animal74

VHL Centennial Rebrand

 
 
I think that there's a huge opportunity coming up to in the next few seasons to not only rebrand a team or two but to give the league a new look - a celebratory refresh if you will - for its 100th season. With all the changes that have happened over one hundred seasons, this is possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity to give the league a new look if only for a season and to celebrate it’s rich history, the seven original franchises that have been around for all 100 seasons, and the teams and players that have made the VHL what it is today.
 
Here are a few rebrands/refreshes I think should be considered for the league’s 100th anniversary:
 
League Logo 
I think that the league logo needs a “rebrand” for it’s centennial, something that incorporates “100” to celebrate it’s one hundred seasons (similar to what the NHL did) and to show the world that it’s one of the best and longest lasting sim leagues ever. Perhaps it could also incorporate the seven (or eight) original team logos in the centennial logo. 
 

The NHL's Centennial Logo
 
Original 7 Logos/Jerseys
I would like to see the seven remaining original franchises (Calgary Wranglers, Helsinki Titans, Seattle Bears, Toronto Legion, HC Davos Dynamo (Amstel/Avangard), New York Americans (Hamilton), and Riga Reign (Stockholm) get special centennial logos: either a refresh of the original logos, a part of the original logo in the relocated logo where applicable, or a completely new rebrand of the colors and logos for something new and fresh. Also, I think all team logos should have “100” in the logo. I also propose a graphic/banner for each franchise showing things like number of seasons, past logos, number of Cups and Conference titles, player stats leaders, etc. That way, a new member to the VHL or someone joining a team for the first time have a fantastic way of getting a quick snapshot of the team’s history at a glance.  
 
Portal Page/Web
Now this is where the VHL’s community could really show their talent. I propose a refresh of the portal and forum banners and have a contest where all who wish can submit a centennial banner and the winner (or Top 3?) get TPE. But we could use all of them and have the banners rotate on the pages (if that’s possible). The banners would need to pay homage to the VHL's rich history.
 
Awards
There isn’t a better time to unveil a new award or a rebranded award than during a centennial season. I know that they went through a renaming before, but with so much history and great players since then, it might be time for an award or two to be renamed. Maybe induct a special centennial member into the Hall of Fame? I’m not going to throw out too many ideas at the moment but just putting it out there for the general public to discuss.
 
In conclusion, I think the VHL needs to capitalize on S100 to bring in some new looks and bring back old memories to celebrate this league and all the people that have made it run. New visuals should help attract new members and would liven the place up a bit. Plus it would allow our talented community to showcase what they can do and make this centennial a season to remember!

VHL Centennial Rebrand

 
 
I think that there's a huge opportunity coming up to in the next few seasons to not only rebrand a team or two but to give the league a new look - a celebratory refresh if you will - for its 100th season. With all the changes that have happened over one hundred seasons, this is possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity to give the league a new look if only for a season and to celebrate it’s rich history, the seven original franchises that have been around for all 100 seasons, and the teams and players that have made the VHL what it is today.
 
Here are a few rebrands/refreshes I think should be considered for the league’s 100th anniversary:
 
League Logo 
I think that the league logo needs a “rebrand” for it’s centennial, something that incorporates “100” to celebrate it’s one hundred seasons (similar to what the NHL did) and to show the world that it’s one of the best and longest lasting sim leagues ever. Perhaps it could also incorporate the seven (or eight) original team logos in the centennial logo. 
 

The NHL's Centennial Logo
 
Original 7 Logos/Jerseys
I would like to see the seven remaining original franchises (Calgary Wranglers, Helsinki Titans, Seattle Bears, Toronto Legion, HC Davos Dynamo (Amstel/Avangard), New York Americans (Hamilton), and Riga Reign (Stockholm) get special centennial logos: either a refresh of the original logos, a part of the original logo in the relocated logo where applicable, or a completely new rebrand of the colors and logos for something new and fresh. Also, I think all team logos should have “100” in the logo. I also propose a graphic/banner for each franchise showing things like number of seasons, past logos, number of Cups and Conference titles, player stats leaders, etc. That way, a new member to the VHL or someone joining a team for the first time have a fantastic way of getting a quick snapshot of the team’s history at a glance.  
 
