animal74

I was counting your 48 playoff games to get there 🙂 They count too!

THIS IS NOT A PAYOUT THREAD. CLAIMING THIS WILL LEAD TO A PAYOUT REDUCTION.
 
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1. We've started the season 8-3-0 so far. What has been the biggest contributor to that good start?
The offense is clicking and everyone is contributing. 
2. Who is looking like our biggest challenge in the North American division early in the season?
Well Calgary has had our number early. We have to train harder in order to catch them.
3. Oilers and Panthers in the Cup Final. Who do you have winning, and in how many games?
Man, that's tough. It could be McDavid's year or it could be Florida's experience in the Finals last year is the difference. Going to say Florida in 7.
4. Joel Castle is set to make his 500th appearance in net for us this week. How important has this Legion legend been to the team? 
Later this season. I've only played 454. Regardless, this has been a great run and I've enjoyed every moment as a Legion! 
5. We've got 5 players in the top 10 in points so far this season (Jaks, 22;  Atlas, 20;  Bob, 19;  Machado, 19;  Callahan, 18). By this time next week, which player will be leading?
I think Jaks will still be piling up the points like he has been for the last few seasons.
6. Who is your favourite band (or bands) to listen to?
Current fav is The Warning. Those girls are just so talented. Anberlin is one of my all-time favs.

Legion legend keeps moving up the list!!

All Mac Atlas @v.2  has done since entering the VHL is score goals. The Toronto Legion knew they were getting a great player when the Canadian team drafted him 1st overall in the S87 draft after a 49-goal, 128-point campaign with the VHLM’s Ottawa Lynx, but they may not have realized they may have drafted one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Although he hasn’t quite hit the height of his VHLM numbers, he’s come pretty darn close. Atlas has scored over 40 goals three time in his seven-year career culminating with last season’s career-high of 47. That left him 7th overall on the Legion’s all-time career goals list at the end of the season and he’s picked up where he left off in S94. With a first period goal early in Game 71 against the Dynamo, his 9th of the season, Atlas broke a tie with the man he succeeded as captain, Kyle Peace @Peace, for 5th all-time with 256 career goals having already passed Bo Boeser @DollarAndADream a few games earlier. And he’s not slowing down. With Atlas being eligible to play next season as well, Max Molholt’s @Molholt franchise record of 407 goals still appears safe, two more 40-goal seasons would put him in range of 2nd on the list, Zach Parechkin @DollarAndADream with 327. The next HOFer that Atlas will catch in the next few games for 4th is Kevin Brooks @brooks..
 
TORONTO LEGION: CURRENT TOP-10 ALL-TIME REGULAR SEASON GOALS
 

  Player Name GP G Seasons 1 - Max Molholt 576 407 S45-S52 2 - Zach Parechkin 504 327 S46-S52 3 - Peyton Nydroj 432 279 S19-S24 4 - Kevin Brooks 360 260 S6-S10 5 - Mac Atlas 515 257 S87-S94 6 - Kyle Peace 536 255 S81-S88 7 - Bo Boeser 360 251 S55-S59 8 - Matty Fire 432 233 S80-S85 9 - Lars Berger 288 218 S20-S23 10 - LeAndre St. Pierre 432 217 S47-S52

All Mac Atlas @v.2  has done since entering the VHL is score goals. The Toronto Legion knew they were getting a great player when the Canadian team drafted him 1st overall in the S87 draft after a 49-goal, 128-point campaign with the VHLM’s Ottawa Lynx, but they may not have realized they may have drafted one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Although he hasn’t quite hit the height of his VHLM numbers, he’s come pretty darn close. Atlas has scored over 40 goals three time in his seven-year career culminating with last season’s career-high of 47. That left him 7th overall on the Legion’s all-time career goals list at the end of the season and he’s picked up where he left off in S94. With a first period goal early in Game 71 against the Dynamo, his 9th of the season, Atlas broke a tie with the man he succeeded as captain, Kyle Peace @Peace, for 5th all-time with 256 career goals having already passed Bo Boeser @DollarAndADream a few games earlier. And he’s not slowing down. With Atlas being eligible to play next season as well, Max Molholt’s @Molholt franchise record of 407 goals still appears safe, two more 40-goal seasons would put him in range of 2nd on the list, Zach Parechkin @DollarAndADream with 327. The next HOFer that Atlas will catch in the next few games for 4th is Kevin Brooks @brooks..
 
