mattyIceman

So the rumors were real..

I'm interested!

James Rose will be answering some questions now: 1. Offseason is finally arriving, which means maybe one more week or two before season starts again. What's your routine when you don't have games before another 2 weeks? Well I'm doing some offseason training with some buddies, I have to stay in shape and improve for next season. 2. Are you rooting for Helsinki or Seattle, in the VHL finals? It would be fun to see Helsinki win, but I think Seattle had a tougher road to the final. I think Seattle will win again. 3. Talking of rooting, which bandwagon are you on in the NHL? Dallas, New York, Tampa Bay or Vegas? I'd like to see a Vegas - New York final 4. It's a really good time for sports fans in general, with the NFL season starting this Thursday. Are you a fan of American Football? What teams do you like? Oh boy, I like the Packers and the 49ers 5. What are your favourite current TV shows? I watch Big Brother with my lady, it's hilarious. I spend time watching mostly documentaries, not sure if you can call them shows?... 6. And while we are here, what are your favourite older TV shows? I still go down memory lane from time to time with classic sitcoms like Friends and that 70s Show

from the desk of MattyIce: Looks like my work has taken notice.. It's been such a pleasure putting forward my work, connecting the dots in my own way, learning about how this league and community works and it's desire to move forward with fresh new ideas. This is where I come in with my new partner, @Plate. We have been spitballing some ideas back and forth and I want to know more about what the people of this great community want. Whatever anyone wants to see, let us know. We've got a great team of researchers, information analysts and writers, and we're all for fresh stuff. Prospect interviews, mock drafts, first-generation player spotlights, whatever ideas! On a further note, I would like to thank @Doomsday and @Patrik Tallinder for reaching out to me and noticing my work. Also, to work with some familiar faces with @Hylands and @PatrikLaine, some new faces for me and lastly, @Plate, for being my partner. Man this is gonna be fun...

Ok so which games are listed still? 3-5 or 2-4? Is it the season game number that's wrong or it's the series game number that's wrong?

James Rose will now be taking a few questions: 1. In the league's first ever pity lottery tournament, we finished last from a group made up of the 6 worst teams in the league. Did you expect us to do so bad? Well, we didn't plan on losing that much, so let's leave that in the past and look forward 2. Did you enjoy the tournament anyway? It was just weird playing postseason hockey for no trophy or anything... 3. With the tournament now done, we are truly entering offseason mode. Suggest a trade we could make. A veteran winger or defenseman, maybe a goalie? Bleedn G had some great moments, but he's gone now. 4. We're going golfing this weekend. Who do you think is the best among the United players and staff? I'll go on a limb here and say prospect Alec Volchenkov. I suck at golf, unless it's a driving range or mini-golf haha 5. What's your favourite British insult? Hahaha.... uhhhh... I dunno?.......Slag? 6. I haven't read a book in ages. What's the last one you read? Endurance, the story of Ernest Shackleton

I love you guys too up at VSN, thanks for the interview!

Normal: Sonata Diamante Funny: Ditty Doodat

MattyIce is an independant contractor. He represents James Rose, currently with the London United and has interest in amateur scouting for the VHL as well. He employs scouts from throughout the world, you may have seen his U17 list somewhere in VHL.com media

