SlapshotLegion

CALGARY - The holidays have arrived and to celebrate, the Lafontaines and some of the Tuominens visiting from Finland have arrived in Calgary. Raimo Tuominen, the Wranglers’ young center, had also just come from Finland. Jacques Lafontaine, the former Wranglers goalie, was playing host. However, Jacques asked Raimo and company (as well as Jacques’ own family) to meet at the Saddledome. “This guy calls me and he is telling me that we’ll have a feast. I asked him where his house is or if there is a restaurant we should meet at and he told us to meet at the ‘Dome. So I just assume that he is going to bring us there from the ‘Dome. But then I see the parking lot; his truck is already there! We were all standing there confused; not even his family knew what he was up to.” It was a peculiar sight indeed. A group of people waiting at the empty Saddledome parking lot as everybody was enjoying a holiday break. No teams were playing. So what was the deal? “I was calling him but I received no answer. So I was a bit worried.” The worry soon subsided as a helicopter came into view and the whirring got louder as it landed. “Here we go again.”

not first

1. I think I saw a youtube video once of some NHL gameplay youtuber mentioning it... wish I could remember what it was but that's how I found out about the league. On a youtube video. 2. Favourite team and experience? My experience with the Calgary Wranglers as Jacques Lafontaine (and even now!) is excellent and the Wranglers have a special place in my heart. 3. It would probably have to be Spitfire. I am so glad that the Flames brought it back this season; it's just such a great song that fires me up. 1. How many assistant captains do you think a team should have max? 2. I've always asked about jersey numbers your player would wear but what's a jersey number your player would NEVER wear and why? (Not including retired numbers for franchises) 3. Out of any VHL goalie, which one do you think would score the first goalie goal if those were possible with STHS?

not me forgetting to do this for the past few days

TAMPERE - Offseason time and Raimo is hard at work back at home making sure he is ready for the next season. This season saw Raimo stumble out of the gate and inevitably have an underwhelming season. With 8 goals and 25 assists for a combined 33 points, he is determined to make sure that comes back and produces at the VHL level. “It was an exciting season… but it is one I will have to grow from. I’ve made it to the top league; it’s up to me to make sure I stay there.” Raimo has joined in on some Tappara practices while he waits for his second VHL season to begin. Obviously, he doesn’t go to every practice in order to respect their need for practice but he has made a point of staying active and not growing cold over the off-season. That’s the last thing he needs right now. “I’ll be here in Tampere for a good while to visit but I’ll be back in Calgary soon enough to get some more work in. I’m visiting my parents, friends, and other family members. I don’t want to overwork myself but I do want to be better come next season. That’s the goal.”

missed the first on but let's goooooo

1. I think it does but very minimally unless you win championships. The VHLM the least because it's mostly a developmental league where everybody is finding out their player's build. Of course, VHLM accolades are still very respectable. VHLE is a little more competitive but it's sort of the awkward middle child. 2. I would rather win three championships as an average player. I'd even take one championship over the two-time MVP and other awards. 3. I think it would be fun to have a most hits award. We need some love for our bone crushing monsters! (call it the Vinny Detroit) ---- 1. What would your thoughts be on an in-season tournament much like the one present in the NBA? (BoG's would have mass headaches haha) 2. Your player has just gotten sponsored! Who has sponsored them? 3. What is your player's go-to goal celebration?

Farewell to a Wranglers legend. I remember being your teammate and have loved being under your leadership. You were the ultimate teammate and GM but you also are a really great dude to talk with. I wish you the best of luck in everything. I know you aren't leaving the VHL but just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated you. You're a beauty, Ricer.

WASHINGTON D.C. - It was a heartbreaker for the Calgary Wranglers as their hard-fought series against the DC Dragons ended with an overtime goal in the end-all game 5. Jason would be the hero for the Dragons while the Wranglers went into the locker room frustrated. Raimo Tuominen in particular slammed his stick against the boards before heading off to the handshake line. He eventually responded to the media with a cooler head. “Our team fought hard and it was a back and forth series. It sucks that my first VHL playoff experience had to end like this. I am very disappointed with myself in the series. 1 goal in five games and a -4 plus/minus rating? Cmon, I need to be better than that. I need to be able to hold my own. Can’t excuse my performance because I’m a rookie.” Raimo then turned his head to next season as the conversation continued. “At the end of the day, we’re out. Congrats to the Dragons on a well-played series. I’m looking toward next season now. It’s gonna be a long wait but that just means I need to take it as an opportunity to improve. We have a great squad and they showed their ability to battle in this series. I need to do that too.”

