TacticalHammer

Top 10 or bust

The Riga Reign currently hold the #8 overall pick in the S77 Entry Draft. They're a team loaded with good prospects and have great organizational depth at most positions, but a quick look at the organizational depth chart reveals a team that might need to add another good defenseman or two with the pending retirements of Guy Sasakamoose and Oskar Lagesson. So let's take a look at the top candidates at the position for the Reign to consider with that #8 pick.

Reylynn Reinhart - Houston Bulls - 259 TPE @Ricer13
A solid all-around defenseman, Reinhart is the consensus best defenseman prospect in this year's draft. She's a fluid skater and puck handler with a fantastic shot and is quite good defensively as well. With 27 goals and 64 points in 72 games this season as a member of the Houston Bulls, she lived up to expectations and made a name for herself at the VHLM level. Reinhart is ranked 7th in the draft, and in all likelihood will even go higher than that, but if she were somehow available for Riga it'd be a dream come true for the team.

Zeedayno Chara - Miami Marauders - 227 TPE @Jubis
A touch better than Reinhart defensively but not quite as much of an offensive threat, he had 2 goals and 29 points in 36 games (and 55 hits) with Miami after joining mid-season. He's a good passer, a good shooter, a good skater and is strong defensively though he doesn't have anything that really stands out - besides his upside. Despite being a late entry to the draft class, Chara has been a steady riser ever since he joined Miami. His track record of improvement will likely have him the #2 defenseman off the board on draft day.

Rolf Fizzlebeef Jr - Las Vegas Aces - 223 TPE @TacticalHammer
Fizzlebeef plays a very similar game to Chara, and actually would have almost identical stats if you'd pro-rated Chara's numbers to 72 games. He had 7 goals, 57 points, and 101 hits with Las Vegas this season. While he hasn't improved quite as rapidly as Chara, he has definitely developed a lot as the season has progressed and should be close to ready to making the jump to the pros next year.

Aurelien Moreau - Mississauga Hounds - 236 TPE @Frank
Moreau plays the most specialized game of the four defensemen mentioned here - a hulking, 6'8 240 defenseman that is purely a stay-at-home guy. He managed to put up 14 goals and 60 points in Mississauga this year, mostly due to being an all-situations player on a team that only had four defensemen available. His style of play is truly reflected in the 307 hits and 172 blocked shots. Moreau takes care of business defensively and is likely to be the same style of player at the next level.

A defenseman the calibre of any of these guys could be a huge addition to the Reign in their rebuilding effort as they get ready to transition to being a perennial contender once again. It remains to be seen what the Reign will do with that pick - it's possible they even trade it for more immediate help - but there are clearly plenty of good options available.

S77 VHL MOCK DRAFT:
 Round 1, Pick 1: Paul Atreides (Hatter) 
 
The first overall pick is something that every player who is eligible for being drafted aims for. Usually the first overall picked player becomes a legend in their own league, whether it be the National Hockey League (NHL), the major junior leagues, or our very own Victory Hockey League (VHL). In this case, I decided to select centerman Paul Atreides from the Houston Bulls for the first overall pick in the VHL Entry Draft. When looking at a player like Atreides, you would probably think something along the lines of, “The next big thing,” or the, “Potential greatest of all time from this draft.” For the people who said that, I agree with them. Not only did he put up a 106 (42G, 64A) point season, he led a team to the Founders Cup finals in the Bulls this season. A great leader and player all around, high in scoring (SC) and defense (DF); he is looking like a hall-of-fame caliber player. 
 
 Round 1, Pick 2: Duncan Idaho (OrbitingDeath) 
 
OrbitingDeath’s right winger Duncan Idaho looks to be among the ranks of stardom with Atreides, being on the same team (the Bulls) and putting up 80 points (40G, 40A) in 72 regular season games. 302 shots and 40 goals proves that he is capable of finding twine night in and night out. His 80 SC and DF stat furthermore establishes his status as offensive powerhouse, with a scoring touch. He’s put up 270 hits this season alone, which is astounding, since he doesn’t seem like a physical player at all. That just proves how he can do everything on the ice, from scoring goals and passing, to hitting and playing defense. An all-around package, and he is very active, so he’s quite the talent. 
 