DISCLAIMER: This scouting report is brought to you by MattyIce, and this has no affiliation to the VSN Scouting department. These are simply rankings, not who will go where based on recreates or favoritism, nor will I make any predictions. This is a monster list, so we will keep this moving quickly: Rank 1-20 @Renomitsu @Jtv123 @BladeMaiden @fonziGG @Quik @Esso2264 @Emi @Enorama @Plate @flyersfan1453 @okochastar@Banackock @Smarch @AW13 @Jeffie43 @Z16 @InstantRockstar @Blazzer @Matmenzinger @Riley_Couture Yeah, this a stacked top end. Pretty certain the top 10 are slam dunk selections, along with some surprise earners like Emi Rune and Riley Couture. Couture jumped a massive 9 spots into the top 20 while the top six pretty much held on to their spots. One surprise rank demotion though, Lucifer Olivier Leveque not training as hard apparently, dropping four spots to 17th, despite being a top dman in his rookie VHLM season. Overall, this bunch will not disappoint any talent scout. Rank 21-40 @kesytamm @Siddhus @Philliefan @Mason @Rhynex Entertainment @Kyle @Wheaties @Gooningitup @LatinViking @Crstats23@Grape @Psanchez55 @chatfan036 @gregreg @Corgi34 @NickSunderbruch @Nepto @inflastud @DirtyDerek The top half of this group have quite a bit of potential. Kasey Tamm, playing for Las Vegas, leads this group with 48 goals and 93 points, which is nothing to brush off. Some players like Gabriel Akerstrom, Tim Waters, Rhynex Entertainment and goalie Vsevold Askarov have shown some promise, putting up points for their clubs and slowly climbing the rankings. Like any draft, there will be some hits and misses within this group. Rank 41-60 @Kloxified @JorgTheGoat03 @GeckoeyGecko @dariusmarimotoman @kentakira @Haydon Learmonth @Goliathus @BigZouzou @Cwalker @MSO94 @Matt thunder @OscarTheSwagDude @Wreckening @Huulio @Minermonkey @Firekiss @CosmicStorm @Cambodia1617 @Briedaqueduc @BumLightYear31 Some of these players haven't played a full season, so their potentials remain unknown, or untapped. However, some standouts like Kloxified, The Blob, Carson Walkers, Darius Marimoto and Tee Pee II come to mind as players that have produced for their clubs. Relative newcomer Frank THE TANK Googenheim jumped up into this group with hopes to make a statement to get another look from the scouts. Rank 61-80 @jacobcarson877 @Jaster Mereel @TommySalami @jack u @Xflexz @AnthonyOuellet @jimmyallen93 @Kelsier @Salminen @H0PPY75 @Josequaresma @snackhero @nickthe00 @chris @wdymbrother6 @Killerninjamoder @Brodie_Landry @Braden Neeson @jspilly27 @Kinoe Ander There are many free agents in this group, however, four players have played the entire season. All of these players' potentials are unknown to the scouts, and it's even up in the air if they will all get drafted. If I were speaking to any of these players, I'd get to the bottom of who is responsible for their training to get a pulse for what they can bring to the table. Well there you have it! MattyIce, signing off on this scouting report. Cheers VHL!

LOVE THAT REFLECTION!!

He had better, rookie ? Sweet article @animal74

from the desk of MattyIce: I have negotiated a sponsorship agreement with De Beers, a London-based jeweler that puts James Rose's face on his new line of diamond jewelry called "Ice". After London's inaugural season and the season 73 World Junior Championships being held in London as well, the popularity of hockey saw a spike in interest. Some companies expressed fair interest, however those deals weren't as interesting as this one. We are simply capitalizing on the current growth rate of hockey in London and, in the foreseeable future, it will continue to climb and possibly explode with the London United. When asked about the sponsorship deal, Rose simply stated: "I'm really excited to be a part of this new wave of growth. This season was memorable for us players and management, and the fans have shown steady support so far. The jewelry looks awesome and I cannot wait until next season already. We're going to be stronger and play a much more competitive game, we'll see what avenues that will take us down." Some other deals are still on my desk actually. I've spoken with James and he had a particular interest in one other sponsor, namely, the car company and world-famous prestigious brand Aston Martin. Their interest level is high as well, so perhaps sometime in the future, James will be cruising in his dream car, hehe. He's such a car-loving hockey dude that shows his enthusiasm on his sleeve very well.

Scouting department interest level: VERY HIGH

1. Our inaugural season is pretty much done - we only have 3 games left as of Monday morning - which makes this a good time to look back and analyze what our performances this season. Did you think we'd be finishing 2nd to last in the whole league? I think we played to our potential this year. If 2nd last this year is where we ended up, then we need to boost our potential. 2. We only had issues with hooligans a couple of times throughout the season. What's your most memorable hooligan-related moment of the season? When the world juniors ended, I played horribly for a stretch, fans let me know it. I've had losing seasons in the past, I learned to not let those things affect me. 3. What are you going to do during the offseason? Play in some offseason tournaments and train with all kinds of new people. 4. The team's front office said they wanted live performances from local artists during the intermissions starting next season to make United home games a one-stop, must-see, multi-dimensional, spectacle. Who would you like to see perform on the ice of the London Coliseum? A good mix of electronic music and some good rock. 5. Talking of which, the London Coliseum sounds kinda bland. What sponsor should we pursue to give our arena a name with a unique feel? We have to grow the team and its brand first. Look at the Premier League football teams. We have to do something similar to them. I do like Aston Martin cars, they're super slick and powerful. Could they be a possible sponsor? 6. Predict one award winner for next season. Could be any award, any player or team. I'd love to win top defenseman or any kind of trophy. I'll toot my own horn

Now this is awesomesauce. More delights from Emi Much love ?

