animal74

After feeling quite certain that the Aces would miss out on one of the Top-5 goalies in the S85 VHLM Draft, Las Vegas GM @Shindigs was ecstatic when Joel Castle @animal74, who signed with the team as a free agent late last season and contributed to the Aces’ second consecutive Founder’s Cup victory, fell to them at pick #13. @Shindigs cited familiarity with the player and Castle’s “winning pedigree” as reasons why the Canadian puck stopper was the easy selection. Castle did end up being the fifth goalie chosen but was the fourth of the “Big 5” after his Junior Showcase teammate Lachlan Summers @kirbithan was a surprise pick by San Diego at 6th overall and Fuukka Rask @Jubis was selected right after Castle at 14th by Ottawa. Halifax snagged another Canadian goalie, Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro, at 15th for an unprecedented seven goaltenders selected in the first 15 picks of the draft. While Castle thought he would go higher, he is excited that he gets to stay with Las Vegas. “I’m so pumped that I get to stay with some guys that I know and try to go for a three-peat with the Aces! @Shindigs has created a fantastic locker room and the other draft picks are great and I’m looking forward to showing what I can do and battle for another championship!”

Deathwalker FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY!!! I at least got a vote for the Boulet this time. Thanks to whoever that was! Congrats to all the winners!

S84 Team Awards The S84 version of the Malmo Nighthawks took a step backwards yet again only winning 19 games but the future is bright. Their young players continued to play a significant role for the team and the goalie position has been solidified with Boris Tzesar and Thomas Price. Long-time captain Druss Deathwalker played his last game in the VHL but broke the league all-time hits record along the way. S85 belongs to the new young Nighthawks with a fresh vision provided by new GM @KaleebtheMighty. Here are the S84 Team Awards as voted by the Malmo players and management: Condor Adrienne Award (Best Defenseman) Dabnad Shaw @Dabnad Shaw saw small gains both offensively and defensively but looks poised to be a breakout candidate in S85. Winning the award for the second straight year, Shaw was second in the league with 231 blocked shots as he tried to lighten the workload for Malmo’s young goaltending duo. He more than doubled his goal output from last season lighting the lamp 10 times and also led Nighthawk defenders with four power play goals, 150 penalty minutes and 218 hits. Rookie of the Year Bradley Buzzer @WereBuzzing The 31st pick in the S80 draft took a while to make it to the big league but he had a positive impact once Malmo acquired him from Helsinki. The only rookie on the roster besides goalie Thomas Price (who also played admirably posting a 0.938 SV% despite not getting a win), Buzzer contributed 32 points, was effective on special teams, and played with grit placing fourth on the team in penalty minutes (72) and hits (124) and getting into three fights. Unsung Hero Boris Tzesar @comrade cat Malmo’s season would have gone very differently if not for the nightly heroics of the Russian sophomore netminder. Despite only posting 19 wins, Tzesar tied for the fourth-best save percentage among starters (0.928) as he faced the third most shots in the league (2614). He gave the young Nighthawks a chance to win every game. Most Energetic Dabnad Shaw @Dabnad, Boris Tzesar @comrade cat It’s no surprise that two of the most outspoken Nighthawks tied for this award. Not only do Shaw and Tzesar bring endless enthusiasm and drive to their respective positions, they are extremely vocal in the locker room as well and it is a positive and vibing place largely due to their chatter and conversation. Most Gentlemanly Druss Deathwalker @animal74, Igor Molotov @Dom Two of the most respected players in Malmo are also two of the most respectful according to their teammates. Even though he is the VHL’s most feared hitter, Drusswalker is still a gentleman on the ice (in non-contact situations) and off of it. Molotov posted the second-least penalty minutes (18) and hits (58) on the team. Most Valuable Player Druss Deathwalker @animal74 Selected as Malmo’s MVP for the second straight year, the captain had one of the best seasons of his career, setting a career-high with 44 goals which led the team and was 7th in the VHL. He also led the Nighthawks in goals, points (had 21 more points than his closest teammate), PIM, hits, shots, PP and SH scoring, game-winning goals and fights. Nighthawk of the Year Druss Deathwalker @animal74 For the second straight year and fourth time in his tenure, Malmo’s longest-serving captain was selected as Nighthawk of the Year. A fitting award to cap his career, Deathwalker will not only be missed on the ice and in the locker room, but also in the community. 3-Stars Award Druss Deathwalker @animal74 Also for the second straight year, Druss won the 3-Stars Award, leading Malmo in Star points, 1st Star selections (13 – third in the league), and overall selections. Full 3-Star standings below: Player 1st 2nd 3rd Star Points Total Stars Druss Deathwalker 13 4 2 490 19 Boris Tsezar 6 6 4 340 16 Igor Molotov 3 3 6 210 12 Obi Adesanya 2 3 5 170 10 Harkat Mulds 0 3 4 100 7 Miroslav Tsarov 1 2 1 80 4 Thomas Price 2 0 0 60 2 Dabnad Shaw 0 0 6 60 6 Bradley Buzzer 0 0 2 20 2 Nighthawks: @Thunderidge @hylands @PadStack @atw2592 @Lemorse7

Congrats @a_Ferk!

