DoktorFunk

DA BEARZ

DA BEARZ

Toronto has had some ups an downs the last two seasons, not making the playoffs in either season 75 or 76. However things have changed in a fairly short amount of time. Not only has Toronto made the playoffs, but they finished 2nd in the North American conference, and 5th overall in the league. A feat that last year would have taken a miracle. Lets take a look at this impressive season from the Social Club in Toronto, and explain why this teams mentality is either cup, or bust. 
 
     Early on this season Toronto was expected to try for contention after a two season rebuild phase, and that expectation seems to have made reality. Before the season had even officially started chants in the locker room of "WIN FOR ROOKIE" could be heard all the way across the league, from Toronto to Seattle, from Moscow to London, and from New York to Prague. Toronto's legendary goal keeper Jaxx Hextall @ROOKIE745 is set to retire after the end of this season. No one wanted this legends career to end with only two times making the playoffs, so @Peacetook it upon himself to make it a 3rd appearance for Hextall.
 
     In past playoff appearances Hextall played a total of 19 games, with a record of 10-8-1, and a SV% of 0.916, and a GAA of 2.85. Pretty impressive numbers in my own humble opinion. I can see Hextall playing just as well if not better this postseason and expect his stats to go up, possibly with some hardware to go with it. Many players are making their postseason debut with the Legion, including the following; Asher Reinhart @rjfryman, Gunnar Odinsson @BOOM, Jon Webber @Webberj, Lester Green @Smarch, Phoenix Dawson @Toast, Scotty Kaberle @fromtheinside, Kristof Welch @Juice, Jolly Greene Giant @DoktorFunk, Sirkants Klamasteris @hedgehog337, and Nicholas Sunderbruch @me. That's 10 out of 14 players on the roster making their first ever appearance in the playoffs. And that's incredible to see this team make it this far with an inexperienced core. 
 
     Players who HAVE seen the playoffs besides Hextall include, SS Hornet @McWolf Oh Sens @osens and Micah Adrienne @Poptart.
Can these four players prepare the newcomers for their first playoff berth? We'll have to find out as the playoffs go on, and I think that Toronto has a lot to prove this season. The things Toronto is looking to prove is as follows: 
1. They belong with the big dogs
2. They can win in the face of adversity and not just be streaky.
3. That this team will be here even after Hextall is gone.
 
     I feel as though we'll see a potential Championship in the city of Toronto, hopefully we'll see some amazing hockey. Only time will tell, and this team has plenty of it. My prediction is that Toronto will earn what's rightfully theirs, the Cup. And as this team continues to impress the hockey world, they'll prove that they belong at the top of the hockey kingdom. This team is likely to move through their conference fairly easily and make it to the finals, where they'll be tested by a very strong European conference.

Cheers Dok! 

1. Not really! We've been on a hell of a run!
 
2. I think they were good moves! They've worked out so far!
 
3. Andrew Su! I love him!
 
4. Obviously a Continental Cup, duh!
 
5. He's got a steep hill ahead, but he can do it!
 
6. I think we'll stay on top, but barely!

Unfortunately we have another GM stepping down, I want to thank @DoktorFunk for all the time he’s put into the team. This one is a bit more personal for me, as Dok took over Ottawa from me. He was able to have success and win them a cup in his time as a GM. I want to thank him for the time and effort that he’s put into the position and to help the league. 
 
With that said we will be looking for his replacement, this person would be taking over after they are selected. 
 
If you’re interested please reply to this thread. We’ll consider those who applied in the Philadelphia thread as well so no need to apply twice. If you applied to Philly but don’t want the Ottawa position either PM myself or @diamond_ace  or in this thread. 
 
Thank you.
 

GG @DoktorFunk
 
Good luck to those applying for the position. 

Ugh ok I'll do a Media Spot
 
What if I paid attention to the S67 draft?
So 2 seasons into my GM tenure in Moscow, I was drifting again. To be fair I think I was pretty lucky to get the first expansion GM job back in S65 as I mentioned my interest while it was being discussed in the BOG and blues just went with it – I guess there was a bit of name recognition and a lot of the new member base wasn't ready for such responsibility. However, although I was giving off a good impression 3-4 seasons into my comeback, laying my hands on all available TPE like in the good ol' days, I knew I was was from my VHL prime. But hey, no one needed to know that so Moscow came to be.
 
Two seasons of losing later, my interest was fading. The only way to resurrect it would be to make Moscow competitive, while is what I ultimately did with the famous Podrick Cast and Randoms trade with Riga. But even that was something of an accident – hedge approached me to trade Cast and Preencarnacion, lifelong linemates with 2 seasons left, and I almost agreed, before some random (no pun intended) twists (also no pun intended) resulted in me getting the younger Randoms instead. There's another 'what if' inside this 'what if' because Randoms played such a key role in the S70 cup – 2 seasons after Cast and Preencarnacion retired (Edwin actually went a season earlier) – so would we have had any success if the original trade offer came to fruition? I dread to think it.
 