1) At this rate, it seems like none of the expansion teams will make the playoffs (including us). Who will you be pulling for, once the bracket begins? Helsinki, Davos and Seattle. Strong teams with strong presence. 2) London hosted this year's World Junior Championships, do you think the exposure to hockey will bring more fans into the stands? I certainly hope so. Team Europe did well, and I wasn't playing my best even as Team Canada assistant captain. Let's get back on track and string together some great performances to het this thing here snowballing in England. 3) While things aren't looking so hot this year, the United have a promising core that will look to break out in s74 and beyond. Who do you think will be the first to make their mark on the league as a whole? There's alot of franchise talent here. It's anybody's guess who it is. 4) If you could design a 3rd jersey for the United, what would it look like? A red jersey with white trim and five golden lions as our alternate logo 5) If you were the GM on draft day, which aspect of the team would you look to improve first? Forward. We can score alright now, imagine with more forwards. 6) If you could choose a goal song that best represents the team, what would it be? Anarchy In The UK - Sex Pistols

Review Time!! The overall look of this graphic is mesmerizing. The central wavy-looking, third-eye fire thingy definitely stands out. While this is a really cool add to the graphic, it kinda feels like it's the focal point. The blur on the player is a really nice touch, gives the graphic a hypnotic sentiment, paired with the central piece. The font used reminds me of Grand Theft Auto "WASTED", so it takes me back for sure. It's extremely large though. The bottom left is a barren wasteland, all that's there is the player's position in a hardly readable font. I can't tell if a lot of effort was put into this or if it was just pieced together randomly, but the color scheme is on point! Overall: 7/10

Ah ok I see what you mean. Thing is, there are plenty of other dudes writing about that exact stuff coming up to draft day. I'm more of a numbers guy, so doing this kind of gruntwork suits me fine. If I were a GM, I'd want a complete list kinda like this one to be informed. Since this is only 1st edition stuff, it looks basic as fuck, but I want some input to make it more complete and comprehensive and such, maybe add some bells and whistles, color schemes and logos, probably tag all draftees and gms next time too!

Thank You! I'm not too sure what extra information you'd like to see. Please elaborate!

Hey VHL. Trade deadline is upon us, so I figured I would start up a project that finalizes the end of recruitment for the season 74 draft class. New recreates and recruits will be joining the season 75 draft class. Hey community, let me know if I did a good job with the graphic. If I can add or remove anything for future releases, let me know!

Alex. Go forth and do what you must, kid. Just do us two favors: 1. Don't grow up too fast... 2. Never forget about us. We're still here. Best of luck Alex

From the desk of player agent MattyIce I've been representing James Rose since he signed on with the Mexico City Kings in season 71. Do you think that's the only time I had anything to do with him? Think again... I've actually been representing him since his second season, playing for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the QMJHL. It was his draft year, so I opted to try and get him proper representation before his name got called. I helped him develop his game and made him attend training camps to improve quicker so he could be ready to play professional. His name wasn't called during his second year, but his third season he made some drastic improvements to his game. He was well on his way to get drafted pretty high, but the COVID19 pandemic hit and the season was cancelled. He looked for alternative leagues to play for in the meantime, I found him a spot playing for Mexico City. He expressed his interest to stay in the league as it seemed magically unaffected by the global situation. He could travel worldwide, mingle with just about anyone and get paid very handsomely. He waived his right to be drafted into the NHL during his first season. So what does this have to do with me, you ask? I've been scouting talent from the ages of 11 years old to as high as 17 years old to look for a new player to represent once Rose retires. Since we travel together sometimes to destinations around the world, I take a peek here and there at the minor hockey programs. When I see a good program or team, I begin to focus. I've noticed some players with some exceptional talents. I can list a few players that I've scouted and taken a liking to. Some are specialists with awesome potential abilities, some are very well-rounded players with no real strengths or weaknesses, and some are project players. I'll include some NHL comparables for good measure. 1. Sonata Diamante - C - Playmaker He's a tall 16 year old kid with lightning speed and quick hands for his age. He's of Japanese natonality with Italian descent, so it's an odd combination. I don't know how that happened, I won't ask either. For now he has a lanky frame and needs work with his faceoff and scoring ability. Comparable: Mikko Rantanen 2. Wandamian Crucifixplate - G - Hybrid Style 14 year old Irish kid that plays with some heart. Well-rounded ability to see plays develop well. Comparable: John Gibson 3. Rickyticky Bobbywobbin - LW - Two Way Forward 12 year old kid with some size. From USA, has a good chance to play in University someday. Keeping a close eye on this kid. Comparable: TJ Oshie 4. Dadood Frumcheers - LW - Two Way Forward 15 year old from USA again, I know his father runs a bar and is a major hockey fan. Dadood is well raised and may take over the family bar business if he doesn't get into a development program. Comparable: Jake Virtanen 5. David Krappenschitz - D - Defensive minded Hailing from Hungary, this 15 year old teen has excellent vision in his own end and can make a great first pass to exit the defensive zone. Needs to work on his skating tremendously. Comparable: Michael Matheson 6. Irish O'African - D - Two Way Dman Neither Irish or African, this young 11 year best people skates well, passes well and sees the ice very well. His main issue is getting on the scoresheet. Comparable: Sami Vatanen 7. Cowabunga Peppermill - RW - Sniper This 15 year old kid from Australia can snipe very well. His skating is lacking and has tendency to hog the puck and try to dangle around opponents, without much success. A project player by definition. Comparable: Jonathan Drouin 8. Ditty Doodat - LW - Playmaker He has some serious hands and playmaking ability. This 13 year old Canadian would be comparable to Patrick Kane, he just needs to work on his shot and skating. 9. Yanni Van Halen - C - Power Forward Now this 16 year old youngster from Belgium has been developing a solid all around game, producing points and getting involved in the play. He needs all around refinement if he wants to make a career out of hockey. Comparable: Sean Monahan 10. Jabreakit Jubawdit - D - Puck Mover A 14 year old from Lebanon, all he does is spend time chasing pucks in corners, getting physical and passing the puck safely out of the defensive zone. His discipline from being somewhat hot-headed, his shot and his defensive positioning without the puck are lacking. Comparable: Ivan Provorov 11. Bicurious George - C - Sniper Somewhat of shorter stature, this 17 year old from Wales has a great shot and great speed going up and down the ice. His passing ability is fairly decent, his offensive zone awareness is severely lacking, often getting caught out of position. Many of his goals come from weird spots, seemingly entering the net randomly. If he can play center with strategy, he can be quite lethal. Comparable: Brendan Perlini 12. Dick Dump - G - Butterfly style Oh this 14 year old netminder has some moves. He plays alot like Tim Thomas and Dominik Hasek, such that his seemingly random drop-first style makes him make very incredible saves. Due to his smaller stature, Dump has an inconsistency with staying in position. He either comes out too far to challenge shooters, not square to the shooter and leaves gaps and can play too deep in his own net, forcing him to use acrobatics. Well, there's a short list of youngsters I got my eye on. Perhaps I'll release more in another article. Cheers VHL! MattyIce