D Biggie Cheese @Phil

Ah, sorry, F Taylor Mourning @Blakemac22

D Tui Sova @Baby Boomer You're turnin' round.

Can we get the index link?

What's Google?

In one of the most goalie-heavy drafts in recent memory, Victoria, BC native Joel Castle was placed as the 9th overall pick in a recent Mock Draft but listed as the fifth of the “Big 5” goalies available. Castle’s agent was overheard as saying that Castle was not overly concerned with his ranking but that he would definitely play in the VHLM next season. He confirmed that a slight injury during training this past month may have been the cause of his client’s slip down the rankings. But, the fact that he will play in the VHLM where some of the prospects ahead of him may jump right to the VHL European league may play in his favor. Castle shared on social media that he is “super stoked” for the draft and that he’s been contacted by over half of the teams in the VHLM. With a considerable lack of goalies, but also a few teams having many needs just to ice a roster, it will be interesting how the draft plays out. Castle will undoubtedly be happy wherever he ends up and work hard to prove himself as he prepares for the next steps in his career.

1. I'm going to go with a overall approach but definitely key in on my hand speed and reaction time and agility. 2. The chances are I get drafted in both the E and M so I'm really interested to see where I land. 3. Oh, I think the possibility is good for him to return. He's an icon. 4. Honey badger 5. Good for him if he does! The M needs veteran leadership just like any other league and he's been a great leader for the Aces. 6. Probably more successful than Whistle Dogs!

Let's get another GOLD!

S86-eligible goaltender Joel Castle is shining at the Junior Showcase for the Dehli Pickles. The Canadian puckstopper currently leads the tournament in GAA (2.24) and save percentage (0.940) while sporting a 4-1-0 record with one shutout in six games helping the Pickles to the third-best record so far with a 5-4-0 record over the first nine games. Castle has been splitting games with Australian Lachlan Summers @kirbithan and it will be interesting to see if this trend continues but he knows that with the stiff competition at the goalie position, he'll need to keep playing at a high level to improve his draft stock for the upcoming drafts. Castle commented on this in a post-game media scrum. "There are so many great goalies available in the next few drafts, it will take some special performances for any of us to separate from the pack. It's been a while since the VHL has seen so many great athletes coming up in net. I know the competition for the rest of the tournament and in the VHLM, VHLE, and VHL over the next few seasons is going to be steep and I'm ready to work hard and show that I deserve to be among the best."

1. Blame everything on STHS. It's Simon's fault. 2. I'm on the Delhi Pickles and it looks like we're doing well so far. I've never taken part before so it's neat to participate! 3. Been a busy summer but I think my favorite is the most recent: A camping trip in the mountains with my wife this past week (no kids and no dog!) 4. I think Las Vegas will slay for the awards. Best goalie might be contested but we'll see. 5. I think new options for TPE is great. They may have done this in the past but perhaps sharing social media posts about the league. 6. What team won the S84 Founder's Cup?

Thanks for everything @Mr_Hatter! You've been an absolute pleasure to work with as an editor. Good luck in the future. Congrats, @Alex, looking forward to working with you.

Claim #2

Tater Tot had to shake off all those pucks...

You too, Hlozek!

Nice article!

Thanks @rjfryman for keeping track of this amazing S77 Draft!

