Jaku

Here is a list of the most effective players this season based on the numbers I collected, added up specialty team points and "clutch" points together, this is what I got..
 
1. Benny Graves - Center - Las Vegas Aces  (29)
8 PPG 7 PPA - 2 SHG 2 SHA 
6 GWG 1 GTG - 3 PSG

2. Jeff Tates - Right Wing - Las Vegas Aces  (26)
6 PPG 10 PPA - 2 SHG 2 SHA
5 GWG 0 GTG - 1 PSG 
 
3. Jacob Perry - Defense - Philadelphia Reapers  (22) 
9 PPG 8 PPA - 0 SHG 0 SHA 
3 GWG 2 GTG - 0 PSG 
 
3. Emil Passerelli - Right Wing - Halifax 21st  (22) 
9 PPG 11 PPA - 0 SHG 0 SHA
1 GWG 1 GTG - 0 PSG 

4. Jerry Wang - Right Wing - Mississauga Hounds  (21) 
4 PPG 7 PPA - 0 SHG 0 SHA  
7 GWG 1 GTG - 2 PSG 
 
4. Khalabib Stiopic - Defense - Houston Bulls  (21)
3 PPG 15 PPA - 0 SHG 0 SHA  
2 GWG 0 GTG - 1 PSG 

4. Liam Rooney - Center - Halifax 21st  (21)
3 PPG 14 PPA - 0 SHG 0 SHA
4 GWG 0 GTG - 0 PSG
 
4. Justin Rushmore - Left Wing - Yukon Rush  (21)
6 PPG 9 PPA - 0 SHG 0 SHA
3 GWG 1 GTG - 2 PSG
 
5. Edu Stava - Center - Houston Bulls  (19)
7 PPG 8 PPA - 0 SHG 0 SHA
3 GWG 1 GTG - 0 PSG
 
5. Balentine Kidd - Center - Mississauga Hounds  (19)
7 PPG 8 PPA - 0 SHG 0 SHA
1 GWG 3 GTG - 0 PSG
 
5. Titus Stone - Defense - Yukon Rush  (19)
4 PPG 12 PPA - 0 SHG 0 SHA
2 GWG 1 GTG - 0 PSG
 
Honorable Mentions:
RW Benson Kramer  (18), D Alyksander Hunter  (18), RW Roadkill Steve (18)
 
Will add up numbers again down the road to see how things change, thanks for taking the time to read! See you next time!
 
       @MD9 @street @stevo @Liberty_Cabbage @ColeMrtz @Jaku @TukTukTheGreat @PotatoKing @SparrowLTD @elrune1988 @Benson @Edustava @SweetMike666 @STZ

1. That's a loaded question. All of them are amazing guys. They're awesome around the dressing room, they come to battle every night.
2. Ups and downs for sure. We're here to game though, it's going to be a war out there every night versus us. We will make teams pay for their mistakes. 
3. 1st. The guys on this team is geared up and ready to fight for it. 
4. Forehand - backhand -  leg kick - top shelf. 
5. Oh man, probably some fancy shoot out move like a between the legs shoot out move. Something along those lines. 
6. No. We have all the pieces to be a top team. We're all human, we're going to make mistakes it's just a matter of putting it all together and winning games.

1. That's a loaded question. All of them are amazing guys. They're awesome around the dressing room, they come to battle every night.
2. Ups and downs for sure. We're here to game though, it's going to be a war out there every night versus us. We will make teams pay for their mistakes. 
3. 1st. The guys on this team is geared up and ready to fight for it. 
4. Forehand - backhand -  leg kick - top shelf. 
5. Oh man, probably some fancy shoot out move like a between the legs shoot out move. Something along those lines. 
6. No. We have all the pieces to be a top team. We're all human, we're going to make mistakes it's just a matter of putting it all together and winning games.

Las Vegas Aces

Overview
The Aces have one of the most interesting rosters in the VHLM. With ten picks in the first four rounds of the most recent VHLM dispersal draft, the Aces have put together a very exciting young group. Lead by a handful of veterans, this young team has a bright future in the coming seasons. The biggest question mark on Las Vegas's roster is in the net. Bruce Grimaldi, their only goaltender and third round draft pick, may be headed off to Prague to play for the newly-created Phantoms. This would leave a huge hole in the Aces' roster and cast serious doubt on their playoff chances this season.
 
Stand-Outs
Benny Graves - Benny was picked up by the Reapers two thirds of the way through S67, and was never able to produce a lot there. However, he trained a lot in the off-season and is looking to be one of the Aces's top recruits. This towering center could potentially see a point-per-game season this year and will be very exciting to watch.
 
Cinnamon Block - I'll put it this way. Cinnamon Block hits like a truck. Forwards that find themselves playing against the Aces this year are going to find themselves in a lot of pain the day after, that is for sure.
 
Blacker Velvet - Velvet and Block are such different players that it is hard to believe that they play the same position. While Cinnamon puts the hurt on opposing team's bodies, Blacker will be menacing goalies throughout the league. I think there is a good chance that Blacker Velvet may lead the Aces in scoring this year.
 
