goal record. In less than half the season. I’ve found my stride… although, I need to work harder to make sure I show up against all teams.” “This team is building up to a high point… and I think we’ll see it very soon here in Calgary.”

Claiming week ending June 16

1. Simply because the Wranglers keep fighting no matter what. In all honesty though, I have no idea. Our top players are all performing excellently but the difference maker has definitely been the goaltending. Slezak has been great. 3. It's been alright. Definitely helps when I have Catia Goncalves as a linemate. We were actually talking about this, the two of us noticed that both Catia and Raimo blast a good amount of shots and eventually one makes it through. 4. As of now, stand pat with who we have. No need to force a trade or make a move work. Besides, no point in trading veterans for picks and young players just to trade some of those pieces back for veterans all over again. 5. When we make the playoffs. They won't believe us until the end of the regular season, no matter what our standing is by the end. 7. I am taking the Panthers. Being a Flames fan is painful knowing our biggest rivals are facing off a team that fleeced us but it is what it is. 8. Mint Chocolate is an excellent ice cream flavour and I will stand by that opinion.

Claiming week ending June 9

Raimoreo It was the end of the offseason and Raimo was about to go to sleep. However, being as superstitious as he is, Raimo had a nighttime routine before games. Since the season opener was tomorrow, Raimo started up his routine for the first time since the season ended. He went for a jog, came back. Then he took a warm shower. After coming out of the shower, he did 10 jumping jacks. Then he went out for a drive around the block. Exiting the car, he entered back into his home and played tic-tac-toe against himself. This time, he tied in the tic-tac-toe game. Raimo currently has a 1-2-213 (W-L-D) record in 216 games of tic-tac-toe against himself. After taking one last jog, he came back inside to complete his ritual. Opening his pantry, he pulled out a freshly bought pack of Oreos he got a week ago for this very reason. Then he took out a cookie and opened the fridge to reach for the milk. He looked up and down, only to realize he forgot to buy milk while he was at the store. Dread filled his heart as he realized that he had forgotten the most important part of his superstitions. He couldn’t eat an Oreo without milk! Unfortunately, all the stores nearby were closed. Dejected, he sat defeated at his couch. Up On The Dometop, A Helicopter Parks “The fact you’re still playing is insane to me. Anyways, I have a player to scout soon but talk to you later buddy!” Jacques hung up the phone after talking to his good friend and former rival Jaxx Hextall. Sitting on top of the Saddledome, it was nice and serene, save for the cracking roof and the ear-destroying winds. Regardless, this was still Jacques Lafontaine’s favourite spot to eat, much to the chagrin of Saddledome security. Many times, they tried to stop him and explained to him that they did not feel it was safe for him to fly a helicopter onto the Saddledome roof just so he could have a meal. But after the 89th consecutive day of Lafontaine showing up, they gave up. Recently added to the Calgary Flames as a goalie scout and coach, Jacques Lafontaine had been busy looking for potential goalies to develop in the (AHL) Wranglers system. He had spent the day watching tapes of prospects that he and the team were interested in. Looking out into the Calgary skyline, he received a call from the Flames GM. “Hey, we’ve been keeping an eye on this guy playing in Portland. He plays there tonight. Want to go check him out?” “Yeah, sure. Give me a bit.” I’m going to kill that frickin’ bear Now a scout for the Seattle Kraken, Sigard Petrenko was at a WHL game to scout one of the draftees that the team was considering bringing onto the ship. The former Seattle Bear forward sat down to watch the player. The prospect was a scrappy young player who possessed a deadly shot. A very overwhelming presence on the ice physically and offensively. Reminiscent of a young Ovi in terms of his shot. However, he also had a temper that made Claude Lemieux look like a saint. “You’re outta here!” the ref barked. Sigard Petrenko shook his head in disbelief. The prospect in question had already instigated two fights in 12 minutes of gameplay, ending