 Round 1, Pick 3: Asher Reinhart (rjfryman) 
 
For the third overall pick, I predicted that centerman for the Bulls, Asher Reinhart would be picked by the London United. Reinhart’s offensive capabilities range out of just scoring and assisting on goals, he can shoot, and hit very well. He is also a superstar on the special teams, scoring 10 power-play goals (PPG) for the Bulls and scoring two short-handed goals (SHG) for them too. Being a true offensive threat, he put up a very nice 84 points (36G, 48A) in 72 games played this season, 295 shots and 107 hits. Being rj’s player, expect him to be at a TPA advantage over the other players in this draft, and to put up amazing numbers in his rookie campaign likewise. A great player, and a great guy, can’t wait to see him rock the league. 
 
 Round 1, Pick 4: Brendan Telker (Telkster) 
 
For the fourth overall pick, I’m predicting that Minnesota Storm left winger Brendan Telker will be going to the New York Americans. The Americans need wing depth, and Telker provides just that. His scoring touch and his shooting skill will help the struggling United potentially get a championship in the near future. His 83 SC stat stands out in his build, and explains his 115 points (57G, 58A) this season, and his whopping 367 shot total this season. An offensive powerhouse, quite active, and he has the point production to back him up. A very solid 4th overall pickup for the Americans. 
 
 Round 1, Pick 5: Reylynn Reinhart (Ricer13) 
 
I believe that the Malmo Nighthawks will be selecting defenseman Reylynn Reinhart with the fifth overall pick in the draft this year. Reinhart is a beast: 64 points (27G, 37A) in 72 games as a defenseman, granted offensive defenseman, but still. She can put up points, be defensive with 80 shots blocked (SB) this season, and quarterback a power play with 14 PPGs. A defensive, offensive, and special teams unit. A player who can play on any line for a team like Malmo who desperately needs depth. Their best defenseman, Marshall James Frostbeard (Frostbeard’s player) is close to retiring, and is losing TPE gradually. If they choose Reinhart with this pick, they can throw in a very important piece to their core, as Ricer updates frequently, and is GMing for the Calgary Wranglers currently. Reinhart is the real deal for defensemen in this draft. Hall of fame potential, with an incredible drive to win. Very solid fifth overall pickup. 
 
 Round 1, Pick 6: That Dude (Cornholio) 
 
For the sixth overall pick, I’m predicting the Toronto Legion will take centerman That Dude from the Minnesota Storm. In season 76, Dude had a very good season, scoring 75 points (30G, 45A) in 72 games, 14 of those goals were on the power play, and he had 239 shots. There is a simple explanation for his play, and that is in his SC stat, which is 80 alongside his DF stat. He also handles the puck and skates very well, as his skating (SK) and puck handling (PH) stats are both 75. Sure, some would call his build “generic,” but I would call it just fine. Considering how he updates frequently and in large amounts per week, knows where to put TPE into, and how the Legion need centermen, it’s a really good pick for them. I believe that Mr. Dude has the potential of being a very reliable first line centerman down the road, scoring at least 70 points each season. Very good player, has offensive upside and a scoring touch. Sixth overall this year fits him well. 
 
 Round 1, Pick 7: Aurelien Moreau (Frank) 
 
With the seventh overall pick in this years’ VHL Entry Draft, I’m predicting that the Calgary Wranglers will select, from the Mississauga Hounds of the VHLM, defenseman Aurelien Moreau. When you look at the stats for Moreau, one thing hits your eye: his 88 DF stat. That makes him an amazing defensive player already, but that combined with his 77 SK and his 70 checking (CK) stats solidifies himself as one of the best in the draft. While the Wranglers may look stacked in defense on paper, most of those players are old, and approaching their final seasons. Their top defenseman RJ Jubis (Jubis’ player) is retired, and General Zod (Matt_O’s player) is close to hitting the retirement point. So going out and getting a guy like Moreau would be smart. A very good defensive player, he deserves the seventh overall spot in this year's entry draft. 
 
