Dalton Wilcox

I'm heartbroken.  Elmebeck and I went a ways back as we played on the same VHLM team and now the VHL.  We kept in touch for a bit but personal life took me away from VHL for a little bit, but the guy would always reach out to me to see how I was doing.  I regret not keeping in touch with him more.  RIP my buddy.

Future HOFer Lance Flowers @CowboyinAmerica
 
Sadly enough, this is the end of the line for good ol' McWolf, as he has reached the career limit of 8 seasons. He retires without ever winning a best Defensive Defenseman award and, most importantly, without a Cup. His HoF status is now pretty much up in the air. I think he has a case to get in down the line, but definitely not as a first ballot. We will see how it goes. Thanks for the kind words!

New York
Hardest Shot : Wilcox @Dalton Wilcox
Shooting Stars : Elmebeck @Elmebeck
Fastest Skater : The Forest @chillzone
Accuracy Shooting : Jensen @Velevra
Save Streak : ARG @.sniffuM

I'm heartbroken.  Elmebeck and I went a ways back as we played on the same VHLM team and now the VHL.  We kept in touch for a bit but personal life took me away from VHL for a little bit, but the guy would always reach out to me to see how I was doing.  I regret not keeping in touch with him more.  RIP my buddy.

I'm heartbroken.  Elmebeck and I went a ways back as we played on the same VHLM team and now the VHL.  We kept in touch for a bit but personal life took me away from VHL for a little bit, but the guy would always reach out to me to see how I was doing.  I regret not keeping in touch with him more.  RIP my buddy.

God damnjt not Wilcox again
 
F - Ryan Kastelic
 
@pennypenny

@Dalton Wilcox - 1127.62 (6 TPE)
@Nykonax - 1115.88 (5 TPE)
@Patrik Tallinder - 1048.83 (4 TPE)
@diacope - 958.2 (3 TPE)
@HenrikZoiderberg - 898.9 (2 TPE)
@HulkHogan - 883.86 (1 TPE)

S70 New York Americans: The Rebuild is Over
 
Season 70 is shaping up to be a big one for the New York Americans, who are looking to jump into the upper echelons of the North American conference and the VHL. Some would argue that they’re already there – a late-season run had New York third in the conference, and they almost took out the eventual champions Seattle in the first round of the playoffs.
 
But now, the team is ready to make a leap. The young roster is starting to come into its prime, and – with filling a few holes – may be better than you remember. Haven’t paid attention to New York in a few seasons? Here’s an unofficial look at what they’ll be rolling out onto the ice next year. And a note: These TPA totals will also be their TPE totals as well, since not a single current New York player is old enough to be in depreciation. And these TPA totals are current as of the beginning of the offseason, meaning add 20-30 for each player by the time the first game is played.
 
Offense
 
Projected Lineup
LW Soren Jensen (515 TPA) -- C Boris the Forest (827) -- RW Dalton Wilcox (623)
LW (FA?) --- C Keven Foreskin (556) -- RW Owen Nolan (576)
LW Jaxon Walker (273) -- C Walter Clements (309) -- RW Ryo Yamazuki II (366)
 
 
Boris the Forest and Dalton Wilcox were the original two members of the Americans’ rebuilding squad, both being drafted in Season 67. Now, as they enter their fourth season, they’re the centerpiece of an offense that is just beginning to come into its own. Forest put up a career high with 71 points last year, but Wilcox took a step back from his rookie season with only 46 - both players have the talent to be doing much better. Potential ROY Jensen, meanwhile, could join them to create a powerful trio for the next 3-4 seasons.
 
S68 forwards Nolan and Foreskin could be first liners in their own right on many other teams, especially with one more year of seasoning. But for now, they form the backbone of a stud second line that could rival those in Seattle and Vancouver. Last season, Yamazuki joined them on that line at LW, and could very well do so again. But I believe there’s a hole for a potential free agent to bolster that group (or perhaps even unseat Jensen in the first line and have him move to the second line), which would create a deadly top six. This also has the side effect of creating a fully active, young third line - which could feed on the lack of depth elsewhere in the conference that is necessitated by paying older players.
 
 Defense
 
Projected Lineup
D Lance Flowers (660) -- D Fredrik Elmebeck (521)
D David O’Quinn (346) -- D (FA? Low?)
 