TORONTO LEGION: CURRENT TOP-10 ALL-TIME REGULAR SEASON GOALS
 

  Player Name GP G Seasons 1 - Max Molholt 576 407 S45-S52 2 - Zach Parechkin 504 327 S46-S52 3 - Peyton Nydroj 432 279 S19-S24 4 - Kevin Brooks 360 260 S6-S10 5 - Mac Atlas 515 257 S87-S94 6 - Kyle Peace 536 255 S81-S88 7 - Bo Boeser 360 251 S55-S59 8 - Matty Fire 432 233 S80-S85 9 - Lars Berger 288 218 S20-S23 10 - LeAndre St. Pierre 432 217 S47-S52

All Mac Atlas @v.2  has done since entering the VHL is score goals. The Toronto Legion knew they were getting a great player when the Canadian team drafted him 1st overall in the S87 draft after a 49-goal, 128-point campaign with the VHLM’s Ottawa Lynx, but they may not have realized they may have drafted one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Although he hasn’t quite hit the height of his VHLM numbers, he’s come pretty darn close. Atlas has scored over 40 goals three time in his seven-year career culminating with last season’s career-high of 47. That left him 7th overall on the Legion’s all-time career goals list at the end of the season and he’s picked up where he left off in S94. With a first period goal early in Game 71 against the Dynamo, his 9th of the season, Atlas broke a tie with the man he succeeded as captain, Kyle Peace @Peace, for 5th all-time with 256 career goals having already passed Bo Boeser @DollarAndADream a few games earlier. And he’s not slowing down. With Atlas being eligible to play next season as well, Max Molholt’s @Molholt franchise record of 407 goals still appears safe, two more 40-goal seasons would put him in range of 2nd on the list, Zach Parechkin @DollarAndADream with 327. The next HOFer that Atlas will catch in the next few games for 4th is Kevin Brooks @brooks..
 
TORONTO LEGION: CURRENT TOP-10 ALL-TIME REGULAR SEASON GOALS
 

  Player Name GP G Seasons 1 - Max Molholt 576 407 S45-S52 2 - Zach Parechkin 504 327 S46-S52 3 - Peyton Nydroj 432 279 S19-S24 4 - Kevin Brooks 360 260 S6-S10 5 - Mac Atlas 515 257 S87-S94 6 - Kyle Peace 536 255 S81-S88 7 - Bo Boeser 360 251 S55-S59 8 - Matty Fire 432 233 S80-S85 9 - Lars Berger 288 218 S20-S23 10 - LeAndre St. Pierre 432 217 S47-S52

All Mac Atlas @v.2  has done since entering the VHL is score goals. The Toronto Legion knew they were getting a great player when the Canadian team drafted him 1st overall in the S87 draft after a 49-goal, 128-point campaign with the VHLM’s Ottawa Lynx, but they may not have realized they may have drafted one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Although he hasn’t quite hit the height of his VHLM numbers, he’s come pretty darn close. Atlas has scored over 40 goals three time in his seven-year career culminating with last season’s career-high of 47. That left him 7th overall on the Legion’s all-time career goals list at the end of the season and he’s picked up where he left off in S94. With a first period goal early in Game 71 against the Dynamo, his 9th of the season, Atlas broke a tie with the man he succeeded as captain, Kyle Peace @Peace, for 5th all-time with 256 career goals having already passed Bo Boeser @DollarAndADream a few games earlier. And he’s not slowing down. With Atlas being eligible to play next season as well, Max Molholt’s @Molholt franchise record of 407 goals still appears safe, two more 40-goal seasons would put him in range of 2nd on the list, Zach Parechkin @DollarAndADream with 327. The next HOFer that Atlas will catch in the next few games for 4th is Kevin Brooks @brooks..
 
TORONTO LEGION: CURRENT TOP-10 ALL-TIME REGULAR SEASON GOALS
 

  Player Name GP G Seasons 1 - Max Molholt 576 407 S45-S52 2 - Zach Parechkin 504 327 S46-S52 3 - Peyton Nydroj 432 279 S19-S24 4 - Kevin Brooks 360 260 S6-S10 5 - Mac Atlas 515 257 S87-S94 6 - Kyle Peace 536 255 S81-S88 7 - Bo Boeser 360 251 S55-S59 8 - Matty Fire 432 233 S80-S85 9 - Lars Berger 288 218 S20-S23 10 - LeAndre St. Pierre 432 217 S47-S52

Now that the S94 VHL Draft has passed and the roster maneuvering has been completed before the season starts, it's time to unveil the Legion roster and breakdown how everybody got here!
 
Here is the team this season:
 
Forwards
#71 Diego Machado (S89)
Username: @Dadam30
Career TPE - 998     Current TPE - 998
Toronto Legion S89 Draft Pick - 34th Overall
VHLE Draft - Istanbul Red Wolves - 30th Overall
VHLM Draft - Saskatoon Wild - 22nd Overall
 
Position: C    Height: 6'0"    Weight: 189 lb.    Age: 18    Nationality: CANADA
S93 Stats: 72 GP   44 G   58 A   102 PTS   +12   418 SHT   86 PIM   152 HIT   41 SB   5 GWG   10 PPG   0 SHG
 
It was a third season offensive explosion for Diego Machado last season, one that saw career highs virtually across the board. Machado finished in a tie for second on the team in goals, third in assists, second in points, and tied for second in powerplay goals. He also ended the season tied for tenth in the VHL in goals scored and seventh in hat tricks. Machado centred the second line between Steve Lattimer and Harry Callahan last season, although it was second line in name only. In terms of production, the line saw huge numbers piled up, and Machado will be counted on to continue that offensive ascension this season. When not on the ice, Machado spends his off-time as the General Manager of the VHLM's Saskatoon Wild, and had a wildly successful first season there winning the Founder's Cup. Machado returns to Toronto for a fourth season on the roster, and to Saskatoon for a second season as GM.
 
