animal74

1. We are hanging near the top of the conference despite being in the lower half of goal scoring. What do we need to do to score more?
Put the puck in the net! Duh!  Kidding of course.  As the team continues to gel they will start getting the bounces and I would expect to see the scoring pick up.
 
2. Walter Fitzroy Jr is tied for the league lead in assists. Do you think he'll have a shot at the Beketov Trophy (Most Assists)? For sure,  the offense has started slow so as the stats level out the offense should really get going.
 
3. How would you rate your start to the season? 
While I am only a prospect currently for the team and hope to join them next season.  However,  in the E it has been good start to the season I hope to build on.  
 
4. Rookie goalie Toddly Bobbly has stepped right in and is 1-1 in his first two VHL starts. What do you think of his performance so far? 
Love to see it and as they keep updating they will only get better. Hope they will be the rock in the bet the team needs for many years.
 
5. Do you like the Team Awards? Is there an award you would like to see added/removed?
I love the team awards and any of the awards.  It helps some focus on a single goal.  I believe it can help bring a team together.
 
6. What NHL playoff match up would you most like to see?
Tampa Bay vs Florida.  I want to continue to see this rivalry grow and see something besides the same old boring rivalries that have been going on for decades.

1. We are hanging near the top of the conference despite being in the lower half of goal scoring. What do we need to do to score more? Lattimer got off to a slow start but the last game was his best game so far. I think I'm turning the corner and that should unlock more opportunities for our offense to hum.
2. Walter Fitzroy Jr @Moon is tied for the league lead in assists. Do you think he'll have a shot at the Beketov Trophy (Most Assists)? definitely. we've got more firepower to give him.
3. How would you rate your start to the season? Not good. I think I've sucked. It's been depressing not being in the box score or feeling like I'm contributing.
4. Rookie goalie Toddly Bobbly @ToddlyBobbly has stepped right in and is 1-1 in his first two VHL starts. What do you think of his performance so far? So far so good. Improving each week. That's what you want to see out of a rookie.
5. Do you like the Team Awards? Is there an award you would like to see added/removed? I didn't have time to vote on them this time around but I also personally don't see much utility in them.
6. What NHL playoff match up would you most like to see? Edmonton - Rangers?

1. We are hanging near the top of the conference despite being in the lower half of goal scoring. What do we need to do to score more?
Need Joel Castle to quarterback our pp other team will never expect it. 😂 
2. Walter Fitzroy Jr @Moon is tied for the league lead in assists. Do you think he'll have a shot at the Beketov Trophy (Most Assists)?
100%
3. How would you rate your start to the season?
It started out really good now not so much
4. Rookie goalie Toddly Bobbly @ToddlyBobbly has stepped right in and is 1-1 in his first two VHL starts. What do you think of his performance so far?
Very good i saw what he could do is Saskatoon a few seasons back so i know he will keep up with the good play! 
5. Do you like the Team Awards? Is there an award you would like to see added/removed?
yeah i do, I think we need the at least you tried award and it should be for most shots and lowest shooting% keep it fun! 
6. What NHL playoff match up would you most like to see?
I think a Jets Wild series would be fun to watch as they are now starting build a bit of a rivalry.

I picked your goalie too , so lots is at stake 

Joel

G JoeL Castle 
 
@cLoWn

After Team Canada failed to defend their World Cup gold, losing to Team USA 4-3 in the semi-final game and instead settling for bronze with a gutsy 4-2 win against Team Nordic, the various media outlets, YouTubers, podcasts and pundits started whispers about a potential goalie controversy that may have cost Canada a chance for three-peat gold medal.
 
After starting the first four games of the World Cup round robin, last tournament's gold medal game starter, Joel Castle had been looking on from the bench. Despite sparkling numbers (1.97 GAA, 0.939 SV%, 1 shutout), Team Canada only scored five goals in those four games to start the tournament with a less than inspiring 1-2-1 record. Merome Dilson started the remaining six games and won all six as Canada finally found their scoring touch, lighting the lamp 22 times for 3.56 goals/game compared to 1.25 in Castle's games. Dilson was still great (2.26 GAA, 0.925 SV%, 1 shutout) but he didn’t need to be quite as stingy as the players in front of him scored almost triple the rate they scored with Castle in net.
 