Lance Flowers might have been the high draft pick and have the TPE total, but it was Elmebeck who was the revelation on the blue line last year for the Americans: In the top ten for defenseman scoring for much of the season, he ended the year with 52 points, a massive increase in hits to 121, and solid 123 shots blocked. If Flowers can regain his form that saw him win the S68 Wylde Trophy, this pairing of S68 defenseman provides a nice offensive/defensive balance that will only grow from here.
 
On the second line, O’Quinn could be the Americans’ secret weapon - following a season with Saskatoon that saw him put up 99 assists and 114 points, he should be a Rookie of the Year dark horse with the opportunities he’ll get in New York. There is a question, though, of who will be across from him. Kevin Low, acquired midseason from Seattle, played alongside Flowers on the first line last season, but will be the only active Americans player to test free agency this year. The team wants him back (we love you @Smarch), but if he decides to take his talents elsewhere, New York has the cap room and the capability to sign or trade for a defenseman elsewhere.
 
Goalie
 
Projected Lineup
G A Red Guy (614)
G Thorvald Gunnarsson (407)
 
If there’s one reason to point to why the Americans made their late season run last year, the play of second year goalie A Red Guy is it. He finished the year top five in the VHL in save percentage (.923), GAA (2.24) and shutouts (5), and he finished just one win outside the top five despite playing five fewer than the maximum goalie games. If he continues on this trajectory, especially with goalies like Pepper and Krikiters getting slammed by depreciation in their final season, he could very well be a Shaw candidate this year. Gunnarsson also provides a solid stopper for New York in the days where A Red Guy can’t go, at the very least making it so that New York doesn’t sweat against the bottom of the standings.
 
Outlook
 
New York’s oldest player is third line forward Walter Clements, entering his fifth season. Every single other player on the team is in the first half of their career, with a majority being S67 (fourth season) or S68 (third season) draftees. This was a team that was built to compete right about now, and for the next three seasons, they should be a force to be reckoned with. They have depth that few other teams in the league possess, and they have the activity to continue to improve throughout the season leading up to the playoffs.
 
That said, the Americans aren’t a team without holes. They really need one more scoring forward to supplement those first two lines, creating a top six that could all be over 600 TPA by the time the playoffs roll around. There are a few of those players out there in free agency - a veteran presence like Svoboda, Materazo or Madden has to be intriguing - and leadership would do well to bring one of them in. If Low doesn’t re-sign, defenseman is also an area of need, even if it’s a stopgap like former Legion defenseman Carles Puigdemont. New York also has the 6th, 16th and 18th picks in the upcoming draft, which could be intriguing for a trade or for a play-now defenseman.
 
It’s too early to tell where New York will finish in the standings. But it’s reasonable to believe they’ll compete with Seattle and Vancouver for tops in North America, with D.C. likely one more rebuilding season away. And if New York keeps building throughout the year, who knows what can happen with a little playoff magic?

Merry belated Christmas! (if that's a thing).  Dalton Wilcox had a great time in Christmas, so late that he forgot to show up for this interview in the holidays.
 
He spent time with family eating and drinking (lots), opening and buying presents for all his newfound celebrity friends, and singing Christmas carols.  He discovered a new found talent for singing after downing a few (I mean lots) of drinks.  Here are some of his favorite Christmas tunes ranked in order of preference:
 
1. Jingle Bells - the OG in terms of Christmas carols.  Easy to sing and remember the words, especially the part where Batman smells.
2.  Joy to the World - Dalton brings joy to the ice every time he plays so this one was really relatable.
3.  Littler Drummer Boy - this song can be seriously be played year round.  It's that catchy.
4.  Feliz Navidad - yo this song is lit.  The chorus never fails to get Wilcox moving and grooving.
5.  We Three Kings - this song just reminds Dalton of all the good times he's had with the boys.  A tiny tear comes out of his eye every time.
 
I hope everyone in the VHL had an enjoyable holiday and has a great 2020.

1. Tomorrow we play an eimination game against Seattle, with Seattle being on the ropes. What’s the game plan?
Come out guns blazing, the NYA way.  Aggressive attacking and offense should put them on their heels right away.
 
