animal74

Top Two-Way Forward Sometimes the two-way specialist uses more brains than brawn when providing defensive coverage. It can be the intangibles - a quick stick, tying up a face-off, a critical clear on a penalty kill - that defines the game of a player who excels at both ends of the ice. The offensive stats of this year’s winner of the Top Two-Way Forward are obvious, but along with being an important cog the league’s second-best penalty kill, it was the lesser noticed numbers that illuminated his defensive acumen: 2nd in faceoffs taken (3096) 4th in faceoffs won (1518), 6th among forwards in hits (191), and T-10th among forwards in blocked shots (30), all while being tied for the league lead in plus/minus (42). Congratulations, with 7 votes, to Eldon Escobar, your Top Two-Way Forward of Season 83! @TeeJay11 Runner Up: Johnny Xavier, Cologne (1) @Johnny_HX Next up, Top Goaltender!

Top Defenseman Our first voted award of the night is for best defenseman during the regular season. This year’s winner didn’t play on a playoff team and yet was part of over 54% of their team’s goals! Their offensive brilliance helped them to the second-most points in the league (89), a tie for the league lead in assists, (67), led the VHLE in blocked shots (216), and was Top-7 in penalty minutes (116) and power play goals (14). Congratulations, with 6 votes to Jake Thunder, your Top Defenseman of Season 83! @Thunder Runner Up: Brian Kowalski, Geneva (2) @Wheaties Next up, Top Two-Way Forward!

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Hello everyone, and welcome to the Season 83 VHLE Awards! This season saw a definite shift from the previous focus on offense displayed in the league’s first three years to much more defensive results as teams allowed less than 200 goals against for the first time - a feat accomplished by five of the league’s eight teams. This lack of offense was also mirrored by record numbers put up by some of the goaltending fraternity. Also, a fourth consecutive new champion was crowned in another playoff upset. Without further delay, let’s get to the awards, both statistical and those being voted upon by the VHLE GMs. First up, the statistical awards. Renaissance Cup Bratislava Watchmen Despite being third in the regular season standings, the Bratislava Watchmen would not be denied. After falling behind 3-1 to the Instanbul Red Wolves in the first round, the Watchmen stormed back to win Game 7 in overtime to book a trip to their first ever Finals facing the top team, the Vasteras Iron Eagles. They then lost Game 1 of the Finals before winning four straight to beat top Vasteras for the franchise’s first Renaissance Cup! Congratulations to the Watchmen as well as GM @FrostBeard Top Regular Season Team Vasteras Iron Eagles The Iron Eagles dominated the league in S83 and set VHLE records for wins (54), points (111), and goals against (160). They were 10 wins and 20 points ahead of the next closest team in both categories and hoped their precision would lead to the franchise’s second Renaissance Cup. Alas, the trend of the top team not winning the Cup continued as the Iron Eagles fell to Bratislava in five games. Congratulations to GM @Dil for building such a competitive roster, and to the players for their performances. Leader in Goals Bob Chicoine, Geneva Rush 42 goals @PoignardLeclerc11 Leaders in Assists Eldon Escobar, Geneva Rush Jake Thunder, Oslo Storm 67 assists @TeeJay11 @Thunder Leader in Points Eldon Escobar, Geneva Rush 95 points @TeeJay11 Lowest GAA Red Gaming, Vasteras Iron Eagles 2.01 GAA @Lilpfigher With the statistical awards out of the way, let's move on to the awards voted on by the VHLE General Managers... First up, Top Defenseman!

Let's make hay! I'd offer to Gm but I'll be camping that weekend.

All night long, baby!

Bye @OrbitingDeath ! I'll miss only hitting you for 2-3 games instead of 6-7. Good luck! Love, Druss