Anyway, the price for this star-studded package from Riga was my entire S69 draft and the sort of 1st overall pick in S67 (it's a complicated story because I initially had 1st overall, traded down and traded away the pick I got, but Riga ended up getting 1st overall anyway so if you boil it down, that was the trade anyway). Which brings me back to the 'what if'' question and specifically the losing interest point above. Faced with a choice of actually scouting the S67 draft and just going in for players I know (including my own), I took the easy road. The fact I wasn't ultimately punished for this is possibly a sign that it's quite easy to GM these days. But I digress.
 
What if I had scouted the S67 draft? Well for one I would have known that Rayz Funk wasn't just some active first-gen goalie, but a once-in-a-generation active goalie who was absolutely worth going in for. Now, even armed with that knowledge there's no guarantee I would have drafted Funk – for one, I had Owen May still active (he'd go inactive shortly after causing me to draft Bernard in S68 so you could argue this entire paragraph is a bit irrelevant) and secondly, I know there was a fair bit of drama surrounding Funk's salary demands. However, I'd like to think that being the intelligent GM I was I would see through the hubris and see that Funk's potential outweighed May's and any perceived baggage he came with – which as we know, was ultimately the case as those contract demands became a footnote of Funk's career.
 
So we are suddenly a team in Moscow without Cast, without Randoms, but with an exciting rookie goalie and a full collection of S69 picks. I probably don't trade the two S67 second rounders either – in reality they became ACL TEAR and Greene while I suspect I'd have used them on Greene and one of Sundqvist or Zoiderberg (given TEAR's atrocious build at that time). All of a sudden, it appears that I am stealing about half of Seattle's famous core. Would they have developed as well separately? Probably not, so what we're really talking about here is a worse Seattle and a worse Moscow. Do Smitty and Gritty take the punt on a young team without Randoms? Maybe, but equally it may be a tougher sell. But Funk is ahead of Bernard in development and if he matches his playoff record from Seattle, we probably steal a cup along the way anyway.
 
And to think, so many things would have gone entirely differently not because of a game, or a specific trade, but because I couldn't be bothered to do my job.
 
People affected by this alternate reality: @hedgehog337 @Banackock @DoktorFunk @Rayzor_7 @Berocka @Quik @Mr_Hatter others

So I'm now actually going to try to be a full cap earner next week. That's my goal. That and to continue doing well with the Giant. Toronto has been in a bit of a Funk (no pun intended). After bringing on bigger names you'd think we would've caught fire a lot more than we have. But that's fine. I just feel bad for the other members of the team. I'm not too concerned if we don't produce like we expected, but I've had my fair share of winning. So I'm going to keep earning, not for myself, but for my teammates. It's time we had some success and enough excitement to keep people sticking around. 
 
Spring is here and it's been beautiful. I haven't been on discord as much because its just so dang nice out there in the world! Go out, get some air, stay away from people, and have fun!

So I'm now actually going to try to be a full cap earner next week. That's my goal. That and to continue doing well with the Giant. Toronto has been in a bit of a Funk (no pun intended). After bringing on bigger names you'd think we would've caught fire a lot more than we have. But that's fine. I just feel bad for the other members of the team. I'm not too concerned if we don't produce like we expected, but I've had my fair share of winning. So I'm going to keep earning, not for myself, but for my teammates. It's time we had some success and enough excitement to keep people sticking around. 
 
Spring is here and it's been beautiful. I haven't been on discord as much because its just so dang nice out there in the world! Go out, get some air, stay away from people, and have fun!

So I'm now actually going to try to be a full cap earner next week. That's my goal. That and to continue doing well with the Giant. Toronto has been in a bit of a Funk (no pun intended). After bringing on bigger names you'd think we would've caught fire a lot more than we have. But that's fine. I just feel bad for the other members of the team. I'm not too concerned if we don't produce like we expected, but I've had my fair share of winning. So I'm going to keep earning, not for myself, but for my teammates. It's time we had some success and enough excitement to keep people sticking around. 
 
Spring is here and it's been beautiful. I haven't been on discord as much because its just so dang nice out there in the world! Go out, get some air, stay away from people, and have fun!

It's an honor and a privilege to be on this squad

So the season begins today and I'm excited to finally reveal something we've been working on, but first I need to make a very special acknowledgement: @BOOMhas risen above and beyond for our roster by offering his time and talents for each individual we currently entertain on the Toronto Legion. He's even created graphics for players that have departed or Toronto targeted in free agency, so we all owe him a token of our appreciation. I want to state that I am not claiming any of this for TPE, and the graphics provided by BOOM are his and his only... we'll just be using them here in the Toronto Social Club. 

Without further ado... your season seventy-seven Toronto Legion! 

Yes you can finally use these as your signatures now!
 
