leafsman

I complain and now on a point streak lol.  More important is that we won these games

looks like I got into a stick fight with Ironside during the brawl

Nice to be playing games again

Last week Defenseman Paolo Nano decided to remain a member of the New York Americans.  We caught up with Nano for his thoughts on remaining staying in New York and his thoughts on being a free agent and  the reasons for staying in New York and his interests away from the rink.
 
What was i like to be a free agent for the first time in your career?
 
It was a pretty crazy process.  When it started I had no idea how many teams would be interested in me and was nervous that nobody would want me.  At the beginning of free agency I let New York know that I would be very interested in re-signing but I still wanted to go through the free agency process.   On the opening day I was contacted by all of my former teams and at that point I knew I was going most likely going to sign with one of them. I had a career year in Moscow last season and they were a strong contender but at this point in my career I wanted to have a chance at winning a cup.  I also had discussions with Seattle but like with Moscow I wasn’t looking to another rebuild. I also was looking to sign either in Europe or on the east coast of the United States to be closer to home. Its a much longer flight for family members to come for a visit on the west coast and that played a factor in my decision.   That being said, I was about to sign the offer with New York when Vancouver made a last minute pitch but that ended when they signed another Defenseman. So at that point it was time to stay in New York.
 
What made you decide on staying in New York?
New York is such a great city to live in with a strong Italian community where I can feel like being at home.   There are so many wonderful restaurants and cafes to go to in little Italy. Some of the other teams are able to offer a great hockey environment on the ice but they can’t offer that plus the lifestyle here in New York.  We have a great group in New York and last season didn't end the way we wanted it to with such a short playoff run. I am excited to rebound from that disappointment and make a cup run this season.
 
What do you like to do away from the rink?
As a true Italian I love soccer and enjoy watching whenever I get a chance.  My favourite team is Juventus and although we’ve had a great season its been a disappointing year with another failed year in the Champions League despite signing Ronaldo last season.  I also love food and wine food like any other Italian. I enjoy watching the food network to unwind with a glass of wine after games. My favourite food would probably be pizza on most days with Pasta being a close second.   There are some great pizza places here in New York, the best being Lombardi’s but nothing compares to having a pizza in Napoli. My favourite pizza is basically margherita with some hot sopressata added to it.
 
 
 
Word Count 541

Last week Defenseman Paolo Nano decided to remain a member of the New York Americans.  We caught up with Nano for his thoughts on remaining staying in New York and his thoughts on being a free agent and  the reasons for staying in New York and his interests away from the rink.
 
What was i like to be a free agent for the first time in your career?
 
It was a pretty crazy process.  When it started I had no idea how many teams would be interested in me and was nervous that nobody would want me.  At the beginning of free agency I let New York know that I would be very interested in re-signing but I still wanted to go through the free agency process.   On the opening day I was contacted by all of my former teams and at that point I knew I was going most likely going to sign with one of them. I had a career year in Moscow last season and they were a strong contender but at this point in my career I wanted to have a chance at winning a cup.  I also had discussions with Seattle but like with Moscow I wasn’t looking to another rebuild. I also was looking to sign either in Europe or on the east coast of the United States to be closer to home. Its a much longer flight for family members to come for a visit on the west coast and that played a factor in my decision.   That being said, I was about to sign the offer with New York when Vancouver made a last minute pitch but that ended when they signed another Defenseman. So at that point it was time to stay in New York.
 
What made you decide on staying in New York?
New York is such a great city to live in with a strong Italian community where I can feel like being at home.   There are so many wonderful restaurants and cafes to go to in little Italy. Some of the other teams are able to offer a great hockey environment on the ice but they can’t offer that plus the lifestyle here in New York.  We have a great group in New York and last season didn't end the way we wanted it to with such a short playoff run. I am excited to rebound from that disappointment and make a cup run this season.
 
What do you like to do away from the rink?
As a true Italian I love soccer and enjoy watching whenever I get a chance.  My favourite team is Juventus and although we’ve had a great season its been a disappointing year with another failed year in the Champions League despite signing Ronaldo last season.  I also love food and wine food like any other Italian. I enjoy watching the food network to unwind with a glass of wine after games. My favourite food would probably be pizza on most days with Pasta being a close second.   There are some great pizza places here in New York, the best being Lombardi’s but nothing compares to having a pizza in Napoli. My favourite pizza is basically margherita with some hot sopressata added to it.
 
 
 
Word Count 541

Its nice to finally win a game lol

It is my utmost pleasure to announce the leadership trio of the S65 Moscow Menace!
 
