HughJas_

What he said

S67 VHLM MVP Candidates
 
With the end of the regular season upon us, while the playoffs are underway, it's time to have a look at some of the most valuable players of the season in the VHLM. Who significantly impacted the season? Read on and find out; below we have listed 1 forward, 1 defenseman and 1 goaltender to highlight for their on-ice prowesses.
 
Forward: Thorny Underyew 
Though not predicted as first overall in the central scouting reports, there is little doubt Underyew was the most impactful forward of the season. At his second season in his career, the English center can expect to be awarded for the most goals of the season with 58 notches to his name. He also ranks 2nd overall in points, 1st in shots taken and tied 4th in plus/minus and powerplay goals. Another interesting way in which the young forward broke out from his peers is in game-winning goals, being first with a total 14, and hat tricks, with an impressive total 6 hat tricks this season.
 
Defenseman: Kefka Palazzo 
At his second full season in the VHLM, the Japanese defenseman refined his offensive game with a marked difference, elevating his amount of points from 22 in S66 to a stunning 99 in S67, ranking 5th overall in points among all players and proving a veritable menace to other teams' special lines with 1st overall in powerplay goals. If things keep going his way, the aspiring defenseman should be looking to join the Seattle Bears' regular lineup at the start of next season.
 
Goaltender: A Red Guy 
The 50 year-old masked man can be proud of his first season despite the remarkable performances of some of his peers. Guy still netted 2nd in wins this season with a total of 47, with almost half of his lost being dragged to overtime (specifically 10 OTL). He also holds the best goals against average of the league (1.83) and 3rd best save percentage (0.899) despite having received a large amount of shots (8th most shots against) this year. Other interesting fact, the goaltender ties 1st in shutouts with a blistering 11 games without a goal against him.

Just saying, https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1132841-vancouver-canucks-5-most-hated-opponents#slide4 
 

MINNESOTA SPORTS COLUMN
 
We're here with the captain of the Minnesota Storm defenseman Hugh Chan, and today we're talking to him about his thoughts and opinions on the recent announcement of the VHL expansion.
 
Q. " Hello there Hugh! Thanks for joining us today on such short notice, how are you doing? "
 
H. " No problem at all, I'm doing great thanks for having me! "
 
Q. " You've just finished your last game for the regular season, what did you think about the Minnesota Storms season overall?
 
H. " The season was great overall, I'm not going to lie I definitely expected us to be a top 2 team considering how great of a start we had but I'm happy with how our team progressed. Also clinching the 3rd seed was amazing for the team, it will give us even more of an opportunity to make a deep playoff run."
 
Q. " Now with the announcement of the expansion of the VHL, what are your thoughts about it and do you think that it will be good for the league? "
 
H. " I'm excited about the new expansion of two more VHL teams, the league has grown considerably since I've joined 2 seasons ago and an expansion was definitely due. The extra expansion teams will also help with playing time as the league continues to grow, we are seeing more and more players stay an extra year down in the minors due to the amount of depth on current VHL teams and also the lack of minutes which young prospects need to develop. More teams will also = more fans which in turn generates more revenue that will be reinvested into the players and the VHL. As you can see with my points I think that it's a huge deal and will be a great thing for the league in the long term. "
 
Q. " This question is being thrown around the league and is still up in the air, where do you think/hope the teams will end up?
 
H. " *chuckles" Yeah I've seen this question being asked to players all the time, you guys know just as much as I do. The destination of the teams is still definitely still up in the air so me speculating isn't going to provide much insight. However if I had the choice for where the two teams would go, I'd like another team in the north west as I'm from Vancouver. Somewhere in a neighboring state or province would be amazing, to have another rival in the division of my hometown team would be an amazing experience, purely as a fan of the Vancouver Wolves! The destination for the second team ... hmm, maybe somewhere like Chicago? They have always had passionate fans and a place like that would be great for a new rebuilding expansion team. "
 
Q. " Thanks again for the stopping by for this short interview, any last words you would like to add? "
 
H. " Yeah I'd like to thank the Minnesota Storm fans for all their support this season, it has been an honor to play my last season in VHLM with the Storm and couldn't have asked for more from the fans. Expect a great showing in the playoffs as we attempt to bring the Founder's Cup home! "
 
