Antone10

In my first year in the league, our team has clinched first place in the VHLM! Our team, the Las Vegas Aces, have really done an excellent job in a tough league. For a while there we were well ahead of the pack but recently Halifax and Ottawa have stormed up the standings are are right there. It should be a really fun playoffs and run for the Aces. For my player, I am very happy with how well he has done in his first season. Just outside the top 10 in scoring for d-men is something I was hooping to achieve but didn’t think my player would achieve that so I’m very impressed with his offence. Defensively, I am very impressed and was hoping to be a top d-men in this league. Mitch has been able to be 4th best in plus- minus through 70 games as well as sitting 8th in hits. I am very happy with his defensive play as I wanted him to be a defensive defence man with an offensive touch. For improvements, I am hoping to improve on Mitch’s penalties. He took more penalties that I would have wanted but am happy with his intensity and physical play so we just have to work on finding a balance here. For now we are focusing on finishing up the last two games and going on a Long playoff run to win the championship. Congrats to our GM @Jubo07. Congrats to all my teammates. Let’s win the championship! @wcats @NathanN @BluObieZ @CurtisG93 @Rocketman04 @DaftRaincloud @Anthony Matthews @Matt_O @Ty343 @SwagSloth @jacobaa19 @Eparker24 @nymets5 @Antone10 @Goonie @Lefty @oilmandan @Philliefan @TheLastOlympian07 @SpartanGibbles @Bonzaijoe

1) The VHLM has officially announced expansion, with the new teams seeing action as early as next season! What are your thoughts on the teams they unveiled, or expansion as a whole? I like that the leagues will now be even and like that the minor league is growing. Will make for more competition and and expanded community. Great league so far and glad it’s growing. 2) If you were the GM for a new expansion team, what would be the first order of business? I’d start looking at the draft class as well as players on other teams. Start looking at what I need to put a solid team on the ice. 3) Four teams have now clinched, and two are fighting for the last available playoff spot. Who takes it, Saskatoon or Yukon? Saskatoon for sure. 4) Which VHL team has the best logo/design to you? Why? Toronto Legion. I’m a Toronto fan but I like the colour and the simplicity of the logo. Just a good look overall. 5) When you leave the VHLM to play in the VHL, what legacy do you think you'll leave behind? How will you be remembered for your time in the minors? I hope to remembered as a solid defence an who grew to also become an offensive threat from the back end. 6) You're eligible for some free TPE if you recruit a friendand they end up sticking around; how would you pitch the VHL to an interested friend? I’d tell them that things move along quick. There’s no waiting around for games to be simmed and it’s very active. I like that there is lots you can do to improve your player and can even have multiple players if you want.

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Reign Meute Titans Legion

3-2 Riga

What Brand of skates do you use? CCM. Why did you choose your player number? Same number as one of my favourite players. What player do you use to represent your VHL/VHLM Player? Why did you choose them? I use Auston Matthews. Chose my player name based on him and Mitch Matthews, two of my favourite players. What mythical creature do you wish existed? Dragon. What’s the funniest joke you know by heart? Don’t remember many jokes. Here’s one anyways: Want to hear a joke about paper? Nevermind it's tearable. What’s the funniest VHL name you’ve heard of someone having? I’m new this season but I like Bald Guy and Brick Wahl. Two good names.

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1. More big trades, Vegas is obviously looking to have a long run in the playoffs. Does this excite you and push you to improve your player to be part of a Founders Cup winner? It does. I have been able to improve my player quite well so far through 42 games and want to continue to help my player improve. I am on the top defensive pairing but know that I can still improve some more and help our team win the championship. 2. Are you surprised that Oslo decided to sell off so early? Yea I think they could of waited a bit longer. I think they gave up to early and may have gotten more for their players as the season went on. 3. Whats your favourite sports movie and why? Coach Carter or Mighty Ducks. Ducks are just good old hockey movies and are hilarious. Coach Carter is a really good sports movie but was very well done. Happy Gilmore and Tin Cup are pretty good too. 4. Are you on the discord and if so how helpful is it for staying informed and interested in the VHL? No I am not. Just stay connected through the site and notifications. 5. Who is your favourite VHL player? Julian Borwinn