Joel Castle backstopping Team Canada
 
Obviously looking at win record and not stats, Canada chose to start Dilson in the semi-final which ended up backfiring on the Red and White. Canada lost 4-3 to USA – who Castle had shutout in his final appearance. Now, the loss was definitely not Dilson’s fault. After Canada took a 1-0 lead into the second period, USA scored on three of four power play opportunities in the middle frame to take a 3-1 lead that Canada never recovered from. Dilson’s effort was valiant stopping 42 of 45 shots, but as the critics wondered after, would the knowledge that they hadn’t beaten Castle perhaps played a critical mental game with the American players as they had scored five times on Dilson in their meeting, a 6-5 shootout loss to Canada. Either way, having already beaten the USA twice in the round robin, losing to them in the medal round was especially bitter for the defending champions.
 
When asked about the decision on a podcast days after the World Cup had ended, Joel Castle gave his typical professional answer.
 
“As a competitor, you always want to play, but to be fair to Dilsy, he had a better season than I did leading up to the World Cup and he played fantastic in the round robin. I feel the team as a whole kind of played a little too loose in that second period against the States and we got into penalty trouble and they capitalized. It could have been way more out of reach but Dilsy played out of his mind really. We got outshot 26-10 in the second and 36-16 over the last two periods. You don’t win many games when you get outshot like that. And we made a push but in the end, it wasn’t enough and we had to play for bronze.”
 
Asked if he thinks he’ll be able to play in the S94 World Cup, he just shrugged and said, “Hopefully, I’m still playing a level that allows me to play for Canada one more time. Dilson will probably be the starter again but I’d love another chance to get another gold medal. Time will tell. I have to stay in shape until then.”
 
Castle’s record in two World Cups for Canada, including medal games, is 9-3-2 with a 1.72 GAA, 0.945 SV% and 2 shutouts for one gold and one bronze.

D - Leif Reingaard
F - Yaroslav Trunov
 
@MubbleFubbles

After Team Canada failed to defend their World Cup gold, losing to Team USA 4-3 in the semi-final game and instead settling for bronze with a gutsy 4-2 win against Team Nordic, the various media outlets, YouTubers, podcasts and pundits started whispers about a potential goalie controversy that may have cost Canada a chance for three-peat gold medal.
 
After starting the first four games of the World Cup round robin, last tournament's gold medal game starter, Joel Castle had been looking on from the bench. Despite sparkling numbers (1.97 GAA, 0.939 SV%, 1 shutout), Team Canada only scored five goals in those four games to start the tournament with a less than inspiring 1-2-1 record. Merome Dilson started the remaining six games and won all six as Canada finally found their scoring touch, lighting the lamp 22 times for 3.56 goals/game compared to 1.25 in Castle's games. Dilson was still great (2.26 GAA, 0.925 SV%, 1 shutout) but he didn’t need to be quite as stingy as the players in front of him scored almost triple the rate they scored with Castle in net.
 

Joel Castle backstopping Team Canada
 
Obviously looking at win record and not stats, Canada chose to start Dilson in the semi-final which ended up backfiring on the Red and White. Canada lost 4-3 to USA – who Castle had shutout in his final appearance. Now, the loss was definitely not Dilson’s fault. After Canada took a 1-0 lead into the second period, USA scored on three of four power play opportunities in the middle frame to take a 3-1 lead that Canada never recovered from. Dilson’s effort was valiant stopping 42 of 45 shots, but as the critics wondered after, would the knowledge that they hadn’t beaten Castle perhaps played a critical mental game with the American players as they had scored five times on Dilson in their meeting, a 6-5 shootout loss to Canada. Either way, having already beaten the USA twice in the round robin, losing to them in the medal round was especially bitter for the defending champions.
 
When asked about the decision on a podcast days after the World Cup had ended, Joel Castle gave his typical professional answer.
 
“As a competitor, you always want to play, but to be fair to Dilsy, he had a better season than I did leading up to the World Cup and he played fantastic in the round robin. I feel the team as a whole kind of played a little too loose in that second period against the States and we got into penalty trouble and they capitalized. It could have been way more out of reach but Dilsy played out of his mind really. We got outshot 26-10 in the second and 36-16 over the last two periods. You don’t win many games when you get outshot like that. And we made a push but in the end, it wasn’t enough and we had to play for bronze.”
 
