LittleRiDog

From a non-biased user perspective, something needs to be done with how simming is handled in the VHL. Specifically with @Beketov and the historical trends of his player dominating the VHL when he is simming the season.
 
I'm sure this thread, like every other time I've pointed out this obvious anomaly in the past, will just be brushed off like usual, because for some reason the VHL can't wrap it's head around figuring out an unbiased simming system.
 
Here is why I am making this thread, and suggesting things need to be changed.  Let's look at Beketov's simming history for the duration of his current player's career:
 

 
 
 
As you can see, there is a very very very very stark increase in his player's performance when he is simming the VHL season. This is not an opinion, this is not a conspiracy, this is a cold hard fact as denoted by the numbers highlighted in red above.
 
For comparisson, lets break down the goal/point leaders in each of the past 5 seasons:
 
S76 - Beketov Sims. Lahtinen leads the league in points, and scores 11 more goals than any other player:
 
Top 5 Points
Player Name    G-A-P
Mikko Lahtinen (MOS)    61-60-121
Andrew Su (VAN)    47-74-121
Ola Vikingstad (HSK)    50-60-110
Kris Rice (MOS)    40-65-105
Thomas Landry II (PRG)    38-67-105
 
Top 5 Goals
Player Name    GP-G
Mikko Lahtinen (MOS)    72 - 61
Ola Vikingstad (HSK)    72 - 50
Kyl Oferson (CHI)    72 - 47
Andrew Su (VAN)    72 - 47
Ray Sheilds (RIG)    72 - 46
 
 
S75 - Devise sims. A respectable season for Lahtinen where he dominates nothing and isn't even in the top 5 goalscorers AKA a very likely season outcome for a high tpe player.
 
Top 5 Points
Player Name    G-A-P
John Merrick (TOR)    45-62-107
Andrew Su (VAN)    43-63-106
Chris Hylands (MAL)    44-56-100
Mikko Lahtinen (MOS)    36-63-99
Dagmar Havlova (WAR)    28-69-97

Top 5 Goals
Player Name    GP-G
Guy Lesieur (DCD)    72 - 47
John Merrick (TOR)    72 - 45
Chris Hylands (MAL)    72 - 44
Aleelee Kiak (CHI)    71 - 43
Andrew Su (VAN)    72 - 43
 
 
S74 - Beketov sims. Lahtinen dominates the league and scores a considerable amount more goals than any other player. Goal scoring lead comfortably, narrowly misses out on point lead.
 
Top 5 Points
Player Name    G-A-P
Patrik Tallinder (RIG)    53-74-127
Mikko Lahtinen (MOS)    61-62-123
Brock Louth (VAN)    53-58-111
Condor Adrienne (MAL)    28-82-110
Vladimir Pavlov (MOS)    20-88-108
 
Top 5 Goals
Player Name    GP-G
Mikko Lahtinen (MOS)    72 - 61
Brock Louth (VAN)    72 - 53
Patrik Tallinder (RIG)    72 - 53
Kyl Oferson (RIG)    72 - 47
Chris Hylands (MAL)    72 - 46
 
 
S73 - Devise sims. Non-factor season
 
Top 5 Points
Player Name    G-A-P
Sigard Gunnar (LAS)    60-59-119
Hunter Hearst Helmsley (WAR)    45-68-113
Jeff Downey (VAN)    32-74-106
Brock Louth (VAN)    46-59-105
Scott Greene (SEA)    30-75-105

Top 5 Goals
Player Name    GP-G
Sigard Gunnar (LAS)    72 - 60
Brock Louth (VAN)    72 - 46
Guy Lesieur (DCD)    72 - 46
Hunter Hearst Helmsley (WAR)    72 - 45
RJ Jubis (CGY)    72 - 45
 
 
S72 - Beketov sims. Lahtinen's 3rd VHL season, where one would expect a player is getting to a tpe-level where they can be effective and POSSIBLY HAVE A CHANCE of dominating the league... Beketov leading all goalscorers, only 4 less goals than HOFer Freeman, who I can only guess during this season was probably 500-800+ tpe ahead of Lahtinen.
 
Top 5 Points
Player Name    G-A-P
Condor Adrienne (MAL)    35-65-100
Jet Jaguar (DAV)    37-60-97
RJ Jubis (CGY)    38-55-93
Lewis Dawson (MAL)    36-57-93
Scott Greene (SEA)    32-61-93

Top 5 Goals
Player Name    GP-G
Julius Freeman (NYA)    73 - 45
Mikko Lahtinen (CGY)    72 - 41
Owen Nolan (NYA)    72 - 40
Jerry Garcia (DAV)    72 - 39
Ambrose Stark (SEA)    72 - 39
 
 
S71 - Devise sims. Lahtinen's sophmore season. 7 goals, 22 assists, 29 points. No sophmore is dominating the VHL, so S71 and S70 are basically irrelevant. Regardless, device simmed and Lahtinen was a non-factor.
 
S70 - Beketov sims. Lahtinen's rookie season. 6 goals, 14 assists, 20 points.  This is the only piece of statistical evidence that supports Beketov not rigging sims, but we are all familiar with VHL rookies not performing, and a VHL ROTY trophy having 0 barring on a HoF induction, and if I were manipulating my player's results, it's only logical to not have him lead the league every single season you sim.
 
S69 - Beketov has no player in the VHL and device sims.
 
 
 
Now, let's carry this statistical observation over to Beketov's last player, Matt Thompson.
 
 
S68 - Beketov sims for Thompson's final season of his career. League completely dominated once again. 10 goals more than any other player, and coincidentally enough 60 goals was needed for him to hit 400 career goals/points?  Amazing how things worked out just right for our best people.
 