 

1) I expect a competitive series splitting games and ultimately us taking the win.
2) Our D core is just as good if not better than theirs. Our forwards which was a weak point for our team in the beginning have improved drastically. Regarding their effectiveness, they can do all they want, I believe we're the better team.
3) @Dalton Wilcox, we both belong to the Malmo Nighthawks organization and have always been competitive towards one another. There are reports that I will be chosen to be protected over him in the upcoming expansion draft. I will prove why I was chosen as the better player, while also eliminating him and the Houston Bulls from cup contention.
4) Compete level is at an all time high, players chirp and get scrappy. Playoff hockey is like no other, just an accumulation of all the hard work put into the regular season in preparation for this moment.
5 I put faith in my teammates, it's been a long season but having them to rely on really helps.
6) More cash then when I'm back home in Vancouver, America seems to have more cash transactions than back home.

1) I expect a competitive series splitting games and ultimately us taking the win.
2) Our D core is just as good if not better than theirs. Our forwards which was a weak point for our team in the beginning have improved drastically. Regarding their effectiveness, they can do all they want, I believe we're the better team.
3) @Dalton Wilcox, we both belong to the Malmo Nighthawks organization and have always been competitive towards one another. There are reports that I will be chosen to be protected over him in the upcoming expansion draft. I will prove why I was chosen as the better player, while also eliminating him and the Houston Bulls from cup contention.
4) Compete level is at an all time high, players chirp and get scrappy. Playoff hockey is like no other, just an accumulation of all the hard work put into the regular season in preparation for this moment.
5 I put faith in my teammates, it's been a long season but having them to rely on really helps.
6) More cash then when I'm back home in Vancouver, America seems to have more cash transactions than back home.

1) I expect a competitive series splitting games and ultimately us taking the win.
2) Our D core is just as good if not better than theirs. Our forwards which was a weak point for our team in the beginning have improved drastically. Regarding their effectiveness, they can do all they want, I believe we're the better team.
3) @Dalton Wilcox, we both belong to the Malmo Nighthawks organization and have always been competitive towards one another. There are reports that I will be chosen to be protected over him in the upcoming expansion draft. I will prove why I was chosen as the better player, while also eliminating him and the Houston Bulls from cup contention.
4) Compete level is at an all time high, players chirp and get scrappy. Playoff hockey is like no other, just an accumulation of all the hard work put into the regular season in preparation for this moment.
5 I put faith in my teammates, it's been a long season but having them to rely on really helps.
6) More cash then when I'm back home in Vancouver, America seems to have more cash transactions than back home.

1) I expect 5 to 6 extremely close games where both teams have strong showings at home. But we will eventually take the series.
 
2) I spent a bit of time with Khalabib Stoipic in Mississauga so I learnt some of his strengths and weaknesses. That being said he has definitely improved significantly in Houston.
 
3) Jeff Downey @JeffD he annoys me always talks a big game but sometimes struggles on the ice. We will see who is still standing after this round.
 
4) The energy that is in the stadium when everything is on the line it is electric and I feel I play better under those conditions.
 
5) Just imagine my family watching and how I wouldn't want to let them down. All the effort they gave me I want to give them a cup.
 
6) $0 I use card for everything never really have cash on me.

Expansion!? Some Hot Location Ideas!
 
Wow! Another VHL expansion! That indicates that even after a ton of years and a ton of seasons, the VHL is still in a great place to keep growing and expand the open slots for all the players that we have in this league. It is always a great thing when you talk about expansion and while it is super hard on GMs (Believe me, I know this from SBA and from PBE), it is a great thing for the league as a whole and for players that come through the ranks. I know for me as well, I am excited because it means a few more goaltending opportunities around the league and my guy might actually have a shot to have a career as a starting goaltender rather than a back-up. I am fine with splitting time if need be but obviously, being able to be a team's starter and help a team win a cup is something everyone wants. Something people also may want is a place to play that may be familiar to them or just seems like a great location to play and new teams always carry the, "I can be the guy that makes this franchise good right away and have all their records" incentive as well. With that, if I were going to an expansion team, where would I want to play and where do I think are some markets that are deserving of a team and should be represented here in the VHL?
 
