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Translated from a recent interview with Vlad Putin.
 
" It is unacceptable for such disastrous results from a team that is to be the National Team of Russia.  For too long have we awaited a team to represent us in a league on the world's stage. The VHL has given us what we deserve but our results with Moscow have been disgraceful. The people of Russia have been robbed of the chance to show that we are the most passionate and exciting fan base of the world. "
 
For those out of the loop, The Moscow Menace were founded last year, and they had a disastrous first season which resulted in just 9 wins all season. Moscow was left with just 155 goals for and 355 against, Moscow has been the worst team by far. This season has started rough for the Menace who have lost all five games this season for a total record of 0-3-2 which somehow tops last year's cup winners the Toronto Legion who are 1-5. There lone victory came over the Menace in last weeks meeting where they won 5-3.
 
Is there reason to believe that the standings will be the same come playoff time? Absolutely not. Unless Moscow can find a way to take every game to overtime or shootout. What also turned some heads was Moscow's draft.  The benefit of having poor seasons is usually having an abundance of picks. The Moscow Menace did their best with their picks as they grabbed some promising skaters and a goalie who could help form one of the stronger goalie tandems in the league. When asked about the promise Moscow had, Putin responded with frustration
 
"We are to be great now, we gain nothing from being good in few years. If anything, to succeed later we need to win now and show that Russia can form the strongest of teams. It costs us money because fans do not want to see Moscow, they would rather watch the KHL. If results do not improve, I will take control of the team. Russia is a strong and proud nation, we desire a team that embodies the spirit of our population."
 
To say the pressure is on for the Moscow GM and Players would be an understatement. The way they have performed will not be sustainable under the rule of Vlad Putin. To find out how the locker room handles the national pressure, we sat down with rookie goaltender Owen May.
 
"Honestly it's really suffocating at times. We're early in the season, seats are empty and the only media response we get is negative. We as a team are working hard to turn things around but we need a helping hand from the Russian people.  Things didn't always go smoothly in Houston, we were an expansion team who struggled at first. However, the city really got behind us and next thing you know we're sitting a win away from making the cup finals. Obviously, that's another part of the world and the culture can be very different at times but we're here for entertainment and want to show that we can entertain the Euro-Asian people. I hope that I can be a familiar face in the following years and a public figure when people think of Russia."
 

The following excerpt is from a recent interview with Moscow Menace Goaltender Owen May. The entirety of the interview can be found at The Athletic Website:
 
Preview
 
[Replying to question What has been going through your head this season?]
 
"It's honestly been a whirlwind. I feel like I haven't been able to get a firm hold on what I'm doing and have felt like I've been drowning. I've found it very difficult to get up in the morning and come to the rink. I have felt since ever I came back to America, I have done nothing but drown. I've been slipping below the surface time and time again, only coming up for air to keep me alive. I've been reaching out to everyone and I have been trying to get help. You know there's days I make fifty  saves and we lose and there's days I let five in and we win. It's frustrating not having my effort line up on the score sheet. This isn't the type of player I wanna be known as and not the type of player that sticks around in the league for long. I could really use some vetran guidence but that's the thing about being the starter, you gotta be the guy who sets the example, and that's something I just haven't been able to do."

I apologize boys. We will not win with me in net
 

That gives us 6

A New Week, 6 New questions!
 
1. Moscow has fallen to last in the standings. Is there reasons for hope or is the season lost already?
 
2. Who has stood out as the best player on this team?
 
3. Is there someone who's level of play has surprised you?
 
4.  Every team has a rival. Who would you consider to be Moscow's rival?
 
5. If you were given the opportunity to redesign the Moscow Menace jerseys would you do it and what would your design be?
 
6.  If you were to choose one area where the Menace needs to improve, what would it be? 

1. Tips for aspiring younger goaltenders?
2. What are you looking forward to when it comes to your career in the VHL?
3. What is your favourite colour?
4. Would you rather have 1 confirmed championship or 2 finals appearences?
5. Favourite gear brand?

1. What do you see as the biggest strength in your game?
2. What's one area of your game that needs a bit of work?
3. What part of the VHL experience are you most excited for?
4. How welcoming has the VHL been to you?
5. What are your goals for the upcoming season?