Prediction
The Aces are likely a playoff team and may even be a Founder's cup contender if they can get their goal-tending situation ironed out. Otherwise, it is going to be a long season of high-scoring nail-biters for Vegas's fans.
 
Halifax 21st

Overview
There isn't a lot of good things your can say about the Halifax 21st this year. Halifax has an impressive run in the playoffs last season, but almost every piece that got them there has moved up to the VHL. Combined with their lack of draft capital in this year's draft, the 21st's roster is looking pretty thin. This looks to be a rebuilding year, but I few it may take more than just one season to put this team back together.
 
Stand-Outs
Anton Edvin - The one bright spot on an otherwise decimated roster. Anton has been a leader on this team for many seasons, and it looks like he will be their leading scorer again this year. The biggest question for the aging Estonian is likely whether or not he will be able to continue at his peak performance long enough to see the Halifax 21st return to relevancy.
 
Prediction
Tanking for the lottery, baby! But in reality, I expect it to be a couple of seasons before we see Halifax return to the playoffs, let alone being talked about as serious Founder's Cup contenders.
 
Yukon Rush

Overview
The Yukon Rush made one major pick-up in this season's dispersal draft. The string-bean goalie, Block Buster, was one of the oddest players on the draft board this season. This 6'7'' giant is nearly invisible when he stands sideways, but he is poised to be an effective keeper this season. The offense, however, is a deep concern. The Rush have been lead for several season by veteran defenseman, Titus Stone, but Stone seems to have fallen off a cliff in S67. If he continues his drop-off, the Yukon defense might struggle to give their rookie goaltender a fighting chance.
 
Stand-Outs
Andrej Petrovic - The Serbian defenseman is going to have a lot of responsibility in both zones this seasons. The Rush are going to look good when Petrovic is on the ice, but his workload is going to be excruciating if they don't find some defensive support for him.
 
Justin Rushmore - The Rush's star left-winger scored 26 goals last season and he is likely going to lead Yukon in scoring this year. If this team is going to be able to mount a successful offense this season, it is going to heavily depend on this young American.
 
Block Buster - A rookie goaltender, Block is going to be see a lot of action this season. Although unproven, Buster looks to be a future star and we are excited to see how this season pans out for this freakish-looking goalie.
 
Prediction
With the infusion of talent in the goal, I expect the Rush to compete for a playoff spot. I think Yukon's fans are going to be in for a lot of low-scoring slug-fests, but I simply don't see them being able to pull together enough offensive production to make a deep run into the playoffs.
 
Ottawa Lynx

Overview
There is nothing more intimidating in the VHLM than the defense of the reigning Founders Cup Champions. There seems to still be some question about how many members of the Lynx's stunning question may get called up to play in the VHL, but as it stands, they look to continue their defensive dominance. Aamon Grim and Finnegan MacBurn both are looking at potential jumps to the major league, so Cody Parkey may have to make a return to his position in their top pairing. The biggest concerns facing Ottawa are their goal tending situation and their depth. The roster is extremely limiting and the workload is going to be very heavy on Ottawa's stars. However, if the team stays healthy, they look poised to make another good playoff run.
 
Stand-Outs
The Defense - It is honestly astounding what Grim, MacBurn, Parkey, and Amberback have been able to accomplish. Last season's Founders Cup success can be laid directly on the shoulders of this defensive core. However, with the potential losses this season, it stands to be see whether this team will be able to put up the same shutdown performance as last season.
 
Hunter Wagner - Ottawa's star winger actually took a bit of a step back last season offensively. However, I think the German is prepared to have a return to his previous form and put up forty to forty-five goals this season.
 
John Perdue - Perdue didn't have an impressive year in S67, but he is going to have to step up and lead this offense if the Lynx are going to be able to continue their success into the future.
 
Prediction
It would appear that Ottawa are going to be losing too many of the key pieces that brought them success in S67 to continue their dominance into S68. However, I do think they are going to pose a tough challenge for any team seeking to take the cup in the coming season.
 
Mississauga Hounds

Overview
Mississauga had a rough time in S67, but they made some key improvements in the recent dispersal draft. It is yet to be seen which league Balentine Kidd will be playing in this year, but if he stays with the Hounds, their offense looks set to do a lot of damage this season. Mississauga's largest hole in it net (pun intended). Any team is going to have a hard time putting together a successful season with Schweitzer in net. However, if the Hound's GM is able to sign a reasonable goaltender and add some extra depth, especially on offense, then Mississauga might just be able to look like a playoff contender.
 
Stand-Outs
Brock Louth - Brock played twenty three games with the Reapers last season and made a pretty good showing there, scoring ten points and putting up solid defensive stats. The Canadian defenseman is positioned to be a team leader, in the locker room as well as on the stat sheet.
 