 Round 1, Pick 8: Zeedayno Chara (Jubis) 
 
For the eighth overall pick, I predict that Miami Marauders defenseman Zeedayno Chara will be picked by the Riga Reign. Chara is a two-way defenseman with 81 DF and 75 SK and PH being his strong points on his build. His 60 SC stat makes him capable of producing some points, and he has proven that, putting up 29 points (2G, 27A) in 36 games this season with the Marauders. He can lay the body around, and block shots with 55 hits and 50 SB. He got one of his two goals on the power play, making him a solid presence on the man advantage, and his ability to play defense well makes him a solid penalty killer too. A very good all around defenseman, with the ability to set up an offense and lead the back-check. Potential to be on a top pair and maybe HOF if he continues to produce. Solid pickup on a team like the Reign that can always use better defensemen to backup their young offensive core. 
 
 Round 1, Pick 9: Rolf Fizzlebeef Jr. (TacticalHammer) 
 
Taking a glance at the Helsinki Titan’s defense, they’re top players are leaving soon, with very few prospects to back them up. That’s why, for the ninth overall pick, I’m predicting that Las Vegas Aces defenseman Ron Fizzlebeef Jr. will be selected by the Titans. Fizzlebeef Jr. possesses real talent. Being the player of TacticalHammer, he’s very active and max earns each week. He also has a build of 80 DF, 75 passing (PA), 75 SK, and 75 PH and hit you right away. He has an amazing build for a defenseman, and his stats back it up. 57 points (7G, 50A) and 107 shots, 115 SB and 105 hits, and six PPG’s. I would consider Fizzlebeef Jr. to be one of the dark horses of the draft, but it’s still pretty early on. 
 
 Round 1, Pick 10: Jan Hlozek (Bojovnik) 
 
The DC Dragons are in need of defensive prospects, and Saskatoon Wild defender Jan Hlozek would provide an almost perfect player for the Dragons. His higher than average SC stat of 76 would throw many off, but it shows potential for some high scoring seasons. His 75 DF and 72 SK stat also catches the eye, and solidifies himself as a solid offensive defenseman. Considering how the Wild were lacking in talent all around, Hlozek was on the first pair, which means he got a lot of exposure. He seemed to handle it well, putting up 59 points (13G, 46A) in 72 regular season games. He had 93 SB too, proving how he can be a very defensive player at times. He would provide a solid defenseman who could make it on the first pair, but the second pair for sure if he continues to update frequently and continue his build. High potential, and solid talent.
 
 Round 1, Pick 11: Miles Johnson (Midnite) 
 
For the 11th overall pick in this years’ entry draft, I predict that the Nighthawks, with their second first round pick, will take Halifax 21st left winger Miles Johnson. During his time with the 21st, Johnson has put up some very respectable numbers, having a 60 point showing (32G, 28A) in 72 games during season 76. His build’s highlights consist of 82 SC, 76 PH, and 70 SK stats. The low defense is a slight concern, but it’s made up for in his SC. A very offensive minded winger, Johnson has put up a whopping 265 shot total in his first season. That goes to show how gifted of an offensive player he is, plus his six PPG’s makes him a valuable asset on the special teams. I cannot wait to see where this prospect goes, considering the talents before him. A sky-high potential, with offensive talent, Johnson fits well on a team that needs LW depth. 
 