up with a game misconduct and ultimately getting ejected from the game. Sigard couldn’t believe it. He almost burst out laughing. He rushed all the way over here just for the guy to only play for just over half a period. Getting up to leave, he noticed someone he met by chance during his VHL playing days. “Hey, Ryuu! What brings you here?” Ryuu Crimson, an assistant coach for HK Prizma Riga, was sitting a few rows up from where Sigard was. “Young Latvian defenseman. He’s playing for the home side. Very responsible, very clean, hits hard, hits fast. Big man too. I want him for my team.” Ryuu said, cold and calculated as ever. Sigard sat beside him. “He doesn’t seem that exciting though.” “That’s why I want him.” After some time, Sigard continued to watch the aforementioned defenseman. He realized that Ryuu was right, that’s what made him interesting. In a league filled with high-powered offense, the defenseman played very simple yet effective hockey. “Well, I think I want him too.” “Hell no.” “Oh cmon, Ryuu, you can’t stop him if he chooses me.” “The Kraken have lots of defensemen.” “Well, we’d have him play in the AHL for a couple seasons.” “Why not have him play in Europe?” “That’s unnecessary.” Sigard scoffed. “He’s only 19, he can play in Europe for a few years and make the jump. Plus, I want him to taste competitiveness, not be stuck in a farm system. The HK Prizma Riga will be good for him. And he will be good for us. I’m not going to let you take him to Seattle just for him to become a career AHLer.” Ryuu barked back. “I’ll go talk to his coach about potentially signing him.” “I’ll punch you if you do.” “What?” “I mean it.” “This is crazy! Listen, coming from someone who played in Europe and grew up playing hockey there, I don’t think he NEEDS that time.” Sigard commented. Ryuu stared him dead in the eye. “He will be with the HK Prizma Riga. As a born Canadian who played in Europe for my entire career, I pity the fact you hate your continent so much.” “I never said anything about hating Europe!” Things kept escalating. Sigard threw a punch. Ryuu had a reputation of fighting in the VHL and Sigard was known to hold his own. Grabbing each other’s suit collars as if they were wearing jerseys all over again, the fisticuffs lasted a few seconds before security came in and held them back. “You! And you! You are outta here!” the guard yelled. They both issued official apologies after the game. Sigard, however, still livid at the older man’s behaviour, wanted to get back at him. He was driving around the outskirts of the city to calm himself when he saw a sign for a cow being sold. He smiled to himself. After waiting for the cow’s owner, a purchase was made (for one million dollars!) and the cow was all his. But it wouldn’t be his for long. — Ryuu woke up the next day to the sound of mooing in his hotel room. “I’m going to kill that frickin’ Bear.” Welcome to Portland, Maine! Jacques Lafontaine’s helicopter touched down in Portland. He was running a bit late because he had taken his helicopter across the border to make it. Then he was ordered to land by authorities because he didn’t have clearance to cross the border in his copter. One convoluted process later, he was now free to go between the States and Canada. Somehow. “Well, at least I’ll be able to catch the second and third period.” He muttered to himself as he approached the building to watch the Maine Mariners play. Or, so he thought. Going up to the ticket booth, he noticed nobody was there. Huh. The doors were locked and nobody seemed to be inside. “Hm. That’s weird.” Going around the arena, he found an unlocked door and went in. It was completely empty except for one person. A very confused janitor stared at him. “Um, can I help you?” the janitor asked. Jacques was confused. “Hi, I’m here for the hockey game?” “The Mariners don’t play today, sir.” Jacques Lafontaine had been confused before in his life. He was confused when he got drafted by the Wranglers. He was confused when he played against the Seattle Bears. He was confused when he put his pads the wrong way and the goalie coach laughed at him. His phone rang. “Lafontaine, where the hell are you? The game started 30 minutes ago!” Now Jacques was really confused. “I’m here to watch the Mariners but they aren’t playing!” “Mariners? Wait, do you mean the Maine Mariners of the ECHL? JACQUES, YOU MEATHEAD, DID YOU TAKE TOO MANY PUCKS TO THE FACE IN THE VHL? The Portland