Asked if he thinks he’ll be able to play in the S94 World Cup, he just shrugged and said, “Hopefully, I’m still playing a level that allows me to play for Canada one more time. Dilson will probably be the starter again but I’d love another chance to get another gold medal. Time will tell. I have to stay in shape until then.”
 
Castle’s record in two World Cups for Canada, including medal games, is 9-3-2 with a 1.72 GAA, 0.945 SV% and 2 shutouts for one gold and one bronze.

After Team Canada failed to defend their World Cup gold, losing to Team USA 4-3 in the semi-final game and instead settling for bronze with a gutsy 4-2 win against Team Nordic, the various media outlets, YouTubers, podcasts and pundits started whispers about a potential goalie controversy that may have cost Canada a chance for three-peat gold medal.
 
After starting the first four games of the World Cup round robin, last tournament's gold medal game starter, Joel Castle had been looking on from the bench. Despite sparkling numbers (1.97 GAA, 0.939 SV%, 1 shutout), Team Canada only scored five goals in those four games to start the tournament with a less than inspiring 1-2-1 record. Merome Dilson started the remaining six games and won all six as Canada finally found their scoring touch, lighting the lamp 22 times for 3.56 goals/game compared to 1.25 in Castle's games. Dilson was still great (2.26 GAA, 0.925 SV%, 1 shutout) but he didn’t need to be quite as stingy as the players in front of him scored almost triple the rate they scored with Castle in net.
 

Joel Castle backstopping Team Canada
 
Obviously looking at win record and not stats, Canada chose to start Dilson in the semi-final which ended up backfiring on the Red and White. Canada lost 4-3 to USA – who Castle had shutout in his final appearance. Now, the loss was definitely not Dilson’s fault. After Canada took a 1-0 lead into the second period, USA scored on three of four power play opportunities in the middle frame to take a 3-1 lead that Canada never recovered from. Dilson’s effort was valiant stopping 42 of 45 shots, but as the critics wondered after, would the knowledge that they hadn’t beaten Castle perhaps played a critical mental game with the American players as they had scored five times on Dilson in their meeting, a 6-5 shootout loss to Canada. Either way, having already beaten the USA twice in the round robin, losing to them in the medal round was especially bitter for the defending champions.
 
When asked about the decision on a podcast days after the World Cup had ended, Joel Castle gave his typical professional answer.
 
“As a competitor, you always want to play, but to be fair to Dilsy, he had a better season than I did leading up to the World Cup and he played fantastic in the round robin. I feel the team as a whole kind of played a little too loose in that second period against the States and we got into penalty trouble and they capitalized. It could have been way more out of reach but Dilsy played out of his mind really. We got outshot 26-10 in the second and 36-16 over the last two periods. You don’t win many games when you get outshot like that. And we made a push but in the end, it wasn’t enough and we had to play for bronze.”
 
Asked if he thinks he’ll be able to play in the S94 World Cup, he just shrugged and said, “Hopefully, I’m still playing a level that allows me to play for Canada one more time. Dilson will probably be the starter again but I’d love another chance to get another gold medal. Time will tell. I have to stay in shape until then.”
 
Castle’s record in two World Cups for Canada, including medal games, is 9-3-2 with a 1.72 GAA, 0.945 SV% and 2 shutouts for one gold and one bronze.

Get a super large jersey and put us both in at the same time! No one would notice a four-legged goalie! 😆

While the S93 VHL Entry Draft was highly anticipated from the moment high-end prospects Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor and Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica declared their eligibility - and Jean-Pierre Devote @eagle_3450 and Forum Content @frescoelmo rounded out the top of the draft class nicely - it was a group that was originally pegged by many VHL scouts as lacking in depth.
 
It’s not so much that those scouts missed the mark, but the VHL made a mid-season play to expand their recruiting efforts and all of a sudden, there was a massive influx in talent in the VHLM and, accordingly, in the S93 draft class as well. Several of the new faces brought in have immediately made names for themselves, and a couple of them even threaten to shake up that top of the draft class - although the top two of Del Rocco / Bucatini in some order is essentially untouchable.
 
As a result, the S93 draft now looks like one of the deepest VHL draft classes in a very long time. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the new faces that have made their impact felt during their brief times in the league, and when some of these fast-rising prospects can look forward to hearing their names called on draft day.
 