#88 Harry Callahan (S89) 'A'
Username: @dstevensonjr
Career TPE - 1166     Current TPA - 1166
Toronto Legion S89 Draft Pick - 17th Overall
VHLE Draft - Bratislava Watchmen - 10th Overall
VHLM Draft - Ottawa Lynx - 43rd Overall
 
Position: RW    Height: 6'2"    Weight: 210 lb.    Age: 19    Nationality: CANADA
S93 Stats: 72 GP   36 G   68 A   104 PTS   +20   526 SHT   61 PIM   160 HIT   47 SB   7 GWG   6 PPG   0 SHG
 
Similarly to Diego Machado, it was Harry Callahan's third year in the VHL that saw his big offensive year. Callahan set career highs in several statistical categories last season, and will look to improve on them this season. Callahan spent most of the season on the line with Lattimer and Machado, and finished the season with the team lead in points, while finishing second in assists, plus/minus, and game winning goals. League wide, he managed to finish 10th in points, tied for 7th in assists, and 7th in shots. He also joined Diego Machado last season in Saskatoon as the Assistant General Manager on the Founder's Cup winning team before accepting a job this off-season in the Toronto Legion front office as Assistant General Manager.
 
#19 James MacAvoy (S89)
Username: @Enraged
Career TPE - 508     Current TPA - 508
Toronto Legion S94 Trade Addition
VHL Draft - Malmo Nighthawks - 35th Overall
VHLE Draft - Cologne Express - 29th Overall
VHLM Draft - Mississauga Hounds - 21st Overall
 
Position: RW    Height: 5'8"    Weight: 178 lb.    Age: 18    Nationality: CANADA
S93 Stats: 72 GP   31 G   39 A   70 PTS   -19   333 SHT   54 PIM   123 HIT   55 SB   4 GWG   10 PPG   1 SHG
 
James MacAvoy joins the Legion this season after spending his first season in the VHL with HC Davos last year. Despite playing on a team that had a lean roster, it was a very productive rookie season for MacAvoy, finishing second in the VHL in rookie points. Almost a point per game player last season, MacAvoy will look to bring that younger scoring prowess to a group that is currently full of veteran forwards. It is expected that MacAvoy will get a good, long look on the top line to start the season this year, as there are minutes available to grab a hold of with those aforementioned vets.
 
#89 Jimi Jaks (S87)
Username: @ke1vi
Career TPE - 1567     Current TPA - 1241
Toronto Legion S87 Draft Pick - 3rd Overall
VHLE Draft - Oslo Storm - 25th Overall
VHLM Draft - Halifax 21st - 15th Overall
 
Position: C    Height: 6'0"    Weight: 190 lb.    Age: 22    Nationality: USA
S93 Stats: 72 GP   43 G   57 A   100 PTS   +19   537 SHT   129 PIM   193 HIT   44 SB   6 GWG   6 PPG   2 SHG
 
Jimi Jaks enters S94 in his seventh season with the Legion looking to continue to be one of the offensive leaders on the team. Third on the team in points, second in shots, first in penalty minutes, and first in hits last season, it was a sign of just how important he is to the Legion offense. Jaks set career bests in goals, assists, points, shots, penalty minutes, and shot blocks last season, and will now strive to hit an already high bar to set new highs this season. In terms of league wide ranks, Jaks was fifth in shots, tied for fifth in shorthanded goals, and tied for seventh in hat tricks. He has finished in the top three in team scoring in each of the last five seasons, including leading the team three times. Off the ice, Jaks is Assistant General Manager of the VHL's Riga Reign.
 
#3 Kobe Johnson (S86)
Username: @Vkobe-v
Career TPE - 474     Current TPE - 474
Toronto Legion S86 Draft Pick - 22nd Overall
VHLE Draft - Geneva Rush - 15th Overall
VHLM Draft -Las Vegas Aces - 31st Overall
 
Position: RW    Height: 6'6"    Weight: 200 lb.    Age: 18    Nationality: UKRAINE
S93 Stats: 72 GP   12 G   22 A   34 PTS   +8   173 SHT   8 PIM   21 HIT   18 SB   1 GWG   2 PPG   0 SHG
 
Kobe Johnson enters his third and final season in the VHL with Toronto looking to continue his improvement in numerous offensive categories before his retirement at the end of the season. Following a solid rookie season in S92, Johnson managed to improve and set new highs in goals, assists, points, plus/minus, shots, hits, and shot blocks. Much like last season, it is expected that Johnson will get a long look on both forward lines, as he played with all of the returning forwards at different points last year. The S86 draft pick has an opportunity to try to win a Cup and go out on top this season.
 
