Smarch

With Season 92 now past its halfway point and the trade deadline one week away, it's a natural time to consider which VHLM players have been most important to their teams so far.  It is the opinion of this writer that the VHL/VHLE/VHLM should have All-Star Games and in lieu of official selections, I decided to make my own selections and put together two All-Star rosters for the VHLM. 
 
The Format: I envision the VHLM All-Star Game as a 3-on-3 contest because that format seems best suited to showcasing the skills of the most talented players in the league.  I selected one team each for the VHLM's Western and Eastern Conferences.  Each team consists of 12 skaters and 3 goalies-- that's 8 forwards and 4 defenders making up 4 lines. I would propose playing a 45 minute game with 3 periods at 15 minutes each.  
 
The Selections: I think any good All-Star roster should include players from every team in the league, but should ideally not omit any players who deserve to be there.  Thankfully, it was possible to create these lineups with at least two deserving representatives from each team (at least one skater), and no more than four from any single team.  There were inevitably a few deserving players that needed to be left off to make up these numbers and I will recognize them at the end.  Choosing goalies was the hardest because it's very difficult to compare their performances with drastic variations in games played and team quality.  I chose 20 games played as the minimum threshold for goalies who were selected, which unfortunately eliminated some goalies who have performed well in a small sample size.  I ordered the roster lists below by position and team alphabetically.
 
VHLM Western Conference All-Stars:
 
Houston Bulls - (RW) Trimiskez Artav @jake - 21G-32A-53P
Las Vegas Aces - (RW) Elle Aura Ashe @Lynersify - 22G-29A-51P
Saskatoon Wild - (RW) Annie Oaks @Noodle Enjoyer - 24G-25A-49P
Las Vegas Aces - (LW) Stinky @taylorherd - 27G-26A-53P
Mexico City Kings - (LW) Loona Buckzo @WildfireMicro - 20G-25A-45P
San Diego Marlins - (LW) Jean-Pierre Devote @eagle_3450 - 31G-30A-61P*
San Diego Marlins - (LW) Dwight Shcrute @Jamomayo - 25G-30A-55P
Saskatoon Wild - (LW) Forum Content @frescoelmo - 20G-41A-61P
 
Houston Bulls - (D) Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher- 9G-35A-44P
Houston Bulls - (D) Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee - 9G-33A-42P
Las Vegas Aces - (D) Bric Sheithaus @Oldhead91 - 11G-42A-53P
Mexico City Kings - (D) Free Gorlab @eaglesfan036 - 17G-27A-44P
 
Houston Bulls - (G) Ondrej Vencko @Mutti - .890%, 3.06GAA, 15W
Mexico City Kings - (G) Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu - .899%, 2.68GAA, 21W
San Diego Marlins - (G) Samuel Wazinski @samthemancub - .914%, 2.47GAA, 26W

VHLM Eastern Conference All-Stars:
 
Halifax 21st - (C) Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica - 26G-23A-49P
Mississauga Hounds - (C) Wernher von Braun @Prof. Zach Enron - 21G-18A-39P
Ottawa Lynx - (RW) Ivan Ivanov @KmaddFPS - 24G-34A-48P
Ottawa Lynx - (RW) Steve French @Seabass - 26G-24A-50P
Philadelphia Reapers - (RW) Yermolai Nabokov @fonziGG - 26G-33A-59P
Halifax 21st - (LW) Aanarsi Reingaard @Laine - 23G-21A-44P
Miami Marauders - (LW) Matthew Highmore @NineIQ v2 - 24G-26A-50P
Ottawa Lynx - (LW) Wayne Shotzky @Kenamatic - 27G-30A-57P
 
Miami Marauders - (D) Bilbo Teebaggins @SackButter - 12G-34A-46P
Miami Marauders - (D) Pierre Ennis @DeciBell4 - 8G-28A-36P
Philadelphia Reapers - (D) Enn Jinn @jhatty8 - 14G-37A-51P
Philadelphia Reapers - (D) Magni Jinn @DontCallMeCarson- 7G-34A-41P
 
Miami Marauders - (G) Shaunca @shaun1979 - .888%, 2.72GAA, 1SO, 20W
Mississauga Hounds - (G) Marc-Andre Fleury @ElementStyx9 - .907%, 3.45GAA, 8W
Philadelphia Reapers - (G) Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish - .919%, 2.35GAA, 1SO,27W
 
Notable Omissions:
 
Houston Bulls - (LW) Chris Reynolds Jr @Crstats23 - 20G-20A-40P
Miami Marauders - (RW) Leon Bruhmaninho @BigBruhman - 13G-28A-41P
Philadelphia Reapers - (C) Taylor Swift @lilchrist - 13G-29A-42P
Philadelphia Reapers - (RW) beaubeau primetime @Bobo - 18G-23A-41P
San Diego Marlins - (C) Adam @Adam Ma - 11G-37A-48P

In addition to selecting All-Star teams from the Western and Eastern Conferences, I also wanted to recognize the top players from the entire league in a All-VHLM Team lineup.  For this full lineup of five skaters and a goalie, I selected the best players from each particular position (LW, C, RW, D, G).
 
All-VHLM First Team
 
(LW) Forum Content - (C) Antonia Bucatini - (RW) Yermolai Nabokov
(D) Bric Sheithaus - (D) Bilbo Teebaggins
(G) Jorgen Lovstrom
 
 
Congratulations to all of the above players on their very successful seasons to this point.  I think having an actual simulated All-Star Game would be a lot of fun just to see how combinations of the top players produce alongside each other.  I apologize to anyone who felt they should be included on the list.  There were a lot of deserving players and a number I listed who just didn't fit based on the criteria, despite having All-Star worthy seasons.  Adam, for example, centers possibly the hottest line in the VHLM right now between Devote and Shcrute.  I really wanted to include him but couldn't justify dropping another player.  
 
If you saw things differently or have other players you want to shout out, please feel free to tag them in a reply so they can also be recognized!  
 
 
Lauren Lambert for VHL.com
02/04/24 -  Theme Week: All-Star
 

Theme Week – Hey now, your a All-star (RIP Steve Harwell)
With this year’s theme week finally announced as “All-star”, we wanted to look at who we would think would represent the North American and European Conferences in a VHL all-star game if it was to take place with current VHL players from each VHL Team.
North American Conference:
 
Calgary Wranglers: Randy Bobandy (C) 
Season Eighty-Seven draftee Randy Bobandy is our pick from the Calgary Wranglers. After years in Truro Nova Scotia as the assistant trailer park supervisor, Bobandy helped to the VHL where he drafted Fourth Overall by the Seattle Bears. After four very successful personal seasons with the Bears, Bobandy was traded to the Wrangles ahead of the start of the Season Ninety-One season. After posting his lowest point total in the VHL since his rookie season last season in Calgary, Bobandy is back to being a point per game player this season. With thirteen goals and thirty-one assists in the Wranglers thirty-eight games played this season, Bobandy is leading the way offensively for Calgary who sits only eight points behind Los Angeles for first place in the conference.
 
Chicago Phoenix: Yaroslav Trunov (RW)
Another Season Eighty-Seven draftee Yaroslav Trunov is out pick for the non-existent VHL all-star game for the Chicago Phoenix. Trunov is leading the way by a large margin for the Phoenix, as he currently leads the Phoenix in points with twenty-four goals and twenty-nine assists, with his closest teammate having only thirty points. Trunov is in his first season in Chicago after spending the last five seasons with the Malamo Nighthawks and is currently on pace for his best season offensively. Not only is Trunov leading the way for the Phoenix but Trunov also sits in second place in the entire VHL in points, only five points behind the league leader AK92 With da Hoodie. With such an outstanding season, Trunov being selected a VHL all-star in Season Ninety-Two would be very well deserved.
 
D.C. Dragons: Mark Calaway (D)
Currently in third place in the VHLs North American Conference, the D.C. Dragons had many multiple players step up to the plate on contribute game in and game out. Players like The Frenchman, Vincent Laroche-Gagnier and Jason are currently leading the way offensively, but out pick for the Dragons would come for the defensive side of the team in Mark Calaway. Calaway is currently the best defender on the roster by a long shot, putting up thirteen goals and twenty-five assists in thirty-eight games played this season. Calaway is in his fourth season in the VHL with the Dragons, where he has put up respectful numbers in the previous three seasons, but the towering defenseman in on track to put up career numbers his season and that deserves an all-star nod in our opinion.
 
Los Angeles Stars: Art Vandelay (G)
In his last season in the VHL, Art Vandelay sure isn’t showing signs of aging or in the VHL case, depreciation. Vandelay is currently leading the entire league in wins on the season, winning twenty-nine of his thirty-eight games he started in net this season. Vandelay is also putting up numbers so far this season that bests his career averages, with a .929 save percentage and 2.13 goals against average. The former first overall VHL draft pick from the Season Eighty-Four VHL Entry Draft, Vandelay is hoping his last season in the VHL won’t only end with an “all-star” selection but also some VHL hardware, namely his first Continental Cup.
 