Lucy Leitner - D - Houston Bulls @LucyXpher
The 5’8, 155 pound US-born defender stormed onto the VHL scene at the start of S93 and signed with Houston, where she would go on to rank 4th in the VHLM in defenseman scoring with 76 points in 72 games. That is surely impressive production for a VHLM rookie but it’s off the ice, with her work ethic, that Leitner has impressed most. She is a brilliant skater who moves the puck well and excels in her own end of the ice, though the offensive toolkit (passing and shooting) will need to develop to see the same production at the next level. Leitner has skyrocketed up draft boards and has massive upside - currently ranked 5th in the draft class, Leitner’s name will be in the minds of every GM who isn’t picking in the top-2, and if I were making the call, she would probably be the #3 pick.
 
Benjamin Abenduct - D - Houston Bulls @Schnee
The Bulls really scored themselves a pair of great young defensemen early in the year through the VHLM’s waiver process, with Abenduct close behind Leitner all year and actually outproducing her on the scoresheet. He finished the year with 23 goals, 81 points, 170 hits, and 100 blocks in 68 games. Although the stats don’t necessarily bear it out, Abenduct is a little more defense-minded than Leitner but doesn’t get around the ice as well and has a little bit less refined offensive game. He’s currently ranked 6th in the draft class and has his own case to jump Devote and Content on draft day, probably going right after Leitner especially if a team needs a defender.
 
Annie Oaks - RW - Las Vegas Aces @Noodle Enjoyer
Oaks signed with the Saskatoon Wild at the start of the VHLM season before being traded to the more competitive Las Vegas Aces at the deadline. Over the season, Oaks totalled 41 goals and 95 points, showcasing excellent vision and a powerful slapshot. Her shot is actually nearly pro-ready, but she does have a lot of work to do defensively before being able to contribute at the VHL level. Oaks is currently the ninth-ranked player in the draft class, the highest-rated forward coming from the increased recruiting efforts, and is a surefire first-round pick with a good chance to break into the top half of the round.
 
UghSike - LW - Miami Marauders @UghSike
UghSike has a lot of similarities to the aforementioned Oaks, having signed with the Wild at the start of the year before being shipped out at the trade deadline. UghSike found himself in Miami after the trade and was not as productive as Oaks during the season - he compiled 28 goals and 60 points. Compared to Oaks, UghSike has a slightly weaker shot (but still very good), is even less refined defensively, but is a better passer and skater. He will likely come off the board shortly after Oaks on draft day, somewhere in the middle of the first round.
 
Trimiskez Artav - RW - Houston Bulls @jake
Another member of the Houston Bulls, Artav brought it in a big way this season putting up 43 goals and 88 points in 72 games. He’s talented offensively and a little more well-rounded overall compared to the other forwards we’ve discussed so far. Unfortunately, over the last few weeks, there have been reports that Artav’s development has stalled and he’s been missing practice, which could definitely affect his draft stock. For the time being, Artav is still ranked 12th, but it seems likely he will fall into the second or third round based on these recent developments.
 
Nathan Ecker - RW - Houston Bulls @Nathan_8
As you may have guessed, the Bulls were big beneficiaries of the VHL’s recruitment effort, and this is the fourth player they’ve placed on this list. Ecker is an extremely similar player to UghSike, with glaring defensive deficiencies in his game but excellent offensive talent, hands, and vision. With 25 goals and 48 points in 72 games, Ecker contributed to the Bulls’ offense from day one and has shown a steady commitment to improving. He is ranked 15th in the draft right now and will definitely be in the conversation for those GMs picking late in the first round.
 
Gul Dukat - D - Miami Marauders @MSouthworth
Dukat is an old-school defender, a stay-at-home, 6’3 200 pound behemoth with a mean streak and above average mobility, the kind of game that fans, scouts, and coaches all love. Dukat even showed some untapped offensive ability with Miami this season, putting up 18 goals and 65 points, even though that’s not necessarily their strong suit. With 163 hits, 72 PIM, and 123 blocks, it is that defensive element where Dukat truly shines. Ranked 16th in the class to date, Dukat is also the draft’s third-ranked defenseman behind Leitner and Abenduct, which means they should be a lock to be a first rounder.
 
