Elmebeck

Season 69 VHLM Playoffs Review
 
We wanted to get a series of previews for the VHLM the same way we did for the VHL -- the first round at least, then that went south too -- but found ourselves lacking the staff to actually do all of that. We still could not not talk about the minor league postseason, so I'll try to talk about every series quickly, as we make our way from the first round to the Founders' Cup Finals, the conclusion of this historic season.
 
 
First Round
 
5 Halifax 21st vs 4 Philadelphia Reapers
The series between the 5th-seeded Halifax 21st and the 4th-seeded Philadelphia Reapers was expected to be the closest of all first-round series and it definitely didn’t disappoint. The Reapers looked like they were in total control after Kyle Andersen carried the team to a 5-1 win right out the gate with a four-point night, but Ben Storm answered with 3 goals and an assist in game 2 to tie the series. Halifax then took full advantage of the home-ice advantage, winning two one-goal games on their own rink, including a game 4 overtime win in which Leon Gutzwiler played the hero, scoring the overtime game-winning goal and adding two assists. With their backs against the wall, the Reapers gave themselves one more game by winning game 5, but couldn’t find a way to get past Jaxx Hextall, who earned a 24-save shutout to seal the series in game 6.
 
The Halifax 21st wins the series in 6.

 
6 San Diego Marlins vs 3 Mexico City Kings
The Mexico City Kings entered this first-round series as the favourites after they finished 3rd in the VHLM and 43 points ahead of the San Diego Marlins. The two Season 66 expansion teams were looking to get their first-ever series win. The Marlins looked like they could be the one to achieve it this season, as they won the opening game of the series in Mexico, thanks to five different goalscorers and Toppi Attakallio holding the fort. This was, however, the only game the Marlins managed to win in this whole series, as the Kings ran the table from this point forward. Oskar Lagesson, Jaxon Walker, Shush Nyko and Erik Summers combined for 26 points in the 5 games of the series as they unknowingly write a new page in the franchise’s history book. For this San Diego, this represents a fourth straight first-round exit in as many seasons of history.
 
The Mexico City Kings win the series in 5.

 
7 Ottawa Lynx vs 2 Mississauga Hounds
Just like the Marlins and the Kings, the Mississauga Hounds were the third team added to the minor league in Season 66 and they were also still looking for their first series win up until this year. They were the overwhelming favourites in this first-round matchup against the 7th-seeded Ottawa Lynx, making them hopeful they’d finally reach the semi-finals, which is exactly what they did. The Hounds outscored their opponents 19 to 5, letting them score two goals only once. Jimmy Spyro held a .931 save percentage throughout the 4 games, while Kris Rice led the team with 8 assists and 9 points. He was mainly supported by Patrik Tallinder, Finnegan MacBurn and Kyl Oferson. Joakim Sakic had a great series for the losing team, scoring 4 of their 5 goals, but he couldn't stop the Hounds by himself.
 
The Mississauga Hounds win the series in 4.

 
8 Yukon Rush vs 1 Saskatoon Wild
The Saskatoon Wild were back in the playoffs for the first time since Season 66 and they were ready to make everyone forget that they’ve spent 2 seasons retooling for this. They finished the regular season with an absolutely ridiculous record of 68 and 4 losses, giving them a point percentage of .944. I could go through their first-round matchup with the Yukon Rush in details, but there’s really not much to say, except for the fact that the Wild displayed the same insane level of play in the playoffs than they did in the regular season, destroying the Rush by a combined score of 30 to 5, capping it off with a convincing 10-1 win in game 4. Mikko Lahtinen was the team’s star in this first round as he paced all forwards with 5 goals and 10 points. Jesse Nyman notched 10 points as well, while Edwin THE Encarnacion, David OQuinn and Danny DeYeeto finished the four-game series with 9, 9 and 8 points, respectively. The Saskatoon show continues.
 
The Saskatoon Wild wins the series in 4.

 
Semi-Finals
 
3 Mexico City Kings vs 2 Mississauga Hounds
Both the Mexico City Kings and the Mississauga Hounds are just coming off the first series win in their respective franchise history and they get to dance with each other in the semi-finals, meaning the winner of this series will get to continue writing new chapters in the book of their history by reaching their first-ever Founders’ Cup Finals. The Hounds quickly took a two-game lead as Jimmy Spyro continued his strong play, giving a chance to his team in these two home games. The Kings took advantage of the next two games being played south of the border, as Odin Omdahl and Jaxon Walker both scored twice to help their team win twice and tie the series up at 2 games apiece. Back in Mississauga, Kyl Oferson scored his 5th and 6th of the playoffs to put the Kings' back against the wall. They had to win game 6 to force a game 7, but a strangely slow-paced game in which Oferson scored yet again and Spyro only needed to stop 10 pucks to earn the shutout ended up being their downfall. The Hounds advance to the Founders' Cup for the first time since they joined the league four seasons ago.
 
The Mississauga Hounds win the series in 6.

 
5 Halifax 21st vs 1 Saskatoon Wild
The Halifax 21st were the only teams to win their first-round matchup as the underdogs, giving them the opportunity to faceoff with a Saskatoon Wild team that won 72 of the 76 games they played up to this point, season and playoffs combined. After beating a Reapers squad that looked better on paper, the 21st were hopeful that they’d be able to upset the Wild and carry on to their fourth Founders’ Cup Finals in 8 seasons of existence. A game 1 in which Erik Killinger played the hero with two goals, including the game-winning goal, as the Wild came on top in a very close 6-5 overtime win kept the hopes up for Halifax. The hopeful were quickly dismissed after the favourites won the next two, putting Halifax down 3-0. The 21st were finally able to steal a game from Saskatoon in game 4, knocking their 16-game winning streak, but it only took the Wild one more game, in which Danny DeYeeto, Edwin THE Encarnacion and David OQuinn combined for 9 points, to close the books and make their way to the Finals of the Founders’ Cup. The Saskatoon show continues, yet again.
 
The Saskatoon Wild wins the series in 5.

