FrostBeard

Another week has gone by and I am happy to say the start of the S92 season is here!  Whether you’re in the VHL, E, or just starting in the VHLM it is without a doubt the best feeling when the scores come in after the off-season.  It also makes it easier to chat about the happenings and stuff going on Around the League.  Today I wanted to talk and compare the two top teams in both divisions.  
 
North American League (VHL).  
 The season has started off hot and the LA Stars have topped the North American league with a record of 7-1. This team looks like it has the tools to go deep into the post season with studs like Todd Cooke @KRZY who the Stars got with the 27th overall pick in S84.  Talk about a steal!  Also up front, are Larry Abass Jr @RileyL(13 pts), veteran Napoleon Dynamite @thadthrasher (9 pts), Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101, and Adam Rage (6 pts). 
 
On defense the Stars are going with only 3 which could be their greatest weakness, but maybe not.  Leading the blue-line is Jens Lekman @Bobcat who is 3rd on the team in scoring.   A proven two-way defender he can lead the power play, block shots, and crush opposing players.   Also on the backed is Elias Lampi @Pifferfish.  EL can put up big numbers too (24 goals in S89) and QB the power play with ease.  He likes to shoot the puck and when he gets hot, look out.  Rounding out their back end is Eric Queefson @twists.   Last season, on a struggling Moscow team EQ was a ray of sunshine.  He put up 14 goals and 130 hits.  Look for those numbers to increase on this talented LA roster. 
 
Now, the LA Stars biggest advantage is their net-minder, Art Vandelay @Gustav .  Now this Mr. Vandelay I simply not just a fictious character rolling in the mind of the great George Costanza but a true Hall of Fame caliber goalie who has spent his entire career with the Stars.  Through the good times and bad he has stuck with his club and it has payed off.  7—1 this season, 1 shutout, and a 1.82 GAA he is the brick wall in LA and will only add to his LA career records of wins and shutouts.  
 
Prediction:  1st in division
 
 
EUROPEAN CONFERENCE.   
 Right now, three teams are all close to the top spot but after 9 games, the Helsinki Titans are holding it down with a 7-1-1 record.  A quick look at this roster and they are deadly.  Up front, they have team scoring leader, Daryl Dixon @Ricer13. The former 3rd overall pick of the Titans is almost a goal a game pace right now and can sizzle passes to teammates just as easy, having an amazing 63 assists last season.  He shoots hard and often and plays with grit (320 hits in S89).  
 
Following Dixon on the front end is potential rookie of the year candidate, Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard.  With a name like that you’d expect him to be raiding the coast of England in a wooden ship pillaging villages along the way to fortune and fame.  He hasn’t done any raiding (I don't think) but he is averaging over a point per game with 5g 7a 12pts.  Alongside other contributors, Owen Lazaro @traphag, Rick Grimes @tinafrombobsburgers, Jarko Laakkonen @Xdjk93, and Chip Stone @DoktorFunk the Titans are formidable.  
 
Highlighting the defense for the Titans I can easily start with the only Kardashian I can stand, Kronchy Kardashian @Garsh.  Krochy is an absolute gem on defense.  Grit, speed, and skills Kronchy can punish teams anywhere on the rink.  13 points so far in 8 games this former 7thoverall pick amassed 31 goals last season so if he gets hot, look out.  
 
Next to him former Vancouver stud, Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito.   Always in the running for off season trophies he is the consummate professional defenseman. Deadly offensively while never compromising defense he does what it takes to win and an excellent locker room presence. 
 
Finishing up with defense is third year phenom Yaboi Oven @Doomsday.  A steady giant of a defensemen I see similarities to former Davos great, Jake Thunder.  Almost a point per game I look for this to be his breakout season.  
 
Helsinki has another goalie that has stayed with the club his entire career so far in Fuukka Rask @Jubis. Drafted 14th overall in S87 he has been steady his whole career, even during the dark times.   7-1-1 this season is a 2.29 GAA he shows that even when his formidable defense makes a mistake, he is more likely than not to stop it.  
 
Prediction: 2nd overall in EU 
 
Have a great week everyone  

Transaction ID: 66939079XD786433V

5 TPE Uncapped
$1M Player Store Cash
Doubles Week

Waaaagh! Grimgor, da great green menace, da bit boss approves of dis! 

On another note, really good job - one of the most underrated villains in Star Trek universe - great job there @MSouthworth

GM John Frostbeard steps up to the podium near the DC Dragons home arena on a very cold winter's morning with a megaphone and a glass of Viking brandy

"I am cold and I am angry, yet here we are, announcing those who will be leading our squad on ice for S92! I am incredibly proud of the team we have managed to assemble here in D.C. It has been a great time to see our players grow, mature and become true leaders. Now lets lead ourselves to playoffs and then to the finish line - we can do it, we are meant to do it!"

Here are the Captains for S92 D.C. Dragons

Assistant captain and a player entering his last season, a centreman who became an anchor of our offensive capabilities, became a dominant player and brought unequalled leadership to our locker room -  Jason @Jason kranz
Assistant captain and a leader who has kept developing and becoming our one true defensive juggernaut, an individual who is a true D.C. Dragon, loyalty towards his team and loyalty towards his teammates is what makes him a real leader - Ben Laas @dustywilson22
Captain and an individual that jumpstarted our rebuild, he became the star player that D.C. Dragons needed, our S88 1st Overall pick, master of offence on the blueline, the one true king and an individual who is ready to get that Continental cup - Mark Calaway @Beketov

Congratulations to our Captaincy squad - lets get the job done!