Ondrej Vencko - G - Houston Bulls @Mutti
Vencko came to the VHLM as a talented but troubled young netminder, and had some much-publicized concerns about drug usage mar his early days in Houston. We may never find out exactly what went on, but it seems that whatever it was is firmly in the rearview mirror. Vencko quickly claimed the starting role in Houston and improved greatly as the year went on, finishing the season 27-18-3 with an .892 SV% before posting a .917 SV% in 12 playoff games. Vencko has excellent reflexes and rebound control, but struggles with lateral mobility and plays a little small in his net at times. There’s definite upside here though and he is the 3rd-ranked goaltender and 18th-ranked prospect in the draft overall. Vencko should go early in the second round and might sneak into the late-1st if there is a particularly goalie-needy team.
 
Tyler Lawson - C - Houston Bulls @Nyx
The Bulls are a veritable factory of brand-new talent! Interestingly, Lawson is the first player on this list that naturally plays centre and is the third-ranked centre in the draft class overall. Lawson has a similar profile to a lot of these players in that he’s got great offensive vision, a good slapshot, and some flaws in other areas of his game, particularly defensively. Joining the Bulls mid-season, Lawson scored at a point-per-game pace in the regular season (56 points in 56 games) but fell off in the playoffs with just 5 points in 12 games. He’s ranked #22 and probably didn’t do enough this season to jump into the first round, but he’s a high upside player who could really reward a team that takes the plunge in the high or mid-2nd.
 
Ray Stanton - D - San Diego Marlins @horoscope
Stanton, a 5’10 185 pound defenseman who’s a little more offensively-inclined than most of the others in this draft, really stepped into the league in a big way with the Saskatoon Wild mid-season. He put up 21 points, 61 hits, and 42 blocks in just 18 games before being traded to the San Diego Marlins. Unfortunately, his production tailed off in a more structured system in San Diego leaving some questions as to whether his production was a product of just playing on a bad team or truly being great. Stanton has made some good progression over his short time in the league so far and is projected in the middle of the second round (ranked #25).
 
Cody Toland - D - Houston Bulls @ctoland102
A gritty, 6’4 215 pound offensive defenseman, Toland likes to hit and isn’t afraid to mix it up, giving him a little bit of a different dimension compared to most of the other young defenders in this draft. The two main concerns with Toland at this stage in his career are that he’ll need to develop his defensive game to play a defensive position at the next level and, while his improvement has been consistent over the course of the season, he hasn’t taken the next step in his development like some of the other players in the class have. With 35 points, 213 hits, and 92 blocked shots for Houston this year, Toland definitely has a possible VHL career in his future, and I would expect him to be chosen somewhere in the late-2nd or early-3rd round.
 
Oliver Loo - RW - Miami Marauders @Peiffy
Loo is a well-rounded, two-way forward with a little less upside than many of the forwards we’ve covered so far, but has shown steady improvement throughout the year and plays a projectable game without many flaws. Because of his limited offensive upside, at least based on what we’ve seen so far, Loo is more of a project who will likely spend more time at the VHLM and VHLE levels. However, he’s a good skater and responsible defensively, two things that VHL teams love to see. Loo is another player who will probably be selected somewhere around the early-3rd round.
 
Billy Joel - D - San Diego Marlins @The goat of hockey
Joel is a similar player to Toland, except even bigger, but less refined defensively. Joel’s brand of defense is simply running guys over and while it’s effective at times and certainly fun to watch, he will need to develop that positioning and poke checking at some point in order to have a VHL career in the future. Joel is a real old school type player, a 6’5, 235 pound physical force who is very willing to drop the gloves. He’s also got a bomb of a shot when he wants to use it. He put up 20 points in 72 games with San Diego but, more importantly, 205 hits and 84 blocks with 106 PIM. The harder he practices, the quicker he will get better but for now it looks like whoever drafts Joel will have a long-term project on their hands, with probably VHL #4 defenseman type upside to him. He’s likely to go off the board in the early-3rd round.
 
Jack Dickins - RW - Houston Bulls @Mystery_boy98
A big, well-rounded winger, Dickins has shown some steady improvement over the season and the consistency to eventually play at the VHL level if he can maintain that for a few seasons, but he’s definitely a couple of seasons away, starting with what will likely be another VHLM season to continue his development. Dickins put up 20 points in 64 games with Houston this year and is in line for a bump up in role with whichever VHLM team drafts him next season. How the next season or so goes for him will be the big determinant in whether or not the VHL is in his future, but he’s surely worth a pick in the 3rd round to figure that out.
 
