Bonzaijoe

I am, actually! Just finishing up school tomorrow and can finally devote more time! I'd love to be able to take a shot at the job!

Press Conference time!
 
1. With the VHL draft coming up very soon, what do you have to say to VHL scouts looking at your game?
2. Were you surprised with the results of the finals for the VHL or VHLM?
3. Who surprised you the most in the playoffs? (Player or team)
4. What VHL team is your favorite? Who are you hoping to get drafted by?
5. Did you pay attention to the all-star game? What was your favorite part about it?
6. Do you wish there was a VHLM all-star game? If it happens in the future, what fun events would you add to it?

Here's some questions for the week!
 
1. Aces took 2nd in the draft lottery! This spells good for the future, but what do you think about some young talent joining the team?
 
2. With Jubo leaving the front office, what are some parting words you'd like to say to him?
 
3. Welcome OilManDan back to the team as the new GM! What do you think he'll do to better the team in the future?
 
4. Of all the new expansion teams, which is your favorite?
 
5. Who are you rooting for in the VHL and VHLM playoffs?
 
6. As we enter the offseason, how are you keeping yourself in VHL shape?
 
@Lightningyamasha @MexicanCow @mxld17 @Ty343 @GRZ @uphillmoss
@jacobaa19 @SwagSloth @Bushito @speck1447 @Thomas Vancheck
@Connor mcdavid @Antone10 @DMaximus @Benson @Tophdaddy
@Puffalump @MattyG @Barracuda @Sunburst @Bandit @Dingle

@Bonzaijoe

If like to add my name to the mix!
 
I’ve GM’ed for Team USA in the WJC before and I’m currently the AGM of the Las Vegas Aces. I know I haven’t been as active recently but that’s due to School winding down and finals starting. I’d like to try my hand at trying a GM position and I’d be able to give a lot of time toward it this summer!

If like to add my name to the mix!
 
I’ve GM’ed for Team USA in the WJC before and I’m currently the AGM of the Las Vegas Aces. I know I haven’t been as active recently but that’s due to School winding down and finals starting. I’d like to try my hand at trying a GM position and I’d be able to give a lot of time toward it this summer!

S65 WJC

Top 10 WJC Players (April 7th)
This post will feature Top 10 players in S65 WJC. This list is based on their effectiveness on ice and importance to their team and teams success.
1.
Kyson Blake 
United States of America
@TMI
With 17 points in 8 games played, Kyson Blake is leading WJC tournament and is proving to be the real reason the USA team is successful this year. USA struggles have not been anticipated by anyway as many predictions before the start of the tournament showed that the USA was one of the favourites this year. Maybe this is a nod to Kyson and his importance in the team picture - morale boost and leadership is what everyone is expecting from his and surely his point total and 2 point a game average has to be there consistently in the til the end of the tournament.
2.
J.B Rift
Europe
@Devise
Let's face it - with point totals and production we are seeing from Europe - their goaltender is the reason they can be brought up to the talks about true powerhouse in S65 WJC. The amazing statistics of 0.940 Save percentage and only 2.26 Goals against we are seeing right in front of our eyes great plays by one of the most promising young goaltenders in VHL right now. Europe has been effective defensively, but will that help them fight against Offensive superpowers like Canada and USA? Time will tell, until then, all we can hope for is that J.B Rift will not fall down and keep his All-time great WJC stats up.
3.
Wendy Kandee Cain
Canada
@SlashACM
Another goalie that is having a constantly good stats throughout WJC games. You might ask, why is Wendy featured so high up the list and the answer is Wins. With 6 wins in 8 games played and quality goaltender stats (compared to what we see all around both VHL and VHLM this season) is surely a worth to mention aspect. We have to point out that Canada's success can be put on two shoulders: Great play's by their offensive unit and by amazing goaltending Wendy Kandee Cain is showing this tournament.
4.
Elasmobranch Fish
Europe
@Sharkstrong
Forth and fifth stop on this list are occupied by two defencemen and it really doesn't matter who you put in fourth or fifth stop - they both are truly amazing. Elasmobranch Fish is showing great leadership and ability to be dominant on the offensive end as well as on defensive as he is the 2nd place by the number of points by a defenceman and 2nd in blocked shots by any player this tournament. He is in the position to help Europe find its ground and try to get that cup.
5.
Dallas Jones
United States of America
@Trifecta
Again, not much to say then a leading defenceman in points with 11 and being in Top 10 in points, blocked shots and hits. His ability to close out games and to be that high hockey IQ player he can be, might give a USA team a chance to fight against stacked offensive unit we see in Canada. Working together with Kyson Blake and being able to provide constant scoring will be a key for them and actually anyone who will try to show off in this year's stacked tournament.
6.
Anthony Matthews
World
@Anthony Matthews
 
13 points in 8 games played is a great showing already, but what makes Anthony a 6th place holder in this Top 10 list is his amazing Faceoff Percentage. With 233 faceoffs taken in 8 games - he is rocking an amazing 65.24% Faceoff percentage and that just shows how unappreciated some stats are - his ability to give possessions to his team and give that ability to have another chance on attack might prove to be a great hidden weapon for World team.
 