 
Founders' Cup Finals
 
2 Mississauga Hounds vs 1 Saskatoon Wild
From the very start of the season, I expected the Saskatoon Wild to make it to the Founders' Cup Finals. Their opponent's spot was a bit more up in the air, with the Mexico City Kings and the Mississauga Hounds alternating as the Wild's most competitive opponents throughout the season. It was fitting that the two faced off in the semi-finals that decided which team would get to play the Wild in the finals and when all was said and done, it was the Hounds that got to play in the first finals of their short history. The Hounds quickly showed that they weren’t the 2nd-seeded team in the league for nothing, upsetting the Wild in Saskatoon in game 1, thanks to a 3rd-period rally, coming from the sticks of Kyl Oferson and Patrik Tallinder. Sadly for them, it was the only bright spot in otherwise a tough series for the Ontarian team. From this point forward, the Saskatoon Wild ran the table, winning four straight, thanks to Danny DeYeeto’s 8 points, Edwin THE Encarnacion’s and Damien Wolfe’s 7 points, Uhtred’s 5 points, Jacques Lafontaine’s respectable .873 save percentage and Jesse Nyman’s Cup-clinching goal. It was the Wild’s toughest competition yet in these playoffs and still, even they couldn’t do much against them. Following strong performances in all 3 series, THE Encarnacion finished the playoffs as the leading scorer with a haul of 6 goals, 18 assists, 24 points.
 
The Saskatoon Wild wins the finals in 5 and lifted their 9th Founders' Cup, their first since Season 63.
 
 
This playoffs pretty much went down the way everyone expected them to. The Saskatoon Wild waltzed throughout the season, scoring double digits on numerous occasions, and they came into the playoffs with that same energy, disposing of the Yukon Rush, the Halifax 21st and the Mississauga Hounds in the finals in a total of 14 games, the least from any team since the VHLM adopted the 8-team playoff formats. Night after night, General Manager Rylan Peace has dressed one of the most dangerous rosters in the history of the minor league and deservedly capped it off with his second Founders’ Cup since he’s at the helm. So, congratulations to you, to your team, and to everyone involved in these playoffs. Good luck with your new team, next season.
     
Players mentioned: @Cusemode @BigBallerFromDownUnder @Gwdjohnson @ROOKIE745 @Bobby Bummhole @fever95 @hewasajazzman @SDCore @Erik Summers @Spyro @Krice13 @Patrik Tallinder @DizzyWithLogic @Nykonax @Gscx420 @Beketov @Jesse Nyman @Tagger @JohnOQuinn @Cran @zepheter @Peace @Laflamme @leafsman @SlapshotDragon
     
VSN Writer McWolf

You know the drill.

New decade, that's always a mind fuck for me. Let's hope it's a good one for everyone!

@Laflamme, Welcome to the Reapers. Let's get you back to back titles!

SEASON 69 EXPERIENCE POINTS
Congratulations to everyone for another fantastic season and especial congratulations to the Seattle Bears  for winning the Continental Cup! As always, with the season past, all VHL players have earned some more experience. 
 
How to Claim
Claim experience in the Player Management area by clicking the 'CLAIM OFF-SEASON TPE' button and selecting Experience from the dropdown. Enter the amount of Experience you are eligible for as described below and link to this thread.
 
Once approved, the Experience will be added directly to your player's experience attribute. You do not need to apply it yourself. 
 
NOTE: YOU CAN NOT CARRY OVER EXPERIENCE POINTS EARNED BY A RETIRED PLAYER ONTO A RECREATE

POINTS
Full VHL Season - 5 Points
VHLM Call-ups - 2 points (Partial VHL Season played - Call-ups receive 2 XP for a partial Regular season vs. 5 for playing a full season)
Playoffs - 2 Points
Finals - 1 Point

Example: Ryan Sullivan Jr. plays for Malmo. He gets 5 for a full season, 2 for playoffs, and 1 for finals.
 
For the most part, members of these teams will receive:

CALGARY - 5
DAVOS - 5
DC - 5
HELSINKI - 7
MALMO - 7
MOSCOW - 7
NEW YORK - 7
PRAGUE - 5
RIGA - 8
SEATTLE - 8
TORONTO - 7
VANCOUVER - 7

I don't know how many of you are exactly stats kinda people, but I wanted to get the top 5 players in points, goals, assists, hits and blocked shot. I'm doing top 5 to get as many players on here as possible and I included goalie stats. Also because of some mid-season trades some of the goalie stats don't add up, as you can see with Kolur on the Wranglers or Finn on the Moscow Menace. I did check the player profile but it doesn't have the stats split up between the 2 teams, like whaever stats they posted with one team are taken over if their traded mid-season, and I think that's why their's some teams with only 1 goalie listed. I used the stats line page for all the data I got here although next time, if their is a next time I'll use something Enoramam showed that won't give me such a headache. No joke when I say this took me over 5 hours to put together, but hey you know what? I enjoyed it.
 
Calgary Wranglers
goalie stats:                              games played                              wins                              shutouts                              Save percentage                              goals against average                  
Brick Wahl                                           58                                          25                                      4                                               .915                                                        2.41
Fang Flashback                                  14                                          5                                        0                                               .906                                                        2.92 
Points leaders                                          Goal leaders                                           Assist leaders                                       Hit leaders                                    Shots blocked leaders
1. Roll Fizzlebeef 67 points.                  1. Roll Fizzlebeef 31 goals                   1. Brady Stropko Jr 47 assists           1. Brady Stropko Jr 230 hits      1. Charlie Paddywagon 126 SB
2. Brady Stropko Jr 56 points                2. Tyler Barabash 25 goals                  2. Charlie Paddywagon 43 assists    2. Tyler Barabash Jr 205 hits    2. Brady Stropko Jr 110 SB
3. Charlie Paddywagon 54 points         3. Chico Smeb 24 goals                       3. Roll Fizzlebeef 36 assists               3. Cody Smith 171 hits               3. Kefka Palazzo 93 SB                 
4. Chico Smeb 51 points                        4. Cody Smith 13 goals                        4. Cody Smith 34 assists                     4. Thorny Underyew 95 hits      4. Cody Smith 86 SB                          
5. Tyler Barabash Jr 48 points              5. Charlie Paddywagon 11 goals        5. Chico Smeb 27 assists                    5. Roll Fizzlebeef 84 hits           5. Tyler Barabash Jr 29 SB
                                                                        Kefka Palazzo 11 goals
                                                                        Sigard Gunnar 11 goals
                                                                 