GM John Frostbeard steps up to the podium near the DC Dragons home arena on a very cold winter's morning with a megaphone and a glass of Viking brandy

"I am cold and I am angry, yet here we are, announcing those who will be leading our squad on ice for S92! I am incredibly proud of the team we have managed to assemble here in D.C. It has been a great time to see our players grow, mature and become true leaders. Now lets lead ourselves to playoffs and then to the finish line - we can do it, we are meant to do it!"

Here are the Captains for S92 D.C. Dragons

Assistant captain and a player entering his last season, a centreman who became an anchor of our offensive capabilities, became a dominant player and brought unequalled leadership to our locker room -  Jason @Jason kranz
Assistant captain and a leader who has kept developing and becoming our one true defensive juggernaut, an individual who is a true D.C. Dragon, loyalty towards his team and loyalty towards his teammates is what makes him a real leader - Ben Laas @dustywilson22
Captain and an individual that jumpstarted our rebuild, he became the star player that D.C. Dragons needed, our S88 1st Overall pick, master of offence on the blueline, the one true king and an individual who is ready to get that Continental cup - Mark Calaway @Beketov

Congratulations to our Captaincy squad - lets get the job done!

Captaincy is not something I’ve actually had very often in the VHL so it is an honour to wear the C for the Dragons this season.

GM John Frostbeard steps up to the podium near the DC Dragons home arena on a very cold winter's morning with a megaphone and a glass of Viking brandy

"I am cold and I am angry, yet here we are, announcing those who will be leading our squad on ice for S92! I am incredibly proud of the team we have managed to assemble here in D.C. It has been a great time to see our players grow, mature and become true leaders. Now lets lead ourselves to playoffs and then to the finish line - we can do it, we are meant to do it!"

Here are the Captains for S92 D.C. Dragons

Assistant captain and a player entering his last season, a centreman who became an anchor of our offensive capabilities, became a dominant player and brought unequalled leadership to our locker room -  Jason @Jason kranz
Assistant captain and a leader who has kept developing and becoming our one true defensive juggernaut, an individual who is a true D.C. Dragon, loyalty towards his team and loyalty towards his teammates is what makes him a real leader - Ben Laas @dustywilson22
Captain and an individual that jumpstarted our rebuild, he became the star player that D.C. Dragons needed, our S88 1st Overall pick, master of offence on the blueline, the one true king and an individual who is ready to get that Continental cup - Mark Calaway @Beketov

Congratulations to our Captaincy squad - lets get the job done!

Last season, I got to retire one of my best friends in the league, and one of my favourite users I've gotten a chance to interact with. This time around... another amazing user, great friend and just overall amazing person that spent the entirety of their career attempting to bring a cup to LA. During their tenure, they had such an amazing impact on the team, and was easily a top blueliner for the franchise throughout. 

At the end of his tenure, this player became captain and lead us to what would be easily one of the most memorable runs we'd have as a franchise, and while we fell short, I felt so proud of the efforts made and the contributions from this player. 
 
Without further ado... I raise one more into the rafters..
 
 

here links to some other ahem out of the ordinary player backgrounds:
 
https://vhlforum.com/topic/138134-biography-of-grimgor-ironhide/
https://vhlforum.com/topic/136579-obuz-schneider-canet-du-bocage-from-the-assembly-line-to-the-vhl/
 
As you can see you are in good company

I am Gul Dukat!

 
My name is Gul Dukat, while you may not have heard of me, you will not forget me.  I am a Cardassian hero from the planet Cardassia who was forcefully brought here to this primitive planet you all call Earth.  I have dealt with your kind before and I must say I left feeling unimpressed. 
 
Now that I have become stranded on this wretched planet I must find something to satisfy my interests.  I came aross a primitive and wasteful technology that you call television.  Back when I controlled the Bajoran slave labor camps I would not tolerate such laziness but I have become accustomed to Humans and their lack of drive.  While watching this television I saw a game you Humans love to play.  You call this game Hockey, and while you are far inferior to Cardassians I have to respect your tenacity to play such a game. One thing that baffles me is why watch a game you could simply just play?  Why waste precious time when you could be the productive one? I am proud to say Cardassians have been playing this game for centuries in the Caves under the Ba’ataan Province.
 
I, Gul Dukat have led my world into an enlightened age.  I have brought prosperity to every man, woman, and child and they thank me for it.  I have allowed them to explore new avenues and self discovery.  Now that I have been stranded here by the entity known as the Pah-Wraiths, my goal is to bring prosperity to the people of Earth.  I know it will be a hard fought battle with how Humans can be stubborn and unwilling to open their minds to the well-being that I will bring them.  I must be delicate in the way I command this. You may not know what is good for you but I do.  I will show how it can be done by doing it a different way. With that said….
 
I have decided to join your league and show you how a true Cardassian hero plays the game the proper way.  While I have never played the game myself while I was leading the people of Cardassia.  I had commanded millions in our military and crushed all my political advisories. We Cardassians are much more capable of picking up the game and exceeding any expectation that a Human ever could.  Let this be an early warning for you because while I will give you time to adapt, that time will not last long, I will then show you how a true Cardassian plays the game.  I have decided to play as an enforcer because your goalies would risk certain death with the power I possess if I was a pure goal scorer.  My shot has been clocked in at over 200 miles per hour.  Not many Klingons would be able to prevent that shot.  I also do not require your uniforms as they are far inferior to the uniforms we wear.  I do not risk injury but a Cardassian’s physiology would be very restricted in what you consider clothing. 
 
