animal74

The D. C. Dragons have surprised some critics after a disastrous start to the season losing their first five games. They have since gone 7-4-1 (including handing the Toronto Legion their only three losses of S98) to get back within range of a play-in spot in the North American Conference. Rookie defenseman Albin Aldgard may have taken a few games to acclimate himself to the VHL but he’s been on a tear as of late to help D. C. trend in the right direction. After only posting three assists in his first nine games, Aldgard has scored five goals and seven assists for 12 points in his last eight games. This stretch included a five-game point streak (3G-6A-9P) that saw him score his first VHL goal in his 12th game, a 3-2 overtime loss to Moscow and he put up the first 2-goal, 4-point game of his career in an 8-2 drubbing of New York. He followed that up two games later with his second multi-goal and third multi-point effort of the season with 2G-1A-3P in a 5-4 loss to Warsaw. The surge has seen him climb into the Top-8 of rookie scorers, a spot he hopes to improve on in the coming games.

Don't worry, if Hellebuyck can let in 5 goals, so can you!

1. After a couple of multi-point games, yes, they are finally matching what I'd hoped for. 2. The coaches got the right mix and we are now scoring more and getting contributions from everyone. 3. On paper, Prague has a better roster, I think their stars will help them stay in a playoff spot. 4. As much as I am partial to my old team, I think the LV Aces logo could use a redo. I don't mind the color scheme but the logo is a bit bland. 5. A big parade and a bigger party! 7. I don't think GMs should be fired due to poor results necessarily. If there is a lack of effort on the management side then perhaps after some coaching if things don't get better, I think having a review process to allow the BOG to fire a GM isn't a bad idea. Usually, though, GMs realize when they can't handle the responsibilities of GMing and step down.

Stellar!! Thanks @sadie

Honored to be given an 'A' right out of the gate! I hope I represent the Dragons well!

Congrats to the winners and great ceremony! @dstevensonjr more than well deserved! You've been a total bro and pro for the Legion since you entered the league. Great to see you get recognized!

1. I thought we probably could have got Bob at #5 but maybe I'm wrong. If we do well and the pick is low then it would be worth it to get our goalie of the future. 3. Any Dragons, of course. And my former team, the Legion. 4. I think Helsinki did a heck of a job, especially getting Lovstrom. They sure changed their trajectory in a hurry! 5. Got go with Stone Wolski and Ryan Vidot. Career Dragons (aside from Vidot's last year) and they have been such impactful players and important to the franchise. 6. Trying to do as much as I can. I think I'm pretty confident going into the season and I'm excited to get started! 7. Definitely! They have a strong roster and one of the best goalies in the league. Anything is possible.

And even with less shutouts OCO still had better GAA and SV%...

Hometown: Ostervala, Sweden HT: 5’ 10” WT: 182 lbs. Drafted: 4th OV (S97), D.C. Dragons Since leaving his native Sweden to join the VHLM in North America, defenseman Albin Aldgard’s trajectory has been soaring to become one of the most exciting prospects due to make his VHL debut in S98. A smaller two-way player gifted with seemingly unlimited offensive instincts, Aldgard is still adjusting to the smaller ice surface but has been making good progress and finished his VHLM career as a Founder’s Cup champion with the Las Vegas Aces, leading the team in playoff goals with 9 in 16 games. He’s an adequate defender as well using his stick effectively to knock pucks away and his speed to gain body position. SCOUTING REPORT Hockey IQ: 4.5/5 Shot: 3.5/5 Puck Skills: 4/5 Competitiveness: 3.5/5 Skating: 4/5 PROS Skating Aldgard is a fluid skater that can change gears effortlessly and although he doesn’t possess elite top speed, his first few strides are powerful and create separation from the opposition and allow him to make plays. His east-west skating ability are one of the main reasons he’s so dangerous on the power play as he can glide along the blue line and open up space to look for the most effective plays. Skill Few players see the ice as well as this Swedish blueliner. He moves the puck multiple ways whether via a crisp first pass, eluding defenders as he bursts up the ice or dangling around them as he skates through the zone. He is a pure playmaker, carries the puck on a string and has a deceptive shot that’s not heavy but finds its way to the net through traffic. Knows when to join the rush. Is an adept power play quarterback and often picks apart penalty killing units to set up highlight reel dishes. Ran the VHLM’s top PP unit last season. Clutch Performer Routinely performed well in short, intense tournaments such as the JST or WJC. In the VHLM, scored at almost a point-per-game over two playoff stints (24 points in 25 games). Loves the big moment, often having brilliant performances when the team needs it most (as seen in his 2 G, 1 A, Game 5 in the S97 Founder’s Cup final) CONS Size Definitely size has been an issue for Aldgard when matching up against bigger forwards. He has trouble getting pushed of the puck if larger players can match his speed. While he doesn’t shy away from contact, he doesn’t initiate much either. Consistency Like many young players, the grind of a whole season is hard to pace oneself and there have been games and occasionally short stretches of games where Aldgard is not noticeable on the ice. He needs to learn how to increase his conditioning so he can be at his peak every game. Lack of Discipline Can sometimes take lazy penalties. Partially due to his conditioning and the amount of ice time he gets, he’ll stop moving his feet and use his stick instead resulting in a penalty. Can also have a short temper and react to contact which can get him in trouble. Overall, Aldgard is a top-notch prospect, projected first-pairing defenseman and power play specialist. If he can continue developing defensively and physically, he may just turn into one of the top defensemen in the league.

1. Unsure really. Is this their first draft? 2. I welcomed them in the chat and gave them each a fruit basket and gave them a map to the D.C. Library. 3. Not knowing who's available, we just need someone with high TPA! 4. Christmas has the best memories from this winter. 5. Everyone will be under the same rules so it would have the same affect for every team. 6. I wouldn't call it desperate. Obviously, the BOG thinks something needs to be done so it would have been thought out. 7. Toby Bob!

After a successful two-year stint with the VHLM's Las Vegas Aces culminating in a Founder's Cup Championship, Swedish defenseman Albin Aldgard said his goodbyes to his Las Vegas teammates and fans and has now joined the team that drafted him 4th Overall in the S97 VHL Draft, the D.C. Dragons. The Dragons are in full rebuilding mode and Algard expects to be an important part of the plan to mold them into a contender. A lot of work still needs to be done to the roster but Aldgard has liked what he's seen and heard so far. "I know there are going to be challenges the first little while but I've had some good talks with GM @qripll and I think he has a definite vision for the Dragons and we'll hopefully be ready for the start of the season. I'm looking forward to all the opportunities that will be coming." A smaller, creative blueliner who's a powerplay magician, Aldgard led the Aces with 39 assists and 51 points during the S97 regular season and then led them with 9 goals on their Cup run.

Week 2/2 (1200+ words)

1. Winning the Cup obviously was the best moment but a couple other favorites was beating Miami in the first round when we were complete underdogs and my Game 5 performance when I had 2 goals and assisted on the OT winner to give us the 3-2 win and series lead. 2. Awesome! This is my fourth Founder's Cup and second with Vegas and it never gets old. This one was especially sweet as it was more unexpected. 3. Have to say OCO. Our defense was good but 5 shutouts?? Two shutouts in series clinching games?? C'mon, it's a no brainer. Satou was brilliant as well but I think OCO has the edge. 4. Enjoying the win but refocusing and getting trained up for next season. 5. Ceson first as the captain but then OCO. 6. Let's go European! Italy, Portugal, something like that. Probably my last LV presser for a while. Thanks @Big_Dyl for all the great questions!

Congrats Bears!