Shaka

In the spirit of Theme Week, I'd like to take a moment and praise a member that I don't know very well, but had the opportunity to coach in the WJC USA Juniors team this week - @Brewins15 and her player Mickey Dickson.
 
As you may already know, Brewin recently shared with the VHL her experience Being a Girl in the VHL. It was a great perspective piece that engaged the community to the tune of 3 pages of discussions. I appreciate the perspective she shared and the experience she has encountered during her time in this league, as it's a vastly difference experience than I had when I was a new member to the VHL and sim leagues in general. In her piece, she mentioned having to be aware whether or not she felt comfortable enough to tell people she was a female and asks that the community do our best not treating someone of the opposite sex differently. I was happy to see we all agree with that sentiment and I hope that her positive experience thus far continues. 
 
Last week, I was tasked with helping Team USA make a run at a Gold Medal in the S72 WJC Tournmanet. It was an easy choice to select Brewin's Right Winger Mickey Dickson. In route to a 6-0-2 tournament record, and an unfortunate Gold Medal Game loss to Europe on the final day, I had the chance to see a bit of Brewin in the locker room setting, as well as Dickson on the ice. Both were a pleasure to have involved. She was active, encouraging and happy to be there, despite a rather inactive Locker Room. Dickson, on the other hand, was lightning in a bottle. As one of the youngest players on the team, in under 13 minutes of ice time, Dickson tied teammate Jack Feriancek with 15 points for what was hands-down the most usage of ice time in the entire tournament. In the Medal Rounds, she added an additional 3 points in two games. It was for that performance that I voted for Dickson to be named to the All-Tournament team and am pleased to Announce Mickey Dickson is the S72 Team USA MVP!
 
With the WJC over, and Theme Week encouraging me to get out of my comfort zone and meet someone I don't really know, I'm happy to do so with Brewin. A quick search shows that she's been around since early January and has shown a very promising sign of consistency. As someone who doesn't have a background in sim leagues, I'm not sure she even knows the gravity of how good it is to be consistent for months. Never one to miss a week, even if it requires some Welfare posts, Brewin has stuck with it and that dedication is a major reason that Dickson is on the rise. In addition to being named Team USA MVP, she was also named to the S72 Future Watch team this week. She was a third round pick in last year's draft and likely one of Davos' premier future pieces. As evidence of her comfort level with us in sharing a bit about herself last week, and the nature of writing an article over claiming welfare, is evidence she's becoming more active and I - for one - am all for it.
 
Though our time in the same locker room was brief, Brewin, it was a pleasure and I'm happy to see you rising and having fun in this league. I'm thankful for the Theme Week to take a little deep dive on your experience so far and I hope to see you around for many more seasons!
 

In the spirit of Theme Week, I'd like to take a moment and praise a member that I don't know very well, but had the opportunity to coach in the WJC USA Juniors team this week - @Brewins15 and her player Mickey Dickson.
 
As you may already know, Brewin recently shared with the VHL her experience Being a Girl in the VHL. It was a great perspective piece that engaged the community to the tune of 3 pages of discussions. I appreciate the perspective she shared and the experience she has encountered during her time in this league, as it's a vastly difference experience than I had when I was a new member to the VHL and sim leagues in general. In her piece, she mentioned having to be aware whether or not she felt comfortable enough to tell people she was a female and asks that the community do our best not treating someone of the opposite sex differently. I was happy to see we all agree with that sentiment and I hope that her positive experience thus far continues. 
 
Last week, I was tasked with helping Team USA make a run at a Gold Medal in the S72 WJC Tournmanet. It was an easy choice to select Brewin's Right Winger Mickey Dickson. In route to a 6-0-2 tournament record, and an unfortunate Gold Medal Game loss to Europe on the final day, I had the chance to see a bit of Brewin in the locker room setting, as well as Dickson on the ice. Both were a pleasure to have involved. She was active, encouraging and happy to be there, despite a rather inactive Locker Room. Dickson, on the other hand, was lightning in a bottle. As one of the youngest players on the team, in under 13 minutes of ice time, Dickson tied teammate Jack Feriancek with 15 points for what was hands-down the most usage of ice time in the entire tournament. In the Medal Rounds, she added an additional 3 points in two games. It was for that performance that I voted for Dickson to be named to the All-Tournament team and am pleased to Announce Mickey Dickson is the S72 Team USA MVP!
 