Jerry Wang - Wang spent half of S67 in Halifax. His production there was decent for a rookie, but Mississauga is hoping to see a lot more production out of the winger this season. If Balentine plays for the newly formed D.C. Dragons this season, Jerry is going to have to lead the Hounds in scoring. Hopefully, he is up to the task.
 
Guy Sasakamoose - Paired with his fellow Canadian in the the defensive zone, Sasakamoose is a strong candidate for having a breakout season. If the Hounds are going to have a successful year, they are going to need guys like Guy to really shine.
 
Prediction
The Mississauga Hounds may be able to put together enough of a roster to make it to the playoffs and win a few games, but it looks like they are still a few key pieces short of taking a real shot at the cup.
 
Saskatoon Wild

Overview
There isn't a lot to say about Saskatoon. They missed the playoffs in S67, and with only one major acquisition in the recent draft, Ferdando Jokinen, it doesn't look like they will improve in the coming season. It is unclear what the plan is for the future in Saskatoon, but it looks like the Wild are praying for a good lottery draw in the next draft to begin their rebuild. We are only a few seasons removed from a Wild team in their prime. Hopefully it will not be long before we can see this storied franchise return to it's former glory.
 
Stand-Outs
Ferdando Jokinen - The young shutdown defenseman, this Finish rookie is looking to make a splash in the VHLM. He is likely to be the brightest spot on this otherwise dim roster.
 
Ondrej Ohradka - Ondrej led the Wild in scoring last year, and will likely reprise that role this season. He is going to get a little more support from the newly acquired Telker, so he may actually see his production increase slightly this season.
 
Nate Telker - The Canadian center may end up playing for the Moscow Menace before the season is over, but he is the one positive piece that Saskatoon has added to their offence this year. 
 
Prediction
Another team that is liking tanking for the lottery this season. The Wild will likely be looking to trade off some of their aging pieces to a team making a cup run in return for picks in the S69 or S70 dispersal draft.
 
Mexico City Kings

Overview
I can only say, I called it. Mexico City had the first pick in this years dispersal draft and they used it to fill their biggest weakness. Solomon Crawford, an American goalie, had a 0.885% save percentage in his 15 games with Las Vegas last season, but he has only continued to improve. Now, with solid defensemen, like Alyksander Hunter, in front of him, he should be setting his sights on Goalie of the Year for S68. The offense is a bit of a concern for the Kings, but with a couple of good additions from trades or waivers will make this team a real cup contender.
 
Stand-Outs
Alyksander Hunter - Another great Canadian defenseman, Alyksander lead the San Diego Marlins defense in S67. His continued improvement is one of the biggest factors that will elevate the Kings from being a playoff team to winning a cup.
 
Ryan Busser - Mexico City may lose Busser to the Riga Reign before the season ends, but hopefully, for the Kings' sake, he will chose to stay down until the end of this season. Ryan is the key to this team offense and losing him would be a major damper on the hype going into this season.
 
Solomon Crawford - Man, I just can not say enough about how good of a pick this was. Any success the Kings have this season should be credited to the expert management and talent scouts of this organization.
 
Prediction
I expect the Mexico City Kings to make a deep playoff run and, if they are able to fill a few key holes, might even be among the top contenders for the Founders Cup this season.
 
Minnesota Storm

Overview
The Minnesota Storm were unable to make any meaningful additions in this seasons draft, but they have maintained a strong core that nearly won the Founder's cup last year. Their success in S68 will depend heavily on which piece of last year's core stay in the minors and which ones get called up to the big leagues. One of the most important pieces that the Storm's coming season truly rests on is the goalie Virgil Ligriv. If Minnesota is able to talk him into staying in the minors, or talk the Helsinki Titans into leaving him in Minnesota, this brick wall of intimidation might just carry the Storm to another cup final.
 
Stand-Outs
Danny DeYeeto - One of the only defenseman in the VHLM to average a point per game in S67, DeYeeto uses his oppressive defensive prowess to set up much of Minnesota's offensive success. Though rarely scoring himself, he is responsible for more goals than anyone else on this roster.
 
Ryo Yamazuki II - If Danny is the most important part of the Storm's offense, despite being a defenseman, then Ryo is the most important part of Minnesota's defense, even from the offensive zone. The way these two players play off each other is a thing of beauty.
 
Virgil Ligriv - .902% Save Percentage in the playoffs. There really isn't much more you can say. That says it all.
 
Prediction
All three of my picks for the stand-out players on this roster might not spend the whole season in the minors. With them, the Storm are among the favorites for this year's Founder's Cup. Without them, they will be hard pressed to win a playoff game.
 
Houston Bulls

Overview
Now, I may be a little biased, but I truly believe that the Houston Bulls have one of the best rosters in the VHLM. It was a disappointing show for the Bulls in the S67 playoffs, but Houston scored big in the recent draft. The biggest piece of Houston's new roster is like going to be Soren Jensen, but they added a lot of gritty position players in both the offensive and defensive zones. The biggest need on this young roster is a strong shot, so you can likely assume that scoring will be a focus of this seasons practices.
 
