VanCanWin

While Trevor Van Lagen prepares himself for what will surely be his most important professional season on the ice, it is what is happening off the ice that makes it such an important time in his life — he is becoming a first time dad! (Legitimately ) It will surely be difficult to balance his on ice / off ice priorities but Van Lagen doesn’t plan on losing focus of his on ice growth as a professional player despite the (good) distractions off the ice. This big moment is thought to be coming around the home stretch of next season as his team will be in the midst of a return to the playoffs so the hope is he is able to go all dad mode on the ice and let it give him a shot of adrenaline in which is sure to benefit him and his team. Until then, he will continue his offseason training in preparation for his sophomore season. Let’s hope next season is a great one, on and off the ice! 175 words

Helsinki Vancouver Helsinki 4-3 Helsinki Points: Beau Louth Goals: Beau Louth Assists: Beau Louth PIMs: Sidney Crosby Series winner: Shawn Glade

Thanks for the mention @fonziGG!! Let’s crush it next season!

Misunderstood this. I should have stayed the year in the VHLM.

Trevor Van Lagen Forward Goals - 16/10 = 1.6 Points - 30/10 = 3.0 1.6+3.0=4.6 Minimum is 10 + 3 = 13 So 13 TPE for me.

Trevor Van Lagen recently finished his rookie season. Amid the frustrations of ice time and cold spells, Van Lagen kept grinding through the season learning many valuable lessons from which he hopes can help him grow into the player he knows he can be. Now that the off-season for him is here, with Malmo not making the playoffs, Van Lagen has some time to put the offseason to good use. He hopes to build his strength a bit more by adding to his checking attributes bringing them at least to 70 maybe as much as 75. Another area he hopes to improve in is his face off abilities as it is looking promising that he will be handed the second line center position in his sophomore year behind the legend and fellow S67 draftee Phil Marleau. Depending on how his offseason training goes with both his checking and his face offs, Van Lagen may look at adding to his Skating as well as his Defence. For now his scoring and puck handling are in a good spot at 90 which should do him well as a second year forward in this league. With much dedication and hard work, Van Lagen hopes to be in the best shape he can be so that he is ready to shoot out the gates once S68 begins. 223 words.

Ten Questions For Any Player 1. Where are you and what are you doing? Just got home. Sitting on the can. 5. How would you like to be remembered? Best Player all time. 6. What is your worst trait? Procrastination. 7. What's the best meal you ever had? Steak. 8. If you could fly anywhere in the world right now where would you go? Aruba. 9. Would you rather be rich or famous? Rich.

This article is a retrospective look in Trevor Van Lagen’s utilization in his rookie season which has recently concluded. A recent media spot by @dmaximus highlighting S67 unofficial awards gave the 1 vs 100 Award away with the winner holding 374 penalty kill minutes. When comparing this to his own stats, Van Lagen realized he was just 5 minutes shy of that record, in his rookie season! Coming into his first season in the VHL, Van Lagen was known as a scoring center. He didn’t hit, he wasn’t strong, and he definitely didn’t kill penalties. Yet, @Advantage, wanting to give everyone as much ice time as he could, placed Van Lagen at the heart of the teams penalty kill. Van definitely struggled there and by as with anything else, he tried to give 110% at this task as well. Unfortunately, the end result would be he was tired often when he would finally get some offensive ice time (by far lower in ES + PP ice time then most of his teammates). Besides this, Van Lagen was learning the ropes on the wing rather than in his natural position in the middle. This transition though wouldn’t be as big of a change as it did take some of the responsibilities of being a center away from him so he could focus on developing the other aspects of his game. Despite his struggles and frustrations, Van did learn a valuable lesson - he needed to gain strength to compete with the best in this league. That is exactly what he did as he dedicated his energy to the gym gaining that necessary muscle to fill his big 6’-5” frame. He began dumping some hard earned TPE into his strength stat as well as putting emphasis on his skating and puck handling stats in an effort to remain a shifty player who is hard to hit. With his scoring and puck handling developed to 90 and his skating at 85 Van Lagen hopes to spend this offseason learning how to hit as well as improving on his face off abilities. His dream heading into his sophomore season is to become a shifty, strong center who’s stride is at least average and shot is near lethal. He will be able to knock opponents off the puck while being a keep away artist and then when he finds an opening he will be able to bury the puck in the net. The only missing aspect in his repertoire will be his passing. This is however, by design. Van Lagen believes in player types and being a predominant scorer will allow him to be a star earlier in his career. Whether he develops his passing later in his career to when his other attributes are maxed out in an effort to become more of an all around player will be determined when he gets there and by how much depreciation is affecting him in those years. Next season, Van will definitely be more prepared than ever to handle the grind of a 72 game VHL schedule. With the hope and expectation that his ES and PP ice time will improve significantly, expect Van Lagen to be a breakout star in just his sophomore season for Malmo. 541 words

Expansion drafts always come with suspense, with plenty of player movement, headlines, interest etc. Another thing that always seems to come with an expansion draft is the question “is now the right time?” I believe in regards to the VHL the answer to that question is a resounding “YES!” When I played through my VHLM season I originally thought to stay a second season down so I could burst into the VHL scene as a rookie. After out earning my TPE at a rate that surprised myself a bit I decided to make the jump right away. I slipped in the draft but I was always right up there with the top earners of the class. There was no reason I couldn’t come in and be a factor from the start. What has held me back the most? Playing time. If I was getting second line minutes my numbers would be much better. I was buried on a second last place team on the third line, off my position at center no less! All season! This is nothing else but a clear indication that rosters were full and the talent level per team was at an all time high. Insert the perfect moment for expansion. This league isn’t slowing down in growth and we already have enough actives to fill two more teams so now is the perfect time to do this. 232 words.