 Round 1, Pick 12: Brussels Sprout (Liberty_Cabbage) 
 
For the 12th overall pick, I predict that the Titans will select Storm centerman Brussels Sprout. Since I predicted that the Titans would get a defenseman early on, I went with another weakness they have: center depth. Sprout would provide a solid centerman for their depth, while also producing. His numbers may not be at the level of the other players before him, but he was on a very offensively stacked Storm squad this year, with him being a second liner at best. He put up 18 points (2G, 16A) in 72 games this season, none of which came while on the powerplay/shorthanded. His build is pretty average, his highest of stats consisting of 78 DF, 70 SC, and 66 SK. He has the potential to be a solid two-way forward powerhouse, when given the proper ice time. I like his upside, he has a good build, just needs a bigger stage to shine on. 
 
 Round 1, Pick 13: Nixon Caldwell (Kendrick) 
 
For the 13th overall selection, I predict that the Dynamo will go for re-create defenseman from the Philadelphia Reapers, Nixon Caldwell. When the Reapers needed defense the most, Caldwell stepped in, and put up numbers for his squad, scoring 51 points (5G, 46A) in 72 regular season games. His build is more on the offensive side, with 75 PH, and PA, 70 SC, but only 68 DF and 69 SK. Apart from his more offensive defenseman build, his defensive capabilities are shown in many ways, as he put up 96 SB and 79 hits this season. Not the best defenseman in the draft, but certainly not the worst. He’s a very good player with some great upside, I could see him playing first d-pair to second d-pair for the Dynamo within a few seasons from now. He’s also a re-create, making him a very attractive player in the draft. Would I call him a dark horse? No. But would I call him a talented player? Yes. 
 
 Round 1, Pick 14: Kyle Glass (Tbeez99) 
 
This pick was going to come sooner than later. For the 14th overall selection, I predict that the Vancouver Wolves will take 21st right winger Kyle Glass. Glass is a pretty big playmaking forward, considering how he got 58 points (19G, 39A) in 72 games this season. Most of his points were assists. His build is quite nice, the highlights of which, consisting of 75 SC, DF, PH, and SK. Very balanced offensive build, which is a good thing to see. Considering the state of Wolves forwards, many of which will be unrestricted free agents (UFA) in two seasons from now, the point of time when Glass would be in a very solid state to produce for the Wolves. A well built, offensive capable winger, I think the Wolves would love to have a player like Glass leading the charge on their offense. 
 
 Round 1, Pick 15: Joshooo (Joshothegreat) 
 
For the 15th overall pick, I predict that the Warsaw Predators will take Ottawa Lynx centerman Joshooo. When looking at the numbers that Joshooo has produced, you automatically see the 121 points (49G, 72A) in 72 games that he has racked up this season. Sure, he may be on a shorter than average Lynx roster, but 121 points no matter what team is incredible. His build has notable points, consisting of his 75 SC, 72 DF, and 70 PA and SK. More into puck handling would’ve made him look like a powerhouse offensively, but he doesn’t yet have the TPE to raise it up to 70 yet. On top of his point totals, he also put up a whopping 456 shots this season alone. That explains his production somewhat, but also he was on a weaker Lynx roster. Since the Predators need center depth, Joshooo provides that and more. Sure, he might only claim welfare and practice each week at least, he still updates frequently, which is a must. A true dark horse in the draft, in my opinion. Talented and contains first line potential. 
 
 Round 1, Pick 16: Hadrian (bluesfan55) 
 
For the other Wranglers pick in the first round, I predict that they will take Mexico City Kings defenseman Hadrian 16th overall. Hadrian is a great example of a two-way defender in the VHL, having 80 DF and 70 SC being his two main attributes. He put up some respectable numbers being a defenseman, with 33 points (11G, 21) in 72 regular season games. That, along with his 98 SB and 177 hits this season, tells me that he is that two-way player I predicted. His build is nice, he has potential (with his updating) and he boasts some talent on the blue line. I think he will do well for the Wranglers in the seasons to follow. 
SECOND ROUND:
 
