Steve

San Diego Marlins have had a great season so far. A lot of players have stepped up and really put in the effort to be better. For the team and on an individual level. Our team play has been very good. When the top line doesn't score, another line will step up and pitch in. I really like the balance of the team. A bit of reality set in as we keep getting bitch slapped by a couple of top teams. We are trying to compete and will make further tweaks going into the last part of the season and playoffs. I hope we can make another good push in the right direction that let's us play on the level that we are striving for. It's been a great experience playing with the talent on the team. Very active players and a GM that is very savvy. Nothing but pure fun on this team. Helping each other and talking strats all the time make for a good locker room. We have some very good talent on the team, I hope we exceed our goals set this season and make a push in the playoffs. We have the desire, will it be enough is the question. Great time to be a Marlin.

1. What are the Top 5 hockey jerseys you want to have? Dave Taylor, Marcel Dione, Charlie Simmer, Rogie Vashon and Bernie Nichols. 2. We need a thing. Vegas has Taylor Swift love, Vancouver has Lord of the Rings shitpost memes, Miami has Cards Against Humanity and Chess Battles. What should be San Diego’s Discord exclusive thing? Anything that has to do with AR15's or competitive checkers would work for me. 3. What are your favorite movies/films? I like good wholesome family movies like John Wick, Deadpool, Jack Reacher and Bambi. 4. A couple weeks ago, had a 50/50 draw on who has the most luscious locks between Dimmadome and Merrick. This week we move on to the most important talking point in VHL history. Who has the best beard in the VHL/VHLM? Merrick has had a beard for many many years. I would be hard pressed to find anyone that could grow a mop and awesome as his. True story. 5. What’s a food recipe you’d like to share with the group that you’ve personally tried/cooked? I don't really have a favorite but they are all mostly the same. Puncture the film, cook on high for 4 minutes, stir, cook an additional minute. 6. Are you a gamer? If so, what is your favorite genre of games and how do you think that genre could be even better? I dabble with gaming with friends and family. I like shooters like Rainbow 6 Siege, Modern Warfare and single player games like God of War. It doesn't get any better than those.

Review: Very clean looking graphic. I usually don't care for centered elements but this one really has the balance needed to pull it off, well done. I can't really say much about what or how you did this or what I would have done different. It fits a style and you got it right. Keep pushing and I look forward to more from you. 9/10

Review: I really like this design. I have done several with this layout and I find it very pleasing. Just a couple of tips from what I see. You flipped the player, which in some cases needs to be done, but I try to get rid of any branding or words that are spelt backwards. My second thought was why you flipped it in the first place. From what I see, the render would show more of the logo if it were on the right. Just small things but worth mentioning. Overall I love this look. Keep working, you have skills. 8.5/10 @Matmenzinger

1. With WJC fast approaching, which team looks the most dangerous to you? Team USA, we have guns. 2. 8 Points separate the top 6 teams in the VHLM, and there’s 4 points between 2nd and 6th, why do you think it’s so tight this season, who’s been the most surprising team? I think we have been pushing hard and have made a mark in the league. So we have been a surprise. 3. San Diego had really hit their stride, having won 4 of their last 5. Are you confident the team can maintain this run or are you worried at all about peak fatigue like Miami is experiencing now? We are young and pushing hard. We will be strong. 4. With the trade deadline fast approaching, is there any area you think San Diego could get better in through the deadline? Not sure it would be a good idea to change chemistry on the team at this time. 5. IT’S THEME WEEK EVERYONE!!! What are your plans to capitalize on the event and claim that sweet TPE? I am a TPE slut. Of course I will claim it. 6. I’m always looking for new ways to engage people in things like these Press Conferences. Do you have any suggestions for things we could add to spice up these pressers? Soap on a Rope in the showers is all I want.

Review: This is one complex looking graphic. First off, I would say this is the case of "Less is More". The render should be the main focus of the graphic. While I admire your creativity, it is a bit overwhelming to say the least. Maybe smaller text and make your render the focal point. Great concept though. Keep pushing this and you will find the balance needed. 8/10 @Snussu

Review: Well it's a great start. Much better than my first one, or hell, my last 20 haven't been great. You will learn skills and improve by the week. Great to see you at least try to actually earn tpe instead of claiming welfare. As for your graphic, good job. First timer pass from me 10/10 @Firekiss

Well another week of games and San Diego Marlins are still showing they can play with the big dogs, well, nearly all the big dogs. Miami has had our number so far but we have a few tricks up our sleeves that will be rolling out in small increments that should make us compete better in every game. Surprise games against a team that we should have dominated but they turned out too close for comfort. We don't have to reinvent the wheel here, just make it spin as freely as possible. Fun times here in the league. The season has the nervous playoff feel to it at this point. I think we have a good shot at making a big push by then as we are all working on things we like and see an issue with. Great team effort as always. Great leadership from the GM and Captain. This team has all the ingredients for success. Let's see if it all comes to fruition.

Review: Not sure about the background crop but if intended, it cut into the text. Clean render although I can't see any adjustments on it. Format is really off. That said, not a bad looking graphic, just could have used some finish to it. Keep pushing. 7/10 @Infernal

The future is bright in San Diego. Their hockey club has been pushing expectations higher than in recent seasons. A excellent draft and signings have cleverly molded a team that didn't take long to find chemistry and of course wins. With a dedication from the players to hone their skills each week the Marlins just keep getting better. There are several players on the team that are having stellar seasons so far. Top line are playing like a top line, Defense has been very good both on defense and offense. Everyone on the team has brought something the team to make us all play well together. Something that can't be said enough. With all the leaders the team has in terms of success of their players, it is a team game and I would say nobody would have the numbers they have if it weren't for the entire team putting in the effort. Exciting times in San Diego. A perfect storm brewing with the team. Talent and effort to secede are the driving forces that will only make the team a playoff force.