1. Boston, MA
As a Bruins fan, this one is easy. Boston is an amazing sports market and whether you like it or not, a championship destination with teams like the Bruins and the Celtics, as well as the Red Sox and Cheatriots. I am originally from Massachusetts so teams from there always have my heart. I do have a goalie on New England in SHL as well but I am not sure whether that makes me want to play for a New England or Boston team again, I just don't know, but I don't think I would mind at all.
 
2. Salt Lake City, UT
Utah is an interesting market as it is a smaller market but the fans in Utah get behind their teams 110% such as Real Salt Lake and the Utah Jazz, they always have a passionate fan base and sports teams can really have success in the market regardless of what people may say. I currently live in Utah, although only for a few more weeks before I move to Atlanta, GA which, yeah, they have had a team and lost a team from the NHL so I won't suggest them here, though I loved the Thrashers' branding and Ilya Kovalchuk. Utah needs another sports team and a VHL team could be amazing as there are very few sim league teams in Utah, with my Utah team in the PBE being the only one to my knowledge.
 
3. Montreal, QC, CN
I will preface this with the fact I hate Montreal's NHL team being a Bruins fan, but, they are a classic team. In a market where I think VHL needs another Canadian team, I think Montreal is the next best option for a team so they came to mind immediately as a location.
 
4. Los Angeles, CA or Dallas, TX
Big markets, big sports towns, and locations without a team, these are options I lump together cause I think there are better options, but if we are talking about wanting to expand the fake VHL world into a bigger market, these would be great. The Kings do well in LA, and Dallas has great support for the Cowboys and Mavericks where I believe a hockey team would do great.
 
5. Australia or New Zealand
Interesting right? We don't have any of these yet and it is an untapped market in sim leagues in general pretty much. The biggest problem is I don't know if Australians or Kiwis even care about hockey at all and it could be unrealistic to expect a team there. I do think however, it is not about full realism and if someone wants a team there, it will happen.
 
No matter the place, I am excited to see where these teams call home and look forward to seeing the growth of their teams and the continued growth of the league in general! Congrats to @diamond_ace and @Enorama for this opportunity! As an expansion GM from the PBE, I can tell you, it is amazing fun. Take advantage of building the team's history and lore around them and most of all have fun and good luck!
 

8/17/2019:
 
Earlier this week, it was announced that we would be getting two brand new teams into the VHL. With that, it means theres going to be an expansion draft and more spots for players who are being shunned on their current teams. I'm quite excited for 2 more teams to join our league since it gives us more of a competitive feel and while we may lose a player, I hope that he is not one of our best and our young stars can be protected. They've announced the GMs for the two teams in Diamond_Ace and Enorama.
 
I'll be completely honest, Enorama helped shape me earlier last season. He gave me a chance to prove my skills and worth on the international stage and we got bronze with Asia. Together, we were a very strong team with Eno knowing how to get the most of the sim. This season, sadly I was not able to play in the World Junior Championships for Asia due to ineligibility. Enorama, with no goalie options was granted 2 goalies who were FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY by their respective teams and still got a bronze out of the awkward situation. He's great at man-managing as well as motivating others to play stronger and harder. I honestly think, there couldn't have been a better person for the job and he deserved his opportunity in the big leagues. I think he'll do well and I wish him all the best of luck moving forward.
 
Diamond_Ace is a very experienced GM coming into the second team. They say, he was the best GM in the VHLM ever and he was a long time GM for the Calgary Wranglers. Diamond, I think just due to his experience alone was worthy of the job. Besides that, he's an incredible commissioner in the VHLM and a great person overall. Every single time I've had a question or needed any help, he's been there. Plus, I definitely think he knows how to build a team and get the most of the pieces he has. Whispers around the M say he was the best at getting trades/winning trades hard. It's just too bad that he happens to be a blue (and I don't mean a blue on the site or the discord), as in, he's a Chelsea supporter. Yuck. Other than that, I think he's an great fit and a tidy GM. I can't wait to see what he does in the draft and I wish him nothing but the best of luck moving forward.
 