Click CLAIM UNCAPPED, select Off-Season, select Experience

With the S84 Draft fast approaching, let’s recap how the S83 Draft turned out for the Malmo Nighthawks : 1st Round, 3rd Overall: Igor Molotov, C, Russia @Dom The towering Russian centre was selected 3rd Overall after an astounding season in the VHLM when he lead the league in goals, assists, points, shots, and hat tricks, winning five awards in the process. He made an instant impact with the Nighthawks in S83 becoming their top centre and tying for the team lead in points with 74 and leading the team with a -3 rating in a rebuilding year for Malmo. He is a huge part of the franchise’s future. 3rd Round, 39th Overall: Daniel Ferguson, C, Canada @Fergie The first of four 3rd Round picks for Malmo, the diminutive centre showed promise early on but wasn’t able to get the break he was looking for and retired after playing two seasons in Halifax. 3rd Round, 40th Overall: Boston, LW, Canada @CanucksFan Seen as an offensive winger with decent size, Boston worked hard after his rookie season in the VHLM and set career highs in almost every category including 52 points. He showed his nose for the net with eight power play goals and came up in the clutch with four game-winners. If he keeps developing, he definitely has a future with the Nighthawks. 3rd Round, 45th Overall: Cody Kapanen, D, Antarctica @TrickyRicky58 A rare prospect from Antarctica, Kapanen apparently couldn’t handle the heat in the VHLM. He had a decent year with the Houston Bulls in S82 showing a good all-around game, but was released by San Diego shortly after being drafted and didn’t return. 3rd Round, 47th Overall: Erik Finck, D, Canada @Erikkef After a solid rookie season with the Mississauga Hounds, Finck returned to the Hounds and led the team in hits and blocked shots all while also scoring 67 points. He has become one of the Nighthawks’ top defense prospects. Finck skate well and loves to use his size. He may still be a year or two away but he could definitely be a difference maker on the Malmo blueline for years to come.

And the Bears prevailed! Congrats Seattle!

What a Final! Congratulations Bears on winning again! Moscow, at least you're in the history books. But seriously, epic and entertaining series and both teams were great. Idaho has one more try to get a Cup

GAME 7 TONIGHT Moscow and Seattle face off tonight in Game 7. In what is already being dubbed as one of the most epic Continental Cup Finals series in VHL history, the S83 edition of the Finals between the Seattle Bears and Moscow Menace will conclude tonight with Game 7. S83 marks only the second playoff meeting between these two teams, the only other time being in the S71 Finals when Seattle dispatched the then defending champions in five games. Moscow is looking to avoid becoming only the second team in VHL history since the S25-S28 New York Americans to loose four straight Cup Finals and in doing so avenge their S71 loss and win the franchise’s second Cup. Seattle, meanwhile, is seeking their first Cup since S77 after losing in the Finals in S78 and S79 to Warsaw and Malmo respectively. Neither team has played in a Game 7 yet in these playoffs. Moscow played in the league’s most recent Finals Game 7 in S80 when they fell to the Vancouver Wolves the first time in S80. Seattle’s last Game 7 was way back in S59 when they beat the Helsinki Titans for the Bears’ 7th Cup. They own a 3-1 record in Finals Game 7s. This has been a seesaw series as the evenly matched squads have traded wins since the opening faceoff. They were tied for the top record in the league during the regular season with Moscow having the slight edge in offense and Seattle in defense. True to form, the series has been tight with four of the six games won by a single goal and three of those being decided in overtime with Moscow winning two of those three in extra time. Each team has had their stars step up with different heroes every night. Moscow’s future HOFer Duncan Idaho @OrbitingDeath leads the series with 8 goals, 15 points, 4 power play goals, 2 game-winners, 5 multi-point games and is tied with Seattle’s rookie defenseman Mikhail Kovalchuk @Banackock with 7 assists. AJ Williams @ajwllmsn leads Seattle with 5 goals and 10 points. Moscow’s Hard Markinson @STZ and Seattle’s Max Torq @Steve lead all blueliners with 9 points apiece. Each goalie has faced highs and lows. Seattle’s Em Em Flex @oilmandan has by far been the busier goalie having faced over 45 shots a game compared to Papa Emeritus @Beketov of the Menace seeing an average of 10 less shots a game. Flex has made over 50 saves three times in this series but his best game was probably Game 2 when he stopped 60 of 62 shots to lead Seattle to a 3-2 win in Game 2 after a heart-breaking double overtime loss in Game 1. He kept the score 1-0 after the first period despite Moscow outshooting the Bears 36-5 in the period. Emeritus arguably had his best game in Game 5 making 34 saves and only allowing one goal in a 5-1 victory to give the Menace a 3-2 series lead. Seattle outshot Moscow 35-18 yet Emeritus shut the door. Now the question remains: Who will win Game 7 and capture the S83 Continental Cup? Will Moscow’s legendary trio of Top-20 all-time playoff scorers (Idaho, Seabasstard @Seabass, Markinson) shake off the Finals curse that has shackled them the previous three seasons and finally win the franchise’s second Cup? Or will Seattle’s dynamic defense usher in perhaps a new dynasty for the Bears? We’ll find out tonight. Bring on Game 7!