It’s official. VHL Expansion is the number one trending topic on the forums this week and it’s not even close. Why is it trending? Well it’s clear, there is a ton of TPE whores so very desperate for that bonus TPE since it is what is called “theme week”. I mean, why wouldn’t you write about it this week? It’s FREE TPE. Tell this to my Dutch roots and free is all I need to hear and I am on board! Why would VHL Expansion be the topic of them week? Obviously, it is because the league has decided to grow by two teams because of an influx of talented player and active members. Is an expansion draft something everyone wants? I’m sure it’s not, at least to those who don’t want to be chosen away from their current team but that’s why there are protection rules put in place so teams can protect their favourite players from being snagged. Unless Quik gets his way and the VHL undergoes an entire fantasy draft for the league. The thought makes me smile because of how absurd that thought really is. I mean how on earth is that a logical proposal other than for the day it’s happening which would be interesting, no doubt. The league would lose an insurmountable amount of high end talent who would retire so they could recreate. Yeah as I write this thought, I’m convinced Quik has a great sense of humour and that is all. Getting to this Expansion and the details. Do we even know any of this? Nope. All we know is that their are two new teams and two new GMs who will get to pick players from current teams this offseason. Details. Missing. Will i be selected? Or will ADV protect me too? I would hope so. Although with my track record of being highly underrated (3rd round pick 24th overall and already over 400 TPE?! Absurd.) maybe ADV should leave me unprotected because who would select me anyways right? Of course, I’m kidding though. Seriously @Advantage you better protect me. I think I’ve earned it. How good will these new expansion teams be? Probably not good. Although it doesn’t take long to rebuild a team in this league. 3 seasons at most if the GM is any good? I can handle that. They will be attractive destinations for new players because of the sheer amount of ice time that will be available to rookies. All they need is a good locker room with some good drafting/development and we’ll have 12 competitive teams in no time. Is Expansion good for the league? Well for all those complaining, there sure are things about expansion that aren’t our favourite or ideal. That said, expansion due to influx of talent is never a bad thing. A healthy league makes for a fun and active league and that’s the main reason I joined the VHL in the first place. So stop complaining and enjoy the ride. This league is going places. It’s fun, competitive, and growing. Not many simulation leagues can say the same thing. 519 words.

Moscow 5-3

331 Vancouver 332 Riga 333 Moscow 334 Helsinki

Rachel Snype caught up with Van Lagen once again as his season begins to wind down. Rachel: Another season has flown by! Unfortunately it looks like Malmo will be missing the playoffs which means hockey will be done for you shortly. Can you share your thoughts on your rookie season? Van Lagen: Yes, it is almost over already. It’s been a frustrating year for sure. I hope I can take this as a learning experience into the off season and regroup for next year. Rachel: What exactly has been the most frustrating part for you? Van Lagen: Ice time, without question. I’ve played all year out of my natural position, getting third line minutes and spending most of my time out there on the penalty kill rather than in offensive situations which I am much better suited for. Rachel: The top six was indeed crowded but there were all six good options there as well. What could your team have done different to give you more ice time? Trevor: For sure. Every guy worked their ass off all year to earn minutes. All I know is I worked my ass off too. I put in arguably the most time in the gym working on my game. I’ve improved my skills as much or more than anyone. I feel like I deserved a better chance to be an impact player this year already. That said, I’ll take everything as a learning experience into next year. We have a tremendous group of guys, a lot of depth, an an upside that makes us all excited for competing as soon as next season. Rachel: What are the main areas you have improved this year and what is your development focus for the offseason? Trevor: I’ve definitely worked a lot on my scoring (recently hitting 90) as well as my puck handling (also 90). I’ve improved a ton of strength (from 40 to 70) as well. Going into the off season I hope to make some gains in my skating primarily but also work on my defensive game to become that complete 2 way skilled centre I want to be. Rachel: What are your expectations for next season in regards to ice time and role on the team? Trevor: I expect a huge uptick in offensive ice time for sure. Top six minutes playing back at my natural position at Centre. I would expect a huge role in our power play as well. Rachel: After a low point production this year by your expectations, do you foresee a much different year next season? Trevor: Definitely. I always have high expectations for myself. If I get ice time and opportunity I think I can be much closer to a 30 goal scorer, point per game producer. Maybe some might say that’s some lofty expectations but that’s honestly what I believe I can produce as early as next season. Rachel: That is high expectations for sure! Any other comments on your rookie experience in the VHL? Van Lagen: It was definitely a challenge for me this year on and off the ice. I will only use it to motivate me to put more work in the gym preparing for next year. Rachel: Thanks again for taking the time with us Trevor! 535 words.