I'm so excited to see the league take its next steps in accommodating the masses and the young talent in the M thats yet to be drafted. I'm also excited to see how this affects Malmo going forward. I have full faith in the commissioners of the league as well as the new members of the BoG to fully take this league to the next level. We've been growing at such an astronomical rate that I'm so proud to be apart of such a cool community.
 
Sincerely,
Michael Johnson

MINNESOTA SPORTS COLUMN
 
We're here with the captain of the Minnesota Storm defenseman Hugh Chan, and today we're talking to him about his thoughts and opinions on the recent announcement of the VHL expansion.
 
Q. " Hello there Hugh! Thanks for joining us today on such short notice, how are you doing? "
 
H. " No problem at all, I'm doing great thanks for having me! "
 
Q. " You've just finished your last game for the regular season, what did you think about the Minnesota Storms season overall?
 
H. " The season was great overall, I'm not going to lie I definitely expected us to be a top 2 team considering how great of a start we had but I'm happy with how our team progressed. Also clinching the 3rd seed was amazing for the team, it will give us even more of an opportunity to make a deep playoff run."
 
Q. " Now with the announcement of the expansion of the VHL, what are your thoughts about it and do you think that it will be good for the league? "
 
H. " I'm excited about the new expansion of two more VHL teams, the league has grown considerably since I've joined 2 seasons ago and an expansion was definitely due. The extra expansion teams will also help with playing time as the league continues to grow, we are seeing more and more players stay an extra year down in the minors due to the amount of depth on current VHL teams and also the lack of minutes which young prospects need to develop. More teams will also = more fans which in turn generates more revenue that will be reinvested into the players and the VHL. As you can see with my points I think that it's a huge deal and will be a great thing for the league in the long term. "
 
Q. " This question is being thrown around the league and is still up in the air, where do you think/hope the teams will end up?
 
H. " *chuckles" Yeah I've seen this question being asked to players all the time, you guys know just as much as I do. The destination of the teams is still definitely still up in the air so me speculating isn't going to provide much insight. However if I had the choice for where the two teams would go, I'd like another team in the north west as I'm from Vancouver. Somewhere in a neighboring state or province would be amazing, to have another rival in the division of my hometown team would be an amazing experience, purely as a fan of the Vancouver Wolves! The destination for the second team ... hmm, maybe somewhere like Chicago? They have always had passionate fans and a place like that would be great for a new rebuilding expansion team. "
 
Q. " Thanks again for the stopping by for this short interview, any last words you would like to add? "
 
H. " Yeah I'd like to thank the Minnesota Storm fans for all their support this season, it has been an honor to play my last season in VHLM with the Storm and couldn't have asked for more from the fans. Expect a great showing in the playoffs as we attempt to bring the Founder's Cup home! "
 
 

To be selected in the expansion draft to play for one of the two expansion teams, it would obviously be a tremendous honor for any player. To be apart of history, witnessing the firsts for a new franchise (Game, Win, Goal) would be an amazing experience. Considering the amount of new players joining the league, the two new teams will also provide a great environment for prospects that otherwise would not have the opportunity to develop in the big leagues. Now don't get me wrong the first couple of seasons will definitely be an uphill battle for the new franchises, the new GM's will have a lot on their plate, but some could also say that in itself may be the best part about managing a brand new franchise. With that said I'm very excited for what the new teams will do this upcoming season, and I expect that the expansion will be a great thing for the league in the short and long term going forward.

Has Berocka Sundqvist Done Enough to be Protected
By Steven Brockman
 
With the VHL expanding to include two brand new teams that brings up the possibility of any player being stolen by the new teams in the expansion draft. The question for most players in the VHL is will I stay or will I go. A VHL GM will be able to protect a certain amount of players so that they can not be stolen in the expansion draft. Now onto the question on all Australians lips, especially the ones who have already purchased a Seattle Bears Jersey with Sundqvist's name on it. "Will Berocka be Protected, Stolen or just left alone completely?" If you look at Seattles depth in the LW position there are four players above Sundqvist they are Mars, Morozov, Burn and Zoiderberg. Sundqvist has been improving at a better rate then Morozov and Mars, but with Zoiderberg and Burn being such great players there seems to be no reason why Seattle GM would protect Sundqvist. So if you were planning on buying a Seattle jersey anytime soon for Sundqvist I would wait and see until after the expansion draft.
 