Portal Page/Web
Now this is where the VHL’s community could really show their talent. I propose a refresh of the portal and forum banners and have a contest where all who wish can submit a centennial banner and the winner (or Top 3?) get TPE. But we could use all of them and have the banners rotate on the pages (if that’s possible). The banners would need to pay homage to the VHL's rich history.
 
Awards
There isn’t a better time to unveil a new award or a rebranded award than during a centennial season. I know that they went through a renaming before, but with so much history and great players since then, it might be time for an award or two to be renamed. Maybe induct a special centennial member into the Hall of Fame? I’m not going to throw out too many ideas at the moment but just putting it out there for the general public to discuss.
 
In conclusion, I think the VHL needs to capitalize on S100 to bring in some new looks and bring back old memories to celebrate this league and all the people that have made it run. New visuals should help attract new members and would liven the place up a bit. Plus it would allow our talented community to showcase what they can do and make this centennial a season to remember!

*A note ahead of the article. This is primarily about the current roster, which means that transactions of players who weren't in Toronto for long, or aren't on now won't get much of a mention. Doesn't mean that they weren't part of the turnaround*
 
Stop me if you've heard this before: a Toronto team has once again been a disappointment in the playoffs. As a die hard Leafs fan, I've heard that story all too much in my life.
 
The Toronto Legion had told a similar story for a long time. One of the original franchises in the VHL back in S1, the Legion saw 9 Continental Cup wins in the first 65 seasons (an average of one Cup in just more than every seven seasons). The longest Cup drought for the Legion in that span was 13 seasons. The Legion also appeared in the Cup Final 17 times in that 65 season stretch, getting there roughly once every four seasons. That Cup win in S65 kicked off a drought lasting 25 seasons that would not see Toronto make a Cup Final appearance, let alone win another Continental Cup. In fact, in that 25 season stretch the Legion would post just 3 Conference Final appearances, as well as only 10 playoff appearances. It was this run of futility that would leave the Toronto Legion branded as a Perennial Disappointment, and one that would require the team to address the issues and forge a better path.
 
S85 Off-Season
Off-Ice Changes Begin
 
The changes in the off-season needed to come off of the ice. Toronto was in need of a fresh voice at the top, and a new direction on the ice. That change came before the draft, as Moon was named the GM of the Legion following an interim stint by Agito, who had succeeded Doomsday. Moon headed into the S86 Entry Draft with a long-term plan to re-make the Toronto Legion into a team that could bowl over the competition, and went to work on crafting a team through the draft, free agency, and trades.
S86
The Changing of the Guard
 
The current roster for the Legion can be traced all the way back to S86. With a team in desperate need of new life, the Legion made a flurry of trades to acquire draft picks in the S86 draft. Their first draft pick in the S86 draft (13th overall) was used to take a young goaltender from Las Vegas in the VHLM. Coming off of a 41-14-4 season with the Aces, posting a .911 save percentage and 2.34 goals against average with 6 shutouts, Joel Castle was the third goalie off the board in the draft. By S87, Castle had already entrenched himself as the Legion starting goaltender, starting a run of six straight seasons with more than 60 starts in Toronto (with a seventh on the way this season). The Legion didn't only add a goaltender from this draft, as the 22nd overall pick was used on a right winger who has found a spot in the lineup for the last two seasons. Kobe Johnson was taken after playing for Las Vegas as well in the VHLM, and followed up his draft with a 94 point sophomore season in the M. Johnson made his way into the S92 forward group for the Legion, and has posted back to back seasons over 20 points for Toronto.
 