#22 Mac Atlas (S87) 'C'
Username: @v.2
Career TPE - 1858     Current TPE - 1138
Toronto Legion S87 Draft Pick - 1st Overall
VHLE Draft - Vasteras Iron Eagles - 37th Overall
VHLM Draft - Ottawa Lynx - 1st Overall
 
Position: C    Height: 6'3"    Weight: 190 lb.    Age: 20    Nationality: USA
S93 Stats: 72 GP   47 G   46 A   93 PTS   +12   579 SHT   90 PIM   185 HIT   43 SB   10 GWG   11 PPG   1 SHG
 
Captain Mac is back for his eighth season with the team, and the sixth in a row as team captain. Atlas is coming off career best season, which is impressive considering how distinguished his career has been. Atlas set new highs in goals, assists, points, shots, shot blocks, and powerplay goals, and led the Legion in goals and game winning goals. His impressive season extended to league-wide ranks, as he finished tied for seventh in VHL in goals, third in shots, tied for eighth in powerplay goals, and tied for third in game winning goals. Atlas is rapidly rising up the ranks of Toronto all time stats categories for skaters, and still has plenty of runway to keep climbing. Atlas was captain of the Continental Cup winning team in S91, and will be counted on to do so again in the quest for another title. Atlas has a valuable leadership role on the ice, in the room, and in the front office for the Legion.
 
Defenders
 
#24 Bobby Bob (S88) 'A'
Username: @Baby Boomer
Career TPE - 1396     Current TPE - 1216
Toronto Legion S88 Draft Pick - 3rd Overall
VHLE Draft - Rome Gladiators - 6th Overall
VHLM Draft - Houston Bulls - 5th Overall
 
Position: D    Height: 6'0"    Weight: 190 lb.    Age: 18    Nationality: CANADA
S93 Stats: 72 GP   13 G   72 A   85 PTS   +1   207 SHT   69 PIM   105 HIT   148 SB   2 GWG   5 PPG   0 SHG
 
The offensive leader of the blueline returns for his sixth season in Toronto, and Bobby Bob will look to build on a monster season in S93. Bob hit career bests in assists, points, shots, and shot blocks, which is difficult considering that he's already had multiple seasons of offensive excellence. Bob finished fourth in VHL in assists last seaons, and tied for seventh in points among defenders. Bobby has led the Toronto blueline in points each of the last 3 seasons, and will be expected to do so again this year. Bob re-signed in Toronto this past off-season, a three year contract that will take him through to retirement. On the ice, Bob will be wearing an 'A' again this season, a sign of his trusted leadership in Toronto. Off the ice, Bob is the General Manager of the VHLE's Rome Gladiators.
 
#77 Gul Dukat (S93)
Username: @MSouthworth
Career TPE - 480     Current TPE - 480
Toronto Legion S93 Draft Pick - 13th Overall
VHLE Draft - Rome Gladiators - 3rd Overall
VHLM FA Signing - Miami Marauders
 
Position: D    Height: 6'3"    Weight: 200 lb.    Age: 18    Nationality: USA
S93 Stats: 72 GP   18 G   57 A   75 PTS   -3   232 SHT   34 PIM   82 HIT   179 SB   2 GWG   10 PPG   1 SHG
 
Gul Dukat's first season up with the Legion comes after spending only one season in the E. The Legion S93 first round pick split last season between Rome and Cologne in the VHLE. Dukat finished last season in the VHLE ranks tied for second in points by defenders, fourth in assists, seventh in shot blocks, tied for eighth in powerplay goals, and tied for fourth in shorthanded goals. Dukat will be given looks on the top pair and second pair this season for the Legion, a sign that they've already earned the trust of the coaching staff and management. Very bright future. Off the ice, Dukat is the Assistant General Manager for the VHL's Prague Phantoms.
 
#8 Nils Andersson (S88)
Username: @Viper
Career TPE - 668     Current TPA - 582
Toronto Legion S94 Trade Addition
VHL Draft - Moscow Menace - 13th Overall
VHLE Draft - Geneva Rush - 13th Overall
VHLM Draft - Philadelphia Reapers - 62nd Overall
 
Position: D    Height: 5'9"    Weight: 185 lb.    Age: 22    Nationality: SWEDEN
S93 Stats: 72 GP   8 G   21 A   29 PTS   +16   113 SHT   22 PIM   47 HIT   104 SB   3 GWG   5 PPG   0 SHG
 
Nils Andersson joins the Toronto Legion for the first season after a trade with the Moscow Menace this past off-season. Following the trade, Andersson signed a three year contract with the Legion, committing to the team until their retirement season. Andersson spent five seasons with the Menace, providing a consistent presence on the back end. Andersson finished third on Moscow in shot blocks last season, showing a commitment to defense that will be greatly valued and needed this season in Toronto. Off the ice, Andersson is the Assistant General Manager for the VHLE's Vasteras Iron Eagles.
 