2. Any predictions for tomorrow?
We win. Plain and simple.
 
5. @Banackock has been seen rioting in the streets of Seattle after the latest loss to the Americans. Does this affect your psyche at all?
Not at all.  He's probably just practicing for tomorrow night
 
7. Who has grown the best playoff beard so far?
Probably @Elmebeck.  Must be the Scandinavian blood.
 
9. How do you think as a team we can improve for next season?
More balanced scoring taking the load off of our top players.  Also some better shut down defense at the end of games.
 
10. How do you feel about the current playoff format?
It's fine.  No matter the format, we still have to fight our way to the championship.

Merry belated Christmas! (if that's a thing).  Dalton Wilcox had a great time in Christmas, so late that he forgot to show up for this interview in the holidays.
 
He spent time with family eating and drinking (lots), opening and buying presents for all his newfound celebrity friends, and singing Christmas carols.  He discovered a new found talent for singing after downing a few (I mean lots) of drinks.  Here are some of his favorite Christmas tunes ranked in order of preference:
 
1. Jingle Bells - the OG in terms of Christmas carols.  Easy to sing and remember the words, especially the part where Batman smells.
2.  Joy to the World - Dalton brings joy to the ice every time he plays so this one was really relatable.
3.  Littler Drummer Boy - this song can be seriously be played year round.  It's that catchy.
4.  Feliz Navidad - yo this song is lit.  The chorus never fails to get Wilcox moving and grooving.
5.  We Three Kings - this song just reminds Dalton of all the good times he's had with the boys.  A tiny tear comes out of his eye every time.
 
I hope everyone in the VHL had an enjoyable holiday and has a great 2020.

With the New York Americans now miraculously sitting in playoff position and currently riding an extremely high win percentage in the last few weeks, a lot of credit goes to the balanced scoring of the forwards and extremely efficient team defence of the defenseman.  However, according to his teammates and coaching staff, most of the credit should be given to goaltender, A Red Guy @.sniffuM  Goalies tend not to be in the news a lot, unless they put up ridiculous numbers or have been lit up by an opposing team.  Most of the glory tends to go to the high scoring fowards, or the flashy offensive defencemen.
 
With a sterling 0.926 save percentage and a spicy 2.2 goals against average, A Red Guy has put up 29 wins for the Americans this season, while splitting the net with Thorvald Gunnarsson.  A Red Guy has also put up 5 shutouts and has played in many shootout games this season. A shootout is a goalie’s ultimate test in a 1 on 1 situation usually against the other team’s best scorers.
 
Teammate Dalton Wilcox was asked about his goaltender’s season thus far: “Hell yeah brother, there’s no doubt he’s our unsung hero, even MVP right now, even above Boris the Forest, Foreskin, Elmebeck and even myself.  Although I have to admit, there’s no surprise he’s getting better and better. Facing a shooter like me (the self proclaimed best shooter in the league) every practice is definitely going to make you improve your game.  His improved game play might also be a product of the pre-game shakes I make him every game (nudge nudge wink wink).
 
A Red Guy is also pretty important to the team off the ice.  He’s a guy you can always rely on to do the things that make the off ice events (parties, outings, etc…) go.  He’ll always be the guy who volunteers to get more drinks (and other things) if we’re running low, provide bouncer services to our teammates if puck bunnies or autograph hounds get too close, or make sure everybody including rookies and vets are having a good time.  He’s the definition of a glue guy, on and off the ice.”
 
Compared to his goaltending counterparts, A Red Guy ranks 6th in wins, 5th in save percentage, 5th in GAA and 5th in shutouts.  Although he is not at the top of any statistical category, the fact that he ranks top five in most of the important ones show just how dominant he’s been during the second half of the season, considering how brutal the start of the season was for NYA.  If awards were handed out for half season numbers, A Red Guy would definitely win in every statistical category.
 
As an S68 draftee, the future is very bright for A Red Guy and whichever team he plays on (hopefully the New York Americans according to Wilcox).  There is no doubt that goaltending awards are in his future as well as numerous all star game appearances. Let’s just hope he stops drinking Wilcox’s “pre-game shakes”.
 
words: 512
 

One person who was key in his young career and is a unsung hero in Dalton Wilcox's eyes is @FrostBeard, who was his GM during his VHLM days with the Houston Bulls.  In Wilcox's second year of VHLM eligibility, Frostbeard took a chance on the young scorer by drafting him into the Houston Bulls.  Boy, was that a great decision for the Houston Bulls.  
 