New York Americans: WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW (G)
After two seasons with the Bratislava Watchmen in the VHLE, W36 is showing the wait was worth it for the Americans brass and fans. W36 has played in thirty-eight games for the Americans this season, putting up eighteen wins in those thirty-eight games. While the eighteen wins aren’t eye popping, it’s the fact that W36 has put up a .940 save percentage and 1.93 goals against average that has up picking him for our all-star roster. Those numbers would be league leading if the league had a minimum number of games played to be eligible for the leaderboard in those categories. The play of W36 is one of the biggest reasons that New York currently finds themselves in a playoff spot as the league hits the half-way point, and the Americans hope the Season Ninety goalie can continue his stellar play the remainder of the season to help the club back into the playoffs this season for the first time since Season Ninety-Eight.
Seattle Bears: Severus Targaryen (C)
While it’s been a tough go of it this season in Seattle, Severus Targaryen has been playing his best hockey to date in his second season with the Seattle based VHL club. After putting up fifty-eight points in his rookie season last year with the Bears, Targaryen is on pace to smash that total this year as he has put up forty-five points in just thirty-seven games this season. With Seattle currently sitting at the bottom of the standings in the entire league, the great season by Targaryen is likely to be ignored by many around the league outside of Seattle, but with him being the top scorer with him being the top scorer in Seattle by a large margin we couldn’t ignore it and wanted to give him his due regard and list him as the Bears representative in out faux all-star game roster.
Toronto Legion: Jimi Jaks (C)
For the next selection for our Season Ninety-Two “all-star” roster, we head to the opposite end of the North American conference, with the Toronto Legion. Toronto is currently in the fifth spot in the North American Conference, which is the last playoff spot in the conference, but are just three points head of sixth place Chicago. Toronto is currently in the playoff spot in large part to the point per game place of their American center, Jimi Jaks, which should be no surprise to the Legion faithful. Jaks has been a point per game player the last two seasons, putting up a respectful seventy-nine and eighty-one points those two seasons, numbers which he may pass this season. So far in thirty-eight games Jaks has put up eighteen goals and twenty-two assists, which leads the Legion roster. The Legion are hoping Jaks can bring his play to the next level in the second half of Season Ninety-Two to bring them back to the finals for another shot at the cup.
Vancouver Wolves: Liv Slater (D)
With recent deals that saw Vancouver move out some of their top scoring players, Slater has been leaned upon to pick up the slack from the blue-line, something he has done. Slater currently sits second on the roster in points, with thirty-eight points in thirty-seven games which is just three points behind the team leader in Nick Sansoe. Slater who signed a massive four-year extension with the Wolves this offseason is really showing his worth in Season Ninety-Two, in what is a re-building season for the Wolves, something that should excite the Wolves management as the look to make a splash next season.
 
 
European Conference:
 
HC Davos Dynamo: David Jokinen (D)
Our first selection for the European Conference “all-stars” is long-time Davos Dynamo member David Jokinen. Drafted Tenth Overall back in the Season Eighty-Seven VHL Entry Draft, Jokinen is in his sixth season in Davos, and is likely on his way to a career year offensively with the club. Currently in the thirty-eight games played this season, Jokinen has put up a career-high fourteen goals to go along with twenty-three assists, which is good enough to currently lead the entire Dynamo roster in points. While Jokinen has been a stud offensively for the Dynamo, he also currently sits second in the league in shots blocked with 112 on the season. Currently a top ten offensive defenseman and top two defensive defenseman in the league, we could hardly pass Jokinen up while assembling out “all-star” roster.
 
Helsinki Titans: Kronchy Kardashian (D)
Right after selecting Jokinen, we head back to the blue-line to pick our next “all-star”, this time Helsinki’s Kronchy Kardashian. This selection was a bit harder than the rest considering either party on the Titans top defensive paring could have been selected, we selected Kardashian as he was above PEB on the team scoring list, we assume due to alphabetical order. None the less, Kardashian is just as deserving of the selection regardless of why we selected him. Kardashian has put up eight goals and thirty-three assists in Helsinkis’ thirty-eight games played, which puts him one behind the league leader in the VHL in defenseman points. After putting up career highs in all offensive categories last season, Kardashian might be on his way to match his career high in points (76) this season, as he looks to help the Titans back to the Cup finals for a second straight season.
 
London United: Leonard Triller (RW)
Season Eighty-Six draftee Leonard Triller would be out selection for the “all-star” game from the London United. Triller is in his fifth season with the London based VHL team, and it is coming off a stellar season last year, where he put up seventy-nine assists and 103 points overall. After 100-point season, there is often a drop off the following year, especially in the sporadic VHL, but Triller is on pace to again break the 100-point plateau. Triller has twenty-two goals and thirty assists in the United first thirty-seven games on the season, which will set him up nicely for the second half of the season. With the United currently in third place in the European Conference, London hopes Triller can keep the offensive production up and help the club advance further into the playoffs after last years early exit.
 
Malmo Nighthawks: Ash Sparks (G)
The first netminder on our list for the European Conference, Ash Sparks has been having an outstanding season for Malmo. Sparks has appeared in all thirty-four out of the thirty-eight games the Nighthawks have played in so far, putting up a 23-8-3 record. Along with the second most wins amongst all VHL goaltenders, Sparks has also put up a respectable .928 save percentage and 2.27 goals against average, which are both top ten numbers in the VHL. With Malmo currently in first place in the European Conference, Sparks has been a big part of the outstanding season they are currently experiencing in Malmo, a season that the Nighthawk management hope continues through the second half of the season.
Moscow Menace: Olober Syko (G)
The second-best team in the European Conference, the Moscow Menace are another team that find themselves in the position they are in in large part to the stellar play of their rookie netminder Olober Syko. While the Menace currently have three players with over a point per game, Syko has been lights out most nights he has started in net, especially for a first-year goalie. First year goalies often have a tough go of it in the VHL, but Syko has been impressive with twenty wins already this year. Along with his twenty wins, Syko has also put up a .921 save percentage and 2.75 goals against average. If the Menace hope to stay a top of the standings in Season Ninety-Two, Syko will need to keep up his play to make sure that happens.
Prague Phantoms: John Jameson (C) 
Next Up on our list is the Prague Phantoms. From the Phantom we would gladly pick John Jameson who is currently the team leader in points. Selected second overall in the Season Eighty-Five VHL Entry Draft, Jameson has been a mainstay on the Phantoms roster since his rookie season in Season Eighty-Six. Jameson has had a good run of late with 114, 101 and ninety-one points in the last three seasons, and looks poised to break the 100 point plateau again in his seventh season in the VHL. So far in thirty-eight games this season Jameson has nineteen goals and thirty-one assists, numbers which put him in sixth place in the overall point race in the league. Prague will need Jameson to continue his scoring ways to ensure they head back to the playoffs after last seasons playoff hiatus.
 
Riga Reign: AK92 Wit da Hoodie (LW)
The league leader in points, AK92 is having another stellar year with the Reign. After a career season with the Reign in Season Ninety-One, which saw AK92 put up ninety-seven points, AK92 is looking to break the 100-point mark for the first time in his VHL career. AK currently has put up twenty-eight goals and thirty assists in the Reigns’ thirty-six games played this season, which puts him well above the pace to hit the 100-point mark this season. The Reign are currently on the outside looking in on the playoffs and will need AK92 and the rest of the team to turn it up a notch if they wish to overtake the teams in front of them in the European Conference.
 
Warsaw Predators: Dogwood Maple (C)
The final selection for our “all-star” game roster of current VHL players is Warsaw Predators first-year player Dogwood Maple. After being traded to the Predators prior to the season, Dogwood put his best foot forward in his first thirty-seven games with the franchise. So far in season thirty-seven Dogwood has put up sixteen goals and twenty-six assists, which leads the team by ten points. With Warsaw not currently having the season they hoped for at this point in the season, we wanted to give Dogwood the recognition that he deserves with the great season he is currently experiencing.
 
2,265 words. 
Weeks including: 
Jan 28-Feb 3
Feb 4- Feb10
Feb 11 - Feb 17
Feb 18 - Feb 21

Happy belated birthday to you as well 

Nice one Smarchy.

Theme Week – Hey now, your a All-star (RIP Steve Harwell)
With this year’s theme week finally announced as “All-star”, we wanted to look at who we would think would represent the North American and European Conferences in a VHL all-star game if it was to take place with current VHL players from each VHL Team.
North American Conference:
 
Calgary Wranglers: Randy Bobandy (C) 
Season Eighty-Seven draftee Randy Bobandy is our pick from the Calgary Wranglers. After years in Truro Nova Scotia as the assistant trailer park supervisor, Bobandy helped to the VHL where he drafted Fourth Overall by the Seattle Bears. After four very successful personal seasons with the Bears, Bobandy was traded to the Wrangles ahead of the start of the Season Ninety-One season. After posting his lowest point total in the VHL since his rookie season last season in Calgary, Bobandy is back to being a point per game player this season. With thirteen goals and thirty-one assists in the Wranglers thirty-eight games played this season, Bobandy is leading the way offensively for Calgary who sits only eight points behind Los Angeles for first place in the conference.
 
Chicago Phoenix: Yaroslav Trunov (RW)
Another Season Eighty-Seven draftee Yaroslav Trunov is out pick for the non-existent VHL all-star game for the Chicago Phoenix. Trunov is leading the way by a large margin for the Phoenix, as he currently leads the Phoenix in points with twenty-four goals and twenty-nine assists, with his closest teammate having only thirty points. Trunov is in his first season in Chicago after spending the last five seasons with the Malamo Nighthawks and is currently on pace for his best season offensively. Not only is Trunov leading the way for the Phoenix but Trunov also sits in second place in the entire VHL in points, only five points behind the league leader AK92 With da Hoodie. With such an outstanding season, Trunov being selected a VHL all-star in Season Ninety-Two would be very well deserved.
 
D.C. Dragons: Mark Calaway (D)
Currently in third place in the VHLs North American Conference, the D.C. Dragons had many multiple players step up to the plate on contribute game in and game out. Players like The Frenchman, Vincent Laroche-Gagnier and Jason are currently leading the way offensively, but out pick for the Dragons would come for the defensive side of the team in Mark Calaway. Calaway is currently the best defender on the roster by a long shot, putting up thirteen goals and twenty-five assists in thirty-eight games played this season. Calaway is in his fourth season in the VHL with the Dragons, where he has put up respectful numbers in the previous three seasons, but the towering defenseman in on track to put up career numbers his season and that deserves an all-star nod in our opinion.
 