Game 7 after an OT winner to stave off elimination! What an amazing series. Three OT games and legendary performances.

In a short interview over Zoom, veteran Malmo winger Druss Deathwalker updated the Nighthawk fans on what he has missed to prepare himself for his final season after missing the playoffs for the first time in his VHL career. “Well, I’ve been focusing on my fitness and speed,” Deathwalker commented from Scotland, where he returned to after the regular season. “And I’ve run around the Highlands, eaten lots of oatmeal, and practiced my hitting on the hairy coos (cows). I’ve also discovered these delicious protein bars called Heather N’ Haggis made by a nutrition company in Glasgow and they’ve been keeping me energized to the max!” When asked about his expectations and goals for next season, he responded emphatically, “We are going to make the playoffs – that’s the goal. That’s the belief we are taking into next season. With the improvement of the team and having a goalie that actually shows up to practice, we have as good a shot as anyone in the European Conference. As for me, I will have a fire in my belly and I want to score at least 30 goals again and I want that hits record. And I want another Cup. I want to end my career on a good note. And playing with the Malmo Nighthawks is always good.”

Malmo Nighthawks Management Appreciation When Druss Deathwalker started his VHL career in S77, I had no idea how it would go. Admittedly, he was built to be a power forward (emphasis on “power”) and climbing the hits leaderboard was a definite goal. I knew this went against the grain and the meta but I thought it would be fun. The journey has been more than fun. Despite my initial disappointment at being drafted 11th after being 8th in TPE, I couldn’t imagine having been drafted to a better organization than the Malmo Nighthawks. Now the longest-serving captain of the Nighthawks and their all-time leader in hits and Top-3 in most other categories, Deathwalker has also been part of six consecutive playoff berths from S77-S82 including winning the S79 Continental Cup. None of this would have been possible without the management team that made their mark on this Swedish franchise. And so, I’d like to acknowledge them… First of all, @hylands - You took a chance on a non-traditional build in the first round, banking on Deathwalker’s intangibles more than his offensive upside. You drafted well, made shrewd trades and boosted the roster with free agents when needed. Sure, you may have had a bit of luck but you have to be good to be lucky and you were really good, lifting this team to become a destination and a franchise synonymous with winning. Thanks for setting this incredible journey in motion and being an honest GM who made hard calls when necessary but also let the players play and for being a wonderful and positive person to play for. @STZ - You were Hylands’ right-hand man and kept the team loaded with spectacular sigs. You were always encouraging and helpful. Thanks for endorsing the positive Nighthawk culture and being a great VHL member. @Lemorse7- You’re the newest AGM to enter Nighthawks lore and you’ve been a vocal and friendly presence in the locker room. It’s been great having you around! Hopefully this position will lead you to the next step in VHL management. @Dom - We knew each other briefly in Prague and having followed your career and management exploits, I was elated when you became the GM of Malmo. You’ve kept the team competitive while navigating a transition time for the roster and I appreciate your transparency and leadership during this time. You’re always encouraging and you are a great ambassador for the Nighthawks franchise and the VHL. Thanks for everything you do. Each of you have brought your own distinct voice and personality to the team but never once has there been a feeling of control, belittlement or discord. You have always put the players first and created and maintained a positive, fun and uplifting attitude to the Nighthawks where players who come never want to leave. I want to give a quick shout out to a couple of recent Malmo legends who have also contributed to the team's success and culture: @FrostBeard - You were just on your way out when I came in but your professional attitude and commitment had permeated the Malmo locker room and you helped lay the foundation on which we later rose to championship heights. And of course, the face of the franchise, @OrbitingDeath - Condor Adrienne set an on ice example of excellence for future Nighthawks to appreciate, dream about, and strive for. You helped bring a winner’s mindset to the franchise and showed how spectacular absolute dedication and work ethic can be. One of the best players and leaders to ever play in the VHL wore the Nighthawk on his jersey for his entire career. That speaks volumes to future generations. My thanks to all of you, for forging paths, establishing a winning culture and including me in the Nighthawk family. #NighthawksRising

2, 4, 6, 8! Who do we appreciate!?!

Great to have you back Morpheus!!

