SlapshotWrangler

WHEREVER THE VHL WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY IS TAKING PLACE - One of the most awaited events of the offseason is the VHL World Cup of Hockey. Each team has released their rosters. Being selected to join the team was Raimo Tuominen, who will be participating in his first World Cup. Never one to shy away from an opportunity to get the skates wet during the offseason (he’s participating in the Pro-Am as well), Raimo is excited to get on the ice. “I cannot wait to represent my country. Yes, we are representing a whole region but the way I see it I still feel like a Lion representing Finland. I am looking forward to going against other countries and fighting along with my fellow teammates to bring the gold medal home. It also serves as a way for me to stay in shape during the offseason and hopefully improve my game tremendously by the next season. We’ll see if I’m slotted in as either a winger or a center but either way, it is a huge honour to get selected so I do not mind which one I play. I can’t wait to throw on this jersey and wear it with pride… and I do hope that we get to wear our country flags on our shoulders. I think that would be an excellent addition to our jerseys.”

TORONTO - After the festivities of the NHL All Star Game and recovering from the sheer damage those no-name brand nameplates did to my psyche, I walked around the city to take in the atmosphere. Seeing the best players from all of the NHL’s teams (save the Calgary Flames), I couldn’t help but notice the vibrance and extra warmth the city seemed to have. The players, even if some did cancel planned vacations, looked relaxed and enjoyed themselves. Some creative and top-tier hockey was displayed. Now, the VHL has its own All-Star game. It was all the same things; maybe even better! Seeing the game's biggest stars from all over the WORLD gather in one game (they don’t have a skills competition like the NHL and they choose only two teams… very pro bowl-esque) to display how awesome they are. It is always a super fun event and a way for players to let loose and show off some creativity. However, some of the most underrated staples of a team have never had a chance to participate in one of these, which is quite interesting. Bot players have been around in this league for years and continue to step up their game. It still feels like they are heavily disrespected by the entire league from management and fans to award selection committees. Heck, their stats aren’t even kept and their player pages are non-existent. However, they are the longest tenured players of their team, having played since the team’s inception. We had an interview with one of these bot players, long-time defensemen for the Seattle Bears, B-SEA D4, the best bot player in S91 in terms of VHFL points. B-SEA D4 had 0 goals and 2 assists but that made sense as he has always been more of a defensive defensemen. 134 hits was the count for him that season and with a somewhat tidy -17, he was a standout defender among bot players. Here is what he had to say about a bot All-Star game. “49,20,74,68,69,6E,6B,20,61,6E,20,61,6C,6C,20,73,74,61,72,20,67,61,6D,65,20,77,6F,75,6C,64,20,62,65,20,61,77,65,73,6F,6D,65,2E,20,42,65,65,70,20,62,65,65,70,2C,20,62,6F,6F,70,20,62,6F,6F,70,2E” *translated to hexadecimal code for interest of space Another Seattle Bears bot defensemen, B-SEA D10 heard the conversation and we also got some words from him. He was also a pretty nifty bot player for Seattle Bears with his 2 goals and 2 assists securing his spot as one of the top offensive bot d-men. A tidy +5 to boot. “49 27 76 65 20 62 65 65 6E 20 6F 6E 20 74 68 69 73 20 74 65 61 6D 20 66 6F 72 20 6D 61 6E 79 20 73 65 61 73 6F 6E 73 2E 20 49 20 61 6D 20 65 61 73 69 6C 79 20 6F 6E 65 20 6F 66 20 74 68 65 20 6C 6F 6E 67 65 73 74 20 74 65 6E 75 72 65 64 20 68 65 72 65 2E 20 42 75 74 20 74 68 65 79 20 73 74 69 6C 6C 20 64 6F 6E 27 74 20 67 69 76 65 20 6D 65 20 74 68 65 20 43 2E 20 53 6F 20 70 6C 65 61 73 65 20 61 74 20 6C 65 61 73 74 20 67 69 76 65 20 6D 65 20 74 68 69 73 20 62 6F 74 20 61 6C 6C 20 73 74 61 72 20 67 61 6D 65 2E” The influence of these bot players continues to be overlooked and I will not stand for it. I demand that the VHL create a bot all-star game. Many of these players are leaders, even if they don’t make the lineup every night. “B-CGY G1 taught me everything I know. He was our third-string goalie when I was backing up and our third-string goalie when I was starting. However, he was always very vocal about what I needed to improve. I think it’s about time we show these guys the recognition they deserve. I think we need to get over our pretenses and realize that these bot players CAN rise up to the occasion and that they DO.” said former Wranglers goalie Jacques Lafontaine. VHL, it’s your move.

