Cornholio

1.) No worries, it happens to the best of us. I think that our week has been going pretty well. That Dude is chipping in a little more on offense which is nice to see... oh, and there's the winning streak and climbing up the standings for London which is even more awesome. We may even have a chance at home rink advantage throughout the European Conference playoffs which would be mindblowing considering the start we had. 2.) I think it could have been either way. We could have used a little more depth on defense, but at the same time - why mess with a good thing we have going on right now? I mean, the game plan settings have been on fire. Let's ride this wave for as long as we can and hope the top-end talent will win us more games than not in the playoffs. 3.) Very cool. London is very cool. Not as cool as Big Ben, but we're getting there. 4.) People ran out of common terms to associate with food so they just started putting two things together to make a new word. 5.) I haven't bought a house yet. London is notoriously expensive and I don't earn enough for that. I'm trying to save up as much money as I can for the career regression fighters. 6.) The psychic will know that somebody is coming, but not the identity of the person. So it's kinda half and half on that one?

The London United had its struggles throughout the first half of the regular season despite a top-end talent type of roster. The problem appeared to lie within the team's depth as well as its offense not clicking on all cylinders like anticipated in the preseason. Through 53 games (with approximately 2/3 games in hand over everybody else), London has only scored 185 goals, more than 40 short of the league leading Warsaw Predators. However London's defense has proved to be the most stingiest, only yielding 146 goals, 11 fewer than the very same Predators team. In these two teams' most recent matchup, London won 4-1. "That Dude is starting to sense a turn of the tide here in London which is really nice. Everybody is starting to play together better, the cohesion is starting to click and all that. Folks are now aware of where everybody else is/will be and I think that has really helped us play better as a whole. The goaltending (Jacob Tonn) has been awesome for us and I think our increased buy-in defense has really shown its rewards." In an interesting turn of events, the European Conference has proved to be superior compared to the North American Conference this year. The NA's leading team and the reigning champions Chicago Phoenix as accumulated 68 points through 56 games. There are four teams in the European Conference that has just as many points, including London. Unfortunately, only one team from each conference will meet to battle it out for the Cup - so London's going to have a tough road ahead of them in the playoffs. But if London continues its current trajectory, one has to feel good about their odds. In other news, That Dude has been stuck as the right winger on the second line - however he has started to pick up a few more assists now and then (9G, 12A through 53 games) along with dishing out hits as needed. Not quite the stat stuffing year, but I think he's on the right path on a top-heavy team.

1. I think it would have been interesting to see how That Dude and his Minnesota Storm won last year’s VHLM semifinals against the Mexico City Kings. Surely we could have a chance against the Houston Bulls and who knows. We might have won it all 2. I think we have faith in most of our roster. A little more depth on defense certainly would have helped out a whole bunch but it is what it is and we’ve got to make the best out of it as a team effort. 3. Believe it or not, I actually haven’t listened to music in a bit. Guess I’ve been a bit preoccupied with the family, house and stuff going on at work. Now that you mention it, I’ll find something. 4. Tripping one of the Kings guardsmen. no regrets 5. No. The said cow would produce whole fat milk. 6. That’s actually a good one. Never really thought of it like that as a kid growing up on Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Probably cause DK rolls off the tongue a lot more lively compared to Monkey Kong?

In a different lens compared to what I've been doing lately with random ramblings of That Dude's rookie year with the London United of the VHL organization -- we'll check out what That Dude has been doing within the capital of England outside the ice rink. He has been volunteering a part of his free time at the Blanche Nevile School for Deaf Children, located in London. This school has been in existence since 1895, 126 years of service for Deaf children in the city of London and its neighboring municipals. That Dude has been supporting the school's extracurricular / recreational activities and recently donated an undisclosed portion of his salary to help expand these very offerings (operating costs, staffing, transportation, etc.) "At first I was kinda perplexed by this. I suppose it's just my experience growing up where I assumed everybody could hear and talk and all that, you know? But there is in fact, some people who are proudly Deaf and would rather use manual sign language to communicate. British Sign Language is pretty awesome and it's fun to see some of the kids communicate purely with their hands and without voices. I'm really glad that I got this opportunity to really immerse myself into a whole new world where I was in the minority for once if you know what I mean? I hope that my support will help these students get a taste of playing hockey as you know, some of these students absolutely do not have any access at all whatsoever, right? But I see that football is pretty big here and I don't blame them. It's fairly inexpensive and you only need a ball to play. Hockey, on the other hand, isn't as so cheap or simple in terms of equipment needed to play. I hope to get some more of my London United teammates to join me next week and help support this wonderful school." In other news, That Dude has picked up a few more points lately - but his point-per-game progression continues to decay with each passing sim. But as long as London's still fighting for playoff seeding (Currently 4th), That Dude will be perfectly fine. He knows that his opportunity could come as soon as next season if all goes right in terms of team composite and his developments.