S87
The Franchise Forward Building Blocks
 
There is absolutely no doubt that the S87 Entry Draft was the most important draft in recent franchise history for the Toronto Legion. The Legion held the first overall pick in the draft after finishing second last and winning the draft lottery heading into the draft. Toronto was also fortunate with another pick that they had acquired previously in a deal with Seattle, one that would net them the third overall pick. With two of the first three picks in the draft, it was absolutely imperative that the Legion hit on both picks, and the hits ended up being home runs. The first of the two picks was used to draft a Centre out of Ottawa who had just piled up 128 points in his draft year. The second of the two picks was used on another Centre, this time out of Halifax, who had 129 points in his draft year. The players? Long time Legion Captain Mac Atlas, and multi-season scoring leader Jimi Jaks. Both of these players have been mainstays on the Legion roster, Atlas joining the team and playing in S87, and Jaks making the jump the following year in S88. There is no question that this draft has had the largest combined impact on the current team with what Atlas and Jaks have meant to Toronto.
 
S88
The Blueline Finds its Leader
 
Two drafts in, and the first round focus for the Legion had been in net and up front. There was a clear, growing need to ensure that the back end of the roster wasn't being ignored. Toronto headed into the S88 draft with the third overall pick, and had their sights set on a young defender coming off of a monstrous offensive season in Houston. The Bulls had a defender who led the VHLM in assists, and points by defenders, and that was too much for the Legion to pass up at three. Bobby Bob was added to the Toronto mix, and made his Toronto debut in S89. Since then he's been the offensive leader of the Legion blueline, and is well on pace to lead the blueline in scoring again for the third straight season.
 
S89
The Hidden Gems
The Legion had used first round picks three seasons in a row to build up what has now become the core of the team, and it was important to add to that group in order to ensure long term success. Toronto held the third pick again in the S89 draft, but it's not that pick that has ended up being the hits of the draft. Back in S87, Toronto had made a deal with D.C. to receive current and future draft picks. Two seasons out from that deal was the S89 D.C. 2nd Round pick that Toronto received, which ended up being the first pick of the second round (17th overall). The Legion used that pick on a right winger who had 65 points for Ottawa in the VHLM. Toronto held their own pick in the third round (34th overall) as well, and selected a Centre playing for Saskatoon that was coming off of a 67 point season. Those second and third round picks respectively ended up being Harry Callahan and Diego Machado, who both came up together to join the Legion in S91. Both first gen players, they have blossomed into big roles for Toronto, and are currently tied for the lead in points on the team. In addition to the draft picks that would help the Legion later on, Toronto also traded for defender Jimmy MacElroy from Vancouver. MacElroy would be a key member of the blueline for the Legion until his retirement following S92.
 
S90
The Final Piece, and the First Step
 
With players across the board in the forward group drafted, the Legion needed to focus on adding to the blueline. Holding the second overall pick in the draft, Toronto was hoping to make a pick to help round out a group that would ensure that they weren't going to be picking near the top of the draft again. To that end, the Legion had their eyes on one of their own, as Player/GM Walter Fitzroy Jr. was available to select at two in an effort to strengthen the defense portion of the prospect pool. Fitzroy Jr. was coming off of a season in the VHLM that was split between Houston and Las Vegas, one that saw a combined 39 points including 14 goals. The off-season was a hectic, and ultimately very productive one for the Legion. A blockbuster trade with Vancouver saw the additions of Ronan Lavelle and Tomas Sogaard in the forward group, while the Legion inked Siyan Yasilievich to a one year contract to bolster the blueline prior to his retirement. The additions immediately helped propel the Legion out of the depths of the North American Conference and into first place. The season resulted in Toronto's first Conference Final appearance since S83, and only the fourth since their Cup win in S65.
 