The captain sat alone. Only hours before, he had played in his final VHL game. He scored his final point, an assist on the game’s first goal in a 3-1 loss to the Calgary Wranglers. At the game’s final buzzer, he was mobbed by his teammates but he quickly pushed through them toward the Calgary player leading a line of Wranglers to shake his hand. He and former Nighthawk teammate Brendan Telker embraced at center ice and then stood together to shake the hands of players from both teams. Drafted by Malmo only six spots apart in the acclaimed S77 Entry Draft, the two friends played in 432 regular season and 55 playoff games together, and helped Malmo win the Continental Cup in S79. As this was Deathwalker’s final game (Telker would continue to play in the playoffs with Calgary), everyone then vacated the middle of the ice and the Scottish giant then took a lap around the rink and waved to the standing and cheering crowd. Now, the locker room was empty except for the hulking hunched figure sitting by his stall. The dim moonlight hazing through an above window faintly illuminated the green jersey that had been his life for the past eight seasons. The sweat on his face dripped to meet the tears from his eyes and continue down his beard to the large “C” over his heart. This was it. The end of the line. But he couldn’t bear to take off the Nighthawk crest and leave the locker room. Not after all the hard work, the time, the blood, sweat, and tears. All the tears of joy and celebration after winning the Cup, all the tears of realization and resignation that trickled down his face right now. And so the captain continued to sit alone with his thoughts. Even though he hadn’t been the most productive offensively as some in his draft class, that was never his role or his goal. He was a physical specimen and a warrior. Someone who led by example, with heart, determination and no fear. He paved the way on the ice for his teammates through physicality, grit, and intimidation. He wanted the rink to be a hostile environment for the opposition. And in the blink of an eye, his career was over, but his influence will be felt in Malmo and the VHL for generations to come. He truly is a Legend. Select accomplishments of Druss Deathwalker: League VHL’s All-Time Leader in Hits (2882) S79 Continental Cup winner Only player in history with eight VHL seasons of 300+ hits (plus one in the VHLM) One of two players to finish careers Top-15 in Hits and Penalty Minutes (Edwin Encarnacion) One of four players with two 400-hits seasons (Simon Valmount, Phil Marleau, Theo Axelsson) Top-7 in Hits every season Led the VHL in Hits three times Led the VHL in PIM, GWG once each, Tied for lead in SHG and Hat Tricks once each One of six players to be named team captain 7+ consecutive seasons Team Longest serving captain in Malmo history Tied with Condor Adrienne for the most games played with Malmo 1st in Malmo franchise history in playoffs penalty minutes and hits 2nd in Malmo franchise history in regular season goals, penalty minutes, shots, and game-winning goals 3rd in Malmo franchise history in regular season assists and points and playoff goals Six consecutive playoff appearances (S77-S82) In a schedule post-game press conference, Deathwalker read from a prepared statement to the gathered media: “As you can imagine, this has been an emotional night. It has been an honor to play in the VHL and for the Malmo Nighthawks for the entirety of my career. The game has given me so much and I look forward to giving back in the near future. I would like to acknowledge how proud I am of my team and individual accomplishments especially our Cup win in S79 and more recently, becoming the VHL’s all-time leader in career hits – both goals I worked extremely hard for and ones that I will remember for the rest of my life. I would like to thank and acknowledge my fellow S77 draftees for the inspiration and competition they provided for me over the years. It was a historic class of world-class players and I am proud to be part of this group. Special kudos to those drafted ahead of me and were on my infamous Hit List: Paul Atreides @Mr_Hatter, Reylynn Reinhart @Ricer13, Duncan Idaho @OrbitingDeath , Zeedayno Chara @Jubis, Brendan Telker @Telkster, Asher Reinhart @rjfryman, Roll Fizzlebeef Jr @TacticalHammer, Jan Hlozek @Bojovnik, Aurelien Moreau @Frank, and That Dude @Cornholio I would also like to thank the management of the Malmo Nighthawks for taking a chance on me and allowing me to grow and lead and a HUGE thank you to all of my teammates throughout my career. It was an absolute and unforgettable honor to be your captain for the last seven seasons. First of all, that special S79 team that won both the Victory Cup and Continental Cup, a truly fantastic group that worked hard, fought for each other, made history and reached the ultimate heights together: Artem Tretiak @Molholt Arthur Dayne @Infernal Brendan Telker @Telkster Gunnar Odinsson @BOOM Jacob Carson @jacobcarson877 Jakob Sosa @TMGSosa JaredN Jr @jared Kevin Wu @kevinscix Kirishima Wakaro @Snussu Muffbeav @.sniffuM Scotty Kaberle @fromtheinside Taylor Mourning @scoop Tui Sova @v.2 Tyler Steel @tylerwest Viktor Alexei Kamenov @BigTittySmitty Zeljko Ranogajec @ColeMrtz All my other teammates that made playing in Malmo such a pleasure: Nathaniel Minion @Minion Miroslav Tsarov @PadStack Carson Walkers @Cwalker Dabnad Shaw @Dabnad Igor Molotov @Dom Kevin Sterk @M1nT Obi Adesanya @atw2592 Randy Marsh @oilmandan Steve Eso @Eso Woody McPine @HearnNation67 Addison McLaren @tcookie Barry Taffe @Barry Boris Tsezar @comrade cat Bradley Buzzer @WereBuzzing Chris Hylands @hylands Eddie Dams @Eddie Dams Eeli Rantanen @Jolline Gino DiGiannantonio @pennypenny Harkat Mulds @hylands Kaladin Kvothe @DangerGolding Kristof Welch @Juice Marshall James Frostbeard @FrostBeard Mason Jones @Masu Chan Matt thunder @Matt thunder Morgan Karlsson @Erik Nikolas DAndrea @Nikdandrea34 Poopy Peepants @JardyB10 Rhys Trenton @DeeGoat Sven Reikkinen @Devise Thomas Price @Thunderidge And the managers who believed in me: @hylands @STZ @Dom @Lemorse7 Thanks to the VHL for providing opportunities for people like me to play the game I love. And perhaps my biggest thank you and all my gratitude to the fans of Malmo who cheered myself and the Nighthawks on night after night. You are the best fans in the VHL. To the relief of VHL players everywhere, the Legend, Druss Deathwalker finally hits retirement." #NighthawksRising

You've been great for Malmo @Dom! Thanks for everything.

Good luck, @Cornholio!