Jables

This is my brother and he will be joining me on Mississauga

Hello there @Bobby Bummhole and welcome to VHL! I’m Jables, the AGM of the Houston Bulls.
 
As an AGM, I want to offer you a spot on a young but growing team! A 2nd-year team that shocked the VHLM with a deep playoff run in their first season of existence is now building for the future and needs young and promising players like you!
 
We will not be competing for a cup this season, but are primed to be successful for many seasons to come with the number of draft picks we possess. You can be a major piece to that puzzle and one of the team leaders for this young squad already by signing with Houston. 1st line minutes are available if you are active. If you want to be a part of the Houston Bulls and continue to shock the league for many seasons to come, be sure to quote my message and write "Accepted!" 
 
No matter which team you decide to go for - welcome to VHL and I hope you will have a great time here!
 
Jables, Assistant GM of the Houston Bulls

SUMMARY

G - Michael Johnson
Canada to India
 
Done on portal
-bana

Thank you sir! Happy to be here.

It looks sooo good !!

@Jables

Ayyyye @LeoKoz3 welcome to Houston!

Accepted

Gotta love it when a player signs with a team WITHOUT AN OFFICIAL OFFER

C Rhys Chism
 
Former: United States
Now: New Zealand
 
Done on portal
-bana

As the WJC approaches, there are 3 wingers trying their best to prove they have what it takes not just to take part in the big event, but also play a big role. Blake Laughton of the Ottawa Lynx, Cody Smith of the Missisauga Hounds & Blake Gaudette of the Halifax 21st all have a right to claim they deserve the chance to be on the 2nd line for Team Canada. So far for the season, Smith has been the most offensive of the 3, leading the VHLM in goals at 13 & being 3rd in total points with 23. Gaudette's not far behind, having notched 20 points, an even 10 goals & 10 helpers. Laughton has only 19 points, but he also has the most shots of the trio at 105. In regards to a attribute breakdown, Smith & Laughton are very similar, playing a well-rounded game with a slight physical edge to it. Gaudette meanwhile is more offensive & not know to lay the body. However, an area in which Smith has a edge of Laughton might be discipline, as Laughton so far has racked 24 PIM's to Smith's 12, even though they both have impressive hit totals, 48 for Laughton, 38 for Smith. That being said, if Canada wanted to go with a clean winger, Gaudette's the clear choice, with only 8 PIM's & 17 hits for the season. There's also the plausibility the GM of Canada chooses to go with playing somebody else out of position for the spot, but either way, this is a battle to keep your eye on. 
 
When asked about who should get the job, here's what some guys around the league said: 
 
"If we're talking WJC, I think Cody Smith gets the nod at this point. Obviously early in the season, but Smith leads over Gaudette and Laughton in goals and points. While Laughton has more hits, Cody Smith leads the entire VHLM in goals and is not that far behind in the hits category himself. Not only that, but his shot percentage is nothing to scoff at with 14.29%." - Travis Boychuk, Ex Toronto Legion GM 
 
"While all three are deserving, I’d have to say Cody Smith takes it in my opinion. The kid’s been off the charts with his scoring early in the season leading the league in goals, and he’s definitely been a huge part of Mississauga’s success. He’s only gonna get better as well. Kid’s a star in the making." - George Jihagovich, Houston Bulls AGM. 

"You know who lost the finals last season to an inactive GM? Canada. You know who wasn't playing for Canada? Smith. Don't think that's a coincidence. I don't care if Laughton or Gaudette was there last season, and neither should you. The scientific method dictates that only one variable should be changed to determine causality, and here we have our one variable. The only way to truly test if not including Smith was the reason for failure is to throw him in there this year, and throw him in there a lot for the sake of sample size." - Jerry Garcia, Malmo Nighthawks Defenseman 

After sixteen STHS days, sixty-seven games have been played by the eleven teams. Themes are starting to develop, and the teams are starting to show their abilities. The league has been showing some interesting things in the standings with the three expansion teams making some waves.
                These rankings are all in my opinion and are as unbiased as I can be.
 