With the WJC over, and Theme Week encouraging me to get out of my comfort zone and meet someone I don't really know, I'm happy to do so with Brewin. A quick search shows that she's been around since early January and has shown a very promising sign of consistency. As someone who doesn't have a background in sim leagues, I'm not sure she even knows the gravity of how good it is to be consistent for months. Never one to miss a week, even if it requires some Welfare posts, Brewin has stuck with it and that dedication is a major reason that Dickson is on the rise. In addition to being named Team USA MVP, she was also named to the S72 Future Watch team this week. She was a third round pick in last year's draft and likely one of Davos' premier future pieces. As evidence of her comfort level with us in sharing a bit about herself last week, and the nature of writing an article over claiming welfare, is evidence she's becoming more active and I - for one - am all for it.
 
Though our time in the same locker room was brief, Brewin, it was a pleasure and I'm happy to see you rising and having fun in this league. I'm thankful for the Theme Week to take a little deep dive on your experience so far and I hope to see you around for many more seasons!
 

In the spirit of Theme Week, I'd like to take a moment and praise a member that I don't know very well, but had the opportunity to coach in the WJC USA Juniors team this week - @Brewins15 and her player Mickey Dickson.
 
As you may already know, Brewin recently shared with the VHL her experience Being a Girl in the VHL. It was a great perspective piece that engaged the community to the tune of 3 pages of discussions. I appreciate the perspective she shared and the experience she has encountered during her time in this league, as it's a vastly difference experience than I had when I was a new member to the VHL and sim leagues in general. In her piece, she mentioned having to be aware whether or not she felt comfortable enough to tell people she was a female and asks that the community do our best not treating someone of the opposite sex differently. I was happy to see we all agree with that sentiment and I hope that her positive experience thus far continues. 
 
Last week, I was tasked with helping Team USA make a run at a Gold Medal in the S72 WJC Tournmanet. It was an easy choice to select Brewin's Right Winger Mickey Dickson. In route to a 6-0-2 tournament record, and an unfortunate Gold Medal Game loss to Europe on the final day, I had the chance to see a bit of Brewin in the locker room setting, as well as Dickson on the ice. Both were a pleasure to have involved. She was active, encouraging and happy to be there, despite a rather inactive Locker Room. Dickson, on the other hand, was lightning in a bottle. As one of the youngest players on the team, in under 13 minutes of ice time, Dickson tied teammate Jack Feriancek with 15 points for what was hands-down the most usage of ice time in the entire tournament. In the Medal Rounds, she added an additional 3 points in two games. It was for that performance that I voted for Dickson to be named to the All-Tournament team and am pleased to Announce Mickey Dickson is the S72 Team USA MVP!
 
With the WJC over, and Theme Week encouraging me to get out of my comfort zone and meet someone I don't really know, I'm happy to do so with Brewin. A quick search shows that she's been around since early January and has shown a very promising sign of consistency. As someone who doesn't have a background in sim leagues, I'm not sure she even knows the gravity of how good it is to be consistent for months. Never one to miss a week, even if it requires some Welfare posts, Brewin has stuck with it and that dedication is a major reason that Dickson is on the rise. In addition to being named Team USA MVP, she was also named to the S72 Future Watch team this week. She was a third round pick in last year's draft and likely one of Davos' premier future pieces. As evidence of her comfort level with us in sharing a bit about herself last week, and the nature of writing an article over claiming welfare, is evidence she's becoming more active and I - for one - am all for it.
 
Though our time in the same locker room was brief, Brewin, it was a pleasure and I'm happy to see you rising and having fun in this league. I'm thankful for the Theme Week to take a little deep dive on your experience so far and I hope to see you around for many more seasons!
 

And anyone else I may have missed.
 
In the future you don't need a separate link for claiming, just link to the OP. The updaters already need to check that you did a PT anyway so having a separate claim link in here doesn't add anything but extra messages to dig through. The limitation of not using the same link multiple times exists only on an individual basis so everyone can link to the OP without issue.

Yes and while we are at it.  Restore discussion of said candidates in BOG or remove it altogether.
 
No point in having a Board of Governors if you won't trust them.

Picked a bad night to have a bad night. Still proud of the way the guys made a run. It took until the Gold Medal game to lose in regulation.
 
Hell of a run to Back2Back Europe. Congratulations @Hylands33
 

Congratulations gents!

1. We’ve hit a few minor slumps that I think we’ll be able to get past and push to the top. It’s only a matter of 2 wins so it doesn’t take much.
2. I don’t really know too much about what happened I just heard a few rumours but despite that I think as a league we need to stay focused
3. I’ve heard the name but don’t know him. I’m sure he’ll give it his all and bring to the VHLM what he feels it deserves
4. Smores or Hot Dogs
5. I’d have to say @Lefty_S or @Shaka. Lefty is second on the team in hits and shots blocked along with 24 points. He’s been a solid defender for us and it’s not easy sacrificing the body each night but he does it. Shaka’s been a stellar backup this season putting up a 10-1-1 record with a .914 save % and 1.9 GAA. Those are some solid numbers and has helped us tremendously get some extra points when the starters not in.
6. I was a part of it in S66 I believe and we got smoked but it was a decent environment. Being part of it again feels about the same. I don’t really have a specific memory that stands out though

Team Canada GM Press Update

By: bigAL | CAN GM


 
Below is a statement from our coach regrading the goalie controversy we have after two days:

“It’s been a doozie of a tourney for Canada again this year.