7.
Shane Mars
World
@Spade18
Another interesting choice for being in this Top 10, for a different reason than you might think - his scoring ability is well known already as he is having 14 points in 8 games played and that puts him 2nd in WJC S65 tournament. The real reason he is here is a combination of his high scoring capacity and his ability to play a great number of minutes without taking any penalties. After 8 games he is the only Top 10 player in points without any penalties taken - that is a statement for someone who knows why accurate plays can lead to victory.
8.
Joe Nixon
United States of America
@Bonzaijoe
The last goaltender on this list is Joe Nixon - he is having a great time in WJC as he is proving to be effective with 0.916 Save percentage. The only reason he is not pushed up higher on this Top 10 list is his 3.14 Goals against and that is a bit much. USA team will require much more from Joe and I truly believe he can prove to be a cornerstone for teams success this tournament with a little bit of luck and patience.
9.
Dimitri Volosenkov
Asia
@SirRupertBarnes
Even though Asia team has not performed great this tournament - Dimitri is showing he still is able to be consistent and prove to be a quality scorer and playmaker at the same time. With 9 points in 8 games played he is just building his own profile by showing GM's in VHL that he should be a guy they pick up in the upcoming S66 VHL Draft. 
10.
Scott Shawinganen
Canada
@Cornflakers
Super underrated and super important for the team's success. He might be the most important piece for Canada this tournament. With 270 Faceoffs taken, he is having 64.07% Faceoff percentage. He is playing on the second line for Canada and that actually might be the reason why they are having only 6 wins in 8 games played - put this guy on your first line and he will be able to punish anyone who steps in the circle against him. 
 
Well, that is it for this list - hope you enjoyed and I hope you really liked this format as I believe it is important to point out interesting players and people who work very hard for their team's success. 
P.S. I hope this is acceptable for WJC : @BladeMaiden @Banackock

@Bonzaijoe GG looks like you are trying to get the usa that gold!!

We sat down with our good ol' friend Joe Nixon amidst a long string of downward play in this VHL season.
 
"It's tough, you know. I'm sure everyone's aware but not being able to go get the wins hurts. We've been playing solid it just hasn't been enough. Our team is working our hardest to go out there and put a good product on the ice," Nixon said this evening. "The crowds have been great and the city has supported us well, I want to let them know that we will get back in the groove and figure out the reasoning behind this slump. This won't last forever, and I promise you that."
 
The Wolves have not been playing well after coming off an electric start early in the season. Nixon saw more starting time throughout, but is backing up Iseult on the bench more recently. Nixon said, "It's tough to know that we're in the slump. This isn't all fun for us and we're continuing to improve ourselves as players when we face this kind of adversity. Losing is hard, and our mentality behind the game is tough, but we're doing well to keep up our morale as we are trying to get back in the swing of things."
 
Nixon said, on how he practices, "hard. It's rigorous. We want to go out and win and we have to practice as hard as possible to keep up with the best teams in this league. It means a lot to have these fans behind us and as a team, we have to help each other out just as much. It's tough to go out there and play hard and not be able to get the wins so we're working and working to make sure we escape from this."
 
On how much time he expects in the future, Nixon said, "I'm not sure. Iseult is playing solid and I'm definitely not better. My stats were kind of inflated by some lucky early success and Tristan is 100% the person to go with going forward. My time will come, and I'll deserve more starts eventually. Right now I'm still young and I'm still working on the future to be able to play at my best. I'm continuing to work with the trainers, coaches, and the team at all times to better myself and put myself in a place I know is good for me for the future."
 
On the future, and the new VHL expansion, Nixon answered, "I'm not really sure how it's gonna go or who's gonna be up for that," Joe laughed slightly, "I've been told that I'm a big part of the Wolves' future going forward but at the same time, if the expansion rules don't allow me to star, I'm not sure how it'll go! I'm sure the Vancouver front office knows what they're gonna do, though. They know what they want moving forward and I have full confidence in them to make the correct decisions to make the team better.
 