1. Philadelphia Reapers

                No real surprise here. Philadelphia sits top of the standings despite a couple recent upsets by San Diego and Yukon. They had to strong wins recently beating the 2ndplace Ottawa 5-3 and the streaking Mississauga team 6-3. Due to their depth they lack a star, but they have two players tied for 7th in points. Their goalie, Kolur Bjoernsson, has been pretty strong and is 3rd in both SV% and GAA.
 
2. Ottawa Lynx

                Ottawa had a nine-game win streak going before it got popped by Philadelphia. That being said, they only played a top five team twice. Beating Halifax 7-2 and Minnesota 4-0. They lack a star player as their top goal scorer sits tied for 13th and tied for 15th in points. Their key to success is their goalie, Pekka Pouta. He has the 2nd best SV% and 1st in GAA. It’ll be up to him to keep them winning.
 
3. Saskatoon Wild

                Saskatoon has had a weak showing recently going 3-3 in their last 6 games. Losing to San Diego, Halifax and Philadelphia. Rocky LaGarza is a star player for them and sits 1st in points with 24 and 1st in goals with 11. They’ll be looking for better performances out of their goalie Jaun Jaundice who sits 7th in SV%. They’ve picked up Kefka Palazzo, Fylo Gibbles and Milan Griffin this week so we will have to see what impact they have.
 
4. Mississauga Hounds

                Mississauga went streaking winning five straight before dropping a game to Philadelphia. They beat the likes of Minnesota and Halifax in close games while dispatching Las Vegas and San Diego easily. They have two top 5 players in points, as well as Hulk Hogan the league leading defenceman in points. They picked up two defensemen, Noah Hanley and Daman Veyalon, which should help their push as they’ve only played the last two games.
 
5. San Diego Marlins

                San Diego has been doing well lately, coming close against Saskatoon and back to back wins against Philadelphia and Saskatoon. San Diego has been playing a very offence orientated style of game but only have one player in the top ten for points. Their goalie Greg Eagles hasn’t been helping much either with the 3rd worst SV% and GAA. I don’t know if this hot stint will hold long.
 
6. Minnesota Storm

                Minnesota has been falling in recent times. Losing to Mississauga, Halifax and Ottawa while barely managing victories over weaker teams like Las Vegas and Mexico. They are relying on their goalie Wendy Kandee Cain to hold them in games, which can only last so long. I see Minnesota falling in the future.
 
7. Halifax 21st

                Halifax has been underperforming and hasn’t been able to keep a hot streak long. With recent losses to Mexico, Saskatoon and Mississauga and a blow out loss to Phillidelphia, I expect them to drop in the standings. Despite this, they have four players in the top 15 for points. Their goaltending seems to be the issues as Thorvald Gunnarsson has the 2nd worst SV%.
 
8. Mexico City Kings

                Mexico is in an interesting situation, they are 2-2 against top 3 teams but are also 2-2 against bottom 3 teams. They are playing a very defensive style of game and it shows when they are averaging just 16 shots per game. However, it is working somewhat as their goalie Wrike Chyrnoble is 1st in SV% and 2nd in GAA. Look for this to change as teams see Chyrnoble more and get used to his style.
 
9. Yukon Rush

                Yukon has done the unthinkable recently and beat Philadelphia 2-0 and Mexico 2-1. But otherwise they have lost every game by about a two-goal margin. While not the worst team in the league, I don’t expect them to get good any time soon. Even with their strong goalie Justin Cole holding them together.
 
10. Las Vegas Aces

                Las Vegas has had a little luck recently, upsetting Mexico 4-3. They have the 2nd place point scorer in Emil Passerelli but this is likely due to him being the only one who can do anything. Their goalie is a soft spot as Virgil Ligriv holds the worst SV% and GAA by a solid margin. Their backup goalie Luke Derion would hold second worst in both categories as well if he was eligible. They’ve already started selling.
 
11. Houston Bulls

                Zero wins, three points. Two players in the top 50 for points, traded both of them away. Arguably the worst goalie in the league. This team is like their logo; on fire and burning away. Look for a Moscow Menace-esque season from them.