 
~2020 words for the next 4 weeks

After Team Canada failed to defend their World Cup gold, losing to Team USA 4-3 in the semi-final game and instead settling for bronze with a gutsy 4-2 win against Team Nordic, the various media outlets, YouTubers, podcasts and pundits started whispers about a potential goalie controversy that may have cost Canada a chance for three-peat gold medal.
 
After starting the first four games of the World Cup round robin, last tournament's gold medal game starter, Joel Castle had been looking on from the bench. Despite sparkling numbers (1.97 GAA, 0.939 SV%, 1 shutout), Team Canada only scored five goals in those four games to start the tournament with a less than inspiring 1-2-1 record. Merome Dilson started the remaining six games and won all six as Canada finally found their scoring touch, lighting the lamp 22 times for 3.56 goals/game compared to 1.25 in Castle's games. Dilson was still great (2.26 GAA, 0.925 SV%, 1 shutout) but he didn’t need to be quite as stingy as the players in front of him scored almost triple the rate they scored with Castle in net.
 

Joel Castle backstopping Team Canada
 
Obviously looking at win record and not stats, Canada chose to start Dilson in the semi-final which ended up backfiring on the Red and White. Canada lost 4-3 to USA – who Castle had shutout in his final appearance. Now, the loss was definitely not Dilson’s fault. After Canada took a 1-0 lead into the second period, USA scored on three of four power play opportunities in the middle frame to take a 3-1 lead that Canada never recovered from. Dilson’s effort was valiant stopping 42 of 45 shots, but as the critics wondered after, would the knowledge that they hadn’t beaten Castle perhaps played a critical mental game with the American players as they had scored five times on Dilson in their meeting, a 6-5 shootout loss to Canada. Either way, having already beaten the USA twice in the round robin, losing to them in the medal round was especially bitter for the defending champions.
 
When asked about the decision on a podcast days after the World Cup had ended, Joel Castle gave his typical professional answer.
 
“As a competitor, you always want to play, but to be fair to Dilsy, he had a better season than I did leading up to the World Cup and he played fantastic in the round robin. I feel the team as a whole kind of played a little too loose in that second period against the States and we got into penalty trouble and they capitalized. It could have been way more out of reach but Dilsy played out of his mind really. We got outshot 26-10 in the second and 36-16 over the last two periods. You don’t win many games when you get outshot like that. And we made a push but in the end, it wasn’t enough and we had to play for bronze.”
 
Asked if he thinks he’ll be able to play in the S94 World Cup, he just shrugged and said, “Hopefully, I’m still playing a level that allows me to play for Canada one more time. Dilson will probably be the starter again but I’d love another chance to get another gold medal. Time will tell. I have to stay in shape until then.”
 
Castle’s record in two World Cups for Canada, including medal games, is 9-3-2 with a 1.72 GAA, 0.945 SV% and 2 shutouts for one gold and one bronze.

Just you wait Spraytan, just u wait

After Team Canada failed to defend their World Cup gold, losing to Team USA 4-3 in the semi-final game and instead settling for bronze with a gutsy 4-2 win against Team Nordic, the various media outlets, YouTubers, podcasts and pundits started whispers about a potential goalie controversy that may have cost Canada a chance for three-peat gold medal.
 
After starting the first four games of the World Cup round robin, last tournament's gold medal game starter, Joel Castle had been looking on from the bench. Despite sparkling numbers (1.97 GAA, 0.939 SV%, 1 shutout), Team Canada only scored five goals in those four games to start the tournament with a less than inspiring 1-2-1 record. Merome Dilson started the remaining six games and won all six as Canada finally found their scoring touch, lighting the lamp 22 times for 3.56 goals/game compared to 1.25 in Castle's games. Dilson was still great (2.26 GAA, 0.925 SV%, 1 shutout) but he didn’t need to be quite as stingy as the players in front of him scored almost triple the rate they scored with Castle in net.
 

Joel Castle backstopping Team Canada
 
Obviously looking at win record and not stats, Canada chose to start Dilson in the semi-final which ended up backfiring on the Red and White. Canada lost 4-3 to USA – who Castle had shutout in his final appearance. Now, the loss was definitely not Dilson’s fault. After Canada took a 1-0 lead into the second period, USA scored on three of four power play opportunities in the middle frame to take a 3-1 lead that Canada never recovered from. Dilson’s effort was valiant stopping 42 of 45 shots, but as the critics wondered after, would the knowledge that they hadn’t beaten Castle perhaps played a critical mental game with the American players as they had scored five times on Dilson in their meeting, a 6-5 shootout loss to Canada. Either way, having already beaten the USA twice in the round robin, losing to them in the medal round was especially bitter for the defending champions.
 