Stand-Outs
Sean McGee - McGee had a great year with Houston last year, and although Riga claimed his rights in the recent draft, it looks like he will be spending another year with the Bulls. Given the additional support he will be getting from the newly added defensemen, the American goaltender should be able to build on everything he accomplished in S67.
 
Soren Jensen - This newly added winger was the one bright spot on an otherwise abysmal Mexico City roster at the end of last season, and, as it stand, he is going to be the Bulls' main source of offense early this year.
 
Khalabib Stiopic - Khalabib has a lot of new, young talent joining him this season. He is a bit of a veteran comparatively on this roster and he is going to have to be a leader in the locker room to cement this blue line as among the best in the league.
 
Prediction
As it stands, the Bulls have a top three roster, and if they are able to make a few trades or waiver acquisitions, they should be a favorite to win the Founders Cup.
 
Philadelphia Reapers

Overview
On paper, the Philadelphia Reapers have a top-three roster. Where some other teams have star power or flashy play makers, the Reapers boast an excess of depth at every position. You can expect Philadelphia's third and fourth lines to put up big numbers against outmatched opponents that have little to offer that deep on their rosters. I expect this team to see a lot of moves throughout the season as they try to sure up their few weak point by trading off some of that deep talent.
Stand-Outs
All of It - You really can't just pick one or two positions on this team. It would be a much shorter list to point out the weak spot than the strengths. You can expect Lindberg, Perry, and Jeffers to make it hard on opposing forwards while players like Bud Knight and Case Martell are what goalies see in their nightmares.
 
Prediction
As much as it pains me to say this, the Reapers are the only team that I fear might have a better shot at the cup this year than the Bulls. In the end, what decides this year's playoffs may be the moves these two teams make in terms of acquisitions throughout this season.
 
San Diego Marlins

Overview
Oh the Marlins. After getting swept in the first round of the playoffs last season, San Diego has nuked their roster and started with a ton of fresh talent. Well, fresh faces at least. Many of the Marlins recent pick-ups are largely unproven. This makes San Diego my pick for the biggest wildcard of the season. I lean towards believe that this team will have an almost carbon copy repeat of their S67 performance, but they could just as well miss the playoff entirely or end up in a cup final without shocking me. It will largely depend on their training staff's ability to cultivate this huge crop of youth.
 
Stand-Outs
Chad Gilbert - San Diego's first round pick in the recent draft is the only player I'm sure enough about to call a stand-out. The Marlins really liked what they saw from the American center last season, and rightfully so. If this team has any success this season, Chad Gilbert will be playing a huge role it making it happen.
 
Prediction
Roll a D20, 'cause I have no idea when it comes to this team.
 
 
 
 
 
I will be claiming this for the next four weeks. (Word Count: 2937)
 
6 TPE for the week ending on 9/15
6 TPE for the week ending on 9/22
6 TPE for the week ending on 9/29
6 TPE for the week ending on 10/6

@Jaku I know your a dman but I made everything but the text before ?
Represent my Nazzy with love. 

1. I'm very excited. It's a new chapter in my life, I look forward to being part of this wonderful franchise.
2. No, not at all. I had no idea the Kings were interested in me. 
3. Absolutely! Riga is an amazing place. I can't wait to get started there. 
4. I'm definitely headed to Mexico City to develop my game more. I feel like I have a lot more to learn about the pro game. I'm hoping to build on my previous season. I don't have a specific goal pointwise. I just want to help this team contend.
5. Hmm, I'm inclined to say no but in theory I suppose it is.
6. If I'm going to set goals I'd like to be in the 55-60 point range with close to 15 goals. But I also want to be a physical player, blocking shots, and being defensively responsible. 

Riga, Latvia - For most players, Entry Draft night is pretty unforgettable, and the Reign's four promising draftees in Jeff Tates @PotatoKing, Alyksander Hunter @Jaku, Chad Gilbert @Fire_In_Babylon, and Benson Kramer @Benson are no exceptions. The team's first selection - a promising Canadian winger in Tates - will continue to spend time with Saskatoon until he joins fellow Wild alumnus Apollo Hackett on the main Riga squad. He hand Kramer have the potential to develop quickly - and they'll need to in order to fill the gap left by forward Mikko Aaltonen, a Season 66 Riga selection who found himself a hot commodity during the Expansion Draft as a max-earning, 500+ TPE forward finishing just his second season.
 
Hunter on the other hand will likely move to Riga next season with a more immediate chance for minutes after another season in the minors. The retirement of Edwin Preencarnacion this offseason leaves Riga with exactly four active major-league defensemen - and with Aron Nielsen failing to pan out the way he was projected, it's possible Hunter could see second line minutes in Season 69, especially with Nielsen's contract expiring after this upcoming season.
 