 

MINNESOTA SPORTS COLUMN
 
We're here with the captain of the Minnesota Storm defenseman Hugh Chan, and today we're talking to him about his thoughts and opinions on the recent announcement of the VHL expansion.
 
Q. " Hello there Hugh! Thanks for joining us today on such short notice, how are you doing? "
 
H. " No problem at all, I'm doing great thanks for having me! "
 
Q. " You've just finished your last game for the regular season, what did you think about the Minnesota Storms season overall?
 
H. " The season was great overall, I'm not going to lie I definitely expected us to be a top 2 team considering how great of a start we had but I'm happy with how our team progressed. Also clinching the 3rd seed was amazing for the team, it will give us even more of an opportunity to make a deep playoff run."
 
Q. " Now with the announcement of the expansion of the VHL, what are your thoughts about it and do you think that it will be good for the league? "
 
H. " I'm excited about the new expansion of two more VHL teams, the league has grown considerably since I've joined 2 seasons ago and an expansion was definitely due. The extra expansion teams will also help with playing time as the league continues to grow, we are seeing more and more players stay an extra year down in the minors due to the amount of depth on current VHL teams and also the lack of minutes which young prospects need to develop. More teams will also = more fans which in turn generates more revenue that will be reinvested into the players and the VHL. As you can see with my points I think that it's a huge deal and will be a great thing for the league in the long term. "
 
Q. " This question is being thrown around the league and is still up in the air, where do you think/hope the teams will end up?
 
H. " *chuckles" Yeah I've seen this question being asked to players all the time, you guys know just as much as I do. The destination of the teams is still definitely still up in the air so me speculating isn't going to provide much insight. However if I had the choice for where the two teams would go, I'd like another team in the north west as I'm from Vancouver. Somewhere in a neighboring state or province would be amazing, to have another rival in the division of my hometown team would be an amazing experience, purely as a fan of the Vancouver Wolves! The destination for the second team ... hmm, maybe somewhere like Chicago? They have always had passionate fans and a place like that would be great for a new rebuilding expansion team. "
 
Q. " Thanks again for the stopping by for this short interview, any last words you would like to add? "
 
H. " Yeah I'd like to thank the Minnesota Storm fans for all their support this season, it has been an honor to play my last season in VHLM with the Storm and couldn't have asked for more from the fans. Expect a great showing in the playoffs as we attempt to bring the Founder's Cup home! "
 
 

That's so sick, appreciate your time in making a graphic for my player!

@HughJas_

wat

That's my boy, congrats my dude. @fonziGG

Minnesota Sports Column
 
3 Questions with Minnesota Storm Captain, Defenseman Hugh Chan
 
Q. With the season at the halfway point, what are your thoughts on your team's record thus far?
 
H. I am happy with our results, we started the season as the team to beat and although the other top teams have figured us out I still believe that we are still one of the favorites to win the cup.
We have improved our forward depth which was one of the weak points at the beginning of the season which will be even better come playoff time.
 
Q. How have you enjoyed the State of Minnesota since moving here from Halifax?
 
H. I love Minnesota it truly is the hockey state, the fans are amazing here and have been great to me since coming from the Halifax 21st. The only thing I would change about Minnesota is the weather, it was definitely a shock to me as I grew up in Hong Kong, China where the weather is the complete opposite.
 
Q. Going forward what can the fans of the Minnesota Storm look forward to to finish the season?
 
H. The team is constantly looking to improve will play their best hockey in order to ensure a good playoff seeding. The fans can look forward to our continued success and compete level day in and out. We are thankful to the fans for their continued support and look forward to a great rest of the season, we are hopeful in bringing the Founder's Cup to Minnesota!
 
 

Minnesota Sports Column
 
3 Questions with Minnesota Storm Captain, Defenseman Hugh Chan
 
Q. With the season at the halfway point, what are your thoughts on your team's record thus far?
 
H. I am happy with our results, we started the season as the team to beat and although the other top teams have figured us out I still believe that we are still one of the favorites to win the cup.
We have improved our forward depth which was one of the weak points at the beginning of the season which will be even better come playoff time.
 