Los Angeles Stars: Art Vandelay (G)
In his last season in the VHL, Art Vandelay sure isn’t showing signs of aging or in the VHL case, depreciation. Vandelay is currently leading the entire league in wins on the season, winning twenty-nine of his thirty-eight games he started in net this season. Vandelay is also putting up numbers so far this season that bests his career averages, with a .929 save percentage and 2.13 goals against average. The former first overall VHL draft pick from the Season Eighty-Four VHL Entry Draft, Vandelay is hoping his last season in the VHL won’t only end with an “all-star” selection but also some VHL hardware, namely his first Continental Cup.
 
New York Americans: WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW (G)
After two seasons with the Bratislava Watchmen in the VHLE, W36 is showing the wait was worth it for the Americans brass and fans. W36 has played in thirty-eight games for the Americans this season, putting up eighteen wins in those thirty-eight games. While the eighteen wins aren’t eye popping, it’s the fact that W36 has put up a .940 save percentage and 1.93 goals against average that has up picking him for our all-star roster. Those numbers would be league leading if the league had a minimum number of games played to be eligible for the leaderboard in those categories. The play of W36 is one of the biggest reasons that New York currently finds themselves in a playoff spot as the league hits the half-way point, and the Americans hope the Season Ninety goalie can continue his stellar play the remainder of the season to help the club back into the playoffs this season for the first time since Season Ninety-Eight.
Seattle Bears: Severus Targaryen (C)
While it’s been a tough go of it this season in Seattle, Severus Targaryen has been playing his best hockey to date in his second season with the Seattle based VHL club. After putting up fifty-eight points in his rookie season last year with the Bears, Targaryen is on pace to smash that total this year as he has put up forty-five points in just thirty-seven games this season. With Seattle currently sitting at the bottom of the standings in the entire league, the great season by Targaryen is likely to be ignored by many around the league outside of Seattle, but with him being the top scorer with him being the top scorer in Seattle by a large margin we couldn’t ignore it and wanted to give him his due regard and list him as the Bears representative in out faux all-star game roster.
Toronto Legion: Jimi Jaks (C)
For the next selection for our Season Ninety-Two “all-star” roster, we head to the opposite end of the North American conference, with the Toronto Legion. Toronto is currently in the fifth spot in the North American Conference, which is the last playoff spot in the conference, but are just three points head of sixth place Chicago. Toronto is currently in the playoff spot in large part to the point per game place of their American center, Jimi Jaks, which should be no surprise to the Legion faithful. Jaks has been a point per game player the last two seasons, putting up a respectful seventy-nine and eighty-one points those two seasons, numbers which he may pass this season. So far in thirty-eight games Jaks has put up eighteen goals and twenty-two assists, which leads the Legion roster. The Legion are hoping Jaks can bring his play to the next level in the second half of Season Ninety-Two to bring them back to the finals for another shot at the cup.
Vancouver Wolves: Liv Slater (D)
With recent deals that saw Vancouver move out some of their top scoring players, Slater has been leaned upon to pick up the slack from the blue-line, something he has done. Slater currently sits second on the roster in points, with thirty-eight points in thirty-seven games which is just three points behind the team leader in Nick Sansoe. Slater who signed a massive four-year extension with the Wolves this offseason is really showing his worth in Season Ninety-Two, in what is a re-building season for the Wolves, something that should excite the Wolves management as the look to make a splash next season.
 
 
European Conference:
 
HC Davos Dynamo: David Jokinen (D)
Our first selection for the European Conference “all-stars” is long-time Davos Dynamo member David Jokinen. Drafted Tenth Overall back in the Season Eighty-Seven VHL Entry Draft, Jokinen is in his sixth season in Davos, and is likely on his way to a career year offensively with the club. Currently in the thirty-eight games played this season, Jokinen has put up a career-high fourteen goals to go along with twenty-three assists, which is good enough to currently lead the entire Dynamo roster in points. While Jokinen has been a stud offensively for the Dynamo, he also currently sits second in the league in shots blocked with 112 on the season. Currently a top ten offensive defenseman and top two defensive defenseman in the league, we could hardly pass Jokinen up while assembling out “all-star” roster.
 
Helsinki Titans: Kronchy Kardashian (D)
Right after selecting Jokinen, we head back to the blue-line to pick our next “all-star”, this time Helsinki’s Kronchy Kardashian. This selection was a bit harder than the rest considering either party on the Titans top defensive paring could have been selected, we selected Kardashian as he was above PEB on the team scoring list, we assume due to alphabetical order. None the less, Kardashian is just as deserving of the selection regardless of why we selected him. Kardashian has put up eight goals and thirty-three assists in Helsinkis’ thirty-eight games played, which puts him one behind the league leader in the VHL in defenseman points. After putting up career highs in all offensive categories last season, Kardashian might be on his way to match his career high in points (76) this season, as he looks to help the Titans back to the Cup finals for a second straight season.
 
London United: Leonard Triller (RW)
Season Eighty-Six draftee Leonard Triller would be out selection for the “all-star” game from the London United. Triller is in his fifth season with the London based VHL team, and it is coming off a stellar season last year, where he put up seventy-nine assists and 103 points overall. After 100-point season, there is often a drop off the following year, especially in the sporadic VHL, but Triller is on pace to again break the 100-point plateau. Triller has twenty-two goals and thirty assists in the United first thirty-seven games on the season, which will set him up nicely for the second half of the season. With the United currently in third place in the European Conference, London hopes Triller can keep the offensive production up and help the club advance further into the playoffs after last years early exit.
 
Malmo Nighthawks: Ash Sparks (G)
The first netminder on our list for the European Conference, Ash Sparks has been having an outstanding season for Malmo. Sparks has appeared in all thirty-four out of the thirty-eight games the Nighthawks have played in so far, putting up a 23-8-3 record. Along with the second most wins amongst all VHL goaltenders, Sparks has also put up a respectable .928 save percentage and 2.27 goals against average, which are both top ten numbers in the VHL. With Malmo currently in first place in the European Conference, Sparks has been a big part of the outstanding season they are currently experiencing in Malmo, a season that the Nighthawk management hope continues through the second half of the season.
Moscow Menace: Olober Syko (G)
The second-best team in the European Conference, the Moscow Menace are another team that find themselves in the position they are in in large part to the stellar play of their rookie netminder Olober Syko. While the Menace currently have three players with over a point per game, Syko has been lights out most nights he has started in net, especially for a first-year goalie. First year goalies often have a tough go of it in the VHL, but Syko has been impressive with twenty wins already this year. Along with his twenty wins, Syko has also put up a .921 save percentage and 2.75 goals against average. If the Menace hope to stay a top of the standings in Season Ninety-Two, Syko will need to keep up his play to make sure that happens.
Prague Phantoms: John Jameson (C) 
Next Up on our list is the Prague Phantoms. From the Phantom we would gladly pick John Jameson who is currently the team leader in points. Selected second overall in the Season Eighty-Five VHL Entry Draft, Jameson has been a mainstay on the Phantoms roster since his rookie season in Season Eighty-Six. Jameson has had a good run of late with 114, 101 and ninety-one points in the last three seasons, and looks poised to break the 100 point plateau again in his seventh season in the VHL. So far in thirty-eight games this season Jameson has nineteen goals and thirty-one assists, numbers which put him in sixth place in the overall point race in the league. Prague will need Jameson to continue his scoring ways to ensure they head back to the playoffs after last seasons playoff hiatus.
 
Riga Reign: AK92 Wit da Hoodie (LW)
The league leader in points, AK92 is having another stellar year with the Reign. After a career season with the Reign in Season Ninety-One, which saw AK92 put up ninety-seven points, AK92 is looking to break the 100-point mark for the first time in his VHL career. AK currently has put up twenty-eight goals and thirty assists in the Reigns’ thirty-six games played this season, which puts him well above the pace to hit the 100-point mark this season. The Reign are currently on the outside looking in on the playoffs and will need AK92 and the rest of the team to turn it up a notch if they wish to overtake the teams in front of them in the European Conference.
 
Warsaw Predators: Dogwood Maple (C)
The final selection for our “all-star” game roster of current VHL players is Warsaw Predators first-year player Dogwood Maple. After being traded to the Predators prior to the season, Dogwood put his best foot forward in his first thirty-seven games with the franchise. So far in season thirty-seven Dogwood has put up sixteen goals and twenty-six assists, which leads the team by ten points. With Warsaw not currently having the season they hoped for at this point in the season, we wanted to give Dogwood the recognition that he deserves with the great season he is currently experiencing.
 
2,265 words. 
Weeks including: 
Jan 28-Feb 3
Feb 4- Feb10
Feb 11 - Feb 17
Feb 18 - Feb 21

Theme Week – Hey now, your a All-star (RIP Steve Harwell)
With this year’s theme week finally announced as “All-star”, we wanted to look at who we would think would represent the North American and European Conferences in a VHL all-star game if it was to take place with current VHL players from each VHL Team.
North American Conference:
 
Calgary Wranglers: Randy Bobandy (C) 
Season Eighty-Seven draftee Randy Bobandy is our pick from the Calgary Wranglers. After years in Truro Nova Scotia as the assistant trailer park supervisor, Bobandy helped to the VHL where he drafted Fourth Overall by the Seattle Bears. After four very successful personal seasons with the Bears, Bobandy was traded to the Wrangles ahead of the start of the Season Ninety-One season. After posting his lowest point total in the VHL since his rookie season last season in Calgary, Bobandy is back to being a point per game player this season. With thirteen goals and thirty-one assists in the Wranglers thirty-eight games played this season, Bobandy is leading the way offensively for Calgary who sits only eight points behind Los Angeles for first place in the conference.
 
Chicago Phoenix: Yaroslav Trunov (RW)
Another Season Eighty-Seven draftee Yaroslav Trunov is out pick for the non-existent VHL all-star game for the Chicago Phoenix. Trunov is leading the way by a large margin for the Phoenix, as he currently leads the Phoenix in points with twenty-four goals and twenty-nine assists, with his closest teammate having only thirty points. Trunov is in his first season in Chicago after spending the last five seasons with the Malamo Nighthawks and is currently on pace for his best season offensively. Not only is Trunov leading the way for the Phoenix but Trunov also sits in second place in the entire VHL in points, only five points behind the league leader AK92 With da Hoodie. With such an outstanding season, Trunov being selected a VHL all-star in Season Ninety-Two would be very well deserved.
 