S91
The Ultimate Success
 
The Legion had a roster in place, one which had primarily been built through the draft and supplemented through trades. Added during this draft was back-up goaltender Toddly Bobbly out of Saskatoon, who was about to complete a season for the Wild that finished 56-11-5 with a .926 save percentage and 1.76 goals against average. It also ended in a Founder's Cup for Bobbly. Coming off of the monumental jump from last in the North American Conference in S89 to first in the Conference in S90, the Legion were cautiously optimistic that they were a contender again in S91, and set out to prove that their leap forward wasn't a fluke. The team saw three rookies (Callahan, Fitzroy Jr., Machado) all come up to the main roster and contribute. Those rookies helped fill the gaps that were left behind by the one year additions from the previous season. The core players continued to flourish, with Atlas, Bob, Castle, and Jaks all making major contributions to the team success. The rookies grew into their roles. Everything added up to the culmination of the Legion re-brand with a Conference Final berth, a Continental Cup Final berth, and finally a Continental Cup Championship. Gone were the days of the "Perennial Disappointment". The Toronto Legion were "Champions Again", for the first time in 26 seasons. 
 
S92
The Streak
It's difficult to follow up a Championship season, and it is surely impossible to match the success level. That was the task that faced the Legion in S92. Faced with filling another hole in the forward group following a retirement, Toronto made a mid-season trade to add Steve Lattimer from the Seattle Bears. Lattimer immediately stepped into a productive role with the Legion, and has since grown into a dominant two way player on one of the highest scoring lines in the VHL. The core group of Toronto players all stayed together, and the continued growth of the group resulted in another playoff berth, and enough playoff success to make it back to the North American Conference Finals for the third season in a row. It was the first time that the Legion had reached three straight since the run from S57-S59.
 
S93
The Drive Continues
Entering this season, the Legion look to continue the streak of Conference Final appearances. Prior to the start of the season, Toronto traded for forward Mason Rice from HC Davos, who immediately converted to defense to help with a positional shortage on the Legion roster. While there is still plenty of runway left in this season, the Legion currently sit at 37-10-1 and in first place in the North American Conference. The hope will be to continue to have a strong season and push into the playoffs as this core of players continues to grow together.
 
Summary
The Re-Brand Successfully Completed
Unlike some Toronto teams, this one knew how to do it right. Gone are the days of this organization being a punching bag or a joke. Gone are the days of being a "Perennial Disappointment". It's evident in the way that the Legion have been successful on the ice, whether it is in the standings as a team or on the individual statistical leaderboards for the players. It's even more evident off the ice in the way that the team has been able to get full buy-in from the players and a career long commitment from many as well. Contracts for Captain Mac Atlas, scoring ace Jimi Jaks, blueline stud Bobby Bob, and goaltending brick wall Joel Castle that were signed by each player to keep them in the blue and white for the entirety of their careers show just how far this team has come. The next wave is well on their way to signing extensions to remain with the Legion for their careers. That would never have been possible during the drought of success that had previously come for this team. There's something truly special about being able to have a group stay together for as long as possible, and it should be enjoyed for as long as it can be.
 
Thank you for reading.
 
Toronto Legion: Champions Again
 
 

LETS GO LEGION 🔥🔥🔥

It is an honour to be an assistant captain again for the Legion! Looking forward to the rest of this season, and hopefully a long playoff run!

LET'S GOO LEGION!!!

S93 Toronto Legion
Assistant Captains
 
Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer
 
Entering his fifth season, the Legion's 3rd overall pick in the S88 Draft has quietly become Toronto's leader on the blueline and one of the league's more underrated all-around defensemen. He has led the team in assists the past two seasons and works extremely hard off the ice setting an example for all Legion players to follow. This is his first season as an alternate captain.
 
Harry Callahan @dstevensonjr
 
After a successful rookie campaign, Callahan took his game to a new level finishing last season second on the team in scoring with 75 points and leading the Legion with 9 game-winning goals. He's proving to be as valuable off the ice as well as he has found his voice in the Toronto locker room and has the ear of the other leaders and management. Therefore, he has been voted an alternate captain for the second straight season. 
 