Game 194 - Vasteras Iron Eagles vs. Stockholm Vikings It's the battle of Sweden here in the VHLE. Vasteras is currently the top dog in the Europe league and Stockholm is in the bottom half. In the opening period, at exactly 7 and a half minutes, Vasteras scored on the power play courtesy of Eno Velvson. That would be the only tally of the period. Special teams would continue to be the story as Callum Gary Yannick Janser scored on the power play just past the 2 minute mark to extend the Iron Eagles lead. However, also on the power play, Stockholm would cut the lead in half courtesy of Spanish Moon Moth's 40th. The rest of the period would go by with no other goals but in the last period Spanish Moon Moth would score yet again to tie it up. Going into post-regulation, the Stockholm Vikings would look to complete the comeback. They would be successful in the shootout as Alexandre Crosby would get the winning tally in the 7th round of the shootout.

1. Yes, we will. I believe strongly in this squad and I do believe that we'll be able to fight our way in. 2. I'm going with Rip Wheeler but it's awesome to see Maellard developing into a great two-way D-man. Maellard also leads our team in SBs and is second in hits. 3. A whole bunch of new personnel (myself included) and still trying to find out who clicks best with who. We've been experimenting/figuring out who we are for a most of the season. No shame in it. 4. Leandro. It's natural and it's an awesome choice. I love having both Leandro and Ricer in management. 5. The community is awesome and it's really cool how we can build so many fun narratives and have so much fun with a sim hockey league. 6. N/A. I was considering trying some others but I don't really have the time for it. If I had the time though, it seems like it'd be super fun!

CALGARY - There are a few games left in the regular season. Raimo has experienced a rookie season full of ups and downs. Maybe he wasn’t as consistent as he had hoped. Maybe he could have buried more chances. But what has been done has been done and now it is up to Raimo to make the most of the last few games of his rookie season in order to contribute to the Wranglers’ final push to the playoffs. Clinging on to a playoff spot will prove to be a test for this interesting Wranglers’ team. “It’s the final stretch of the regular season. We’re all going to put in hard work and chip in to make sure that we can be in the postseason at the end of it all. I’ve been a bit disappointed in my rookie season but that cannot be my mindset right now. Since we’re in a tight race, I need to make sure I can get to the top of my game as I am right now. Seeing that I’m the team’s second center, I need to make sure that I remain a solid second option in the middle. I’ll be honest, I’ve been watching Randy a lot from the bench. I can learn and have been learning so much from him. Now I just need to be consistent with it.”

1. I feel good about our squad and I am okay with seeing things play out. We have done solidly so far and we have a lot of potential as a team. 2. I have no idea. However, I can tell you that I am very excited to see what that might be. (My guess would be rebrand/GM???) 3. I would love to see them give money to Doctors Without Borders. 4. Maybe some more merch? Only real issue would be I wonder how many people would be interested. 5. I definitely enjoy the Christmas holidays; the family time is the most important to me and I also love being able to skate on the ODR with friends and fam. 6. My favourite holiday would probably have to be thanksgiving because I am a glutton.

CALGARY - Finding a groove is what Raimo Tuominen needs to do as the season nears its end. He has had flashes of excellent play throughout the season and has had the benefit of being a part of a great forward group. Regardless, Raimo has been streaky at best and offensively silent at worst. He has also been okay defensively but has not really excelled in either aspect of the game yet. Raimo intends on continuing to focus on his defensive development but also looks to improve his puck handling skills so that he can help his linemates and the d-men at the points to retain possession. “It’s been interesting. There are some days where I am able to mesh with the rest of the team and help get some offense going. Other days though nothing I seem to do works. It’s a real problem and I really hope to get consistent soon. I’ve been given a great opportunity to play alongside some awesome linemates but at this point, I need to be able to contribute somehow too. Whether defensively or offensively. Right now, I’m doing decently at both but I need to excel at one or the other if not both.”