Winterhawks! WHL! Why the heck would we go after an ECHL goalie? He’s probably already signed with a team!” Oh. Welcome to Portland, Oregon! After a stern talking to by the General Manager over the phone, Lafontaine took his helicopter and sheepishly made his way over to Portland. Thankfully, the Winterhawks had a homestand and were playing another game there, so Lafontaine still had a chance to watch them. The other scouts were laughing after hearing his story. “You didn’t even think to clarify?” “I thought it was Portland, Maine! I’m probably not the first to make that mistake.” Ryuu scoffed. “How did you survive as a goalie in the VHL?” “I don’t know man.” After more jesting much to Lafontaine’s dismay, the other scouts went in to watch the game. “Well, I got kicked out thanks to that dumb Sigard Petrenko. I’m basically banned from scouting at games here for a while.” “Oh, wasn’t he a former Bear? I feel you, Bears are annoying. Can’t believe you actually fought him though.” “Yeah. We came to an agreement this morning. The defenseman would sign with the Kraken but play for us while he developed. I respect him for doing that, he didn’t have to.” Ryuu said with a slight grin. “You didn’t have to sock him in the face if that solution was possible.” Jacques noted. “You’ll be next if you don’t put a sock in it.” “Point taken and applied. Anyways, I’ll be heading in.” Jacques said, beginning to turn away. “Sure. Hey, do you want this jug of milk? Sigard put a cow in my hotel room-” “Wait, he did what-” Ryuu scowled. “Don’t ask about it, I’m still pissed. But I was able to give it to a local farmer and he gave me a jug of milk in return.” “Okay, thanks.” Jacques tentatively said, confused but accepting of the gift. He’d throw it into his helicopter later, which he had parked at the arena parking lot. Both men went their own ways. Jacques watched the game just to lose his mind because the backup was playing. After the game, he flew home to Calgary, with a hitchhiker he happened to meet that also happened to need to go to Calgary. Raimoreo Mission Complete! Raimo was defeated as he sat there with no milk to dip milk’s favourite cookie in. He was close to just calling it a night, despite how much it hurt to not be able to complete his superstition. Just as he gave up hope, he heard a knock on the door. Confused as to who would be knocking on his door, he grabbed a frying pan in case he needed to defend himself. Slowly approaching the door, he opened it to find a jug of milk sitting right there. In utter disbelief and absolute joy, Raimo pumped his fists in celebration and enjoyed his nighttime snack. — Meanwhile, a hooded figure walked away from Raimo’s home and looked at his phone. He smiled to himself. His plan worked perfectly. A week ago, he noticed that Raimo forgot to get milk for his Oreos. Having lived next to Raimo, he knew that the milk would throw off Raimo’s game and that the superstition was crucial to Raimo feeling good going into games. Unfortunately, he had a business trip to Portland that night. He didn’t bring his own wallet and didn’t want to use the company’s money to buy a jug of milk. How would he explain that to his bosses? So he hatched a plan. While he was in Portland, he found a farmer who was having trouble selling his cow. “Well, you should just put up signs near your field here. That way, people can see them and if another farmer’s interested, they know you’re nearby and can wait for you.” With step one completed, he then met up with HK Prizma Riga management to discuss a potential sponsorship deal. “By the way, I know I’m not involved in hockey but I heard your coach wanted to find a strong defenseman to play for his team. There is one that plays for the Winterhawks here… and he’s Latvian. Ryuu talked about wanting to be a part of building up hockey in Latvia.” Step two complete. He told his fellow businessmen to take a flight. He then pretended to be a hitchhiker near the arena and got a ride from Lafontaine. Then he asked Lafontaine about the milk jug. Lafontaine figured he had nothing to do with it and so offered it to the man, who accepted. Once they landed, he (the mysterious businessman) went to Tuominen’s house to deliver the package. Strangely enough, he wasn’t even a Wranglers fan. He had just bet on Raimo getting over 1.5 points in the season opener. It was all for nothing as Raimo only got an assist on opening night against the Bears, however.

