animal74

The Portal Stats is best to see the active leaders (use the Sum slider) but not all the stats there are 100% accurate. The thread Janser gave you will give totals of anyone retired but not active - go to the Hits tab in the Skater stats sheet. You can also go here for most Hits in a Season:

I've been writing about Tough Guys for years...

1. I'm actually pleasantly surprised so far. My scoring rate has been more than my VHLM seasons and I'm holding a Top-8 spot in rookie scoring so I'm quite happy. I wish obviously that we would be in a playoff spot and that I could help the power play more but overall I'm really happy with my individual performance. 3. I think we are fairly on par with where are roster construction dictates although I think we definitely could be higher. 4. I posted a few ideas in the thread. Hopefully they are thought provoking... 5. I do. It's not the most active I've been in but at least it's not quiet for days. I try to pop in every day although irl I'm pretty busy. I think @qripll and @Alex as the GM/AGM you're doing a good job of being active and encouraging others. 6. Ooooh, good question! Rock - Six Feet Deep and Hell You Call A Dream by The Warning (best band out there right now!), Indie Pop/Rock - I Don't Wanna Talk by The Royal Foundry (great brand new summer track), Dance Pop? - With Me by Solar Heavy, Sofia Kafas (catchy new-to-me song/artist) 7. Maybe another game channel? Or a Dragons history channel. I could work on some stats sheets

The two active VHL leaders in career hits recently crunched their way to new milestones as both of them became the 19th and 20th players in VHL history to record 2300 hits. Toronto Legion winger Toby Kadachi (S98’s current hit leader with 177) @ROOKIE745 and Helsinki Titan-for-life blueliner Tommy Sleeves @dasboot each passed the mark earlier this season with Sleeves also passing HOFer Xin Xie Xiao @Baozi for 18th on the list and currently sits with 2379. The next on the list is another HOFer, Brennan McQueen @Jamie with 2518. Both Sleeves and Kadachi are on pace to finish the season just under 2500 hits. It would be remiss not to mention that Tommy Sleeves also set the new VHL record for career penalty minutes in Helsinki’s sixth game of the season a 3-1 win against Moscow. Having collected 12 PIM in his first five games, Sleeves entered the game 4 PIM (1854) behind Peter Payne (1858). The Titan of Toughness fought Jarmo Ruutu @jRuutu in the second period and was given a 5-minute major to put him one minute ahead of Payne to set the new VHL record. He was awarded two more minor penalties early in the third period to set his game-end career high at 1863. Unsurprisingly the VHL PIM season leader with 129, he currently sits at a career total of 1969 and most likely will be the first player in VHL history to reach 2000 penalty minutes by season’s end.

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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!

What!?!? The nominees are all from different teams?!?!

Gunner now needs 3 goals to tie Locke and 1 point to tie Campbell! At least one more game to go. Unreal! But... he has one more season left as well!

