SlapshotWrangler

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.”

On 5/26/2024 at 8:00 PM, tcookie said:

I've undertaken a mini-project that I started with the intention of just playing around in photoshop and getting better with it in general but I've gotten to the point where I think it's worth sharing so here we go! I'll post updates a few cards at a time until the set has been revealed. Also, I'm going away for 6 days next week, so we will see how frequently I can post new cards next week, there may or may not be many updates.

 

Unfortunately I don't have time to do everyone in the VHL, so I've picked out a 46-player set list with at least one player from each team. I do apologize if you got left out this time around (if it makes you feel any better, my own player didn't make the cut either, lol) -- and if I do enjoy it and have enough time, I will do a "set 2" somewhere down the line, focusing on players I didn't do this time around. But, I want to make sure I complete the set now that I've decided to share it, and so I need to keep it a relatively manageable size so I don't get overwhelmed.

 

Enjoy!

 

First up: Raimo Tuominen @SlapshotWrangler, Skor McFleury @Alex, and YaBoi Oven @Doomsday

 

          

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

On 5/23/2024 at 3:19 PM, CowboyinAmerica said:

1. Prediction for Victory Cup team (Top team at the end of the regular season)

I'll go off the board a bit and say Vancouver. They took a step forward this offseason with a lot of new players, and I think it will pay off for them.

 

2. Prediction for last place team in the league.

Same as last season, L.A.'s still at the bottom of their rebuild. Plus, they can be counted on to really, really commit to a tank.

 

3. Have your expectations for your current player matched what your player has done so far in their VHL career?

I'm just starting the VHL portion, but I've been happy with how the VHLM and VHLE parts went. In particular winning the title last season was a lot of fun, glad I've been able to experience that twice now in the E.

 

Questions:

1. What player across the VHL/VHLE/VHLM do you think will be the biggest surprise this season?

2. What's one city that doesn't currently have a VHL team that you'd want to bring as an expansion team?

3. It's almost June - what are you looking forward to most this summer?

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.”

19 hours ago, Daniel Janser said:

 

1. We are making moves for the coming season and the inevitable rebuild. What is a FA you would love to see in a CGY dress and why?

2. Our first line center Randy Bobandy has been moved for picks, what are your thoughts on that?

3. Miner vHLer has been called up from the VHLE. What do you wish to say to our new (and old) team mate?

4. What is your advice to Nikita Yolishev, our only draftee this offseason?

5. What is your favourite song and why?

6. Which is your preferred season and why?

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.”

17 hours ago, mmrs617 said:

1. As much as I would love the Leafs to win, I'm really hoping for any Canadian team at this point.

2. I would like to live in a place that is on the warmer side. I don't really know that much about the climate of each state, but I think northern California would be nice.

3. I think some sort of off-season training would be interesting. Maybe like the practice facility, but you need to do it a few times a week to earn the TPE. OR some sort of media scrum for draftees so teams and other members can get to know everyone better.

 

 

1. What's something you think could motivate members to get closer to the capped TPE amount each week (specific new opportunities, writing prompts, etc.)?

2. During your off-season (when you're at home or off work), what activities do you do to "reset"?

3. I've found the VHL to be a great way to build habits. Do you have VHL routine?

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.”

On 4/22/2024 at 1:24 PM, leandrofg said:

  

 

 

Answering three questions gets you 1 Capped TPE

Answering six questions gets you 2 Capped TPE

 

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1. As we edge closer to the end of the season, we've found ourselves improving our game. How good does that feel?

2. Can we keep it going for the foreseeable future?

3. What will it take for us to grab that wildcard opportunity?

4. Do you think a wildcard team can make a difference in the playoffs?

5. Talking of playoffs... are you supporting a playoff team in the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

6. If you could create a new rule for hockey, what would it be?

 

--

 

Player Ping

  Reveal hidden contents

@AJW, @Bobcat, @cLoWn, @GoodLeftUndone, @jblock3, @Jonny, @Ktoms22, @RileyL, @MexicanCow123, @MrMom, @Phil, @SlapshotWrangler;

 

@Cartripp14, @Hunter S, @jake, @Jer_Lefebvre, @mintusaurus, @Misty, @Rhynex Entertainment, @Sisyphus, @Vanman, @YaBoiDuggie;

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.”

Rome's C1 is a punk. Also, glad to see Raimo somehow held up his own.

CALGARY - I have no insider knowledge or info about the league. This is purely from my own imagination. Would it not be amazing if we had an Edmonton VHL team? The battle of Alberta is something I have had the privilege of experiencing in real life and I think it would be a wonderful thing if we could bring that fiery passion to the VHL. Think about it, I cannot name a true rivalry between any two VHL teams. We need something as generational, as iconic, as brilliantly confrontational as the Battle of Alberta in the NHL.

So, why not give Edmonton a team? The Oilers, as much as I hate to say it as a Flames fan, have a die-hard fan base that loves hockey. If Calgary can have the Hitmen, Flames, Wranglers, and Wranglers (AHL) in one city, why not give Edmonton a shot to support a VHL team? Imagine the dramatics, the flair, the storylines, imagine it all! Give Edmonton a VHL team. I say this not out of the kindness of my heart but out of a desire to have a true black and blue rivalry that brings people to their feet and causes the entire VHL to be shaken by the sheer magnitude of it.

1 hour ago, Greg_Di said:

 

 

1) Have you watched any PWHL games (Women's professional hockey)? If so what are your thoughts?

2) What VHL team do you think has made the best moves at the deadline to improve?

3) If a net gets torn, does it have more or fewer holes?

1) I haven't watched any full games but I've seen highlights and my goodness am I glad Women's Hockey is back in the spotlight. It's really fun to watch and cool to see how competitive and skilled the hockey is. I enjoyed the CWHL when the Inferno were in town so I'm happy to see we finally have a competitive women's league again.