I will be sure to be generous in the early going but as time progresses I will play to my full potential. I have given my warning, please take my warning seriously and be prepared because I do not give a second.
 
*I know this is pretty far-fetched and out there for an article.  Please be patient with me as I will bring it back down to reality after I set the story and tone.  After all, this is supposed to be fun, and I am having fun doing something different!*

This season the VSN wanted to run a Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy watch: the award that goes to the top rookie. It should be an interesting season to watch/follow the rookies as we have a total of twenty-six rookies made up of fourteen Forwards, seven defenders and five goalies so let’s look at the start of the season ranking the top ten. Later in the year we will revisit and update the top ten list based around performance.
 
Top 10 Ranking
 
1.     (S90) Goaltender – WWWWWWWWWWWWWWW @rory
     New York Americans
 
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWW spent a full extra season in the VHLE last season developing after many though he would make the jump to the Americans last season so having a extra year of development now means he is more than ready for the jump to the VHL but is he may be a bit too ripe now. I also wanted to penalize this player to breaking the portal with his name but decided for now I won`t!!
 
 
2.     (S91) Defenceman - Leif Reingaard  @Zetterberg
   Moscow Menace
 
The small, fast, smooth puck handling defender spent a season in the VHLE to further develop after being draft 3rd overall in S91 by the Menace. Reingaard will see if his smooth quick puck moving style can translate over into the VHL; which most think it will.
 
 
3.     (S91) Defenceman - Callum Gary Yannick Janser @Daniel Janser
    New York Americans
 
The second American Rookie in the top three is why there is so much hope and interest in New York this season of the Americans making the play-offs. Janser after being selected 1st overall in S91 draft spent a season developing in the VHLE with Vasteras Iron Eagles; where he actually struggled to put up huge numbers. The talent is there and it is just a matter of time that this big bruising defender gets it to come all together.
 
 
4.     (S91) Right Winger - Thor Reingaard @N0HBDY
   Warsaw Predators
 
Crazy to think this player could have been lining up for an already talented and rookie packed line-up as Moscow Menace had but a trade just before the S92 draft seen this talented prospect traded to Warsaw; where he will now make his rookie debut. Reingaard is a strong offensive talent that also struggled in Vasteras last season in the VHLE but as he develops his puck handling ability should become a bigger threat in the VHL.
 
 
5.     (S91) Goaltender - Olober Syko @Spartan
   Moscow Menace
 
Olober Syko is the second goalie to make the list so far and would have been my early favorite for the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy based on the season that he had in Stockholm last season with an impressive 0.938Sav% and 7 shutouts but a young inexperienced team has knocked him back slightly on this list but I have feeling he might steal a few games for Moscow this season and could be a huge reason they sneak into the play-off. We will see how his game translate to the next level.
 
 
6.      (S91) Left Winger - Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard
   Helsinki Titans
 
Has massive shoes to fill as he replaces retired Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877 but this also means he should get a ton of opportunities to prove himself along side Daryl Dixon @Ricer13 and hopefully find similar chemistry. If he finds the Chemistry with Dixon expect him to rocket up this list. All signs point to Ironhide having himself a very nice season if he can continue the develop and production, he had last season in Stockholm.
 
 
7.     (S90) Left Winger - Eric White Jr @Mysterious_Fish
    Riga Reign
 
Traded last off-season from D.C. Dragons to Riga as part of swap of 1st round picks, White Jr has slowly developed into a stead after being selected 20th overall in S90 and spending two full seasons in the VHLM and a season in the VHLE with the Cologne Express before making the jump to the VHL this season with Riga. If he continues to put up decent numbers like he did last in Cologne than he should find himself climb up this list.
 
 
8.     (S91) Left Winger - Joshua Schwarzer @Velevra
    Chicago Phoenix
 
Another player that will be looking to fill some massive shoes left behind by Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside as Schwarzer should get a solid look at top line minutes beside newly acquired Yaroslav Trunov @qripll coming from Malmo Nighthawks during this past off season. If these two can find Chemistry than Chicago might have better than expected offense and a solid case for a Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy winner.
 
 
9.     (S90) Left Winger - Martin Kemp @leafsman
    Riga Reign
 
The second of two Riga left wingers to make the list is Martin Kemp as it has also been a bit of grind to the VHL after being drafted 10th Overall in S90 draft by Riga. Kemp sent the past two season in the VHLE with the Cologne Express as did his Rookie team mate Eric White Jr @Mysterious_Fish. Riga will hope these two forward can find re-new chemistry and start throwing down some impressive numbers. Kemp could struggle as the seventh forward on the Riga roster but we will see if he can overcome what we think might be a lack of ice time.
 
 
10.  (S91) Center - Spanish Moon Moth @Renomitsu
    Prague Phantoms
 
Spanish Moon Moth is an interesting prospect as they have dropped a lot since being drafted 4th overall in S91 Draft by the Phantoms but after lack luster rookie season in the VHLE with the Bratislava Watchmen with only 27 pts. Moth really developed nicely last season in Stockholm with an impressive 92 pts so the question most are asking what player is Prague getting this season? The Bratislava or Stockholm player? Moth should have a good look at some point this season as they are likely starting on the wing and might get some playing time beside John Jameson @Frank and Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide on top line. If they can find chemistry with these two they will be a huge factor in the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy discussion by season end.
 