There has been word around scouting circles that representatives from the Animal Sports Agency have been attending games in the BCHL, most frequently the Cowichan Capitals. This is notable as the ASA usually focuses on European players so there must be someone that has captured their scouts’ attention. But who would consider trying the VHLM instead of following most Canadian players’ dreams of advancing to the Western Hockey League? One WHL scout thinks there is a goalie on the Capitals’ roster that has had a tough go and might be overlooked by other scouts and thus be looking for a different opportunity. A Cowichan team official, who wishes to remain anonymous, confirms that goaltender Joel Castle fits that description, having had a bout of COVID last year and has only managed to dress for a handful of games this season for the Capitals. Sparse video is available on the prospect but the few reels obtained show above average quickness and hand-eye coordination. Another factor that might go against him though, aside from lack of playing time, might be his size. According to his profile on the team’s website, he’s listed as 5’ 10”, definitely short for today’s preferred goaltending prototypes. Will he look for a shot in the VHL? Time will tell.

Deathwalker to Return to Nighthawks for Final Season As the end of the S83 season draws near, Malmo Nighthawks captain Druss Deathwalker has a chance to reach some personal milestones even in what was seen as a year of rebuilding for the S79 Continental Cup champions. During his seventh season with the Swedish franchise – a season that traditionally sees veterans have a drop in production – Deathwalker has provided the offensive spark the young Nighthawks sorely needed after having multiple players leave via retirement, trade or free agency. He’s led the team in goals and points most of the season and has toned done his physicality for being a more consistent offensive presence. The longest-serving captain in Malmo’s history leads the team with 36 goals, only two off is personal best of 38 he set in a career-year in S81, and sits one of the team lead with 69 points, one off his third consecutive season of 70 or more points and fourth in his career. With a team-high 290 hits, tied for fifth in the VHL, Deathwalker’s physical presence didn’t ever leave and he only needs 10 hits in the last five games to become only the fifth player in VHL history to have seven seasons of 300+ hits and join only Brennan McQueen @Jamie to have seven consecutive 300-hit seasons. He currently sits 13th all-time with 2455 hits. Malmo currently occupies seventh in the eight-team European Conference, 36 points out of the play-in playoff scenario. With the playoff dream so far in the distance, most likely breaking his six-season playoff run with the team, would it be safe to assume this has been his toughest year with the Nighthawks, especially as captain? “Obviously, the goal every year is to make the playoffs and here in Malmo, we’ve had a fantastic run but we’ve gone in a new direction this year and it’s been a lot of fun, honestly,” Deathwalker said at the press conference to announce him signing a one-year contract extension. “Even though there have been more losses than wins, I think the foundation has been laid for the Nighthawks to grow into a competitive team for many seasons much like my first six years here. I’ve had a great time with the younger players and their energy has been contagious and I’ve fed off of their enthusiasm. And, I tell you what, there’s a lot of skill and dedication on this roster right now. So much so that I want to continue to help build this team and I’ve signed for one more year with Malmo. It’s looking like the next will be my last season so I want to make it count!” If Deathwalker does play all of next season with Malmo, he’ll tie franchise icon Condor Adrienne @OrbitingDeath as the only players to play 576 games with the team. He’s two goals away from passing Chris Hylands @hylands into second for goals only behind only draft mate Brendan Telker @Telkster. Obviously the franchise leader in hits, he’s also Top-3 in most other categories. But it’s not the franchise records that has Deathwalker returning to the only team he’s ever played for, rather the chance to give back to the Nighthawks and lend his experience to the next generation. “I just love this team and the comradery we’ve built. I want one more shot to make the post-season and set this franchise in the right direction before I retire.”

Claim #2 for May15/2022

All four HOF goalies from that decade (Shaw, Kanou, Glover, CAL G) had similar numbers. Glover played more games during that decade and thus had more wins and shutouts but Shaw and Kanou had slightly more hardware. To be fair, I messed up Glover's numbers initially on the voting form but the way the votes were overwhelmingly in favor of Kanou and Shaw, I don't think it would have made a difference in the eventual outcome.