THAT DUDE - ROOKIE C That Dude unexpectedly fell to the London United in the S77 VHL Entry Draft at #10 overall despite being a Top-5 caliber TPE player out of the S77 Draft Pool. Nonetheless, this was an unexpected development in That Dude's journey. After demonstrating outstanding play through stretches in S76 for the Minnesota Storm, That Dude was restricted toward the tail end of the year as well as the postseason, which may have something to do with his draft stock plummeting as well as positional need of several teams ahead of London. That Dude arrived in London as the lone rookie on the roster, surrounded by veterans who had assembled together for a playoff push. Rookie Year Experience That Dude started out the year on the third line at the left wing position - not quite ideal way to start the year playing out of position - but that had more to do with the teams' logjam at the center position and scarcity at the wing position. In some ways, that was a good fit for what That Dude wanted to do - focus exclusively on scoring while the rest of his game rounded out into form. But that came with an understanding that he'd play limited minutes every game. Boom. That Dude came out firing on all cylinders, logging multi-point games right out of the starting gate. Then the points and scoring opportunities vanished. F. But his hard work and determiniation did not vanish. That Dude continues to try to log in as many minutes at the United's practice facilities and it hasn't gone by unnoticed by the coaches. In an attempt to shake up London's rut the last few weeks, they decided to move the lines around -- That Dude was promoted to the second line as he shifted over to right wing. In some ways, it's helped the team as they've started to win more games than not and maintain their positioning for the playoffs. That Dude's scoring opportunities continues to be extremely limited as he has only logged 7 goals on 81 shots along with 6 assists through the first 32 games of his career. Not quite ideal or what he had envisioned doing out of the starting gate. But That Dude still hasn't given up yet. Going Forward That Dude has finally jumped over a veteran as well as the backup goaltender on the London's TPE list and is no longer at the bottom. With Mikko Lahtinen retiring at the end of this year, there could be a larger role looming ahead as soon as next season - will That Dude be ready to seize the opportunity and update his resume? Only time will tell.

After a red-hot start in London United rookie center/winger That Dude’s first few games, he’s gone on a horribly bad drought. Then there are games where he did show some promise and picked up points again, only to dry up once again the last five games or so. “I’ll be the first to admit that it has been frustrating. I clearly feel that I am capable of more. Is it my teammates? Or the coaching staff? One thing I know for sure, and that’s it’s not myself. I expected more out of my stay in Minnesota last season. That’s old news. Playing alongside some boba tide studs like Maiko Lahtinen and others, kinda makes you feel like you cannot stay quiet for too long. We’re still only fourth I our conference and the top-3 in our. Still so much work left to do...’

London United rookie That Dude sensationalized everybody (ha, not really) with his play in the first few games of the young VHL S77, scoring goals left and right. It’s safe to assume that he has come back down to Earth since. “My line mates are not giving me the puck enough! They were just scared of my bright, shiny star and decided they wanted one for themselves too. Crazy how things work in life sometimes. You’d think that you want to see a young kid succeed right? But not at your own expense though, that would be too much and make you look bad, right? Our team has been a little lackluster lately and I know the solution to our dilemma. Throw me on the first line and I’ll show everybody how it’s done. I need to be one of the greatest to have ever played and if London won’t give me this platform then I guess I’ll have to start checking out rentals in the other VHL cities and set up introduction meetings... “ No word yet on whether or not this is factual grumblings or a rookie just spouting random bullshit after being hit in the face by realistic expectations.

1,) folks in the locker room have been saying that we have the talent but not the chemistry. That kinda makes sense to me in a way.... we just have to learn to play with each other in a way that somehow pleases the sim engine. 2.) we have the star power and the goaltending to back up our claim for a postseason run this year. Prague is maybe the only other team I’m gauging because I monitored my fellow countryman Wolf Stansson Jr so it’s been nice to see this franchise eventually turn the corner? 3.) Big Ben. Or one of the Queen’s guard you know? Those guards that are not supposed to do anything at all right? 4.) I think the first person was just trying to figure out how to please a cow and... no, I’m not going there. 5.) I think when you hear those two words, you usually come with the mindset that you’re doomed on the island so you try to think of something that would help you pass the time by. 6.) Trade third rounders for future third rounders.