In his one season with the Bulls, Wilcox finished with 95 points in 72 games, ending up as one of the top 5 scorers in the league and on the all VHLM team for the season.
 
Wilcox credits Frostbeard for his guidance on things such as player build, how to earn the most TPE, and establishing a strong winning culture in the Bulls locker room.  It was great foundational year for Wilcox to develop as he was going to transition into the VHL season the year after and Wilcox learned a lot from Frostbeard.
 
Wilcox hopes Frostbeard has a happy holiday and enjoys the time off with his family.

1. We're looking pretty secure for a playoff spot now after a shaky start to the season, and currently it looks like the first round may be against Seattle. What do you think of our chances, and is that the opponent you are hoping for?
I think our chances are good.  We might not be contenders but we'll scare some teams for sure.

2. Do you like the VHL's 12 days of Christmas? Do you think you'll post in every daily thread?
Of course.  Can't say no to free TPE.

3. Who's the MVP of VHL so far into the season? And on New York?
Randoms for the VHL.  A Red Guy for us.  A stud goalie gets us far in the playoffs and I have confidence he'll do so.

4. Is your town/shops/malls/streets also in full Christmas attire now?! And have you started worry about buying gifts, planning trips or hosting meals?
I don't buy gifts, gifts buy me.

5. Any hobbies you will have time spending a little bit time on between Christmas and New Year's? 
Probably drinking and experimenting with some uh...fun stuff?

6. Star Wars premiering on the 18th, your thoughts and expectations? Will you go watch it with the team?
Pssh watch it in theatres?  I'm gonna be watching it on somebody's twitch stream who is streaming through their camera phone while sitting in the back row at the theatre.

With the New York Americans somehow in a playoff position at the moment, a lot of credit goes to young forward Dalton Wilcox with how he turned his season around.  Averaging over a point per game in his last 5 games, Wilcox has helped the Americans overcome a horrific start to their season to move into a playoff position (at the moment).
 
When asked what changed for him, Wilcox replied "Nothing.  If anything I increased in magnitude what I was already doing.  2 post game beers turned to 4, one day off turned into two, weekend benders stretched into Mondays and the occasional Tuesday.  Practice habits remained the same, if not worse.  More shooting, less passing to teammates were all keys to my turnaround.
 
This is sustainable and we should be aiming for victory every game from here on out.  The Americans coaches are very happy with my progress and don't let them tell you otherwise."
 
With tough matchups coming up for the Americans, this remains to be season but hopefully Wilcox continues his strong play the rest of the season.

With only twenty-three games to go the playoff candidates have bunched up in just the last ten games.



New York looked like it would stay at the bottom of the league, picked up some pace and just a few games ago it looked like they could at least threaten Calgary - or that they were the main opposition. 

....and then, suddenly (I would say), we have New York having to fend off DC (yes, Calgary is only one point off, so they're all in contention over that playoff spot).

The interesting thing in these last games though will be this battle and wrestling, and possibly (hopefully not) whether Toronto can keep firm above - not that many points up to their spot for either of the three bottom teams.

My personal feeling is that New York was severely under performing early season and that we are hitting our stride now, I don't think we will have to worry about losing a playoff spot, and Toronto should possibly keep an eye out not only for us but also for DC and Calgary.

We're all coming for ya, eh!

With the New York Americans somehow in a playoff position at the moment, a lot of credit goes to young forward Dalton Wilcox with how he turned his season around.  Averaging over a point per game in his last 5 games, Wilcox has helped the Americans overcome a horrific start to their season to move into a playoff position (at the moment).
 
When asked what changed for him, Wilcox replied "Nothing.  If anything I increased in magnitude what I was already doing.  2 post game beers turned to 4, one day off turned into two, weekend benders stretched into Mondays and the occasional Tuesday.  Practice habits remained the same, if not worse.  More shooting, less passing to teammates were all keys to my turnaround.
 