Thanks to Nixon for sitting down with us yet again! Good luck to him and the wolves going forward.

Forwards
Matthew Materazo @Matt_O
Kyson Blake @TMI
Katie Warren @ShawnGlade
Gritty @eaglesfan036
Jose Gonzalez @Jose Gonzalez
Triple H @Beaviss
Josh Harris @Ty343
Orion Slade @BluObieZ
Rocky LaGarza @SwagSloth
 
Defenseman
 
Dallas Jones @Trifecta
Eric Parker @Eparker24
Fylo Gibbles @SpartanGibbles
Charlie Paddywagon @DMaximus
Jerry Garcia @GustavMattias
Rusty Shackleford @K1NG LINUS
 
Goalies 
Joe Nixon @Bonzaijoe
Cole Mertz @ColeMrtz21
 
Discord will be created soon

"I get recognized every once in a while, but being a rookie is probably the biggest factor in that," Joe Nixon, Vancouver Wolves goaltender, said of his side-hobby. Joe, while on the ice, is an animated and emotional player who will have fun but keep his cool in a game-time situation. Sometimes, on the internet, that animated character inside of him comes out on a webcam in front of others.
 
Joe, like thousands of other people on the internet, has picked up livestreaming video games as a side hobby. "I'm a huge fan of guitar hero and some dumb games I like to speedrun," Joe noted when asked his favorite things to play. "I'll play just about anything, though. I know most people like to watch streamers be good at the game, but I think I talk enough to make a stream enjoyable when I'm still absolute trash at another game."
 
Joe noted that this side hobby is his fun time when he's not on the ice. "I don't do it for the money or any possible fame that would come from it. I just enjoy spending my gaming time with others and I'm happy to play in front of an audience who thinks I'm interesting. It's fun and I enjoy it. Sometimes the boys rag on me for it, but what can I say I'm a born actor on and off the ice."

Good morning(?) VHL.com readers and welcome to "A cup of Joe with Joe" where we sit down with our favorite Joe and talk to him about his morning routine before a game.
 
"Not coffee, to start it off," Nixon stated quickly, "I don't like coffee, never have. I get my day started with some juice or something else healthy then eventually move myself to caffeine throughout the day. I prefer the garbage sugary drinks that are definitely gonna kill me in the future, but let's be real they taste pretty damn good."
 
"I'm a shower in the morning kinda guy. I'll shower in the morning and after practices and games. I can't stand to be sweaty but I also really can't stand waking up with that greasy hair plastered to my head and shit like that," Nixon continued about his morning routine. "As a hockey player, you have to respect the flow. If you got it though, you know the kinda grease I'm talking about it and you definitely hate it too."
 
I asked Nixon what his favorite thing to eat in the morning was, and he answered quickly, "I'm a real grab and go eater for breakfast, but if I get a chance to make some real food I'm a slut for some breakfast sandwiches. Ham, egg, and cheese are a godly combination which has powers matched by no other sandwich in this universe." I also asked what his go-to was for a grab and go meal, and he said "pop tarts. Those things are delicious, sugary, bad for me, but most importantly delicious. Cherry and Brown Sugar Cinnamon are the best, don't at me."
 
"I'm usually punctual to practice. I know it takes me extra time to put my pads on so I get there extra time early. Sometimes I try to get there too early and rush out of my house too soon trying to beat the rush but honestly that just doesn't work out," Joe said of morning skates, "it's my job to be there though and I'm not about to be the bad teammate who comes late. So I show up with my breakfast sometimes but I'm there and ready to roll."
 
I asked how Joe's routine differs when the team goes on the road, and he said, "I love the traveling we do. We go to some great cities and get some great experiences. My routine stays about the same, but there's just some things, such as poptarts, that are just unavailable on that road trip. I should really start to remember to pack those soon." Nixon said of the hotels, "I don't mind them, honestly. In some cities those beds are real comfortable, get me extra rested, and I'll be refreshed for the day. Nothing compares to a home bed but honestly I don't mind an above par hotel room when we're out on the road.
 
I asked if there were any other parts of the routine we missed during this interview, but Joe said no, saying, "I live a relatively normal life when it comes to my routine. The basics are the basics and that's all I need. I'm not much of a meditater or superstitious guy. I just like to go about my day like it was any other."
 
Bug thanks to Joe, as always, for checking in with us. Catch you again soon!

Good morning(?) VHL.com readers and welcome to "A cup of Joe with Joe" where we sit down with our favorite Joe and talk to him about his morning routine before a game.
 