Chad Gilbert becomes the latest in a line of strong centers headlined by Ryan Kastelic, who made a position switch mid-season and finished 8th in points; Hunter Hearst Helmsley, the 'golden boy' of the Season 66 class; and Anthony Matthews, known for his sophisticated face-off technique and 100+ point season with the Yukon Rush. There's no hurry for Gilbert to join the majors - which leaves him to develop at his own pace in his second minor league season. But with all three current centers' contracts expiring before Season 70 at present, the amount of ice time available for Gilbert in the future varies from 'third-to-fourth line in S69' to 'hey, you're up against the league best in your rookie season.'
 
Drafted to a team that's ready to compete for a spot in the finals, these four young men have a lot to look forward to when they eventually make their major league debut -- but GM Benjamin Zeptenbergs will be waiting.

Flashback to the beginning of the year, and San Diego was a write-off. They had sold their S67 assets to compete in their inaugural season, and while the playoffs last season didn't pan out the way they had hoped, they were competitive. Jump forward to this year, San Diego had no assets going into S67, not a single draft pick had been made, the franchise didn't even show up to draft day, because their plan was simple, build from the ground up, sign some brand new prospects, and make it a journey. Even with prospects joining the Marlins left and right, people still had their doubts. Would the Marlins be the worst expansion franchise this season? Would the Marlins be the worst VHLM franchise this season? At first, it seemed like it. 
 
The Marlins started off piss-poor, their record was junk and the activity was very, very low. But things changed about one month into the games, it was like lightbulbs went off and things finally began to click. San Diego ran two full lines of solid activity, a ton of youth in the system and proud players among the team. Everything seemed to be clicking, and so the team began to go on a roll. Despite the roll, they had their ups and downs, they still couldn't get past the great wall of Philadelphia, and the Lochness Ottawa was still just like the monster... a mystery. Regardless, the Marlins had fun, they stayed the course, they did not want to leave the team for potential "greater" success, the team was happy. And if that isn't the definition of success in the minors, than I don't know what is. 
 
But there still leaves a void, the Marlins have yet in their two-year existence be able to flourish and push past the first round, but that is where the management staff feel optimistic, is that if they can turn a season of nothing into something when all hope had been lost, than what possibilities wait for them in the future? Time will tell, but I can tell you it's been a hell of a ride, and it's all thanks to the team, and everyone who busted their ass for this franchise, you've made me very, very happy
 
@Frozen Block @stevo @Beerfridge @Jaku @Psyduck77 @Fire_In_Babylon @NumberJ5 @Klrpizza @SJT29 @MexicanCow123

1. Yes actually. I've been contacted by a couple teams now. Just pretty standard pre-draft talks. 
2. Undoubtedly! We're a good team, we are going to leave it all on the ice and make then sweat. 
3. I'm all for second chances. I hope that this was a learning experience and whatever mistakes were made don't happen again.
5. Hockey. The pace is incredible, the skill is unmatched, there is rarely a dull moment and the parity of essentially any hockey league is uncanny. 
6. Love it! It shows there is a ton of activity and interest! 
7. Consistency. I was really hot then fell off the face of the earth. 
 
 

1. I'd give goalie a try! When I was younger I was asked to shift to forward but decided to stick with D.
5. Just one as a GM on CDC. 
6. Vancouver Canucks. Grew up watching them, dad was a big fan and Pavel Bure was as explosive as they get.
7. Tampa Bay Lightning
8. Always have to evolve with the game. Would like to become a more consistent point producer.
9. Not a fan. The length now is perfect to determine who's a real contending team and who's not.

San Diego wasn’t going to let a tough loss to Ottawa ruin their flight home last Friday. The weather though, that could put a dent in anyone’s spirits.
 
Flying home to San Diego that night the Marlins were due to be laid over in Dulles airport, which suffered one of the worst thunder storms of the season, causing the takeoff time in Ottawa to be delayed multiple hours.
 
There’s nothing more stressful than a delayed flight, but the Marlins were unfazed. Bruce Grimaldi ran to the closest Lynx team store in Ottawa International and bought the entire stock of souvenir knee hockey sticks they had, thus began an epic two hour 3 on 3 knee hockey tournament right in the middle of terminal B. Angry and distraught travelers instantly forgot about inevitable missed connections and lost luggage and became entranced with the display of awkward attempts at one timers and slap shots.
 
Alyksander Hunter won goal of the night with an impressive bounce off the back of a chair mid-air baseball style swing shot that landed in the “goal” (upended trash can) on the other end of Gate B17. Granted, goalie Gert Frobe was busy signing an autograph at the time, but the goal was impressive nonetheless. 
 
Chad Gilbert ended the night with no goals, but was quite happy with his 87% face-off win percentage. It should be noted that no one was actually keeping track of face-off wins except for him
 
When the announcement came that flights would be boarding within the hour, there was actually an audible moan of disappointment from a majority of travelers. A sign of just how unifying the sport of Hockey, even at knee level can be.
 
@NumberJ5 @Psyduck77 @Jaku 

Review:
 
Picture, summary, pros, and cons all look good.
 