So The Reapers Stole and killed Your Mascot? Sorry, We're Not Sorry!
In case you were living under a rock, you may want to know The Philadelphia Reapers have been making a lot of moves on and off the ice.  The Organization has been building upon last season to create a fun and interactive fan experience.   
This season it seems the Reapers are determined to live up to their reputation as official villain team of the VHLM. The Reapers have announced their new mascot Steve, the Pirate Reaper. Steve the pirate use to be a mascot for the San Diego Marlins. Rumor is the Reapers killed then resurrected Steve than made him their own right after he was introduced to the San Diego Fans. Needless to say that the Marlins are did not react well to the decimation of their previous mascot!  
We talked to the Reapers Gm BladeMaiden and this is what she had to say on the matter. 
“Steve has come to represent why you don’t mess with the Reapers! We are really embracing our dark team persona and we are not about to apologize for it.  In the end Steve was destined to be a reaper and is now a part of our Brand. This can serve as a reminder to the rest of the VHLM that the Reapers are not afraid to play dirty, you may beat us one game, but we will always go the extra mile to get what we want.” 
Blades unapologetic attitude about the incident seems to have rubbed VHLM fans the wrong way but this fiery GM has replied in the spirit of her brand and said “Love it or hate it Philly’s mascot is Steve The Pirate Reaper, and we are reveling in the fact that we caused a little controversy with something as simple as obtaining a mascot. Sorry, but  we're not sorry!” 
 

Ayyyye good to be back home! Looking forward to getting started! Thank you @FrostBeard for the opportunity.

Thank you @fonziGG!!

Ayyyye good to be back home! Looking forward to getting started! Thank you @FrostBeard for the opportunity.

Congrats @Jables!!!
 

Ayyyye good to be back home! Looking forward to getting started! Thank you @FrostBeard for the opportunity.

Ladies and gentlemen!
 
Houston Bulls are proud to announce that our management group has been extended and we have signed an AGM!
This person has been active and involved with Houston Bulls prior to this season and currently has shown interest in being a GM in WJC. A trustworthy and truly amazing person, a great community member and great friend for many of us!
 
Welcome @Jables to Houston Bulls Management!

Hello there and welcome to VHL!
 
As a GM, I want to offer you a spot on a young but growing team! A 2nd-year team that is building for the next season needs young and promising players like you!
 
We are not gonna be competing for a cup this season but that means that 1st line time can be achieved and you can be one of our leaders already! If you do want to be a part of Houston Bulls and don't mind some tough time on ice - be sure to quote my message and write "Accepted!" 
 
No matter which team you decide to go for - welcome to VHL and I hope you will have a great time here!
 
FrostBeard, GM of Houston Bulls

Dylan Doyle
Age 19
Tampa, Florida
 
Born to Compete
 
 
Pre-Hockey
 
Doyle was born into a fairly well off family, but that didn’t necessarily mean his path would be easy. Actually, it was quite the opposite. Nineteen years ago, Dylan Doyle and his identical twin brother Shane were born. The odds were already against them, as they were barely even half the size of the average baby at birth, weighing just four pounds each. Due to their lack of physical development, they were put into intensive care immediately, and underwent treatment for jaundice, a disease that can decelerate mental development and cause deafness or cerebral palsy. Because of their poor condition, they were forced to fight for their lives throughout the next month in the hospital. Unfortunately, for the twins, it was only the beginning of their long and hard-fought battle against great odds. Everything was a competition for the brothers, they even fought for nutrients and space within their mother’s womb before they were conceived. Throughout the rest of their infancy they would fight for attention, when they were toddlers they would fight for toys, and all through their adolescence they would work their hardest to best one another in the classroom and in sports. They were best friends, but hated each other. Due to their parents receiving pay raises, they would change schools multiple times, making it difficult to fit in and make new friends, but they had each other. That was sufficient enough for the time being.
 
 
 