1. I am working on a computer science group project so there's that. I'm also trying to go out and play more floor hockey as well; I've never played competitive hockey so I want to actually get somewhat good at the sport I am a fan of. 2. Raimo is gonna splurge his money on materials so that he can build his own sauna outside. 3. Pizzas are nice but I'm pizza'd out considering I was having a whole bunch here at campus so BBQ burgers!!!! 1) Your player is playing for their national team but their jersey number has already been taken! What jersey number is your player taking instead? 2) What does your player prefer? A lower flex stick or a higher flex stick? 3) Your player buys a new ride! Which car does your player buy?

CALGARY - Calgary fans were in for a shocker as the Calgary Wranglers were ousted out of the playoffs by the Toronto Legion. Eliminated in 6 games, the squad had a really out of character series compared to their regular season. Then again, the playoff can be a different beast. Teams rise up, teams fall from great heights. The Wranglers were poised to have a deep run but were eliminated one run into their campaign. Raimo Tuominen broke his stick against the boards after the customary handshake line. “That was a tough one. My first year in the league we were able to sneak in but we were not flowing like we did this season. This season had such a big buildup and our group was really clicking. Not sure what to say about the last games. I am very disappointed with myself. No goals and a -3. Not the way I should’ve played. I couldn’t score, couldn’t hit well, couldn’t get anything going. I’m being given an important role as the second C but I couldn’t get it done. Of course I’m frustrated.” It was definitely a tough series to lose. “I’m looking forward to next season. This great lineup is gonna stay for next season. But… it’s just a real bitter pill to swallow. We’ve learned an important lesson as a group and we’ll take it into next season.”

1. Very shocked with us in Calgary, something is not just clicking. Also my player has been SUPER underwhelming and I need to fix that. 2. Antonia Bucatini will probably be the first pick overall. Yes, I did look at CIA's mock draft but I do think if Seattle gets the first overall pick, Bana may go for Antonia just to have a one-two punch down the middle. Severus has been excellent for the Bears but having another generational center may help Seattle launch into being competitive. 3. Trade Tanev, Markstrom, and Hanifin. I love all three players but it's best to get young players and prospects. I would especially love to see faster skating players as the Flames have always been one of the slower teams. We need some more creative players that can make chances happen. I've already liked the moves by Conroy so far, hoping we see more then. ---- 1. Who is your favourite player in the NHL to watch and why? 2. What archetype of player would you say your player fall under? (i.e. checker, playmaker, sniper, etc.) 3. If you had to add another award to the VHL, what award would it be? (also, if you want, what would it be called?)

CALGARY - The Wranglers quickly learned that the Toronto Legion would be their opponents. Soon the two teams played and came out of the first four games 1-3. Raimo Tuominen was certainly less than pleased with his play coming from those four games. No goals, only three assists, and now -4 in the playoffs, Raimo is frustrated with the start and wants to start contributing. “I’m a young player, I’m a center, I’m supposed to be a guy who is out there helping the team. I have no excuses for the way I’m playing right now. Very limited on offense but also struggling on defense. As a second line center? I’ve been given a role and I haven’t played it. I am very happy our team was able to pull out the win in the second but it’s definitely been a wake up call. Sucks that I even have to have a wake up call. We have games left in the series. I have to be better than how I started. Forget the regular season. I need to start getting results. It’s the playoffs for goodness sake. This is where every game REALLY matters. This is where the losses hurt that much more.”

1. This team's strength lies in its depth. We also have arguably the best tandem in the league right now. The mix of veterans and dedicated young players that make up the ranks in the skaters have created a shot-hungry and hardworking team. I love it. 2. I don't want to jinx our chances, being as superstitious as I am. However, I believe that as we take it one series at a time, success will come. I'm feeling good. 3. Well, the standings have already been finalized but I have always believed in this squad placing high. But wow, to tie first in the NA Conference with the LA Stars after their hot streaks was not something I saw coming. I am very proud of this group. 4. Malmo is gonna be hot going into the playoffs. Congrats to them because what a season they have had and congrats to them for getting first place overall. They have such a strong squad. 5. Win the cup. Straight up. Forget my individual stats, forget what goals I want to do. My goal is to win the cup with this squad and make sure Raimo helps the rest of the team with the push. 6. Merome Dilson. My goodness. What a goaltender. I think Dilson has been insane. We also have Jonny as a backup too. Like I said earlier, we have the best tandem in the league with Dilson spearheading it.

CALGARY - Raimo came into this season looking to improve. He wanted to be a more offensively present player than he was in his first season in the VHL. He did improve quite a bit, going from a paltry 8 goals to 17 goals. His point total went from 33 to 55. It was great to see improvement from the young center. However, even he felt underwhelmed. “I came into this year trying to establish myself as a force on the team. My offense is still very limited and I am still looking for that consistency. I had a really hot start to the season and I couldn’t carry it or bring it back. So, definitely high points, definitely low points, overall I still have a long way to go before I can say that I’m confident with my play.” Being a part of a stacked Wranglers team has had its perks, including learning everything he could from the veterans. Plus, playing a depth role, Raimo does not have to worry about his lack of production severely hurting the team. Besides, he has meshed well with his linemates and the entire roster as a whole has been one of the better in the VHL. “Now it’s the playoffs and it’s basically a whole new season. Nothing from the regular season matters. We have to start again and fight.”