2) Helsinki.... what a haul they got for Fuukka Rask and also getting a first from Moscow. Obv not saying that they won the Rask trade, it is well known how smart of a GM Bana is so I trust he really trusts in the return. But good on Helsinki for building for the future.

3) It has fewer holes but one just happen to be bigger now. Though I will definitely throw that question around to my buddies to see how fast we can get a debate going.

1. What would you say is the biggest VHL rivalry between two teams? If you don't believe there is one, which two teams do you think will most likely form a rivalry?

2. What flex does your player use for their stick and why do they use that specific flex?

3. Your player decides to prank a teammate. Which teammate are you pranking and how will you prank them?

CALGARY - It has definitely not been the most favorable season for the Calgary Wranglers. Currently sitting at fourth last (as of writing this), Calgary is on the outside looking in, hoping to make a big push toward the playoffs. Frustration was definitely in the air after losing two straight and nothing seems to be bouncing the right way. The score may be close and on some occasions very lopsided against them. Regardless, it leads to 0 points added to the standings and a very sour Raimo Tuominen.

“It really sucks. This year we got new pieces and worked hard to make this season our bounce back season just for it to fall flat. Hope is definitely not lost; I mean, we have half of the season. But it definitely isn’t the start we wanted.”

Raimo is especially disappointed at the lack of consistency that he has had, which was something he made a point of improving at the beginning of the season.

“I am still very streaky and I am trying everything I can to fix that. It just isn’t working and it’s on me to find a way to build that consistency.”

Calgary Wranglers

My favourite NA team of all time, the Calgary Wranglers. I have many fond memories with Jacques Lafontaine and hope to make a lot more with Raimo Tuominen. The Wranglers have always been a personal favourite of mine. I loved the old logo and I love the new one. Our colour scheme is tried and true; nothing hits just as much as red, white and black. Red is a mainstay for any pro Calgary team. White and black just look great complimenting the aggressive red. So we’re keeping the team colours!

Okay, onto the rebrand part. One of my gripes with the Wranglers name is that it is so cool. It is such a cool name. Wrangler is just such a cool team name AND it is a homage to the Calgary Wranglers that used to play in the WHL. It is such a fantastic concept. So much so… the Calgary Flames AHL Affiliate decided to take the name in 2022-23 when moving to Calgary from Stockton.

Yes, the two Wranglers are very distinct in team colours logo and all that. But man, it is so weird being a Calgary Flames fan and having to double-check which Wranglers team I am conversing about. Like I catch myself talking about the AHL team to my friends and being like “Am I speaking about a fictional VHL team?”.

Now that my rationale for changing the historic Wranglers name has been explaining… may I present you, the VHL’s very own…

Calgary Cowboys!

That’s right, we are taking a trip back in time. The Wranglers played in the Corral in the WHL. I still have my banner from the Corral series when the Hitmen played there for a few games. The other two teams that played in the Corral (aside from the NHL Flames) were the Centennials, who preceded the Wranglers as Calgary’s major junior team. But the name Centennials doesn't make sense to anyone outside of Canada. Only reason they were named that was because Canada turned 100 in their inaugural season. We need something more Calgary-related. So… Cowboys! The Cowboys logo goes hard and a VHL makeover could definitely create an electric Cowboys logo for all to enjoy. The Cowboys were the WHA team that played in the Corral before Calgary got their NHL team. I think this would be a perfect idea for people in Calgary to break out the cowboy hats and cheer their favourite VHL team on. Imagine what a hat trick will look like!

In fact, a rebrand would be perfect for the new arena being built in Calgary. Imagine the Calgary Wranglers now named the Calgary Cowboys coming out in style, cowboy boots and hats in the crowd, and a fresh new design to mark a new era of Calgary hockey. It is perfect. And like the Wranglers name the VHL team currently hosts, it pays homage to the history of hockey in the city.

I will not be mad if the Calgary Wranglers remain as the Calgary Wranglers. In fact, I’ll be super happy if that’s the case.

But if they ever have to rebrand… Calgary Cowboys would be the best option.

On 4/5/2024 at 12:00 PM, Daniel Janser said:

 

1. Calgary is in a rut. To better the team spirit the Wrangler organize a team building event. What is it and why?

2. The Wranglers want to support a charity and ask players for a worthy cause. What is your suggestion and why?

3. The team go to a karaoke bar. Who is the first one on stage, what song do they pick and how off key do they sing?

4. The City of Calgary asks for help in making the town beautiful (again?). What task does your player volunteer for?

5. If you were a fish, what fish were you (for the purpose of this question any waterlocked creatures are considered fish (i.e. whales, dolphins, squids, jellyfish etc are viable answers) and why does that particular animal appeal to you?

6. Today I witnessed a bird of pray strike another bird. What was your highlight of the day? 

1. The Wranglers have decided to all host a dinner on top of the Saddledome roof. It was quite the experience. Oh, and naturally, Lafontaine was there too.

2. Definitely would be have to be the Calgary Food Bank. Food is such an important thing for people to have and I think it would definitely be a worthy cause.

3. Randy Bobandy, Josh Turner's Your Man, and he absolutely kills it somehow. Who could've known? He's got killer pipes.

4. Raimo decided to help the City of Calgary demolish Marlborough Mall.

5. Would definitely have to be an octopus, having 8 arms seems to be really cool. Plus I'd be one of those ones that could camoflauge. Being able to camoflauge seems awesome.

6. I was working on a computer science assignment from 2-7. On a Sunday. That's post-sec life I guess.

This is one of my more brutal graphics that I've kept locked up in my Google Drive (for good reason) for the past year and a half.

Now your eyes get to witness its glory. Enjoy.