HC Davos Dynamo
goalie stats:                              games played                              wins                              shutouts                              Save percentage                              goals against average                  
Samuel Ross                                       27                                          6                                        1                                               .908                                                         3.04                                          
Kolur Bjoernnsson                              4                                            0                                        0                                               .948                                                         2.5
Points leaders                                          Goal leaders                                           Assist leaders                                       Hit leaders                                    Shots blocked leaders    
1. John Madden 63 points                     1. John Madden 36 goals                    1. John Madden 27 assists               1. Basaraba Moose 198 hits      1. Basaraba Moose 133 SB
2. Jerry Wang 35 points                         2. Jerry Wang 15 goals                         2. Lando Baxter 23 assists                2. Tony Bolonee 184 hits            2. Tony Bolonee 115 SB
     Basaraba Moose 35 points              3. Brendan Plunkett 14 goals               3. Basaraba Moose 22 assists         3. John Madden 172 hits            3. Fernando Jokinen 109 SB
3. Brendan Plunkett 30 points              4. Basaraba Moose 13 goals                4. Jerry Wang 20 assists                   4. Brendan Plunkett 94 hits        4. Lando Baxter 87 SB
4. Lando Baxter 29 points                     5. Tony Bolonee 8 goals                        5. Fernando Jokinen 19 assists        5. Jerry Wang 83 hits                  5. Andrej Petrovic 78 SB
5. Tony Bolonee 24 points
 
Helsinki Titans
goalie stats:                              games played                              wins                              shutouts                              Save percentage                              goals against average                  
Alexander Pepper                              64                                          39                                       4                                               .914                                                        2.44
Virgil Ligriv                                          8                                             7                                        1                                               .936                                                        1.62
Points leaders                                          Goal leaders                                           Assist leaders                                       Hit leaders                                    Shots blocked leaders       
1. Julian Borwinn 93 Points                   1. Julian Borwinn 42 goals                 1. Kronos Bailey 55 assists                1. Julian Borwinn 241 hits          1. Guillaume Fontenette 166 SB
2. Kronos Bailey 85 points                     2. Aston Martin 34 goals                    2. Guillaume Fontenette 53 assists      Nethila Dissanayake 241 hits 2. Sidney Crosby 113 SB      
3. Aston Martin 73 points                      3. Kronos Bailey 30 goals                   3. Julian Borwinn 51 assists              2. Sidney Crosby 185 hits            3. Jesse Wilson 99 SB
4. Guillaume Fontenette 66 points      4. Nethila Dissanayake 21 goals        4. Aston Martin 39 assists                 3. Dan Montgomery 173 hits       4. Dan Montgomery 90 SB
5. Sidney Crosby 46 points                   5. Ben Hafkey 15 goals                        5. Sidney Crosby 32 assists               4. Joey Boucher 93 hits                5. Mitch Matthews 51 SB
                                                                       Brian Strong 15 goals                                                                                      5. Jesse Wilson 73 hits
 
New York Americans
goalie stats:                              games played                              wins                              shutouts                              Save percentage                              goals against average                  
Thorvald Gunnarsson                        13                                          3                                        0                                               .897                                                        3.18   
A Red Guy                                            59                                         32                                       5                                               .923                                                        2.24
Points leaders                                          Goal leaders                                           Assist leaders                                       Hit leaders                                    Shots blocked leaders       
1. Boris the Forest 71 points                 1. Boris the Forest 32 goals                1. Fredrik Elmebeck 45 assists          1. Lance Flowers 268 hits          1. Kevin Low 129 SB
2. Keven Foreskin 58 points                  2. Dalton Wilcox 27 goals                    2. Boris the Forest 39 assists             2. Keven Foreskin 228 hits        2. Fredrik Elmebeck 123 SB
3. Fredrik Elmebeck 52 points              3. Owen Nolan 23 goals                       3. Soren Jensen 37 assists                 3. Owen Nolan 139 hits             3. Lance Flowers 100 SB
4. Soren Jensen 51 points                    4. Keven Foreskin 22 goals                  4. Keven Foreskin 36 assists              4. Fredrik Elmebeck 121 hits    4. Aamon Grim 83 SB
5. Dalton Wilcox 46 points                    5. Ryo Yamazuki II 17 goals                 5. Kevin Low 35 assists                       5. Soren Jensen 94 hits            5.  Konstantin Mulligan 38 SB
 
Riga Reign
goalie stats:                              games played                              wins                              shutouts                              Save percentage                              goals against average                  
Sean McGee                                        8                                            3                                        0                                                .882                                                      3.69
Kallis Kriketers                                   67                                         45                                       11                                              .913                                                      1.66
Points leaders                                          Goal leaders                                           Assist leaders                                       Hit leaders                                    Shots blocked leaders
1. Elias Dahlberg 78 points                    1. Elias Dahlberg 31 goals                  1. Apollo Hackett 52 assists              1. Elias Dahlberg 277 hits           1. Guy Sasakamoose 106 SB
2. Rauno Palo 74 points                             Pat Svoboda 31 goals                     2. Elias Dahlberg 47 assists               2. Ryan Kastelic 198 hits             2. Lincoln Tate 98 SB 
3. Pat Svoboda 68 points                       2. Rauno Palo 30 goals                      3. Lincoln Tate 46 assists                   3. Apollo Hackett 189 hits           3. Apollo Hackett 91 SB
   Apollo Hackett 68 points                         Ryan Kastelic 30 goals                  4. Rauno Palo 44 assists                     4. Lincoln Tate 158 hits               4. Khalabib Stiopic 72 SB
4. Ryan Kastelic 64 points                     3. Jack Lynch 24 goals                       5. Pat Svoboda 37 assists                   5. Pat Svoboda 126 hits              5. Pat Svoboda 39 SB
5. Jack Lynch 59 points                         4. Apollo Hackett 16 goals
                                                                   5. Lincoln Tate 11 goals
 