#1 | G | Sirkants Klamasteris | @hedgehog337


Klamasteris joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the Riga Reign a few seasons ago. Although Sirkants will serve as the 1B goaltender for the Legion this season, he'll absolutely become Toronto's starting goaltender upon Jaxx Hextall retiring. 'The Klam' had a rough sophomore season and seeks to improve upon his 3.1 goals against average, and make no doubt he is the next starter of Toronto after signing a three season extension with the club during the off season.

#7 | LW | Frank Funk Jr | @Rayzor_7

 
Frank Funk Jr joined the Toronto Legion after being selected sixth overall in the S76 VHL Entry Draft. He had a rough rookie campaign but looks poised to fight for the most improved individual award, and Toronto is going to attempt to get him there. He will attack S77 with the experience he's gained from his rookie campaign, and personal improvements from his ongoing development.  
 
#13 | RW | Ziarie Anigbogu | @ngine4

 
Ziarie Anigbogu joined the Toronto Legion as a defensemen during the S72 VHL Entry Draft -- where Toronto selected him thirty eighth overall -- and has quietly done his duties for the club. He eventually joined the roster in S74 and has recently moved to the right wing to bolster Toronto's offensive firepower.
 
#15 | D | Scotty Kaberle | @fromtheinside

 
Scotty Kaberle joined the Toronto Legion after being selected eleventh overall in the S75 VHL Entry Draft and has quickly risen to become the top defender on the Legions' depth chart. The impressive improvement both as an individual and a professional hockey player guide him towards being a star in the VHL... and fast. 
 
#21 | LW | Nicholas Sunderbruch | @NickSunderbruch

 
Nicholas Sunderbruch joined the Toronto Legion after being selected thirty-fifth overall in the S74 VHL Entry Draft. Although he has endured through a rollercoaster of emotions -- from a great rookie campaign to a depressing sophomore season -- Sunderbruch has quietly earned himself a reputation as a reliable player for Toronto.
 
#23 | C | Wolf Weiss | @Matmenzinger

 
Wolf Weiss joined the Toronto Legion after being selected twenty-fifth overall in the S74 VHL Entry Draft. As a player his development has been steady and reliably, although he had a rough sophomore season after an early shake up of Legion last season. Weiss will be a key piece of Toronto's depth for a while longer, and will get to display his improved skills this season.
 
#29 | C | Asher Reinhart | @rjfryman

 
Asher Reinhart joins the Toronto Legion after being selected sixth overall in the S77 VHL Entry Draft. The young rookie looks to make an immediate impact as Toronto's second line center and will fight for the top rookie individual award as perhaps the leagues dark horse in that race. Welcome to Toronto, rookie, let's get that bread for you. 
 
#43 | D | Jolly Green Giant | @DoktorFunk

 
Jolly Green Giant joined the Toronto Legion after being selected second overall in the S75 VHL Entry Draft. Giant is a reliable offensive defensemen who looks to improve upon his rookie campaign, and represents Toronto's investment in their defense. Giant will anchor the blue line on a more offensive team, and could battle for some individual trophies this season.
 
#54 | G | Jaxx Hextall | @ROOKIE745

 
Jaxx Hextall joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the HC Davos Dynamo during the S70 VHL off season. He's served as your CAPTAIN -- and does so again this season -- for numerous consecutive campaigns and already has his number all but retired for Toronto. He has endured with the team through thick and thin, and now the team will try to get him a championship for his efforts. #WinForRookie
 
#59 | RW | Gunnar Odinsson | @BOOM

 
Gunnar Odinsson joined the Toronto Legion from the Helsinki Titans after a mid-season trade during Toronto's last campaign. Odinsson immediately moved to forward and quickly represented Toronto's offensive hopes for the upcoming season. Gunnar was named ALTERNATE CAPTAIN by management prior to the season beginning after displaying a true team first mentality, going 'above and beyond' of what is typical in a team environment.
 
#72 | D | Kristof Welch | @Juice

 
Kristof Welch joined the Toronto Legion after being selected fifth overall in the S76 VHL Entry Draft. Welch had a decent rookie campaign but looks to achieve more for both Toronto and himself in his second season, and will benefit from starting the season on his friends line. Together the duo have the potential to create a reliable pair for the Toronto Legion, and could fight to become one of the better pairs in the league.
 
#81 | RW | Oh Sens | @osens

 
Oh Sens joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the Helsinki Titans near the S74 trade deadline. During his time with Toronto Oh Sens has become the offensive leader, averaging north of point-per-game and looks to continue his performance in this upcoming season with a strengthened Toronto offense.
 
#91 | RW | Jon Webber | @Webberj

 
John Webber joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the Helsinki Titans during this offseason. Webber replaces Gainer on the depth chart and hopes to best Gainer's rookie season on a more offensive Toronto roster. The rookie will start the season on the third line but has the ability to move up the depth chart as he develops.
 