This is sustainable and we should be aiming for victory every game from here on out.  The Americans coaches are very happy with my progress and don't let them tell you otherwise."
 
With tough matchups coming up for the Americans, this remains to be season but hopefully Wilcox continues his strong play the rest of the season.

1. Walk us through your game day routine as you prepare for a match up.
Smash a couple of pre-game beers.  Maybe a pizza or burger and fries if I'm feeling extra sassy.
 
2. Some athletes are very superstitious - do you have any lucky superstitions so you succeed in games?
None.  Just walk through my pregame routine and I'm good to go.
 
3. Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Wilt Chamberlain.  1000 kills is a hard number to reach and I admire his tenacity and drive.
 
5. They are casting the biopic of your life - who should play you?
Whoever is best looking.  Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling are all great options (no homo)
 
7. What should we work on so the Americans finish the season strong?
We really need to step up our party game.  Weekend benders need to last an actual full weekend, boys.
 
8. If the New York Americans rebranded they should be called the New York _____
The New York Wheel Snipe Cellys

1. With our season starting out on the wrong foot, how do you keep your morale high?
Alcohol, lots of it.  Throw in the occasional hard drugs.

2. We have been in some real hard fought games. How do you feel your about your player and his/her compete level?
I've been competing hard but just not producing on the box score.  Our last few games have been close and I think we're close to breaking out.

3. With Thanksgiving coming up fast, will you make time to stay in shape or pig out?
Uh, stay in shape of course.  I am a dedicated professional.  Whatever I eat I will sweat it out, in more ways than one.

4. We have  some young players really doing well under the circumstances, who sticks out in your mind?
Me?  I'm still a fairly young player.  But not really, I'm sucking ass.

5. What changes would you like to see on our team, be it players or playtime?
I'm not sure what we can change at this point.  Like I said, we're close to breaking out.

6. What do you like most about our team so far?
Everybody is given a chance to produce, no matter how skilled you are.  
 

Still hungover from the big ass party we threw when you left. ?

Boris the Forest

Dalton Wilcox has accepted a Signing Offer from New York:

S70: $3,500,000

S71: $3,500,000

S72: $3,500,000

With the brink of the S69 (nice) on the way, Wilcox.  He's been sitting and waiting since his team, the New York Americans did not make the playoffs in S68.  He narrowly missed the cut for Team World at the world cup, and watched them from the sidelines.  Needless to say, Wilcox is chomping at the bit to get back into game action.
 
"Yeah it's been tough having not played any competitive hockey games for a few weeks now.  I"ve kept myself in shape but I also took time away from the game.
 
Am I disappointed that I didn't make Team World?  Yes, but it is what it is and I wish their players all the best.
 
I am back now, focused and ready to compete for the Continental Cup with the New York Americans.  We have a ton of young talent who I feel are going to surprise a lot of people in this league.
 
I'm looking forward to S69 (nice) getting started so we can kick some ass."

With the brink of the S69 (nice) on the way, Wilcox.  He's been sitting and waiting since his team, the New York Americans did not make the playoffs in S68.  He narrowly missed the cut for Team World at the world cup, and watched them from the sidelines.  Needless to say, Wilcox is chomping at the bit to get back into game action.
 
"Yeah it's been tough having not played any competitive hockey games for a few weeks now.  I"ve kept myself in shape but I also took time away from the game.
 
Am I disappointed that I didn't make Team World?  Yes, but it is what it is and I wish their players all the best.
 
I am back now, focused and ready to compete for the Continental Cup with the New York Americans.  We have a ton of young talent who I feel are going to surprise a lot of people in this league.
 
I'm looking forward to S69 (nice) getting started so we can kick some ass."

After a stellar inaugural season in the VHL, Dalton Wilcox was named to the all rookie team in the VHL for S68.  Wilcox put up 65 points in 72 games, which is solid numbers for any player in the VHL.
 
The Rookie of the year award went to teammate Lance Flowers.
 
Wilcox said:
 
"I'm extremely proud of my achievement and my teammate for winning the ROTY.  I worked extremely hard all offseason to prepare for my rookie year and I am glad it paid off.  I am grateful for the New York Americans for giving me the opportunity to play the minutes I need in order to produce.  I look forward to developing with the core and contending for years to come."