Captain
Mac Atlas @v.2
 
Who else would it be? Altas will serve as Legion captain for the fifth consecutive season in S93. Already one of the most prominent players in franchise history, Altas' passion and desire to win is unmatched on the team and pushes the team to strive for greatness. He will do anything to achieve victory and is also climbing Toronto's all-time goal list. 
 
These three will lead the Toronto Legion in S93! 

Holy smokes, TWO shutouts for @DarkSpyro??? How does he do it??

Yikes. 
 
GG @DarkSpyro

S93 Toronto Legion
Assistant Captains
 
Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer
 
Entering his fifth season, the Legion's 3rd overall pick in the S88 Draft has quietly become Toronto's leader on the blueline and one of the league's more underrated all-around defensemen. He has led the team in assists the past two seasons and works extremely hard off the ice setting an example for all Legion players to follow. This is his first season as an alternate captain.
 
Harry Callahan @dstevensonjr
 
After a successful rookie campaign, Callahan took his game to a new level finishing last season second on the team in scoring with 75 points and leading the Legion with 9 game-winning goals. He's proving to be as valuable off the ice as well as he has found his voice in the Toronto locker room and has the ear of the other leaders and management. Therefore, he has been voted an alternate captain for the second straight season. 
 
Captain
Mac Atlas @v.2
 
Who else would it be? Altas will serve as Legion captain for the fifth consecutive season in S93. Already one of the most prominent players in franchise history, Altas' passion and desire to win is unmatched on the team and pushes the team to strive for greatness. He will do anything to achieve victory and is also climbing Toronto's all-time goal list. 
 
These three will lead the Toronto Legion in S93! 

S93 Toronto Legion
Assistant Captains
 
Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer
 
Entering his fifth season, the Legion's 3rd overall pick in the S88 Draft has quietly become Toronto's leader on the blueline and one of the league's more underrated all-around defensemen. He has led the team in assists the past two seasons and works extremely hard off the ice setting an example for all Legion players to follow. This is his first season as an alternate captain.
 
Harry Callahan @dstevensonjr
 
After a successful rookie campaign, Callahan took his game to a new level finishing last season second on the team in scoring with 75 points and leading the Legion with 9 game-winning goals. He's proving to be as valuable off the ice as well as he has found his voice in the Toronto locker room and has the ear of the other leaders and management. Therefore, he has been voted an alternate captain for the second straight season. 
 
Captain
Mac Atlas @v.2
 
Who else would it be? Altas will serve as Legion captain for the fifth consecutive season in S93. Already one of the most prominent players in franchise history, Altas' passion and desire to win is unmatched on the team and pushes the team to strive for greatness. He will do anything to achieve victory and is also climbing Toronto's all-time goal list. 
 
These three will lead the Toronto Legion in S93! 

S93 Toronto Legion
Assistant Captains
 
Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer
 
Entering his fifth season, the Legion's 3rd overall pick in the S88 Draft has quietly become Toronto's leader on the blueline and one of the league's more underrated all-around defensemen. He has led the team in assists the past two seasons and works extremely hard off the ice setting an example for all Legion players to follow. This is his first season as an alternate captain.
 
Harry Callahan @dstevensonjr
 
After a successful rookie campaign, Callahan took his game to a new level finishing last season second on the team in scoring with 75 points and leading the Legion with 9 game-winning goals. He's proving to be as valuable off the ice as well as he has found his voice in the Toronto locker room and has the ear of the other leaders and management. Therefore, he has been voted an alternate captain for the second straight season. 
 
Captain
Mac Atlas @v.2
 
Who else would it be? Altas will serve as Legion captain for the fifth consecutive season in S93. Already one of the most prominent players in franchise history, Altas' passion and desire to win is unmatched on the team and pushes the team to strive for greatness. He will do anything to achieve victory and is also climbing Toronto's all-time goal list. 
 
These three will lead the Toronto Legion in S93! 

