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Maximilian Kirbsson Houston Bulls $10 Doubles Week 5 Uncapped (USED)  Transaction ID: 5177655978B4906014

It’s common knowledge now that the Houston Bulls have officially arrived on the VHLM scene. Coach @Sonnet has made his picks, got his players, chose his emblem, kits, and even chose their entrance song. Some critics are saying that expectations should be “realistic” for the latest expansion team. Others, such as new fans, are extremely optimistic about the teams chances this year and beyond. Today we will be breaking down the players in the team that are predominantly Center’s, and how they may be used going forward. Coach Sonnet has already gone on record to state that he wants his players to be flexible when it comes to positions, so this article may be accurate or completely off the mark. I guess we’ll have to wait until game one to know for sure! Victor Kozlov @Kuch9 What more can be said about this guy than he is an absolute beast on the ice. Primarily an enforcer, don’t sleep on Kozlov as a playmaker. Also one of the captains of the team, his valuable experience will be important for this young, inexperienced expansion side. He is without doubt the top ranked Center in the team and his team mates will be looking to lean on him hard, especially early in the season. Though he may not end up leading the side in scoring come the end of the season, one thing is for sure, Kozlov is the big name player of this team. He is the the guy right now and until the rest of his team mates catch up to his level he will remain the guy. Maximilian Kirbsson @Kirby The young Swede has done lots of talking to the media prior to the season, and he’s going to be a big focus for the Bulls this upcoming season. Also one of the three captains, Coach Sonnet already seems to be putting a lot of faith in the playmaker. Primarily a playmaker, he has great puck handling skills and has stated this off season that his scoring and defense is now pretty much up their with the rest of his game. It’ll be interesting to see if he gets the chance to line up with Kozlov (perhaps on the wing with Kozlov bashing through the middle). If not then we will likely see Kirbsson head up the fire power in the second line behind Kozlov. Rhys Chism @Jake Levine Signed following the draft, Chism is an interesting prospect. He’s quite green, but he’s shown some real hunger so far and his progress already is pleasing on the eye. There isn’t too much film of him yet but we are hearing from the Bulls camp that Chism has one heck of a shot on him. That leads us to believe he is primarily a scorer but undoubtedly the biggest X Factor he has in his favour is that he is very much an unknown entity. Opponents won’t have much of an idea to gameplan against him. Definitely one to watch! Ludvig Sederstrom @aleks Did somebody say... brothers? In the same team? Wow, kudos Coach Sonnet, that’s awesome! Sederstrom, similar to Chism, doesn’t have to much film to go off of yet but he too has had some big comments coming out of the camp in regards to his ability. He seems to be the more well rounded prospect than Chism so far, but apparently he is not yet as strong of a scorer. A character on and off the ice, it’s going to be really fun seeing him and his brother mix it up in the VHLM this season, and man I don’t know about you guys but I’m itching for that Sederstrom partnership line to be a real thing!

There’s a new team in town, and they have a new star in their possession. With their first ever official draft pick, the Houston Bulls selected Center Maximilian Kirbsson. Not many were expecting the bold move, as Kirbsson has yet to play any VHLM games. However, scouts weren’t surprised by the pick. Kirbsson is a star in the making. We caught up with the youngster today outside the Bulls new training facility in Houston. KIRBSSON: “It feels good to be here man. I’m a Bull. To be their first pick, and in the first round too. It’s just awesome. Really damn awesome. I can’t wait to get to work with my team mates and create something special here. The hunger my team mates are showing is just contagious man. We have such a great vibe right now!” We also went on to ask Kirbsson how he feels being named one of the three team captains for the upcoming (and inaugural) season: KIRBSSON: “It feels surreal but I’m going to relish the opportunity. I like to believe I’m a big presence in the locker room and I’ll be looking to take that onto the ice too. Don’t sleep on us Bulls... we are here to take over”.

Sebastian Ironside @Plate you’re up!

I’m in!

Player Name: Maximilian Kirbsson VHL/VHLM Team: Houston Bulls Cash you have: 1.5M Purchase Name: First Generation Doubles Cost of Purchase: 1.5M Cash Left: 0

+10 Kirbsson

Last night we learned the fate of the VHLM faithful and former Saskatoon Wild (I mean, if you can even say that) center, and resident Swede, Maximilian Kirbsson joins us today to discuss being the first ever draft pick for the Houston Bulls and what this means for him going for! Interviewer: Maximilian, first of all congratulations man! Your officially a Houston Bulls player. How does it feel? KIRBSSON: It feels amazing. Honestly, words can’t explain my emotions right now. Shout out to Coach @Sonnet for believing in me from day one, even if I didn’t get any game time this season. It feels amazing to be a part of a brand new organisation and man, it feels awesome to switch up the weather forecast for a while. I’ve spent 18 years of my life living in cold countries so to switch to somewhere where the sun shines just feels amazing. Interviewer: So tell us Maximilian, what will you be bringing to Houston? KIRBSSON: You mean what, other than my amazing good looks? * Kirbsson chuckles as speaking* I’m here to lead a good hockey team. We won’t roll over for anyone and we will come out firing from the get go, believe me.