#94 | C | Lester Green

 
Lester Green joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the Las Angeles Stars last season. He has immediately improved the locker room environment, put the team above his own desires and recently switched to C for his team. Green looks to being the Legion into dominance and has been named an ALTERNATE CAPTAIN for numerous reasons... including his infectious positivity.

#96 | D | Kate Upton | @OscarTheSwagDude

 
Kate Upton joined the Toronto Legion during the free agency frenzy and will play on the same team as friend Ziarie Anigbogu. Upton agreed to a one season deal with Toronto and looks to improve upon her fourteen point rookie campaign with a reimagined Toronto hockey club. 

And finally... your GM: 

 
It as I... actually me. I am your GM.
 

playoffs or bust

As our preseason slowly winds down this week, we look back on the season that was and then turn our attention to what's coming in our near future. First and foremost, congratulations to the Mexico City Kings on winning their first ever Founder's Cup in team history. After assembling an incredible squad top to bottom, they were able to knock off mighty Houston Bulls in the finals. It was an exciting and high-offense final that saw the Kings come out ahead in six games. Mexico will be looking entirely different going into Season 77 as most of its players are graduating to the VHL. Additionally GM @Hylands was promoted to take over the Malmo Nighthawks, which his assistant GM @Juice was tasked with taking over the Yukon Rush. Replacing the management in Mexico City is none other than VHL legend @Advantage.With a member like Advantage at the helm, another title may not be far off. 
 
The shake-up in Mexico was far from the only executive change this offseason, as the VHL and VHLM have gone over an unprecedented overhaul in the past few weeks. Just last week long time Las Vegas Aces general manager @Spartan was promoted to take over the Moscow Menace. Replacing him will be his old assistant @JigglyGumballs,  and his newly appointed assistant will be @Emi! Meanwhile over in South Beach, @Ricer13 was chosen to take the reigns for his old team in Calgary.  Replacing Ricer in Miami will be a returning @InstantRockstar, who brings in a ton of experience as well. There is still a vacant GM spot left in Vancouver, so the managerial musical chairs may still not be over yet. The community has been buzzing about these changes and time will tell how these new faces fair in their new places. In my opinion, while some of these people may surprise some people, I think all of them are fantastic choices and will do great in their new roles. Congratulations and best of luck to all of you. Now, let's get down to business. Coming off the heels of the S77 VHL Dispersal Draft this past Sunday, the VHLM landscape has once again shifted. Let's take a look at where the chips have fallen.
 

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Well after a season of mediocrity, the Marauders are back in a major way for Season 77. Ricer left his old club in great shape for this season. With a cavalcade of returning players who are going to have massive years, alongside some decent draft picks, Miami is primed to compete this year. The historic duo of @CptSquall Napoleon Bonaparte and @Shiny Alexander the Great will look to do some major damage up front, while first round pick @Bojovnik Jan Hlozek will be tasked with anchoring a respectable defensive core. Miami management also did a nice job adding some extra depth by signing free agent @Mashy Noah Mashford to help add some extra offensive punch. Meanwhile, between the pipes goaltender @ClapbombsRus returns for another season and looks poised to build upon a relatively successful Season 76. I think with the vast number of weapons the Marauders feature up front, combined with a steady defense and a good goalie puts them at the top of the Power Rankings for now. Though there are certainly a couple other teams who could be just as good, or even better!
 

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The reigning champions of the Eastern Conference are looking to take another crack at greatness again in Season 77. The Minnesota Storm dominated in the regular season last year, but ultimately were stymied in the playoffs by the eventual Cup-winning Mexico City Kings.  While they may have lost some high end talent from last year's roster, they still pack quite a punch and  have re-loaded their roster nicely via the draft. Winger @Grapes-Tophat_Clan- Grapes will look to take on a larger role with the team this season as he will be promoted to the top line alongside fellow returnee @2hawk Calvin Hobbes. If that wasn't enough, they'll look to their second overall pick @Patrik Tallinder Nils Tallinder to anchor their second line which could be a potent top six come playoffs time. The Storm also feature arguably the best blueline in the league this season. Most of their blueliners are returning to the club from last year and many of them are highly developed already.  The top pair should consist of @VOID Stiles Markuss Puhovs and @LefLop Barron Kruulenstien, both of whom play  solid defense, while Puhovs could be an early favourite for the Ryan Sullivan Trophy with his strong two-way play. In net @Leafsfan328 Carter Bellamy returns, and this season the starting job is all his. If he can continue to grow and improve, the Storm could easily contend for a title this season.
 