1. I would put my money on the Boston Bruins... though I do think the Vancouver Canucks will make the finals too. We could use a 2011 rematch and hey, VanCity can redeem itself and win this time. But I'd still put my money on the Boston Bruins just bc of playoff experience... it would be a close matchup though if the Bruins win. 2. I would build my dream home in a lot somewhere close to Calgary so that I'm still somewhat close to the city so I can get what I need but I can also build and see what else I could add to the plot. It would be awesome. 3. Merome Dilson because he's an aboslute stud of a goaltender.... and Ronald Johnson MacWallace III because the first two were excellent and three is the perfect number. -- 1. If you could choose an existing VHL city to have two VHL teams, which city would it be and what would the second team be called? 2. What do you think is the best rivalry between two teams in the VHL? (Can be right now or all time or one in the past.) 3. What is your players go-to shootout move?

CALGARY - Being from Finland, Raimo Tuominen is no stranger to the cold. He was somewhat pleasantly surprised when he saw how long the snow lasted here in Calgary. It was an interesting reaction from the young Finn. “Yeah, I heard my fair share of stories about the weather here and how inconsistent it is. I mean I had my expectations but I was still surprised by how true it was. We had below -40 temperatures earlier in the season and then we had a few weeks of sun and temperatures that weren’t absolutely frigid. I mean we definitely haven’t gotten back to that point now but the snow’s returned.” It’s not a bad thing according to Raimo. In fact, he’s quite the fan of the snow. Winter, as predictable as this next part may seem, is his favourite season. “It’s nice in Calgary. Many outdoor rinks that are managed by volunteers in the community, you have the olympic plaza one, outside hockey can be found everywhere; heck, I am considering making and putting up a public outdoor rink of my own for people of all ages to enjoy hockey outside… or even just skating for that matter. Snow also means you can ski, it makes saunas that much more enjoyable…” “...only thing that sucks about the snow is everything else. I need to start investing in a pickup truck or I’ll never make it through these snow covered roads… thank goodness we have people who remove the snow from the streets.

1. Okay, I'm very biased. Currently, it'd be the Wranglers followed by the Prague Phantoms. Wranglers because I have a lot of memories with that logo and I just think the horseshoe and horse arrangement is so cool. But my goodness do I think the Phantoms have such a clean logo. The team colours look excellent with it. It's got some EDGE and I love that. Of all time? I really miss the Reign's old logo. I loved that logo. The new one is really good too. It's cool that the Reign probably have two of the cleanest logos in VHL history (imo) 2. Oh jeez, I just realized that I have like no hobbies. I'd probably say playing the piano, drums, and just hashing out music in general is probably my next favourite pasttime. It's really fun, especially with others. 3. Seeing that Raimo is in Calgary, they are NOT going to the stampede... instead, Raimo and his date are going to The Living Room Restaurant. For Raimo, his ideal date would probably be somebody who else who is interested in sports. 1. If the VHL were to bring back the all-star game, should it be done by draft or conference? 2. Who do you think you would say your player's biggest rival is? (Can also do former players if that helps) 3. They just released a VHL video game! What did EA get wrong about your player? Which ranking did they screw up the most?

CALGARY - Raimo Tuominen has slotted quite comfortably into the second C role behind Randy Bobandy. Raimo holds Randy in especially high regard considering that he has been a mentor for Raimo personally both in and outside of hockey as well as a leader for the team as a whole. “We have a really strong leadership core. The veterans have all been very vocal and have helped all of us improve our games exponentially. It’s a really neat experience playing on the same ice as these grizzled vets. They tell us all the little things we can do in order to succeed more. They also give us tips and don’t get enough credit for how good their hockey IQ is. Randy has been a great mentor. Helped me settle into Calgary and also just helped me settle into my role. It’s kinda funny. One second he’s sorta like an older brother and the next, he’s sorta like an on-ice father or something.” One moment in particular stood out for Raimo and also stood out for fans watching the game. “So I got into it with Mason Rice. I remember our time together in Calgary. He’s always been feisty. But I’m not exactly liking the cut of his jib. So he used that cut to sock me in the face. Then we get into it more and fight; I lose miserably. Randy comes in later and basically asks Ricer for round two, this time with him. Randy definitely wins that one. I still owe him a good Albertan steak dinner for that. He cares. He’s fun and he acts pretty weird sometimes. But he cares. He’s a smart player, he’s a heart player, he’s a skill player, he’s a leader. What more could you ask for?” @AJW