1. My players performance has been decent, though leans closer to disappointing for me. Raimo is kind of mid right now. 2. Probably skating or playing hockey in an outdoor rink! We have an outdoor rink that is about a 10 minute walk away for me so I usually go there and enjoy some afternoons and evenings on the ice. 3. To relax? I'd have to go with an iced tea. It's just very calming for me I find. Though I'd say a matcha latte would be a close second, iced tea is less expensive and to me a bit more worth it. 1. What is your player's jersey number and what is the story behind it? 2. Name a duo you'd think would make the most sense if VHL teams had VHLE affiliates. 3. What handedness is your player?

CALGARY - Back in the day, there was a very unsettling sight that soon became rather normal for Wranglers fans. The Scotiabank Saddledome is an iconic rink that is the second home of the Calgary Flames, and the home of the Hitmen, Roughnecks and both the AHL Wranglers and VHL Wranglers. Jacques Lafontaine, former Wranglers goalie, started to have a tradition in which he’d make his way up to the top of the Saddledome roof (much to the dismay of security, though eventually they gave up and let him have his way) and eat a pre-game meal. “It’s a good spot. I always wanted to try rooftop dining but I sorta also wanted to be alone. I saw a picture of the ‘Dome and thought it would be funny if I actually sat on it like a saddle. I usually have a salad.” Someone else has begun using this tradition. Initially terrified with his first experience with it, Raimo has grown accustomed to the winds on top of the Saddledome and has grown quite comfortable. “Well, the Saddledome roof has it’s raised portions so it’s very nice when the wind is blowing into them. It’s a bit of a pain when it isn’t but it is what it is. Besides, I was only scared the first time because I had to go on a helicopter with a rope ladder hanging out.”

1. Coming off a rebuild season but thankfully we seem to have rebounded a bit. Helps that Raimo can actually somewhat contribute like once every two periods or so. 2. Very. I mean let's be honest, we were kind of expecting to be at the bottom of the barrel. The exact opposite has happened so I am really surprised. 3. Rip Wheeler was gonna have a great season regardless. But oh my goodness is it one great season right now. Blessed to be on his line. 4. Leandro has been an absolute W so far, great Co-GM so far! 5. Went on a month long road trip. Started from Alberta, went down to Stockton, then went to San Fran for a day. After that, we went back to Stockton. We followed that up by going to Los Angeles (and went to San Jose as well as the Orange County fair), then went to Las Vegas. We saw the hoover dam before going to Arizona to check out Anteloupe Canyon. We came back up and stayed in Salt Lake City for a night before making our way all the way back to Alberta. We actually got to a border crossing RIGHT AS IT CLOSED so there were a few extra hours of driving before we made it across the 24 hr border and then went back home. 6. Once, my father came home and found me in front of a roaring fire. That made him very mad, as we didn't have a fireplace.