Top 5 Points
Player Name    G-A-P
Matt Thompson (MAL)    60-62-122
Rauno Palo (RIG)    50-55-105
Ryan Sullivan Jr (MAL)    33-70-103
Jake Davis (DAV)    44-54-98
Julian Borwinn (HSK)    46-50-96

Top 5 Goals
Player Name    GP-G
Matt Thompson (MAL)    72 - 60
Rauno Palo (RIG)    73 - 50
Julian Borwinn (HSK)    72 - 46
Jake Davis (DAV)    72 - 44
Mikko Aaltonen (DCD)    72 - 40
 
 
S67 - Device sims. Matt Thompson has a good but not dominant season, leading nothing and winning nothing. 5 less goals than the leading goal scorer:
 
Top 5 Points
Player Name    G-A-P
Rauno Palo (VAN)    46-64-110
Podrick Cast (MOS)    46-58-104
Beau Louth (VAN)    40-58-98
Veran Dragomir (TOR)    48-49-97
Jake Davis (DAV)    41-48-89

Top 5 Goals
Player Name    GP-G
Veran Dragomir (TOR)    72 - 48
Podrick Cast (MOS)    72 - 46
Rauno Palo (VAN)    72 - 46
Matt Thompson (HSK)    72 - 43
Jake Davis (DAV)    72 - 41
 
 
S66 - Beketov sims. Matt Thompson wins goal scoring race.
 
Top 5 Points
Player Name    G-A-P
Julian Borwinn (HSK)    51-63-114
Jake Davis (VAN)    38-66-104
Matt Thompson (HSK)    51-50-101
Sebastian Ironside (CGY)    36-64-100
Edwin Preencarnacion (RIG)    43-54-97

Top 5 Goals
Player Name    GP-G
Matt Thompson (HSK)    72 - 51
Julian Borwinn (HSK)    72 - 51
Shane Mars (SEA)    72 - 46
Beau Louth (VAN)    72 - 45
Edwin Preencarnacion (RIG)    72 - 43
 
 
S65 - device sims. Matt Thompson 10 goals behind league leader. Not in top 5 points. This was Thompson's 5th season, aka final season before depreciation kicks in. 51 snipes, very respectable for a high-tpe player, but not dominating the league by any means.
 
Top 5 Points
Player Name    G-A-P
Oyorra Arroyo (TOR)    62-63-125
Veran Dragomir (SEA)    55-65-120
Sebastian Ironside (SEA)    43-66-109
Beau Louth (VAN)    53-53-106
Vyacheslav Smirnov (SEA)    46-60-106

Top 5 Goals
Player Name    GP-G
Oyorra Arroyo (TOR)    72 - 62
Veran Dragomir (SEA)    72 - 55
Beau Louth (VAN)    72 - 53
Matt Thompson (SEA)    72 - 52
Rylan Peace (DAV)    72 - 51
 
 
S64 - At this point it get's shaky as to who the simmer is, but I'm going to guess it was Beketov because Thompson dominates league. Leading points and goals.
 
Top 5 Points
Player Name    G-A-P
Matt Thompson (SEA)    56-54-110
Oyorra Arroyo (TOR)    56-53-109
Sebastian Ironside (TOR)    34-74-108
Robert Malenko (SEA)    21-85-106
Podrick Cast (RIG)    48-54-102

Top 5 Goals
Player Name    GP-G
Oyorra Arroyo (TOR)    72 - 56
Matt Thompson (SEA)    72 - 56
Podrick Cast (RIG)    72 - 48
Beau Louth (QUE)    72 - 45
Edwin Preencarnacion (RIG)    72 - 44
 
 
S63 - This is definitely where it gets wonky as to who is simming, between Draper, Bek, or Device.  Thompson performs and scores but doesn't lead the league in anything.
 
Top 5 Points
Player Name    G-A-P
Gabriel McAllister (SEA)    55-84-139
Sebastian Ironside (TOR)    56-59-115
Jasper Canmore (CGY)    40-75-115
Joseph Bassolino (RIG)    21-89-110
Podrick Cast (RIG)    50-56-106

Top 5 Goals
Player Name    GP-G
Sebastian Ironside (TOR)    72 - 56
Gabriel McAllister (SEA)    72 - 55
Matt Thompson (SEA)    72 - 51
Podrick Cast (RIG)    72 - 50
Keaton Louth (CGY)    72 - 45
 
 
S62 - Don't even get me started. I'm going to assume Beketov simmed this season but it's possible Will did. Either way, Thompson beasts tf out and scores 76 goals and 150 points in his sophmore season..... LOL.  2nd in point, 2nd in goals.... as a sophmore.
 
Top 5 Points
Player Name    G-A-P
Podrick Cast (RIG)    79-95-174
Matt Thompson (SEA)    76-74-150
Vyacheslav Smirnov (SEA)    63-86-149
Jasper Canmore (CGY)    46-96-142
Edwin Preencarnacion (RIG)    65-76-141

Top 5 Goals
Player Name    GP-G
Podrick Cast (RIG)    72 - 79
Matt Thompson (SEA)    72 - 76
Keaton Louth (CGY)    72 - 68
Edwin Preencarnacion (RIG)    72 - 65
Vyacheslav Smirnov (SEA)    72 - 63
 
 
S61 - Thompson rookie season. Doesn't look like he simmed, and therefore gets stomped out in rookie scoring.  Non-factor. 
 
 
 
 
=====================================================================================================================
 
 
 
There we have it. Almost two full seasons worth of what is, to a logical and unbiased viewer, a substantial amount of evidence that something is clearly being manipulated during Beketov's simming seasons.
 
