cody73

Early playoff predictions/projections
 
1v8: Lynx vs Storm: Lynx in 5
2v7: Reapers vs Kings: Reapers in 6
3v6: Wild vs Hounds: Wild in 7
4v5: Halifax vs Marlins: Marlins in 6
 
Second round:
 
Lynx vs Marlins: Marlins in 7
Reapers vs Wild: Reapers in 6
 
Finals:
Reapers vs Marlins: Reapers in 5
 
The Lynx will probably beat the Marlins but I just felt like throwing in a wild prediction. I considered picking the Hounds over the Wild but ultimately pick the Marlins vs Lynx as my sexy upset. It probably won't happen, but just to make my predictions kind of spicy. Even if the Lynx beat the Marlins I still think they would lose to the Reapers

MISSISSAUGA--After the Hounds snapped their 15-game cold streak with four wins in their last five games, the team decided to celebrate Monday night by proving that the old-school, drunken spirit of hockey back in the day hadn't quite died out. After the team's upset of the Ottawa Lynx, a rare game in which Ottawa ended up being outright outplayed in addition to simply being outscored, a small group of players decided to take part in a drinking contest to celebrate. Cases upon cases of cheap beer were brought back to the clubhouse, and once general manager Jerry Garcia left for the night, the team was set to break into the festivities. 
 
After Garcia had left, though, the door to the supply closet where the stash was hidden was opened, revealing that what had been hidden hadn't exactly gone untouched--every single can was sitting empty in one corner, and in the other corner was a passed-out Callum MacElroy, who had evidently gone through and (quite impressively) managed to finish off every can available. 
 
When asked about the incident, MacElroy said, "Nobody tauld me abit a skitin' contest. Ah jist saw a pile ay swally an' decided Ah shoods tak' jist a wee bit afair a' fowk else got tae it. It shooldnae be a surprise 'at Ah loch tae gie blooter'd." 
 
MacElroy's reputation as the team's resident alcoholic has somehow not translated to being held back on the ice, as he finds himself in the middle of a solid season after producing reasonably average numbers last season in Houston. Garcia could not be reached for further comment.

The VHLM season is halfway done at the moment, and each team is slowly starting to gear up for either the playoffs, continuing the tank or maybe looking to buy/sell, given the trade deadline is next week. I've decided I wanted to take a look around the league and see whose doing well, whose not, and if I see any trends. This is my VHLM season recap so far, going off where each team fares in the standings: 
 
1. Ottawa Lynx  (24-8-3, 59 points, 152 GF to 73 GA) 
The Lynx have by far been the best team in the VHLM all season, mostly capped off by the outstanding play of Pekka Pouta, whose wins can be chalked up two major factors, one being exceptional play given he has 7 shutouts, and a very strong defense in front of him, as he's faced an average of less than 20 shots a game. In addition, the team can thank Don Draper for his exceptional play as of late, as he has reached 50 points in 35 games, placing him on a 102 point pace currently. Other key names to contribute to teams success include Pascal Batz, Blake Laughton & ACL TEAR. Ottawa is best off staying pat, as they're more certainly one of the Founders Cup Favourites going into the 2nd half. 
 
2. Philadelphia Reapers (27-5-3, 57 points, 137 GF to 63 GA) 
The Reapers are essentially neck and neck with the Lynx, edging them out for being the leagues best defensive team, while having a 50 point scoriler of their own in Johns Frostbeard, who has 52 on the year. These guys are also probably best off staying put, and are neck and neck faves for the FC, however I personally do feel that if they could find a trade for some more offensive firepower, they should probably pull the trigger. The Lynx may have a similar goal differensial to the Reaps (79 to 73), but they have a massive lead in goals scored.... something to think about going into this last stretch. 
 
3. Saskatoon Wild  (24-10-1, 49 points, 130 GF to 89 GA) 
The Wild have certainly been interesting this year, and could be seen as a sleeper option when it comes to the playoffs. Led by top league scorer Rocky LaGarza, these guys could be seen as potent if he remains hot in the 2nd half. However, this is another time where I could see a team opting to looking for some insurance. The teams 2nd best scorer is Milan Griffin, who has a measly 40 points to LaGarza's 56. It's up to the Wild, but personally, I'm team #GETROCKYHELP if they really want to rival either the Lynx or Reapers. 
 