In terms of formatting I'd suggest updating the stats setion slightly to read as follows:
 
Age: 18
Height: 6'2
Weight: 205 lbs
Handedness: Right
Position: Defense
Birthplace: Fernie, BC
Team: San Diego Marlins
 
 
Damn good hockey city. Probably top-3 in BC for me.
 
 
Haven't seen this phrased this way, but I like it. Doesn't limit you to scoring or passing.
 
I'll be honest, this could be fleshed out a bit beyond some of the single-sentence summaries that you've put in each of the pros and cons, but I can tell the effort is there. You've got my sign-off on this one.

5. Balance, skating, defense would likely get the brunt of the points but who doesn't like putting up points also? 
6. We're good. Optimism is very prominent in our room. We aren't getting down on ourselves or on each other. This room is closely knit and that's not going to change. 
7. The GM'S have been amazing. The experience is everything a young player can ask for. Even just talking to the guys is a great time. 
8. At first it was a little slow. I won't pull punches, I was inconsistent. The last 10 games however have been a totally different ballgame. At one point I had a 3 game point streak, that's always nice.
9. Not really, I wanted to see how good of a two-way offesnively minded d-man I could make. Someone comparable to Seth Jones.
10. I'm a big red meat fan. So usually a little steak cutlet and pasta with little bit of bolognese sauce.
 

Blog Entry number 1:
 
Learning to live in a California city. 


 
What a whirlwind ride it's been over the last couple months. Moving from a small, mountain town of 5000 people to a beach side city with 1.4 million people. Even going from Kelowna to San Diego is a big change. I think Kelowna only has about 100,000 people.  I think I'm finally just getting used to the pace of the city.
 
It's hot here, not scorching hot, but I don't think it's been below 20 degrees during the day. The evenings are nice, there's a park not far from here - Balboa park is the name. It's huge, 1200 acres or something? Lot's of families visit it, every once in a while there's an event or a small outdoor concert that goes on there. It's a nice place to go on a day off. 
 
The team helped me find an apartment in an area called Hillcrest. It's a homey part of the city, lots of farmers markets on weekends, a great place to buy fresh fruits and veggies. I even bought a homemade colourful wristband from an older Spanish lady, she was kind. 
 
The practice rink and arena aren't too far from here, it's about a 15 minute car ride, depending on the traffic. I like to ride my bike every once in a while. It's a bit of a jaunt but it's a good way to get the legs warmed up before a game. 
 
The guys are unreal, what I mean by that is - they're all an amazing group of guys. I've been close to team-mates before, I've had lots of friends in the game before but since day one of being here I've never felt closer to any group. They weren't only kind to me, they were all very helpful getting set up. Helping me find local restaurants, grocery stores, car rentals, anything of that sort. It's been unbelievable. The first practice we had, the guys all got together after and wanted to get a drink. Me being 18, I can't drink in the states, so the guys all decided to go to a sports grill called Sandbars. Like all other sports grills there were TV's playing all sorts of sports. Lots of baseball and football. I know we hadn't even started into the season yet, but I don't think there was one mention of hockey. It was strange. Us Canadians are so hockey crazy, it was so odd not seeing anyone talk about hockey. 
 
I know when my friends and family read this they'll ask me why we're struggling. This hockey is so much more intense than I've ever been a part. This is pro hockey, the pace even at the minor level is fast, everyone is fast, everyone has great skills. They're all fighting for a chance, they're all looking for an opportunity to be noticed by a VHL scout. This is a chance to show off that skill they've been honing for their entire life. These guys are fighting for their lives, essentially. Give us time, we're learning. We'll get there. 
All-in-all California has been a fantastic experience. The travel isn't bad, you get used to the plane rides, after the first few roadies anyways. 
 
Thanks for giving this a read! I'm hoping to blog a little more in the near future. 
 
Cheers,
 
Alyksander. 

Blog Entry number 1:
 
Learning to live in a California city. 


 
What a whirlwind ride it's been over the last couple months. Moving from a small, mountain town of 5000 people to a beach side city with 1.4 million people. Even going from Kelowna to San Diego is a big change. I think Kelowna only has about 100,000 people.  I think I'm finally just getting used to the pace of the city.
 
It's hot here, not scorching hot, but I don't think it's been below 20 degrees during the day. The evenings are nice, there's a park not far from here - Balboa park is the name. It's huge, 1200 acres or something? Lot's of families visit it, every once in a while there's an event or a small outdoor concert that goes on there. It's a nice place to go on a day off. 
 
The team helped me find an apartment in an area called Hillcrest. It's a homey part of the city, lots of farmers markets on weekends, a great place to buy fresh fruits and veggies. I even bought a homemade colourful wristband from an older Spanish lady, she was kind. 
 
The practice rink and arena aren't too far from here, it's about a 15 minute car ride, depending on the traffic. I like to ride my bike every once in a while. It's a bit of a jaunt but it's a good way to get the legs warmed up before a game. 
 