Captain: Mark Gebauer
Our very first player, a man who is ready to give his all for the Menace cause, @Sova leads us into battle in our first season!
 
Alternate #1: Evgeni Komarov
Another player ready to give his all for the motherland, albeit in a slightly different way, @Gooningitup wanted to play for the Menace since we came into existence and is a logical selection for a leadership role.
 
Alternate #2: Paolo Nano
One of our most experienced players, a Continental Cup finalist last season, @leafsman offers much needed street knowledge to a very young team.
 
 
Let's murder some fuckers.

Thanks

@leafsman
 

who calls attempt to injure in a finals.  What the fuck did I do?  No fights after so sounds like bs call lol

who calls attempt to injure in a finals.  What the fuck did I do?  No fights after so sounds like bs call lol

who calls attempt to injure in a finals.  What the fuck did I do?  No fights after so sounds like bs call lol

who calls attempt to injure in a finals.  What the fuck did I do?  No fights after so sounds like bs call lol

Crosby should been one of the stars as he won the fight plus his points 

1) The Titans are going to the playoffs for the first time since S61. How does it feel to bring such a historic organization back to the big stage?
It feels great to make the playoffs in my second season after a long and tough rookie season of losing.
 
2) The Titans currently sit at 3rd in the standings, partially in thanks to an incredible 11 game winning streak. What changed within the team to help make that possible?
We had a number of faces on the team this season and I think it took awhile for all the guys to gel.   Sometimes it just takes time to get the right line conmbos and chemistry.
 
3) The VHL All-Star game is coming up soon, which Titans would you like to see represent the team?
Johnson has had a great career and deserves to spend some time soaking up a final All star game.  Pepper saves my ass when I make a mistake so he defitely belongs.
 
4) You've been playing with veterans and potential hall of famers in Keaton Louth and Mats Johnsson all season. What kind of an impact did they have on you as a player?
As a young Dman its been great to learn from Johnsson.   He is the ultimate professional and has helped me grow both on and off the ice as a Pro.
 
5) Which team would you like to end up playing in the first round of the playoffs? What's the strategy for taking them down?
Not really gonna answer that first one  incase they have a Tom Brady type guy who will get pissed off and then destroy us on the ice.   To take down whoever we play we will our work them, get in there face and score a ton of goals although with Pepper back there we will just need 1.
 
6) Is there anything you'd like to say to the loyal fans of Helsinki, after giving them a regular season (and hopefully postseason) that they can be proud of?
I play this game for you guys.  You guys motivate be to give it 110% every game and will will be bringing the cup back to Helsinki

As with most members, I am extremely excited for the start of the upcoming season. With the moves made this past off-season, Season 64 looks to be a return to contention for the historically proud Helsinki Titans. With the season finally coming upon us, I had a vote for which players would represent the Titans this season, and the team spoke.
 
Before announcing the captains, I'd like to thank @BarzalGoat for his 2 seasons as Captain. When I took the reins of Helsinki in August, he was the lone active player, and he had the option to leave for greener pastures. He stuck with me, believing in my vision, and soldiering through a tank season, where the only two veterans on the team were traded. Last season, he improved on his rookie season, to lead the team in scoring with over 50 assists, and 85 points on the season. He has been a fantastic solider for the Titans, and I hope to soon reward his faith with a Continental Cup Championship!
 
Now, to announce our Captain and Alternates, we will start with our first Alternate Captain. This member embodies the ultimate team player. Since joining the team, he has done quite a bit to help boost team morale, including weaving some very entertaining stories about his teammates. His position on the team is as the backbone, tending goal for the Titans. The first Alternate Captain of the Helsinki Titans in Season 64 is none other than Alexander Pepper @Sonnet!
 
The second Alternate Captain is a player joining the Titans for his first, and subsequently last, season in Helsinki. After winning the Season 62 Continental Cup, he looks to cement his legacy, and, potentially, join the VHL's elite ranks as a future member of the Hall of Fame. The second Alternate Captain for your S64 Helsinki Titans is Free Agent signee, Keaton Louth @Beaviss!
 
Before getting to our Captain for this season, there is a third Alternate to announce. While Pepper will be a big part of the Titans leadership group, goalies are precluded from wearing letters when on the ice. So, as the team's second player to have an A adorned on their sweater will be the VHL's reigning Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy winner, Julian Borwinn @Jubo07!
 