1. 7-4-1 in last week's stretch for 15 points. How do you feel your player did during this week of games? Merrick, along with his linemates are coming together. It will only get better. 2. With WJC coming up, the GM race is heating up. Which team do you think has the best chance of taking the crown in WJC this season? I don't want to guess, I will jinx them. 3. A lot of people hate Media Spots. Why do you think that is? If you're one that does hate them, why? I have no opinion on this matter. 4. If you could add one thing to the Player Store for purchase what would it be? Any of the uncapped TPE packages. 5. Who has better hair, Merrick or Dimmadome? Merrick shaves his head so I would think Dimmadome. 6. What is IR's sexiest quality? The more uncomfortable answers the better. Firm breasts, subtle thighs, doesn't get any better than that.

Review: You have a lot going on here. A ton of effects and a color palette that is intense. Not bad looking but I would work on not over processing. Text behind the player doesn't look right. On this short of a sig, I would suggest working with renders that start at the waist up. Good work though. Some fine tuning and you will be golden. 7.5/10 @Kachur

Review: Looks like a good start to learning how to make graphic. You have a render, text and a background. Now the hard part is working with those to make a cohesive and balanced graphic. There are several guides floating around that will teach you formatting and effects. Text is, in my opinion, the hardest part about making sigs. Keep pushing, you will get there with practice and time. 6/10 @S. Kuchar

After twenty three game, San Diego finds themselves in a fight with two other teams. Each of the three teams with thirty one points. San Diego's game plan is to keep consistent, improve our skills collectively and compete against everyone. We have shown we can play with the big boys, we just need to stay on course and improve during the season. That is on each player to do his or her part to learn the skills and put in the effort to improve. It is a team sport and everyone on the roster wants to win. I see a great future for San Diego. With a good group of young talent just waiting to show what they are made of. Everyone has been helping and supporting each other to learn the skills that are best for the team. It's good to see so many eager to be their best and go the extra mile to reach that goal. If you have to label San Diego, I would call them the best balanced team in the league. As the season goes on, San Diego is setting themselves up for a strong playoff run. A team effort, as it should be.

1. With a 7-3-0 start in our first ten games, is that above, below, or right around your expectations for this team? I think that is a good spot to start out. The top teams have capped players and we will only get better as the season progresses. 2. After ten games, you have a sample of what your player is doing this season. What are your expectations going forward for the season for your play personally? I am happy with my play. I have no expectations but looking forward to the team improving and we can really show our potential. 3. What skills, other than SC and DF are your looking to build on for your player? I am capped so my build was made more for an easier transition into the VHL. 4. When it comes to recruiting, why do you feel San Diego is a prime destination now and in the future? Good locker room attitude and San Diego will be a force in the league as it is just now showing they can compete. 5. A lot has been said and debated on when it comes to the STHS (sim), what role do you feel morale plays on the sim, if any? And what do you think the primary factor is in shifting the tide in games? STHS is a flawed sim engine. Morale is powerful but I believe the league has it turned down so it's not a huge influence. 6. After the BoG conference from this week, are you excited for the continued testing and potential move to the 1.5 system, or do you have other thoughts on the subject? Yes. A step in the right direction. Bonus: What is one thing you’d like to see myself (Moose/Kevin King) accomplish with San Diego this season and beyond? Stay active. Have pressers ready. Great job so far.

Review: Good looking graphic. Nice render like always. Colors seem a bit conflicting but not horrible. I see two issues that I think could have balanced this one out a bit. Position of all your elements are bunched to the left side. I think moving the render to the right would balance this project out. Second thing is the text. While a very good looking font and gradient, it is too small. Or you could have angled it with a drop to bring it alive. You have a fine group of elements that just need to work better with each other. Keep pushing yourself, you have skills. 9/10 @Kekzkrieg

Review: Very bold and dynamic graphic. I am a fan of go bold or go home. You most certainly went bold. Striking effects, dynamic colors, awesome text. I am a huge fan of pushing the limits on this design style. Great job. 10/10 @STZ

With nearly a dozen games under our belt, San Diego looks like they are finding their pace. With a group of young talent, it takes time to exploit their skills into a successful season. Some lines are getting some chemistry and that should pull the others up as well. It is a team effort, not any single player will win us a cup. The fun part about being in a development league is that the team, but the end of the season, could have a whole different identity, a winning culture and a cup. You have to keep that end goal in sight even through the tough loses. It's the small battles that win the war. It looks like our team is all in with making a run and making heads turn. San Diego Marlins are not a fluke, they are a team that will be fighting hard until the end. The locker room is buzzing and the constant chatter about training and what would help the team is a common theme. All good signs of a hungry team.

1. Looking to start off with a bang, do you feel this team has what it takes to win? Yes it has all the talent needed to win. It will take some time to tweak the lines but the ingredients are there. 2. What are you willing to sacrifice to get the win? Hard training will take the place of relaxation. 3. What, in your opinion, is the most important factor for success? Getting the right players on the right lines. Sounds easy but it is not. 4. How do you feel about the captains named? Excellent choices. All good leaders. 5. Who is your favorite player to play along side with? It's a team effort, I am honored to play with any of my teammates. 6. Who will be an underdog team this season? Too early to tell.