1.) I don’t worry about expectations. I just focus on whether or not our team is able to execute. If we can do all that the coach is asking of us then we can do some great things this season. 2.) I’m new to the team so I don’t have any history content. So let’s say... all of them? 3.) I don’t have anybody that I hate or hold a grudge at the moment. But I do try to keep track of my fellow draft mates’ progress. 4.) My guy is new so he is still getting the hang of our London beat writers. I hope that folks will like him. 5.) I think 20 pounds. I’m a cashless person. 6.) Oldie but a good one. Who Let the Dogs out by Baha Boys

The S77 #10 overall pick That Dude landed on a team that would soon enough load itself and become a strong title contender. So playing time would be tough for That Dude to find against seasoned players. However That Dude didn’t take long to show the team that he was capable of playing. in the London United’s season opener against Helsinki Titans, That Dude scored less than eight minutes into the game, beating out Helsinki goaltender Zamboni Driver. “I was an undervalued player in the draft and that’s going to stick with me for a long while. Naturally I’d like to get ample playing time so I can be in the running for Rookie of the Year award but it doesn’t seem likely. Limited playing time this year, okay. I’m gonna make sure my minutes count. Scoring a goal in my first ever game was wicked cool though! I asked for that puck so I could keep it. United equipment manager still hasn’t gotten it to me. Dude better not be messing around or give me a fake one.”

1.) It is rather unfortunate that somebody has to get traded - but it looks like we got the better end of that trade. Any time you get a premier player, it's always a good one. Should get us into the playoffs this year. 2.) Playoffs, baby. We gotta go far and I'll try my best to help the team out this year. 3.) Yesterday I had leftover pasta. So I'm hoping for something fresh this year. Maybe Tacos? 4.) I wanted to become a professional athlete. I think it's safe to say that I fell short of that goal, but working in the school athletic department is kinda close enough, right? 5.) Favorite - London United 'cause I'm here. Least favorite? I think Helsinki, that Titan is so boring. 6.) If you had to make a trade with any team right now (player for player swap), what would it be and why?

That Dude was anxiously anticipating this moment, the day that he gets drafted up to the VHL. It happens only once in every player's career and it's kinda a big deal when you think about it. Unlike the M Draft where high-TPE inactives can sometimes muddy up the first round over the up-and-coming prospects, the VHL Draft is the pure measuring stick of a prospect's standing amongst his class mates. In many people's mock drafts, That Dude was slotted in around the middle of the 1st round with many linking him to the Toronto Legion at #6. The Draft Day came. "I've had talks with several teams. HC Davos, Malmo, Riga, Helsinki, Calgary - some of them didn't last long while there were a couple of meaningful back-and-forth conversations. I enjoyed those conversations and took advantage of this opportunity to ask them some questions both about their organizations as well as their notion/thoughts on yours truly. Those kind of stuff, you know? That you can't really have when you're signed to a contract in the VHL. I truly did not expect to go in the Top-3 because you know, those picks were basically on lockdown for Atreides, Idaho and Reinhart by the looks of it. Many folks had my Minnesota teammate Brendan Telker going before me, which I completely understood. Those guys busted their ass off and they've earned their dues. But I thought I'd done a good job to prove myself." Draft Day came. The Top-3 picks went off the board as expected (although the order was a bit different). #4 came, and it was a reach with Zeedayno Chara going #4, probably 'cause he was a Defenseman and fit the team's need. #5, Telker was off to Malmo. #6.... Reinhart, who had unexpectedly fallen as the other Reinhart went #2. Okay. #7, #8 and #9 were all teams that had talked to That Dude. Maybe one of those teams... nope. These three teams (Calgary, Riga, Helsinki) all went with a need pick, choosing Defensemen. That Dude and his fellow agent's friend Druss Deathwalker was still on the board, heads over everybody else in terms of TPE. "Then I was taken #10 Overall. London. A team that hadn't even reached out to me pre-draft. Like, dude. Then the GM reached out to me, saying that he didn't contact me because he was like, thinking, there's no way That Dude is going to fall to #10. So I sort of pushed my feelings aside and graciously accepted the United organization as my next destination. They're in London, which is not too far away from my home country of Iceland so it isn't that bad. Could even sneak in a off day trip back home if I ever needed it. Looking at the roster, I'm the youngest one of the bunch so I look forward to this opportunity, learn from some seasoned pros. Gonna make sure that the teams that passed on me in this draft regrets it."