Seattle Bears
goalie stats:                              games played                              wins                              shutouts                              Save percentage                              goals against average                  
Joe Nixon                                             8                                            5                                        2                                               .918                                                       2.11
Rayz Funk                                            65                                         39                                       8                                               .923                                                       2.25
Points leaders                                          Goal leaders                                           Assist leaders                                       Hit leaders                                    Shots blocked leaders
1. Dan Wilinsky 81 points                       1. Dan Wilinsky 39 goals                     1. Hulk Hogan 52 assists                   1. Dan Wilinsky 273 hits             1. Guy LeGrande 145 SB
2. Acyd Burn 68 points                            2. Acyd Burn 36 goals                         2. Joel Ylonen 43 assists                   2. Leph Twinger 212 hits            2. Hulk Hogan 137 SB
3. Joel Ylonen 63 points                         3. John Frostbeard 32 goals              3. Dan Wilinsky 42 assists                 3. Hulk Hogan 134 hits               3. Ambrose Stark 119 SB
4. John Frostbeard 60 points                4. Scott Greene 20 goals                         Ambrose Stark 42 assists             4. Henrik Zoiderberg 122 hits    4. Leph Twinger 93 SB
5. Hulk Hogan 57 points                            Joel Ylonen 20 goals                       4. Scott Greene 36 assists                 5. Berocka Sundqvist 106 hits  5. Scott Greene 32 SB
                                                                   5. Maxim Kovalchuk 17 goals            5. Guy LeGrande 34 assists
 
Toronto Legion
goalie stats:                              games played                              wins                              shutouts                              Save percentage                              goals against average                  
JB Rift                                                  64                                         28                                       5                                               .915                                                       2.57   
(No backup goalie listed)                                           
Points leaders                                          Goal leaders                                           Assist leaders                                       Hit leaders                                    Shots blocked leaders   
1. Rylan Peace 71 points                       1. Rylan Peace 36 goals                      1. Elasmobranch Fish 46 assists       1. Rylan Peace 245 hits              1. Tzuyu 138 SB
2. Tzuyu 56 points                                  2. Jordan Tonn 29 goals                     2. Tzuyu 37 assists                               2. Rusty Shackleford 189 hits    2. Elasmobranch Fish 126 SB
    Jordan Tonn 56 points                      3. Teagan Glover 21 goals                  3. Rylan Peace 35 assists                    3. Elasmobranch Fish 177 hits  3. Rusty Shackleford 109 SB
3. Elasmobranch Fish 54 points          4. Tzuyu 19 goals                                 4. Orion Slade 33 assists                     4. Matthew Kai 121 hits              4. Carles Puigdemont 101 SB
4. Orion Slade 52 points                           Orion Slade 19 goals                        5. Matthew Kai 30 assists                   5. Teagan Glover 113 hits      5. MORPHEUS DESTRUCTIOUS 38 SB
5. Teagan Glover 49 points                  5. Matthew Kai 12 goals                         Carles Puigdemont 30 assists
 
Moscow Menace            
goalie stats:                              games played                              wins                              shutouts                              Save percentage                              goals against average                  
Raymond Bernard                              45                                          22                                      1                                                .903                                                      2.81
Finn Davison                                       72                                          26                                      2                                                .919                                                      2.73
Points leaders                                          Goal leaders                                           Assist leaders                                       Hit leaders                                    Shots blocked leaders     
1. Randoms 86 points                            1. Randoms 36 goals                        1. Smitty W. 66 assists                           1. Randoms 315 hits                   1. Vladimir Pavlov 129 SB
2. Jet Jaguar 85 points                          2. Jet Jaguar 35 goals                      2. Jet Jaguar/Randoms 50 assists      2. Smitty W.  264 hits                  2. Smitty W. 117 SB
3. Smitty W. 83 points                            3. Dan Baillie 30 goals                       3. Gritty 44 assists                                  3. Vladimir Pavlov 216 hits        3. Dean Clarke 112 SB
4. Gritty 68 points                                   4. Mat Tocco 26 goals                       4. Dean Clarke 37 assists                      4. Dan Baillie 207 hits                 4. Edward Vigneault 86 SB
5. Dan Baillie 57 points                          5. Gritty 24 goals                                5. Vladimir Pavlov 33 assists                5. Jorgon Weyed 125 hits          5. Paolo Nano 44 SB
 
Malmo Nighthawks
goalie stats:                              games played                              wins                              shutouts                              Save percentage                              goals against average                  
Michael Johnson                               65                                          33                                      7                                                .918                                                      2.22
Clayton Park                                       11                                           4                                       1                                                .907                                                       3.05
Points leaders                                          Goal leaders                                           Assist leaders                                       Hit leaders                                    Shots blocked leaders    
1. Joseph McWolf 61 points                 1. Matthew Materazo 32 goals          1. Joseph McWolf 50 assists             1. Phil Marleau 259 hits             1. Jerry Garcia 132 SB
2. Matthew Materazo 60 points           2. Jake Davis 28 goals                         2. Hugh Chan 33 assists                     2. Joseph McWolf 231 hits       2. Condor Adrienne 126 SB
3. Jake Davis 54 points                         3. Rob Mattalex 21 goals                         Jerry Garcia 33 assists                    3. Ryan Sullivan Jr 227 hits       3. Hugh Chan 112 SB
4. Rob Mattalex 52 points                         Phil Marleau 21 goals                      3. Ryan Sullivan Jr 31 assists             4. Rob Mattalex 156 hits            4. Joseph McWolf 110 SB
5. Phil Marleau 51 points                      4. Aleksander Rodriguez 17 goals          Rob Mattalex 31 assists                 5. Jerry Garcia 152 hits              5. Matthew Materazo 31 SB
                                                                       Ryan Sullivan Jr 17 goals                4. Condor Adrienne 30 assists
                                                                  5. Joseph McWolf 11 goals                     Phil Marleau 30 assists
                                                                       Jerry Garcia 11 goals                       5. Matthew Materazo 28 assists
                                                                                                                                       Aleksander Rodriguez 28 assists 
 