4. San Diego Marlins (22-10-3, 47 points, 122 GF to 100 GA) 
One of 3 expansion clubs, the Marlins so far have surpassed people's expectations going into the season. The teams strong play can be attributed to the league's 2nd best defenseman in terms of points, Lincoln Tate, who sits at 49 for the year. This is another case where a team could look to buy, but given the Marlins already gave up their first rounder in a trade earlier in the year, maybe looking towards the future might be their better option. Tate should certainly have value on the open market, as would Edgar Tannahill. 
 
5. Halifax 21st  (21-10-3, 45 points, 123 GF to 111 GA) 
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Last year's Founders Cup runner up have seen themselves be a more middling team this year. One of the most frustrating decisions has to be seeing former 21st player Cody Smith blossom into the league's best goal scorer. That being said, the teams leaders are players here from last year in Blake Gaudette & AJ Axelsen. This is a club that could be in the market to buy, but it depends on if they feel they have enough to go for it. Might be best to stay pat and hope to play spoiler. 

6. Mexico City Kings  (17-13-4, 38 points, 78 GF to 76 GA) 
The Kings should not be this good.... seriously. The team has no offence, yet somehow they're winning games thanks to some solid lockdown play. However, the Kings are in the same situation as the Marlins, having sold their first round pick earlier in the year. Given the state of this club, they should either stay pat or look to sell. 
 
7. Minnesota Storm  (18-15-1, 37 points, 82 GF to 95 GA) 
The true outlier of the league. How does a team that has scored less than they've let in have a postive record? One can assume it's a mix of luck and a easy schedule. Personally, I don't see them keeping up this play, and they should see if they can probably get the tanks rolling in Minny.... this could be a great target for the Wild to make a deal, IMO. 
 
8. Mississauga Hounds  (17-16-3, 37 points, 122 GF to 120 GA) 
The Hounds are the true underdogs of this season, having 3 players in the top 10 for scoring, the leagues leading goal scorer and the best defenseman in terms of scoring. The issue has been they've been leaving their goalie, Rayz Funk, out to dry. From what I've heard, GM Jerry Garcia wants to stay pat, but.... this is another target for Saskatoon in my eyes if they can get 'Sauga to talk. 
 
9. Las Vegas Aces  (9-22-3, 21 points, 87 GF to 145 GA) 
The Aces are easily trying to tank while also signing young guys that they hope will stick around so they grow into a contender. It's not a bad strategy, but personally they have a guy who could be a huge asset to a club in MORPHEOUS DESTRUCTOUS. A bruising, physical defenseman, DESTRUCTOUS could be very helpful to a contending club and sending him off would help the tank. 
 
10. Yukon Rush  (5-26-3, 13 points, 56 GF to 114 GA) 
The Rush are another team that's hoping to tank it's way to the top.... and honestly, I have 0 idea if they have anything to really sell at this point. I say stay pat, and hopefully they out-tank Vegas & Houston. 
 
11. Houston Bulls  (2-27-5, 9 points, 63 GF to 164 GA) 
I think we've found our Sam Hinkie, guys. #TRUSTTHEPROCESS, Houston! 

The VHLM season is halfway done at the moment, and each team is slowly starting to gear up for either the playoffs, continuing the tank or maybe looking to buy/sell, given the trade deadline is next week. I've decided I wanted to take a look around the league and see whose doing well, whose not, and if I see any trends. This is my VHLM season recap so far, going off where each team fares in the standings: 
 
1. Ottawa Lynx  (24-8-3, 59 points, 152 GF to 73 GA) 
The Lynx have by far been the best team in the VHLM all season, mostly capped off by the outstanding play of Pekka Pouta, whose wins can be chalked up two major factors, one being exceptional play given he has 7 shutouts, and a very strong defense in front of him, as he's faced an average of less than 20 shots a game. In addition, the team can thank Don Draper for his exceptional play as of late, as he has reached 50 points in 35 games, placing him on a 102 point pace currently. Other key names to contribute to teams success include Pascal Batz, Blake Laughton & ACL TEAR. Ottawa is best off staying pat, as they're more certainly one of the Founders Cup Favourites going into the 2nd half. 
 