#21 Walter Fitzroy Jr. (S90)
Username: @Moon
Career TPE - 696     Current TPE - 696
Toronto Legion S90 Draft Pick - 2nd Overall
VHLE Draft - Bratislava Watchmen - 3rd Overall
VHLM Draft - Las Vegas Aces - 4th Overall
 
Position: D    Height: 6'8"    Weight: 250 lb.    Age: 50    Nationality: AUSTRALIA
S93 Stats: 72 GP   9 G   41 A   50 PTS   +9   143 SHT   95 PIM   128 HIT   128 SB   2 GWG   4 PPG   0 SHG
 
Walter Fitzroy Jr. enters the fourth season of his career in Toronto looking to take the next step from consistent offensive contributor to an offensive force on the back end. Last season was a career year statistically for Fitzroy Jr., topping career highs in goals, assists, points, shots, and hits. Fitzroy Jr. finished the season third on the team in penalty minutes and third in shot blocks, and was the final member of the seven player 50 point club in Toronto. Off the ice, Fitzroy Jr. is the General Manager and Leader of these Toronto Legion, and will be looking to guide the team to another Continental Cup win.
 
Goaltenders
 
#74 Joel Castle (S86) 'A'
Username: @animal74
Career TPE - 1582     Current TPE - 960
Toronto Legion S86 Draft Pick - 13th Overall
VHLE Draft - Geneva Rush - 11th Overall
VHLM Draft - Las Vegas Aces - 13th Overall
 
Position: G    Height: 5'10"    Weight: 185 lb.    Age: 20    Nationality: CANADA
S93 Stats: 62 GP   41-19-1   .917 sv %   2.92 GAA   2 SHO   2073 SAV
 
What a run it has been for Joel Castle. Castle enters his eighth and final season in the VHL having played every minute of it in blue and white. This Legion legend was in net for the S91 Cup win, and will look to add one more title to the resume before retiring at seasons end. Castle narrowly missed out on setting a career best in wins last season, and will look to do that this season instead. Castle's tenth appearance this season in net for Toronto will be his 500th game played in a Legion jersey, a testament to his long run of success in the crease. 
 
#27 Toddly Bobbly (S91)
Username: @ToddlyBobbly
Career TPE - 403     Current TPE - 403
Toronto Legion S91 Draft Pick - 30th Overall
VHLE Draft - Cologne Express - 41st Overall
VHLM Draft - Saskatoon Wild - 36th Overall
 
Position: G    Height: 6'8"    Weight: 200 lb.    Age: 18    Nationality: CANADA
S93 Stats: 15 GP   7-3-1   .910 sv %   2.84 GAA   0 SHO   424 SAV
 
Toddly Bobbly enters his sophomore season in Toronto looking to build on a solid rookie campaign that saw him put up a 0.682 points percentage, a very strong number for his first year. The largest contributor to that percentage was a goals against average of 2.84 that ranked better than several full time starters in the VHL. The expectations will only grow for this season for Bobbly, who will be looked at to start additional games in preparation for a bigger role after Castle's retirement.
 
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Thank you for reading this breakdown. Go Legion!! 

Let's goo Legion, let's get another Cup!!!!

Toronto Legion Announce S94 Captains and Assistants
 
It's that time of year again, time to introduce the leadership group that will represent Toronto on the quest to win the Continental Cup! Team voting has been conducted, and here are the results of that vote:
 
Assistant Captains
 
#24 Bobby Bob
@Baby Boomer
 
For the second season in a row, Bob will wear an 'A' for the Legion. This should come as no surprise, as Bob has been the leader on the back end of this team for multiple seasons now. Entering his sixth season in the VHL, the blueliner re-signed in the off-season to commit to Toronto for the long haul. Bob will be a great mentor and example for the young defenders to come through Toronto for years.
 
#74 Joel Castle
@animal74
 
Joel Castle returns to wearing an 'A', and it's no shock seeing why. Entering his eighth and final season in the VHL, all of which have come in Toronto, Castle continues to be a franchise legend both on and off the ice. His leadership and mentoring capabilities are immeasurable for the Legion, and it will be bittersweet to see his retirement at the end of this season.
 
 
#88 Harry Callahan
@dstevensonjr
 
Callahan wears an 'A' for the Legion for the third straight season, a sign that his teammates trust the fourth year pro to continue to grow into a leadership role in Toronto. Callahan has made the jump to a consistent point producer on the ice, and joined the Toronto front office as Assistant General Manager this past off-season.
 
 
Captain
 
#22 Mac Atlas
@v.2
 
Was there ever any doubt? For the sixth consecutive season, it will be Captain Mac wearing the 'C' for the Legion. A unanimous choice in the voting, it is no surprise that the eighth year pro is the leader that everybody will look to again to set an example for this team. As Atlas moves up the all-time ranks of Legion skater statistics, he will look to add to his already sterling resume this season.
 
 
Thank you for reading. Go Legion!! 
 
 
 

The one big thing I personally find hurts international tournaments is the low visibility especially on the portal. Winning a medal doesn't show up on your awards, theirs no easily accessible or obvious way to see past winners, in every other sim league I've seen theirs a team section on the portal, we don't even have official logos for any of the teams in either competition. If your not paying attention the tournament can happen and you'd have no idea. Why should I care about international tournaments when everything is hidden and the league barely acknowledges it even happens afterwards?