Well that didn’t last long, did it? He didn’t play much, did he? Correction, he didn’t play at all. *News Flash* Maximilian Kirbsson did not see one play on the ice for Saskatoon. So therefore, is it a shock that he now has left the team and finds himself with a new home? Let me ask you... what is more shocking: that Maximilian Kirbsson now has a new home after the dispersion draft... or that Maximilian Kirbsson was a first round pick (sixth overall) in the dispersal draft without even playing one series at VHLM level? It’s an easy answer... and it’s the latter. So why? WHY first round? WHY first ever pick, Houston? Coach @Sonnet is a good coach, that’s why. And he knows talent when he sees it. Kirbsson is a special breed. He’s cut from cloth that many other players aren’t and he has enthusiasm during practice that is simply unrivalled. I mean, his nickname is “The Sponge”... he is a quick learner! He joins one heck of a draft haul. Anyone that thinks the Bulls will have a tough time have another thing coming because they have all bases covered. They have Kirbsson, Mr. Finesse... they have Kari Jurri, a name many haven’t heard of but a name that many WILL have heard of by seasons close. They have young players throughout the side and then they also have the brute that is Victor Kozlov. An absolute menace on the ice, you better be wearing protection or else he’s going to give you a real lashing. This Bulls team is coming to a sporting town, so just how can they seperate themselves from the rest? One word... FLAIR. Flair will set them apart and with their first pick of the dispersal draft they managed to grab a player that certainly is not lacking in that department. It’s also funny because Swedish people in general are usually thought to be quite reserved characters. That’s not an unreasonable stereotype, my fiancé is Swedish and she would much rather be in our own company than with others. Maximilian however is the opposite of this stereotype. He lives for the limelight, and coming to an expansion team in a city as hungry as Houston is for success, this trait can only be a positive for him. Back to the point, what really sets Kirbsson apart from the rest then? Why is he a first round pick when so many other big names were still on the board? As mentioned earlier, it’s a mindset thing, and I tangiables. The sky is the limit for Kirbsson, and with his work rate, he honestly may make it to the top levels. His puck handling, his passing, his skating... they are all next level. His scoring is improving too. But it’s his mind set, his “can never lose” attitude and his “learn from all mistakes” mentality. This is what sets him apart from the chasing pack. Good luck taking on Kirbsson this year. This is a man on a mission, and this is a man with no fears.

Time to prove my worth! Happy to be in Houston. Let’s do this!!

HYPE.

S64 - $10 Transaction ID: 26A23601E5962224L Doubles Week (CLAIMED) 5 TPE uncapped (CLAIMED)

With the upcoming expansion draft on the horizon, there is much debate as to who will go where. It seems that a lot of VHLM players are open to joining one of the two expansion teams, claiming it would be nice to be the “face” of a new organisation. We are just going to break down a few potential landing spots for VHLM newcomer Maximilian Kirbsson. Saskatoon Wild But wait... he’s already here right? True. However the reality is, Kirbsson hasn’t even played a game for the Wild despite signing for them late last season. He clearly hasn’t developed an immediate attachment to the coaching staff or players, and seeing as most of the player and staff may leave, it is easy to imagine Kirbsson not being a Saskatoon player for long. I mean, it makes sense him being here though. He’s Swedish, where it’s cold. Real cold. And Saskatoon is cold, real cold! He’s also one of the better guys on the roster. Which is crazy considering he hasn’t even played a game yet. Houston Bulls Definite possibility here. Kirbsson has gone on record and stated that he thinks Coach @Sonnet is one of the best in the business. It would not be a surprise to see them linking up again but this time at the expansion team in Houston. Kirbsson would almost certainly be the first line Center, and likely the face of this new organisation. He would also likely develop a sun tan, something he hasn’t been able to do for the last 18 years. All fingers seem to be pointing to Houston but it’s also tough to know for sure, as there is so much surprise to this upcoming draft! If I was a betting man though (which I’m not..... I promise) I’d put my chips down on the Bulls snapping up Kirbsson. Philadelphia Reaper Shock, another expansion team on the rumour mill. For real though, it’s definitely possible. These two teams are going to be looking for hungry players to fill their roster and none come hungrier than Kirbsson. He is an absolute monster on the training grind and already looks like a first line starting center for most VHLM outfits. Besides, who wouldn’t want to play in Philly, home to the craziest fans in the states? Kirbsson is known to be a bit wild too, so this really could make sense. No Team Okay I don’t even know if this is possible but can you imagine he doesn’t even get picked up? Do people even know who Kirbsson is? He looks great on the practice ice but he’s yet to even take to it competitively. Will people really make a risky pick on him without even seeing him compete at this level? The short answer: yes, yes they will. But it would be pretty funny if he just got straight up FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY. That would be a lot of mistakes being made. Whereever Kirbsson ends up, one thing is for sure, the team is getting a stud of a player that will give every ounce of his energy to the team.

