SlapshotWrangler

CALGARY - It has been a crazy off-season. Coming off probably one of the most disappointing moments in my career; losing the VHLE final in game 7, to preparing for my first season in the bigs has been an experience. But this off-season has been one filled with anticipation and fun. I remember thinking when I first made the VHLM of making the VHL as a distant goal but it’s now here. From Houston, to Oslo, now returning to North America in Calgary, I’ve had nothing but excitement with each new change. The Wranglers organization has been great, though it is confusing knowing that there are two Wranglers teams in Calgary. Still, I don’t think either of us should or will give up the right to the name Wranglers.
 
If you haven’t figured out by the title of this post, I am Raimo Tuominen. It has been quite the adjustment playing North American hockey but I’m improving each day. I’m aiming to become a solid 2C behind my mentor Randy Bobandy. He’s teaching me how to be strong on the North American ice and in this new big league. Also helps that I have a familiar face in Catia. During training camp, I’ve been practicing keeping up with their pace. I’m aiming to work on my skating and puck handling a lot more but in terms of strength and withstanding the physicality, I feel as if I can keep up; I just need to develop a bit more physicality myself.
 
In terms of goals, I’m aiming for a 20 goal season. This organization has put a lot of trust in me and I am determined to live up to it. I think 20 goals is a reasonable start to me. If I can, I’ll go for 30 goals but right now, I’m focused on making sure I play a good 200 foot game. In Houston, I was developing mostly my offensive skill set but ever since I became a center and played for both Oslo and Rome, I’ve been working on making sure I am great defensively too. The trickiest part about being a complete player is that it’s a balancing act where I have to make sure I am improving a healthy amount in both areas. It’s challenging but it’s a challenge I’m willing to take. I’ve been watching old Daniel Janser clips as well as Leandro Goncalves ones so that I can learn how to be a successful center in the league. I would normally say I am a bit nervous but to be honest, it’s mostly excitement. I can’t wait for the season to start. Thankfully, I’ll be kept busy since I’m in the World Junior Championships. I’ve had the honour of joining Team Europe so I’m pushing hard to represent our continent proudly!

WJC Comes To An End

 
Earlier today the VHLs World Junior Hockey Championships came to an end with the gold and bronze medal games taking place. When the dust all settled it was Team Europe who would take home the gold medal after a thrilling 4-2 win over Team Canada. After a back and forth first period that saw the teams exchange two goals apiece, it was a powerplay goal just over two minutes into the third period that sealed the deal for Team Europe as Raimo Tuominen potted his first goal in the elimination rounds of the tournament. Both Team Europe and Team Canada finished the Round Robin with an identical 7-3 record and both teams also ended the Round Robin with twenty-eight goals against, so it was no surprise to those following the tournament that they met in a highly anticipated gold medal game.
 
In the other medal game that took place today Team Asia came out victorious against Team USA. Team Asia won the game 3-2 with the winning goal taking place at the 19:15 mark of the second period when Simons Worst Nightmare put home their first goal of the elimination round.
 
We would also like to thank @Nobody for the hard work of putting on the tournament this season!

Randy better set up this sauna quick...

CALGARY - It has been a crazy off-season. Coming off probably one of the most disappointing moments in my career; losing the VHLE final in game 7, to preparing for my first season in the bigs has been an experience. But this off-season has been one filled with anticipation and fun. I remember thinking when I first made the VHLM of making the VHL as a distant goal but it’s now here. From Houston, to Oslo, now returning to North America in Calgary, I’ve had nothing but excitement with each new change. The Wranglers organization has been great, though it is confusing knowing that there are two Wranglers teams in Calgary. Still, I don’t think either of us should or will give up the right to the name Wranglers.
 
If you haven’t figured out by the title of this post, I am Raimo Tuominen. It has been quite the adjustment playing North American hockey but I’m improving each day. I’m aiming to become a solid 2C behind my mentor Randy Bobandy. He’s teaching me how to be strong on the North American ice and in this new big league. Also helps that I have a familiar face in Catia. During training camp, I’ve been practicing keeping up with their pace. I’m aiming to work on my skating and puck handling a lot more but in terms of strength and withstanding the physicality, I feel as if I can keep up; I just need to develop a bit more physicality myself.
 
In terms of goals, I’m aiming for a 20 goal season. This organization has put a lot of trust in me and I am determined to live up to it. I think 20 goals is a reasonable start to me. If I can, I’ll go for 30 goals but right now, I’m focused on making sure I play a good 200 foot game. In Houston, I was developing mostly my offensive skill set but ever since I became a center and played for both Oslo and Rome, I’ve been working on making sure I am great defensively too. The trickiest part about being a complete player is that it’s a balancing act where I have to make sure I am improving a healthy amount in both areas. It’s challenging but it’s a challenge I’m willing to take. I’ve been watching old Daniel Janser clips as well as Leandro Goncalves ones so that I can learn how to be a successful center in the league. I would normally say I am a bit nervous but to be honest, it’s mostly excitement. I can’t wait for the season to start. Thankfully, I’ll be kept busy since I’m in the World Junior Championships. I’ve had the honour of joining Team Europe so I’m pushing hard to represent our continent proudly!

CALGARY - It has been a crazy off-season. Coming off probably one of the most disappointing moments in my career; losing the VHLE final in game 7, to preparing for my first season in the bigs has been an experience. But this off-season has been one filled with anticipation and fun. I remember thinking when I first made the VHLM of making the VHL as a distant goal but it’s now here. From Houston, to Oslo, now returning to North America in Calgary, I’ve had nothing but excitement with each new change. The Wranglers organization has been great, though it is confusing knowing that there are two Wranglers teams in Calgary. Still, I don’t think either of us should or will give up the right to the name Wranglers.
 