When asked about the decision on a podcast days after the World Cup had ended, Joel Castle gave his typical professional answer.
 
“As a competitor, you always want to play, but to be fair to Dilsy, he had a better season than I did leading up to the World Cup and he played fantastic in the round robin. I feel the team as a whole kind of played a little too loose in that second period against the States and we got into penalty trouble and they capitalized. It could have been way more out of reach but Dilsy played out of his mind really. We got outshot 26-10 in the second and 36-16 over the last two periods. You don’t win many games when you get outshot like that. And we made a push but in the end, it wasn’t enough and we had to play for bronze.”
 
Asked if he thinks he’ll be able to play in the S94 World Cup, he just shrugged and said, “Hopefully, I’m still playing a level that allows me to play for Canada one more time. Dilson will probably be the starter again but I’d love another chance to get another gold medal. Time will tell. I have to stay in shape until then.”
 
Castle’s record in two World Cups for Canada, including medal games, is 9-3-2 with a 1.72 GAA, 0.945 SV% and 2 shutouts for one gold and one bronze.

What an insane career @Thunder! It was a pain to play against you but fun to watch you light it up season after season. Congratulations of the most sincere variety - you deserve this honor and you've been great for the league. Well done!

Thanks @Victor, I appreciate it.  And thanks to all you people who make this league a success.  It is definitely a lot of fun.

A day earlier than scheduled as I'm at an event tomorrow. In any case this is quite a short one this season as we have no Builders to induct and just one player.
 
D - Jake Thunder, S84-S91 
RS: 576 GP, 121 G, 531 A, 652 P, +151, 1,317 PIM, 1,696 HIT, 1,276 SB, 19 GW
PO: 98 GP, 25 G, 84 A, 109 P, -7, 259 PIM, 299 HIT, 246 SB, 4 GW
 
S85 Dustin Funk Trophy (Most Improved)
S88 Alexander Beketov Trophy (Most Assists)
S89 Daisuke Kanou Trophy (Playoff MVP)
S90 Sterling Labatte Trophy (Top Defenceman)
S90 Jake Wylde Trophy (Top Defensive Defenceman)
2x All-VHL First Team (S88, S90)
4x All-VHL Second Team (S85, S86, S89, S91)
One Continental Cup (S89)
 
But what a player it is. One of the best players in the hybrid era, one of the best defencemen in the 16-team era, and we can probably start the debate on his place in the all-time list. Jake @Thunder flew under the radar at the S93 draft, only going 19th overall, but what a steal that proved to be for Davos, who got 7 straight 80-point seasons out of Thunder, 6 elections to the top four defencemen in the VHL, and most importantly several deep playoff runs, two finals, and a first Continental Cup in nearly 30 seasons. Thunder and goalie Lachlan Summers invoked Dynamo dynasties of the past like those of Jenskovic and Devereux, and Bergqvist and Kanou. But even aside from franchise importance, Thunder also lands in the top 30 all-time of the defencemen stats that matter (assists, points, hits, shot blocks) and top 5 when just considering the playoffs. An all-time great first-gen career for sure and I'm glad you're back from a brief hiatus to allow me to congratulate you on a well-deserved Hall of Fame induction!
 
Voting results
Jake Thunder - 11/11
----
Voittu Jannula - 4/11
Papa Emeritus - 3/11
Bo Johansson - 2/11
Nico Pearce - 1/11
Kristof Welch, Paul Atreides, Oskar Lindbergh, Zach Kisslinger II, Hammar Voss - 0/11

Honestly I think people are vastly overestimating how damaging this will be to goalies, it’s not that substantial.

1. I think that the VHL needs a graphics award, which would be more member based than player performance based. There are some people who are great at designing graphics, and I think they need to be acknowledged.
 
2. Definitely Canada. GM'd and backstopped by Legion players is a recipe for success!! 
 
3. I'd probably invert the colours from the home jersey. I'm more a fan of traditional looks, so I wouldn't want to stray too far from our regular set.
 
4. 10 minutes of 3 on 3 overtime, and if it's still tied after that, the game ends in a tie.
 