S93 Toronto Legion
Assistant Captains
 
Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer
 
Entering his fifth season, the Legion's 3rd overall pick in the S88 Draft has quietly become Toronto's leader on the blueline and one of the league's more underrated all-around defensemen. He has led the team in assists the past two seasons and works extremely hard off the ice setting an example for all Legion players to follow. This is his first season as an alternate captain.
 
Harry Callahan @dstevensonjr
 
After a successful rookie campaign, Callahan took his game to a new level finishing last season second on the team in scoring with 75 points and leading the Legion with 9 game-winning goals. He's proving to be as valuable off the ice as well as he has found his voice in the Toronto locker room and has the ear of the other leaders and management. Therefore, he has been voted an alternate captain for the second straight season. 
 
Captain
Mac Atlas @v.2
 
Who else would it be? Altas will serve as Legion captain for the fifth consecutive season in S93. Already one of the most prominent players in franchise history, Altas' passion and desire to win is unmatched on the team and pushes the team to strive for greatness. He will do anything to achieve victory and is also climbing Toronto's all-time goal list. 
 
These three will lead the Toronto Legion in S93! 

Gonna keep it short here. You may seen or not my April 1st post in here where I was messing around on stepping down and thing. 
 
Except this was a hint, not joke. Following this season I'm no longer a Riga Reign GM. The reason is pretty basic, nothing left in the tank. My involvement in sim leagues is on the way to non existent at this point. And as Riga is close to competing again, there is a need of a way more energetic GM who can make this happen. I'm fairly sure that this time my interest won't come back the same way it did couple of times before. But it was fun times regardless, especially when I was on my prime. Just wish I had more cups lol (here is the part where I'll blame Simon for one last time). So yeah, nothing much else to say. Thanks everyone for the fish and good luck! 
 
P.S. don't show this thread to Bana, cause he bout to have a heart attack from happiness  

Nice article, always nice to be mentioned. 
 
Couple of points, McQueen has 2518 hits and ranks 16th all-time. The only reason Detroit beat Deathwalker (yes, I'm biased) is because he played an extra season. Deathwalker still holds the unofficial hits per game record.
 

If you take a quick look through the top 10 statistical leaderboard for the VHL in terms of skaters and goalies, you'll find a member of the Legion on almost each category, and multiple in some cases.
 
Here is a look at where the members of the Legion sit so far this season:
 
Skaters
 
Points
 
Diego Machado - 64 - 5th
Harry Callahan - 61 - 6th
Jimi Jaks - 58 - t-8th
 
Goals
 
Diego Machado - 28 - t-6th
Jimi Jaks - 27 - t-8th
 
Assists
 
Harry Callahan - 40 - 4th
Diego Machado - 36 - t-7th
 
Shots
 
Mac Atlas - 322 - 2nd
Harry Callahan - 303 - 6th
Jimi Jaks - 300 - 7th
 
Forward Points
 
Diego Machado - 64 - 5th
Harry Callahan - 61 - 6th
Jimi Jaks - 58 - t-7th
 
Defense Points
 
Bobby Bob - 41 - 9th
 
Plus/Minus
 
Mason Rice - +24 - t-6th
Diego Machado - +22 - t-8th
Steve Lattimer - +22 - t-8th
 
Powerplay Goals
 
Mac Atlas - 9 - t-2nd
 
Shorthanded Goals
 
Jimi Jaks - 2 - 2nd
 
Game Winning Goals
 
Mac Atlas - 5 - t-7th
 
Hat Tricks
 
Steve Lattimer - 2 - t-3rd
Diego Machado - 2 - t-3rd

The only categories that the Legion don't have skaters listed in are Rookie Points, Shots Blocked, Hits, Hits Taken, and Penalty Minutes
 
