Thranduil

SBA +5 TPE

i claim

Honestly it's about time I give my man some credit. He has been the best AGM a GM could ask for. I haven't really had to teach him anything, but he's given me so much help. It is unbelievable what he has done this season. He made sure people stayed active, helped with trivia answers, wrote weekly pressers, did the lines for the team, found us free agents, was super active in the Discord locker room, and I didn't even have to ask him to do any of this stuff. He is super self motivated and single handedly led the team to a 19-3-0 finish at the end of the season. He has every aspect that it takes to be a GM. If you hired Acyd, he would make you proud. It would suck to lose him as my AGM, but I totally get it. He has definitely served his time.

That's how it worked for Esso, Jubo, me, Peace, others.

@uphillmoss doesn't get the job free as AGM? I thought AGM always gets the team that the GM leaves.

never gets old

@Acydburn

Doubles Week Media Spot +6 Doubles Week VHL.com Article +1 Doubles Week for Both +1 Total +8

Graeme from SPORTSNET: Thanks for being here Aran. I know it isn't a great time for you right now. You must be feeling pretty disappointed at the moment. Aran Thranduil: Yeah for sure, frustrated. It really stinks to put so much effort in, and come away with nothing, but at the same time, I'm used to it. I've had to do a lot of losing in my career, but this one is definitely the hardest loss I've ever dealt with. Graeme from SPORTSNET: What do you feel went wrong for the team in the series, through the first 3 games, as well as here tonight? Aran Thranduil: Honestly, what the hardest part about this is that I don't feel we did a lot wrong. Maybe we could have been a little better to start the series off, with that first period that we had in game 1, but I felt we improved throughout that game, and I didn't think it would affect us going forward. I could tell the team was feeling better in game 2, and once again we had a big performance from Burn, but I think the turning point in the game, possibly in the whole series, was when ACL TEAR scored that stinker of a goal with 2 minutes left in game 2. That was deflating for the entire team. And then of course when they scored that goal in overtime, it was the cherry on top. We went into their building with no wins, and I guess desperation got to us, but I still thought the team played good honest hockey. Game 3 was a heart breaker, with Ottawa coming from behind again to win in overtime. Definitely felt we outplayed them in that game, just unfortunate we couldn't hold onto our lead. And then I think having 2 overtime games in a row go against us, made it that much harder for game 4. Had the first 3 goals today, but then I guess déjà vu set in and we lost our lead once again. It sucks that every game was so close, yet it shows the result as a sweep. I'm very proud of the effort the team put in, and I'm sure we'll be back next year, like we always are. Graeme from SPORTSNET: Aran, thanks for your time. Aran Thranduil: Thank you.

As the S66 VHLM playoff opener got underway at a sold out Burns Crematorium Center in Philadelphia, the Reapers came out flying in front of their fans, controlling the play immediately. Only 8 minutes into the first period, Philadelphia blueliner Brandon LeBlanc controlled a large rebound, following a shot by Dylan Doyle. LeBlanc wound up at the top of the slot, forcing Minnesota goaltender Wendy Kandee Cain out of her crease to block the angle, but he suddenly slid the puck back to Doyle, for the easy tap-in. The crowd shot to their feet, giving the Reapers an extra boost on energy. Meanwhile, Doyle was mobbed by his teammates for his early heroics. Only 4 minutes later, at 12:03 of the first period, the Reapers struck again, this time on a solo effort by third line center Walter Clements. Kolur Bjoernsson, Reapers goaltender picked the puck up behind his net, and seeing the Storm were making a line change, jumped on the opportunity, sliding the puck to defenseman Duncan Jeffers, urging him to look to Clements, who was barreling through the neutral zone, calling for the puck. Jeffers got the pass off just in time, so that Clements only had to slow down slightly to avoid being offside, but he was able to regain what speed he had lost, and moved in on Kandee Cain, sliding the puck unceremoniously between her wickets. For a moment it looked like she had stopped the puck, but a second later and it was trickling between her legs and into the net. Reapers fans went ballistic across Philadelphia, and confetti was poured on the ice, leading to a 10 minute TV timeout, so that they could clean up the mess. When the Reapers hit the ice again, they were feeling more confident than ever, and with just over a minute left in the first period, they struck again. Walter Clements, the hero of the second goal, won the draw against Raphael Nazarians, sending the puck over to winger Ben Hafkey. Hafkey deked out Brendan Plunkett and ripped the puck from the top of the slot, going top corner and giving the Reapers a 3-0 lead. By this time all of the fans in Burns Crematorium Center were on their feet, singing and chanting as the clock wound down in the first period. At this point it was clear the Reapers were going to win the game, and most likely the series. The second period was every bit as exciting as the first. The Reapers once again took control of the play, getting the first five shots of the period, in a persistent effort to widen their lead. However, surprisingly it was Minnesota who struck mesh first. 8:54 into the first period, Storm defender Donat Szita was finally able to bury the puck for the Storm, on a rebound let off by Reapers goalie Kolur Bjoernsson, making the score 3-1 Reapers. Philadelphia was not discouraged by this lucky break from the Storm, and fought back, putting together a string of 6 straight shots, the first 5 of which were saved by Kandee Cain, however, she could not continue this amazing strand of saves forever, and eventually Reapers captain John Frostbeard buried one short side on a dazzling passing play between him, Edward Vigneault, Walter Clements, and Kevin Low. This goal both killed the confidence of the Storm and bolstered that of the Reapers. From this moment on, it was clear that the Reapers had full control of the game. They would be able to score whenever they wanted, but evidently they chose to take it easier, so they could get some rest for game 2. The second period ended with the score at 4-1, and the shots in the period were 12-4, in favour of the Reapers. Not a lot happened in the third period. The Storm continued to struggle to get shots, once again managing only 4 shots in the period. It was obvious that the Reapers were just coasting out there. They controlled the puck most of the period, rarely taking chances. They took the odd shot on net, but they had no reason to score. The game ended 4-1, with the final shots being 36-15 for the Reapers. Fans in Philadelphia partied all night in the streets around Burns Crematorium Center, and many did not leave until after game 2 had ended. The Reapers, as expected, would go on to win the series in 4 games, not giving the Storm much of a chance at all.