1. How satisfied are you with your player's performance so far this season? I am very impressed. Mitch is doing great and has more points then I expected. I’m not happy about his discipline to date but we will work on that. Very happy overall. 2. What about your team, how are things going with the team? Would you run things differently? I love the team I am on. We are doing great. We have a solid goaltender and we have some really good offensive forwards. I wouldn’t run anything different as it seems we have a good thing going and wouldn’t want to change that. 3. The Las Vegas Aces seem to have separated themselves from the rest of the teams. Do you think they can keep it up until the end? I think we can go all the way. We have a great goaltender, powerful offence and solid defence group. I believe we will have a few more long winning streaks, finish first overall and win the championship. 4. What other player in the league do you hate to play against? I hate playing against Diljodh. He is a solid offensive player and is really hard to play against. For being a small player and only 16 years old, he is far above many players in this league. Would be a good addition to the Aces if that were possible.  5. Besides hockey, obviously, what other sports do you like to play casually or watch? Golf and baseball. I enjoy watching and playing golf. I enjoy watching baseball and would like to play it some time. I also went curling recently and really enjoyed that. Would be fun to join a league and play more often. 6. If you had the power to relocate a VHLM team, where would you put it and what would you name it? I think it make up a team and city name. Maybe something like the River Falls Rock or the Northern Bears.

Riga 4-1

Canada

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Vegas made a move yesterday brining Curtis Gary to the Aces. Just when I thought the roster could not get any better our general manager slashed any doubts of slowing down. The results for Vegas were instant. They were on the winning side of 4 games today defeating Ottawa and Halifax two times each. Vegas now has the leagues leading scorer in Nathan N who has 17 goals and 17 assists totalling 34 points through the first 20 games of the season. Dan Baillie follows close behind with 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points. Our team captain Erik Parker leads all defensemen in the league with 29 points in 20 games. What is next for Vegas? Is this the final roster they will run with for the remainder of the season or will they attempt any further transactions? The locker room is highly positive and the hype continues to grow with each day.

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New York 3-2

With 14 games under his belt, Mitch Matthews has been a staple on the Las Vegas Aces top pairing. Mitch has found the back of the net twice and has added 6 helpers for eight points. His +5, 19 shots, 31 hits and 11 shot blocks have proven Mitch to be a top pairing defender. This week though, Vegas signed defender Denver Wolfe who has made quick work and is playing second line minutes with James Lombardi. Mitch welcomes the healthy competition and sees the signing as yet another piece of the Vegas lineup that can contribute to winning each night and maybe even be season and playoff champions. Mitch is looking forward to what the next week brings as he plans to hit the gym and continue to increase is off and on ice attributes. He believes team management has done an excellent job positioning Las Vegas as a serious threat this season.

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Helsinki 3-2

Helsinki Seattle New York Quebec

1. With the New Season looming what are your plans for your character? Any goals for the season stat wise? I hope to get to 200 TPE but also to be a key contributor to my teams success. Hope to be that defensive defenceman they drafted and to also work on providing some scoring from the back end. 2. The Recruitment Team is working hard to make the VHL a better place. What changes would you make if any? I am new to the league so not sure st this point what could be changed or improved. So far I have no complaints. 3. Have you gone on the leagues discord channel yet? If so what are your thoughts? If you haven't why not? (Discord Link) I have not. Was not aware of it but will definitely look into it. 4. What team do you play for? Where in the standings do you think they will end up? Las Vegas Aces. I think we may compete for first this year. Looking forward to a long playoff run. 5. Are you aware of the Recruit a Friend Program? Would you suggest the VHL to friends or family? (Recruit a Friend Link) Yes I am aware of it. I am trying to recruit people now. It’s different than other leagues I’ve been in so I think that’s what makes it appealing. 6. What teams in the VHL do you think have the best shot at winning the cup? What team would you want to play for? (VHL TEAMS) Not sure as I have been focused on my player and the minor team I am on. I will root for anyone at this point but am focused on my player development for now.