1. Always excited at the start of the new season.  We have a nice looking roster on our hands yet again! No doubt we’ll do well in the regular season, but I hope we can make up for our disappointing first round exit last season.
 
2. Still hoping to crack 100 pts for the first time ever in Atlas’ career.  Hopefully inch closer to leading the franchise in goals.
 
3. No big plans, just hoping to grind a bit and for some good weather and outdoor activities.
 
4. Excited to share Castle’s final season with him!
 
5. I have us finishing top 3, hopefully can secure a victory cup this time! NA seems a bit weaker which could be good news for us.
 
6. Nah not really, when I do have time to watch TV it’s usually NHL playoffs, South Park, or a nature documentary. 

Hey everybody! Welcome to this season’s VHL Season preview, after a busy offseason, full of roster changes there’s been a considerable shift in team’s outlooks this season with a major shift towards the European Conference. So, without further to do, let’s jump right into it!
 
North American Conference
 
1 - Toronto Legion 
Forward Rank - 3rd
Defense Rank - 4th
Goalie Rank - 4th
Conference Rank - 2nd
League Rank - 2nd
 
Toronto’s window is quickly coming to a close and by that, this could be it for the team that has routinely been at or near the top of the conference over the course of the past 6 seasons. This is largely due to Joel Castle’s @animal74 imminent retirement. With that being said they do have some young pieces, namely Gul Dukat @MSouthworth and several other top prospects. While Castle retires following this season, their forward core is centered around two  of the best S87 players in Jimi Jaks @ke1vi and Mac Atlas @v.2 , both of whom will ensure that Toronto can contend for at least 1 more season after this one. For now Toronto is still one of if not the best team in the North American Conference.
 
2 - Vancouver Wolves 
Forward Rank - 6th
Defense Rank - 1st
Goalie Rank - 8th
Conference Rank - 1st
League Rank - 1st
 
Few teams can make the jump from outside the playoffs to one of the league’s best teams, however Vancouver just did exactly that! With no real holes in their roster either and a plethora of young players that will continue to improve over the course of the season. Currently the team will be driven by veterans The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath , Mark Calaway @Beketov, and Liv Slater @Subject056 while the younger players improve, which honestly seems inevitable. We could very well be about to see another era of Vancouver dominance.
 
3 - New York Americans 
Forward Rank - 9th
Defense Rank - 2nd
Goalie Rank - 5th
Conference Rank - 4th
League Rank - 6th
 
The New York Americans are a very interesting team this season, with the majority of their roster in their prime or just hitting it, their window is wide open! With one of the league’s best D-cores driven by a up and coming star in CGY Janser @Daniel Janser, and top forwards FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ and Jesper Davis @Josh the time to win is now! The only real question for them is with their 6th forward spot remaining vacant, however time is on their side to find a solution.
 
4 - Seattle Bears 
Forward Rank - 5th
Defense Rank - 7th
Goalie Rank - 3rd
Conference Rank - 3rd
League Rank - 5th
 
The defending Continental Champion Seattle Bears are still a very good team this season. While their forwards and goaltending are near the top of the league, there are some question marks with their defense. With that being said there is no reason why Seattle can’t find their way to the top of the conference as it is very close among the best teams. Daryl Dixon @Ricer13 will be looking to have a career season to round things out, and propel Seattle back to the top of the VHL.
 
5 - Chicago Phoenix 
Forward Rank - 8th
Defense Rank - 5th
Goalie Rank - 7th
Conference Rank - 5th
League Rank - 9th
 
Chicago probably wins an award this season for just being in the most unique spot, they are a fairly solid team and should by all means make the playoffs, however they are a good step behind the rest of the competing North American teams. The additions of Francesco Mancini @GioSivo and YaBoi Oven @Doomsday should make a considerable difference to Chicago’s fortunes. Don’t be surprised if you see Chicago close the gap to the top teams over the course of the season.
 
6 - Calgary Wranglers 
Forward Rank - 13th
Defense Rank - 11th
Goalie Rank - 15th
Conference Rank - 6th
League Rank - 12th
 
The rebuild is on in Calgary, and with several other solid pieces we could very well continue to see them active in the trade market as other teams look to improve their rosters. Calgary potentially could challenge for the final playoff spot given their great top end talent with Raimo Tuominen @SlapshotWrangler, Catia Goncalves @cLoWn, and Moritz Stauffer @GoodLeftUndone, a lack of depth does hurt. Additionally, not having a starting caliber goaltender will likely limit their aspirations for this season. Calgary is very well locked into the 6th spot.
 
7 - D.C. Dragons 
Forward Rank - 15th
Defense Rank - 13th
Goalie Rank - 16th
Conference Rank - 7th 
League Rank - 14th
 
The D.C. Dragons finally went into a rebuild again following the retirement of their starting goalie. With that being said they already have their goaltender of the future with Herald Benson @Benson, who will be on the roster this season. Additionally, they do have a few other players who will help generate some offense, specifically Theo Allard @InstantRockstar and Lucas Grey @emidas. While D.C. won’t challenge for the playoffs, they should still pick up a few wins and maybe an upset or two along the way.
 