 
High School
 
Leading into high school, Dylan had played just about every major sport in North America, including: football, baseball, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, but this time he wanted something different. He follows most sports fairly well, but had a passion for hockey. Unlike Dylan, Shane never really liked hockey, but followed it because Dylan would have it on television every day. Hockey wasn’t popular in the Tampa Bay Area at the time, and the closest rink was around an hour away, so it didn’t seem ideal to make the commitment to a sport he couldn’t fully commit to. That all changed when his parents moved across the street from the ice rink. This changed their lives for the better. Dylan and his brother practically lived on the ice that summer, taking advantage of every opportunity to acquaint themselves to the game. A month passed, and they were becoming pretty good for the amount of time they’d been practicing. People were noticing, including coaches at Jesuit High School, a nearby private school in Tampa. The twins hadn’t enrolled into a school yet, making this the obvious choice for where they would be in the fall. Although the impression they made on the coaches was notable, it wasn’t quite enough to earn a scholarship of any sort just yet. The freshman team didn’t require a tryout before the practices began in late August. Every day was a dogfight for them, as they were not nearly as experienced as the other players on the team who had been in hockey for years already. This trend continued throughout their entire freshman season, and forced them to be benched every game. It may have seemed to be a wasted season, but it was used to give them time to work on both the fundamentals of the game and their weight. During their sophomore year, they began to take major strides on the junior varsity team, and were finally fitting in and adjusting to the physicality despite their lack of size. They began the season on the fourth line, having beat out half a dozen other kids trying out to play winger. A few games in, Dylan found himself on a hot streak, and was moved up to the third line, where he remained for the rest of the season until his team just missed the playoffs. While Dylan moved on to play for the varsity team his junior year, Shane didn’t make the cut, and was forced to stay down on junior varsity and decided he would stop playing after the season had ended. It was a breakout year for Dylan. Midway through the season, he was moved up to the first line where he had exceptional chemistry with his line mates. Although the first line was making a major impact each game, the team was still young, and didn’t have enough experience to go all the way. They ended up falling in overtime of the quarterfinal. Doyle earned recognition statewide for his extraordinary progress, and received the most improved and most underrated player rewards within his conference. These accolades boosted his confidence going into his senior season, where he put up record point totals in both his conference and at his school, while also leading the league in points by a comfortable margin. Going into the playoffs, they had the best record in their conference, and received a first round bye. Each game Dylan would rise to the occasion, averaging nearly three points throughout the playoffs and destroying every team in their path. They won the State Championship, and Doyle was voted the undisputed Playoff and League MVP. During his academic career, he was able to sustain a 3.8 GPA while also taking honors classes all four years.
 
 
 
 
Professional
 
At this point, Doyle was eighteen had his sights set on the VHL. Instead of playing juniors or college hockey, he decided to take a gap year to address his size and fine-tune his skills. By the time the VHLM season was about three quarters of the way through, Doyle had worked with some of the best coaches in the United States to prepare him for professional hockey. Doyle finally received his chance to prove himself in the league when he signed with the rebuilding Philadelphia Reapers late into the season. Although he didn’t put up stellar numbers by any means, he showed that he can fight through adversity and at times lead by example. When the off-season began, Doyle spent a lot of time with veteran hockey minds to increase his knowledge of the game. After training all summer it was time for the Season 66 VHLM and VHL drafts to commence. As projected, Doyle would go in the late 30’s at 38th overall to the Yukon Rush, but something was wrong. Doyle didn’t feel at home in Yukon, and wanted to go back to Philadelphia where he had promised to deliver them the Founder’s Cup. Shortly before VHL Draft, he was traded from Yukon to Philly for a player and a 3rd round pick. It was also expected that he would go in the 50’s of the VHL Draft when he went 52nd overall to join his current teammate and Captain John Frostbeard in the Calgary Wrangler’s system. The rest of his story is yet to unfold as he and his team prepare for a Founder’s Cup run in the VHLM this season.
 
                                                                                                                                   
 
 
Post-Hockey
 
Although we all expect Doyle to have a long, fantastic professional career. It will end one day. He once said in an interview that when his hockey career is over he wishes to donate to various hospitals throughout the U.S. to pay for researching methods of supporting infants in intensive care, so that they won’t have to go through the same trouble that he did when he was born. When asked about his career plans after professional hockey, he suggested becoming an analyst for Victory Sports News. 
 
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Word count w/out title & paragraph subjects: 1,224 
Word count w/ title & paragraph subjects: 1,238 
 
Note: I apologize if this ends up being boring, repetitive, jumpy, etc. I tried to take as much of my unique life story as I could and add a twist to make it a bit more credible and less personal. I hope you enjoy it, as I spent quite a bit of time researching what my brother and I went through when we were born and what we have become today. 
For those wondering... I didn't use any of my own personal information. Thanks for looking after me.

We tried. Still put up 3. Nice game from Gles. 
#fixthelottery

Wow good game, A lot of multi point nights