Graphic by @v.2 More great VSN Content: VHL's All-Decade Team S1-S10 | S11-S20 | S83 All-Star and Prospects Games | TPE Max Earners #23-#25 | VHL Season Update | VHLM Illustrated 2nd Edition Welcome to Part 3 of our presentation of the VHL’s All-Decade Teams where we name the most impactful players in each of the league’s eight 10-season periods. As we’ve tried to gage each player’s value in each decade, slight preference has been given to careers played in the majority of one decade but others may have left an indelible mark on their comrades and the history books in just a few seasons. The VHL’s third decade would feature some firsts: the first goalie to win regular season MVP (and three more netminders would follow suit), the first and only three-time Playoff MVP, the first and only four-time winner of the Top Goaltender, the first (and one of eventually two) five-time Cup Champion, as well as the highest goal total since S6. There was also relative parity in the league as four teams won the Continental Cup twice and the New York Americans became the poster team for “close but no cigar” as they lost in the Cup Finals four seasons in a row. VSN thanks the long-time members of the league that voted on the more contested inclusions: @Kendrick @JardyB10 @sterling @Frank @Advantage @scoop @Victor @STZ @Beketov @Baozi @BOOM @DollarAndADream @CowboyinAmerica @diamond_ace @Phil @Banackock @Mr_Hatter VSN Presents: The VHL’s All-Decade Teams: S21-S30 Forwards Leeroy Jenkins, S23-S30 @Squinty GP: 576 PTS: 815, HOF What Jenkins accomplished in the span of the decade that contained his career has only been matched by a few. He was the leading point-getter of the era finishing with 815 points, 9th all-time at his retirement. He was the first and one of two players ever to win five Continental Cups (with four different teams, no less), four Boulet Trophies, a Campbell Trophy, and led the VHL in goals twice and points and assists once. Pavel Koradek, S21-S28 @Koradek GP: 510 PTS: 640, HOF Despite a slow start to his career, a trade to Helsinki sparked Koradek into the league’s premier goal-scorer from S25-S28. No one scored more than his 240 goals during the last four seasons of his career and he became the fifth and last player to score 60 or more goals in three separate and/or consecutive seasons. In S25 he led the VHL in goals and points and won the Campbell and Slobodzian Trophies even though the Titans missed the playoffs. Evgeni Fyodorov, S22-S28 @fyo GP: 504 PTS: 705 Undoubtedly one of the most consistent scorers in VHL history, the S22 Rookie of the Year led the decade with an impressive 346 goals in only seven seasons, 13th all-time at the end of his career and a spot he would have kept if he had scored at the same rate for one more season. Despite scoring at least 43 goals and 85 points every season (with four different teams), he only co-led the league in goals once with 66 in S26, but also won two Continental Cups with Calgary and Davos. Tukka Reikkinen, S25-S30 @.sniffuM GP: 432 PTS: 598, HOF The one player to lead the league in points twice during the decade, only Jenkins won more awards than Reikkinen’s eight although all his awards were won during two spectacular seasons. In S27, the Finn scored a historic 78 goals and 152 points, leading the league in both categories and winning the Most Improved Player but Vasteras would miss the playoffs after winning the Cup the season before. S30 would be his most successful season individually again leading the league in goals (58) and points (124), winning the Campbell and Slobodzian Trophies and setting the league record for hits in a season with 430 which would garner him the Boulet Trophy as well. That record would stand for 19 seasons. Phil Gerrard, S21-S26 @Phil GP: 432 PTS: 588, HOF As consistent as they come, Gerrard failed to reach 40 goals only once and 85 points once during the decade. He won Most Gentlemanly in S21 and Top Leader in S22 before finally breaking out statistically for 122 points in S24. That season he led the league in assists (73), won the Campbell and Slobodzian Trophies and Most Improved Player. He finished his career leading Vasteras to their first (and his only) Continental Cup since the VHL’s inaugural season and won the Playoff MVP with 15 points in 10 games. Anton Brekker, S21-S25 @DGFX. GP: 360 PTS: 551, HOF The “Swedish Gretzky” did a lot of scoring and winning in the first half of this decade to finish his career. Five straight 40-goal, 100-point seasons, two World Cup Gold medals (S22, S24), and the S22 MVP, along with five straight playoff appearances, five series wins, eight playoff game-winning goals, and consecutive Continental Cups with Davos in S24 and S25. Mathias Chouinard, S21-S25 @Spangle GP: 362 PTS: 532, HOF One of the biggest draft steals in VHL history, Chouinard