8 - Los Angeles Stars 
Forward Rank - 14th
Defense Rank - 15th
Goalie Rank - 11th
Conference Rank - 8th 
League Rank - 15th
 
I mean the Los Angeles Stars can only get better, with a solid goaltender, and younger players starting to make their way to the roster led off by the Phantom of the VHL @Hogan. Los Angeles is certainly on the right path, it’s just a question of how long it will take from here on out.
 
European Conference
 
1- Moscow Menace 
Forward Rank - 1st
Defense Rank - 6th
Goalie Rank - 5th
Conference Rank - 1st
League Rank - 3rd
 
Moscow is only getting better each season, and with plenty of young prospects they should be golden for some time. This season it is all about their offense and with every player having over 800 TPA, there really shouldn’t be any concerns as long as every player buys into the system as there’s a chance that players could fail to meet their individual expectations with so much depth. With that being said this season should be smooth sailing in Moscow this season, as the European Conference is really theirs to lose.
 
2 - Warsaw Predators 
Forward Rank - 7th
Defense Rank - 8th
Goalie Rank - 1st
Conference Rank - 3rd
League Rank - 7th
 
The Warsaw Predators improved a lot this offseason, specifically by improving their blue line so that Lachlan Summers @kirbithan does not have to stand on their head each night. Overall their roster is fairly well rounded, so Warsaw should be in good shape to challenge Moscow this season and with their forwards still improving things could very well go their way at the end of the day.
 
3 - Malmo Nighthawks 
Forward Rank - 4th
Defense Rank - 3rd
Goalie Rank - 10th
Conference Rank - 2nd
League Rank - 4th
 
I’ll be honest here, I struggled a lot with where to put Malmo. While on paper their roster is very solid, the long-term concerns around their goaltending do still exist, and their defense has always done a amazing job of minimizing scoring chances against, allowing Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro to win the S93 Greg Clegane Trophy. The concern with Malmo exists with their offense, in previous seasons the majority of Malmo’s offense has been driven by Jacob Stone @scoop, one of the league’s best defensemen. However, with Malmo’s top forward being a pass-first player, this has been seen to reduce defensemen production which in turn likely reduces Malmo’s offense. With that being said there’s a chance things work out well, and Malmo could potentially push for a 3rd Victory Cup.
 
4 - London United 
Forward Rank - 2nd
Defense Rank - 12th
Goalie Rank - 2nd
Conference Rank - 4th
League Rank - 8th
 
London is in a very interesting position as of right now, their forward group has proven that they can produce at remarkable levels, as both Leonard Triller @Triller and Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ are some of the best forwards in the league and with Sjin @Sjin improving there really isn’t a gap with their forwards. The main concern comes in two places, their defense core does lack overall quality and their is a massive question mark regarding if Merome Dilson @MexicanCow123 can fill the shoes left by Jesse Teno. The latter of which isn’t as much of a concern given that Dilson is a top goaltender in the league and did win top goalie honours and league MVP only 2 seasons ago. Assuming everything falls into place, London is set to be in good shape in what is a do or die season prior to a lengthy rebuild.
 
5 - Riga Reign 
Forward Rank - 11th
Defense Rank - 9th
Goalie Rank - 9th
Conference Rank - 5th
League Rank - 10th
 
Riga took some considerable steps forward this season, bringing in a true number one defensemen in Skor McFleury @Alex and adding Oreo McFleury @JB123 up front there’s a lot to like. However, Riga does still lack a true elite forward and a 4th defensemen, both of which could be limiting factors for the upstart team. In goal Red Panda @Lemorse7 is set for a potential breakout season, and could very well be set up for success. It is important to note that the European Conference is wide open from about 2nd to 5th, and realistically anything can happen here as the conference is very close among the playoff teams.
 
6 - HC Davos Dynamo 
Forward Rank - 10th
Defense Rank - 10th
Goalie Rank - 13th
Conference Rank - 6th
League Rank - 11th
 
Davos is very much in a similar spot to Calgary, they do have a solid roster, however find themselves significantly better than the lower teams, but also a good step behind the playoff contenders. The additions of Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard and Sadie St. Louis @sadie go a long way to improving their offense. The main spotlight in Davos this season will be on their rookies, specifically S93 1st overall pick Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica, who will likely be put directly in a position to succeed with Davos’s relatively solid forward group and good offensive defensemen.
 
7 - Helsinki Titans 
Forward Rank - 12th
Defense Rank - 14th
Goalie Rank - 12th
Conference Rank - 7th
League Rank - 13th
 
How the Titans have fallen, last season Helsinki was projected to be one of if not the best team in the European Conference, however due to a series of unfortunate sims and a lot of 1-goal losses led to the team being outside of the playoff picture and as a result selling their top players and sending the team into a rebuild. With that being said Helsinki is off to a great start with Adi Dassler @BOOM looking to be a great number 1 forward for some time to come, and Helsinki had a great draft by bringing in both Maple Dogwood and future starting goalie THE MIGHTY ICE WIZARD @Royski. Helsinki may only be rebuilding for a season or two and are well on their way to success.
 