@harvey
F- Matt Thompson 
F-Randoms
F-
D- Joseph McWolf
D- 
G-
 
@Anthony Matthews
F- Oyorra Arroyo
F- Edwin Preencarnacion
F- 
D-
D-
G- Kallis Kriketers 
 
@Savoire Faire
F- Veran Dragomir 
F- Rylan Peace
F-
D-
D-
G- 
 
@FacebookFighter
F- Elias Dahlberg
F- Sebastian Ironside
F-
D- Maxim Kovalchuk
D-
G- 
 
@TheFlash
F- Jake Davis
F- Beau Louth
F-
D- Ryan Kastelic
D-
G-
 
@pennypenny
F-
F-
F-
D- Robert Malenko
D-
G-
 
hope you don’t mind the tags, just an updated list to look at.

1. With a new season comes hope! What are your expectations for the 66th season of the VHL.
I hope to just be able to produce some points and try to get to at least 10 wins this season. It's not looking good so far but given time we'll find success
 
2. What is a personal goal you'd like to achieve this year?
Hopefully put up a good fight for Rookie Of The Year, i've had a good start so we'll see how that develops through the season.
 
3. What is a team goal you'd like to see the boys accomplish?
Hitting 10 wins would be a good step in the right direction to getting this team a championship. We have a good group here we just have to find our game and get a W.
 
4. Share an experience you've had with the folks from Moscow, what are some similarities and differences?
Dimitri is a bit of a local here so he's fit right in. Being from St. Petersburg and spending time training in Moscow in the past makes it way easier to adjust to VHL life.
 
5. If you're new to the team, what excited you the most when you were drafted/traded or signed to Moscow? If you're not new, is there someone who's new to the squad you're interested in playing with?
To be able to play here in Russia for my hometown team is something special. It's nice to be a part of this environment and to help build this team to greatness. I hope to be a part of this organization for a long time but we'll see how it works out.
 
6. If you could pick a goal song for the Menace, what would it be and why?
Zombie Nation would be my first choice. I'm a big Bruins fan IRL and I think it's a great hype Goal song.

1. With a new season comes hope! What are your expectations for the 66th season of the VHL.
There's going to be some growing pains as expected.  This is still a new team with a lot more new faces, myself included.  I think once we figure out what works we're going to put some win streaks together.  There have been some close games so far, its going to take time, patience and weekly work. 
 
2. What is a personal goal you'd like to achieve this year?
Start being a contributer.  I played for two strong VHLM teams (Halifax & Minnesota) and I want to show I can be a key player
 
3. What is a team goal you'd like to see the boys accomplish?
Get in a rhythm.    We dont have to win every game but if we can stay at .5 consistently over 10 games spans I would say thats a step in the right direction.
 
4. Share an experience you've had with the folks from Moscow, what are some similarities and differences?
My gf is part Russian, does that count as an experience?  I dont really understand the question ?
 
5. If your new to the team, what excited you the most when you were drafted/traded or signed to Moscow? If you're not new, is there someone who's new to the squad you're interested in playing with?
Moscow is a new team so this is the time to set the benchmark.  It's an opportunity to set what Moscow is going to be for seasons to come.
 
6. If you could pick a goal song for the Menace, what would it be and why?
Jump Around - House of Pain.  Always want the crowd to be able to participate in the celebration

1. With a new season comes hope! What are your expectations for the 66th season of the VHL.
I'm thinking we'll probably start out towards the bottom of the league, but Moscow has a good young core and the future is bright. We could also be a surprise this season. I think playoffs would be a massive success, but I think our cup window is 1-2 seasons away.
 
2. What is a personal goal you'd like to achieve this year?
I'd like to be a positive +/- player and maybe try to get like 20 goals x 30 assists type of season. My first couple of games have gone pretty well in terms of scoring, so we'll see I guess.
 
3. What is a team goal you'd like to see the boys accomplish?
I think our main goal is winning more games than the other expansion franchise, the Malmo Nighthawks. The teams will obviously be compared this season and we want to come out on top.
 
4. Share an experience you've had with the folks from Moscow, what are some similarities and differences?
I can't speak Russian but I understand their hacking culture is world class. I hope nobody doxxes me and tries to extort money from me or something. Victor has invested in some good cyber security for us, so I feel safe.
 
5. If your new to the team, what excited you the most when you were drafted/traded or signed to Moscow? If you're not new, is there someone who's new to the squad you're interested in playing with?
Definitely the chance to play for Victor. He has always been an important member of this league and is a great guy imo. His reputation is world-class and playing for his expansion franchise is an honour for me.
 