wasn’t selected until 20th Overall in the S18 draft but quickly showed his worth. He led the league in scoring in S24 with 124 points, one of three 100-points seasons in his career. He was named a VHL All-Star in each year of the decade, was one of only four players to win the Continental Cup three times in the decade, won the playoff MVP in S23, and won two World Cup Gold medals (S22, S24). Tarik Saeijs, S21-S25 @frescoelmo GP: 360 PTS: 521, HOF Known as one of the most supremely gifted players ever to grace a VHL ice surface, Tarik Saeijs hit over 100 points three times in the first half of the decade, including in S23 when he led the league in scoring for the second time with 126 points (he had 157 point in S20) winning the Campbell and Slobodzian Trophies and Most Improved Player. He was also a clutch performer in the regular season with 53 game-winning goals in five seasons (second-most in the decade), leading league in S21 and S22. Alas, playoff success did not follow as he failed to win a championship during his storied career. Lars Berger, S21-S24 @Victor GP: 288 PTS: 440, HOF There were few players more consistently great than Lars Berger. Although he was rarely the best in any offensive category, aside from leading the VHL in assists in S22, it was his two-way play that defined him. Always among the top scorers and hitters, his dominance in the face-off circle, where he would lead the league in winning percentage from S21-S24, is what elevated him to become the first single winner (no co-wins) of three straight Boulet Trophies (S22-S24) in league history. He also helped Toronto win the S21 Continental Cup and won World Cup Gold in S22 and S24. Cam Fowler, S21-S24 @CoachReilly GP: 288 PTS: 445, HOF Fowler made quite the impact at the beginning of decade, finishing his last four seasons in style. To go along with four consecutive 100-point campaigns and four trips to the playoffs, he scored 50+ goals three times, won the decade’s first Boulet Trophy after leading the league in hits in S21, and shared the title of Top Leader in S22 and won it again in S23. His greatest achievement though, was producing the league’s finest playoff performance since S5, helping the Titans win the Cup in S22, leading the VHL with 11 goals in 13 games, including three game-winners, and winning the playoff MVP for his efforts. Felix Peters, S24-S30 @gregreg GP: 504 PTS: 649, HOF The fourth highest scorer in the decade (even with his best season being in S31), Peters was a steady contributor for a rebuilding Seattle Bears squad. After his rookie season in S24, he never managed less than 33 goals, 81 points, and 7 game-winning goals in a season, hitting the 100-point mark three times. He was more than a point-per-game producer in the playoffs (49 points in 45 games) in which the Bears reached the finals twice and won the Cup in S28 where Peters shared MVP honors with teammate CAL G. Ansgar Snijider, S25-S30 @Kyle GP: 432 PTS: 543, HOF The first overall pick in the S25 Draft was a gifted player who didn’t shy away from the physical side of the game. He won the S26 Most Improved Player after a 72-point increase from his rookie season as he scored 53 goals and 107 points, the first of four 100-point seasons in the decade. While he never won a championship, he was a respected leader who won the Grimm Jonsson Trophy in consecutive years (S29-S30). Defensemen Japinder Singh, S21-S27 @8Ovechkin8 GP: 504 PTS: 638, HOF One of the best offensive blueliners ever to grace the VHL, Singh was the leading playmaker in the decade amassing 498 and ending up with the second-most in VHL history behind only Scotty Campbell. He was also the highest-scoring rearguard with 638 points in the span, only dipping below 87 points once, and retired as the second-leading scorer among defensemen where he still sits behind Sterling Labatte. Despite his production, Singh was only awarded a single individual trophy – for leading the league with 73 assists in S23. He would make up for it though with three Continental Cups – S24 and S25 with Davos and S27 with Helsinki. Mitch Higgins, S24-S30 @Higgins GP: 503 PTS: 600, HOF In a bizarre bookend to an astounding career, Higgins was traded twice in his rookie season and once in his final season but spent most of his time in Seattle. After scoring 60 points in S24, he shared the ROY award with another future HOFer, Benjamin Glover. A premier two-way talent and tireless worker, the Canadian defenseman never scored less than 18 goals and 76 points in a season the rest of his career with his best season coming in S28 where he set career-highs of 30-81-111, captained the Bears to the Victory Cup and the Continental Cup, led all VHL defensemen in scoring and co-led the league in assists and power play goals. Despite losing the Labatte Trophy to Daniel