 Round 2, Pick 17: Trevor Wallace (LilHCorny) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 18: Barron Kruulenstien (LefLop) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 19: The Loch Ness Monster (LuLuSalesAway) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 20: Aldwin Craig (Eldredman) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 21: Gary Tarantino II (Garrett) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 22: Joe Madison (Brewins15) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 23: Elvis Michael (ATST) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 24: Griff Mackenzie (HoneyBadger25) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 25: Gustislav Nasherov (Vat) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 26: Declan Wolf (MrShark) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 27: Donne Taliferro (Wally) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 28: JaredN Jr (jared) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 29: Kirby Pandora (PandaBearD25) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 30: Inunnguaq Kiak (Grant) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 31: Zeljko Ranogajec (ColeMrtz) 
 
 Round 2, Pick 32: creed (assassin6898) 
WORD COUNT: 2622 WORDS, 14544 CHARACTERS.

 

Good evening!!!!!! I’m starting this article with absolutely no idea what I’m going to write about, so it’s a surprise for me and you!! Enjoy the diary entry-style article that’s going to get me the sweet, sweet TPE.
 
The CHICAGO PHOENIX are in the CUP FINALS?!?! Holy moly!! When I started on Chicago, I had pretty low hopes. I’ve talked to Geoff about how I was not happy with being drafted to Chicago, mostly because I didn’t get a scouting message and had no idea what was going on with the team. Joining a brand new expansion team in your rookie career is scary - the locker room is a ghost town, the team doesn’t have a brand or identity, and lots of losing is in your near future until you can figure out how to get on your feet.
 
It takes time to build a team. We all know that, but I don’t think I really knew that. Coming from the Las Vegas Aces locker room, arguably the most active M LR of the time, it was very off-putting and disappointing to join a locker room with next to no activity: no visitors, no friends of the Phoenix, just a few people who popped in every now and again.
 
It’s wild how far we’ve come. We’ve acquired new players, new friends, and, admittedly, a surprising amount of success. Without much TPA last season, we managed to make a sort of Cinderella run. All of us were relying on good vibes to keep the ball rolling. We caught quite a bit of heat from our competitors for “over performing” - we “didn’t have enough TPA” on our team to perform as well as we did. In my short time in the league, I hadn’t seen any team spark as much chaos and anger until Chicago snuck into the playoffs.
 
After last season, I truthfully wasn’t sure would come in season 76. I suppose that could be said of just about any season - I have a theory that as soon as you set expectations for a season, you’ll end up disappointed. It’s almost like Simon knows exactly what you think is going to happen and takes it as a challenge. Chicago expected a quiet season 75 and was surprised with unprecedented success. Though I can’t speak for the rest of the Phoenix Chicagoes, I was a bit wary about this season. I thought it’d be too good to be true for us to have another crazy playoff run, but here we are, playing Warsaw in the cup finals.
 
And, well, wow - Warsaw is going to put up a strong fight, but so are we. The series is going to be hot, but it’s good vibes all around. Though I’m not sure what the vibe is in Warsaw’s LR, I know that Chicago is looking forward to the showdown.
 
And, well, I have no idea what’s going to happen. As long as the Phoenix Chicagoes put up our best fight, I think I’ll be satisfied. All you can ask for is your best, and if that’s what we’re giving, then I can’t be disappointed. We’ve made it this far, which is definitely an accomplishment in itself!
 
 

Rolf #1 overall or retire 
 
(jk, but anyone who knows me from the EFL knows that commitment/longevity is not an issue)

Initial thoughts: Wow Berocka did research for a draft he isn’t in?
 
Realization halfway through the article: Classic Berocka draft talk. 

Congratulations to @ATST and @TacticalHammer for correctly guessing the winners! You've earned 2 uncapped TPE
 
There's going to be one more of these for the playoffs and everybody is pretty much guaranteed to win some points, every game correctly guess will be worth .5 TPE (rounded up) and guessing the correct score will get you 1 TPE. Spread the word guys!! TPE TPE TPE
 
 
 
 

ok Bobby

Random media spot below. Don't feel good enough to make something bigger. I'm feeling ill. Yes, that's a valid excuse in my books.
 