We have plenty of very active/committed VHL members who earn tpe at the same pace as Beketov, have been in STHS sims for as long as Beketov, and have had very good seasons.... but the consistency of dominance is just too much to be ignored, especially when it's coming every second season when Beketov is simming. This cannot and should not be argued or ignored and despite being INTELLECTUAL EVIDENCE and not EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE, it should be more than enough that something should be done/changed, for peace of mind for the VHL community at the very least. 
 
The answer of "too bad." doesn't cut it anymore. 
 
 
 
 
 
Now I'm going to do a FAQ section for anyone who somehow has no problem, or is not at all skeptical after reading the above information.
 
 
1) How would Beketov be able to manipulate the sim, as a simmer, to allow his player to perform at such a higher standard than all other players?
Well, I don't really have much experience with STHS, but the clear and obvious answer is:
- Beketov loads the VHL sim. Sims the games. Looks at his player's performance, and decides if he likes it or not. 
If YES, sim results get published. 
If NO, STHS program is exited without saving, re-loaded from the initial "sim day point", and re-simmed.  Repeat process until result = YES.
 
This is just the most clear/obvious answer to how it can be manipulated, without talking about any potential sim setting/slider tampering. This means of "rigging" also supports the wide variances between Beketov's player and the rest of the VHL's players on his sim seasons where he's dominating. The non-beketov players don't have the luxury of potentially re-do'ing a bad sim.
 
 
2) Gorlab, you're clearly just a crybaby. Why do you ~ALWAYS~ accuse simmers of rigging?
 
Great question there, first-gen member who's been here for 6 seasons. This train-of-thought is far more meme-worthy than me complaining about rigging, because I've only ever accused two people of rigging sims; Beketov and Molholt.
 
Both of these accusations were made because of, what is in my opinion, a staggering amount of statistical evidence showing a wild degree of inconsistency when it came to their players performing during seasons where they were the simmer. If you look at the evidence presented in this article and think there is nothing questionable, well, I have significant doubts about your critical thinking ability and suggest you take some time to do some self-improvement in that area. 
 
 
3) Who cares? Even if he is rigging, this is a fake hockey sim league. The fact you just took 30 minutes to make this thread just shows you are a loser and taking things to seriously.
 
I mean, we have a community of hundreds of people, who make considerable effort to engage in this league/community on a daily basis. Whether it's through making graphics, compiling written media, doing podcasts, running fantasy drafts, streaming VHL/VHLM drafts, recruiting and mentoring new members, etc. If taking steps to ensure all of this work done by the community results in a FAIR and UNBIASED "result" (aka the sims themselves) is "hardo" or caring too much, well, I guess you're right about me. 
 
 
4) Beketov is a great member who's been on the VHL a long time and IMO would never do anything like this, to jeopardize the credibility of the league, just so his own imaginary player gets the most awards and success possible. 
 
I'd love to live in a world where this can actually be considered and taken at face value. Unfortunately, this is not reality. There are many examples of individuals abusing their power/status in an unfair manner to manipulate a league/community/group for their own benefit, regardless of what that benefit is. If this is the stance you're taking, in the face of what IMHO is a staggering amount of statistical evidence that does raise questions, well, I really hope you get to continue your blissfully ignorant existence, because the real world does not work this way. 
 
 
 
 
SOLUTIONS:
 
There are numerous, very simple solutions to the complaint/problem that I am bringing forth with this thread. Literally off-the-top of my head, there are two very simple and easy solutions which Beketov can take to defend himself against any accusation of cheating/manipulation. This isn't the first time I'm suggesting these solutions, I've suggested them many times in the past and been met with no cooperation.
 
Solution 1:  I've specifically asked Beketov to live sim his regular season sims, with Discord 2-factor authentication  (aka he shows the discord in the live sim, showing timestamped messages, or some interaction with literally any VHL member who's online, so we know the results of the sim are the ones that get published). This is an extra step to the simming process, and may incur a total of ~1 extra minute per SIM to execute. I understand it's an extra step, but it's a bulletproof way of assuring sims at least don't get re-simmed if performance isn't in the simmer's benefit.  My most recent suggestion of this solution received a reply of:

 
Yes, because we all see the strife and horror that Device goes through for his playoff live sims. Oh, the humanity of that extra 30-60 seconds to stream the sim to discord. I really should be permabanned on-site for suggesting such a cruel and unusual itinerary for our fearless commish and simmer. No, I should actually be put before a firing squad and killed for such a senseless ask.
 
 
Solution 2:  Simply remove Beketov as a simmer. Device has simmed the same amount of seasons in recent history as Beketov. He gets paid the same simmer tpe pay as Beketov. He's never dominated shit (like the majority of VHL players). Again, I've suggested this numerous times over the past ~16 seasons, and have gotten nowhere. Most recently, this was met with a swift negative response:

 
Yes, why do anything in the name of fairness, when it involves training someone on the very intense and robust process of clicking 4 times to do a STHS sim. It's not like the VHL has a community of dedicated members who would be able and willing to do their part to ensure fairness in the league. I will personally purchase an STHS license every season for whatever new simmer needs to be "TRAINED" to sim, so it will not negatively impact the VHL's budget in any way, pretending that's even a problem/concern we have with how the donation system works.
 
 
 
 
Thanks for taking the time to read my complaint. I'll see you in S78, when Beketov is once again simming. 