6. If you could pick a goal song for the Menace, what would it be and why?
Probably Noisestorm - Crab Rave, just because it gets me pumped up watch league of legends on twitch.

Hello all, it's a brand new season. Since I did not see a team press conference, I went and made one. 
 
Answer All 6 Questions For 2 TPE
 
1. With a new season comes hope! What are your expectations for the 66th season of the VHL.
 
2. What is a personal goal you'd like to achieve this year?
 
3. What is a team goal you'd like to see the boys accomplish?
 
4. Share an experience you've had with the folks from Moscow, what are some similarities and differences?
 
5. If your new to the team, what excited you the most when you were drafted/traded or signed to Moscow? If you're not new, is there someone who's new to the squad you're interested in playing with?
 
6. If you could pick a goal song for the Menace, what would it be and why?

Translated from a recent interview with Vlad Putin.
 
" It is unacceptable for such disastrous results from a team that is to be the National Team of Russia.  For too long have we awaited a team to represent us in a league on the world's stage. The VHL has given us what we deserve but our results with Moscow have been disgraceful. The people of Russia have been robbed of the chance to show that we are the most passionate and exciting fan base of the world. "
 
For those out of the loop, The Moscow Menace were founded last year, and they had a disastrous first season which resulted in just 9 wins all season. Moscow was left with just 155 goals for and 355 against, Moscow has been the worst team by far. This season has started rough for the Menace who have lost all five games this season for a total record of 0-3-2 which somehow tops last year's cup winners the Toronto Legion who are 1-5. There lone victory came over the Menace in last weeks meeting where they won 5-3.
 
Is there reason to believe that the standings will be the same come playoff time? Absolutely not. Unless Moscow can find a way to take every game to overtime or shootout. What also turned some heads was Moscow's draft.  The benefit of having poor seasons is usually having an abundance of picks. The Moscow Menace did their best with their picks as they grabbed some promising skaters and a goalie who could help form one of the stronger goalie tandems in the league. When asked about the promise Moscow had, Putin responded with frustration
 
"We are to be great now, we gain nothing from being good in few years. If anything, to succeed later we need to win now and show that Russia can form the strongest of teams. It costs us money because fans do not want to see Moscow, they would rather watch the KHL. If results do not improve, I will take control of the team. Russia is a strong and proud nation, we desire a team that embodies the spirit of our population."
 
To say the pressure is on for the Moscow GM and Players would be an understatement. The way they have performed will not be sustainable under the rule of Vlad Putin. To find out how the locker room handles the national pressure, we sat down with rookie goaltender Owen May.
 
"Honestly it's really suffocating at times. We're early in the season, seats are empty and the only media response we get is negative. We as a team are working hard to turn things around but we need a helping hand from the Russian people.  Things didn't always go smoothly in Houston, we were an expansion team who struggled at first. However, the city really got behind us and next thing you know we're sitting a win away from making the cup finals. Obviously, that's another part of the world and the culture can be very different at times but we're here for entertainment and want to show that we can entertain the Euro-Asian people. I hope that I can be a familiar face in the following years and a public figure when people think of Russia."
 

Hello all, it's a brand new season. Since I did not see a team press conference, I went and made one. 
 
Answer All 6 Questions For 2 TPE
 
1. With a new season comes hope! What are your expectations for the 66th season of the VHL.
 
2. What is a personal goal you'd like to achieve this year?
 
3. What is a team goal you'd like to see the boys accomplish?
 
4. Share an experience you've had with the folks from Moscow, what are some similarities and differences?
 
5. If your new to the team, what excited you the most when you were drafted/traded or signed to Moscow? If you're not new, is there someone who's new to the squad you're interested in playing with?
 
6. If you could pick a goal song for the Menace, what would it be and why?

1. Recently, you were taken #11 overall in the VHL Entry Draft by Moscow. Tell us why you should have been at least #10.
1. With all the hype surrounding the draft, I was really hoping to go in the first round. Unfortunately, I had to wait one more pick but I'm thankful none the less.
 
2. The Menace have been projected to be, well, not that good, and so far their games have reflected that. Do you think the team is right for you?
2. It'll certainly be hard. I'm a guy who likes to win and it appears I'll have to be patient for that day to come.
 