The guys are unreal, what I mean by that is - they're all an amazing group of guys. I've been close to team-mates before, I've had lots of friends in the game before but since day one of being here I've never felt closer to any group. They weren't only kind to me, they were all very helpful getting set up. Helping me find local restaurants, grocery stores, car rentals, anything of that sort. It's been unbelievable. The first practice we had, the guys all got together after and wanted to get a drink. Me being 18, I can't drink in the states, so the guys all decided to go to a sports grill called Sandbars. Like all other sports grills there were TV's playing all sorts of sports. Lots of baseball and football. I know we hadn't even started into the season yet, but I don't think there was one mention of hockey. It was strange. Us Canadians are so hockey crazy, it was so odd not seeing anyone talk about hockey. 
 
I know when my friends and family read this they'll ask me why we're struggling. This hockey is so much more intense than I've ever been a part. This is pro hockey, the pace even at the minor level is fast, everyone is fast, everyone has great skills. They're all fighting for a chance, they're all looking for an opportunity to be noticed by a VHL scout. This is a chance to show off that skill they've been honing for their entire life. These guys are fighting for their lives, essentially. Give us time, we're learning. We'll get there. 
All-in-all California has been a fantastic experience. The travel isn't bad, you get used to the plane rides, after the first few roadies anyways. 
 
Thanks for giving this a read! I'm hoping to blog a little more in the near future. 
 
Cheers,
 
Alyksander. 

1. It's a process. We're all essentially new to this. I'm not going to pinpoint one spot, I personally need to be more consistent. 
2. I'd like to go to Nova Scotia. I had some extended family there and they always say how nice it is. I'd like to grab a seafood meal on a beach. That'd be fantastic. 
4. It's been amazing. It's hard to say one moment has stood out more than the others, but it's all beem very positive.
7. One thing? That's tough. Umm, I really like spicy foods? Or i like my steaks very rare? I prefer dark chocolate over regular. 
10. I mean good for them. It's an impressive record. Do I think about it? No not really. They're a rival team, good or not I'm going to go out on the ice and play them hard like everyone else. 
11. Milan Griffin. The guy's skill set is ridiculous. He'll be in the VHL soon. 

1. Puck possession, basically Rock. Can I call you Rock? Listen, we're winning that biscuit at drop and making getting opportunities. We just need to capitalize. I'm new to the team, but I wanna make an impact, and I feel we have. 
 
2. So far I'm happy but I have a lot of work to do. Winning 63% of my faceoffs is great but I'm not setting up my wingers like I need to. That'll be my focus in practice. 
 
3 I feel like Dirt McGert has that style that really mirrors my own and I love that. I can see us making some plays down the line
 
4. Winning, bro. Top shelf celly boys. All day. I wanna see my boys hitting that net and causing some damage. We're in a hole right now but we're gonna surprise some folks. I'm telling you. Watch out.
 
5. Need some bodies on the right wing. We're short by a lot and need some skills there. Bussy is great but can't do it alone.
 
6. I was promised top line mins and I'm getting it. Nothing to upset me. 
 
7. The win column
 
8. US BABY! Why would I say anyone else? We're coming for everyone! 
 
9. Hell ya boys! Ferda!
 
10. Walk with me In Hell! 
 

Week of July 15th
To claim 2 TPE, answer 6 of the 10 questions below to gain full TPE
 
1. We're a few sims in now, not the greatest results but from what the Marlins have done, what excites you the most about the results? 
Seeing my player on the score sheet, I'm a big fan of statistics and even if we lose there is still tons to read and get lost in.
 
2.  How do you feel about your personal performance thus far? 
Could be better in my opinion but others may say I'm doing great. Just want to keep improving and make my future performances even better!
 
4. What expectations do you have for us moving forward? 
Our team is going to be competitive shortly, we might not be at the top of the standings by the end of the season but I can see us being competitive all-around, might even ruin a few top teams days playing the stinker down the road.
 
5. If we could add one position, which one is most important and why? 
We need a pair of defenders I think, we could use anybody but if we can get a little more defense to back up Grimaldi and that will give us more chances to win.
 
6. Are you happy with your playing time over the course of the early season? 
Yes but wouldn't mind if I had to play less, rest is a big thing and I'm scared if we continue playing this much time we'll break. Obviously I'm knocking on wood because nothing has happened so far (and probably wont) but as much as I like being on the highlight reel.. I also like seeing my teammates smile and enjoying themselves.
 
7. If you had to give us a rival, who would it be and why? 
Saskatoon Wild. They were the second team to offer me a contract and I think since I turned it down they might want my head, thank god I have some tough teammates. Also, beating my buddy @diamond_ace makes the victory feel even better

1. The team chemistry. We're not racking up W's, but if we had to rumble in a back alley, there's no other team here I'd want standing in a circle, back to back, holding knives.
2. Honestly, as a defensive defenseman, expected almost an opposite result. Notching almost as many points as I have hits wasn't anything I was anticipating.
4. More W's, maybe even more injury causing hits.
6. So far, yes & no. Like I said earlier, I'd like to get a lot more hits on the stat sheet, which I will gladly exchange for my goal production.
7. Saskatoon. More like ass-spittoon, am I right?
9. Trust the process, expect a string a W's coming in hot.
10. Mainly because it's on right now and seems to fit our team's record: Middle Child - J. COLE
 

It's a process, Marlins! Keep your heads up boys, we'll get there.