D.C. Dragons: Mark Calaway (D)
Currently in third place in the VHLs North American Conference, the D.C. Dragons had many multiple players step up to the plate on contribute game in and game out. Players like The Frenchman, Vincent Laroche-Gagnier and Jason are currently leading the way offensively, but out pick for the Dragons would come for the defensive side of the team in Mark Calaway. Calaway is currently the best defender on the roster by a long shot, putting up thirteen goals and twenty-five assists in thirty-eight games played this season. Calaway is in his fourth season in the VHL with the Dragons, where he has put up respectful numbers in the previous three seasons, but the towering defenseman in on track to put up career numbers his season and that deserves an all-star nod in our opinion.
 
Los Angeles Stars: Art Vandelay (G)
In his last season in the VHL, Art Vandelay sure isn’t showing signs of aging or in the VHL case, depreciation. Vandelay is currently leading the entire league in wins on the season, winning twenty-nine of his thirty-eight games he started in net this season. Vandelay is also putting up numbers so far this season that bests his career averages, with a .929 save percentage and 2.13 goals against average. The former first overall VHL draft pick from the Season Eighty-Four VHL Entry Draft, Vandelay is hoping his last season in the VHL won’t only end with an “all-star” selection but also some VHL hardware, namely his first Continental Cup.
 
New York Americans: WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW (G)
After two seasons with the Bratislava Watchmen in the VHLE, W36 is showing the wait was worth it for the Americans brass and fans. W36 has played in thirty-eight games for the Americans this season, putting up eighteen wins in those thirty-eight games. While the eighteen wins aren’t eye popping, it’s the fact that W36 has put up a .940 save percentage and 1.93 goals against average that has up picking him for our all-star roster. Those numbers would be league leading if the league had a minimum number of games played to be eligible for the leaderboard in those categories. The play of W36 is one of the biggest reasons that New York currently finds themselves in a playoff spot as the league hits the half-way point, and the Americans hope the Season Ninety goalie can continue his stellar play the remainder of the season to help the club back into the playoffs this season for the first time since Season Ninety-Eight.
Seattle Bears: Severus Targaryen (C)
While it’s been a tough go of it this season in Seattle, Severus Targaryen has been playing his best hockey to date in his second season with the Seattle based VHL club. After putting up fifty-eight points in his rookie season last year with the Bears, Targaryen is on pace to smash that total this year as he has put up forty-five points in just thirty-seven games this season. With Seattle currently sitting at the bottom of the standings in the entire league, the great season by Targaryen is likely to be ignored by many around the league outside of Seattle, but with him being the top scorer with him being the top scorer in Seattle by a large margin we couldn’t ignore it and wanted to give him his due regard and list him as the Bears representative in out faux all-star game roster.
Toronto Legion: Jimi Jaks (C)
For the next selection for our Season Ninety-Two “all-star” roster, we head to the opposite end of the North American conference, with the Toronto Legion. Toronto is currently in the fifth spot in the North American Conference, which is the last playoff spot in the conference, but are just three points head of sixth place Chicago. Toronto is currently in the playoff spot in large part to the point per game place of their American center, Jimi Jaks, which should be no surprise to the Legion faithful. Jaks has been a point per game player the last two seasons, putting up a respectful seventy-nine and eighty-one points those two seasons, numbers which he may pass this season. So far in thirty-eight games Jaks has put up eighteen goals and twenty-two assists, which leads the Legion roster. The Legion are hoping Jaks can bring his play to the next level in the second half of Season Ninety-Two to bring them back to the finals for another shot at the cup.
Vancouver Wolves: Liv Slater (D)
With recent deals that saw Vancouver move out some of their top scoring players, Slater has been leaned upon to pick up the slack from the blue-line, something he has done. Slater currently sits second on the roster in points, with thirty-eight points in thirty-seven games which is just three points behind the team leader in Nick Sansoe. Slater who signed a massive four-year extension with the Wolves this offseason is really showing his worth in Season Ninety-Two, in what is a re-building season for the Wolves, something that should excite the Wolves management as the look to make a splash next season.
 
 
European Conference:
 
HC Davos Dynamo: David Jokinen (D)
Our first selection for the European Conference “all-stars” is long-time Davos Dynamo member David Jokinen. Drafted Tenth Overall back in the Season Eighty-Seven VHL Entry Draft, Jokinen is in his sixth season in Davos, and is likely on his way to a career year offensively with the club. Currently in the thirty-eight games played this season, Jokinen has put up a career-high fourteen goals to go along with twenty-three assists, which is good enough to currently lead the entire Dynamo roster in points. While Jokinen has been a stud offensively for the Dynamo, he also currently sits second in the league in shots blocked with 112 on the season. Currently a top ten offensive defenseman and top two defensive defenseman in the league, we could hardly pass Jokinen up while assembling out “all-star” roster.
 
Helsinki Titans: Kronchy Kardashian (D)
Right after selecting Jokinen, we head back to the blue-line to pick our next “all-star”, this time Helsinki’s Kronchy Kardashian. This selection was a bit harder than the rest considering either party on the Titans top defensive paring could have been selected, we selected Kardashian as he was above PEB on the team scoring list, we assume due to alphabetical order. None the less, Kardashian is just as deserving of the selection regardless of why we selected him. Kardashian has put up eight goals and thirty-three assists in Helsinkis’ thirty-eight games played, which puts him one behind the league leader in the VHL in defenseman points. After putting up career highs in all offensive categories last season, Kardashian might be on his way to match his career high in points (76) this season, as he looks to help the Titans back to the Cup finals for a second straight season.
 
London United: Leonard Triller (RW)
Season Eighty-Six draftee Leonard Triller would be out selection for the “all-star” game from the London United. Triller is in his fifth season with the London based VHL team, and it is coming off a stellar season last year, where he put up seventy-nine assists and 103 points overall. After 100-point season, there is often a drop off the following year, especially in the sporadic VHL, but Triller is on pace to again break the 100-point plateau. Triller has twenty-two goals and thirty assists in the United first thirty-seven games on the season, which will set him up nicely for the second half of the season. With the United currently in third place in the European Conference, London hopes Triller can keep the offensive production up and help the club advance further into the playoffs after last years early exit.
 
Malmo Nighthawks: Ash Sparks (G)
The first netminder on our list for the European Conference, Ash Sparks has been having an outstanding season for Malmo. Sparks has appeared in all thirty-four out of the thirty-eight games the Nighthawks have played in so far, putting up a 23-8-3 record. Along with the second most wins amongst all VHL goaltenders, Sparks has also put up a respectable .928 save percentage and 2.27 goals against average, which are both top ten numbers in the VHL. With Malmo currently in first place in the European Conference, Sparks has been a big part of the outstanding season they are currently experiencing in Malmo, a season that the Nighthawk management hope continues through the second half of the season.
Moscow Menace: Olober Syko (G)
The second-best team in the European Conference, the Moscow Menace are another team that find themselves in the position they are in in large part to the stellar play of their rookie netminder Olober Syko. While the Menace currently have three players with over a point per game, Syko has been lights out most nights he has started in net, especially for a first-year goalie. First year goalies often have a tough go of it in the VHL, but Syko has been impressive with twenty wins already this year. Along with his twenty wins, Syko has also put up a .921 save percentage and 2.75 goals against average. If the Menace hope to stay a top of the standings in Season Ninety-Two, Syko will need to keep up his play to make sure that happens.
Prague Phantoms: John Jameson (C) 
Next Up on our list is the Prague Phantoms. From the Phantom we would gladly pick John Jameson who is currently the team leader in points. Selected second overall in the Season Eighty-Five VHL Entry Draft, Jameson has been a mainstay on the Phantoms roster since his rookie season in Season Eighty-Six. Jameson has had a good run of late with 114, 101 and ninety-one points in the last three seasons, and looks poised to break the 100 point plateau again in his seventh season in the VHL. So far in thirty-eight games this season Jameson has nineteen goals and thirty-one assists, numbers which put him in sixth place in the overall point race in the league. Prague will need Jameson to continue his scoring ways to ensure they head back to the playoffs after last seasons playoff hiatus.
 
Riga Reign: AK92 Wit da Hoodie (LW)
The league leader in points, AK92 is having another stellar year with the Reign. After a career season with the Reign in Season Ninety-One, which saw AK92 put up ninety-seven points, AK92 is looking to break the 100-point mark for the first time in his VHL career. AK currently has put up twenty-eight goals and thirty assists in the Reigns’ thirty-six games played this season, which puts him well above the pace to hit the 100-point mark this season. The Reign are currently on the outside looking in on the playoffs and will need AK92 and the rest of the team to turn it up a notch if they wish to overtake the teams in front of them in the European Conference.
 
Warsaw Predators: Dogwood Maple (C)
The final selection for our “all-star” game roster of current VHL players is Warsaw Predators first-year player Dogwood Maple. After being traded to the Predators prior to the season, Dogwood put his best foot forward in his first thirty-seven games with the franchise. So far in season thirty-seven Dogwood has put up sixteen goals and twenty-six assists, which leads the team by ten points. With Warsaw not currently having the season they hoped for at this point in the season, we wanted to give Dogwood the recognition that he deserves with the great season he is currently experiencing.
 