3. What are your thoughts on the rivalry that seems to be brewing with Malmo?
3. I think it's a healthy part of the league and there's nothing wrong with a little bad blood makes it all the more interesting.
 
4. Jerry Garcia recently scored his first career VHL goal against you, and some in Houston have speculated that it's because he knows your tendencies, having played with you for a year. What do you know about him that might help you shut him down in the future?
4. The only tendency I have is letting a former teammate put one in when we're being blown out. It's one and done. I just wanted to be there for the first to congratulate him. But now we'll see how lucky he gets
 
 
5. Have you met Putin yet? If so, what was he like?
He's really into anime. He told me his favorite was Cory in the House. Weird to pick a live action adaptation but atleast he's an ass man. Everyone knows animated booty sits a little high on Cory, ya feel?
 
6. You've applied for a few league jobs in the past season, but haven't been hired yet. Tell us why you should be hired the next time you throw out an application.
6. I feel like I'm dedicated to this league and think it has a lot of potential. I definitely want to be a part of it going forward. I hope the day comes when I can be a popular face around the league. I feel if given the chance I could build a real dynasty.

I'll apply
 

1-If you got stuck in the elevator and was forced to listen to only one song, which would it be?
The Symphony No. 3 by Gustav Mahler  Longest classical song ever, hopefully it would keep me from going crazy.
 
4-If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Paris, It's a beautiful city and gives me an oppritunity to watch some professional football. Malmo or Stockholm would be cool to so I could watch football and hockey, I also have friends in Sweden that I haven't seen since high school
 
8-How do you relax after a hard day of work?
Usually video games, I prefer something light. Ive been playing double dash lately.
 
10-If you could keep any animal as a pet, what would you choose?
I like cats, I also like penguins but they're real messy. So cats will do.
 
11-Where do you think you are going in the draft (round and team)
I think I'll fall to the Moscow Menace in the third round. 25th overall.
 
12-Who do you hope comes to your new team with you?
Either aleks or Gustav. Fun guys in the locker room who have a nice work ethic

In the interest of not being too cliche and saying 11, I'll go with a 10.9 here. I loved every minute of it; we just never won that cup.
 
Being picked by an expansion team would be really interesting. All I've ever known in this league is expansion teams. But really, whoever picks me will be my favorite. No matter who it is I can't wait.
 
Absolutely! There are stats other than just points for skaters. Watching both my hits and blocked shots pile up like nobody's business was quite fun, and it was a pleasant surprise when I scored rather than an unpleasant one when I didn't. 
 
I'd be a forward. Goaltending is quite competitive here and forward building gives you more options. 
 
I don't have any personal reason to avoid any team--I just hope wherever I go isn't completely saturated with defensemen. I'd like my ice time. 
 
@FacebookFighter has mentioned some interest in playing with me and I like that idea. Playing with @Radcow, my AGM in Mississauga, would also be pretty nice. Bert Meyers seems like a decent guy too, I wouldn't mind feeding him the puck. 
 
I understand I won't be a star in my first season, so I'd just like to be able to say that my name is recognized around the league.
 
I'd like to change the common mentality here that every skater has to be a goal-scorer. Even defensemen here aren't built to be defensemen--scoring is commonly above defense for lots of them. Hopefully, I can influence someone to try to build a player like Jerry. 
 
I'm not too familiar with how depreciation works here, so we'll see just how much I suck in my later years and I'll decide at that point. 
 
At the risk of being labeled a filthy Communist, team success all the way! That's what being a defensive defenseman is all about--sacrificing your line on the scoresheet to contribute immeasurably to your team. 
 
I'd definitely step in. It really only takes one bad teammate to ruin the VHL experience, and that one bad teammate can ruin an entire team's atmosphere in the locker room. Being good off the ice is just as important as being good on it.
 
Hopefully I do stick around, and I don't see myself leaving anytime soon. I've actually thought up a WONDERFUL idea for a player that's a bit of an inside joke among Sabres fans, but I won't give away too much at the moment.