 
 
Honorable Mentions:
 
(S89) LW - Kyle Toms @Ktoms22 –  Prague Phantoms
(S91) G - Dalkr Vidarsson @KaleebtheMighty–    Vancouver Wolves
(S91) G - Red Panda @Lemorse7 –  Riga Reign
(S91) C - Phillip Rave @tcookie – Malmo Nighthawks
(S91) D – Mina @Baozi –   Riga Reign
(S90) D - Conference Prince-de-Galles @UnkemptCL4PTP –  Malmo Nighthawks
(S91) RW - Gustav Mattias @Berocka –    Seattle Bears
 

1. I would agree, the Dragons have a good team this year. Hoping we can show it during the season
 
2. Hasn’t told me anything yet, maybe he will soon? Or maybe it’s all a secret 👀 

3. I think it will definitely help, having a solid goaltender definitely helps teams win
 
4. Very influential. Hoping he can help lead the team to a good run during the season and showcase his skill
 
5. Just to be better than my rookie year, I was honestly pretty happy with how my player did as a rookie, hope he can keep it up and produce even more
 
6. Well I sure I hope I can be the hidden gem, that would be nice lol. Really hoping I can help the team out even more this year and produce even more

1. Yes I think that's definitely possible.
 
2. He told me that he'll be IA once again kidding. All jokes aside nope he didn't tell me anything sadly.
 
3. Yes we needed a good goalie.
 
4. I think he'll be very influential especially for the young defensemen.
 
5. Being on the top 10 points list and maybe winning a few more trophy's.
 
6. Yes 100% agree.

1. D.C. Dragons do seem to have a powerful roster.
 
2. I have no clue what secrets he has been whispering.
 
3. If the goaltender can deliver on the promises then I can see a huge success!
 
4. it is difficult to tell right now, but I think Mark Calaway can bring a really good defensive play, this could inspire the other defencemen to up their game.
 
5. My expectation?  I expect a rocky start for sure, having to play with and against more experienced players, I do however expect to stay consistant during the 93rd Season.
 
6. I am not sure, but I would love for Keegan Gamble to be a hidden jem.  He certainly have talents.

Have you ever asked yourself which VHLM franchise provides the best pathway to becoming a VHL GM? No? Well I did, a while ago in fact, but let the potential article idea sit there through Rara Rasputin's career and my recent second semi-hiatus. Now it is time to answer the eternal question however.
 
How does one quantify such a broad subject? A successful VHLM GM is not necessarily one who spends a season with their team and uses it as a springboard to a VHL career. Getting appointed in charge of a VHL team does not necessarily reflect VHLM GM success either. Furthermore, not every VHL GM tenure lasts long and/or goes well so are those GMs really a good reflection on their VHLM franchise? Finally, given our long and storied history, there are more than a handful of GMs who have managed in the VHLM on multiple occasions, often both before and after their (frequently multiple) VHL stints. How do we handle those? And these days, how do we handle time spent in the VHLE as well?
 
You'll be pleased to learn that I didn't bother tackling most of these quite complex questions. What I have produced instead is effectively a statistical analysis and ranking of VHLM franchises through the years based on the future employments of their GMs. I don't think it is necessarily a best-to-worst VHLM team list or even a best-to-worst GM list, but rather a fun way to look at the long and disorganised history of the M. Whilst this introduction has made it all look quite chaotic, there have been a few basic principles I followed in putting the ranking together:

 
All VHLM franchises ever to exist have been included, meaning 17 teams in total, including those which haven't been around for nearly 50 seasons
If a team has had the same GM multiple times, they are counted as 1 GM, with an exception or two which is explained separately
For the five franchises which existed both before and after the start of the “modern” VHL (I used as a cut-off the expansion to Halifax in S62 as most of the other expansion teams followed shortly after), some consideration has been given both to their performance before and after that date
This is mostly about VHLM GMs who subsequently worked their way up to the VHL but some teams have had good representation from experienced heads who did their stints in the big leagues and then came (back) down later on so that's been incorporated as well
The VHLE has been ignored entirely in keeping with public opinion

 
Without further ado then, let's count down the best franchises for an aspiring VHL GM, probably.

 
17. Vasteras IK J20 / Moscow Red Wolves (defunct S51)
Total GMs: 17
Future VHL GMs: 2 (Jochen Walser, Tyler Edgar)
Former VHL GMs: 2 (Frank Chadwick, Sterling Labatte)

At the bottom of the list is a franchise that always seems to be at the bottom of VHL lists. There is not much left to be said about Vasteras that hasn't been said before, other than that by association it seems to have cursed both Moscow and the Red Wolves (the former having won 1 of 6 Continental Cup finals as the Menace, the latter being contracted in the VHLE in its Istanbul incarnation). As for the purposes of this article, the most relevant piece is Tyler Edgar being the J20's longest-serving GM, finally getting his cup in S27, and then having a successful spell in Toronto in the 30s – but the franchise has not much of a lasting legacy otherwise.