I contemplated writing this article and how I wanted to write it for a few weeks now. I’ve literally erased so many pieces from time to time, but I decided that the better side of me needs to flourish and not the negative/downside of me. That being said, this article is going to be long, it’s going to be very in-depth, and most importantly, it’s going to be about my gratitude for… a lot of people. So I suppose you guys can grab your popcorn, grab your tissues, and let’s just have a bit of fun!
 
So, to truly open this up, some backstory. Little me, baby Rockstar joined back in 2008, September 28th to be exact, so 12 years ago now. Back then I was an asshole, no other way to sugarcoat that one, I was very young, about 13 years old back then and very new to the sim league experience. I was a brat; I expected a lot and I probably got off on one of the worst starts I ever could. I made more enemies than I ever wanted to, and I had no excuses for how I was acting, I was just a douchey teenager. Fast forward a few years, still a brat, but my life kinda went in a spiral. A lot of people never really knew about my irl life going on because a) no one really asked and b) I was very closed off and not really talkative about a lot of things. I got into some fairly heavy drugs because my friends thought they were cool and of course as a naïve, rebellious teenager, I also wanted to be cool. It did a lot of harm to me mentally, physically and so on, and because of everything that transpired, I was even worse here. Some users probably noticed around S30-something or S40-something I disappeared from the league completely, like all gone, no traces, nothing. This is because of a few reasons. The first was that I lost my fiancé, not the one I am now married to, but one I was with that some people knew about. It was one of the most defeating times of my life, and I got really intense into some bad things, my life spiraled even more. Eventually I checked into rehab and made a huge stint there where I got clean, I got sober, and have been sober from all of my nightmare drugs, etc for a little while now. When I returned, I didn’t know how people would perceive me, a lot of people still held grudges, a lot of people still hated me, or still hate me, but thankfully some people were willing to let bygones be bygones and start anew.
 
The big question on everyone’s mind now is, why does all this matter? Well, because I’m still not perfect and I’ll be the first one to admit it. Have I been a saint or an angel since my return? Absolutely not. Have I gotten into hot water and opened my mouth too many times? Absolutely. Unfortunately, my mind is fucked up, there is no nice way to sugar coat it, I’ve been a lot better as of late, and have been much better than I usually was, but I still have my moments, and I accept that I’m not perfect by any sense of the word. What I want people to hopefully take from this, is that I do not mean any harm when I do what I do, and I never hold grudges, and I never want to be perceived poorly, though I know I am to some already, and for that I am very disappointed but I will live and move on from it.
 
Now, without further ado, before I give a frick ton of shoutouts, my overview of my 10 official seasons as GM, after a long hiatus. It’s not a pretty career, it’s not filled with tons of awards of cups, which I am also disappointed in myself for, but it’s been filled with tons of blessings, good times, amazing members and a community that I am forever grateful for. Let’s get it!
 
[B]SEASON ONE – S66[/b]
[b]REGULAR SEASON[/b]: 40-28-4 (84 points, 7th in the league)
[b]PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE[/b]: Quarter-Finals
[b]KEY CONTRIBUTORS (TOP 3)[/b]: Lincoln Tate (88 pts), Rhys Chism (85 pts), Edgar Tannahill (80 pts)
 
In our first ever season, the new expansion team was able to make the playoffs with a roster that was primarily built with waivers, some drafting, and some expansion draft picks. At this time, there was no set expectation, it was a brand-new team, something new to me that hadn’t been done in a few years, and I was just getting back into the swing of things. I had A LOT of amazing members to give credit to here, despite only showing the top 3 performers of each season, this team was stacked and full of amazing personalities.
 
[b]SEASON TWO – S67[/b]
[b]REGULAR SEASON[/b]: 26-38-8 (60 points, 7th in the league)
[b]PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE[/b]: Quarter-Finals
[b]KEY CONTRIBUTORS (TOP 3)[/b]: Milan Griffin (77 pts), Ryan Busser (64 pts) Alyksander Hunter (53 points)
 
Another playoff birth gives us back-to-back playoff attempts now, this one in terms of production was a little worse, despite still being 7th in the league, we finished significantly worse off with our record and as such, got eliminated early on, the same position we would be eliminated the season prior. It was a good run, with again a lot of amazing users and personalities, just did not get as deep as we would’ve hoped.
 
[b]SEASON THREE – S68[/b]
[b]REGULAR SEASON[/b]: 38-31-3 (79 points, 7th in the league)
[b]PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE[/b]: Quarter-Finals
[b]KEY CONTRIBUTORS (TOP 3)[/b]: Roadkill Steve (128 pts), Chad Gilbert (127 pts), Will Clarke (97 pts)
 
Anyone knowing a scary trend? No? Well, 3 seasons in a row now we finished 7th in the league, with 3 different point totals and varying records. We also always only make it to the quarter finals, tickle me cursed at this point. This was in my opinion one of the deepest rosters I had to this point, its only 3 short seasons but in saying that, some of the deepest rosters I had built to date and the point production from a lot of the guys on the team was super high. This was my biggest ‘disappointment’ feeling to this time, as I felt I had built an outstanding roster but just couldn’t finish.
 