Right away, I know I have to address the starting goalie. You media folks up at the TSN and SportsNet and frickin SaskTel TV have been making it a big fricking deal, and so I’ll treat it as such.

Anyways, our tournament so far has shown the field that we are A TEAM. We’re here for a medal. Those jerks over at the TSN and the Sportsnet and the VSN wanna turn this into a two team tournament, but Day 3 presents us with a fantastic opportunity to force Team Canada into contention.

We get our rematches with Team Europe and Team USA in Day 3. Last time around, Jacob Tonn took an explosive Team Europe all the way to a shootout, while Woody McPine stood tall in a shootout of a game against Team USA. Both were tough, tough losses. Both our goalers are hungry for revenge, but only one player gets the crease on Day 3.

But whoever that is, they’re going to play behind a tighter defence. We can’t be hanging our goalies out to dry and ask them to stop 40, 50, 60 shots. I’m stirring up the D a bit by shifting Flaten up to the top pairing alongside Letang, and pairing Walker and Burrows. Flaten and Walker have been fantastic together, but it was time to make a change just for the sake of making a change.

Up front, SS Hornet is answering the call of duty in joining this modern warfare. He’s going to continue to anchor the first line, and fight alongside Timothy Brown and new linemate Squirelly Dan. That’s a kid who earned top line minutes.

Andrew Su has been and his second line have been critical to our 1-2 punch offence, but it’s time to switch up his wingers. JaredN slides back to Su’s right wing, and Michael Mac moves up to Su’s left.

And finally, what I think is the key to Team Canada success, the source of all our mojo, the third line of Joseph Gainer, Remy Moreau, and Joe Exotic. I’m really looking at this Joe Mo Joe line to step and be the key depth piece that pushes us over the top.

Alright, alright, I’ve kept you long enough. It’s breaking my heart to have to choose a starter. Both players are extraordinary tendies with bright futures ahead of them. Both have had incredible successes already in this tournament, and both have had games that could explain a demotion.

Both our goalies have shown the ability to win a game. Both our goalies win games differently. McPine has been stellar in tight games, games with less than 30 shots; whereas Tonn has been able to steal a game when our D take the night off completely.

We’ve got medalists today. We know Team Europe and Team USA are high event, high skill hockey players. We gotta be ready for a long slog to the end of round robin.

The guy who’ll stop the pucks in those three games on Day 3:

Jacob Tonn

WOAH! Explosive news here from the coach. Tonn will start the last leg of the round robin. He’s going to stand tall against the best teams in the tournament tomorrow, and I have complete faith in this young goaler.

See you all here next time!


 
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What it has been like for me as a female in the vhl..
 
(Note this is just how it has been for me. Other females could very well feel differently.)
 
I found this league off a YouTube video of someone talking about it (I don’t remember who) and thought it would be interesting to try out for myself. I was very much so prepared to be one of the few girls in the league as most things like this are male dominated most of the time. At first I was quite hesitant on here and didn’t really tell anyone my gender because I was frankly afraid of how people would react. In the past I would be treated weirdly because I am not a man and it scared me that it would happen again. I didn’t want to be treated differently. I wanted to be viewed as just another person playing a game to pass time and meet new people.
 
As I got more comfortable in my first locker room (Yukon rush) I felt comfortable enough to tell the people in there.I finally told them I was in fact a female and explained to them why I didn’t say earlier and told them that I really do not want to be treated differently because of my gender because I was here for the same reason they were. That locker room to this day is still one of my favorites because they were so genuinely accepting and didn’t really care. It gave me the confidence to be more open of who I really am. They didn’t change how they acted (honestly they got weirder) instead they continued to be who they were beforehand. I was not treated differently and they really didn’t make me feel any different then one of them. So thank you to everyone in that locker room but special shoutout to: Ricer, Cow, Alex, Dylan, and LPOS for being genuinely great people.
 
As I got moved around I didn’t tell most of my other locker rooms because it didn’t feel right. I did tell one other one and they reacted the same way Yukon did. However, with a couple of the other locker rooms I’m in I’m not going to lie I haven’t because of the fact of being scared of reaction. There’s a part of me that feels like I already don’t fit in, in some locker rooms and me saying I am a girl would just make it more awkward. I already feel as though I’m so different from them just in a personality way that now adding that gender difference would only make it worse. Although this could very well just be me overthinking things to an extreme.
 