1) The finals are on, Vegas vs Halifax. Who's your pick and why? Vegas baby! They just keep turning the key, and hey, aren’t they up already in the series? A wise man once told me... never bet against Vegas! 2) The VHL and VHLM draft are coming up this offseason. If you're getting drafted to the VHL this year, where do you hope you go? If you've already been drafted, what are you most looking forward to in the VHL? There’s a new team that I’ve got my eye on. But come on, why ruin the surprise? 3) With the offseason upon us, what's your player's favorite postseason activity? It’s going to be cool to go back to Sweden for a while and see my extended family. We’ll definitely be doing some hunting in that time, and maybe even some skiing. 4) Looking back at this last season, what's one thing you're going to miss about the VHLM once you've moved up? Obviously I can’t answer that yet as I’ve never taken to the ice. Ask me again in a year! 5) Coaches always push for their players to "leave it all out on the ice." Do you feel like your player followed that mantra this season, or is there more to them that we have yet to see? Believe me when I say this, I’m as passionate about the sport and the team as anyone. I will lay it all out there every single game. 6) Excluding the drafts and offseason tournament, what would you like to see the VHL host in the offseason in order to make it a little more fun? This is only my first off season so I can’t really comment yet. I’ll be sure to have a think though. I like to think I’m vocal so I’ll come back to you on this!

He was a late arrival to the VHLM but it seems the season is over before it even began for Swedish new boy Maximilian Kirbsson. Saskatoon are out of the play offs, and so, to the dismay of fans around Canada, Kirbsson will not feature at all this season! Something interesting to track will be where his future actually lies. A dispersion draft that is upcoming means that Kirbsson may never end up taking to the ice at Saskatoon... quite a crazy thought considering! We managed to speak to him briefly after practice: ”Yeh I’m very disappointed. Coach told me that I was slated to be starter at Center, and I was ready to go man. But hey, the league decided to block it, and so be it. I will live to fight another day and I’ll definitely be pumped for next season, where ever that may be”. We also went on to ask Kirbsson about what he will be working on this off season: ”I’ll definitely be trying to improve defensively. It’s obviously important to be able to defend better to be an all arounder. Other than that, I guess a bit of scoring too. Everyone knows me as an assist king but being a dual threat Center is definitely one of my main aims going forward”.

EFL +6

NAME: Maximilian Kirbsson POSITION: Center HEIGHT: 6 foot WEIGHT: 195 lbs BORN: Arboga, Sweden SHOOTS: Left handed Play style Kirbsson is the ultimate playmaker. He is a team first player and does whatever it takes to play his team mates into space. He also has exceptional puck control. Strengths • His play making ability is without doubt his strongest asset. He has an eye for space and is likely to be an assist monster. Some players can be taught this skill but others are just born with it and Kirbsson is most definitely born with it. He once had a game in High School where he had seven assists. SEVEN! • He has brilliant puck control. It is very hard to get the puck off of him. It is almost like, at times, it is stuck to him by super glue! This allows him more time to pick out the correct pass, and open up the ice. • His skating, although not his strongest weapon, is constantly getting better on a day to day basis. It may become a strength soon. He has been putting in a lot of work in the off season towards his skating and has stated that he simply wants to “get quicker” on the ice. • His work rate and determination is without a doubt his biggest intangible. He is the first player on the ice and the last one to leave during practice. If he is not practicing with the team, then he is practicing alone. He never stops working on his game and this is the biggest asset to have. • Kirbsson is a great team player. He doesn’t care about his individual stats so much as the teams results. If his team is winning, he is happy. This is valuable for his team as they know he will always do what it takes for the team to get the right result. Weaknesses • Defensively he leaves a lot to be desired. It would seem at times that he only wants to focus on attacking and creating goals, that he forgets to defend his own one. This is something Kirbsson will have to work on if he wants to be successful in the professional game. • His scoring is average, at best. Which is why, you guessed it, he rarely ever shoots. In order to become a two way center he will have to improve his scoring. When this we will happen we are not to sure but it’s definitely something in the pipeline. • Kirbsson isn’t the most physical player and he is frequently outmuscled in one on ones. He needs to hit the gym but being only 18 years old, he should be able to do that with plenty of time! • Kirbsson also needs to work on his face offs. This is key for any Center and simply put, he doesn’t win enough of them at the moment. • His inexperience is currently seen as a weakness. This will inevitably become a strength when he gets game time but for now, it is certainly a weakness. He is liable to make mistakes along the way due to inexperience.