1. It's not entirely impossible. With 100 billion or so galaxies in a universe and then eventually coming down to tiny little us, it is definitely possible that there are others out there. Maybe they are 100 billion galaxies away or maybe closer but I believe there's a chance we aren't. 2. The secret ingredient to a successful VHL sim is a cunning GM, well formed lines, a balanced team, and then throw those first things out of the window and replace it with having a good relationship with Simon T. (i.e., if two even-strength teams face off, it can be a matter of luck.) 3. Without a second thought it would be Randy Bobandy... but Toby Kadachi would be close second if he wasn't a BEAR. Randy is a top tier center. Love playing under him. ------ 1. If you could create a new award for the Victory Hockey League, what would it be for and what would you call it? 2. Between which two leagues would you think a "relegation/promotion" system would be the most interesting? (VHL and VHLE, or VHLM and VHLE. Disregard the TPE limits for purposes of this hypothetical.) 3. Your player has their own personal goal song! If you are a goalie, your player has their own theme song! What is the song that your player is choosing?

CALGARY - Raimo Tuominen has already beaten his career high of goals in a season with 11. He has been slowing down as of late, so he has gotten back to analyzing his game and working hard to improve. However, he is very happy to see the Wranglers playing well and being a part of that. It has been an excellent start for this Wranglers squad and Raimo attributes it to the work and commitment of this roster. “Not that we weren’t committed last year. We absolutely were. It was different though because we understood that there were a lot of rough patches we needed to clean up. We did so and now we’ve been really clicking. At the beginning of our training camp, it was clear that we all wanted to compete hard and claim this season for ourselves. It’s been exciting and it’s going to continue to be exciting as the season goes on.” “Naturally, after last season’s showing, I made it a point to become more consistent. I have tapered off as of late but I am still pushing to end that as soon as I can. Rip and Sadie have been excellent mentors and I’ve been learning so much from them. They play such an up-tempo game and it’s rubbing off on me. Excellent mentors and excellent players.”

1. I mean the drop off from the HC Davos Dynamo from leading the conference to literally being the last. I'm not sure if there was a hard rebuild or what is going on but I was pretty shocked. That GD is also pretty shocking. 2. I mean I'm happy with how it is going now but I won't be able to be comfortable with Raimo until I see that he can do it the WHOLE season. 3. Molly the Cat was my pick and I picked first overall in a VHL Fantasy Hockey Draft. Very good player and I personally thing Molly is a really solid pick. ----- 1. If the VHL teams had VHLE affiliates, which current VHL and VHLE team do you think would make the best pairing? 2. Which city do you think should host the VHL all star and why? 3. Which team's logo would look the best on a baseball cap.

CALGARY - Raimo Tuominen made it a point to work on his shot. As of writing this, he has found himself on the scoresheet more consistently this season compared to last season. Now that he has grown more confident in his shooting, Raimo has also been a lot more willing to rip more shots than he has in previous seasons in the VHL systems. One of the things that might be helping? A new tape job and a new stick flex. After using a 100 flex stick he decided to switch over to an 80 flex stick figuring that the reduced stiffness would help his shot. “It’s been an adjustment but the Pro-Am definitely helped me get used to it. It was a bit awkward at first and I was worried that it was too flexy for me but I didn’t end up snapping any sticks. It was helpful having a lower flex because I was able to load my shot faster and get my shot off quicker than I usually do. I had a really difficult time trying to score last season so I was willing to try anything. It worked.” I mentioned that he had a new tape job. “Yup. Instead of going from heel to toe, I tape toe to heel.” Yup. That’s it.

1. I expect a better season from Raimo in terms of offensive production. I'm aiming for 50-60 points with 20+ goals next season so Raimo can be an offensive option. 2. I expect this team to rebound and start of running! That's Wrangler's hockey for you. 3. a pound of lead because lead is heavier than feathers. "they're both a pound"? yeah right. 1. What has been the biggest positive for your player from last season? 2. Does your player tape their blade from toe to heel or do it the wrong way? 3. What is your player's favourite locker room prank?

CALGARY - When he was drafted, Raimo Tuominen was visibly excited to be chosen by a VHL franchise. Walking onto the stage, he received his Wranglers jersey. He remembers holding it and staring at the logo that he was looking forward to wearing. After one season in the VHLE, he finally got his chance to wear the jersey he once held at the draft. He is looking to continue to have a great career in that jersey. So when Raimo was offered a 5 year extension taking him to the end of Season 97, he said yes immediately. It was not a question for him. He would love nothing more than to stay in the city and play for the franchise that took a chance on him. “I want to spend my entire career in this jersey if possible. I don’t know what my future holds but I want to push hard and play the best I can so that I can remain a part of this awesome organization and team for as long as possible.” The 5 season extension will begin after this upcoming season. Raimo has a chance to prove himself before the contract kicks in.