2. Philadelphia Reapers (27-5-3, 57 points, 137 GF to 63 GA) 
The Reapers are essentially neck and neck with the Lynx, edging them out for being the leagues best defensive team, while having a 50 point scoriler of their own in Johns Frostbeard, who has 52 on the year. These guys are also probably best off staying put, and are neck and neck faves for the FC, however I personally do feel that if they could find a trade for some more offensive firepower, they should probably pull the trigger. The Lynx may have a similar goal differensial to the Reaps (79 to 73), but they have a massive lead in goals scored.... something to think about going into this last stretch. 
 
3. Saskatoon Wild  (24-10-1, 49 points, 130 GF to 89 GA) 
The Wild have certainly been interesting this year, and could be seen as a sleeper option when it comes to the playoffs. Led by top league scorer Rocky LaGarza, these guys could be seen as potent if he remains hot in the 2nd half. However, this is another time where I could see a team opting to looking for some insurance. The teams 2nd best scorer is Milan Griffin, who has a measly 40 points to LaGarza's 56. It's up to the Wild, but personally, I'm team #GETROCKYHELP if they really want to rival either the Lynx or Reapers. 
 
4. San Diego Marlins (22-10-3, 47 points, 122 GF to 100 GA) 
One of 3 expansion clubs, the Marlins so far have surpassed people's expectations going into the season. The teams strong play can be attributed to the league's 2nd best defenseman in terms of points, Lincoln Tate, who sits at 49 for the year. This is another case where a team could look to buy, but given the Marlins already gave up their first rounder in a trade earlier in the year, maybe looking towards the future might be their better option. Tate should certainly have value on the open market, as would Edgar Tannahill. 
 
5. Halifax 21st  (21-10-3, 45 points, 123 GF to 111 GA) 
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Last year's Founders Cup runner up have seen themselves be a more middling team this year. One of the most frustrating decisions has to be seeing former 21st player Cody Smith blossom into the league's best goal scorer. That being said, the teams leaders are players here from last year in Blake Gaudette & AJ Axelsen. This is a club that could be in the market to buy, but it depends on if they feel they have enough to go for it. Might be best to stay pat and hope to play spoiler. 

6. Mexico City Kings  (17-13-4, 38 points, 78 GF to 76 GA) 
The Kings should not be this good.... seriously. The team has no offence, yet somehow they're winning games thanks to some solid lockdown play. However, the Kings are in the same situation as the Marlins, having sold their first round pick earlier in the year. Given the state of this club, they should either stay pat or look to sell. 
 
7. Minnesota Storm  (18-15-1, 37 points, 82 GF to 95 GA) 
The true outlier of the league. How does a team that has scored less than they've let in have a postive record? One can assume it's a mix of luck and a easy schedule. Personally, I don't see them keeping up this play, and they should see if they can probably get the tanks rolling in Minny.... this could be a great target for the Wild to make a deal, IMO. 
 
8. Mississauga Hounds  (17-16-3, 37 points, 122 GF to 120 GA) 
The Hounds are the true underdogs of this season, having 3 players in the top 10 for scoring, the leagues leading goal scorer and the best defenseman in terms of scoring. The issue has been they've been leaving their goalie, Rayz Funk, out to dry. From what I've heard, GM Jerry Garcia wants to stay pat, but.... this is another target for Saskatoon in my eyes if they can get 'Sauga to talk. 
 
9. Las Vegas Aces  (9-22-3, 21 points, 87 GF to 145 GA) 
The Aces are easily trying to tank while also signing young guys that they hope will stick around so they grow into a contender. It's not a bad strategy, but personally they have a guy who could be a huge asset to a club in MORPHEOUS DESTRUCTOUS. A bruising, physical defenseman, DESTRUCTOUS could be very helpful to a contending club and sending him off would help the tank. 
 