Generally for me being a female in the vhl has been a very welcoming experience. I haven’t really had negative feedback from the people I have told (which is everyone now) but more just the fear of negative feedback coming. Thank you to any and everyone who didn’t change how they acted when they found it because it makes me a whole lot more comfortable knowing that they aren’t going to change because of my gender and that I’m not holding back their personality because of that.

 
So I would like to say to anyone who reads this: please please please if you find out a user is the opposite gender please don’t treat them differently. We are all on here for the exact same reason and them being a different gender shouldn’t change how you act. I can’t speak for all females on the platform but to me I want you to act the exact same way. We are humans too.
 
word count: 616

I'll read an ode to @Beketov any day

From Outside to Insider, Shaka Lawal Eyes "Next Chapter" With USA Hockey
 
On Monday, USA Hockey sent the sports world into a frenzy when they hired former SBA General Manager Shaka Lawal, a relative hockey-outsider, as Executive Director of the USA Junior National Team. The move, both heckled in inquisitiveness and praised for it's convergent thinking, showcases USA Hockey's desire to return to Gold form in S72 while simultaneously experimenting in culture-driven leadership. On Thursday, Lawal spoke on the move and elaborated on the "next chapter" in his illustrious sports management career.
 
In an interview with Hockey Digest's Renee Wright, Lawal lamented on one phrase a number of times: Culture-driving, explaining "In my career, if I've learned anything about myself or the team's I've engaged with, it's that I'm a culture driver. Culture has been at the heart of everything we've built, from Houston to Omaha to Los Angeles, from Duke to Brooklyn. The common thread was culture. The teams change, sometimes the sports change, but the mission has always been the same. We drive culture and culture has been the byproduct of a lot of success and I'm excited to help further that here with USA Hockey."
 
Lawal added "I'm excited to really open this next chapter in my life and my career. I've been an outsider when it comes to hockey, the VHL, USA Hockey, but it's always intrigued me. I've been around, but not involved. The timing has just never been there and it never felt like 'the right time.' Now, the timing is right. It feels like the right time. I'm just eager to get started and dive in with both feet. It's like having an opportunity to do something for the first time, with the perspective of doing that thing at the highest level and being successful. There's a level of confidence in the unknown I've never felt before and it's truly exciting."
 
The confidence comes from an extensive sports managerial career that ranges three decades, seven teams, 12 Championships and now his forth sport. 
 
A champion team builder in the EFL and SBA, as well as the architect of the most prolific program in NCAA Basketball history, Lawal transformed from a successful front office administrator to the most sought after culture-drivers in professional sim sports, building winning programs at every stop. It's for those two reasons, the leadership and the proof of concept, that has USA Hockey most excited - and the process has begun as can be expected.
 

Toronto Legion Assistant GM Kaden Carter Was Named GM of USA Juniors
 
Following the announcement, Lawal wasted no time laying the foundation for the S72 USA Junior National Team. On Tuesday, he was "elated" to land his "hand-picked" General Manager of the team in Toronto Legion Assistant GM Kaden Carter. Carter, a fellow multi-sport "culture-driver", was an assistant under Lawal with the Omaha Kernals of the TCBL a decade earlier, was named AGM in Toronto this past off-season and is one of the fastest rising General Manager candidates in the VHL. While many were quick to point out their shared lack of experience in the sport, it's been hard to argue the tenacity in which they've handled their first week on the job. Within hours of being named General Manager, it was reported that Carter had reached out to every living former USA Junior National Team GM in an attempt to reconnect networks and seek advice, as well as spending considerable time on Thursday picking the brain of Prague GM Jason Glasser and Team USA coach Scott Greene.
 
"Say what you want about their experience," shared one pundit on VSPN's TALK on Friday morning, "This is how Lawal has manifested success everywhere he has landed. The storm is coming."
 
With the S72 games fast approaching, for Lawal and Carter, it's trial by fire. Fail and it may spell a quick end to an otherwise intriguing story. Win, and well, things get even more interesting.

From Outside to Insider, Shaka Lawal Eyes "Next Chapter" With USA Hockey
 
On Monday, USA Hockey sent the sports world into a frenzy when they hired former SBA General Manager Shaka Lawal, a relative hockey-outsider, as Executive Director of the USA Junior National Team. The move, both heckled in inquisitiveness and praised for it's convergent thinking, showcases USA Hockey's desire to return to Gold form in S72 while simultaneously experimenting in culture-driven leadership. On Thursday, Lawal spoke on the move and elaborated on the "next chapter" in his illustrious sports management career.
 