GG @Esso2264. You guys were the better team.

What would you say makes Halifax stand out in a more and more crowded field of VHLM teams? What philosophy do you believe in as a General Manager of a developmental program? What's your favorite thing about the VHLM, in general? What has been one of your favorite experiences in your time at the VHL, so far? A more pointed question, now. What do you look for in an ideal VHLM Left or Right Wing?(100-200 TPE) What is one thing you would have changed this season? First of all, thank you sir, I definitely owe a lot to my amazing AGM @Acydburn though as well. He's been awesome. 1. Well, I'm glad you asked. Definitely the thing that makes us stand out in my mind is how we have managed to stay a contender in the VHLM, every season we've been here, since we joined the league 5 seasons ago. There is definitely a stigma that a team can't really be good in the VHLM for more than 1 or 2 seasons without having to rebuild in between, because of the way the cycle works, with trading picks and losing your best players each year, but I think we've broken that one. Our overall record is 251-85-24, easily the best in the last 5 seasons. So far, we have never finished lower than third in the standings, even though we haven't had a first rounder, since our first season. This comes down to good drafting, excellent player development, and knowing the ins and outs of how the cycle works, but I'd say our winning record is what we pride ourselves in the most, and our ability to win, even when it looks impossible at the start of the season, is what separates us from the pack. 2. For me it is the belief that player development and winning go hand in hand. If you're willing to put in the effort to get all your players really enthusiastic about the league, you'll usually get results in return. The more bonds you build with your players, and the more time you spend talking to them, the more you get to know them, and the more they get to know you. If you can get them really pumped up about earning TPE, then it creates a culture of players that all want to earn TPE, and naturally with this kind of environment, the wins start to come. A lot of people say the VHLM isn't about winning, it is more about making sure the players have a good time, but what better way to let them have a good time then win the cup? I think the amount a team wins is partly indicative of how much work a team's staff has put in, because often teams start out with tonnes of draft picks, and easily look like the best team, but a few weeks in, and half their players have gone inactive. My philosophy is that if you put in the effort, you can turn any team into a contender. 3. I think it has to be the social aspect. As a VHLM GM, you spend way more time talking to your players than you would in the VHL. You get to teach them how to be good players, and I find VHLM players are always more enthusiastic to get on a team for the first time. There is a lot more going on, packed into a shorter amount of time, because you only get one season with this group of guys, rather than as many as you need to win, so the atmosphere doesn't get stale, and after two months, you find yourself saying goodbye to all your players, and hello to another group of guys, keeping the environment full of fresh faces. It is this constant enthusiasm, and excitement, that makes me love GMing in the VHLM so much. I'm dedicated to my job, and I I don't ever see myself leaving to become a VHL GM. Personally, I feel I've found my calling. I'd be interested to hear your philosophy as well, as I know you have a lot of managerial experience in sim leagues. 4. Honestly, if I could give you one, I would, but there have been so many spectacular memories in my time here. Starting off with joining my first ever team, the Halifax 21st, back in S63. I was so excited to be part of something that I could contribute towards. I met Shawn, who GMed me that season, and after being promoted to the VHL at the end of the season, drafted me once again to his team. Joining Halifax gave me this close bond with him, and we're still great friends. My second one would be attaining my first AGM job. I was hired by Trifecta, to help him manage the Oslo Storm (Now Minnesota Storm). I was really excited to get into the GMing business, but looking back, he didn't teach me anything, so I didn't learn much, but at least it got my name in the market. The next would be the playoff opener for Halifax in S63. We were down 7-1 to the Founder's Cup favourites, Saskatoon Wild, but came back to win 8-7 in overtime. Next would be the two season span, between when Shawn left Halifax, leaving McWolf in charge, and the end of last season. McWolf hired me as his AGM, seeing I wasn't getting much training in Oslo, and we had a blast for two seasons. He taught me everything there is to know about GMing, and he was such a chill guy. We had so many good memories together, but unfortunately he had to leave all sim leagues, just before the S65 playoffs, leaving me in charge to GM the team. I was sad to see him go, but happy to finally get my shot. However, possibly the best part of my career has been this season, my first as GM. I have met so many great people, and it is the most enthusiastic team I have ever been apart of. The best part of this season was going all the way from 7th in the league to 2nd over the last 35 games, and surging to the end of the season with a 19-3 record, beating out the Ottawa Lynx by one point in the standings, with a win over them in the final game of the season. That was epic. 5. For me, I think the most valuable thing at this time is an unselfish player. Someone with defense, even though they play on the wing. Someone who can make plays, not always trying to score goals, someone that always looks for their teammates' success ahead of their own. I think most importantly though, what I look for in a player, no matter what position they play, is that they're willing to be part of a team. 7. Would have won the cup. P.S: Sorry for the long answers, I get carried away with stuff haha. Also, I just realized I wrote the equivalent of two media spots here, yet can't write even one when I'm trying to earn TPE.