The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Halifax 21st in Game 6 of the Founder’s Cup Final to win their first VHLM championship since their back-to-back Cup victories in S83-S84 and the 11th in franchise history and 6th since moving to Las Vegas. GM @sadie built arguably the deepest defensive foursome in the league and backed that with the signing of one of the top goalies in the league, Onyekachukwu Chidieber Oluwaseun (also known as OCO) @TenIQ. And while it seems ludicrous to some critics that the second-lowest scoring team during the regular season ended up winning the Founder’s Cup, I would suggest that the clues were there and the stats didn’t paint a clear picture on how formidable this Las Vegas team was. S97 Founder's Cup Champions - Las Vegas Aces Clue #1: While it’s true that Las Vegas’ 126 goals scored were more than only the last-place Mississauga Hounds’ 120, their goals against was tied for third in the league. They also played in more 1-goal games than any other team. The Aces’ 20 overtime and shootout losses led the league by a wide margin and could have swung their way. If they were closer to the league average and had won 10 of those extra-time games, that would have made them a much-stronger looking 94-point team. During the playoffs, they also avoided overtime for the most part with only three games going past regulation with them winning two and losing one. Clue #2: I would also state that the goal differentials of the top two teams in the Eastern Conference, Miami and Halifax, that were both beaten by Las Vegas, were inflated due to playing the bottom two teams in the league many times. For example, the Aces’ Finals opponent, the Halifax 21st, had the best record in the league and was the highest-scoring team. They may have looked like the far superior team but their record against the Philadelphia Reapers and Mississauga Hounds was a combined 18-1-2 with a combined goal differential of +56. Subtracted from their regular season goal differential of +96 and that leaves a +37 differential against the rest of the league which would have been fourth in the league instead of first. The Western Conference was a much stronger conference as every team was just about at a .500 winning percentage or higher. Although, to be fair, Las Vegas did have a perfect 9-0 record against the Hounds as well. Clue #3: Special teams were a huge part of Las Vegas’ regular season having the top-ranked power play and the fourth-rank penalty kill. They were also the least penalized team in the regular season with 46 less penalty minutes then the next least penalized team. So it’s really no surprise that they were given more power plays (31-14) against their first round opponent, Miami, although the discrepancy in penalties could be debated. To their credit, the Marauder’s power play did do well against Las Vegas at 28.57%, the best rate behind the Aces, but their penalty kill was torched by the league’s best power play, which found another level in the playoffs. Whatever power play formations the coaches drew up for the postseason worked to perfection as the Aces operated at 29.87% for their playoff run. No one could stop them. 23 of their 47 goals scored in the playoffs were scored with the man advantage. Their penalty kill also found another level as they only allowed 6 power play goals on 53 attempts. That means that after Miami went 4 for 14 against them in the first round, the Aces' penalty-killers only allowed an incredible 2 for 39 the rest of the way including blanking all of Saskatoon's 18 chances! Clue #4: Signing Oluwaseun in the off-season may have been the Aces’ shrewdest move in the off-season and did the Burkina Faso native ever deliver! One of the consensus Top-3 netminders during the regular season after leading the league in GAA (1.52) and finishing third in SV% (0.923) and shutouts (11), Oluwaseun continued his hot run leading the Aces with a 12-3-1 record, 1.68 GAA and a league record-tying 5 shutouts (former Ace Deadpanda @Alex set the record two seasons prior). Throughout the playoffs, it was more how OCO devastated opponents at crucial times that astonished the league. In both of the first two series, he posted a shutout in Game 1 and in the series-clinching game. While Halifax turned the table in the Final and shutout Las Vegas in the first game, OCO returned the favor and shutout the 21st in Game 4 to tie the series at two games a piece. They then only allowed one goal on 16 shots in the Cup-winning game to go along with assisting on all three Vegas goals!. To summarize, OCO’s stats in series-clinching games was 3-0-0 with a 0.33 GAA, 0.974 SV%, and two shutouts. Definitely one of the more clutch performances in VHLM history! Clue #5 That the Aces’ defense core would lead them offensively in the playoffs like they did in the regular season cemented a curious but effective strategy by GM Sadie. During the regular season, the Aces’ top four scorers and leading goal scorer were all defensemen. Led by Albin Algard’s 39 assists and 51 points and Kazuma Satou’s 22 goals, that duo continued their offensive brilliance along with Mathias Gunnarsson and Manuel Ceson especially on the power play. With a combined 98 power play points and 15 game winning goals, it was as inevitable as Thanos that those four would have to factor in every game for Las Vegas to have a shot at the Cup. And they sure did. Satou led the playoffs with 14 assists and 22 points while Aldgard was second in the M with 9 goals. Satou was third with 8 goals while Aldgard was T-3rd with 18 points. Satou and Ceson led the playoffs with six power play goals each and Satou set the modern-day VHLM record for game-winning goals by a defenseman in a single post-season with 5 (including both of Las Vegas’ overtime winners)! In fact, after Raoul Cyr and Lorenzo Mancini scored the Aces’ first two goals in Game 3 in the Final, defensemen scored the next nine Las Vegas goals to give them the 4-2 series win. And, true to form, the four Vegas blueliners were the top four power play producers in the playoffs with a combined 36 power play points. They also scored 9 of the needed 12 game-winning goals. Ceson was credited with the Cup-winning goal in Game 6 at 1:47 of the second period on – you guessed it – the power play. Other notable Las Vegas contributors: Cyr did have a great playoff as well finishing 3rd on the team and 5th overall with 17 points. Danny Ross was held without a goal but finished with 6 assists, a league-leading 54 hits and 62.67% faceoff winning percentage (among those with 25 or more taken). Ethan Ashcroft tied Cyr for the team forward lead with 5 goals including 2 game-winners. To conclude, Las Vegas was perhaps more of a Cup contender entering the playoffs than the pundits assumed. The old adage states: “Defense wins championships.” And when your defense is also lethal on the power play and scores more than most forwards, then that saying is even more accurate. Congratulations to the Las Vegas Aces – The S97 Founder’s Cup Champions!

The Animal Sports Agency extends their congratulations to the Las Vegas Aces for winning the S97 Founder’s Cup. We would especially like to congratulate our client and friend, defenseman Albin Aldgard for his heroics in the playoffs. After leading Las Vegas in scoring during the regular season, Albin led the Aces with 9 goals in the playoffs, one behind the league lead. His six points in the Founder’s Cup Final and 18 points (tied for fourth in the league) over 16 games is further testament to his determination and ability to raise his game in big moments. We look forward to celebrating this victory with him in the off-season and helping him prepare for his first VHL season. Our Agency is proud to support high-level athletes and proud of our relationship with the VHL and VHLM. Albin’s Founder’s Cup victory is the fourth VHLM Championship for our clients and second with the Las Vegas Aces and we are happy to be a part of their successes! ASA’s clients’ Founder’s Cups: Gunnar-Rune Rorvik, S5 Toledo Scorpions; Ondrej Ohradka, S69 Saskatoon Wild; Joel Castle, S84 Las Vegas Aces; Albin Aldgard, S97 Las Vegas Aces

Good series Halifax! Aces!! We did it!!