Saddens me that @gorlab no longer remembers me :’( #NeverForgotYou

1.) In a small way, yes. Kinda makes it feel like it was sort of meant to be and there was nothing we could have done otherwise. But the sweep still stings though. 2.) Yes? I never thought Mexico City would win it all this year, thought it was Houston’s to lose and we’d be the one to steal it away. 3.) I’m on Europe with Idaho and Atreides so my vote goes to us. 4.) Not sure about the World Cup as I haven’t gotten to that level yet. But go Europe? 5.) Yessir I was! Big honor. After being FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY the last time, I’m glad to get my one and only chance to do so. Let’s see if I can get lucky like Wolf Stansson Jr did. 6.) I think it’s the only sport where fighting is allowed. That’s what kept it going even with those primitive ties. 7.) Kodiak Bear? 8.) Polar Bear?

Icelandic center That Dude is now representing only himself as he no longer has any active ties to the Minnesota Storm of the VHLM. It’s been a week since the Storm’s season ended in disappointing fashion with a semifinal sweep against the (eventual champions) Mexico City Kings. That Dude’s mindset has shifted toward preparing himself for the upcoming Draft. A number of teams have contacted That Dude with informational interviews to date. ”I am enjoying this experience. It only happens once in your entire life, the draft process. You get a chance to talk to a wide variety of teams and GMs who have a legitimate interest in your player. You get to ask questions that you probably won’t ever again unless you hit free agency or something. Do I have a particular preference so far? Not yet. I want to keep this as open ended as much as possible but I’m willing to play for a team as long as they reached out to me during this process. If somebody just takes me out of the blue, I won’t be too happy about that. Another thing I also ask for is that I get a fair and equal opportunity to contribute on the ice as a rookie because I know that I can do it. We’ll see how the week shakes out.” in the S77 VHL Draft rankings, it appears that That Dude is the 5th-best prospect based on TPE and the second or third best center.

Great write up with good logic for all of your predictions— let’s see how accurate you are! appreciate the tag too

1.) we simply did not have it on defense. No disrespect to Mexico City but I don’t think we really brought our A game for some reason. 2.) I was thinking Finals or bust all season long, believing in our teams progression and tinkering until we found something that could carry us. If we lost in 7 games or whatever I think I would be more okay with it if you know what I mean? 3.) At the beginning I thought I had a shot at 100 points or maybe a 50 goal kind of thing. That didn’t quite pan out how I envision it at the beginning. Maybe I should temper my expectations for next season. 4.) Heading t the VHL period. 5.) Sadly nope. Third line duties does that to you. 6.) Definitely Brendan Telker. The guy was a scoring machine and we wouldn’t have gone as far as we did without him. 7.) Probably go back to my home country of Iceland and hang out with my boy Wolfie Stansson Jr. The guy missed me dearly.

Minnesota Storm center That Dude is genuinely worried now. After a confidence-boosting first round sweep over the Ottawa Lynx, the Storm has dropped the first two games of the semifinals against the Mexico City. And it came on Minnesota’s home rink - which kind of complicates things if this team is to truly accomplish its goal of winning the M Cup this year. “We’re all bummed and disappointed. I mean, we had confidence in ourselves and it seemed like we were clicking pretty good. Then we drop the first two games at home. Goddamnit. Definitely got us re-examining ourselves and how we dug this hole ourselves. Probably our defense, we've given up 6 and 5 goals in the first two games. I mean, we've scored 4 in both games which typically should suffice. But not in this case if our defense is leaving our goaltender unnecessarily exposed. I still think I should be contributing more, playing more minutes but it’s not my position to say so. I've done my part, put in my work over the course of the regular season and now it's time to play out our assigned roles and hope that it pays off. We have to trust our coaching staff to do the right things and hope we can even this thing up and make it a best of 3 series. We’ll see... I'm still worried though. It would awfully suck if we went home early instead of ending our year in the Finals like we should be.”