2,265 words. 
Weeks including: 
Jan 28-Feb 3
Feb 4- Feb10
Feb 11 - Feb 17
Feb 18 - Feb 21

Theme Week – Hey now, your a All-star (RIP Steve Harwell)
With this year’s theme week finally announced as “All-star”, we wanted to look at who we would think would represent the North American and European Conferences in a VHL all-star game if it was to take place with current VHL players from each VHL Team.
North American Conference:
 
Calgary Wranglers: Randy Bobandy (C) 
Season Eighty-Seven draftee Randy Bobandy is our pick from the Calgary Wranglers. After years in Truro Nova Scotia as the assistant trailer park supervisor, Bobandy helped to the VHL where he drafted Fourth Overall by the Seattle Bears. After four very successful personal seasons with the Bears, Bobandy was traded to the Wrangles ahead of the start of the Season Ninety-One season. After posting his lowest point total in the VHL since his rookie season last season in Calgary, Bobandy is back to being a point per game player this season. With thirteen goals and thirty-one assists in the Wranglers thirty-eight games played this season, Bobandy is leading the way offensively for Calgary who sits only eight points behind Los Angeles for first place in the conference.
 
Chicago Phoenix: Yaroslav Trunov (RW)
Another Season Eighty-Seven draftee Yaroslav Trunov is out pick for the non-existent VHL all-star game for the Chicago Phoenix. Trunov is leading the way by a large margin for the Phoenix, as he currently leads the Phoenix in points with twenty-four goals and twenty-nine assists, with his closest teammate having only thirty points. Trunov is in his first season in Chicago after spending the last five seasons with the Malamo Nighthawks and is currently on pace for his best season offensively. Not only is Trunov leading the way for the Phoenix but Trunov also sits in second place in the entire VHL in points, only five points behind the league leader AK92 With da Hoodie. With such an outstanding season, Trunov being selected a VHL all-star in Season Ninety-Two would be very well deserved.
 
D.C. Dragons: Mark Calaway (D)
Currently in third place in the VHLs North American Conference, the D.C. Dragons had many multiple players step up to the plate on contribute game in and game out. Players like The Frenchman, Vincent Laroche-Gagnier and Jason are currently leading the way offensively, but out pick for the Dragons would come for the defensive side of the team in Mark Calaway. Calaway is currently the best defender on the roster by a long shot, putting up thirteen goals and twenty-five assists in thirty-eight games played this season. Calaway is in his fourth season in the VHL with the Dragons, where he has put up respectful numbers in the previous three seasons, but the towering defenseman in on track to put up career numbers his season and that deserves an all-star nod in our opinion.
 
Los Angeles Stars: Art Vandelay (G)
In his last season in the VHL, Art Vandelay sure isn’t showing signs of aging or in the VHL case, depreciation. Vandelay is currently leading the entire league in wins on the season, winning twenty-nine of his thirty-eight games he started in net this season. Vandelay is also putting up numbers so far this season that bests his career averages, with a .929 save percentage and 2.13 goals against average. The former first overall VHL draft pick from the Season Eighty-Four VHL Entry Draft, Vandelay is hoping his last season in the VHL won’t only end with an “all-star” selection but also some VHL hardware, namely his first Continental Cup.
 
New York Americans: WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW (G)
After two seasons with the Bratislava Watchmen in the VHLE, W36 is showing the wait was worth it for the Americans brass and fans. W36 has played in thirty-eight games for the Americans this season, putting up eighteen wins in those thirty-eight games. While the eighteen wins aren’t eye popping, it’s the fact that W36 has put up a .940 save percentage and 1.93 goals against average that has up picking him for our all-star roster. Those numbers would be league leading if the league had a minimum number of games played to be eligible for the leaderboard in those categories. The play of W36 is one of the biggest reasons that New York currently finds themselves in a playoff spot as the league hits the half-way point, and the Americans hope the Season Ninety goalie can continue his stellar play the remainder of the season to help the club back into the playoffs this season for the first time since Season Ninety-Eight.
Seattle Bears: Severus Targaryen (C)
While it’s been a tough go of it this season in Seattle, Severus Targaryen has been playing his best hockey to date in his second season with the Seattle based VHL club. After putting up fifty-eight points in his rookie season last year with the Bears, Targaryen is on pace to smash that total this year as he has put up forty-five points in just thirty-seven games this season. With Seattle currently sitting at the bottom of the standings in the entire league, the great season by Targaryen is likely to be ignored by many around the league outside of Seattle, but with him being the top scorer with him being the top scorer in Seattle by a large margin we couldn’t ignore it and wanted to give him his due regard and list him as the Bears representative in out faux all-star game roster.
Toronto Legion: Jimi Jaks (C)
For the next selection for our Season Ninety-Two “all-star” roster, we head to the opposite end of the North American conference, with the Toronto Legion. Toronto is currently in the fifth spot in the North American Conference, which is the last playoff spot in the conference, but are just three points head of sixth place Chicago. Toronto is currently in the playoff spot in large part to the point per game place of their American center, Jimi Jaks, which should be no surprise to the Legion faithful. Jaks has been a point per game player the last two seasons, putting up a respectful seventy-nine and eighty-one points those two seasons, numbers which he may pass this season. So far in thirty-eight games Jaks has put up eighteen goals and twenty-two assists, which leads the Legion roster. The Legion are hoping Jaks can bring his play to the next level in the second half of Season Ninety-Two to bring them back to the finals for another shot at the cup.
Vancouver Wolves: Liv Slater (D)
With recent deals that saw Vancouver move out some of their top scoring players, Slater has been leaned upon to pick up the slack from the blue-line, something he has done. Slater currently sits second on the roster in points, with thirty-eight points in thirty-seven games which is just three points behind the team leader in Nick Sansoe. Slater who signed a massive four-year extension with the Wolves this offseason is really showing his worth in Season Ninety-Two, in what is a re-building season for the Wolves, something that should excite the Wolves management as the look to make a splash next season.
 
 
European Conference:
 
HC Davos Dynamo: David Jokinen (D)
Our first selection for the European Conference “all-stars” is long-time Davos Dynamo member David Jokinen. Drafted Tenth Overall back in the Season Eighty-Seven VHL Entry Draft, Jokinen is in his sixth season in Davos, and is likely on his way to a career year offensively with the club. Currently in the thirty-eight games played this season, Jokinen has put up a career-high fourteen goals to go along with twenty-three assists, which is good enough to currently lead the entire Dynamo roster in points. While Jokinen has been a stud offensively for the Dynamo, he also currently sits second in the league in shots blocked with 112 on the season. Currently a top ten offensive defenseman and top two defensive defenseman in the league, we could hardly pass Jokinen up while assembling out “all-star” roster.
 
Helsinki Titans: Kronchy Kardashian (D)
Right after selecting Jokinen, we head back to the blue-line to pick our next “all-star”, this time Helsinki’s Kronchy Kardashian. This selection was a bit harder than the rest considering either party on the Titans top defensive paring could have been selected, we selected Kardashian as he was above PEB on the team scoring list, we assume due to alphabetical order. None the less, Kardashian is just as deserving of the selection regardless of why we selected him. Kardashian has put up eight goals and thirty-three assists in Helsinkis’ thirty-eight games played, which puts him one behind the league leader in the VHL in defenseman points. After putting up career highs in all offensive categories last season, Kardashian might be on his way to match his career high in points (76) this season, as he looks to help the Titans back to the Cup finals for a second straight season.
 
London United: Leonard Triller (RW)
Season Eighty-Six draftee Leonard Triller would be out selection for the “all-star” game from the London United. Triller is in his fifth season with the London based VHL team, and it is coming off a stellar season last year, where he put up seventy-nine assists and 103 points overall. After 100-point season, there is often a drop off the following year, especially in the sporadic VHL, but Triller is on pace to again break the 100-point plateau. Triller has twenty-two goals and thirty assists in the United first thirty-seven games on the season, which will set him up nicely for the second half of the season. With the United currently in third place in the European Conference, London hopes Triller can keep the offensive production up and help the club advance further into the playoffs after last years early exit.
 
Malmo Nighthawks: Ash Sparks (G)
The first netminder on our list for the European Conference, Ash Sparks has been having an outstanding season for Malmo. Sparks has appeared in all thirty-four out of the thirty-eight games the Nighthawks have played in so far, putting up a 23-8-3 record. Along with the second most wins amongst all VHL goaltenders, Sparks has also put up a respectable .928 save percentage and 2.27 goals against average, which are both top ten numbers in the VHL. With Malmo currently in first place in the European Conference, Sparks has been a big part of the outstanding season they are currently experiencing in Malmo, a season that the Nighthawk management hope continues through the second half of the season.
Moscow Menace: Olober Syko (G)
The second-best team in the European Conference, the Moscow Menace are another team that find themselves in the position they are in in large part to the stellar play of their rookie netminder Olober Syko. While the Menace currently have three players with over a point per game, Syko has been lights out most nights he has started in net, especially for a first-year goalie. First year goalies often have a tough go of it in the VHL, but Syko has been impressive with twenty wins already this year. Along with his twenty wins, Syko has also put up a .921 save percentage and 2.75 goals against average. If the Menace hope to stay a top of the standings in Season Ninety-Two, Syko will need to keep up his play to make sure that happens.
Prague Phantoms: John Jameson (C) 
Next Up on our list is the Prague Phantoms. From the Phantom we would gladly pick John Jameson who is currently the team leader in points. Selected second overall in the Season Eighty-Five VHL Entry Draft, Jameson has been a mainstay on the Phantoms roster since his rookie season in Season Eighty-Six. Jameson has had a good run of late with 114, 101 and ninety-one points in the last three seasons, and looks poised to break the 100 point plateau again in his seventh season in the VHL. So far in thirty-eight games this season Jameson has nineteen goals and thirty-one assists, numbers which put him in sixth place in the overall point race in the league. Prague will need Jameson to continue his scoring ways to ensure they head back to the playoffs after last seasons playoff hiatus.
 
Riga Reign: AK92 Wit da Hoodie (LW)
The league leader in points, AK92 is having another stellar year with the Reign. After a career season with the Reign in Season Ninety-One, which saw AK92 put up ninety-seven points, AK92 is looking to break the 100-point mark for the first time in his VHL career. AK currently has put up twenty-eight goals and thirty assists in the Reigns’ thirty-six games played this season, which puts him well above the pace to hit the 100-point mark this season. The Reign are currently on the outside looking in on the playoffs and will need AK92 and the rest of the team to turn it up a notch if they wish to overtake the teams in front of them in the European Conference.
 