8 - Prague Phantoms 
Forward Rank - 16th
Defense Rank - 16th
Goalie Rank - 14th
Conference Rank - 8th
League Rank - 16th
 
The tank is on in Prague! After the better part of a decade being very successful, the majority of their core retiring has left Prague in a difficult spot and forced them to go into a full rebuild. However, there is one considerable problem, while Prague is by far the worst team, they lack their own first round pick. Prague has a long road ahead, on the positive side of things they do have their starting goalie of the future with Ondrej Vencko @Mutti, and a future number 1 defensemen with Lazlo Holmes @Gustav .

Callahan and Machado flying under the radar with a combined 206 points last season for Toronto. Gonna have to up that number to get that respect 😜
 
Go Legion! 

1. I'm excited although it's bittersweet being my last season with Castle. I'm going to enjoy the ride and hopefully it's a good one!
2. Continental Cup. That is the goal. 
3. Busy with kids' sports, mainly basketball. Hopefully summer will bring a bit more relaxation at the trailer and we have a trip to Vancouver Island planned.
4. James MacAvoy @Enraged has brought great energy since we got him. Looking forward to seeing what he can do this season!
5. I think we can get 1st in the conference. We're deep everywhere and other teams have lost some of their depth. On paper, we have four of the best 12 players in the league and the best goalie. We let 1st slip away from us last season - we won't do that again.
6. Only the NHL playoffs when I have time, LOL. Got to finish Rings of Power too...

1. I'm excited although it's bittersweet being my last season with Castle. I'm going to enjoy the ride and hopefully it's a good one!
2. Continental Cup. That is the goal. 
3. Busy with kids' sports, mainly basketball. Hopefully summer will bring a bit more relaxation at the trailer and we have a trip to Vancouver Island planned.
4. James MacAvoy @Enraged has brought great energy since we got him. Looking forward to seeing what he can do this season!
5. I think we can get 1st in the conference. We're deep everywhere and other teams have lost some of their depth. On paper, we have four of the best 12 players in the league and the best goalie. We let 1st slip away from us last season - we won't do that again.
6. Only the NHL playoffs when I have time, LOL. Got to finish Rings of Power too...

hahah sure! it's been a great career for Castle for sure 😄 glad you like them!
 
thanks everyone for the warm feedback, appreciate it.
 
here's a couple more before I head to bed! Severus Targaryen @Banackock and Olober Syko @Spartan !
 
     

Is that my pre-retirement present, @tcookie? 😁
 
Milwaukee Saros does work perfectly. 
 
All the cards are fire. Well done!

I've undertaken a mini-project that I started with the intention of just playing around in photoshop and getting better with it in general but I've gotten to the point where I think it's worth sharing so here we go! I'll post updates a few cards at a time until the set has been revealed. Also, I'm going away for 6 days next week, so we will see how frequently I can post new cards next week, there may or may not be many updates.
 
Unfortunately I don't have time to do everyone in the VHL, so I've picked out a 46-player set list with at least one player from each team. I do apologize if you got left out this time around (if it makes you feel any better, my own player didn't make the cut either, lol) -- and if I do enjoy it and have enough time, I will do a "set 2" somewhere down the line, focusing on players I didn't do this time around. But, I want to make sure I complete the set now that I've decided to share it, and so I need to keep it a relatively manageable size so I don't get overwhelmed.
 
Enjoy!
 
First up: Raimo Tuominen @SlapshotWrangler, Skor McFleury @Alex, and YaBoi Oven @Doomsday
 
          

Thanks to the Milwaukee Admirals for the wonderful coincidence of being a blue team that has had both Kevin Fiala and a goalie who wears #74 play for them, otherwise this would have been a lot tougher jersey change! Mac Atlas @v.2  and Joel Castle @animal74
 
     

Wow, I'm honored to be selected for the Elmebeck Trophy!  I've had so much fun on the forum so far and that's owed to all the great people I've met and interacted with here, so thanks to everyone for making this such a wonderful welcoming community!  🙏
 

Frederick Elmebeck Trophy (VHL Community Contribution)
Possibly the most important award we will discuss this evening, the Fredrik Elmebeck Memorial Trophy is sometimes referred to as the ‘top member award’ as it is awarded to the member that goes above and beyond each season to make the league a better place for everyone involved. This season we had 3 nominees;
 
@Banackock - Has been driving the recruitment effort of late, continues to be a vocal leader in the league!
@LucyXpher - A very active first-gen who has been inspiring new members, and is one of if not the most active player in the VHL!
@Spartan  - Realistically keeps the league moving and has just about every job!
 
And the winner is...
 

I ain’t winning the rookie award but I still got nominated and that’s all that matters to me

Wanker is nominated for literally every award he's eligible to win on top of winning Brooks and Szat, wow. What a team around him to push him this far, thank you fellas! Shame we were one win short of getting the Cup.