Q. How have you enjoyed the State of Minnesota since moving here from Halifax?
 
H. I love Minnesota it truly is the hockey state, the fans are amazing here and have been great to me since coming from the Halifax 21st. The only thing I would change about Minnesota is the weather, it was definitely a shock to me as I grew up in Hong Kong, China where the weather is the complete opposite.
 
Q. Going forward what can the fans of the Minnesota Storm look forward to to finish the season?
 
H. The team is constantly looking to improve will play their best hockey in order to ensure a good playoff seeding. The fans can look forward to our continued success and compete level day in and out. We are thankful to the fans for their continued support and look forward to a great rest of the season, we are hopeful in bringing the Founder's Cup to Minnesota!
 
 

1) Not really, were still a top team and I expect a good result come playoffs.
2) Berocka @berocka great LR guy and great goal scorer.
3) No, we have a great medical team that keeps us all in check.
4) Breakout pass drills.
5) No I'm a pretty simple guy, Ive had the same equipment since juniors.
6) Nice Chicken Parm, can't beat it 

The Minnesota Storm have finally fallen back down to earth. After starting the season with an impressive 13 game undefeated win streak, the team has dropped 6 of their last 10 games. Teams in the VHLM have slowly figured out the Minnesota Storms game and have been exploiting their weakness, which is their offensive depth. Despite having five players in the top 20 league wide in terms of points, of those five only one is a forward (Berocka Sundqvist.) @berocka Their strong defensive line-up may have worked in the early games of the season, but as we can see now forward depth is just as important as a strong D-Core. With a limited amount of strong forwards available on the trade block, the Minnesota Storm may very well just have to wait for their forwards to develop and improve come playoff time. With their difficult schedule behind them, the team will look to bounce back in their next week of games playing the top 2 teams in the league just twice in their next ten.

The Minnesota Storm have finally fallen back down to earth. After starting the season with an impressive 13 game undefeated win streak, the team has dropped 6 of their last 10 games. Teams in the VHLM have slowly figured out the Minnesota Storms game and have been exploiting their weakness, which is their offensive depth. Despite having five players in the top 20 league wide in terms of points, of those five only one is a forward (Berocka Sundqvist.) @berocka Their strong defensive line-up may have worked in the early games of the season, but as we can see now forward depth is just as important as a strong D-Core. With a limited amount of strong forwards available on the trade block, the Minnesota Storm may very well just have to wait for their forwards to develop and improve come playoff time. With their difficult schedule behind them, the team will look to bounce back in their next week of games playing the top 2 teams in the league just twice in their next ten.

The Minnesota Storm have finally fallen back down to earth. After starting the season with an impressive 13 game undefeated win streak, the team has dropped 6 of their last 10 games. Teams in the VHLM have slowly figured out the Minnesota Storms game and have been exploiting their weakness, which is their offensive depth. Despite having five players in the top 20 league wide in terms of points, of those five only one is a forward (Berocka Sundqvist.) @berocka Their strong defensive line-up may have worked in the early games of the season, but as we can see now forward depth is just as important as a strong D-Core. With a limited amount of strong forwards available on the trade block, the Minnesota Storm may very well just have to wait for their forwards to develop and improve come playoff time. With their difficult schedule behind them, the team will look to bounce back in their next week of games playing the top 2 teams in the league just twice in their next ten.

The Minnesota Storm have finally fallen back down to earth. After starting the season with an impressive 13 game undefeated win streak, the team has dropped 6 of their last 10 games. Teams in the VHLM have slowly figured out the Minnesota Storms game and have been exploiting their weakness, which is their offensive depth. Despite having five players in the top 20 league wide in terms of points, of those five only one is a forward (Berocka Sundqvist.) @berocka Their strong defensive line-up may have worked in the early games of the season, but as we can see now forward depth is just as important as a strong D-Core. With a limited amount of strong forwards available on the trade block, the Minnesota Storm may very well just have to wait for their forwards to develop and improve come playoff time. With their difficult schedule behind them, the team will look to bounce back in their next week of games playing the top 2 teams in the league just twice in their next ten.