10. Yukon Rush  (5-26-3, 13 points, 56 GF to 114 GA) 
The Rush are another team that's hoping to tank it's way to the top.... and honestly, I have 0 idea if they have anything to really sell at this point. I say stay pat, and hopefully they out-tank Vegas & Houston. 
 
11. Houston Bulls  (2-27-5, 9 points, 63 GF to 164 GA) 
I think we've found our Sam Hinkie, guys. #TRUSTTHEPROCESS, Houston! 

Hey guys, I noticed that in the player store at the moment, there's two options to recall TPE on your player... the 1st is a complete recall, which allows to change up your player entirely for 6 million, whilst the other is kinda broken and feels useless to those with a lot of TPA. The fact it costs 500K to recall TPA on a category and that category has to be at or below 70 TPE feels like a waste.... especially if a person wants to make a change to their guy to benefit himself and his team. I feel a third option should be introduced: Full Stat TPA Recall is what I'd call it, have it priced at 1.5 million (25% of the full reroll, 3X as much as the 500K version), and have it be that a person can recall the full TPA on a stat regardless of how high it is, so a person could make a big change to their player without breaking his bank or having to pick out a stat that hasn't be upped a lot and take TPA away from it. This would allow people to make some changes to their guy and how he plays while not breaking the bank and be more beneficial to his club. 

For example, I'm looking at my team, the Hounds, and how my player is. I'm definitely a goal scorer at the moment, and even lead the VHLM in goals.... but we have a ton of shooters on this club. I've also been drafted by the Wranglers, and noticed a similar thing.... a lot of shooters. Right now, my shot's at an 80, so I can't use the recall option in the current store on that stat. However, if this new option was implemented, I could purchase that and recall my scoring TPA, giving me the ability to make my player more of a passer, which in turn would benefit the Hounds & Wranglers for when I come up next season. That not only benefits me as I'd probably assist on a lot of goals, I'd also be more helpful in general as I've noticed the league lacks playmakers. 

Let me know what you guys think about this idea, and if it's smart or not. I think there should be a limit on it like the current ones we have now, but I'm not sure what that limit is.... and the price could be tweaked too (I chose 1.5 as it felt like a good middle ground). 

It might be the Mississauga Hounds inaugural season in the VHLM, but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy having a little fun. After going ahead and unveiling their jerseys earlier this season, the front office decided to play "what-if" and asked a couple people to design a "throwback" jersey as if the team had started 20 years prior. The jersey, which is supposed to evoke the days of the "Mighty Ducks, Lady Liberty, the Flames when they made the Cup" & "What Tampa Bay could've been wearing had they chosen to use the colour scheme they had originally", according to the lead graphic designer on this project, is a very sleek looking sweater with angular arm stripes evoking the late 90's/early 00's aesthetic while also having some modern touches, like the numbers being on the shoulders and will be worn for the teams final home game, against the Minnesota Storm. 

Here's what the sweater looks like itself: 

When asked about the jersey, Hounds Captain and current leading goal scorer Cody Smith said "I think it's cool and it looks good. The fact the team's willing to do stuff like this is great for the fans. I know some minor-league team do contests where fans can submit designs and then they'll auction them off. Maybe they could do that here in 'Sauga." 


As for these sweaters, rumour has it they might indeed be auctioned off after the game, however so far no charity has asked the team about this. Others have speculated that if the team wins their final home game in these, they might wear them for the playoffs as a quote-on-quote "Good Luck Charm", as has been seen with alternate jerseys in the past. When asked about that idea, Smith responded "That could be a cool idea too, but we'll see what the future holds. It'll come down to how we do in that game, and it's still a long season. We should be focused on the now, not the when. We just lost our last three games, now's not the time to talk about playoffs, or good luck charms, or whatever. This jersey is being worn for our final home game of the year, we opted to show it off to our fans now, it's not that big of a deal. What is a big deal, at least in my opinion, is our losing streak.... and I, as captain, need to step up. 3 point in the games we just played isn't cutting it. I might have the lead for goals scored, but the guys trailing me have a game in hand. I'm furious at my own state of play and need to set a better example out there, not just for my teammates, but for the young fans in the stands. A guy like me is supposed to bring his A-Game against a tough opponent, and I haven't done that.  Hopefully we snap our rut against the Marlins, but we'll see, won't we?" 