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In the three seasons I've done VHLM Power Rankings, I can safely say this is the highest I've ever seen the Mississauga Hounds place. Credit to @Zetterberg and @tcookie for turning around this franchise that was truly a hot mess for the past few seasons. The Hounds seemed to have went for the same model that the Season 76 Houston Bulls went for. They've been able to secure a nice group of returning players from last season, and they also loaded up in the draft with three picks in the top five, and six picks in the first two rounds overall. While this strategy is solid, and I do think their team is quite strong, it's unfortunate for them that the draft class of S77 is significantly weaker than the one of its predecessor from S76. Nonetheless, they still managed to scoop up some of the best players available heading into this season. The Hounds have incredible depth both on offense and defense from top to bottom. If their players commit to developing at a reasonable rate, this team could be downright scary come playoff time.  @Lspinelli Luke Spinelli returns for another season  between the pipes and should be one of the top keepers in the league this year. 
 

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Coming in at 4th is the first team out of the Western Conference, which is noticeably the weaker of the two conferences this season. While their roster may not jump out at you with any powerhouse players, Las Vegas has stability which is more than most teams in the West can say for themselves.  Up front the Aces will really be relying on returning winger @Wolverine Darryl McDagg, who will be taking on a much bigger role than last season. Where the Aces really shine is their blueline, where they have a few really promising players to shut down the opposition. The veteran of the group is @I'll change this later New Player, who is back for his second stint in Vegas and looked to improve upon a 62 point performance last season. Alongside him will be flashy Fin @Devise Sven Reikkinen. Reikkinen is developing at a rapid pace and should be a top-end defender come playoff time. Manning the crease will be @Erik Morgan Karlsson, who is eager to step out from behind Aksu Maronen, and finally get his shot to be a starting goaltender in the VHLM. I think if Karlsson can rely on his steady defense in front of him and play  half-decent, the Aces could easily beat up on a weak Wastern Conference.
 

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Shifting focus back to the East, the Halifax 21st come in at the five spot. The 21st feature a  very robust roster with some high-end weapons on both ends of the ice. The top line of Halifax should feature the boisterous first-gen @assassin6898 Creed centering @MikkoKoskinensMistress Kikko Moskinen and @Tbeez99 Kyle Glass. These three could make a very formidable offensive threat and it should be fun to watch going forward to see how their do. Top draft pick @GlowyGoat should nicely compliment the second line to give Halifax some nice depth to their Top 6. After coming over via trade last season, @bluesfan55 Hadrian will be tasked with leading the defensive core for the 21st.  Hadrian's development since landing in Halifax last season has been solid and they could really be in store for a great season if they keep up their hard work. The only reason I don't have them higher up on the list is because they have a bit of a weakness in net. Rookie @Vkobe-v Leroy Johnson will be handed the reins and is still a raw and unproven talent in the VHLM. If Leroy maximizes his training and improves, Halifax could be in a great spot this season, but it won't be easy. 
 

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After a year of rebuilding, the Wild have flushed out the last of their old generation and ushered in the next batch of Sasky Bois to lead them to the promised land. While Saskatoon's roster isn't necessarily deep or stacked with elite talent, there's still a lot of positives to draw from. A couple of legendary recreates highlight the new roster. Up front, center @Seabass The Seabasstard will likely take the spot on the top line and could be the best faceoff guy in the league this year. Hopefully this will lead to more puck possession and in turn, more goals for the Wild.  On the defensive end, the Wild were able to snag @Kendrick Nixon Caldwell with the seventh overall pick in the Dispersal Draft this past Sunday. Caldwell will look to build on a very nice 51 point rookie performance he had with the Reapers last season. Also on defense, returning for his second year in Saskatoon is the belligerent and truculent @TXC Tanky. Tanky plays a physical, shutdown brand of hockey that will undoubtedly make the Wild a tough match night in and night out. Finally, in net Saskatoon is bringing back @BrutalBoost Andrew Bowman for what will likely be his last season in the VHLM. Bowman has grown steadily throughout his minors career and will look to have a dynamite season to propel the Wild back into the postseason this year.
 

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The Lynx are back in playoff range for Season 77 as they look to build off of a respectable campaign last year. Ottawa welcomes back its mega-star @Joshothegreat Josho who set the VHLM world on fire last season with 49 goals, 72 assists and 121 points.  Josho will need to be just as good as he was last season for Ottawa to be successful, as they don't have a ton of high-end options to compliment him up front. On the blueline the Lynx grabbed @PandaBearD25 Kirby Pandora in the second round of the VHLM Dispersal Draft, and will rely on her to hold down the blueline. The reason I have the Lynx in the top 8 though is thanks to their netminder @Barry Barry Taffe. Taffe comes into this season as one of the highest rated goalies in the VHLM and Ottawa will rely on him to steal some wins for them this season.  If Ottawa adds some pieces throughout the season, they could still be a solid team. I see them finishing close to the .500 mark, just like they did last year.
 