"Not coffee, to start it off," Nixon stated quickly, "I don't like coffee, never have. I get my day started with some juice or something else healthy then eventually move myself to caffeine throughout the day. I prefer the garbage sugary drinks that are definitely gonna kill me in the future, but let's be real they taste pretty damn good."
 
"I'm a shower in the morning kinda guy. I'll shower in the morning and after practices and games. I can't stand to be sweaty but I also really can't stand waking up with that greasy hair plastered to my head and shit like that," Nixon continued about his morning routine. "As a hockey player, you have to respect the flow. If you got it though, you know the kinda grease I'm talking about it and you definitely hate it too."
 
I asked Nixon what his favorite thing to eat in the morning was, and he answered quickly, "I'm a real grab and go eater for breakfast, but if I get a chance to make some real food I'm a slut for some breakfast sandwiches. Ham, egg, and cheese are a godly combination which has powers matched by no other sandwich in this universe." I also asked what his go-to was for a grab and go meal, and he said "pop tarts. Those things are delicious, sugary, bad for me, but most importantly delicious. Cherry and Brown Sugar Cinnamon are the best, don't at me."
 
"I'm usually punctual to practice. I know it takes me extra time to put my pads on so I get there extra time early. Sometimes I try to get there too early and rush out of my house too soon trying to beat the rush but honestly that just doesn't work out," Joe said of morning skates, "it's my job to be there though and I'm not about to be the bad teammate who comes late. So I show up with my breakfast sometimes but I'm there and ready to roll."
 
I asked how Joe's routine differs when the team goes on the road, and he said, "I love the traveling we do. We go to some great cities and get some great experiences. My routine stays about the same, but there's just some things, such as poptarts, that are just unavailable on that road trip. I should really start to remember to pack those soon." Nixon said of the hotels, "I don't mind them, honestly. In some cities those beds are real comfortable, get me extra rested, and I'll be refreshed for the day. Nothing compares to a home bed but honestly I don't mind an above par hotel room when we're out on the road.
 
I asked if there were any other parts of the routine we missed during this interview, but Joe said no, saying, "I live a relatively normal life when it comes to my routine. The basics are the basics and that's all I need. I'm not much of a meditater or superstitious guy. I just like to go about my day like it was any other."
 
Bug thanks to Joe, as always, for checking in with us. Catch you again soon!

You may ask yourself, "Joe. Why do you constantly post your Media Spots and VHL.com Articles at 11PM on Sundays?" and to that I answer... "Because 11 PM on Sundays is when I should be doing homework lmao"
 
Recently, I've gotten into the habit of checking the forums and reading good content all week, but neglecting to post my own until I sit down and think to myself... "Hmm maybe I should probably go about writing these."
 
Today, my friends, I give you progress. The trick to ending VHL Procrastination... Is to motivate yourself to gradually end it. This week, rather than posting at 11 PM, I am currently typing these articles at 10 PM. Eventually, I'll make it to 9, then 8, then 7. At some point soon, maybe this dumb goalie brain of mine might start getting the hint to put his content out earlier in the week so more people can use it.
 
This beautiful method of ending procrastination will work eventually, until I eventually post it at 1 AM on Mondays and have to completely wrap around the week because I'm doing it so quickly! That's the end-game in this situation. The Bonzaijoe Procrastination-Ender Method is factually proven to work, even if it will eventually take too much time and I'll be retired by then... Maybe. #EndProcrastination

As we usually do, today we sat down once again with Joe Nixon to ask some questions. This time, we focused around the team's move to Vancouver, how the fans have taken the move, and what's going on in the new big city!
 
How have the fans taken the transition to Vancouver?
"Well, I think. Of course back in Quebec there are still some fans who are upset about the move, rightly so. It's hard to take a team away from a city and I think they have a right to be angry but the new city has welcomed us with warm, loving arms and these new fans have been great to us. Quebec was an amazing place for this franchise to play, we're just sorry it didn't work out between us. Much love to that city, seriously. Vancouver has been great to us though. I love living here, it's a beautiful place, and the fans are awesome and seriously passionate about hockey, regardless of if we're new or not. With us being so close to Seattle, I expected more Seattle fans than Wolves fans, but these guys are embracing us and we're so grateful for that."
 
Have the vets of the team shown any rough signs after the move?
"Some guys were attached to Quebec, of course. But that's just bound to happen. We're here though, and the move was as a team. I understand being upset about a move, and I'm not blaming ANYONE for being upset about that, but at least it wasn't the same jarring effect that a trade has on a player? I'm just glad the transition was smooth. Some of those guys really loved that city though and you could tell. I can imagine some may go back after retiring, but for now we're here in Vancouver and we're here to play."
 