[b]SEASON FOUR – 69 (nice)[/b]
[b]REGULAR SEASON[/b]: UKNOWN (index is corrupted)
[b]PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE[/b]: Quarter-Finals
[b]KEY CONTRIBUTORS (TOP 3)[/b]: UNKNOWN (index is corrupted)
 
So, I can’t speak much on a season I can’t really look back to. Clearly what I can tell based on the forum is that we made it into the playoffs, we again got eliminated in the quarter finals, and again, a likely disappointing season. The only takeaway here, is that we never didn’t compete…we were always a competitive team despite being an expansion team, we could’ve taken the low road and rebuilt for years and years but we never did, so I felt good that I was making it to the playoffs but for me personally, I was not satisfied with the results, always losing in the same spot…
 
[b]SEASON FIVE – S70[/b]
[b]REGULAR SEASON[/b]: 58-10-4 (120 points, 2nd in the league)
[b]PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE[/b]: Semi-Finals
[b]KEY CONTRIBUTORS (TOP 3)[/b]: Roque Davis (154 pts), Kyl Oferson (153 pts), Roadkill Steve (151 pts)
 
When I say I was sick to my stomach with this season, I mean it. This has to be the absolutely biggest slap in the face season, and STHS just literally knocked me down a few pegs here. After having our BEST season ever, our 5th consecutively competing, this should’ve been on our year. Minnesota was at the time, supposed to be our biggest hurdle, they were the top team in the league, and proved it when they won the cup, however it would be Ottawa to dismantle our dreams of winning it all. Kudos to Ottawa for a crazy series, but this one easily still hurts the most. We had an excellent core, amazing depth, this now became my ‘strongest’ team, and the performance shows.
 
[b]SEASON SIX – 71[/b]
[b]REGULAR SEASON[/b]: 42-28-4 (86 points, 6th in the league)
[b]PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE[/b]: Semi-Finals
[b]KEY CONTRIBUTORS (TOP 3)[/b]: Alex Bridges (135 pts), Nikita Kulikovich (126 pts), Ike Bennett (102 pts)
 
Heartbreak pt.2, sounds like an album cover but it’s just my life story as a GM. 6 seasons in a row that we have not missed the playoffs now, every single season was competitive and a grind right until the very end, this one was no different. Ottawa was the top dog this year, and we actually managed to beat Minnesota in a crazy series that we were the underdog in. We had a chance to finally beat the Lynx who crushed our dreams the season prior, but we did not get our revenge. Instead, they would go on to win a much-deserved cup, their season was strong through and through, and we would be left with another hole in my heart.
 
[b]SEASON SEVEN – S72[/b]
[b]REGULAR SEASON[/b]: 10-60-2 (22 points, 11th in the league)
[b]PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE[/b]: DNQ
[b]KEY CONTRIBUTORS (TOP 3)[/b]: Han Jae Kuk (34 pts), Roadkill Steve (30 pts), John Shally (30 pts)
 
After six seasons of competing, burning assets and throwing everything I could into the team, the lack of assets and waiver signings finally caught up with us here. For the first time in our existence, we did not make the playoffs and had our teams worst season record now in history. This was still an enjoyable season thankfully because I had some excellent guys in the LR, but I know it was beyond hard for them to deal with, and it was even hard for me to deal with. I always want to give my guys and girls 110%, and get them the best success we can, and I just was not able to deliver that this season, disappointing on my end for sure.
 
[b]SEASON EIGHT – S73[/b]
[b]REGULAR SEASON[/b]: 51-19-2 (104 points, 5th in the league)
[b]PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE[/b]: Semi-Finals
[b]KEY CONTRIBUTORS (TOP 3)[/b]: Pietro Angellini (125 pts), John Merrick (109 pts), Lucifer Olivier Leveque (101 pts)
 
San Diego doesn’t sleep long, let me tell you. With just one season of ‘failure’ under my belt, I was able to thankfully recoup enough assets and some great players to go on another big run. I was also quite thankful that I had recreated at this time and my player played a big part in this run with all of my carryover TPE and such, it really provided a much-needed boost for the core. Unfortunately, we were stopped once again in the semi’s, so close to that pivotal and honestly long desired championship, but it never happened. We’ve been close now so many times, but again it’s the connections I made with this team that I find special. I made a lot of amazing friends, met a lot of amazing people and they blessed me with an amazing season, I am forever grateful.
 
[b]SEASON NINE – S74[/b]
[b]REGULAR SEASON[/b]: 9-58-5 (23 points, 12th in the league)
[b]PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE[/b]: DNQ
[b]KEY CONTRIBUTORS (TOP 3)[/b]: Logan Hoffman (38 pts), Raphael Switzer (37pts), Cowboy Prout (34 pts)
 
For the second time in now 9 seasons, we had a losing season. If this season taught me anything, it’s to cherish every single moment. We did lose, and there is no excuse for that, but there was a lot of friendships and bonds made. This season was special to me for that very reason, and I chalk it up as a one-off, well I guess a two-off for our career statistics. But not too shabby for 9 seasons in the books if you ask me…
 
[b]SEASON TEN (CURRENT) – S75[/b]
[b]REGULAR SEASON[/b]: 7-6-0 (14 points, 7th in the league)
[b]PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE[/b]: TBD
[b]KEY CONTRIBUTORS (TOP 3)[/b]: Cowboy Prout (16 pts), Scotty Kaberle (16 pts), Red Lite (16 pts)
 
This is the current season and honestly, this league became super competitive and it shows. Despite having an insanely deep roster thanks to one of the best recruitments drives we’ve had in recent history, we’re just barely above .500% but our locker room is kicking and screaming every single day. There is so many players that make me proud to be a GM here and let me know that they are with me, willing to work with me, and most importantly, are in it for the long haul. I know I have a good group of guys here this year, and we’re not laying down without a fight.
 