Skillset First let us go over a summary of Mitch's current build. Mitch is a defense first stay at home defender who is moving in the direction of building his offence skills. Mitch can move the puck well and has strong skating. He has shown early determination to become a player that every team will want to draft when it is his time to move into the VHL professional league. VHLM Draft Mitch Matthews was drafted by the Las Vegas Aces of the VHML in the 4th round 26th overall. He remained an unknown in the draft was Vegas was willing to take a chance on him. Mitch was informed he is destined for top pairing minutes this season where he will play along side the team captain in Eric Parker. Developing Star Mitch's early life was that of a normal hockey loving Canadian boy. He was a leaf fan from the start and started playing hockey as early as two when he was gifted a mini stick from an uncle. At age three Mitch was already learning how to skate which allowed him to ease into the game at age 4. He was like most young boys at that time but by the age of 6 and 7 Mitch was a quick study of the game. He was usually drafted by the age group ahead of him which to this game instilled a lot of confidence in his game and personal abilities. He had a drive for success ever since he was young. That drive can still be seen today as he works his way from the minor league to the pro league. High school and college remained hockey central in Mitch Matthews mind. He was a member of his schools hockey team in High school and college producing some strong stats and winning best defenseman trophy's at both levels. His 3rd year university team won their regional championship and Matthews was awarded the playoff MVP with a very strong +14 through the 11 games it took them to capture the championship. https://i.ibb.co/SVL9M8d/Untitledtrophy.png Scouting Mitch has every chance to become a strong member of any teams blue line. He hopes to impress this season with Las Vegas and be drafted in the first couple rounds of the VHL draft. This would mean the world to him as he has worked very hard to get to where he is today. We were able to track down a scout for an unnamed VHL franchise who provided the following quote, "Mitch has promise, we have seen players of his build and caliber most seasons but what makes Mitch stand out is his determination to be a strong defender while leaving the door open to improve his offensive skills on and off the ice surface. We have Mitch in our radar and hope to steal him somewhere in the 2nd round of next season's draft should he still be available". Strong words from a seasoned VHL scout. Mitch was contacted and had the following in response to the scouts comments, "Truly I am blown away by such strong words and belief in my game and abilities. He captured exactly what I am trying to do with my game. Defense first followed by strengthening my offensive side. I am excited for that is ahead for me. We have a very well balanced roster in Vegas and playing top minutes with an established defender in Eric Parker should help my game and skill set exponentially. I cannot wait to get on the ice and show what I can bring to the show". Mitch's Favorite Hockey Memory Mentioned earlier in this player biography we discussed when Mich won the playoff MVP trophy in his 3rd year as a member of his university team. It was more than just his impressive +14 in the 11 games that won him the award. Mitch also was the primary assist leader on his team with 8 and also added 4 secondary assists. He had one lone goal in the playoff run which came in the 5th game of round 2, the tie breaker game. He opened the scoring for his team who went on to win the game 4-1 to advance to the finals. But all of what was mentioned is statistical. What was Mitch's favorite hockey memory? As a Maple Leaf fan growing up in the hockey eccentric Canadian landscape, Mitch has the opportunity to meet and greet with his biggest hockey hero. That hero was none other than Mats Sundin. Surprised his favorite hero was not a defenseman? Sundin also had an excellent defensive ability as he was one of the best two way forwards of his time. Mitch smiled ear to ear as he approached Mats who signed for him a hat and hockey card which he has held onto. The hat is now in a glass shadowbox back at his family home and the card has been kept in a hard shell case which follows Matthews from home to home as he had moved over the years following his hockey dream. Eyes on gold Mitch also has his sights set on representing his nation with Team Canada at the junior and world championships level. If he keeps up his rate of general improvement in his game he could find a place on the junior team as early as this season. Being able to wear the red and white on his chest is very dear to his heart and to his family who have been dire hard hockey fans ever since Mitch got his first mini stick from his uncle at age 2. A gold medal representing team Canada is one of the most treasured achievements a Canadian hockey player can achieve. Canada has been a dominant force in international hockey for many years and Mitch hopes to add his name to those ranks. Look for Mitch Matthews as the VHLM season moves closer to puck drop. Las Vegas is one of the teams to watch and Matthews has promise of being one of its key players for the duration of the season.