Oh I see you just did it differently. Usually people round to 10 and then add 3, but I guess what you did works as well.

No, you actually would get 11 and then you add 3 to it. The minimum is 10, and then whatever result, has 3 added on. So really you get 14 TPE.

Agreed, you definitely outdid everyone's expectations. Sorry it had to end in a sweep. Also Blade, it's @MexicanCow123 Thanks so much for the congrats, Halifax and Philly are both great this year, ended the year 9-1, so I really hope we meet in the finals, should be awesome.

@Beaviss how do we figure out which team we're on?

@Gaudette please, I beg you

1. If I was playing for Halifax I would ask my GM why everyone loves him so much. 2. I did and it was because I wanted to win the cup. We didn't. 3. madonald hanburger 4. Nyko Nax and the Mexico City Kings, because Nyko is always talking smack. 5. I don't care as long as it isn't the kings. 7. I'd stay on Earth. No where else that I know of has oxygen.

Halifax in 4

ya i wrote this 2 days ago just didn't post it

god damn you fucking passed me, i need to get more active

Alright well, gotta write 500 words about VHL in 20 minutes because I have had no wifi this week and will be going back to no wifi in 20 minutes. Here we go. This is going to be the worst article in the history of the site. If you can't already tell, I'm currently just typing words as fillers because I can't think of anything else to type. I hear John Madden got selected for ASG, so that's really exciting. Actually no, Shawn handpicked him, because Shawn is a God. Haven't been able to GM my team at all, because no wifi so Acyd has been doing it, and while he was doing it, Halifax got into third place. Big grats him on that move. Very excited to be a top 3 team again. Hmm, what else? Madden hit 60 points, 650 TPE. Bunch of players in Halifax got to 100 TPE. Gaudette hit 100 points. Halifax plays their last game of the season tomorrow, against Ottawa. It is very important. If Ottawa wins, they will stay in second and Halifax will stay in third, but If Halifax wins this game in regulation or OT, we will finish second in the league for the third straight season, and who better than to defeat in our fifth year anniversary than our rivals from our first VHLM season, the good old Ottawa Lynx? We win, we'll most likely be playing the San Diego Marlins, but if we lose, we'll play Nyko Nax and his Mexico City Kings. Defintely gonna want to beat them for sure and if we don't ya that would suck and stuff, going for the Michael Rassmussen here folks, here we go, this is gonna be a long one, and not going to make a lot of sense, run on sentences are the only way to go in this day and age so if you don't do those when you type, you suck. Philly will be playing Minnesota, easy sweep probably, Ottawa will face either Nyko Nax or San Diego Marlins. If they play San Diego, they will lose no doubt. Now it is time for me to name my top 10 outstanding performers of both the VHLM and the VHL this season and also why I believe they are the top 10 performers of the VHLM and VHL this season. Number 1, AJ Axelson. Axelson has been great for my team this season. 102 points in 71 games, alternate captain, team player, real class act, came in last season and never once complained about being on the fourth line. He really showed what he's worth this season. 2. Gaudette scored equal points to Axelson and also happens to be our captain. He carried the offense for us this season and led our dressing room activities. He scouts for us and I'm very happy with his effort this season. Acyd would be number 3. Came in as a little-known UFA and developed into our most active player this season. He started slow, but really picked up the pace at the end, and his work as AGM has been incredible. Wish I could have gotten this done last week, but I had no wifi, so hopefully I can still claim it for last week.

Review: *Goaler

I agree that it probably shouldn't have come to the forum and penny definitely shouldn't be stealing your pictures. But you gotta loosen up man. We're giving you a hard time because you talked about your exam score, which isn't even really a personal thing, and you're getting quite defensive.

There isn't one really, its just funny how peace yelled at Blade for being soft and trying to act tough, to the point where she left, and then he immediately started talking about his exam and then when penny turned it into this, he got all mad again.