Goalies
 
Wins
 
Joel Castle - 26 - 1st
 
Shutouts
 
Joel Castle - 1 - t-7th
 
Goals Against
 
Joel Castle - 89 - 10th
 
Assists
 
Joel Castle - 3 - t-2nd
 
Penalty Minutes

Joel Castle - 2 - t-8th
 
----------------------------------------------------
 
As you can see from above, there are Legion players all over the leaderboard, and it has been a balanced approach from the skaters with 7 of the 9 skaters appearing on the lists in some capacity. The breakout star for the Legion has been Diego Machado, who shows up on 6 different top 10's, and is on pace to shatter personal records across the board. Jimi Jaks shows up on 5 different lists, and Harry Callahan shows up on 4. Captain Mac Atlas appears on 3 lists, and Steve Lattimer is in 2 different top 10's. Defenders Bobby Bob and Mason Rice both hold a spot on 1 list as well. In net, it is unsurprising to see Toronto's rock, Joel Castle leading the league in wins. He appears on 5 different top 10's for goalies.

There are a lot of things to like about the VHL and the creative process you can take to make the player of your choosing.  Some go for that offensive defenseman or a speedy playmaking center. However, sometimes VHL members choose to make a gritty smashmouth killer that would hit his/her own grandmother on the ice.  And these are the players I love and will honor here today:
 
 
As I hunted through the forum of historical hitters it was pretty evident the early seasons were similar to the 70s-80s NHL.  Lots of points and lots of killers with hits and PIMS that will probably never be equaled by our modern VHL players.  I am going to highlight some of these players and just a note:  This is by no means a comprehensive list and if I missed someone or chose not to list them here it was simply for brevity.  
 
Looking for the single season hit record I saw it was held by Season 61 Davos’s Gabriel McAllister @CowboyinAmerica with 461 and he still had 99 points that same season.  That is a lot of damn hits.  The only modern player I could find that was close to this record was Malmo’s forward, Druss Deathwalker with 413 in S82 (good for 12th all time) and 404 in S84.  No other modern player has amassed 400 hits.  Pretty impressive.  
 
Top 10 Hits in a Season:
#1- Gabriel McAllister 461 (S61)
#2- Simon Valmount 441 (S49)
#3- Zach Perechkin 434.   (S51)
#4- Tukka Reikkinen 430  (S30)
#5- Phil Shankly 426 (S57)
#6- David Smalling 423 (S23)
#7- Motherfucker Sharpe 421 (S57)
#8- Phil Marleau 418 (S74)
#9- Chad Magnum 415 (S75)
#10- Leeroy Jenkins 414 (S26)
#10- Edwin Encarnacion 414 (S42)
 
Now, for career hits that record his held by Vinny Detroit @dasboot with 3163.  He almost broke the 400 mark in S86 with Davos where he had 398 hits and he never had a season under 300. Detroit was a hitting machine and even won a Continental Cup in S83.  
 
Rounding out the top 5 career hits are:
 
#1- Vinny Detroit 3163
#2- Brennan McQueen 2889
#3-Druss Deathwalker 2882
#4-Vasile Lamb @dlamb 2877
#5-Duncan Idaho @OrbitingDeath 2734
 
I tried looking up if any of these top 30 or so hit leaders were defensemen but kept getting “Oops you went off side” when I clicked their names.  It’s harder to be the hit leader as a Defensive player but in looking at the current hit leaders in the VHL, there are two in the top 10 in Womp Womp Womp Womp Womp Jr @AdamEss with 158 (2nd place) and Skor McFleury @AlexAlex with 139 (6th).
 
Also, a huge shoutout to the always reliable stay at home dman in Calgary, Phil Strasmore @PhilPhil is set to pass 2000 hits this year which is a huge achievement. Added to the 1664 minutes in PIMS (good for 4th all time currently) he for sure has been tough to play against.  Congrats Phil!!  
 