James Rose London, England Reporters from London Sports Press gather around the locker room to interview the players from the London United. Reporter: James! James! A few questions for you regarding the World Juniors? JR: Yeah, sure. Reporter: You made Assistant Captain this season. How do you think it will affect your play? JR: Well, most of the guys are younger than me now, I've been through alot since the last tournament. I can definitely help out the new guys a bunch. Reporter: You'll be facing some current and past teammates and reuniting with older teammates. How does this dynamic affect your play? JR: Hmm, that's a loaded question. It will be super great to play with Riley Knight Gee again, he's been lights-out great in Houston. Jay Jones is my mate here in London so some familiar faces for sure. The rest of the team will be new faces and that's awesome for everyone to play with top talent. Trivium over there will be playing for Team World, along with former Houston mate Jiggly Gumballs, another former mate Patrik Laine and next years projected starter here Nils Friedriksen are playing for Europe, Krestanovich will be repping USA and Volchenkov returning to my former Team Asia. It sure will be a fun time, taking some jabs and playing for those bragging rights, plus that delicious trophy for sure. Reporter: Team Canada is projected to take home a win. Why do you think that is? JR: GM Dakota Lamb sure assembled a powerful team, so if it's to put extra pressure on us, then I'm always down for elevated challenges. We have to work our asses off to get results, they won't come easily, since the other teams are of top quality as well. Reporter: Thanks for your time James... JR: Always a pleasure, always root for London, always stay United Mentions: @KnightRiley@der meister@TTtheT@JigglyGumballs@PatrikLaine@Boragina@SirRupertBarnes@dlamb@Biggreen10

James Rose will now be answering some questions: (1) We sent Guy Lesieur back to D.C., do you think he will help them turn their season around? He's a real good player, so I certainly believe that. (2) Are you going to stay in touch with Guy or is he now an enemy to you? Yeah I'll stay in touch. If I can find him haha (3) The return in the trade was a conditional 1st round pick. It'll be this offseason if D.C. makes the playoffs, next offseason if they don't. So.. are you a Dragons fan now? I'm a fan of our team. Let's give the fans something to cheer about and play spoiler for the other teams, howbowdat? (4) Who stepped up for us now that our only veteran - and clearly our best player - is gone? Trivium has been banging them in lately. I hope he keeps it up, he's real solid. Jay Jones has been making things easier with his faceoff skills too! (5) Pretend we are getting an extra 1st round pick this season through this trade; what positions do you think your lovely GM picks with both 1st rounders? A forward and a defenseman. Or two forwards. Get this team to be scarier to play against. (6) Who'll be our first player to get over 800 TPE now that we lost our only one? Wow that's a tough one... I'd say me, but I've been wrong in the past haha. This league is always shifting so who knows who's coming and/or going?