Braxton, Higgins did win the Jonsson Trophy as Top Leader. Daniel Braxton, S24-S30 @Jericho GP: 504 PTS: 584, HOF One of the top VHL defensemen of all-time, Braxton’s stats and trophy case definitely support this statement. He dominated the decade with two 100-point seasons and twice scored over 30 goals. He became the first defenseman, and still only one of two, to win four Labatte Trophies from S27-S30, he is the only defenseman to win two Slobodzian Trophies and he added a Jonsson Trophy as well. As one of the top playoff scorers of the decade, he never missed the post-season and led all defensemen with 51 playoff points. Infamously, the only thing missing from his resume is a Continental Cup. David Walcott, S21-S26 @Knight GP: 432 PTS: 536, HOF Walcott anchored a Toronto Legion team that reached the Cup Finals three times in the first four seasons of the decade, winning his only Continental Cup in S21. He had his best season though after signing with Helsinki for his final year and in S26 produced 145 points (34 G, 111 A) – still a record for VHL defensemen! His brilliance would garner him the first and only individual awards of his career, winning the Slobodzian (Player voted MVP), Beketov (Most Assists) and Labatte (Top Defenseman) Trophies to cap off a Hall of Fame career. Adam Schultz, S21-S26 @Frank GP: 432 PTS: 528, HOF Schultz only spent six seasons in the VHL but his career was highlighted with enough fantastic moments to eventually be inducted into the VHL Hall of Fame. Surprisingly, Schultz was one only three defensemen to win two Labatte Trophies this decade (Braxton, Terragni), both times he led all defensemen scoring with totals of 36-61-97 ((S23) and 33-77-110 (S25). He also won a Cup in S22 with Helsinki and is one of six members on this list to play on both of Davos’ consecutive Cup winning teams in S24-S25. James Bencharski, S21-S26 @sterling GP: 432 PTS: 495, HOF Never a particularly flashy player, Bencharski instead carved out his HOF career by being excellent defensively and a sublime passer. After a Cup win with Toronto in S21, he won the Labatte Trophy and the Funk Trophy (Most Improved) in S22 in which he scored 89 points – a 29-point increase from the previous season. Bencharski piled up over 70 assists three times in the decade, including 81 in S25 which led the league. The S19 1st overall pick would win the Jonsson Trophy as Top Leader in his final season in S26 to go along with his second Cup with Vasteras. Goaltenders Four HOF goaltenders played significant roles in this decade but the voters favored for the two who had so much impact that awards were named after both of them. Aidan Shaw, S21-S25 @Ree_21 W: 236 SV%: 0.925, HOF The reason Shaw’s name graces the Top Goaltender Trophy is because he won it an unprecedented four times (three in this decade). An instant superstar that played for Toronto his entire career, Shaw posted three seasons of sub-2.00 GAA and better than 0.930 SV% during the decade. He led the legion into the playoffs every season, winning one Cup in S21 (and playoff MVP) and reaching the Finals two other times. He would also win the S22 Slobodzian Trophy and finish his career and the VHL’s all-time leader in GAA and shutouts. Daisuke Kanou, S21-S25 @Baozi W: 223 SV%: 0.923, HOF Similarly to his Toronto rival, Kanou played his whole career for Davos. While he didn’t sport such gaudy numbers as Shaw, the Toyko-born puckstopper won Continental Cups in S24 and S25 and each time won the Howe Trophy as Playoff MVP giving him three for his career, the only player in history to do so (until Rayz Funk in S71) hence why the Trophy was renamed after him. Kanou also won the Campbell and Slobodzian Trophies in S21 and shared the Top Goaltender Trophy with Shaw in S24. We hope you enjoyed this breakdown of the S21-S30 All-Decade Team. The series will continue soon with the S31-S40 All-Decade Team.

Notorious Malmo power forward, Druss Deathwalker, continues to climb up the all-time VHL hits leaderboard as he recently moved past Canadian winger Kevyn Hesje (2209) for 17th place on that list and with 2227 hits, now sits 23 behind another Canadian winger, Asher Donovan, for 16th. Deathwalker seems to have calmed his truculent ways in order to help his young Nighthawks team as he is on pace for less than 300 hits for the first time in his career but is making up for it by leading the Nighthawks with 11 goals and is on track for a career-high 46 goals. Whether this is a new direction for him or just a fling remains to be seen. Either way, the third-longest serving Nighthawk is doing whatever he can to help Malmo to its seventh consecutive playoff berth in S83, be that banging bodies or banging in pucks. Even in his seventh season, Deathwalker shows no sign of slowing down.

G Bubbles Utonium All done @Lemorse7 @Spartan