As a former Bull and active member on this site, I think I'd be the best candidate. Promote from within. Ill bring @aleks  along with me as my agm. We'll conquer the world

As a former Bull and active member on this site, I think I'd be the best candidate. Promote from within. Ill bring @aleks  along with me as my agm. We'll conquer the world

As a former Bull and active member on this site, I think I'd be the best candidate. Promote from within. Ill bring @aleks  along with me as my agm. We'll conquer the world

The playoffs are nearing their end and the draft looms over the horizon. To make it even crazier an expansion team has been introduced into the mix. So what would you do if granted a new franchise in today's league? Many speculate that Owen May will be the first Knighthawk draft pick in the teams history. The goaltender has had a shaky start to his VHLM career but has found himself comfortable with the inaugural season with the Houston Bulls. May has become one of the more sought after goaltenders due to the effort he puts into practicing. Many of May's teammates have been quik to offer positive support to the young man. But all good things must come to an end as the VHL comes calling, with Malmo eyeing up the young man.
 
Would May be able to lead Malmo to the playoffs the first season? Most likely not. I can't imagine May will be ready for the transition to the VHL sitting at 199 TPE. However does it make some sense? May has been a hard worker and will most likely keep with the league. Within a few seasons May could find himself in conversation for All-Star.
 
However the question remains, would you spend a 1st on him? Goaltenders in the first round of the NHL often end up busts. Looking at you DiPetro. Is the VHL different? But obviously I'm interested in the draft and can't wait to see the mayhem that occurs.
 
So the next question is, is May's time better spent down in the VHLM or in the VHL? Currently May, sits at 199 TPE. A tricky gray area for goaltenders. It could be argued that, Malmo or the team that does eventually draft him, will rush his development by calling him up to the VHL. However it can also be argued that playing time could result in substantial growth for the young man.
 
Malmo may also not want May with such a highly offensive draft depth. And may decide depending on the expansion draft if they want to make a playoff push with an older goaltender. Or Malmo may try to get a large amount of young players who have worked hard through the years in order to build a juggernaut for the future. Or will Malmo find the magic that the Vegas Golden Knights did in the NHL and finding a perfect mix of veterans and youth that found its way to the cup finals in its first year.
 
May has been quik to acknowledge his teammates effort and believes that they should be selected in front of him. May had been expecting to fall to the 3rd or 4th round of the draft. He has been flabbergasted to see mock drafts picking him in the first round.
 
" I'm really humbled by the experience, it's been nice to be wanted. I'll definitely miss the place that was so nice to me and showed me the ropes. They're so many great players and teammates on this Houston roster that it makes me wanna cry that I'll have to leave them. I'd be very grateful to be drafted by Malmo or any other VHL team. I'd like to be a household name."

There comes a time in everybody's life where they hit a wall and fail to live up to their full potential. As of late May, has struggled with improving himself. A batch of depression has resulted in sub par results as the Bulls make a playoff push. May has been open with his struggles.
 
"Its hard to believe that I'm ready for the vhl when I'm giving up 9 in two games. I just haven't been able to see the  puck like I have in previous games."
 
(Reporter):  You've seemed off the past couple of days is there something that's put you off your game?
 
"Well I've been suffering from depression for a couple years and right now it's got the best of me. It's been hard to wake up and talk to the media. Practice seems like tedious work. Its just one of those processes you have to work through and accept. I hope that days get brighter and I can return to form."
 
 

There comes a time in everybody's life where they hit a wall and fail to live up to their full potential. As of late May, has struggled with improving himself. A batch of depression has resulted in sub par results as the Bulls make a playoff push. May has been open with his struggles.
 
"Its hard to believe that I'm ready for the vhl when I'm giving up 9 in two games. I just haven't been able to see the  puck like I have in previous games."
 
(Reporter):  You've seemed off the past couple of days is there something that's put you off your game?
 
"Well I've been suffering from depression for a couple years and right now it's got the best of me. It's been hard to wake up and talk to the media. Practice seems like tedious work. Its just one of those processes you have to work through and accept. I hope that days get brighter and I can return to form."
 
 

There comes a time in everybody's life where they hit a wall and fail to live up to their full potential. As of late May, has struggled with improving himself. A batch of depression has resulted in sub par results as the Bulls make a playoff push. May has been open with his struggles.
 
"Its hard to believe that I'm ready for the vhl when I'm giving up 9 in two games. I just haven't been able to see the  puck like I have in previous games."
 
(Reporter):  You've seemed off the past couple of days is there something that's put you off your game?
 
"Well I've been suffering from depression for a couple years and right now it's got the best of me. It's been hard to wake up and talk to the media. Practice seems like tedious work. Its just one of those processes you have to work through and accept. I hope that days get brighter and I can return to form."