See ya next week

@animal74

1. With five 20-goal scorers already (Machado, Jaks, Atlas, Lattimer, Callahan), who do you think will be the first Legion to hit 50 in ten seasons? It probably won't be me, but I think I'll help my teammates get tot his. My money is on Machado.
2. Which team in the three leagues do you think needs a name change most? We have some generic names like 'Wild' etc. Anything generic, let's rip 'em out.
3. If you could pick an expansion city for each VHL Conference (North American and European), what would be your choices? NA: Raleigh. Europe: Vienna.
4. What were your thoughts on the league's Unfortunate Announcement? That shit was crazy. But there are a lot of bad actors online and also a lot of people who act out of desperation. Need more checks and balances across the board.
5. How you feel about your performance so far this season? I feel a lot better lately; slow start, but I and we (the team!) are coming out strong!
6. What is your favorite Easter candy? anything chocolate. high cholesterol. 

1. With five 20-goal scorers already (Machado, Jaks, Atlas, Lattimer, Callahan), who do you think will be the first Legion to hit 50 in ten seasons?
I think Atlas will take it, Or Callahan 
2. Which team in the three leagues do you think needs a name change most?
Halifax way to simple need more flair i think. 
3. If you could pick an expansion city for each VHL Conference (North American and European), what would be your choices?
Montreal, Porto Portugal for sure 
4. What were your thoughts on the league's Unfortunate Announcement?
Was not a fan but is what it is. 
5. How you feel about your performance so far this season?
Surprising didn't expect to be in the top 10 in anything so far.
6. What is your favorite Easter candy?
I'm not a big candy person but im a sucker for a Easter ham. 

1. I'll go with Machado. Currently leading in goals, and having a hell of a breakout season. Hopefully it's a close race between everybody all the way to 50!
 
2. I'll go with the Halifax 21st. I'm sure that there's significant meaning behind the choice, but it's pretty limiting in terms of creativity for what you can do with it from a scheme perspective.
 
3. My choice for North America would be Montreal, it's an awfully historic hockey city to not have representation in the VHL. For the Europe conference, I'll go with Madrid. Would be cool to bring hockey to Spain.
 
4. I didn't like it, mostly because I don't have much of a sense of humour when it comes to April Fool's Day. Didn't think that it was the kind of subject matter that should be joked about either. Yes, I'm boring.
 
5. I've been more of a playmaker this season, and I'm happy with how it has gone. We're having a great year in the standings, so it feels nice to help contribute to a winning club.
 
6. It's gotta be Reese's Eggies for me. I have to limit myself when I get them, they're bloody addictive.

Toronto Legion Press Conference 
(2 TPE for answering all six questions)
 
1. With five 20-goal scorers already (Machado, Jaks, Atlas, Lattimer, Callahan), who do you think will be the first Legion to hit 50 in ten seasons?
2. Which team in the three leagues do you think needs a name change most?
3. If you could pick an expansion city for each VHL Conference (North American and European), what would be your choices?
4. What were your thoughts on the league's Unfortunate Announcement?
5. How you feel about your performance so far this season?
6. What is your favorite Easter candy?

Woooo!!

1. What trophy do you think is missing from the VHL Awards?
Best player graphic of the season
2. Which team will win World Cup gold?
I think it will be east Europe
3. How would you design a Legion third jersey?
Like the graphic i made for Harry Callahan Black with blue lines at the elbow.
4. If you could change the overtime/shootout format, what would you do?
3 on 3 till someone scores.
5. What is your least favorite part of off-season training?
Cardio EW.
6. What book/movie have you read/watched recently that you would recommend to your teammates?
Dune 2 absolutely 

1. I think we need to win some more face-offs and keep the shots heavy.  with Atlas entering the top line now my focus is to pour points into FO.
2. Crazy breakout year! If not the Beketov he'll at least be a top candidate for the Funk / if not the runaway winner.
3. Had a very strong start but beginning to fizzle out a bit these last few sims.. hoping to get things going again soon.  I like where our team is at so far though.
4. Bobbly has been a stud so far in net, it's a good feeling knowing you have a solid backup that can steal you games.
5. Honestly the team awards are great for locker room activity but they don't really do much for me, I think team success is more important.
6. Oilers / Leafs in the final... Or my Canucks VS Rangers/Bruins and the Canucks take it this time.