Rome Gladiators vs. Vasteras Iron Eagles - GM 69 They were first and second place last season. Now, they are still first and second place, in the same order, facing off once again. The Gladiators and Iron Eagles are two excellent teams looking to prove themselves after a heartbreaking season for both teams. The puck dropped and we didn't have to wait long as the VHLE leading goal scorer (and point scorer for that matter) Nick Sansoe potted a powerplay goal to open the scoring in favour of Rome with his 17th goal of the season. The Gladiators continued their offense and once again, Nick Sansoe was their man as he scored his 18th goal of the season. The period would continue before Vasteras' Callum Gary Yannick Janser scored just after the 15 minute mark in order to cut the Gladiators lead in half. Intermission came and went. And so did the second period. Both Dalkr Vidarsson and and Olivier Gauthier made 16 saves each to keep the scoreboard the same. It wasn't until the third period that another goal came. Unfortunately for the Gladiators, it was a Iron Eagles goal from Thor Reingaard to tie it up. However, Nick Sansoe proved to be unstoppable this game and would finish off the hat trick in overtime. What a game from both teams and what a game from Nick Sansoe. Vasteras Iron Eagles vs. Oslo Storm - GM 72 The first place Iron Eagles looked to bounce back from a loss against the Eagles. Now they faced the last place Oslo Storm; a team that has been struggling as of late. The game started with Kyle Toms, who came to Vasteras from Oslo last season, opening the scoring just past 2 minutes into the game. Kyle was a big part of the Storm team last season, so naturally, the fans gave some fair applause to the returning winger. The Iron Eagles continued to build on the lead with Kobe Johnson scoring on the power play before the end of the period. The offense would carry on to the middle frame as Ellis Woolfenden scored goal number 13 on the season. Oslo would get a tally from Ronaldono Ronaldono to bring the score to 3-1 before the end of the second. Then in the final frame, any hopes of a come back were quashed with goals from Alfonya Romanov and Eno Velvson. Yes, it is a bit mean for me to cover the match between the number one seed and the last place seed however I think we need to appreciate the great performance from both goaltenders. Karl Herzlich had a nearly perfect performance, saving all but one of thirty shots. David Slezak saved 48 of 53 shots in front of a struggling Storm team. The future of goaltending is bright in the VHL folks!

The following article was written prior to the start of the season.) CALGARY - The Wranglers are poised to be Calgary’s best major league hockey team which you quickly realize is not much of an accomplishment when you watch the Flames play. Still, there is a lot of pressure along with the excitement, especially for a young rookie center preparing for his first season on big league ice. Being a high draft pick, expectations are lofty. The most pressing of expectations come from himself. Raimo Tuominen may be excited but... “Yeah, naturally, I am a bit anxious.” Thankfully, there is a player who was able to reach out and he hopes to give his guidance. A player who has been in this position before. A fourth overall pick who played his entire career with the Wranglers. Raimo is a forward but surely there is stuff to learn from Jacques Lafontaine, even if he is a goalie. Jacques was a starter for the Wranglers, whose steady and solid play earned him the starter’s net night after night. Fortunately for Raimo, Jacques has the perfect idea of a way that Raimo could clear his mind. “Follow me and I’ll show you one of my secrets to success,” Lafontaine had said to the younger player. It had been quite a while since Jacques strapped the pads for the Wranglers; now, he is a goalie coach for an AAA team here in Calgary. He has retired from playing; save for some beer league games he joined for fun. Regardless, he is on the rotation as an EBUG for the Calgary Flames. Still, Jacques had many connections in the city and with the team, so he was able to visit Raimo after a practice in the team locker room. Why would a goalie help out a forward? “The goalies know the mental game and can master it better than any forward. No offense to any forwards out there but that is factual and I will not take any arguments. We have to know it better than anyone else on the ice if we want to perform well. It is a necessity for survival in between the pipes. Raimo is no goalie but he could learn a thing or two.” According to Raimo, Jacques had told him in the locker room to wait in the players’ parking lot. They had just finished another day of training camp. Jacques left and Raimo quickly got his gear off, showered, and left the room. Now outside, Raimo was patiently waiting for Jacques. However, as he looked around, he couldn’t see any trace of him. He waited for a bit longer. A helicopter passed over his head. Other than the whirring of the helicopter , it was dead silent. “Hey Raimo, up here!” The voice came from above Raimo’s head. It turns out Jacques was in the helicopter, holding a picnic basket and waving to Raimo. He threw down a rope ladder. Raimo was utterly terrified. He froze up for a bit, staring at Jacques in disbelief. Did he want him to climb the rope ladder?” “Come on, you do want to know my secret for success right?” Raimo sighed and steeled himself before desperately clinging on the the ladder, hoping nothing would happen. He scurried up the rope ladder unto the cockpit. Once he was in and secure, the rope ladder was pulled back in and the helicopter rose before landing on top of the Saddledome. The two guys got off the helicopter and along with the pilot, they had some tuna sandwiches on top of the ‘Dome. Later, Jacques laughed at Raimo’s exasperated face after the former told the latter that he could have just taken some stairs and a ladder.