1) We taking this one in 5 games. I’m giving them the one game ‘cause we need to lose every once in a while to refocus ourselves. 2) the guy certainly can play. So can our squad - we’ve been paying attention to our defense all season long, making sure it would be in place for the actual season that counts. It’s go time. This should be a good warmup. 3) I don’t even know who’s on their team. I focus on the team as a whole. Not individuals. The sooner we beat them, the sooner we can move on. 4) From a historical, franchise basis - yeah sure rivalries can be formed. But if you’re looking for bad blood type of shit, they probably only run a season or two before the players are done or change teams. So... yeah. 5) nope not really. Ottawa can use this as their bulletin board all they want to. We’re still winning this series. 6) I think the impact has been reduced just a bit. But it isn’t completely out of the window. We do have a certain nook on our home rink... well, I’ll leave it at that. Gotta maintain that advantage. 7) What are the odds we win the cup? we’re the second seed so we aren’t the favorite. So I’d wager money on us winning. Give us 5-1 odds.

Minnesota Storm center That Dude has completed his first full VHLM 72-game regular season— it’s been an interesting journey for TD who experienced playing on different lines with different people in a variety of team roles. “I’m not going to lie - I enjoyed the ups and down of the whole season. I only played 8 games last year so that wasn’t much to talk about other than getting myself into the pool. But this year, I’ve fully embraced it and swam amongst the sharks. Our Storm organization moved me all across the lines, mostly residing on the third line in the second half. It wasn’t ideal for me as I thought I could do better or more with more talented players, but in the big picture - we’re getting ourselves ready for the postseason. The real season starts now. It’s do or die time and I’m ready to do. Let’s get this shit started so I can show everybody what I am capable of.” Minnesota Storm finished in second place, winning their division as That Dude accumulated 75 points this year on 35 goals and 40 assists.

Likewise, buddy. Couldn’t have asked for a better blue line pairing and I salute you for sticking with Prague as long as I did hope you’re ready to go with your next player! Who knows, we might end up teaming up again

1. New York Rangers since as far back as I can remember, which is kinda the Mark Messier days with Mike Richter, Brian Leetch and eventually Gretzky. Man those were the days. 2. Funny. Floor hockey was one of the first organized team sport that I got into but then I chose baseball over hockey and it’s been history. But hockey is hell of a game to watch in person. 3. How about Pokémon?! NASCAR would be cool too. 4. Icing and offsides. But I get why it’s in place. 5. interesting. Kinda cool in a way esp with the Canadian division but I miss the old alignment cause of history. 6. I’d change the career clock bit. Let people get up to 250 then once they go over, the 8-year clock starts. Limit it to three seasons in the M to rotate in/out the inactives. 7. a good breakfast with a hot, tall mug of black coffee, I’ll take that anytime.

Minnesota Storm center That Dude has been cited as a potential Top5 pick in the upcoming VHL S77 Draft, but that seems to be far from the forefront in his mind. “I ain’t too worried about that just yet. All my workouts and preparations have always been with the Draft in mind. But am I thinking that far ahead? Not yet. Not when my team has a shot at a potential Cup. We aren’t quite the top dog yet and the unit has some work to do if we are to take down the self-proclaimed Giant Bulls of Houston.” When asked if he had any preference to staying down in the M under the 250 threshold so he could dominate one more year or go straight up: ”Some people prefer the former. I don’t. My goal will always be to try to set good career numbers for myself. Maybe try and make a run at some records if Im lucky enough to be in the right role in the right system. That’s why I’ve accepted what Minnesota does and that’s mix up the lines throughout this season. Try and find that one combo that’ll deal everybody a devastating blow.”

1) Valentine's Day is coming up! What presents are you getting for your coaches? Probably chocolate-covered penis shaped treats. That’s how we do things in Iceland for our home boys. Guaranteed to add humor. 2) How are you going to spend the weekend? Just get our ice workouts in, hope for some snow so we can skip on a day in the study/meeting rooms. Rayz is always going on and on about those advanced numbers that maybe half of us don’t know. 3) What is more important, scoring a goal, or blocking a shot? Scoring a goal. You see the difference maker on the scoreboard. 4) If you had to be an animal for a day, what would you pick? Llama, those animals don’t take no shit from anybody. 5) Give me your best impression of Rayz. *hands clapping* 6) Looking ahead to the next couple of games, which, if any, worry you? I only worry about whether or not I can score more. My pace has been lagging lately. 7) What is your biggest sports fear? Getting injured on an non-contact play/movement. That’s the worst one imo.

A little bit more freelance than what I'm used to writing but this is based on me IRL so yeah