Vancouver Wolves
goalie stats:                              games played                              wins                              shutouts                              Save percentage                              goals against average                  
Greg Eagles                                         64                                         44                                       6                                              .916                                                        2.3
(no backup goalie listed)
Points leaders                                          Goal leaders                                           Assist leaders                                       Hit leaders                                    Shots blocked leaders              
1. Hunter Hearst Helmsley 92 points  1. Julius Freeman 44 goals                 1. Diljodh Starload 67 assists            1. Hunter H. Helmsley 295 hits 1. Jeff Downey 95 SB
2. Julius Freeman 89 points                 2. Hunter Hearst Helmsley 42 goals  2. Shawnomir Jagr 50 assists           2. Diljodh Starload 161 hits        2. Diljodh Starload 94 SB
3. Diljodh Starload 85 points                3. Shawnomir Jagr 33 goals                Hunter Hearst Helmsley 50 assists 3. Micheal Gary Scott 138 hits   3. Codrick Past 83 SB
4. Shawnomir Jagr 83 points               4. Micheal Gary Scott 32 goals           3. Julius Freeman 45 assists            4. ACL TEAR 112 hits                   4. Brock Louth 72 SB
5. Micheal Gary Scott 68 points          5. Denver Wolfe 30 goals                     4. Jagger Philliefan 41 assists          5. Jagger Philliefan 106 hits       5. Jagger Philliefan 70 SB
                                                                                                                                   5. Jeff Downey 36 assists
                                                                                                                                      Micheal Gary Scott 36 assists
D.C Dragons
goalie stats:                              games played                              wins                              shutouts                              Save percentage                              goals against average                  
Pekka Pouta                                        54                                         19                                       3                                               .906                                                      2.88
Block Buster                                        22                                          6                                        1                                               .909                                                      2.75
Points leaders                                          Goal leaders                                           Assist leaders                                       Hit leaders                                    Shots blocked leaders
1. Mikko Aaltonen 65 points                 1. Mikko Aaltonen 35 goals                 1. Charles Drumm 36 assists            1. Piotr Jerwa 216 hits                1. Charles Drumm 119 SB
2. Luciano Valentino 46 points             2. Piotr Jerwa 15 goals                        2. Luciano Valentino 35 assists        2. Ricky Johnson 155 hits           2. Piotr Jerwa 116 SB
3. Piotr Jerwa 41 points                             Benny Graves 15 goals                    3. Mikko Aaltonen 30 assists            3. Benny Graves 131 hits             3. Ricky Johnson 112 SB
4. Charles Drumm 37 points                 3. Guy Lesieur 12 goals                       4. George Washington 29 assists     4. George Washington 101 hits  4. Luciano Valentino 99 SB
5. George Washington 34 points         4. Jeff Tates 11 goals                           5. Piotr Jerwa 26 assists                   5. Guy Lesieur 96 hits                   5. Mikko Aaltonen 26 SB
                                                                       Luciano Valentino 11 goals                                                                                                                                         Boone Jenton 26 SB
                                                                  5. Balentine Kidd 10 goals
 
Prague Phatoms
goalie stats:                              games played                              wins                              shutouts                              Save percentage                              goals against average                  
Owen May                                           56                                          25                                      4                                               .908                                                       2.89
Solomon Crawford                            24                                           4                                       2                                               .878                                                        4.3
Points leaders                                          Goal leaders                                           Assist leaders                                       Hit leaders                                    Shots blocked leaders 
1. Erik Draven 59 points                         1. Don Draper 22 goals                        1. Erik Draven 39 assists                     1. Blake Laughton 253 hits        1. Seabass Perrin 147 SB
2. Alex Pearson 51 points                          Alex Pearson 22 goals                    2. Wolf Stansson Jr 38 assists           2. Don Draper 215 hits                2. Cinnamon Block 142 SB
3. Wolf Stansson Jr 47 points               2. Zeno Miniti 21 goals                       3. Cinnamon Block 36 assists            3. Cinnamon Block 210 hits       3. Wolf Stansson Jr 132 SB
4. Don Draper 45 assists                        3. Erik Draven 20 goals                       4. Alex Pearson 29 assists                  4. Erik Draven 168 hits               4. Jacob Perry 114 SB
5. Zeno Miniti 44 assists                        4. Blake Laughton 19 goals               5. Scotty BigShotty 26 assists            5. Seabass Perrin 158 hits         5.  Gert B Frobe 62 SB
                                                                        Willie Dredge 19 goals
                                                                    5. Scotty BigShotty 16 goals
 
(Word count 2256, FML)

yes
 
C- Boris The Forest @chillzone
A- Frederik Elmebeck @Elmebeck
A- Lance Flowers @CowboyinAmerica
lets win the cup

1. We won! Whoop whoop! I thought we were very dominant. Only 2 losses is pretty damn good.
2. I believe Peace will do well. He is a great GM and showed us how great he was this season. He assembled an unbelievable team and I feel like he'll do the same in Toronto.
3. Definitely! You were a big part of our success. You would be a great GM and it would be a privilege to play under you.
4. BladeMaiden. Hands down. Great person and she helped a bit when I was building Lafontaine.
5. If I am not here, a new goalie.
6. Oui! I have! I think that this was a great initiative done by the league and once I get a job (I'm like 14 so ye-) I'll be more than happy to pitch in.

@JohnOQuinn will be a much welcomed addition after the bailing.

@Steve

1.Shrimp off or on the barbie?
2. How was your experience with the finals against Saskatoon?
3. Nice holidays, good start to the year?
4. Cricket, you have to talk about Howzat. People, join up!
5. Is this a knife?

It’s been over six years since I joined the VHL and, despite having several players make their way out of the VHLM comfortably enough, they never found themselves drafted into the pros on the back of a Founders Cup victory. Whether that be from finding myself on bad teams (My stint on the Wild in S34 had myself and Smarch as the only actives on the roster and with Oslo in S51, I was the only active), bad/lazy management (The first GM of the S43 Bratislava Watchmen got sacked and his replacement never tried to get any of the deadline recreates) or actually GMing myself out of a chance of winning with a player (I was GM of the S55 Aces team that knocked out the heavily-favoured Storm team that featured Aackckqz Ky), a Founders Cup opportunity just never really came to pass. 
 
So luckily I found my way onto the Wild for Season 69 and, well based on our roster, if we didn’t win this time then I think it’s be fair to say that the higher powers were just conspiring to fuck me over for that time I theorised about removing the VHLM back in S49. I certainly played my part as well, leading the VHLM in playoff points, so thanks to @Peace for setting this opportunity up!
 