Whatever the case may be, the Hounds are certain to look great on their home-ice. 

It might be the Mississauga Hounds inaugural season in the VHLM, but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy having a little fun. After going ahead and unveiling their jerseys earlier this season, the front office decided to play "what-if" and asked a couple people to design a "throwback" jersey as if the team had started 20 years prior. The jersey, which is supposed to evoke the days of the "Mighty Ducks, Lady Liberty, the Flames when they made the Cup" & "What Tampa Bay could've been wearing had they chosen to use the colour scheme they had originally", according to the lead graphic designer on this project, is a very sleek looking sweater with angular arm stripes evoking the late 90's/early 00's aesthetic while also having some modern touches, like the numbers being on the shoulders and will be worn for the teams final home game, against the Minnesota Storm. 

Here's what the sweater looks like itself: 

When asked about the jersey, Hounds Captain and current leading goal scorer Cody Smith said "I think it's cool and it looks good. The fact the team's willing to do stuff like this is great for the fans. I know some minor-league team do contests where fans can submit designs and then they'll auction them off. Maybe they could do that here in 'Sauga." 


As for these sweaters, rumour has it they might indeed be auctioned off after the game, however so far no charity has asked the team about this. Others have speculated that if the team wins their final home game in these, they might wear them for the playoffs as a quote-on-quote "Good Luck Charm", as has been seen with alternate jerseys in the past. When asked about that idea, Smith responded "That could be a cool idea too, but we'll see what the future holds. It'll come down to how we do in that game, and it's still a long season. We should be focused on the now, not the when. We just lost our last three games, now's not the time to talk about playoffs, or good luck charms, or whatever. This jersey is being worn for our final home game of the year, we opted to show it off to our fans now, it's not that big of a deal. What is a big deal, at least in my opinion, is our losing streak.... and I, as captain, need to step up. 3 point in the games we just played isn't cutting it. I might have the lead for goals scored, but the guys trailing me have a game in hand. I'm furious at my own state of play and need to set a better example out there, not just for my teammates, but for the young fans in the stands. A guy like me is supposed to bring his A-Game against a tough opponent, and I haven't done that.  Hopefully we snap our rut against the Marlins, but we'll see, won't we?" 

Whatever the case may be, the Hounds are certain to look great on their home-ice. 

It might be the Mississauga Hounds inaugural season in the VHLM, but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy having a little fun. After going ahead and unveiling their jerseys earlier this season, the front office decided to play "what-if" and asked a couple people to design a "throwback" jersey as if the team had started 20 years prior. The jersey, which is supposed to evoke the days of the "Mighty Ducks, Lady Liberty, the Flames when they made the Cup" & "What Tampa Bay could've been wearing had they chosen to use the colour scheme they had originally", according to the lead graphic designer on this project, is a very sleek looking sweater with angular arm stripes evoking the late 90's/early 00's aesthetic while also having some modern touches, like the numbers being on the shoulders and will be worn for the teams final home game, against the Minnesota Storm. 

Here's what the sweater looks like itself: 

When asked about the jersey, Hounds Captain and current leading goal scorer Cody Smith said "I think it's cool and it looks good. The fact the team's willing to do stuff like this is great for the fans. I know some minor-league team do contests where fans can submit designs and then they'll auction them off. Maybe they could do that here in 'Sauga." 