Warsaw Predators: Dogwood Maple (C)
The final selection for our “all-star” game roster of current VHL players is Warsaw Predators first-year player Dogwood Maple. After being traded to the Predators prior to the season, Dogwood put his best foot forward in his first thirty-seven games with the franchise. So far in season thirty-seven Dogwood has put up sixteen goals and twenty-six assists, which leads the team by ten points. With Warsaw not currently having the season they hoped for at this point in the season, we wanted to give Dogwood the recognition that he deserves with the great season he is currently experiencing.
 
2,265 words. 
Weeks including: 
Jan 28-Feb 3
Feb 4- Feb10
Feb 11 - Feb 17
Feb 18 - Feb 21

Another week has gone by and for this week’s Around the League in 500 words I’d like to talk about some VHL, VHLE, And VHLM Tough Guys and killers and maybe some other random stuff before I head off to Phoenix and enjoy some sun after endless freezing temps and non-stop rain of late.   So Here weeeeee GOOOOOO! 
 
 
VHL TOUGH GUYS
Make no mistake; I love checking my box scores and seeing my player has gotten into a fight.  It adds a little spice to the box score, and I know some people could care less but I enjoy it.  I think it adds to rivalries and wish there was more of it.  
 
In the VHL there are currently some bruisers, but I think the overall beast of the league is Prague’s John Jameson @Frank.  JJ does just about everything a team could ask for, hits, fights, and scores.  4 straight seasons with over 40 goals and despite ageing he maintains a physical game and has dropped the mitts 5 times already this season, which leads the league.  JJ also leads the league in hits with 148 and PIMS with 131 (in just 35 games).  JJ could be on pace for a 300 hit and 260 PIM season.  
 
Other VHL Beasts:
Fradin McGryer @Fradin99(RIG) – 4 fighting majors – 96 PIM – 108 hits
Callum Gary Yannick Janser- @Daniel Janser- 3 fighting majors- 101 PIM- 121 hits.
Phil Strasmore @PhilPhil- 101 PIM- 109 hits (1449 Career PIMS)
Alfred Champagne @Anthique- 81 PIM – 141 hits (2 straight season with over 200 PM)
Diego Machado @Dadam30- 4 fighting majors 48 PIM
Mason Rice @Sawyer13- 4 fighting majors (2 wins) – 60 PIM – 101 hits.
 
VHLE TOUGHS
In the E I’d have to say the tough guy award must go to Stockholm’s behemoth defenseman, Guntis Gavilrovs @Girts.  This towering player is not only over a point per game but he’s leading the league in hits (165) and PIMS (98).  Guntis and Oslo’s forward, Logan Ninefinger has a huge rivalry going but have yet to drop the mitts.  Every time they match up it’s an exciting sight to watch.
 
Other VHLE tough guys
Adi Dassler @BOOM-  3 fighting majors- 37 PIM- 77 hits
Logan Ninefingers-  2 fighting majors- 50 PIM- 105 hits
Jussi Jokinenegg @HearnNation67- 4 fighting majors (leads league) 
 
 
VHLM TOUGHS
In the minor leagues I would have to give the tough guy tribute to San Diego Marlin’s big defenseman, Billy Joel @The goat of hockey.  605 and 235 pounds he is patrolling the blue line and crushing opposing players with 100 hits in 34 games.  62 minutes in the sin bin and has 2 fighting majors, tied for the league lead.  
 
Notable other toughs:
Cody Toland @ctoland102- 65 PIM -106 hits
WWumbo @Fire Tortorella.   -62 PIM 101 hits
Dustin Moore @Maxx.  – 57 PIM 106 hits
 
Well, there you have it.  It will be interesting to see where these players end up at the end of the season and who will continue with an aggressive build.  
 
I would like to pose a question???  Do you think there should be a tough guy trophy of some kind in each league? What would it be called? 
 
Also, does anyone see the benefit of creating an enforcer in the league?  Does it benefit a team in anyway? Or only hurt them?  
 
Have a good weekend. 
 
550

You sure ain't struggling though!

You sure ain't struggling though!

#Go Storm !

I'd thought to make a graphic to come say hello to the league again unfortunately I'm not good at doing it so I hope it's acceptable

1. Lecavalier still has another year on his contract and could be a good depth piece next year on a very young roster. A 2nd round pick with the influx of prospects in the draft could be the biggest part of the trade.
 
2. Caufield Jr. will be retired next year, and who knows what a 3rd round pick could get in return in a trade or in the draft, so it might have been trading Wallace for nothing, but we will have to see. 
 
3. Another draft pick in a draft that is currently unknown, so it might again be a free player for DCD. However maybe it can be used to swing a trade next year in hopefully a contending season. 
 
4. Luckily I won't have to worry about the losing this season, but hopefully those on the roster see the bigger picture where we see five prospects or more join the team in Season 93.
 
5. Maybe a vet in Gianfranco Del Rocco or a first gen like UghSik, Annie Oaks, or Lucy Leitner. 
 
6. Hopefully anything easier to write out then last seasons recruitment ideas them week. 

Player Spotlight – Lucy Leitner

 
Lucy Leitner joined the VHL on January 7th 2024, after her player agent @LucyXpher signed the American defenseman up for the league after the leagues most recent recruitment pitch. Ever since that day the eighteen year old defenseman has been an amazing member of the league on and off the ice. Leitner quickly joined the Houston Bulls shortly after the VHLM Dispersal Draft and has played in all twenty-four games for the Bulls in Season Ninety-Two. Leitner has put on a scoring clinic from the back-end with the Bulls, putting up five goals and twenty-one assists in those twenty-four games played, which places her third on the Bulls in team scoring, tied with fellow defenseman Benjamin Abenduct.
 
Currently Leitner sits third amongst the Season Ninety-Three draftees in TPE, with 141 TPE earned in under a month, which if she continues this pace, might have her in contention for the First Overall draft choice in the VHLM, with a very good chance at going in the first round of the VHL Entry Draft. We wish Leitner all the best this season and over the course of the next nine seasons in the league, as she looks to continue her dominance the other VHL leagues in the coming year.

Yup I'm back again!
Fish will be back next week he's just very busy this week so he asked me to do Fantasy Zone.
 
3 TPE
@N0HBDY
@Anthique
@Nyx
@hylands
 
2 TPE
@Mongoose87
@Alex
@jacobcarson877
@animal74
@Zetterberg
@Berocka
@Noodle Enjoyer
@npuBeT
@tcookie
@BOOM
@Rhynex Entertainment
@ke1vi
@mattyIceman
@FiZi
@Garsh
@STZ
@LucyXpher
@Smarch
@Doomsday
@badcolethetitan
@Velevra
@Schnee
 
1 TPE
@Tetricide
@nerji
@Spartan
@rory
@Triller
@Gaikoku-hito
@MSouthworth
@KaleebtheMighty
@dlamb
@Steve
@UnkemptCL4PTP
@DarkSpyro
@RJMW
@jake
@FrostBeard
@Trazan
@VattghernCZ
@sportexperts show
@Daniel Janser
@Snussu
@chikn
@Victor
@Ahma
@lilchrist
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When I started looking at doing an Power Ranking for the VHL, I was concerned that the Power Rankings would match the standing too much and simple be an over-view of the standings but so far I have been very surprised as it doesn`t reflect the standing and we are seeing a ton of movement with only one team actually not moving in this week’s Power Rankings so let take a look at that movement:
 
 
Ranked 16th
Goals For: 🔺 7th
Goals Against: 16th
Standings: 🔻16th
Score: 13.00
Last Ranking: 🔻 14th
 
Reason: Nothing really changed for the Seattle Bears but other teams improved this week so they see themselves falling to last in the power ranking due to the weekly record more than anything else.  4 – 9 – 0 in the 13 games played is actually the second worst record of the week as the team slotting right after them had a worse week.
 
 
 

Ranked 15th
Goals For: 🔺 8th
Goals Against: 🔻15th
Standings: 🔻15th
Score: 12.67
Last Ranking: 🔻9th
 
Reason: The worst record this week as the team went 4 – 11- 0 in 15 games played this week and gave up the second most goals against but it wasn`t that unexpected as they played the best team in the league four times. What was unexpected was dropping games to Vancouver as they lost all three meetings and a game to HC Davos. They basically kissed the play-off good-bye with this poor week. Now do they start selling off assets?
 
 
 

Ranked 14th
Goals For: 🔺12th  
Goals Against: 🔺12th
Standings: 🔺14th
Score: 12.67
Last Ranking: 🔺16th
 
Reason: Improved goal scoring as Davos scored 14 more goals in the second week but that could be aid slightly by also playing more games than I expected to be played in the second week with 14 games rather than the 11 games that they played this first week. 5 – 8 – 1 record also boosted this team ahead of two other teams this week.
 
 
 

Ranked 13th
Goals For: 🔻16th
Goals Against: 🔺2nd
Standings: 🔻13th
Score: 10.33
Last Ranking: 🔻3rd
 
Reason: What a fall and failure!! Such hope for the Americans after the first week sees this team drop like a stone as New York just cannot find the net this week or is it that Teno effect? (Nope!!)  As I did slightly predict a tough week with three games against the Teno and London United. In the end it was a low scoring high defensive week for New York with a 4 – 6 – 3 record. I would expect to see this team bounce back next week in the ranking if they can find more wins and more scoring tough. They are still in the hunt of the play-offs for now!!
 