Also, this is the first time writing a PT on my phone and it sucks!

New logo! What's the move, do I keep it, or go back to the old one? Anyways, the season is completely over, with both the team I play for, and the team I will be playing for losing in their respective finals. Not ideal, but it is what it is. Now, it's the time that draft discussions start to pick up, and I'm here for it. Here's my current top 10 as always:
 
Edwin THE Encarnacion -
Mikko Lahtinen -
Odin Omdahl -
Jacques Lafontaine -
Shawn Glade Jr -
Chad Magnum -
Iangenere Risteneen -
Kyle Andersen 1
Lewis Dawson 1
Jaxx Hextall New
 
Jaxx Hextall makes his first appearance in the top 10 after absolutely surging in the TPE race, earning a total of 85 in his last 3 weeks alone. Magnum and Risteneen are also starting to make serious cases for a top 5 spot, though I don't have them there just yet.
 
Another week goes by, another plug for my spreadsheet. A reminder that it has my full rankings, so you can see where you are if you're not in the top 10. Unranked means hasn't updated in 2 weeks or more. It also includes all TPE earning for the S70 and S71 drafts. Here it is, now updated with jobs: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Z3UmjHIkmoBNTRdw8dgQdp4kOVhVLVRgPADZOndKJUY/edit?usp=sharing
 
Stats
 
Name
Goals
Name 
Assists
Name
Points
Odin Omdahl
48
Edwin THE Encarnacion
94
Shawn Glade Jr
129
Mikko Lahtinen
44
Shawn Glade Jr
91
Edwin THE Encarnacion
122
Iangenere Risteneen
39
Odin Omdahl
68
Odin Omdahl
116
Shawn Glade Jr
38
Iangenere Risteneen
52
Mikko Lahtnen
93
Gabriel Gutzwiler
35
Mikko Lahtinen
49
Iangenere Risteneen
91
Leon Gutzwiler
34
Leon Gutzwiler
47
Leon Gutzwiler
81
Edwin THE Encarnacion
28
Teddy Smith
45
Gabriel Gutzwiler
73
Owen Kaitanaq
24
Kyle Andersen
44
Kyle Andersen
65
Kyle Andersen
21
Gabriel Gutzwiler
38
Jimothy Frost
56
Jimothy Frost
20
Jimothy Frost
36
Derek Eriksson
55


 
Name
Save %
Jacques Lafontaine
.900
Jaxx Hextall
.871
Aleksandr Aleksandrov
.863
Jacob buchholz
.858
Jack Goff
.852
 
News
- Alex Bridge became the AGM of the San Diego Marlins! Congrats to him!
- Chad Magnum and Iangenere Risteneen hit 200 TPE this week.
-  Aleelee Kiak hit 100 TPE this week.
- Edwin THE Encarnacion, Mikko Lahtinen, Jacques Lafontaine, Damien Wolfe, and Mikeal Cuddy won the Founders Cup!
- Edwin THE Encarnacion led the S70 class, and the whole VHLM, with 24 playoff points.
- Damien Wolfe led the S70 class with 8 playoff goals.
- Edwin THE Encarnacion led the S70 class, and the whole VHLM, with 18 assists.
- Jaxx Hextall earned the most TPE this week, with 30.
 
Profiles

Aleksandra Olsen - D - 96 TPE
My fellow Hound, Olsen has been a key contributor for the team. She put up a baffling +47, which is the highest in a single season for a Hound, ever. However, Olsen isn't a one-dimensional player by any means, posting 40 points on the season as well, very good numbers for a defense(wo)man in her first full year. Although the TPE earning has been a little inconsistent, she has proved that she is here to stay because of how long she's stayed active, and never missing out on updating more than one week at a time. I can see her as a really good depth piece in the VHL down the line, maybe more.
 

Alex Bridges - C - 97 TPE
The newly appointed Marlins AGM, Bridges has been an interesting prospect to watch. Ranked number 19 on my list, he has steadily earned TPE, except for one week in which he didn't earn any. Now that he has the responsibility of being an AGM, I don't see how he could fall inactive any time soon, so I expect his potential to be considerably high. The American center is an exciting offensive threat with plenty of scoring talent. Bridges' defensive game needs work, similar to his teammate Ike Bennett, who I covered last week. Nevertheless, I see a lot of potential here and I hope Bridges does well in his new job.
 
 

Jaxx Hextall - G - 170 TPE
Hextall has been earning TPE like a maniac lately, and he is sure to see it pay off as soon as next season begins. As mentioned above, he has earned 85 TPE in the past 3 weeks, as well as earning a spot in my top 10. He became a key piece for Halifax, as they pulled off the series win against Philly before ultimately falling to Saskatoon who won it all. A goalie defined by quickness, the Canadian is able to react just in time to make the tough saves needed to keep his team in games. There's lots of potential with Hextall, and I hope he can keep earning TPE at a good rate, though I don't expect 30 a week, as he's been doing lately.

McDagg Never Leaving SSK
By Kristopher McDagg
 
McDagg is never going to leave Saskatoon unless he is forced to. McDagg and Elmebeck had a conversation about the future. McDagg said if Elmebeck thought there would be a decent return, he'd return. Then, after the trade "flopped", McDagg told Elmebeck that he'd like to stay. No matter what state of play the team is in, he'd be there. He is very set on staying in Saskatoon alongside Elmebeck and his teammates. Saskatoon AGM (possible future GM) Elmebeck stated that he was okay with it. McDagg was okay with anything, but changed his mind. McDagg has grown on the city since he was 7. He grew up in Saskatoon, moving there at age 4 and moving out at age 13. Going to Boston at 13, he was upset and missed his home. Now that he has made it to the professionals, he is very happy, and that is a key factor to him staying in Saskatoon.
 
KMcDagg Articles
2020 is here

As evidenced by the trades that have happened today, the Prague Phantoms are clearly looking to take a step forward this season and climb up into the playoffs. There are still some holes, of course, but there are also some really strong areas of the team now.