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Last season Marlins management were tasked with picking up the pieces following a Season 75 run that saw them go all in for a Founder's Cup and coming up short.  Season 76 was a long and hard road as the team was just trying to recruit players to fill out their roster most nights. This year, while they are still by no means a powerhouse quite yet, they at least have a roster full of promising young players. General Manager @thadthrasher has gained a great reputation early in his managing career for recruiting and developing young talent in this league. He has a plethora of players at the helm this season who can be molded and I am sure some of them will be quite good.  Left winger @Eldredman Aldwin Craig will return to the team to lead the offensive charge. On defense, Marlins prized first overall pick @LuluSalesAway The Loch Ness Monster will lead their fellow blueliners. In goal best boy @Jericho Anime Protagonist will be do his best to keep pucks outta the net. He might need a training arc or two in order to get his power level up to keep up with the firepower some teams in the VHLM have in store for him.
 

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For the first time I've ever done these Power Rankings, the Mexico City Kings find themselves on the outside looking in. This should come as no surprise as Mexico has been a highly competitive team for three seasons now. After finally winning the big one, most of their roster is off to the pros this season. Unfortunately for new GM @Advantage, there wasn't a whole lot left for him "in the cupboards" so to speak. The weakest point of the team is undoubtedly the offense, which only features one player over 100 TPE. While they only have  three defenders,  @Jakefufu Shaggy Tipton and @KingMortie Big Mortie are both serviceable options that the Kings can rely on. If they can add a couple more bodies to their blueline, they could probably get by fine. Rounding out things in net is returning goaltender @williamirc Johnathan Bustard. Bustard had a solid season last year for the Kings, but he will have a much harder task at hand this season and will have to play the best hockey of his life if Mexico City wants to sneak into a playoff spot in Season 77.
 

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Ironically one spot below Mexico City is the Houston Bulls at 10. Much like the Kings, the Bulls were all in on Season 76, but unfortunately they came up just short. Their team was loaded with max-TPE players and almost all of them have moved on to the pros this season. Three skaters return for the Season 77 though, most notably among them is winger @Senjo1706 Bradley Senjo who will enjoy a full season at the 250 cap. @TownBizness Kid Frost will also be returning and joining Senjo on the top line. These two could be a great 1-2 punch. On defense, while @RicoTheTrapGod Germano Henchoz will be steady, he is one of only two defenders on the roster, and that is mainly why I have the Bulls rated so low. If they can add some bodies to their defensive core they would be a lot better off, but unfortunately defensemen are few and far between in the VHLM these days and many teams are vying for their services. In goal Dutch keeper @enigmatic Aike van Giersbergen will get his chance to be a starter after serving as a backup last season for Philadelphia.
 

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The last two teams on the list are kind of odd choices as they do have some solid skaters, but the main reason  both teams find themselves on the bottom of the list is because as of the time of writing this article, neither have a goaltender for the start of the season. The Reapers are now two seasons removed from winning the Founder's Cup in Season 75, and while they have some decent pieces, they are still not quite back to the form they once were. @glass Kjell Nilsson will be back for more season, and the Reapers will need all 140 points of his production from last season and then some if they want to be playoff-bound. The Reapers have a few respectable d-men, highlighted by @Sportsboy57 who continues to develop nicely as he enters his third season with Philadelphia. Sadly, despite the handful of quality players on the team, none of it will matter if their is a Bot goaltender in net come the start of the season. As we seen last year with Saskatoon, teams will feast on this deficiency and it will get ugly fast. So here's to hoping @DMaximus can find a solution between now and next week!
 

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Just like the Reapers, Yukon is goalie-less going into the start of their S77 campaign. Coming off the heals of a respectable regular season and subsequent semi-final sweep at the hands of the Houston Bulls, the Rush are in rebuild mode and focusing on having a strong Season 78. As previously mentioned, having no goalie puts them at the bottom of the barrel for the Power Rankings, but what makes them worse than Philadelphia is that they only are icing two defensemen to start their season. If they could find a half-decent goalie and a couple of defenders the team could actually be pretty decent with the likes of @Jake Sumner The Great and @Pythonic Gaspar Zakrevsky coming back for one more season with the team. Until they find a netminder though, its gonna be bad times ahead for Yukon.
 
That wraps up the first installment of the Power Rankings for Season 77. The balance of power has definitely shifted dramatically this season and I think it is pretty wide open. There are some strong teams for sure, but there aren't any clear cut favourites as of yet. Multiple teams could do well if their players commit to improving over the course of the season so it should be fun to monitor each team over the course of the year. Thanks for reading and until next time, cheers!
 

The Jolly Greene Giant has recently announced that he has signed an extension with the Toronto Legion until season 82. This will put the Giant in Toronto for the rest of his career, unless he gets traded. "The move just makes sense," says the Giant's agent. "The Giant likes playing in Toronto and he loves his teammates. We see potential in the team moving forward and Toronto obviously wants our talents, so the warm and fuzzy feelings were mutual for both sides." 
 
The Giant looks to improve on a team that is already stacked with future star defensemen. Toronto missed out on playoffs last season, but they're definitely hoping that they will make it back in this season. "The Giant thinks they will, and that he will be a large reason why," says the agent. "Expect a lot more offense from the Giant and from the Legion in general. Also, #WinForRookie."
 