CALGARY - Raimo can attribute a lot of his early season success to the breakout of Catia Goncalves. While Catia and Leandro may not have been able to play together on the Wranglers, Raimo is a player trying to emulate the latter’s success as a center, even if he won’t reach that height. However, Raimo admits that Catia deserves tons of credit for elevating the play of the team and himself. “It honestly has always been like that. I remember back on the Oslo Storm during our VHLE days, Catia would always find me and whenever I got a pass to her, she created chances like nobody else. It’s funny because I’m sure many, including myself, imagined she would be the playmaker. And she is a great playmaker but she is an amazing scorer.” Might have been a “surprise” then, but it’s no surprise now. She (as of writing this) leads the league in points and goals. In the assists category, she ranks second in the league. Citing his short stint with the Rome Gladiators, Raimo says that when he was traded from Oslo away from Goncalves, he was struggling to be competitive. “I mean, the Gladiators were an excellent team top to bottom, that’s why they were one of the top teams in the VHLE before and after I joined that season, but for some reason I was really snakebitten. Goes to show you, sometimes you get lucky with linemates that just click with you and elevate you to new heights.” Raimo couldn’t help but smile. “She’s on another level.”

1. I've already seen how it pans out so yeah, this is kinda cheating. Getting David Slezak is proving to be an excellent move so far. EXCELLENT goalie in general, let alone for a rookie. Miner vHLer is an excellent linemate and will continue to grow... I hope Catia - Raimo - Miner can be a line for a long time. 2. I mean.... what is currently happening has been nothing short of miraculous. We came to this expecting a bridge season... but now I'm starting to believe, bit by bit. 3. Slezak, I mean, I don't want to say anything too incredulous bc I'm superstitious and want him to continue being hot but he has been HOT. Excellent in net and just such a big surprise. I love it. Miner has began to find his groove and is slowly racking up the points. I feel that he'll acclimate eventually and will be a great winger for us going forward. I hope he can remain a Wrangler. 4. I lowkey think he'll be a bit carried by the high flying Catia Goncalves so his stats will look better. I do think he'll be a bit more consistent and less streaky like he was in the previous seasons. 5. Slezak has made himself a STRONG candidate as a rookie. If not him, then Catia but I am just so impressed at the way he took the starting role then RAN with it. 6. Utah Swarm. Call the arena the hive. Take full advantage of the beehive state motif. Make your arena a hexagon (probably impossible but whatever). Heck, use a damn hexagon for the temporary logo!

CALGARY - A new start of the season and a new era of Wranglers hockey. With yesterday’s young guns becoming the team’s backbone, it has definitely been an adjustment. However, familiar and new faces alike have contributed to the Wranglers’ early success. It is early in the season and later on, players will shake the rust off. Even so, it is a great sign for a Wranglers team with many young pieces forming the team. “I mean, it’s a great sign for the rest of the season and beyond. All of us have been looking forward to the season starting and we’ve just started to run without looking back. We all love the game and want to show the Wranglers faithful that changes be damned, we’re still the Calgary Wranglers you know and love. Everyone has bought in this season and has bought into the vision. It’s really cool to see and be a part of.” While key pieces did move away from the city, key pieces also arrived from call-ups, trades, or drafts. This season, they are looking to make an impact and have already started off strong in their journey to do so. “They end up inspiring me. They work hard, stay confident, they don’t shy away. We are a real deal crew and will continue to grow.”

Woah, this is awesome! Adding to my sig asap. Really cool you are doing this!

1. I think Catia Goncalves is gonna have a breakout season. She's had a real good past two seasons and I feel like this season will be the season she proves that she can be a star in this league. 2. Edmonton... BRING THE BATTLE OF ALBERTA TO THE VHL! I'd love for some Wranglers vs (insert team name here) action. Nothing like a rivalry to spice up the league. 3. Hopefully getting some time to rest after the school year. I didn't take any spring or summer sem classes so I'm hoping to get a job for the summer as well. 1) Name two teams in either the VHL/VHLE/VHLM you think have the most potential for a rivalry. 2) What are your player's future plans after their VHL career? 3) Who was your player's favourite hockey player growing up?