As for these sweaters, rumour has it they might indeed be auctioned off after the game, however so far no charity has asked the team about this. Others have speculated that if the team wins their final home game in these, they might wear them for the playoffs as a quote-on-quote "Good Luck Charm", as has been seen with alternate jerseys in the past. When asked about that idea, Smith responded "That could be a cool idea too, but we'll see what the future holds. It'll come down to how we do in that game, and it's still a long season. We should be focused on the now, not the when. We just lost our last three games, now's not the time to talk about playoffs, or good luck charms, or whatever. This jersey is being worn for our final home game of the year, we opted to show it off to our fans now, it's not that big of a deal. What is a big deal, at least in my opinion, is our losing streak.... and I, as captain, need to step up. 3 point in the games we just played isn't cutting it. I might have the lead for goals scored, but the guys trailing me have a game in hand. I'm furious at my own state of play and need to set a better example out there, not just for my teammates, but for the young fans in the stands. A guy like me is supposed to bring his A-Game against a tough opponent, and I haven't done that.  Hopefully we snap our rut against the Marlins, but we'll see, won't we?" 

Whatever the case may be, the Hounds are certain to look great on their home-ice. 

It might be the Mississauga Hounds inaugural season in the VHLM, but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy having a little fun. After going ahead and unveiling their jerseys earlier this season, the front office decided to play "what-if" and asked a couple people to design a "throwback" jersey as if the team had started 20 years prior. The jersey, which is supposed to evoke the days of the "Mighty Ducks, Lady Liberty, the Flames when they made the Cup" & "What Tampa Bay could've been wearing had they chosen to use the colour scheme they had originally", according to the lead graphic designer on this project, is a very sleek looking sweater with angular arm stripes evoking the late 90's/early 00's aesthetic while also having some modern touches, like the numbers being on the shoulders and will be worn for the teams final home game, against the Minnesota Storm. 

Here's what the sweater looks like itself: 

When asked about the jersey, Hounds Captain and current leading goal scorer Cody Smith said "I think it's cool and it looks good. The fact the team's willing to do stuff like this is great for the fans. I know some minor-league team do contests where fans can submit designs and then they'll auction them off. Maybe they could do that here in 'Sauga." 


As for these sweaters, rumour has it they might indeed be auctioned off after the game, however so far no charity has asked the team about this. Others have speculated that if the team wins their final home game in these, they might wear them for the playoffs as a quote-on-quote "Good Luck Charm", as has been seen with alternate jerseys in the past. When asked about that idea, Smith responded "That could be a cool idea too, but we'll see what the future holds. It'll come down to how we do in that game, and it's still a long season. We should be focused on the now, not the when. We just lost our last three games, now's not the time to talk about playoffs, or good luck charms, or whatever. This jersey is being worn for our final home game of the year, we opted to show it off to our fans now, it's not that big of a deal. What is a big deal, at least in my opinion, is our losing streak.... and I, as captain, need to step up. 3 point in the games we just played isn't cutting it. I might have the lead for goals scored, but the guys trailing me have a game in hand. I'm furious at my own state of play and need to set a better example out there, not just for my teammates, but for the young fans in the stands. A guy like me is supposed to bring his A-Game against a tough opponent, and I haven't done that.  Hopefully we snap our rut against the Marlins, but we'll see, won't we?" 

Whatever the case may be, the Hounds are certain to look great on their home-ice. 

Warning this guy is toxic

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 

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 

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 

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 

CODY SMITH HAT TRICK PARTY @cody73

Time to finally go off about something that's been on my mind for a good while, though I've never decided to actually talk about it here. I'd say most with any reasonable amount of experience know exactly what I'm talking about, but for those who don't, let me explain. 
 
Currently, the VHL (and VHLM) uses a system called the "lottery" to encourage discussion on its game threads. Every week (for some small reward, and every month for some bigger ones), a random game is selected, and from that game, a random comment in that game's thread is randomly selected as well. Whoever made that comment is eligible for 3 TPE, if chosen in the weekly lottery, and if chosen in the monthly lottery, can end up winning a doubles week and 16 uncapped TPE if they win all three drawings. 
 
Great, right? Sure! It certainly made me want to make a few comments, especially last season, when I commented on most of Houston's game threads, and this season, when I plan to comment on all of Malmo's, for no reason other than that the lottery exists. I even won a doubles week last season from doing this. 
 