 
16. Miami Marauders
Total GMs: 6
Future VHL GMs: 1 (Kris Rice)
Former VHL GMs: 1 (Zack Gagnon)

The VHLM's youngest franchise is next on the list which surprised me slightly, given its early success. But most of that came under the two names above, with Rice then going onto a very successful time as Calgary GM. As for Gagnon, Miami was his last gig before getting the Los Angeles job, but that was neither his first VHL role nor his last appearance in this article.

 
15. Las Vegas Aces (formerly Toledo Scorpions and Bern Royals) 
Total GMs: 34
Future VHL GMs: 8 (Matt Defosse, Zach Arce, Sam Helberg, Chad Murphy, Conner Low, Sachimo Zoidberg, Julian Borwinn, Euron Leonidas)
Former VHL GMs: 6 (Zack Gagnon, Tyler Barabash, Vince Wong, Sterling Labatte, Robbie Zimmers, Ron Dayne III)
Since S62, 11 GMs of whom 2 were future VHL GMs (Borwinn and Leonidas)

As you'd expect for a team that's been in the VHLM since the start (although in a wide range of locations), it's been a turbulent history for the Aces. There will be those that have fond memories of the franchise and those that think it's a forgettable one. In truth, recent history punishes Vegas a bit – unfortunate that its most successful modern era GM (Anthony Pratt) disappeared before getting a VHL job most expected him to get. Other than Borwinn and Leonidas who went onto long-term careers with Helsinki and Moscow, there's a lot of recent names which fizzled out way too quickly.

 
14. Mississauga Hounds
Total GMs: 9
Future VHL GMs: 2 (Jerry Garcia, Cole Pearce)
Former VHL GMs: 1 (Dominic Gobeil)

The team founded by the Gus/Berocka tandem has seemed to attract GMs who are happy staying at the VHLM level – lots of current actives but other than Garcia's stint in Davos, only Warsaw's Cole Pearce represents the Hounds in the VHL. However, after finally breaking the Founder's Cup duck in S90, maybe fortunes will be changing for Mississauga going forward.

 
13. Houston Bulls
Total GMs: 8
Future VHL GMs: 2 (John Frostbeard, Nils Godlander)
Former VHL GMs: 2 (Zach Arce, Vince Wong)
 
Similar proportion of VHL GMs to the Hounds with one difference – Houston's alumni have both won championships with Frostbeard's Malmo in S75 and Godlander's Toronto most recently in S91. Four different GMs have won the VHLM Top GM trophy while at Houston, so the Bulls are clearly doing things right at the minors level anyway.

 
12. Philadelphia Reapers
Total GMs: 7
Future VHL GMs: 2 (Victor Grachev, Alex Johnston)
Former VHL GMs: 0

Ranking higher than its fellow expansion franchises purely based on percentages, Philadelphia has had lots of VHLM success and provided the current Davos and Malmo GMs, with Alex in particular finally turning around the Dynamo's years of despair. A theme in this article now will be that I have increasingly little new insightful information to say about each franchise beyond the information already provided at the top.

 
11. Minnesota Storm (formerly Gothenburg Eagles, Oslo Screaming Seamen, and Oslo Storm)
Total GMs: 33
Future VHL GMs: 8 (Vladimir Kliment, Damien Walec, Zack Gagnon, Mitch Higgins, Thomas Corcoran, Thomas Landry, William Shaw)
Former VHL GMs: 7 (Brett Slobodzian, Joey Kendrick, Greg Harbinson, Jason Glasser, Tyler Barabash, Jim Gow, Matthew Boragina)
Since S62, 4 GMs of whom 1 was a future VHL GM (Funk), before moving to the VHLE and back to Oslo in S81

If you thought Las Vegas' history was tumultuous, spare a thought for the fans of the Storm. Three cities, two leagues, and screaming seamen, but also an impressive list of former GMs. Oslo peaked probably from S24 to S30 during the streak of Gagnon, Higgins, and Corcoran managing the team immediately before taking over Riga, Helsinki, and Vasteras respectively, although Higgins had by far the most success. There's been some dry spells followed by the Oslo reincarnation doing very well in the E, and overall the team's done good enough for midtable.

 
10. Minot Gladiators (briefly Syracuse Wolfpack) (defunct S42)
Total GMs: 15
Future VHL GMs: 4 (Matt Bentz, Chad Murphy, Jardy Bunclewirth, Tyler Edgar)
Former VHL GMs: 2 (Greg Harbinson, Zack Gagnon)

A blast from the past franchise brings a blast from the past in terms of VHL GMs too. Other than the ever-present Gagnon, none of the men listed has managed a VHL team since the 50s at the latest but several will be recognisable to the average reader. Minot did well when it was affiliated with Calgary, including producing two future Wranglers GMs and in the eyes of many did not deserve its contraction, although its name lives on in Rome today.

 
9. Saskatoon Wild (formerly Fresno Bulls and Buffalo Jr Bears)
Total GMs: 33
Future VHL GMs: 7 (Greg Harbinson, Jack Reilly, Jack Sixten, Spencer Flammer, Rylan Peace, Roger McWolf III, Thomas Landry)
Former VHL GMs: 5 (Brett Noiles, James Assayag, Brett Slobodzian, Thomas Corcoran, Vladamir Komarov)
Since S62, 10 GMs of whom 3 were future VHL GMs (Peace, McWolf, Landry)

A storied franchise, still adding to its impressive list of championships to this day, has also predictably churned through a fair few GMs, most famously the namesake of the VHLM's Top GM trophy, Jack Reilly. The Wild fall surprisingly low on the list, in part due to the lack of huge success either side of Reilly, but also few GMs making the leap in the modern, post-S62 era.