 
 

Ranked 12th 
Goals For: 🔺5th
Goals Against: 🔻13th
Standings: 🔻12th
Score: 10.00
Last Ranking: 🔺13th
 
Reason: Scoring is way up this week for the Wolves as they scored 22 more goals this week than last week!! Woah!! Playing just under 500 hockey with 7-8-0 record also helps but management in the rebuild doesn`t seem to like the extra scoring as they have made a series of trades with one involving top goal scorer Ben McLaughlin as he has been sent to a contending team in his final season. In the end I don`t think this new found scoring is really going to disappear as Nick Sansoe is also having a career season. Hunting for the Play-offs; who would have thought?
 
 
 

Ranked 11th
Goals For:  13th
Goals Against: 🔺8th
Standings: 🔺8th
Score: 9.67
Last Ranking: 🔺15th
 
Reason: Much better week in the standings for Warsaw with a 500 record, 7-7-1 seen the team get back within reach of the play-off as they are five points back of Prague for the final wild cards spot. Goals for stays the same but a lot better goals against see the Predators move up four places this week. Bit disappointed that Warsaw wasn`t one of the few teams improving their roster this week after all the chatter around the team but maybe they have something bigger planned? Warsaw needs find more scoring if they are going to true Predators of the play-offs!!
 
 
 

Ranked 10th
Goals For: 🔻10th
Goals Against: 🔻7th
Standings: 🔻11th  
Score: 9.33
Last Ranking: 🔻2nd
 
Reason: 1-3 against Malmo Nighthawks and 0-2 against Calgary Wranglers had Helsinki tripping over themselves this week; which resulted in a down turn in goals for and upturn in goals against. This week was expected to be tough for the Titans and could have been worse if Titans hadn`t won both games of the last season Continental Cup finals rematch against Toronto. Expect them to bounce back as the schedule should be easier. We can say that they were hang Titan this week!!
 
 
 

Ranked 9th
Goals For: 🔻11th
Goals Against: 🔺6th
Standings: 🔻10th
Score: 9.00
Last Ranking: 🔻7th
 
Reason: Lack of scoring is starting to catch up to the Phantoms as they seen a dip in scoring this week but you can also blame menace of the league from that place called Moscow as I somehow missed the fact these teams would play four times this week, so 1-3 against Moscow won`t help your record. Overall record of 6-6-2 this week keeps them right around the middle of the pack. I would also normally say a team needs to find more scoring but as of this morning Prague already made a move to address the scoring issue bring in Ben McLaughlin from Vancouver.
 
 
 

Ranked 8th
Goals For: 🔺9th
Goals Against: 🔻11th
Standings: 🔺6th
Score: 8.67
Last Ranking: 🔺12th
 
Reason: Huge improvement in the standing and improved scoring based on trade earlier this week? Or was it late last week? Either way Toronto tried to improve the forwards depth by bring in Steve Lattimer from Seattle and it seems to have paid off? 8-6-0 records also helps as they had the sixth best record last week. Toronto will need a Legion of hope if they are going to stay in the play-off hunt!!
 
 
 

Ranked 7th
Goals For: 🔺6th
Goals Against: 🔻10th
Standings: 🔻9th
Score: 8.33
Last Ranking: 🔻5th
 
Reason: Consistency in same number of goals for and against this week at 42 apiece is rather impressive but that means you didn`t win that many games or at least played around 500. Well, that is rather what happened with 7-6-1 record. More concerning might be the lack of attention around defensive play as going from the best goals against to 10th is rather large when you consider that they gave up 24 more goals this week. A trend that London will need to be United to buck!!
 
 
 

Ranked 6th
Goals For: 🔻14th
Goals Against: 🔺4th
Standings: 🔺7th
Score: 8.33
Last Ranking: 🔺11th
 
Reason: Panda is Red, Ice is Blue and Riga Reigns in more wins!! Ugh, I know I am trying to hard but, in the end, Riga can thank the up-turn in play to Red Panda or is it a switch of team commitment to playing better defense as goals for and goals against switch ranking this week. If Riga can balance out the two than they might just put even more pressure on Prague for the final wild card spot over the remainder of the season. Might even see a Panda Reign over the ROY trophy at the end of the season!!
 
 
 

Ranked 5th
Goals For: 🔻15th
Goals Against: 🔺3rd       
Standings: 🔻4th
Score: 7.33
Last Ranking: 🔻4th
 
Reason: 3-1 against Helsinki is a huge reason why Malmo didn`t drop down the power ranking this week as the Nighthawks went 8-4-1 during the week. While Malmo improved last week in the goals against department moving from 9th to 3rd best at the end of this week. Malmo also went the opposite direction in goals for but it was somewhat expected? Majority of the games were tight with maybe a goal or two making the difference. Again the Hawks would love to see a return to high flying offense but as long as the winning ways continue it will be bright as day for the Nighthawks!!
 
 
 

Ranked 4th
Goals For: 🔺1st
Goals Against: 🔻14th
Standings: 🔺3rd
Score: 6.00
Last Ranking: 🔺10th
 
Reason: Every team that struggled to score last week seems to found the answer this week but at the cost of defense but at the moment that seem also to be the winning formula as D.C. was amazing this past week with a 9-6-0 record seeing them flying high this week. But let me pour some cold water down the mouth of the Dragons here as 25 of the 54 goals that D.C. scored this week came against two teams; Seattle and Chicago. So, while D.C. scored a lot, they also gave up a lot of goals as the Dragons only finished with a +6 at the end of the week. So, is the Dragons roar all the mighty or are the Dragons going to come crashing back down?
 
 
 

Ranked 3rd
Goals For: 🔺3rd  
Goals Against: 🔺9th
Standings: 🔺5th
Score: 5.67
Last Ranking: 🔺8th
 
Reason: A lot of teams have been inconsistent this week but the Menace have shown some very strong consistency and some actually improvement across all categories so, while the numbers look similar to last week’s power ranking that had them placed 8th. This week Moscow has been able to move up into the top 3. Better goals for, better goals against and a record of 8-5-1 to show for it. One thing seems certain this season Moscow is going to be a Menace for any team to handle!!
 
 
 

Ranked 2nd
Goals For: 🔺2nd
Goals Against: 🔺5th
Standings: 🔺2nd
Score: 3.00
Last Ranking:🔺 6th
 
Reason: Scoring in Calgary seems to flaming an early season success and Calgary will hope no one wrangles them in!! Scoring by committee with the highest goal scorer only having 11 goals so far after 25 games played, just a bit off the league leader at 17. Scoring was a concern last season and so far, seem to have been addressed; add in some good goaltending and an 11-4-1 and you have the second-best team in the league; not to mention these Power Rankings!!
 
 
 

Ranked 1st
Goals For: 🔻4th
Goals Against: 🔻5th
Standings: 1st
Score: 2.00
Last Ranking: 1st
 
Reason: While not as dominate in the stats categories as the Stars last week missed the prefect week by only having the 2nd best goals against so one would assume a bit of a fall off was coming. Well, scaring to thing that Los Angeles took a step back and yet no one still could catch them as the Stars went 12-1-1. Both losses coming at the hands of a single team; the D.C. Dragons as the Dragons act more like comic book super heroes!! I don`t see anyone really up ending this team any time soon as Los Angeles has been the Stars of the league so far!!
 
Like always concern and comment below what you think of this week’s Power ranking, anything that can be improved or anything you would like to see add in the future. Until next week keep your head up and sticks on the ice!!
 
 
 
 

Player Spotlight – Lucy Leitner

 
Lucy Leitner joined the VHL on January 7th 2024, after her player agent @LucyXpher signed the American defenseman up for the league after the leagues most recent recruitment pitch. Ever since that day the eighteen year old defenseman has been an amazing member of the league on and off the ice. Leitner quickly joined the Houston Bulls shortly after the VHLM Dispersal Draft and has played in all twenty-four games for the Bulls in Season Ninety-Two. Leitner has put on a scoring clinic from the back-end with the Bulls, putting up five goals and twenty-one assists in those twenty-four games played, which places her third on the Bulls in team scoring, tied with fellow defenseman Benjamin Abenduct.
 
Currently Leitner sits third amongst the Season Ninety-Three draftees in TPE, with 141 TPE earned in under a month, which if she continues this pace, might have her in contention for the First Overall draft choice in the VHLM, with a very good chance at going in the first round of the VHL Entry Draft. We wish Leitner all the best this season and over the course of the next nine seasons in the league, as she looks to continue her dominance the other VHL leagues in the coming year.

Oslo Tribune
Interview with Logan Ninefingers #32
 
 
Reporter: “Good evening, Logan, were happy to have you with us.  Were at the 20 game mark in the European season and Oslo is 8-10-2, in second to last.  The Storm have shown glimpses of greatness.  What does Oslo need to do to be more consistent?”
 
Logan: “We have had some trouble putting the puck in the net on a consistent basis.  Were the lowest scoring club and that falls on me too.  We’re working out the kinks and I think the next 20 games you will see a more potent offense.”
 
Reporter: “Often times rivalries get overlooked in the competitive VHLE.  Who would you say your biggest team and player rivals are?”
 
Logan: “That’s easy.  Cologne and Stockholm for sure.”  Each game with Cologne is intense and there is tension just under the surface.  Their rink is nasty to play in and there are very good.  I really look forward to playing them.”
 
Biggest player rival, well, that has to be my nemesis, Guntis Gavilrovs @Girts.  He is a monster sized dman who is difficult to play against on both ends of the ice.  We battled hard in the minors against each other, and that hate has just spilled over to the E now.  We’re both big, strong, mean, and want to win so each game is a war.  Next year we will be on the same team but for now, we battle. 
 
Reporter: “Well Logan, we appreciate the time and we wish you and Oslo the very best for the rest of the season.”
 