The regular season just passed the half mark and things in Riga aren't that great. 11-23-5 record only gives us a 7th spot in EU conference and bleak chances for the post-season. Davos may stay last knowing their intentions on rebuilding and Malmo may have problems after some deals. However, I'm not sure if I should go hard on established players since we're losing 8 points to Malmo. Our offense is doing decent and Cabe McJake is still more than PPG guys (41 points in 39 games). But we still need some big TPE defenseman to start thinking about further success. Only time will tell if I will find him in this trade deadline.
 
Chess hype! The S76 tourney has begun and some games were played already. So far I have a 5-0 record, but the most important question is to who I will lose in finals. Maybe it's @TacticalHammer with a 4-0 record? Or @RedSus who is also undefeated so far? I'm still disappointed @Nikdandrea34 didn't show up because I WANT REVENGE ON HIM! So don't you dare to miss the S77 tournament because I will pull you back to this even if you're going inactive!
 
Other than that, nothing very interesting. Like I said, Gustav got sick and tired of losing with a decent (on paper) roster and decided to start almost from the scratch. Malmo is thinking about some retooling too. Toronto continues to acquire some younger guys, this time it's Gunnar Odinsson who immediately switched to a forward after a trade. Meanwhile, rest of NA teams are staying quiet. Though, there are some rumors that one or two contenders from that conference may have an interesting deals on the table. Trade deadline hype!
 
Also, I'm noticing that we're experiencing another prospect going inactive. First it was Joe Kelly. Now Vivek Weiner decided to join him and most likely he will become an obscurity real soon until he comes back. It's not like I'm in shambolics, but still it's a shame. Also, an interesting fact:
 
12th OV - Joe Kelly
32nd OV - Vivek Weiner
42nd OV - Teppo McBighit
 
These are guys who either went inactive or not consistent enough on earning TPE. Should I start to hate number 2? I hope our pick won't be drawn at second overall if we don't end up in the playoffs.
 
But hey, I grabbed some steals in that draft as well. Eddie Dams at 90, Jared Carter at 87, Matt Sovick at 106. All of them are going to be ready to jump into the big league next season. All of them will beat Thomas Kennedy record as the latest ever pick who made the pros. Though some late pick prospects from other teams are also going to accomplish that, so likely the ultimate record will go to Sovick.
 
Anyways, I'm about to finish this media. I hope I can be healthy enough to make something better next week. Also, don't shower in morning and immediately go outside when it's freezing cold. I know what I'm talking about.
 
That's it and I'm out.

In. Roughly 850 ELO. 

Las Vegas Aces Press Conference
1/2 - 7/2
Answer these questions for 2 Capped TPE
 
1) With only 15 points this season so far, LVA is 2nd last in league standings. Do you think it's still possible to sneak into the postseason?
 
2) To give Spartan more pain, this is the first season since he took over LVA that Vegas is not actively competing. At least not for now. What do you think about this? What does this say about @Spartan as a GM?
 
3) @Gally is 5th in the VHLM in shots, @TacticalHammer is 2nd in shots blocked, and @I'll change this later is 10th in defenseman league-wide in terms of points. What does this say about our team effort?
 
4) Minnesota and Houston are neck and neck for no.1 in the league. Will Houston maintain their lead or will Minny catch up and overtake them?
 
5) Do you think my presser questions are too long, or makes you think too much? Do you like these kind of pressers? Be honest.
 
6) What was your favorite toy growing up?