 
I sadly have nothing insightful to say about San Diego, Turku, and Brampton so am skipping my commentary straight to the top 5.
 
8. San Diego Marlins
Total GMs: 7
Future VHL GMs: 2 (Thadius Sales, Jacob Carson)
Former VHL GMs: 3 (Zack Gagnon, Frank Chadwick, Zach Arce)
 
7. Turku Outlaws (formerly Jonkoping Warriors, Kolari Wolves and Kolari Panthers) (defunct S42)
Total GMs: 18
Future VHL GMs: 6 (Matt Bailey, Tyler Edgar, Chris Miller, Pavel Koradek, Zack Gagnon, Clinton Chevy)
Former VHL GMs: 0
 
6. Brampton Battalion / Blades (defunct S53)
Total GMs: 22
Future VHL GMs: 7 (Scotty Campbell, Tyler Owens, Tyler Barabash, Bryan Svec, Ryan Power, Steve Smeall, Conner Low)
Former VHL GMs: 3 (Jochen Walser, Joey Kendrick, Matthew Boragina)

 
5. Yukon Rush
Total GMs: 22
Future VHL GMs: 5 (Austin Gow, Daniel Anderson, Josh Da Silva, Jordan Tonn, Dominic Gobeil)
Former VHL GMs: 3 (Sam Helberg, Victor Alfredsson, Conner Low)
Since S62, 5 GMs of whom 3 were future VHL GMs (Da Silva, Tonn, Gobeil), before moving to the VHLE and Geneva in S81
 
It's no surprise there was uproar when Yukon was the franchise stolen by the VHLE (Minnesota was less of an issue given Oslo was its home before) and moved to Geneva where it had a short and unsuccessful life. Up to that point, Yukon was a hugely successful and popular franchise, producing multiple future VHL GMs from the 40s through to the 80s at an impressive rate given the Rush were only founded in S31. Alas, they are no more, just like their fellow S31 expansion brothers below.

 
4. Bratislava Watchmen (defunct S53)
Total GMs: 8
Future VHL GMs: 3 (Vince Wong, Blake Campbell, Benjamin Zeptenbergs)
Former VHL GMs: 1 (Sachimo Zoidberg)

Ah Bratislava, back now in the VHLE, but never likely to reach the heights it climbed in its short 23-season spell in the VHLM. 7 cups, 8 GMs, of whom 3 are managing in the VHL today – Vince Wong in his third stint, Campbell and Zeptenbergs meanwhile in their roles pretty much since the Watchmen went extinct the first time, the longest VHL tenures ever, by a distance. A model VHLM franchise so no surprise to see it high on the list.

 
3. Mexico City Kings
Total GMs: 9
Future VHL GMs: 4 (Nyko Nax, Christopher James, Cole H, Mickey Dickson)
Former VHL GMs: 2 (Chris Miller, Christopher James)
 
A modern day Bratislava? The Kings are the first of the three teams rounding out this list which have one thing in common – a GM who did the VHLM stint, went to the VHL, and came back to the same minor-league franchise. In Mexico City's case that is Christopher James, who led Malmo to the Continental Cup and is now back with the Kings. With a threepeat winner in Nyko Nax and the current GMs of Chicago and Helsinki, it's a good return on investment so far.

 
2. Halifax 21st
Total GMs: 9
Future VHL GMs: 6 (Shawn Glade, Roger McWolf III, Ted Mosby, Dylan Wallace, Jeffrey Pines, Mickey Dickson)
Former VHL GMs: 1 (Shawn Glade)
 
Shawn Glade is Halifax's returning GM, with bonus points for being the first GM of the franchise as well, although his VHL stint was not quite as successful. Glade did open the door to a host of VHL GM hopefuls and whilst the 21st hasn't won a championship of their own, 66% of this GMs have graduated to the big leagues – maybe more than a coincidence?

 
1. Ottawa Ice Dogs / Ottawa Lynx
Total GMs: 33
Future VHL GMs: 12 (Tyler Owens, Brandon Best, Sandro Desaulniers, Victor Alfredsson, James Assayag, Jason Glasser, Jim Gow, Keaton Louth, Esso Drunkmann, Acyd Burn, Dakota Lamb, Nils Godlander)
Former VHL GMs: 6 (Sam Helberg, Frank Chadwick, Zack Gagnon, Jardy Bunclewirth, Joey Kendrick, Jason Glasser)
Since S62, 7 GMs of whom 4 were future VHL GMs (Burn, Lamb, Godlander)

And finally, to the surprise of no one probably, the VHLM's most successful franchise, and the only to be in the same city since S2, is top of the list. Percentage-wise, Ottawa is not actually ahead of Bratislava, Mexico City, and Halifax, but that gets overlooked as a lot of the early numbers are noise from the VHLM's affiliate era. Since Jason Glasser took over and gave the team its own identity, it's been a a very steady run of success both for the franchise and its GMs – 10 of the 12 future GMs listed above have won at least one Continental Cup. Glasser of course came back for a second stint, completing the cycle and keeping Ottawa as a model team into the modern era and very much the type of team I had in mind when coming up with this article.
 