Calgary 3-2

291 Vancouver Wolves @ Calgary Wranglers 292 Riga Reign @ Toronto Legion 293 Malmo Nighthawks @ HC Davos Dynamo 294 Helsinki Titans @ Moscow Menace

Nice! I’m liking this!

Gold - Canada Silver - Europe Bronze - Asia MVP - Ambrose Stark

How did he even get the job?

See link for original article. https://vhlforum.com/topic/65273-hot-takes-with-van/ With the season unfolding well past the half way point and the contenders and pretenders have been all but sorted out, I bring you with me to revisit my hot takes from this past off season. Hot take #1 Of the 8 picks Seattle will make, only 2 of the players drafted will still be on the team when they win again... in S68. Not looking so hot on this one as they haven’t traded any of these players yet. That said, they could be real contenders if they did though that probably wouldn’t be the smart play for the long run. Hot take Not only will Nykonax fail to turn Mexico City around, but Mexico will finish DEAD LAST next season. The locker room will be a mess with all the losing and Nykonax will be forced to trade whatever he has of value at the deadline I couldn’t have been more spot on here. Mexico is indeed dead last and nothing says they will improve. I believe they have exactly ZERO active players. A mess. Pretty sure people will be calling for GM Nyko’s head soon. Hot take Lincoln Tate is only the 15th ranked prospect heading into the draft but clearly is better than that. Lincoln should be the number one pick on draft night! In 5 seasons, when a redraft media spot is published, Lincoln will be listed at number 1. There is a future spot reserved for Lincoln Tate in the Hall-of-Fame. We all know how this one went. A shock to most of the world, Lincoln indeed was selected first overall. Lincoln has struggled a bit on the ice this season but is still earning like a champ and will be a star shortly, worthy of his selection. To wrap, I am 2 for 3 with my hot takes with still a chance to go 3 for 3 (albeit slight chance as it looks now). 322 words.

Donated $20. Player: Trevor Van Lagen Transaction ID: 84404722BE415530 Claiming: Doubles week Doubles week 5 uncapped TPE $1,000,000 player store This is for S67

When one lives his or her entire life inside one country, one city, they grow a certain bubble around them inside which is all that is normal and feels like home to them. For this Ontario kid, growing up in the city of Toronto, Trevor Van Lagen had such a small bubble around him as this. Toronto was really all he knew. Though his family moved once across the city, and Trevor was placed in a new school, among new friends, it was still Toronto. His family was still there. His old friends weren’t far away. So when Trevor was drafted in the VHLM to Halifax, it was a big change for him. Yet, he remaining in Canada. Same currency, family still relatively close by, so many familiarities for him that there was little adjustment needed. None of this could prepare him for that day that his name was called to be drafted to Malmo. He didn’t know anything about Malmo. Where was it? What was life like there? How would he ever see his family and friends so far away? What currency did they use? So many questions and no answers. While there was certain excitement to being drafted into the VHL to fulfill his childhood there was also a lot of uncertainty. Soon after he was drafted, his family went with him overseas to help move Trevor to the city of Malmo. First impressions of the city were positive for him but when it came time for his family to head back to Toronto without him, reality began to set it. He was on his own. Now what? Trevor did the only thing that he thought could bring him that “at home” feeling — he went straight to the rink. No one was around except a few staff members but that didn’t stop him from lacing up his skates. This was his comfort zone and here on the ice, everything felt right. Over the next few days Trevor visited the rink often but didn’t do much else outside of it. At the rink he met most of his teammates over these few days. It was nice for him that some of these were also his teammates and friends from Halifax and this would make the transition here much easier, he thought. While he had difficulty adjusting to life outside the rink he was hoping his transition to the pros would be smoother on the rink. Unfortunately, his career began with a seven game pointless streak as he struggled to find ice time. He began producing for a good stretch hitting roughly half a point per game until recently where he again is in a pointless spell, currently sitting at an astounding 14 games and counting. His ice time is still low especially considering 40% of it is coming on the penalty kill! This is something he never thought he would do as it just isn’t an area he has been put into before. Fortunately communication with his GM has been good as they’ve had a number if chats regarding ice time where he has been reassured of his place on the team for next season and beyond. Trevor our serious thought into requesting a trade to be moved back closer to home and to a team that could spare him some offensive ice time but recently has begun feeling more comfortable and at home with his team in Malmo. He is remaining dedicated to his teammates and the fans in Malmo who showed faith in him at the draft and allowed him an excellent opportunity to put together a great career. While it is looking like he will be spending the rest of this season as the third line wing, Van Lagen hopes to establish himself as a bonafide top two center on the team starting next season. Look out for him to be in contention for most improved player of the year in S68.

Good luck man! Lack of ice time is definitely one of the toughest parts of being a rookie

231 Moscow 232 HC Davos 233 Calgary 234 Helsinki

Toronto 2-1