And, let me tell you, I hate the fact that the system works this way. The tipping point, for me, was when a few people began to comment on every thread for the lottery. I mean Every. Single. One. This type of thing isn't the "discussion" that the league wants to see--it's spam, and it's being rewarded. 
 
Allow me to preface the rest of this article by saying that, to the few people who have figured out how to play the system this way (you know who you are), I have absolutely NOTHING against you in particular. Hey, I'm even somewhat guilty of it myself, though I'm too lazy to take it beyond my own team's games in most cases. You've figured out how the system works, you've figured out how to play it, and you play it because it works. There's nothing wrong with that--to be honest it's damn smart. This is about a broken system, one which has potential but works in the wrong way entirely. I've gotten to know the few people who are guilty of this in my time in the league, and I'll say that they're some of the nicest people I've met on this site--I'd never write an article to complain about them. The lottery itself is what sucks.
 
Now, how can we fix it?
 
The tricky part here is to encourage discussion without encouraging spam. If discussion in game threads is something that's actually very important to the league, then there should be some sort of reward for doing so--our Thunderdome is just about dead, because there's no real incentive to post there (and no, I'm not suggesting that there should be, though I'd like to see that be a bit more active as well).
 
One possible solution is to have a sort of reviewing-like system, making constructive comments on game threads an activity that can be completed for capped (or, if you really want to see some threads blow up, uncapped) TPE. But this won't work, in my personal opinion--we'd just end up with every game thread having 10 general statements about the result. This would also be hell for whatever updaters take the time to read reviews first--they'd effectively have a lot more reviews to read. 
 
Another, perhaps a more promising one, keeps the lottery, but moves it elsewhere--similar to the VHLM Fantasy Zone, a separate thread can be created, or perhaps an entry on Google Forms, which allows everyone who enters the lottery to enter exactly once. No spam, but it does reward activity in that those who are active enough to notice and post in the thread are those who are in general active in the first place. This eliminates the whole "league discussion" part of it, but again, there isn't really much league discussion going on in the game threads that isn't purely lottery-motivated.
 
I'd also like to point out that it is my opinion that comments here and there, and really on a regular basis, will not die if the lottery is moved elsewhere or discontinued altogether. I made comments in some (though not all) of Houston's game threads last season, before I knew the lottery existed. And when I did find out about the lottery's existence, about halfway through the season, that was still before most of my teammates, many of whom dropped by threads here and there beforehand to make comments and were actually interested in talking about the games, TPE be damned. In fact, I'd argue that game threads will be a good deal more supportive of conversation without the lottery in place, because someone posting there would feel quite a bit more free to respond to a comment, without wondering if that comment was put there by someone who actually cares about what happened. 
 
The broken lottery system is what we have right now, and, though I enjoyed my doubles week last season, please, let's change things.

Accepted! I have a couple friends on the team, so I feel the transition to this team and league will be a lot easier than maybe with other teams. I'm excited to join the team!
Thank you to the other team(s) for showing interest in me, I'm flattered by the interest.

Player Information
Username: Leon_Corral
Player Name: Leon Law
Recruited From: Member (cody73)
Age: 21
Position: RW
Height: 76 in.
Weight: 220 lbs.
Birthplace: Mexico

Player Page
@VHLM GM

Hi there @Leon_Corral.
 
I'm GustavMattias, GM of the Mississauga Hounds, and I see you've been recruited by one of my players. You're free to sign with whoever you'd like, of course, but if you're interested in being his teammate, just quote this offer and say "accepted" and I'll make you an offer on the portal. We can offer you a spot on our third line, with definite potential to move up the chart if you're active. 
 
If this sounds good, just quote this offer and say "accepted."
 
Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask questions!
-Gustav

More so than the rest of you it seems.

is the one true choice, but it's not on the poll. 

is the one true choice, but it's not on the poll. 

is the one true choice, but it's not on the poll. 

Congrats to Minny. 

Ohh GG Halifax. Good to steal a game in their barn. We took away home ice advantage. Let's go into game 3 and show them what Halifax home ice looks like.