The Jolly Greene Giant has recently announced that he has signed an extension with the Toronto Legion until season 82. This will put the Giant in Toronto for the rest of his career, unless he gets traded. "The move just makes sense," says the Giant's agent. "The Giant likes playing in Toronto and he loves his teammates. We see potential in the team moving forward and Toronto obviously wants our talents, so the warm and fuzzy feelings were mutual for both sides." 
 
The Giant looks to improve on a team that is already stacked with future star defensemen. Toronto missed out on playoffs last season, but they're definitely hoping that they will make it back in this season. "The Giant thinks they will, and that he will be a large reason why," says the agent. "Expect a lot more offense from the Giant and from the Legion in general. Also, #WinForRookie."
 

The Jolly Greene Giant has recently announced that he has signed an extension with the Toronto Legion until season 82. This will put the Giant in Toronto for the rest of his career, unless he gets traded. "The move just makes sense," says the Giant's agent. "The Giant likes playing in Toronto and he loves his teammates. We see potential in the team moving forward and Toronto obviously wants our talents, so the warm and fuzzy feelings were mutual for both sides." 
 
The Giant looks to improve on a team that is already stacked with future star defensemen. Toronto missed out on playoffs last season, but they're definitely hoping that they will make it back in this season. "The Giant thinks they will, and that he will be a large reason why," says the agent. "Expect a lot more offense from the Giant and from the Legion in general. Also, #WinForRookie."
 

The Jolly Greene Giant has recently announced that he has signed an extension with the Toronto Legion until season 82. This will put the Giant in Toronto for the rest of his career, unless he gets traded. "The move just makes sense," says the Giant's agent. "The Giant likes playing in Toronto and he loves his teammates. We see potential in the team moving forward and Toronto obviously wants our talents, so the warm and fuzzy feelings were mutual for both sides." 
 
The Giant looks to improve on a team that is already stacked with future star defensemen. Toronto missed out on playoffs last season, but they're definitely hoping that they will make it back in this season. "The Giant thinks they will, and that he will be a large reason why," says the agent. "Expect a lot more offense from the Giant and from the Legion in general. Also, #WinForRookie."
 

I know that rosters are still changing, and that players are still being traded around, lines haven't all been finished yet. But I want to rank the top teams in the country this season. And I'll get started with our number one pick. 
 
1.Toronto Legion
This team is my clear favorite this season, not just because Toronto is due a run.
But because the players are playing for more than just themselves.
They're playing for Jaxx Hextall, their goalie who's going to retire this season.
I see the legion putting up point this season as well, acquiring new picks in the draft like Asher Reinhart.
Not only a respected member of the VHL, but also a stud who should've gone first overall in my opinion.
The Legion not only have a solid offensive core, but their defensive core is absolutely beautiful as well.
With players such as Scotty Kaberle, and Jolly Green Giant.
Expect the Legion to not only make the playoffs, but to dominate as well.
@Peace @ROOKIE745 @rjfryman @fromtheinside @DoktorFunk
 
2.Moscow Menace
With a scary good draft, Moscow looks set to take on anyone this season.
Moscow has picked up not only Duncan Idaho, but they also managed to acquire Paul Atreides.
Two incredible rookies looking to make an impact on the league, and both of them are on this team.
Not only does Moscow have some top tier talent, but they've acquired a new GM in Spartan. 
A talented young GM who used to manage the Vegas Aces, a team who may not have seen post season success, but he was amazing with first gens and remakes.
I feel like a lot of people are going to sleep on Moscow unfairly, but let them prove you wrong, Spartan would love to.
@Spartan @OrbitingDeath  @Mr_Hatter
 
3.D.C. Dragons 
God this team is scary on paper, unfortunately being scary on paper doesn't win cups. 
Despite DC having an objectively good team, they've seen very little playoff success.
However anything can change and I think it will. 
D.C. is just itching to prove to the hockey world that they belong, and they will stop at nothing to do so.
With an offensive core composed of impressive players like, super star winger Groovy Dood they can't fail right?
The defensive core of the Dragons might be even better thought with players like, Alex Letang, and DeFenz Mann, the dragons will be a hard team to score on.
Speaking of hard to score on Stone Wolski is cashing in at 863 TPA and ready to win big.
@cant tag spartan twice @bigAL @Mike @Enorama
 
 
     Well that's all the teams I'm going to cover today, I feel as though these teams will do incredibly well. Thank you for reading, stay warm, and stay icy, Seacrest out. 

Hello. KC15 here. On the eve of the S77 VHLM Dispersal Draft, I wanted to share some of my musings about where my player, LW Luc Tessier, might be drafted and how high. I am asking these questions, because I now have some experience in the league. Back in S68 I created a player for the first time. That player was RW Guy Lesieur. I played that player out to his eventual mandatory retirement and now I have a new player in this draft. So, what has changed between then and now and how much draft captial do I now have that I did not have in S69?
 