Starting in between the pipes, you'll find the ideal tandem: a vet with loads of skill and enough left in the tank for a few more runs, and a young future star with enough ability to fill in the gaps, and enough time to develop into a solid starter. Brick Wahl needs no introduction, this is a multiple time all star and a player who can change the course of a franchise. Solomon Crawford showed flashes of brilliance in between his early growing pains, but the potential was clearly there.
 
Defensively, a strong top 6 across the board, featuring several standouts as well. Cinnamon Block, last season's 1st overall pick. Wolf Stansson Jr and Seabass Perrin, two guys who went straight from playing together in Yukon to playing together in Prague's inaugural season, and deserve a bit of success coming their way. Jacob Perry, arguably one of the biggest steals of his draft, after taking an extra season to develop he's not far back of some of the rest of the guys who came right into the league. Edward Vigneault, who was an unfortunate casualty of Moscow's roster, finding a home among a well balanced cast in Prague. Even Gert B. Frobe, king of laying the body, fills his role well here. A full three pairs of active defenders, set up well to protect their new netminder - this team should have no problem keeping the puck out of the back of the net.

So far, that's one hell of a cast. Offensively, some great young pieces are there - Alex Pearson and Willie Dredge have been especially coming along well, and relative "vet" Don Draper (only a year older than Laughton and Vigneault) has always had a solid game to him. There's the guys down the lineup a bit, Blake Laughton, Scotty Big Shotty, and two players who'll make their debuts in Ben McGirr and Dagmar Havlova, and it looks like this team has a solid supporting cast, ready to make a splash this season and see where we can go from here, and not a single player set to retire at the end of the upcoming season (except for Mountain Thunderfist, who is largely unneeded at this point and may not make the opening day roster).

It's all just missing one thing: that star offensive piece. Now it's not unlikely that either Pearson or Dredge could develop into that, but no one's quite there right now - there isn't a forward on the level of Wahl on the back end. That's where it falls to the management to make things work in either free agency (where there's not likely to be a ton available) or through a trade. There are a few pieces that could be available on that end, but one thing is clear: this acquisition would be far more likely to be a pure acquisition than a player-for-player deal. The guys who've suffered through the developmental years deserve to see this out, to help guide the franchise to success. Obviously there are always circumstances to take into consideration, but this is a team, and a team works best together.

Marleau's Murmurings #36

 
This podcast series are for my 3-pointers. Talk about whatever tinkles Marleau's fancy. Usually I got on one rant per podcast.  On This Episode: - Who won this season? - Who gonna be good this year?     KnightTime Podcast Question Thread     This is a division of KnightTime Radio.    Run Time:  11 minutes

S69 OFF-SEASON SCHEDULE:
Dates Subject to Change
  
Wednesday, January 8th
Off Season begins
 
Friday, January 10th
Depreciation
Experience Points Allocated  
 
Sunday, January 12th
S70 Finance TPE Cut-Off  (all TPE earned, up to, and including, this date will affect salary brackets for S70) 
VHL Draft @ 7:30pm EST
VHLM Draft @ 9:30pm EST
  
Monday, January 13th
Training Camps Open
  
Tuesday, January 14th
S69 VHLM Awards Ceremony @ 430 PM
 
Wednesday, January 15th
VHL/M Merchandise Release
Free Agent Discussions Open @ Noon EST
S69 ALL-VHLM TEAMS @ 730 PM EST
 
Thursday, January 16th
Free Agency Opens @ Noon EST
S69 VHL Awards Ceremony @ 4:30pm PST
 
Friday, January 17th
S69 Hall of Fame Induction
 
Sunday, January 19th
S70 VHLM TPE Cut-Off  (Any players who have earned 250 TPE or more, up to and including this date, will no longer be eligible to play in the VHLM for S70 - Training Camp may not be claimed after this date if you are at the Cap; if you are within 10, you may claim up to the cap, i.e. If you are at 244, you may claim 6 TPE from Training Camp)  
S70 Depreciation Fighter Cut-Off (Any players who wish to purchase a S70 depreciation fighter from the Player Store will no longer be eligible to do so after this date: The 'Jaromir Jagr', Still Kicking, Old But Not Forgotten)
 
Monday, January 20th
S70 VHL Pre-Season Starts 
Pre-Season Retirement  (Players can re-create for S71 and still play S70)
 
Tuesday, January 21th
S70 VHL/VHLM Indexes Posted 
 
Wednesday , January 22nd
S70 VHL/VHLM Regular Season Begins 
Training Camps Close 

Vote on who you think fits best in the given event!
 
Show by Kristopher McDagg / ViperXhawks19

1. After a hard-fought series, the Bears come out ahead in Game 7. How do we feel about the series?
Turns out we took the eventual champions further to the brink than anyone else in the VHL. Personally, I think we should be feeling pretty good about ourselves and our chances.
 
2. With the season officially over, it's golf season. Who's the best golfer on the team?
It's all about the power and the hand-eye coordination. A Red Guy's got those in spades, so it doesn't really surprise me to see his golf game.
 
3. Is it better to lose to the cup champs or watch the team that beat you also lose it all?
Depends on the team, honestly. Our series with Seattle was pretty cordial, all things considered. I was fine to see them win.
 
4. What do you want to improve in the offseason?
I think we just need one more scoring threat to put us over the top. Whether that comes in FA, a trade or even the draft, I trust our management to pull it off.
 
5. What are you most excited about for S70?
This was the year we were targeting for real contention all along, and I do think we'll be there in the mix. It'll be fun to go into the season with real expectations.
 
6. How was everyone's New Year's?
It was solid - went to an NHL game while the VHL is out of season. Man, after watching our games, those guys move so slow on the ice.

@JohnOQuinn will be a much welcomed addition after the bailing.

@Steve

It was hard to leave NY for a team that happened to win the cup. Remember @Elmebeck , you are Swedish, not Jewish. So no guilt trips are going to work. On a side note, @JohnOQuinn is going to be awesome on the team. Good luck.

@JohnOQuinn will be a much welcomed addition after the bailing.

@Steve

S70 New York Americans: The Rebuild is Over
 
Season 70 is shaping up to be a big one for the New York Americans, who are looking to jump into the upper echelons of the North American conference and the VHL. Some would argue that they’re already there – a late-season run had New York third in the conference, and they almost took out the eventual champions Seattle in the first round of the playoffs.
 