You guys have had some early season success so far, can you attribute that to the new place?
"Somewhat, yeah. For the most part, though, this team is built really well by our front office and we're seeing a lot of guys step up to the plate and it's awesome. The chemistry this team is putting together early in the season is second to none, and the guys get along so well. I'm extremely happy to be a part of this journey, and having some great guys like Iseult by my side to help me transition to Vancouver and into the VHL? This experience is truly great for me as a player. As for how the move has played in though, I can only say thank you to the fans as well. These guys are crazy about hockey, like I said earlier, and will support us every single step of the way until we can bring a championship to this amazing city! They deserve it, and they've really brought the energy we need to get it done night after night."
 
There you have it! Some early thoughts about how the transition between cities went, straight from a Wolves player himself. As always, a huge thanks to Nixon for sitting down with us. We're just surprised he isn't tired of us yet!

The Sv% Was iffy but I'll take a solid W!

The Sv% Was iffy but I'll take a solid W!

another good game by @Bonzaijoe

Today we sat down with Vegas AGM Bonzaijoe to ask him for his thoughts after Vegas has now completed their first 5 games of the season. "It's been great! The boys are clicking and playing well, and they're all getting along. It's what you like to see in a young core like these guys." Joe said in our interview today. I asked what he thought some of the teams' strengths were, and he responded, "We have a really balanced lineup who all work hard. We don't have too many guys that are seriously playing way insanely better than anyone else. Our lines are balanced, and our play against teams that are a little too top heavy has been great because of that reason exactly!" Recently, the guys at VSN now called Vegas' defense "Lacking" in their skills. I brought these comments up with Joe, and he said, "I don't buy into that. Each of them have a really solid defensive skill, and maybe their overall skill might be the best in the league, maybe they don't score as many goals as those other guys. Our guys though? They play shutdown defense. These guys are amazing and you'll see that time and time again." Looking forward to the rest of the season, Joe noted that they hope they can keep up with the same high level of play. Huge thanks to AGM Bonzaijoe for hanging out with us again! We'll check in with him hopefully soon!

Today we sat down with Vegas AGM Bonzaijoe to ask him for his thoughts after Vegas has now completed their first 5 games of the season. "It's been great! The boys are clicking and playing well, and they're all getting along. It's what you like to see in a young core like these guys." Joe said in our interview today. I asked what he thought some of the teams' strengths were, and he responded, "We have a really balanced lineup who all work hard. We don't have too many guys that are seriously playing way insanely better than anyone else. Our lines are balanced, and our play against teams that are a little too top heavy has been great because of that reason exactly!" Recently, the guys at VSN now called Vegas' defense "Lacking" in their skills. I brought these comments up with Joe, and he said, "I don't buy into that. Each of them have a really solid defensive skill, and maybe their overall skill might be the best in the league, maybe they don't score as many goals as those other guys. Our guys though? They play shutdown defense. These guys are amazing and you'll see that time and time again." Looking forward to the rest of the season, Joe noted that they hope they can keep up with the same high level of play. Huge thanks to AGM Bonzaijoe for hanging out with us again! We'll check in with him hopefully soon!

True Value Of Season 65Goalies in the VHL
As the results of the first few games of Season 65 roll in and knowing that the fantasy draft still in progress for many site members, you must all be asking yourselves the same question. Who is going to be the best goalie in the VHL? Even if we look at the past to help us to trying to predict the future it may be hard to truly see the values in each of these spectacular goalies. Someone like @SonnetAlexander Pepper who was on the 2nd place team last season and whose tpe and stats speak for themselves, he is certainly a contender for top goalie. Roger sterling has been consistently good and there are murmurings that this will be the year that @Banackock is able to claim the cup. Some goalies value may not be obvious to the casual onlooker like Joe Nixon @Bonzaijoe who is steadily earning tpe and preparing to be the next generation of Vancouver starter goalie.  Another example of this is Justin Cole @WhiteMochawho was called up to the Majors with 160 tpe and who is killing it in net for Moscow (good call @Victor)! To help provide a less typical way of looking at these crease jockeys I have provided an image below.

Obviously after studying this image how could you not find Value in any one of these amazing goalies. I guess the answer to the title of this article is that each of these goalies is an important piece for their team who will help determine where they finish this season.
@Will @Devise
@Spade18 @Donno100
@Poptart @ColeMrtz21 @Arthur @hedgehog337

First time I only get to claim +1 lol

1st Star of the game! Woo!