Logan: “Thank you.  And if you run into Guntis, let him know I am coming” 

Player Spotlight – Lucy Leitner

 
Lucy Leitner joined the VHL on January 7th 2024, after her player agent @LucyXpher signed the American defenseman up for the league after the leagues most recent recruitment pitch. Ever since that day the eighteen year old defenseman has been an amazing member of the league on and off the ice. Leitner quickly joined the Houston Bulls shortly after the VHLM Dispersal Draft and has played in all twenty-four games for the Bulls in Season Ninety-Two. Leitner has put on a scoring clinic from the back-end with the Bulls, putting up five goals and twenty-one assists in those twenty-four games played, which places her third on the Bulls in team scoring, tied with fellow defenseman Benjamin Abenduct.
 
Currently Leitner sits third amongst the Season Ninety-Three draftees in TPE, with 141 TPE earned in under a month, which if she continues this pace, might have her in contention for the First Overall draft choice in the VHLM, with a very good chance at going in the first round of the VHL Entry Draft. We wish Leitner all the best this season and over the course of the next nine seasons in the league, as she looks to continue her dominance the other VHL leagues in the coming year.

This is really cool! Thank you for the shout out! ☺️ This has been a fantastic community so far which has made it a lot of fun and easy to engage and get involved. 

Player Spotlight – Lucy Leitner

 
Lucy Leitner joined the VHL on January 7th 2024, after her player agent @LucyXpher signed the American defenseman up for the league after the leagues most recent recruitment pitch. Ever since that day the eighteen year old defenseman has been an amazing member of the league on and off the ice. Leitner quickly joined the Houston Bulls shortly after the VHLM Dispersal Draft and has played in all twenty-four games for the Bulls in Season Ninety-Two. Leitner has put on a scoring clinic from the back-end with the Bulls, putting up five goals and twenty-one assists in those twenty-four games played, which places her third on the Bulls in team scoring, tied with fellow defenseman Benjamin Abenduct.
 
Currently Leitner sits third amongst the Season Ninety-Three draftees in TPE, with 141 TPE earned in under a month, which if she continues this pace, might have her in contention for the First Overall draft choice in the VHLM, with a very good chance at going in the first round of the VHL Entry Draft. We wish Leitner all the best this season and over the course of the next nine seasons in the league, as she looks to continue her dominance the other VHL leagues in the coming year.

Player Spotlight – Lucy Leitner

 
Lucy Leitner joined the VHL on January 7th 2024, after her player agent @LucyXpher signed the American defenseman up for the league after the leagues most recent recruitment pitch. Ever since that day the eighteen year old defenseman has been an amazing member of the league on and off the ice. Leitner quickly joined the Houston Bulls shortly after the VHLM Dispersal Draft and has played in all twenty-four games for the Bulls in Season Ninety-Two. Leitner has put on a scoring clinic from the back-end with the Bulls, putting up five goals and twenty-one assists in those twenty-four games played, which places her third on the Bulls in team scoring, tied with fellow defenseman Benjamin Abenduct.
 
Currently Leitner sits third amongst the Season Ninety-Three draftees in TPE, with 141 TPE earned in under a month, which if she continues this pace, might have her in contention for the First Overall draft choice in the VHLM, with a very good chance at going in the first round of the VHL Entry Draft. We wish Leitner all the best this season and over the course of the next nine seasons in the league, as she looks to continue her dominance the other VHL leagues in the coming year.

Player Spotlight – Lucy Leitner

 
Lucy Leitner joined the VHL on January 7th 2024, after her player agent @LucyXpher signed the American defenseman up for the league after the leagues most recent recruitment pitch. Ever since that day the eighteen year old defenseman has been an amazing member of the league on and off the ice. Leitner quickly joined the Houston Bulls shortly after the VHLM Dispersal Draft and has played in all twenty-four games for the Bulls in Season Ninety-Two. Leitner has put on a scoring clinic from the back-end with the Bulls, putting up five goals and twenty-one assists in those twenty-four games played, which places her third on the Bulls in team scoring, tied with fellow defenseman Benjamin Abenduct.
 
Currently Leitner sits third amongst the Season Ninety-Three draftees in TPE, with 141 TPE earned in under a month, which if she continues this pace, might have her in contention for the First Overall draft choice in the VHLM, with a very good chance at going in the first round of the VHL Entry Draft. We wish Leitner all the best this season and over the course of the next nine seasons in the league, as she looks to continue her dominance the other VHL leagues in the coming year.

As mentioned we are back after the first 20 game of the season for a update on the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy award to the VHL top rookie. As expected we have a ton of movement this week as we have some stats to actually back-up overall rankings. Some rookies have rather been impressive early in the season while others have a few things to work on if they are going to stay or get into the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy conversation. Either way, enough waffling about and lets get on with the ranking of the rookies after the first two weeks of the season (20games).
 
 
 
1.     (S90) Goaltender – WWWWWWWWWWWWWWW @rory
   New York Americans  
11-7-3    1.99%(2nd)      0.935%(3rd)   2 SO(t-1st)
🟰     (1st Last Ranking)
 
Came in as the favorite to win the Christian Stolzschweiger trophy and through the first twenty games has shown why. Only second in goals against average, third in save percentage and tied for the league lead in shut-outs; not only has him in the conversation for the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy but should also have in the conversation for Aidan Shaw Trophy and Greg Clegane trophy. Would it be a stretch to also suggest that he might be consider for both Brett Slobodzian Trophy and Scotty Campbell Trophy.
 
 
2.     (S91) Left Winger - Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard
    Helsinki Titans   
       (9g-13a-22pts)
🔺      (6th Last Ranking)
 
Current leads all Rookies in scoring but it is the manner in which he has come to lead the Rookie scoring by not only leading in Rookie goals with nine but also assist with thirteen. Finding Chemistry with Helsinki Titans top goals scorer also doesn`t hurt his chance to stay in the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy conversation.
 
 
3.     (S91) Defenceman - Leif Reingaard @Zetterberg
    Moscow Menace   
        (6g-13a-19pts)
🔻    (2nd Last Ranking)
 
Top ten in defensive scoring as Rookie is rather impressive as he has done it both ways with goals in the top ten of defenders scoring as well as assists in the top 10; rather showing a balanced attack from this rookie defender. Reingaard has clearly shown that he is going to be a really good defender in this league for years to come and also showing why I had him originally ranked 2nd to start the season.
 
 
4.     (S91) Left Winger - Joshua Schwarzer @Velevra
    Chicago Phoenix
       (6g-11a-17pts)
🔺   (8th Last Ranking)
 
Strong start to the season as he has been able to fill in on the top line in Chicago with Yaroslav Trunov @qripll but the question remains is this a product of Trunov production filtering down or is this really the potential of Schwarzer shining through early in the season. Either way, Schwarzer is still within reach of the rookie scoring leaders.
 
 
5.     (S91) Right Winger - Thor Reingaard @N0HBDY
Warsaw Predators
(8g-8a-16pts)
🔻   (4th Last Ranking)
 
Second in Rookie goal scoring but might need to find his open team mates a bit more if he is going to collect more total points. Also seems to be boosted by playing on the top line in Warsaw so could continue to move up this list as he develops more and the team schedule becomes slightly easier.
 
 
6.     (S91) Goaltender - Olober Syko @Spartan
  Moscow Menace
            13-5-2     2.59GA(9th)      0.926%(9th)        0 SO
   🔻   (5th Last Ranking)
 
Olober Syko is the second goalie to make the list so far as he was also the first week. Syko has been solid for Moscow and a big reason why they are higher up the standings than most thought they would be at this point of the season. Syko still has room to improve his overall numbers but at the end of the day it looks like Moscow are very happy with the rookie tenders performance and rightfully so.
 
 
7.     (S91) Goaltender - Red Panda @Lemorse7
  Riga Reign
9-9-2       2.54GA(8th)       0.919%              0 SO
🔺  (Not Ranked)
 
The third goaltender to make the list and most likely won`t be the last. Red Panda has really improved in the second week of the regular season as they are showing they are getting more comfortable in the VHL with a rebuilding Riga team making these numbers that more impressive. While I think they will need to build upon these numbers if they are going to have a chance at the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy; Panda has at least done enough to be mentioned.
 
 
8.     (S91) Goaltender - Dalkr Vidarsson @KaleebtheMighty
 Vancouver Wolves
6-11-1       3.06GA       0.918%             1 SO
🔺  (Not Ranked)
 
Huge reason why the Vancouver Wolves are not at the bottom of the standings. While I think he is currently a long shot to win the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy. Vidarsson should be recognized for the current job that he is doing through the first two weeks on a rebuilding Vancouver team, even having Vancouver thinking about play-offs?
 
 
9.      (S89) Defender - Celise Pereira  @asteria
  Moscow Menace
(3g – 9A – 12pts)
🔺  (Not Ranked)
 
Received a last-minute call-up to the VHL by the Menace and simple put has held their own on the back-end with a plus minus of +11; highest among all Rookie skaters this season. Add in 43 Shot Blocks and Pereira has provided solid depth defense to a surging Moscow team.
 
 
10.  (S90) Defender - Conference Prince-de-Galles @UnkemptCL4PTP
Malmo Nighthawks
(2g -11a – 13pts)
🔺   (Not Ranked)
 
Traded late in the off-season from Prague to Malmo, I really didn`t expect that much from this player and maybe I was sleeping on them slightly. Since joining Malmo they have been solid with the third best plus minus among rookies and have been solid puck moving defender. As they find their footing more in the league and maybe a bit more chemistry, I can see them rocketing up this list. While be an interesting player to keep an eye on in the next few weeks to see if they can improve.
 
 
Honorable Mentions:
(S91) C - Spanish Moon Moth @Renomitsu –    Prague Phantoms     🔻  (10th Last Ranking)
(S91) D - Callum Gary Yannick Janser @Daniel Janser –   New York Americans       🔻   (3rd Last Ranking)
(S91) D - Lionel Collberg –    Chicago Phoenix
(S90) LW - Eric White Jr  @Mysterious_Fish  –  Riga Reign        🔻  (7th Last Ranking)
(S89) RW - Carson Walker Jr  @Cwalker –     Vancouver Wolves
(S91) D – Mina  @Baozi  –     Riga Reign