In an interview with Hockey Digest's Renee Wright, Lawal lamented on one phrase a number of times: Culture-driving, explaining "In my career, if I've learned anything about myself or the team's I've engaged with, it's that I'm a culture driver. Culture has been at the heart of everything we've built, from Houston to Omaha to Los Angeles, from Duke to Brooklyn. The common thread was culture. The teams change, sometimes the sports change, but the mission has always been the same. We drive culture and culture has been the byproduct of a lot of success and I'm excited to help further that here with USA Hockey."
 
Lawal added "I'm excited to really open this next chapter in my life and my career. I've been an outsider when it comes to hockey, the VHL, USA Hockey, but it's always intrigued me. I've been around, but not involved. The timing has just never been there and it never felt like 'the right time.' Now, the timing is right. It feels like the right time. I'm just eager to get started and dive in with both feet. It's like having an opportunity to do something for the first time, with the perspective of doing that thing at the highest level and being successful. There's a level of confidence in the unknown I've never felt before and it's truly exciting."
 
The confidence comes from an extensive sports managerial career that ranges three decades, seven teams, 12 Championships and now his forth sport. 
 
A champion team builder in the EFL and SBA, as well as the architect of the most prolific program in NCAA Basketball history, Lawal transformed from a successful front office administrator to the most sought after culture-drivers in professional sim sports, building winning programs at every stop. It's for those two reasons, the leadership and the proof of concept, that has USA Hockey most excited - and the process has begun as can be expected.
 

Toronto Legion Assistant GM Kaden Carter Was Named GM of USA Juniors
 
Following the announcement, Lawal wasted no time laying the foundation for the S72 USA Junior National Team. On Tuesday, he was "elated" to land his "hand-picked" General Manager of the team in Toronto Legion Assistant GM Kaden Carter. Carter, a fellow multi-sport "culture-driver", was an assistant under Lawal with the Omaha Kernals of the TCBL a decade earlier, was named AGM in Toronto this past off-season and is one of the fastest rising General Manager candidates in the VHL. While many were quick to point out their shared lack of experience in the sport, it's been hard to argue the tenacity in which they've handled their first week on the job. Within hours of being named General Manager, it was reported that Carter had reached out to every living former USA Junior National Team GM in an attempt to reconnect networks and seek advice, as well as spending considerable time on Thursday picking the brain of Prague GM Jason Glasser and Team USA coach Scott Greene.
 
"Say what you want about their experience," shared one pundit on VSPN's TALK on Friday morning, "This is how Lawal has manifested success everywhere he has landed. The storm is coming."
 
With the S72 games fast approaching, for Lawal and Carter, it's trial by fire. Fail and it may spell a quick end to an otherwise intriguing story. Win, and well, things get even more interesting.

USA Junior National Team Begins Preparation For S72 Campaign
 
USA's Junior National Team hit the ice for it's first practice on Friday, officially beginning it's preparations for the nation's Season 72 WJC campaign that is slated to begin on Monday. After a disappointing campaign in Season 71 saw a defending-champion USA team fail to medal, USA Hockey has turned to hyper culture-driver Shaka Lawal in an effort to turn around the team's trajectory and make a run at what would be the country's third Gold Medal since the game's began in S62.
 
Leading the charge are a litany of talented young Americans, including the VHLM's current point leader Adam Syreck and five of the twelve first rounders taken in the Season 72 VHL Draft: Robin Winter(2nd), Gino DiGiannantonio(4th), Randy Marsh(5th), General Zod(6th) and Lucas Brandt(9th). For five of the fifteen chosen, it'll be an attempt to play revenge for Season 71 as Chance Rust joins Marsh, Zod, Winter and DiGiannantonio in their second attempt at WJC glory. Syreck, who was not chosen to play for the team a season ago, is the only player that was on the S70 Gold Metal team two years prior. The team also makes history this year as the first to field a (surprisingly fast) third generation player, with defenseman Shawn Glade III following his father and grandfathers steps in a USA Juniors jersey.
 
Perhaps the weakness of the team, which is expected to be one of the top offensive teams in the tournament, may lie in net. Reaper John Poremba is expected to beat out Cal Conway for Goalie, but general manager Kaden Carter has remained confident about the team's chances with either between the pipes stating the team "believes in our guys." As the team prepares, fans across the country await eagerly for another chance to proudly don the read, white and blue and cheer for USA Hockey, win or lose.
 
You can catch this year's WJC Coverage HERE starting this Monday only on Victory Sports Network.

USA Junior National Team Begins Preparation For S72 Campaign
 
USA's Junior National Team hit the ice for it's first practice on Friday, officially beginning it's preparations for the nation's Season 72 WJC campaign that is slated to begin on Monday. After a disappointing campaign in Season 71 saw a defending-champion USA team fail to medal, USA Hockey has turned to hyper culture-driver Shaka Lawal in an effort to turn around the team's trajectory and make a run at what would be the country's third Gold Medal since the game's began in S62.
 