CALGARY - Raimo Tuominen has been keeping busy in the off-season as he usually does, taking part in the Pro-Am (which, may I add, have had some mind blowing score lines) and waiting patiently for the season to begin. With some shakeup in the Wranglers roster, Raimo will be looking to take hold of the opportunity that has been given to him. Now that the not-so-young-anymore center has been in the VHL for a while, he has had more than ample time to get his feet wet in the league. Now he has to establish himself as a player that can bring it every night for the team. “That’s what I hope to be. Someone who can contribute every night. Consistency has always been a huge discussion in my career. I can keep saying I will get more consistent all I want but I have to actually live up to that eventually. And I hope it is sooner than later.” While the Wranglers might have missed the playoff in heartbreaking fashion due to two consecutive losses at the end of the season, Raimo remains confident about the team’s direction and in the team. Raimo wants to win a chip wearing a Wranglers jersey. “Calgary is my home and this team has been my family. If I’m winning anywhere, I’m gonna do all I can to make sure it is here.”

1. I'm not the most familiar with which FAs are currently available this off-season but after reading an above response, I think Harry Callahan would be an EXCELLENT pick-up. Although I trust the direction of the GM for this rebuild. 2. Definitely a bittersweet moment as Randy and AJ have been close to me and my player. It'll be interesting to see if I can fill the shoes that he left. As much as I'll miss Randy, I can't wait to see what we do moving forward with the picks. 3. Really excited to have you on the team and I can't wait to see the chaos and havoc we'll wreak on the VHL as teammates! 4. Keep up the good work, see you very soon, and have fun with it. You will definitely be a big part of our future and I can't wait to see what you can do in a Wranglers uniform! 5. Joker and the Thief is such a catchy song, I just can't stop listening to it. 6. Winter; I agree, ODR season is just the best. Plus, it's free!

RIGA - Ryuu Crimson has decided to return to Riga and has made his home there for good this time. He had a brief stint in the VHL, 6 seasons in fact, and spent 3 of them with the Riga Reign. In fact, he was drafted by Riga and those 3 seasons were his first in professional hockey. Ryuu was not a star by any means; he was more of a depth player who provided a sure 20+ goals per season, never dipping below that threshold in his career. “Still, it’s where I won my only Continental Cup and was my home away from home. I might have pursued a career back in North America afterward but I can’t take myself away from here. I still think about that magical season. I still think about the fans here. I still think about my days here. It’s really a travesty on my part that I didn’t do this earlier.” Ryuu Crimson said. Now taking a coaching role with the HK Prizma Riga, Ryuu is waiting for his citizenship to be approved so that he can be a Latvian citizen. He is also excited about the rise of Latvia hockey, especially with their bronze medal in the World Championship. “I hope to be a part of that rise. I would like to help build it like this city and country built me.”

CALGARY - After a heartbreaking end to the regular season for the Wranglers, Raimo Tuominen has gone right back to summer training in the off-season. He will be participating in the VHL Pro-Am in order to improve his play. Professional playoff hockey may be absent from the city of Calgary once more (the Flames and VHL Wranglers didn’t make the playoffs; the AHL Wranglers were recently eliminated) but the Wranglers squad remains determined to bring it back to the city. “I mean, this is a city that loves hockey. When there isn’t hockey to be played, you can tell that the air changes. The sun is out, the weather is beautiful for once, but there is still that energy missing. Our squad has what it takes to return the spark to the city. We were so close this season and this season came with a lot of difficulties that we simply couldn’t overcome soon enough.” After a 30 goal season, Raimo couldn’t score in any of the last games that could’ve clinched Calgary’s spot in the postseason. He says that that is one of his biggest frustrations. “I hit the 30 mark and then just couldn’t hit the net.. Absolutely brutal stuff from me. It cannot happen again.”