We are moving toward a new season in the VHL minors. New Las Vegas skater Mitch Matthews has prepared over the week to improve his defensive game. “I am anxious to take my fist skate with the team in game action. My team mates, coaches and management are top quality and we have a good chance of making a go at the top seed before the playoffs arrive”. Mitch has been notified by his team that he will be a part of the top dman pairing in Vegas. “Being a part of the top pairing so early into my time with Vegas is a surprise but I believe I have done all I could do to achieve this honor”. Mitch is a big golf fan but is hoping he does not have to take out the set before lifting a nice trophy at the end of the playoffs. “Golf can wait, this is hockey time”.

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Mitch Matthews Age 25 200 Pounds 6 foot 3 inches VHLM Drafted: 26th Overall to the Las Vegas Aces https://i.ibb.co/Rcn9N8K/Untitledpic.jpg Profile: Mitch Matthews comes from a seasoned history of hockey within his family. His parents were both excellent hockey players in their own rights prior to settling down and having a family. Matthews is a "good Ontario boy" who excelled at the defensive side of the game. Mitch has an eye for the net as well and can also send a beauty pass to his teammates. Matthews won many awards in minor hockey and high school hockey as he aimed his sights for the professional league. Mitch was often drafted early and sought out as the go to leader and defender of his teams.The fans of Las Vegas should be high in anticipation as Matthews will guard their blueline for the season ahead and perhaps another season following. His sights are set on the VHL but is in no rush to advance ahead if he can better his game at the minor league level. Strengths: Defence Matthews is a pure shutdown dman. He can be put on the ice for every situation whether it be five on five, the penalty kill or event a three on three overtime. He has always been heavily relied on by his coaches of past and present to guide the play and defend when needed. Matthews brings strong hockey sense to the Vegas Aces blue line. Skating: Mitch can skate as smooth as butter. Matthews can join a rush and also get back to the defending blue line with ease. Strong cornering ability and awareness to turn on the jets when required. His eagerness to join the rush can be seen many times a night yet he rarely is caught too deep to defend should the play return the other direction. Checking: Mitch really can throw the body. Pure and simple if he wants the puck he will come away with the puck. The ability to deliver clean hits from his large frame brings a lethal edge to Matthews game. Weaknesses: Fighting Matthews is not a fighter by choice. His large frame makes Mitch a visual threat but has never been known to drop the gloves on an opposing player. He will stand up for his teammates but in a cool calm and collected manner. Scoring With work Matthews can become a scorer but as his current goals are set to defending he will likely be a player who throws the puck to the net looking for a tip rather than slapping for top cheese. Time will tell if Mitch can increase his goal scoring ability. Penalty Shots Not too common will you see a defender sent out for a penalty shot or shootout attempt. Matthews with his current tool set is not a go to skater for the one on goalie moments. He has stated he would like to improve his scoring and creative ability and we are optimistic for what time will bring forth as his career in the VHLM gets underway.

1 it feels good! Was very glad to be drafted by the team in the fourth round. I’m going to put a lot of time in in the off season to make sure I am an impact player. 2 I do. I am going to prove to this team that I was a steal in the fourth round. I think I was drafted in the right area of the draft but do feel other GMs passed on a committed player. They will see me over my career and wish they made the selection. 3 I’d like to help my team get to the playoffs and make a run at the championship. I hope to learn from the veteran around me and hopefully be in the top pairing by seasons end. If possible, I hope to get a call up to the pros to gain some experience and grow my game. 4 I am unable to comment as I joined too late to participate.  5 I really enjoy golf and curling.