Really taking this new sim league thing is stride, eh? @Jaku
 
What an awesome start.

Thank you for the kind and encouraging words! I'm so glad you enjoyed it, I spent quite a bit of time writing it

San Diego Gazette
Pg. 32 Sports.
San Diego Marlins, a sit down with the GM's. 
By Jacob Leason
 
As the season fast approaches, times and rosters have changed. It's a new season of life in San Diego. Time for some new heroes. We've had a chance to sit down and talk to the master-builder themselves, general manager Zach Gagnon and assistant general manager Mexican Cow. 

 
Jacob: Welcome gentlemen! How's it going today? 
MC: I'm going really great! Really excited for this upcoming season!
ZG: Today is a great day, every day is, can't go into things with a negative mindset, that is where things get dangerous haha. Being positive is the way to go. 
 
Jacob: Great! I'm ecstatic to hear you're both doing so well. We cannot wait until puck drop. With the season fast approaching what are a few things that you're anticipating this season? 
MC: Well, I'm anticipating that my team will come out strong. I'm expecting everyone to work hard, battle for the puck and get in those dirty areas. 
ZG: Honestly, my anticipation and expectations are all over the place. There is always this "golden window" you want your team to be in but you just never know. I know I'm building from the ground up, but I am just hoping we can succeed enough to have fun! 
 
Jacob: That's fantastic, seems like a lot of exhausting work. I seemed like there was a lot of turnover on the roster this off season. What sort of positives are you hoping to take out of that? 
MC: Yes, the roster changed dramatically. With the change I hope we can all gel well, being new to the league and we can learn to teach each other.
ZG: Yeah, we lost about 99% of our roster this year, whether to people leaving for the draft or leaving to go to their pro teams, we did lose just about everyone, but honestly that's kind of the fun of it. Now I have a whole new crop of players I've never coached before, eager and ready to get things going just like me, that's the positive I take from this job, is getting that kind of experience to be the first "stop" on players careers, and its exciting.
 
Jacob: Love it. Is there anyone on the roster that stands out to you in particular? 
MC: One guy that really surprised me is Ryan Busser. This guy is a TPE machine. Always trying to get the most TPE he can. He's a great leader and loves to teach others.
ZG: Honestly we've had a whole crew of guys come together and really show us their a-game, I've been impressed with pretty much everyone on the team without a doubt, just coming together, helping one another, being so chatty and active, that's all I ever want from my team, and I'm getting all of it.
 
Jacob: Sounds like exciting times in San Diego! With all of these young men coming into the line-up, do you have any particular goals for this team? 
MC: My goal for the team is to go out there and play our best hockey. I'm not expecting to make the finals or anything. I just want the team working hard.
ZG: Outside of having fun, I just want the guys to enjoy the season and achieve all of their individual goals. I know it may not be the most satisfying thing in the world as we're fairly behind some of the "superior" teams but we'll enjoy the season in other ways and grow together. 
 
Jacob: Has there been any changes to coaching staff? 
MC: No new changes, Zach is still my boss. 
ZG: No sir, I am the original general manager of the team and MexicanCow is the original AGM of the team, we've been here since last season when the team was introduced through expansion and I do not plan on going anywhere, anytime soon. 
 
Jacob: What sort of style of play are you hoping to see out on the ice? 
MC: I want this team to play with speed. We don't really need anyone like ACL TEAR who will just go out there and kill people. I don't think every team needs a guy like that. So, I want my guys to be sneaky and use their skills.
ZG:We have a big mix of players, some who can score, pass, throw the body, play good defense and so on, I think it's going to be a lot of mixture, and I may have to switch up the lines here and there to find the perfect combo.
 
Jacob: This sounds fantastic guys. Can we get a bold prediction for the season? 
MC: The perfect outcome would be everyone on the team becomes a TPE machine and we make the finals. Simple as that.
ZG: I'd say as a bold prediction, we finish TOP FIVE.
 
Jacob: That's all the time we have gentlemen. Thank you for your time, it's always a pleasure seeing you. All the Marlins fans certainly cannot wait to get the season underway. 
MC: Thanks so much for your time! It was a pleasure seeing you, hope we can get together soon.
ZG: I just want to thank you for asking me these questions, it's been fun answering them and lets get this show on the road!
 
So much optimism, hope and anticipation hanging on this team's shoulders. It is safe to say everyone is invested into this team and the success of it. We all know it's a process, but with how strongly motivated the staff and players are, this team won't let any other team take a night off. Don't count the Marlins out. Their new heroes have come to town.