Leading the charge are a litany of talented young Americans, including the VHLM's current point leader Adam Syreck and five of the twelve first rounders taken in the Season 72 VHL Draft: Robin Winter(2nd), Gino DiGiannantonio(4th), Randy Marsh(5th), General Zod(6th) and Lucas Brandt(9th). For five of the fifteen chosen, it'll be an attempt to play revenge for Season 71 as Chance Rust joins Marsh, Zod, Winter and DiGiannantonio in their second attempt at WJC glory. Syreck, who was not chosen to play for the team a season ago, is the only player that was on the S70 Gold Metal team two years prior. The team also makes history this year as the first to field a (surprisingly fast) third generation player, with defenseman Shawn Glade III following his father and grandfathers steps in a USA Juniors jersey.
 
Perhaps the weakness of the team, which is expected to be one of the top offensive teams in the tournament, may lie in net. Reaper John Poremba is expected to beat out Cal Conway for Goalie, but general manager Kaden Carter has remained confident about the team's chances with either between the pipes stating the team "believes in our guys." As the team prepares, fans across the country await eagerly for another chance to proudly don the read, white and blue and cheer for USA Hockey, win or lose.
 
You can catch this year's WJC Coverage HERE starting this Monday only on Victory Sports Network.

After flying to the top of the league last week, the Legion have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games and sit at 13-9-2. How has the team handled the up and down start to the season so far?
These things happen, what we need to take away from this is that when the puck wasn't going our way, we managed to put up a .500 record.
While the team-defense has been the focus of the off-season, Goalie Jaxx Hextall has continued to be a shining light for the team. His .930 save percentage is 2nd in the country, despite nearly leading the league in shot attempts against. How does the team feel about how he's playing right now?
That Hextall, he's so hot right now
  
Newcomers Teemu Lehtinen Jr. and Anthony Matthews are on pace for career years. How has their play shaped the team on offense, thus far?
By grinding it out, and showing that you are never too old to have a career year.  Plus it makes you think what would have happened if other GMs had given them a chance earlier...instead of burying them on the 2nd line.
Chad Magnum is also having his best start to a season after being selected as team captain. How would you describe Magnum's leadership?
I have always walked to the beat of my own drum.  I may not wear the "C", but I act like it...Maggie's been a great counterpart for when I got nothing.
Erik Killinger and the Gutzwiler twins all three made the switch to defense this season and the team has seen an improvement. What can you say about their progression so far?
They are Killing it and playing their Gutz out.
Before the season, Toronto had modest expectations for S72. How has the start of the year changed the mindset around the year, if any?
I'd like to say I walked in and turned the radio up, but that is a lame reason to be seen as a leader.  My mindset was always to win, so for me it's never changed.  We have just made a our lovely GMs job a little bit harder.

1. Pretty well, staying 500 is better than under 500.
 
2. I was playing out of my mind then but my last few matches I've struggled.
 
3. It's made it a lot better, that's for sure.
 
4. Action over words.
 
5. They've been helping me out a lot.
 
6. It's making playoffs seem actually possible.

I appreciate you keeping up on the press conference questions, Shaka!

1. I think we're handling it exceptionally well. We all knew being at the top was an untenable position, heck we're aware that the current position we're in in the standings might be too difficult to maintain as the season progresses, but if we can make the playoffs that would be amazing -- a reason I recently pulled a trigger on a three-way trade to add Fredrik Elmebeck to our defensive core. (Rest in peace, Elmebeck!) 

2. I think it's been claimed 'Jaxx Hextall is a stud' numerous times, and we all agree. 

3. They've certainly helped balance out our roster, but this is actually Teemu Lehtinen's second season with Toronto and I'm amped up that they're both on pace for career years with our hockey team. 

4. I think Magnum summed up his leadership style accurately above. He's not a huge presence in the locker room, but he's a reliable earner and wants the Legion to win a championship, so he's trying to lead by example and we're building off of it. 

5. Well Killinger has been pretty solid in my honest opinion... gotta plug myself, 'ya know! The Gutzwiler's making the move to D certainly contributed to Toronto's early rise to atop the VHL standings earlier this season, without them I doubt we would have achieved that at all. 

6. Honestly? My expectations haven't really changed, but I'm subtly trying to improve the team as we go along. I believe we have a shot at the post-season now, hence why I didn't really hesitate to add Elmebeck to the roster... among other reasons. 