1. Of course, I am still a fan of how it is now as I feel like the work to get the capped TPE amount is reasonably fair. However, I think what would motivate members to get closer is if there was one thing that would be worth gaining 4-ish TPE points. I feel like while there is an abundance of ways to get TPE, sometimes we don't feel like doing one MS/Graphic for 6 and then 3 separate things to fill out the rest of the 12 capped TPE for the week. 2. I would probably say doing some spring cleaning. Other things I like to do sometimes make me feel like I'm being unproductive. Spring cleaning can be relaxing in its own right and also feels productive. Of course, I also play some games from time to time. 3. My VHL routine is to get the Graphic and VHL Articles done as soon as I can (preferably Sunday or Monday) and then do the smaller stuff afterward. It has been a lot easier to stick to now that my semester at uni is over. 1) Your player wants to prank another teammate in the locker room! Which teammate are you pranking and how will you prank them? 2) In the off-season, does your player prefer to do play some light hockey (i.e. off-season roller hockey, ball hockey, beer league, etc.) or do they avoid playing actual games of hockey? 3) It's overtime. Which one hurts more on a breakaway in a next-goal-wins situation: missing the net entirely or hitting the post?

CALGARY - Raimo Tuominen slammed his stick against the boards after the last game of the season. All they needed was a win in their last two games and both games were losses. Noticeably absent from the scoresheet was the aforementioned Raimo, who was frustrated about being unable to score. “I score 20, I score 30, but I can’t score when it matters the most. Where did my hands go? Where did my play go? I was a sitting duck.” This will be the first time he has missed the playoffs in the VHL. And this one especially stings for the Calgary Wranglers group who finally felt like they were coming together and making things happen. “The team was beginning to click. Our general manager made moves to help us win and be better as a team, so we needed some time to adjust. We eventually were able to come together and we finally found our groove… just to lose it when we needed it most. We were SO close. One point away.” Frustration will continue to linger over Raimo’s head for the offseason. “I can’t let that happen again. It is not fair for me to disappear like that when others are getting results.”

1. Feels good to see we were able make it click through the ups and downs. I love to see that despite roster changes and some initial rockiness, we were able to find our groove and pull it together. 2. I believe so and I believe we need to. This is a great chance for us to push forward with an excellent group of players. 3. As of now, one win. I want to see two wins if possible but claiming that WC spot is most important. 4. Depends on the team and how they got to Wild Card. For our squad, I think we fought and earned a chance to get a Wild Card position rather than just ending up there by chance. 5. My team (Flames) were eliminated so I'm gunning for the Winnipeg Jets. I want Sean Monahan to win a cup. 6. BRING BACK THE ROVER POSITION! Now the "rover" position has less meaning as all skaters enter the offensive zone but I think it'd be cool to just have a role where they can really do whatever they want and get creative. I could imagine a defensive style rover or even just having a really crafty offensive styled rover.

CALGARY - The season is nearing a close and Wranglers center Raimo Tuominen is far from satisfied with his regular season. However, one thing that he was able to get off his back was finally cracking the 20 goal milestone in his third season of the VHL. That was a major concern for Raimo whose offensive numbers have been weak to start his career. With only 8 goals his first season and 17 in his second, he has been far from being the center he feels he should be. “I mean, I was drafted at such a high position and I’m supposed to be a big piece of this team moving forward. Unless the mentality of the higher ups changes, that seems like the plan going forward.” Raimo said after his second season. “I need to at the very least be a solid 20 goal scorer by the end of the regular season. Of course, my focus is always on the championship but I need to progress in the regular season before I even think about the playoffs.” He finally hit the 20 goal plateau earlier this season. He even got his first career hat trick. When he finally hit the 20 goal mark, he simply smiled. “Good to see I was able to actually pull it off. As much of a relief it is, I can’t afford to relax now.” The forward ended up hitting the 30 goal mark a few games ago. “Great. I’m glad I hit the mark. Now time to score goals when it matters the most.”