In S68, I was virtually unknown in the VHL. I did know a user or two who had some credibility here and they may have been able to vouch for me at some level. With all of that, Guy Lesieur went in the 3rd round (37th overall) in the VHLM Dispersal Draft to the Mexico City Kings. One season later I went to Riga as the 6th overall pick in the VHL draft and was immediately traded to the expansion DC Dragons after having lobbied hard with @Enorama.
 
So there is the baseline. 37th overall (VHLM) and 6th overall (VHL) my first time through.
 
What has changed since then?
 
The most obvious is that I have a full 8 year career in the VHL where I earned TPE consistently and did not bail on the league completely as so many end up doing. That buys you a number of draft slots higher than might otherwise be right off the bat.
 
Countering that is the fact that Guy ended up earning 1156 TPE. Respectable, but certainly not a max earner. Of course, though not a max earner, in the VHL, this was good enough for a winger that spent most of his later years on the first line of a Cup contending team and who scored 40 or more goals in multiple seasons.
 
For a good portion of Guy’s career I did Media Spots and max earned. For probably a larger portion of his career, I was content with taking the 4 TPE Welfare. Also, I was never completely a ghost in the Dragons LR, but I cannot say that I was ever the life of the party either. So, not a bust and not a stellar MVP.
 
Again, what has changed?
 
Being honest, I expected to leave the VHL (at least for a pause to rejeuvinate) when Guy retired. That lasted about a day. I’m in 4 sim leagues: VHL, SHL, PBE, and ISLF. The PBE is my clear first sim league, but on reflection, I realized that the VHL was close behind as second. No contest with the trailing SHL and ISFL. So, I knew I needed to recreate. I also knew that I needed to put more energy here, because here is where I was having such a good time.
 
I wrote an MS upon recreation and I’m writing one now. Will I write one every week? Unlikely. But I also hate leaving 2 TPE on the table. When I reach 700 TPE with Tessier the decision will be harder. Then it will be a choice between writing 500 words for 1 TPE or being content with the 5 TPE pension.
 
My intention is to play one more season with my ISFL player who is deep into regression and I may drop out of the SHL now that the season has come to a close. This all will allow me to focus more on the VHL without adding too much more time to my sim league time commitment.
 
I am also in the process of applying for the AGM position in Moscow. I’ve cleared mentioning this with @Spartan and I make no representations about whether I will get this position or not. There are many applicants and some may end up being much stronger than me. But this indicates my renewed focus on the VHL. I think I would like to eventually become a VHLM GM and I think a good run as AGM under Spartan would be just the experience I would need while I help him make the Menace the best franchise it can be. I think this makes sense and could happen eventually as I have GM’ed before in the GOMHL and in both the minor and major leagues of the PBE.
 
So, where will I go in the draft? I have no earthly idea and cannot even speculate. I was immediately invited into the San Diego LR simply as a prospect in the draft and I’ve loved it there. But @thadthrasher has 10A and 110A. I have no illusions about going 10A and I hope not to last until 110A, but who knows. I’d be overjoyed to go there, for sure. No one else has truly reached out and may not as recreates are scouted differently than first gens.
 
When will I go? Again, I have no earthly idea, but I certainly hope to go in the first round. I think a proven track record as someone who does not flake out on the league and go IA will count for something. I hope that this MS will help VHLM GMs get to know me if they don’t already and that will push me up into the 1st round, but I don’t know that at all. I hope, but don’t know. And of course it doesn’t matter in the end. In the end, I will go to whatever team drafts me in whatever round and I will be just as excited to make my mark with my new player and prove to that GM that they made the right decision in drafting me.
 
Thanks for reading to the end and above all … DRAFT HYPE!!!


 
969 words, waiting to claim the week beginning March 15  
Note:  Because this is an article whose timing makes more sense before the VHLM Dispersal Draft and not after and because I asked ahead of time, @Beketov has granted his ok to post this now and claim as MS next week.

"Victory Never Sleeps"
 
NEWSPAPER FILE: Click To Read
Disclaimer: I tried to upload images/PDFs instead of a doc, but none of them worked out. Sorry for the inconvenience. Enjoy the edition!
 
WORD COUNT: 1378 WORDS, 2 CLAIMS. 
 

1. Probably not a much as usual 
 
2. I think it's all healthy. Give the good jobs to the hungry
 
3. Yes sir! Me and @Smarch together forever 🥰
 
4. Time to recuperate 
 
5. At least playoffs!!!
 
6. I want to have a breakout season!
 
 

Theirs always next year 

1. Probably not a much as usual 
 
2. I think it's all healthy. Give the good jobs to the hungry
 
3. Yes sir! Me and @Smarch together forever 🥰
 
4. Time to recuperate 
 
5. At least playoffs!!!
 
6. I want to have a breakout season!