1. I think our return-to-earth was expected; we came out of the gate on fire, and it took the other teams a little bit to get up to speed. I think we've weathered the storm decently at this point.
2. We love it; he's the reason we've had the start we have. If he can keep it up over the course of 72 games, I see no reason for him to not be in consideration for the Shaw Trophy.
3. They both absolutely have a chip on their shoulder, and it's been a huge gamechanger for our offense, if they can keep it up we may be in the playoff race way longer than people will expect us to.
4. I'll be the first to admit, I'm not a very vocal captain, I;m much more of a lead-by-example kind of guy, so it's definitely  nice to see the team responding well to that.
5. Their successful transition has been absolutely vital to our success this year; without them switching to D, this season might have been lost for us. They've been everything we've asked for and more.
6. I think our hot start has certain given us postseason aspirations, but it remains to be seen whether or not those expectations will be realistic over the course of the whole season; hopefully they do.

From Outside to Insider, Shaka Lawal Eyes "Next Chapter" With USA Hockey
 
On Monday, USA Hockey sent the sports world into a frenzy when they hired former SBA General Manager Shaka Lawal, a relative hockey-outsider, as Executive Director of the USA Junior National Team. The move, both heckled in inquisitiveness and praised for it's convergent thinking, showcases USA Hockey's desire to return to Gold form in S72 while simultaneously experimenting in culture-driven leadership. On Thursday, Lawal spoke on the move and elaborated on the "next chapter" in his illustrious sports management career.
 
In an interview with Hockey Digest's Renee Wright, Lawal lamented on one phrase a number of times: Culture-driving, explaining "In my career, if I've learned anything about myself or the team's I've engaged with, it's that I'm a culture driver. Culture has been at the heart of everything we've built, from Houston to Omaha to Los Angeles, from Duke to Brooklyn. The common thread was culture. The teams change, sometimes the sports change, but the mission has always been the same. We drive culture and culture has been the byproduct of a lot of success and I'm excited to help further that here with USA Hockey."
 
Lawal added "I'm excited to really open this next chapter in my life and my career. I've been an outsider when it comes to hockey, the VHL, USA Hockey, but it's always intrigued me. I've been around, but not involved. The timing has just never been there and it never felt like 'the right time.' Now, the timing is right. It feels like the right time. I'm just eager to get started and dive in with both feet. It's like having an opportunity to do something for the first time, with the perspective of doing that thing at the highest level and being successful. There's a level of confidence in the unknown I've never felt before and it's truly exciting."
 
The confidence comes from an extensive sports managerial career that ranges three decades, seven teams, 12 Championships and now his forth sport. 
 
A champion team builder in the EFL and SBA, as well as the architect of the most prolific program in NCAA Basketball history, Lawal transformed from a successful front office administrator to the most sought after culture-drivers in professional sim sports, building winning programs at every stop. It's for those two reasons, the leadership and the proof of concept, that has USA Hockey most excited - and the process has begun as can be expected.
 

Toronto Legion Assistant GM Kaden Carter Was Named GM of USA Juniors
 
Following the announcement, Lawal wasted no time laying the foundation for the S72 USA Junior National Team. On Tuesday, he was "elated" to land his "hand-picked" General Manager of the team in Toronto Legion Assistant GM Kaden Carter. Carter, a fellow multi-sport "culture-driver", was an assistant under Lawal with the Omaha Kernals of the TCBL a decade earlier, was named AGM in Toronto this past off-season and is one of the fastest rising General Manager candidates in the VHL. While many were quick to point out their shared lack of experience in the sport, it's been hard to argue the tenacity in which they've handled their first week on the job. Within hours of being named General Manager, it was reported that Carter had reached out to every living former USA Junior National Team GM in an attempt to reconnect networks and seek advice, as well as spending considerable time on Thursday picking the brain of Prague GM Jason Glasser and Team USA coach Scott Greene.
 
"Say what you want about their experience," shared one pundit on VSPN's TALK on Friday morning, "This is how Lawal has manifested success everywhere he has landed. The storm is coming."
 
With the S72 games fast approaching, for Lawal and Carter, it's trial by fire. Fail and it may spell a quick end to an otherwise intriguing story. Win, and well, things get even more interesting.

From Outside to Insider, Shaka Lawal Eyes "Next Chapter" With USA Hockey
 
On Monday, USA Hockey sent the sports world into a frenzy when they hired former SBA General Manager Shaka Lawal, a relative hockey-outsider, as Executive Director of the USA Junior National Team. The move, both heckled in inquisitiveness and praised for it's convergent thinking, showcases USA Hockey's desire to return to Gold form in S72 while simultaneously experimenting in culture-driven leadership. On Thursday, Lawal spoke on the move and elaborated on the "next chapter" in his illustrious sports management career.
 
In an interview with Hockey Digest's Renee Wright, Lawal lamented on one phrase a number of times: Culture-driving, explaining "In my career, if I've learned anything about myself or the team's I've engaged with, it's that I'm a culture driver. Culture has been at the heart of everything we've built, from Houston to Omaha to Los Angeles, from Duke to Brooklyn. The common thread was culture. The teams change, sometimes the sports change, but the mission has always been the same. We drive culture and culture has been the byproduct of a lot of success and I'm excited to help further that here with USA Hockey."
 