But now, the team is ready to make a leap. The young roster is starting to come into its prime, and – with filling a few holes – may be better than you remember. Haven’t paid attention to New York in a few seasons? Here’s an unofficial look at what they’ll be rolling out onto the ice next year. And a note: These TPA totals will also be their TPE totals as well, since not a single current New York player is old enough to be in depreciation. And these TPA totals are current as of the beginning of the offseason, meaning add 20-30 for each player by the time the first game is played.
 
Offense
 
Projected Lineup
LW Soren Jensen (515 TPA) -- C Boris the Forest (827) -- RW Dalton Wilcox (623)
LW (FA?) --- C Keven Foreskin (556) -- RW Owen Nolan (576)
LW Jaxon Walker (273) -- C Walter Clements (309) -- RW Ryo Yamazuki II (366)
 
 
Boris the Forest and Dalton Wilcox were the original two members of the Americans’ rebuilding squad, both being drafted in Season 67. Now, as they enter their fourth season, they’re the centerpiece of an offense that is just beginning to come into its own. Forest put up a career high with 71 points last year, but Wilcox took a step back from his rookie season with only 46 - both players have the talent to be doing much better. Potential ROY Jensen, meanwhile, could join them to create a powerful trio for the next 3-4 seasons.
 
S68 forwards Nolan and Foreskin could be first liners in their own right on many other teams, especially with one more year of seasoning. But for now, they form the backbone of a stud second line that could rival those in Seattle and Vancouver. Last season, Yamazuki joined them on that line at LW, and could very well do so again. But I believe there’s a hole for a potential free agent to bolster that group (or perhaps even unseat Jensen in the first line and have him move to the second line), which would create a deadly top six. This also has the side effect of creating a fully active, young third line - which could feed on the lack of depth elsewhere in the conference that is necessitated by paying older players.
 
 Defense
 
Projected Lineup
D Lance Flowers (660) -- D Fredrik Elmebeck (521)
D David O’Quinn (346) -- D (FA? Low?)
 
Lance Flowers might have been the high draft pick and have the TPE total, but it was Elmebeck who was the revelation on the blue line last year for the Americans: In the top ten for defenseman scoring for much of the season, he ended the year with 52 points, a massive increase in hits to 121, and solid 123 shots blocked. If Flowers can regain his form that saw him win the S68 Wylde Trophy, this pairing of S68 defenseman provides a nice offensive/defensive balance that will only grow from here.
 
On the second line, O’Quinn could be the Americans’ secret weapon - following a season with Saskatoon that saw him put up 99 assists and 114 points, he should be a Rookie of the Year dark horse with the opportunities he’ll get in New York. There is a question, though, of who will be across from him. Kevin Low, acquired midseason from Seattle, played alongside Flowers on the first line last season, but will be the only active Americans player to test free agency this year. The team wants him back (we love you @Smarch), but if he decides to take his talents elsewhere, New York has the cap room and the capability to sign or trade for a defenseman elsewhere.
 
Goalie
 
Projected Lineup
G A Red Guy (614)
G Thorvald Gunnarsson (407)
 
If there’s one reason to point to why the Americans made their late season run last year, the play of second year goalie A Red Guy is it. He finished the year top five in the VHL in save percentage (.923), GAA (2.24) and shutouts (5), and he finished just one win outside the top five despite playing five fewer than the maximum goalie games. If he continues on this trajectory, especially with goalies like Pepper and Krikiters getting slammed by depreciation in their final season, he could very well be a Shaw candidate this year. Gunnarsson also provides a solid stopper for New York in the days where A Red Guy can’t go, at the very least making it so that New York doesn’t sweat against the bottom of the standings.
 
Outlook
 
New York’s oldest player is third line forward Walter Clements, entering his fifth season. Every single other player on the team is in the first half of their career, with a majority being S67 (fourth season) or S68 (third season) draftees. This was a team that was built to compete right about now, and for the next three seasons, they should be a force to be reckoned with. They have depth that few other teams in the league possess, and they have the activity to continue to improve throughout the season leading up to the playoffs.
 
That said, the Americans aren’t a team without holes. They really need one more scoring forward to supplement those first two lines, creating a top six that could all be over 600 TPA by the time the playoffs roll around. There are a few of those players out there in free agency - a veteran presence like Svoboda, Materazo or Madden has to be intriguing - and leadership would do well to bring one of them in. If Low doesn’t re-sign, defenseman is also an area of need, even if it’s a stopgap like former Legion defenseman Carles Puigdemont. New York also has the 6th, 16th and 18th picks in the upcoming draft, which could be intriguing for a trade or for a play-now defenseman.
 
It’s too early to tell where New York will finish in the standings. But it’s reasonable to believe they’ll compete with Seattle and Vancouver for tops in North America, with D.C. likely one more rebuilding season away. And if New York keeps building throughout the year, who knows what can happen with a little playoff magic?

Base 8. Welcome!

1. We won! The sweep would’ve been super awesome, but I guess we’ll have to settle with just awesome!
2. Toronto’s a tough situation to jump into, seems like a long-term retooling is in order. I wish him the best with it though
3. I’m not staying down but I think you’ve shown you’d be more than good enough for the role!
4. Just covering VHL, whether she’s still interested I don’t know, but I think BladeMaiden has done more than enough to earn a role.
5. Not sure, but if success is still being pursued, a new goalie is a must.
6. I think I did! Thank you VHL community!

Nothing sad here.

1. I mean you have to feel good. We picked up our regular season games and then went on to game seven overtime with Seattle. Sure, maybe we could have been in the finals now, but we did a proper showing.

2. Wood chopping, golf is for sissy's.

3. I kind of want Seattle to lose, but I don't think they will. So yeah, I want the guys who beat us to be beaten. Add LeGrande to that. 

4. I'm going against the grain, I'm putting points into Leadership and Discipline. Roleplaying.

5. Just this team growing. We still seem to have good picks too. My hope is that this will be a long-running, top-contender franchise from now on.

6. Uneventful. It's kind of arbitrary isn't it? Doesn't even line up with the winter solstice.... But yeah, it was... normal.