[b]RECAP[/b]:
[b]TOTAL RECORD[/B]: 281-278-32 (Season 4 data is missing…)
[b]TOTAL PLAYOFF RECAP[/b]:
10 seasons, 7 playoff appearances, 1 TBD.
-        3x Semi Finals
-        4x Quarter Finals
-        - 0 Cups (yes, laugh it up…)
 
So, would I chalk up my GMing experience as a good one, or a bad one? Would I call myself a success story, or a failure? Well, it depends what criteria you would use to determine such a feat. If we define success based on cups, then I’ve failed, and I admit it’s been haunting me for seasons now. I’ve been determined, I’ve been active, I’ve been engaged, I’ve been driving myself mental, but alas, no cups have come to San Diego. If we look at playoff berths however, can we call San Diego successful? Maybe, maybe not. We’ve been to the playoffs more than we haven’t, but again those berths have not amounted to a cup, we’ve also got a winning record in the regular season, mainly because of all those playoff berths.
 
On the flip side of it all, however, if we talk about locker room activity, member retainment, connections being made, players just being here because of San Diego, then I would call myself pretty successful. When I look around the league and see so many usernames still around, whether it be pre-existing members who stuck it out or new members on their second players (yes, I’m old, old enough that my young players are now 2nd gen players, ie Phil & Tate & Danger, etc). I don’t label my GM success on any one thing, I don’t label my GM failure on any one thing. At the end of the day, I feel blessed that season after season, players are honored to call me their GM, I feel blessed that I am constantly surrounded by people who want to be around me, who feel joy being a part of the team, who have memories from 6-7 seasons ago that they are still fond of, and most importantly, I feel blessed that I can always know, my environment in San Diego has been, and will always be, a safe, special, fun, exciting and judgement free space.
 
Now that the team stuff is out of the way, a very lengthy thank you to many, many people. Since my return, I have met a lot of people, I have reconnected with others, and most importantly, I’ve gained true friends. This list could be a mile and a half long, even with the enemies I may speak to as well, or the people who may not like me, I feel like it’s time to put some closure on a lot of bullshit, and lay it all to rest. Without further ado, my wall of thank you/happy texts!
 
@BladeMaiden - We had a lot of fights, a lot. We butt heads more than likely a lot of people around here, but before we began bickering and before all the crap went down, you were the very first person to introduce me to the league again, and vouch for me when being considered for my GM job. You didn't know me, you didn't need to know me, but were welcoming and honoring, we finally put bygones in the past, and really hashed it out over a very lengthy conversation just a few short months ago, and it feels good to know the person who was there for me since day one, is back on the good side, and I am not on their bad side, so thank you for that. 
 
@Banackock - You, along with D_A gave me a bit of purpose back here, I can't thank you enough for having faith in me to come back and take another GM position after years away and a lot of bad experiences in the past. Not only did you kind of help me when I needed it, but you became a great friend, and someone I trusted with a lot. We didn't talk super often, but often enough that we could shoot the shit and it didn't just feel like you were the 'boss' of the league, I really respect you, and appreciate what you did for me to give me the job, and now taking me in, in Seattle. I look forward to a lengthy run with you. 
 
@diamond_ace  - Where there is one commissioner, there is two. You and I go way back, to the point that you actually helped me learn the ropes of GMing way back when, when the Lynx were known as the Ice Dogs and the GMing was very fresh for possibly the both of us. You were the one that really got me hooked on the league, and helped me find my footing for all my reigns as GM. I know you played a big part as well in getting me back into a GM spot, and I'm forever grateful for the second chance, I hope I've been deserving ever since. 
 
@Beaviss - Vancouver is a place I called home since I was drafted there, and you were the very big reason that I enjoyed it as much as I did. You were an engaging GM who really kept things light in the LR and really kept people there because they WANTED to be there. You have been nothing but accepting of me, and have been there whenever I needed ya, for little or big things, so thank you very much for having an open door policy and thank you for such an amazing experience in Vancouver, the experience will be unmatched. 
 
@Josh - Yeah, you hate being pinged, suck it! You took me in as an AGM before I got the opportunity to become a GM of my own, and in all seriousness I feel like that experience in Yukon is what truly lead me to wanting to be a GM. Without having experienced that time in Yukon I do not think I would be half the GM I am today, I do not think I would be half the person I am in these leagues, so I really respect what you did there and achieved, and I appreciate the guidance. 
 
@MexicanCow123 - My first ever AGM, it's sad to say how long ago it actually was. Having you in San Diego made the time fly, and it was super enjoyable. You've made some hiccups along the way as GM, but I feel encouraged to see where you've come in such a short period of time. You brought a lot of positivity, fun and experience to the locker room every single season you were with me, and we bonded a lot, I'm very proud of you, and keep doing an amazing job ❤️ 
 
@Viperxhawks19 - My other AGM buddy, I was very depressed when you decided to leave in all honesty, no BS. After having lost Mex, and then I lost Alex due to school, you stepping down really sucked. You were so helpful and just there whenever you were needed, or even if you just felt like being around, you were a great presence for the team, and very active and engaging with the locker room and the players. They appreciated you, and so did I. 
 
@Alex Bridges - You are, and will always be a little shit for leaving me, but I'll forgive you eventually   All jokes aside, it was unfortunate to lose you as soon as we did, but it didn't go without its good times. You helped the team along as much as you could and proved you were willing and able to be a great AGM. You had everything in the making to be successful if school wasn't putting so much weight on you, I think we would've continued to be a great team. 
 
@IamMOOSE - How can I leave out my current AGM? You bring back flashbacks of Mex if I am honest, when it comes to how involved you love to be and how active you are, and how engaged you are in the locker room. You're that bright light that the team was missing without a consistent AGM and you've done a lot of good for the team. Your scouting helped us build one hell of a team this year, and you nailed it. I am very blessed and proud to call you my partner in crime. 
 