5. The lack of games to focus on while trying to get better. It's difficult to stay excited about just getting in reps for the sake of reps, always nice to have the games to follow along with while doing it.
 
6. Just re-watched The Prestige last night, always recommend that one. If you haven't seen Jojo Rabbit, do yourself a favour and watch that too.

1. What trophy do you think is missing from the VHL Awards? I honestly have no clue what awards are in VHL. However,  maybe we could go with something out of the ordinary.  Best secondary skill that doesn’t deal with hockey?  Do they give awards for best updater too?
 
2. Which team will win World Cup gold?  I have no clue what the World Cup is?  Is this like the WBC?  If so my vote is and will always be for me new home country of the United States. Why?  Because why not?
 
3. How would you design a Legion third jersey? The logo really reminds me of the Romulons.  I think we should play off that and go with that nice dark green.  These uniforms could be very imposing.
 
4. If you could change the overtime/shootout format, what would you do? Keep the way it is just like regulation.  The players get paid millions to play they can deal with it.  If the fans don’t like how long it is then go home or stop watching.  These games aren’t life and death.  If you stop enjoying it go do something else.
 
5. What is your least favorite part of off-season training? No games.  It gets boring when nothing to set your goals on.  You only need so much rest,  let’s not drags things out and get going!
 
6. What book/movie have you read/watched recently that you would recommend to your teammates? The only books and movies I read/watch are kids movies now with my toddler.  The only thing I can suggest is the new Paw Patrol movie that just came out.  It was a barking good time though.

1. What trophy do you think is missing from the VHL Awards? Player who looks best without their shirt off. Sadly it won't be me
2. Which team will win World Cup gold? Russia. Stacked left and right. I have no idea if they're in the world cup but let's go with them.
3. How would you design a Legion third jersey? I'd almost make the Legion look like the Sentinels in Xmen Days of Future Past. Those shits looked awesome
4. If you could change the overtime/shootout format, what would you do? I think the format is good as it stands!
5. What is your least favorite part of off-season training? Just not knowing the schedule and what happens when, when I should be paying attention and what not. That's on me though, not the league.
6. What book/movie have you read/watched recently that you would recommend to your teammates? The Sound of Metal was really good. 

Steve Lattimer recaps his impressions and experiences from this past season, his first full time with the Toronto Legion. Interview conducted by Joel Smith Stevens, beat writer for the Toronto local newspaper. 
Smith: What was the locker room experience like for you this season?
Lattimer: It was awesome. I felt like people were active, and even though I wasn't as much, I was engaged on my own terms by my GM, coaches, and teammates. I was more proactive in this locker room than any previous ones I was in, and it was a reflection of the people up and down the roster and front office.
Smith: You made the playoffs for the first time in your career. How important or unimportant was that to you?
Lattimer: It meant everything to me. I was dying to make the playoffs, to be relevant in some way, shape or form in the postseason. It just means more, knowing you are going to be checking in day and day out to see how your team is performing and what, if anything, you did to contribute to your team's success during the most important time of year.
Smith: How would you evaluate your performance in the postseason?
Lattimer: Objectively I think I did pretty good based on the stats I put up, scoring goals, even a game winner which was a career first. But ultimately we squandered home ice advantage and the season ended with a sour taste in my mouth, so ultimately it's an F. I want a championship, and we came short of that goal, which means this is like a pass or fail, not a letter grade.
Smith: You just re signed with Toronto. Why did you do that?
Lattimer: It's really quite plain and simple. They wanted me back. They engaged me very early in the process to gauge how happy or unhappy I was playing in Toronto. I told them if they wanted me, they got me. I'm committed. I feel an emotional connection to this team, this franchise, this town. I want to be a part of history if we can climb the mountain top this upcoming season. I think we have all the pieces to do so. And at the end of the day, it's not purely just about winning and losing. I want to win with the right guys, guys i care about, a franchise I care about. I'm not a mercenary. The sweet taste of victory is that much sweeter when you're winning with guys you truly enjoy. That's how I'm built.
Smith: How much longer are you going to play?
Lattimer: I don't really know how regression works in this league but I imagine it's coming for me soon. I think I'll play for as long as I'm a starting caliber player for Toronto and or whoever wants to have me on their team. Beyond that, I'm not sure I'll have interest if I'm not on a competitive team and able to hold my own, if that makes sense.

Stacked like a lumberjack's pancake breakfast! Pour on the (Golden) maple syrup!