If you haven’t figured out by the title of this post, I am Raimo Tuominen. It has been quite the adjustment playing North American hockey but I’m improving each day. I’m aiming to become a solid 2C behind my mentor Randy Bobandy. He’s teaching me how to be strong on the North American ice and in this new big league. Also helps that I have a familiar face in Catia. During training camp, I’ve been practicing keeping up with their pace. I’m aiming to work on my skating and puck handling a lot more but in terms of strength and withstanding the physicality, I feel as if I can keep up; I just need to develop a bit more physicality myself.
 
In terms of goals, I’m aiming for a 20 goal season. This organization has put a lot of trust in me and I am determined to live up to it. I think 20 goals is a reasonable start to me. If I can, I’ll go for 30 goals but right now, I’m focused on making sure I play a good 200 foot game. In Houston, I was developing mostly my offensive skill set but ever since I became a center and played for both Oslo and Rome, I’ve been working on making sure I am great defensively too. The trickiest part about being a complete player is that it’s a balancing act where I have to make sure I am improving a healthy amount in both areas. It’s challenging but it’s a challenge I’m willing to take. I’ve been watching old Daniel Janser clips as well as Leandro Goncalves ones so that I can learn how to be a successful center in the league. I would normally say I am a bit nervous but to be honest, it’s mostly excitement. I can’t wait for the season to start. Thankfully, I’ll be kept busy since I’m in the World Junior Championships. I’ve had the honour of joining Team Europe so I’m pushing hard to represent our continent proudly!

Raimo Tuominen responded, "I'd love to. Teach me how to be strong North American hockey man like you!"
@AJW

Randy Bobandy hopped in his Ram F150 he just recently purchased after getting comfy in Calgary. All the Berta boys said you need a 4x4 with a deep trunk, Bobandy didn't know what this language meant except that he needed a shiny new toy. Cruising through the city early in the morning before his first practice with the team, GM Kris Rice @Ricer13 appointed Bobandy as a rookie mentor. Calgary's newest centerman couldn't go one practice before being placed in a leadership role but Bobandy was more than ready to accept whatever was best for the team. He remembered his rookie season and how crazy of a blur it was so Bobandy was excited to meet the kid.
 
Bobandy parked his new monster truck beside a large newly furnished apartment complex. Heading up the elevator he was extremely tempted to pull the Elevator scene in Elf where he pressed all the buttons. "Who is this kid and why is he staying here?" Bobandy was more intrigued and after a couple of bangs on room 1334's door, out walked the fresh stud, Raimo Tuominen. Straight out of Finland, the 6'1" 188lbs center was eye candy for Bobandy and instantly wanted to buff the string bean up and show him the ropes.
 
"Nice to meet you kid, my name's Randy. I'm new around here too so coach decided we should learn the city together. You're back in North America after being home in Europe. Maybe getting you out of this box looking apartment and getting you somewhere more comfortable would be best. Want to rent a room at mine?"
 
Bobandy is key on getting these Wranglers rolling and to be able to be a main role in the development of this organization means a lot to him. So the question is, will Raimo Tuominen @SlapshotWrangler want to room with Randy Bobandy? Bobandy is living just 20 minutes out of the city on his small ranch. Bobandy wants to teach the young Fin what living in Canada is like and share their cultures together.

@cLoWn

CALGARY - Raimo has finally made it to the big club. Now it’s a matter of getting prepared for the season. He has been playing in the World Junior Championship in Team Europe, getting set for the season. Alongside him on the team is Catia Goncalves, recently acquired by Calgary Wranglers alongside Sadie St-Louis and The Frenchman (the latter has been traded since) with Ben McLaughlin and Fradin McGryer going the other way alongside some picks. The Wranglers have been making moves and Raimo has been excited to see new teammates. More new acquisitions that have been made by Calgary include Randy Bobandy, Malum Maellard, Oreo McFleury, and the return of AirRig GoodBrandSun.
 
“You love to see it. It’s great to see our GM scheming and acting on those plans. I’ve loved the trades so far and you can tell that he has plans for next season. Obviously we have a bit of a younger roster so bringing in some veterans can definitely help us develop and they’ll be amazing to have on the ice, in the locker room, and just in general. I was also very excited about acquiring Catia. It will be great seeing a familiar face.”
 
Catia and Raimo are definitely no strangers to each other’s style of play. Having played in the Junior Showcase Tournament together, then playing in that year’s World Junior Championship, and then playing together in Oslo before Raimo was traded, they will be looking to continue improving on the Wranglers. Raimo can’t wait for the season to start.

@cLoWn

@cLoWn

@cLoWn

@cLoWn

ROME - It was heartbreaking. The looks on the players' faces said it all. The Gladiators were so close. They had so many chances of closing it out. However, the Express fought back and took it all in Game 7 to win the championship. Rome would be without the Renaissance Cup. The Gladiators stayed to shake the hands of the victors and then quickly left. After leaving the ice, there was nothing but silence in the locker room until the head coach said a few words. Then all of the players packed up and left as Cologne celebrated their new VHLE champions. 
 
“That one hurt. We were so close and had multiple chances to close it out but we couldn’t. This… this is gonna sit with me for a good while. We had a great squad and we had all we needed but we couldn’t make it over the hump. Now we’re packing and going home.”
 
A mid-season acquisition by Rome, Raimo looked to help the Gladiators push their path. They had a great run but came one win short. Raimo only had 4 points in 14 games and definitely took note of his own lack of performance.
 
“It is disappointing. For the team, absolutely. But also in a smaller sense for me.”
 
Now, Raimo will be making his way to Calgary to set up for the season there. There is excitement in the air for him and he is excited to get going in the VHL.
 
However, he’ll be training, this great disappointment in his mind.

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