@Sonnet - You're gone now (unless you came back when I wasn't paying attention) and I can't say we had the greatest relationship. To say I pissed you off is an understatement, but hopefully you can forgive me for it, I swear it was not against you personally, I'm just a stubborn ass person with a thick skull and too much time on my hands lol. That being said, my time as GM is not complete without having you as commissioner for a short period of time, and you did some good in the M, that wouldn't have been done without you in power, so thank you for being a part of the journey. 
 
@Rayzor_7 - When it comes to friendships, I'd say I found a pretty good one in you. We don't talk 24/7, its not really that kind of friendship, but we both talk when we need to, get along really well, and now you're on the team with your player so that's really fun. You are always around if I need to vent or just get something out in the air, and I feel like I do that for you too, so there is that as well. I do want to thank you for your friendship, it's an amazing one, wouldn't trade it for the world. 
 
@Ricer13 - I didn't really know you too much until you got hired to be GM, we hadn't talked that much up until that point, but I feel like we both think scarily alike, and its kind of brought that bond on at the GMing level that I've thoroughly enjoyed having. You are an excellent GM and a very great LR guy, you really know how to keep guys engaged and active and I respect the hell out of that. Keep being an excellent GM, you've done great things already and the sky is the limit! 
 
@Spartan - Another GM I've grown mad respect for, over the seasons now. You are constantly a fighter, a warrior and someone pushing and striving for greatness. There isn't a season that you want to fail (really, do we ever want to?) and you are always ensuring to the best of your ability that failure is not an option. Las Vegas has had some inconsistencies with GM's over the time now but I am glad they finally settled with you, one hell of a GM. 
 
@Doomsday - I had the pleasure of having you on my team as a player, one of, if not THE best Marlins two-way forward I have ever had the pleasure of having on my team, and if not one of the best in the minor leagues as well. You turned into an amazing user, and now an amazing GM. You clearly work your ass off, and it shows a lot, you should be and I am sure very proud of your accomplishments as GM in your short tenure, keep up the excellent work, I am very proud and happy to see you succeed here. 
 
@ColeMrtz - Still mad about the Yukon loss, but nevertheless it can't be held over your head forever (or can it? lol). I am really happy you got chosen to pickup Mississauga tbh, you're a great user and you have a good head on your shoulders. I think with some time the Hounds will be as great as they were in the hands of our boy Gus, one of the best GMs in history. You have some shoes to fill, but so far so good, keep up the good work with the team. 
 
@Hylands - Honestly, we haven't talked all that much outside of the VHLM GM chat, however I do have to say I think they made an excellent call with hiring you as GM. While we've never had too many run-ins together, you make a fine choice for GM and I'm sure you'll have a lengthy career at the helm, just don't smuggle too much of your own product over the border, okay? Need to keep you on this side of the line, not the other...ha. 
 
@DoktorFunk - Another GM I haven't had a ton of personal interactions with, most of which come in the VHLM GM chat as well, but nevertheless I can see the good you're doing in Ottawa and that is not hard to find. You are without a doubt an excellent GM, you do what needs to get done, I hear a lot of your players rave about you over the time, and winning a cup is no feat to laugh at. Keep doing you, and keep making Ottawa great! 
 
@Dil - You are, and will forever be a little shit, and you know it lol. You like to push buttons, but at the same time, you're a very smart kid. I think you're gonna go far, but I think you have some lessons to learn and some things that could be done differently, but its not my place to tell you how to GM haha. Either way, I envy your drive and I envy your abilities, I think you're gonna go places and really hit it big when Halifax comes to fruition, its just a matter of time for you to find that success. 
 
@DMaximus - A similar boat to some of the other GM's, our talks are mostly transactional, or in the GM chat, there isn't a lot of personal talks but that's absolutely okay. I feel like we've got a mutual respect for one another (maybe we don't and I'm just in my own little world lol) and we work well together when needed. Philly is lucky to have you at the helm, and I wish you, and Philly nothing but success and a good time! 
 
@a_Ferk - I think you're the only AGM I associate with outside of the GM chat lol, so you make the list! I respect the hell out of you and I was super impressed when Doom hired you. You've done an excellent job by his side and really helped put Saskatoon on the map as a threat. There is no doubts in my mind that one day you will be a GM in your own right, you have all of the characteristics to be one, and you're gonna make it big. 
 
@Tate - You single handedly go down as one of my favorite members I've ever had the pleasure of having on my team. You had such a successful career and I am honored to have been a part of it. You somehow landed on the team twice which makes it even more amazing, and you are a great user. I really have nothing but good things to say about you, and I can hope that you continue to be apart of the adventure one way or another. 
 
@DangerGolding - Another guy I've known for a while in multiple league, I also have had the pleasure of watching you with two players and having both of them on my team. You are also another member that I've gotten a long with very well and have had some good chats with. You're a dedicated user who really enjoys himself and helps others enjoy the league in return. Never, ever change, you were and still are a great experience in the league and on the Marlins. 
 
@Phil - 1/2 of the Knight bros (where tf is your brother man, been too long!) and a favorite of mine. When I seen you were available this draft as the picks continued to pour in, I was astonished, but also very happy. It was a no brainer to bring you back to the team after Marleau found success on the team your first time around. You bring a good vibe to the team and its always a blast having you in the LR, talk more though, we need that Phil energy!! 
 
@Cowboy - How do I write up a speech thingy and not include you? Such a short tenured player but yet have made such an impact. If there is a freaking gold star award for most active, engaged and willingness to learn, it goes to you. You have impressed me immensely, you are so attentive and your need for education on things is above and beyond. You surely keep me busy, and I love it haha. You've been a very welcomed edition to the team, and we're very proud to have you leading the pack! 
 