Fizzlebeef Jr a bust smh

Player Information
Username: TacticalHammer
Player Name: Rolf Fizzlebeef Jr
Recruited From: SisterLeague
Age: 22
Position: D
Height: 75 in.
Weight: 198 lbs.
Birthplace: Canada

Player Page
@VHLM GM

Player Information
Username: TacticalHammer
Player Name: Rolf Fizzlebeef Jr
Recruited From: SisterLeague
Age: 22
Position: D
Height: 75 in.
Weight: 198 lbs.
Birthplace: Canada

Player Page
@VHLM GM

Player Information
Username: TacticalHammer
Player Name: Rolf Fizzlebeef Jr
Recruited From: SisterLeague
Age: 22
Position: D
Height: 75 in.
Weight: 198 lbs.
Birthplace: Canada

Player Page
@VHLM GM

there's a text-only version at the bottom if you want it
 

 
 
--- text-only version ---
We’re about to drop the puck on S76, and the Mississauga Hounds are under new management. While the Hounds went to the Founders Cup Finals in S74, they were a disappointing 19-47-5 last season, finishing 30 points back of Yukon for the final playoff spot. With new GM Zetterberg and assistant GM tcookie leading the way, the Hounds are hoping to get back on track quickly, both in the locker room and on the ice.
 
With only one player set to return from last season, the Hounds opted to defer on a number of high draft picks in the S76 VHLM draft, trading down to acquire more picks, or picks for S77 when the team will be gearing up for a true championship push. But don’t expect this S76 squad to go down easily. Hounds fans saw first hand what an upstart, hard-working group of players can do in the playoffs when the Miami Marauders swept them in the S74 Founders Cup Finals - a team that both Zetterberg and tcookie had connections with.
 
The Hounds ended up with three picks in the second round, selecting the promising (and huge) physical forward Druss Deathwalker at 15th overall, then defensemen Chris P Bacon and Aurelien Moreau at 17 and 18. Some scoring punch in Guy Lambert and Miles Johnson joined the team in round four, while the Hounds see some potential in depth pickups Ashton Hauff, Two Madd, and Miks Sunish. Andrew Bowman, drafted in the fifth round, makes a solid goaltending tandem with Luke Spinelli, the only returning player from last year’s team. Meanwhile, Owen Taylor - acquired from Miami in the off-season - is another nasty, physical forward like Deathwalker that will surely make the Hounds a difficult team to play against.
 
The Hounds may not begin the year as one of the favourites, but they hope to build a competitive team, and perhaps equally importantly, a strong locker room that players want to be a part of. There will be a focus on player development, but this is certainly a squad talented enough to get into the playoffs and see what happens from there. “We are just looking for activity and buy-in from our players and we can make some noise. We’re going to put in the work on our end and we’d love to see a winning team here in Mississauga as soon as possible,” says tcookie.
 
The Hounds are just a couple days away from puck drop and while they are happy with the players acquired from the draft, defense is still a weakness with only two players on the roster. They’ve been in on some impressive prospects on the waiver market, but have seen Reylynn Reinhart go to Houston, Shawn Glade IV to Halifax, Nixon Caldwell to Philadelphia, JaredN to Yukon, and Rolf Fizzlebeef Jr. to Las Vegas. “Of course, it’s not fun to lose out on players and there are a lot of really great young players there that would’ve been great to have here,” says tcookie. “It’s just how the business goes. Those decisions aren’t easy for anyone. We believe in what we’re building here, but we know it won’t come easy.”
 
Players Mentioned: @animal74 @Chris P Bacon @Frank @Midnite @Spartakiller2 @hess30 @Buffalo Sabres @Miks Sunins @Lspinelli @Owen Taylor @Zetterberg @Ricer13 @TacticalHammer  @Kendrick @jared @ShawnGlade

RIP @TacticalHammer I missed your create, guess if you snooze you lose 😭. Good luck with this guy! hope you enjoy (some more) time in the VHL. I'm sure I'll see you around.