Now, for the Titans' S64 Captain, it will be a player who has experience wearing the C. As the Captain of the Calgary Wranglers for S58, and again in S61-63, he lead the Albertan team to its first Continental Cup in 18 seasons. Re-joined by Keaton Louth, this year's Captain will be Mats Johnsson, @Quik, who will look to lead the team from a non-playoff finish in Season 63 to a Continental Cup Victory in Season 64!
 
And there it is, your S64 Titans Captains
 
    
 
C - Mats Johnsson
A - Alex Pepper
A - Keaton Louth
A - Julian Borwinn
 
    

done,   hated having to click the sabres logo instead of leafs though

1) Try to get things done at the beginning of the month, but usually have like one last minute gift.
2) The players have a limited career and should use their leverage for the best deal.   I dont get why the Nylander deal took so long, was what was expected 6.5-7.
3) I;d give a gift to Pepper for all the wins he stole for us.  I dont have any VHL player to give coal to but if Tom Wilson were a VHLer he'd definitely get it.
4) Public Transit so I can be like whoever it was on the Capitals that took the subway to the Cup Finals game.
5) Tequila by Dan and Shay.  My wife and bridesmaids kept signing it at our wedding in October and they keep  snap chatting each other singing it so its stuck on repeat in my head.
6) Mesh Highback Desk Chair

1) Plan on working on strength and the Defense
2) 200 Assists
3) I will go with Soccer with football as a close second.  I'm going with soccer as I'm a Toronto FC season ticket holder and love going to games.
4) I've tried a bunch of food from different cultures so Id say Morrocan as it seems like a cuisine i'd like.
5) Dont play it until after remembrance day in Canada.
6) The Last Kingdom, which takes place in England during the Viking era.  I love reading historical fiction and this series is based on my favourite series.

1) Plan on working on strength and the Defense
2) 200 Assists
3) I will go with Soccer with football as a close second.  I'm going with soccer as I'm a Toronto FC season ticket holder and love going to games.
4) I've tried a bunch of food from different cultures so Id say Morrocan as it seems like a cuisine i'd like.
5) Dont play it until after remembrance day in Canada.
6) The Last Kingdom, which takes place in England during the Viking era.  I love reading historical fiction and this series is based on my favourite series.

Accept

My favourite moment so far is signing with the Saskatoon Wild and then writing up my players rookie profile.   

Name:Paolo Nano
Position: Defense
Age: 24
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 210 lbs
Birth Place: Bolzano, Italy        
 
Paolo Nano is an Italian player , born in Bolzano Italy,  where father played 8 seasons becoming a club legend in a career that took him all over Europe.   He grew up in Italy after his father fell in love with the country and married and Italian girl.  Paolo would spend a lot of time in dressing rooms as a youngster and developed a strong love for the game.  He has played his whole career in the Bolzano system.  He always dreamed of one day playing professional hockey in the hockey mad country where his father was born.   That dream became a reality when he signed for the Saskatoon Wild.
 
Here are the Pros and Cons about Paolo Nano
 
Pros
Skating
His skating ability allows him to make up for any mistakes he may make.  He poses a great first step that allows him to quickly get up to top speed to either join the rush or to get back in position after a terrible pinch.  
 
Defense
One of Nano’s strengths is his intelligence.  He makes up for his lack of physicality by having great awareness in his own zone and constantly being in the right position to break up plays.  He also has a great stick which allows him to break up passes and poke check his opponents efficiently. He is also able to get into the shooting lane to block shots
 
Passing
Nano has a great outlet pass allowing his team to have a quick breakout.   He posses a great ability to find an open teammate and is able to make passes into a tight window.   He is always looking to pass first and shoot second.
 
Cons
Checking/physicality
He is not a physical player.  He can sometimes play scared and get intimidated when the play becomes physical.  He relies on positioning and stick work to make up for the lack of a physical element to his game.
 
Shot/Scoring
He doesn’t have a great shot.  He is hesitant to take the shot and always looks for the pass first.  This can sometimes lead to trouble as defenders look to take away the passing lanes.  He has the ability to become an elite PP Dman if he improves on his willingness and ability to shoot the puck.
 
Leadership
Having grown up in Italy, Nano is adjusting to living in a new continent and as such he tends to just remain silent in the room.  He is very shy and reserved off the ice but still enjoys hanging out with the team, he just doesn't say much.
 
Potential
Nano is a smooth skating skilled puck moving defenseman from Italy.  He is able to make a great first pass to help start the breakout.   He is a great skater who is strong defensively and can become a great 2 way defender who can run one day run a PP.
 

From a Facebook post about nhl 19 where people were complaining about it.