Lawal added "I'm excited to really open this next chapter in my life and my career. I've been an outsider when it comes to hockey, the VHL, USA Hockey, but it's always intrigued me. I've been around, but not involved. The timing has just never been there and it never felt like 'the right time.' Now, the timing is right. It feels like the right time. I'm just eager to get started and dive in with both feet. It's like having an opportunity to do something for the first time, with the perspective of doing that thing at the highest level and being successful. There's a level of confidence in the unknown I've never felt before and it's truly exciting."
 
The confidence comes from an extensive sports managerial career that ranges three decades, seven teams, 12 Championships and now his forth sport. 
 
A champion team builder in the EFL and SBA, as well as the architect of the most prolific program in NCAA Basketball history, Lawal transformed from a successful front office administrator to the most sought after culture-drivers in professional sim sports, building winning programs at every stop. It's for those two reasons, the leadership and the proof of concept, that has USA Hockey most excited - and the process has begun as can be expected.
 

Toronto Legion Assistant GM Kaden Carter Was Named GM of USA Juniors
 
Following the announcement, Lawal wasted no time laying the foundation for the S72 USA Junior National Team. On Tuesday, he was "elated" to land his "hand-picked" General Manager of the team in Toronto Legion Assistant GM Kaden Carter. Carter, a fellow multi-sport "culture-driver", was an assistant under Lawal with the Omaha Kernals of the TCBL a decade earlier, was named AGM in Toronto this past off-season and is one of the fastest rising General Manager candidates in the VHL. While many were quick to point out their shared lack of experience in the sport, it's been hard to argue the tenacity in which they've handled their first week on the job. Within hours of being named General Manager, it was reported that Carter had reached out to every living former USA Junior National Team GM in an attempt to reconnect networks and seek advice, as well as spending considerable time on Thursday picking the brain of Prague GM Jason Glasser and Team USA coach Scott Greene.
 
"Say what you want about their experience," shared one pundit on VSPN's TALK on Friday morning, "This is how Lawal has manifested success everywhere he has landed. The storm is coming."
 
With the S72 games fast approaching, for Lawal and Carter, it's trial by fire. Fail and it may spell a quick end to an otherwise intriguing story. Win, and well, things get even more interesting.

As some of you have already noticed, @Banackock has stepped down from his position of VHLM Commissioner, as well as his position in the Board of Governors. We would like to thank him for all the time and effort he has put into the position. He has overseen the largest growth period ever in the VHLM, and has put more hours and late nights into the job than could be reasonably expected.
 
With that said, @Sonnet has agreed to take up the vacant Commissioner post, effective immediately. We believe he is a great choice for the role as someone who does fantastic work with VHLM players on a daily basis, and that, along with @diamond_ace, he will only expand on the fantastic groundwork already laid out in the VHLM.
 
Again, thank you to Bana for all your work, and best of luck to Sonnet!

The Victory Hockey League stands for equality for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexuality or religion. We cannot claim to be a league of acceptance while remaining silent in a time of turmoil, such as the one currently unfolding.
 
The murder of George Floyd is only the tipping point in what has been generations of systemic racism, not just within the United States, but, around the world. As a league, we feel this is a time to show unity and support for those who fight for equal rights and assist those minorities who are most affected, as there is no place in the world for hatred due to the colour of one’s skin, or any other factor.
 
While we would love to assist all foundations who combat racism, inequality, and social injustice, it is simply not in our power to do so. However, we have decided to run a Donation Drive so that we can assist, in some small way, those who are affected by the injustices that have occurred. The details of the Donation Drive may be found HERE.
 
-Victory Hockey League
@Commissioner
@BOG
@Members

Day in a Life - Tyler Walker - Edition 7
 
We are off to an excellent start to the season as we currently sit third in the league with a 17-3-2 record.  We currently sit with the second best goal differential and are only getting better, which I think bodes really well for us making it far come playoff time.
 
I have had a solid start to the season.  With 33 points in 22 games, I can’t be too upset with how my season is going.  I read a ranking that had me just behind my old teammate, Frostbeard, so I can’t be too upset with that.  Makes me curious if I can catch him and go ahead of him in the S73 VHL Draft.  Who knows though? Anyone could go one...and that includes perhaps players ranked behind us.
The season has been a tough grind early on, as our travel schedule has been particularly tedious. 
 
With that being said though, things are going well and I’m learning a lot from my staff and my teammates.  Hoping to continue to grow and develop, I will have to keep an open mind to any and all advice if I want to become the player I expect from myself.
 
T.W.7.