So I forgot how much I hate recruitment - saying no to people sucks. Thanks so much for all the great pitches. I honestly had to narrow it down a bit, then trust my fate to a random number generator. The RNG decided that... oh man, please don't make me say this. 
... down to get lucky
 
Thanks so much to @fromtheinside @Doomsday @Prout @tcookie @rory @Ricer13 @Hylands @DMaximus@thadthrasher for the pitches! I read through and researched all of them in detail. Not tagging to run it in, but just so you're aware, if you were waiting on me. Cheers, and maybe I'll see you after the next draft

So I forgot how much I hate recruitment - saying no to people sucks. Thanks so much for all the great pitches. I honestly had to narrow it down a bit, then trust my fate to a random number generator. The RNG decided that... oh man, please don't make me say this. 
... down to get lucky
 
Thanks so much to @fromtheinside @Doomsday @Prout @tcookie @rory @Ricer13 @Hylands @DMaximus@thadthrasher for the pitches! I read through and researched all of them in detail. Not tagging to run it in, but just so you're aware, if you were waiting on me. Cheers, and maybe I'll see you after the next draft

So I forgot how much I hate recruitment - saying no to people sucks. Thanks so much for all the great pitches. I honestly had to narrow it down a bit, then trust my fate to a random number generator. The RNG decided that... oh man, please don't make me say this. 
... down to get lucky
 
Thanks so much to @fromtheinside @Doomsday @Prout @tcookie @rory @Ricer13 @Hylands @DMaximus@thadthrasher for the pitches! I read through and researched all of them in detail. Not tagging to run it in, but just so you're aware, if you were waiting on me. Cheers, and maybe I'll see you after the next draft

So I forgot how much I hate recruitment - saying no to people sucks. Thanks so much for all the great pitches. I honestly had to narrow it down a bit, then trust my fate to a random number generator. The RNG decided that... oh man, please don't make me say this. 
... down to get lucky
 
Thanks so much to @fromtheinside @Doomsday @Prout @tcookie @rory @Ricer13 @Hylands @DMaximus@thadthrasher for the pitches! I read through and researched all of them in detail. Not tagging to run it in, but just so you're aware, if you were waiting on me. Cheers, and maybe I'll see you after the next draft

So I forgot how much I hate recruitment - saying no to people sucks. Thanks so much for all the great pitches. I honestly had to narrow it down a bit, then trust my fate to a random number generator. The RNG decided that... oh man, please don't make me say this. 
... down to get lucky
 
Thanks so much to @fromtheinside @Doomsday @Prout @tcookie @rory @Ricer13 @Hylands @DMaximus@thadthrasher for the pitches! I read through and researched all of them in detail. Not tagging to run it in, but just so you're aware, if you were waiting on me. Cheers, and maybe I'll see you after the next draft

So I forgot how much I hate recruitment - saying no to people sucks. Thanks so much for all the great pitches. I honestly had to narrow it down a bit, then trust my fate to a random number generator. The RNG decided that... oh man, please don't make me say this. 
... down to get lucky
 
Thanks so much to @fromtheinside @Doomsday @Prout @tcookie @rory @Ricer13 @Hylands @DMaximus@thadthrasher for the pitches! I read through and researched all of them in detail. Not tagging to run it in, but just so you're aware, if you were waiting on me. Cheers, and maybe I'll see you after the next draft

So I forgot how much I hate recruitment - saying no to people sucks. Thanks so much for all the great pitches. I honestly had to narrow it down a bit, then trust my fate to a random number generator. The RNG decided that... oh man, please don't make me say this. 
... down to get lucky
 
Thanks so much to @fromtheinside @Doomsday @Prout @tcookie @rory @Ricer13 @Hylands @DMaximus@thadthrasher for the pitches! I read through and researched all of them in detail. Not tagging to run it in, but just so you're aware, if you were waiting on me. Cheers, and maybe I'll see you after the next draft

So I forgot how much I hate recruitment - saying no to people sucks. Thanks so much for all the great pitches. I honestly had to narrow it down a bit, then trust my fate to a random number generator. The RNG decided that... oh man, please don't make me say this. 
... down to get lucky
 
Thanks so much to @fromtheinside @Doomsday @Prout @tcookie @rory @Ricer13 @Hylands @DMaximus@thadthrasher for the pitches! I read through and researched all of them in detail. Not tagging to run it in, but just so you're aware, if you were waiting on me. Cheers, and maybe I'll see you after the next draft