@Ricer13 @InstantRockstar @Arce  @scoop @Smarch @Spartan  @STZ @MubbleFubbles  @Gustav  @N0HBDY @Dom @FrostBeard @Moon @KaleebtheMighty @Alex @Doomsday @JardyB10 @Ahma @McWolf @thadthrasher @jacobcarson877 @Frank @Toast @eaglesfan036 @Josh @MexicanCow123 @Banackock @hedgehog337 @Nykonax @hylands @badcolethetitan @samx @Advantage @ShawnGlade @fonziGG @Dil @rory @Esso2264 @Acydburn @dlamb

It looks like I will be taking my talents to Philadelphia. Thank you @Lemorse7 for the opportunity. 

Howdy

Probably a bit of a chill Media Spot this time. Few things to talk about - firstly Grimgor, his time in VHLE, expectations for season with Helsinki, then about D.C. Dragons, the trade that brought in Henry Tucker Jr and my place in VHL now and going forward.

Firstly, about Grimgor - really liking the character, love that fact that I can roleplay a character and I through that I don't feel bad about sometimes being an arse. That said, I know no one here actually would take any thrash talk seriously. I do have some serious expectations from this season, that also will influence my career in Helsinki - I am expecting 1st line time, if I do get that even in my first season, there is a chance in resigning after my rookie contract is over. I am also expecting to become a true hired gun with Grimgor at some point as I have always wanted to have FA experience. 

Secondly, about D.C. Dragons. I feel like we are in a really good spot going into S93. Honestly, I really feel strong about our players, roster, sure, don't know what S93 will bring in terms of chemistry on ice but we can for sure work with that and the goal is to get to playoffs, prove that D.C. squad has what it takes to win some serious playoff games. I do have to say, I did rush the rebuild a bit too quickly but then again, have had lots of fun with our team, have lovely on the team so that is incredibly huge thing. The biggest gap in our roster of course was our missing goaltender and having a chance to acquire and resign Henry Tucker Jr. was absolutely massive. Now we have a true starter for 2 seasons. I am incredibly excited to see ourselves on ice. I know, there probably will be a ton of people doubting D.C. but I have full faith in our team.

Thirdly, the more I think about it, the more I understand that Grimgor might be my last player in VHL. At least for a while. This is my 4th one and I feel I am getting to a nice point where I can go and rest for few seasons. Will that include me stepping from D.C. Dragons GM position? I am not yet sure, I do love D.C. Dragons, I love the team and people there but will just need to wait and see how it goes. I am looking forward to seeing that S100 for VHL, for sure it is going to be absolutely magical. I do like number 104, that might be a season to return? Well, whatever happens, we shall see. I am still fully commited to see my player finish a strong career and still do my duties to my full capacity in D.C. I am a little bit excited about recruitment drive for VHL, always happy to help new people in the VHL, hopefully quite a few will stick around and have fun with all of us!

Well, in any case, that is it - a small media spot to talk about what matters to me right now.  

 

Howdy

Probably a bit of a chill Media Spot this time. Few things to talk about - firstly Grimgor, his time in VHLE, expectations for season with Helsinki, then about D.C. Dragons, the trade that brought in Henry Tucker Jr and my place in VHL now and going forward.

Firstly, about Grimgor - really liking the character, love that fact that I can roleplay a character and I through that I don't feel bad about sometimes being an arse. That said, I know no one here actually would take any thrash talk seriously. I do have some serious expectations from this season, that also will influence my career in Helsinki - I am expecting 1st line time, if I do get that even in my first season, there is a chance in resigning after my rookie contract is over. I am also expecting to become a true hired gun with Grimgor at some point as I have always wanted to have FA experience. 

Secondly, about D.C. Dragons. I feel like we are in a really good spot going into S93. Honestly, I really feel strong about our players, roster, sure, don't know what S93 will bring in terms of chemistry on ice but we can for sure work with that and the goal is to get to playoffs, prove that D.C. squad has what it takes to win some serious playoff games. I do have to say, I did rush the rebuild a bit too quickly but then again, have had lots of fun with our team, have lovely on the team so that is incredibly huge thing. The biggest gap in our roster of course was our missing goaltender and having a chance to acquire and resign Henry Tucker Jr. was absolutely massive. Now we have a true starter for 2 seasons. I am incredibly excited to see ourselves on ice. I know, there probably will be a ton of people doubting D.C. but I have full faith in our team.

Thirdly, the more I think about it, the more I understand that Grimgor might be my last player in VHL. At least for a while. This is my 4th one and I feel I am getting to a nice point where I can go and rest for few seasons. Will that include me stepping from D.C. Dragons GM position? I am not yet sure, I do love D.C. Dragons, I love the team and people there but will just need to wait and see how it goes. I am looking forward to seeing that S100 for VHL, for sure it is going to be absolutely magical. I do like number 104, that might be a season to return? Well, whatever happens, we shall see. I am still fully commited to see my player finish a strong career and still do my duties to my full capacity in D.C. I am a little bit excited about recruitment drive for VHL, always happy to help new people in the VHL, hopefully quite a few will stick around and have fun with all of us!

Well, in any case, that is it - a small media spot to talk about what matters to me right now.  

 

Howdy

Probably a bit of a chill Media Spot this time. Few things to talk about - firstly Grimgor, his time in VHLE, expectations for season with Helsinki, then about D.C. Dragons, the trade that brought in Henry Tucker Jr and my place in VHL now and going forward.

Firstly, about Grimgor - really liking the character, love that fact that I can roleplay a character and I through that I don't feel bad about sometimes being an arse. That said, I know no one here actually would take any thrash talk seriously. I do have some serious expectations from this season, that also will influence my career in Helsinki - I am expecting 1st line time, if I do get that even in my first season, there is a chance in resigning after my rookie contract is over. I am also expecting to become a true hired gun with Grimgor at some point as I have always wanted to have FA experience. 

Secondly, about D.C. Dragons. I feel like we are in a really good spot going into S93. Honestly, I really feel strong about our players, roster, sure, don't know what S93 will bring in terms of chemistry on ice but we can for sure work with that and the goal is to get to playoffs, prove that D.C. squad has what it takes to win some serious playoff games. I do have to say, I did rush the rebuild a bit too quickly but then again, have had lots of fun with our team, have lovely on the team so that is incredibly huge thing. The biggest gap in our roster of course was our missing goaltender and having a chance to acquire and resign Henry Tucker Jr. was absolutely massive. Now we have a true starter for 2 seasons. I am incredibly excited to see ourselves on ice. I know, there probably will be a ton of people doubting D.C. but I have full faith in our team.

Thirdly, the more I think about it, the more I understand that Grimgor might be my last player in VHL. At least for a while. This is my 4th one and I feel I am getting to a nice point where I can go and rest for few seasons. Will that include me stepping from D.C. Dragons GM position? I am not yet sure, I do love D.C. Dragons, I love the team and people there but will just need to wait and see how it goes. I am looking forward to seeing that S100 for VHL, for sure it is going to be absolutely magical. I do like number 104, that might be a season to return? Well, whatever happens, we shall see. I am still fully commited to see my player finish a strong career and still do my duties to my full capacity in D.C. I am a little bit excited about recruitment drive for VHL, always happy to help new people in the VHL, hopefully quite a few will stick around and have fun with all of us!

Well, in any case, that is it - a small media spot to talk about what matters to me right now.  

 

Howdy

Probably a bit of a chill Media Spot this time. Few things to talk about - firstly Grimgor, his time in VHLE, expectations for season with Helsinki, then about D.C. Dragons, the trade that brought in Henry Tucker Jr and my place in VHL now and going forward.

Firstly, about Grimgor - really liking the character, love that fact that I can roleplay a character and I through that I don't feel bad about sometimes being an arse. That said, I know no one here actually would take any thrash talk seriously. I do have some serious expectations from this season, that also will influence my career in Helsinki - I am expecting 1st line time, if I do get that even in my first season, there is a chance in resigning after my rookie contract is over. I am also expecting to become a true hired gun with Grimgor at some point as I have always wanted to have FA experience. 

Secondly, about D.C. Dragons. I feel like we are in a really good spot going into S93. Honestly, I really feel strong about our players, roster, sure, don't know what S93 will bring in terms of chemistry on ice but we can for sure work with that and the goal is to get to playoffs, prove that D.C. squad has what it takes to win some serious playoff games. I do have to say, I did rush the rebuild a bit too quickly but then again, have had lots of fun with our team, have lovely on the team so that is incredibly huge thing. The biggest gap in our roster of course was our missing goaltender and having a chance to acquire and resign Henry Tucker Jr. was absolutely massive. Now we have a true starter for 2 seasons. I am incredibly excited to see ourselves on ice. I know, there probably will be a ton of people doubting D.C. but I have full faith in our team.

Thirdly, the more I think about it, the more I understand that Grimgor might be my last player in VHL. At least for a while. This is my 4th one and I feel I am getting to a nice point where I can go and rest for few seasons. Will that include me stepping from D.C. Dragons GM position? I am not yet sure, I do love D.C. Dragons, I love the team and people there but will just need to wait and see how it goes. I am looking forward to seeing that S100 for VHL, for sure it is going to be absolutely magical. I do like number 104, that might be a season to return? Well, whatever happens, we shall see. I am still fully commited to see my player finish a strong career and still do my duties to my full capacity in D.C. I am a little bit excited about recruitment drive for VHL, always happy to help new people in the VHL, hopefully quite a few will stick around and have fun with all of us!

Well, in any case, that is it - a small media spot to talk about what matters to me right now.  

 

Good evening all, pulling a real NHL here by dropping some news on you guys on a Friday night.
 
After some conversations over the past few days, @Gaming Ringleader has elected to step down as GM of the Oslo Storm, effective immediately. I want to extend our sincerest gratitude to Gaming for his time with both the Storm and the Iron Eagles and for piloting the two franchises through a tumultuous part of VHLE history. I don't believe he's going anywhere in the grand scheme of things, so I look forward to seeing what he does next!
 
With the timing of this being awkward and the team needing a direction going into the season ASAP, we did not post for the role and instead asked around for someone I already knew was interested. He should be a familiar face to you all!

 
 
 
You may notice the second half of the title and a conspicuously missing job posting. I ran through this off-season (mostly) solo with some help from Thad and commissioners in the other leagues. Since the league has dropped to 6 teams, I can comfortably manage that ratio (GMs only outnumber me 6 to 1!) so for at least the next season or two, I will be at the helm alone. Sorry to disappoint those of you out there who I know were aching for a leadership opportunity!

Cool player though

Welcome @NSG to D.C. Dragons! Let's make it a good one!

@hedgehog337 Lai veicas, paldies par maiņas darījumu! 
@Nykonax Good luck in Riga!