@fromtheinside - Another welcomed short tenured member who has made a huge impact early on, even nabbing himself an AGM job because of the impact you've made. You are just like Cowboy, a quick learner, someone who WANTS to learn, someone who WANTS to be a part of the league and someone who just enjoys the hell out of being here. Just like Cowboy, you were a no brainer to bring onto the team, your presence in the LR alone has been worth it, and your production and time has made it even more worth it. You will make one hell of a GM one day. 
 
There is a billion people I am sure I could write-up here, some I know I am missing but my mind is going numb trying to find every single person that I can possibly think of to thank for the experience I've had here. There is however one more person that I want to mention,
 
@Tape-to-Tape - Thank you for putting up with me and honestly, making me open my eyes. While I still have no clue if you're an alias, or if I know you from elsewhere personally, you really made me shed some light on who I am, reflect on myself and change for the better. I appreciate you being honest, and the way I handled your situation was horrible, a very low point for my GMing career, but I am actually glad it happened, because I now know it'll never happen again, because you took the time to put me in my place and show me how I was doing things the wrong way. If you still hate me, all the power to you, I'd hate me too, but hopefully you can learn to forgive and forget, I hold no hard feelings either way. 
 
And yeah, that's me in a nutshell. Thanks for reading ❤️ 

I support this because the average TPE from predictions is almost always better than what I usually get.

You realize he's not talking about his own perspective, but about the perspective of someone who might have voted for Trump?
 
And he's right, IMO - especially white non-urban voters.

That's a fair point. In 2016 I voted for Clinton, I really just didn't want Trump to win. I was under the impression that Trump winning would lead to the end of the world and that WWIII would occur. Like you, though, nothing negative has happened to me over the last 4 years. However, I'm one of those tedious "centrists" who see value in both parties and particular policies. 

I decided for this election that I wanted to have my displeasure with the bi-partisan circus voiced with my vote, so I went with Jo Jorgenson. Not that I thought she would win, but because I wanted to have it be known that I, among many others, are tired of only have 2 options. 

Now, there are some who would say that I threw away my vote, or they say, "If you vote 3rd party that's a vote for [insert name of opposing politician]." But, that's what has led us into this mess we are currently in. Limiting people's voices because you don't like them is anti-American.

A professor of mine once said something to the effect of "I hate everything about conservatism, but I understand it as a political need and I can see why people are drawn to it."
 
For a lot of people it comes down to what the deal is in their life in particular. I personally haven't been negatively affected by anything that's happened under Trump. I'm talking about myself and only myself. If I voted based on that alone, sure, I might end up voting for Trump. It's sticking with what I know hasn't negatively affected me in particular. Every president has a different economic plan, too, so people who were given jobs or who have seen their job field do better under Trump would actually be able to point to something that's directly affected their life in a positive way.
 
I personally didn't vote for Trump because I don't like him overall and I think that for the people as a whole, he's done a lot of harm. But, I can understand why someone might like him and think he's done a good job, based on how their own life in particular has or has not changed over the past four years. I hope that's at least a fair perspective.

I'd love to throw my name into the hat. I've been a VHLM AGM and GM, 2X-WJC Commissioner and General Manager as well as a World Cup Commissioner and General Manager. I've also been apart of the recruitment team in multiple ways. I'm currently the AGM of DC as well so I feel like I have plenty of league experience that would be brought into the role. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out
 
Thank you for the opportunity!

@Scottie Jr. Has been permanently banned from Discord and the Forums for racist remarks on Discord. 

@a_Ferk has also been banned for 5 seconds
 
reason: wants @tfong to create a file on him

Another tournament down!
 
 
I wanted to thank @Josh for simming  and @rjfrymanfor helping with being a commissioner. As well as all the GM's @Banackock, @Plate, @Z16, @dlamb and @rory
 
So now the awards!
 
S73 World Juniors Award Show
Medal Winners

USA
 
Europe
 

World
 
 
This season we're going to do something different. There were a lot of great players this season so we're going with an all star team 1 and team 2.
 
WJC All-Team 1
F-  The Terrible Trivium - @der meister
F- Jeffrey Pines - @rory
F - Alec Volchenkov - @SirRupertBarnes
D - Chance Rust - @turkey2349
D - Bo Burrows - @Walter Fizz
G - Ajay Krishna - @Hooperorama
 
WJC All-Team 2
F - Patrik Laine - @PatrikLaine
F - Gary Neal - @LittleRiDog
F - Marshall James Frostbeard - @FrostBeard
D - Jiggly Gumballs - @JigglyGumballs
D - Kosmo Kramerev - @Mongoose87
G - Nils Friedriksen - @Biggreen10
 
Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to all who participated in this tournament. The WJC is a great place for new members to gain experience and learn how the league is run. I had a blast running this years tournament and here is looking to next seasons!

So first of all, congrats to USA for winning gold and congrats to Europe with their silver. Everyone in this tournament did great and we all are winners. Yes even Asia. Anyways, so how has the WJC been to our pal Jiggly Gumballs? What was his experience like being captain? What did he feel when they won bronze? What was his experience after it especially with the VHLM?? Well be patient you fucks I'm getting to it. (PS: This may be a bit of a long one)
 
 
Part 1: The Captain??
 
       So before we flew into London for the WJC, we had to wait for the team rosters to be announced. At the time, I was still in Ottawa since I still have the VHLM to deal with. My point production has been consistent and I was just making strides and making myself the best I can be. So here I was in my apartment, just waiting for the letter or email, or anything really. I was hoping I'd play for Canada. It's my home country and I'm literally playing in my country's capital in with the Lynx. Plus it was like a dream helping Canada get gold in hockey. I imagined the like, pride you get winning gold in Canada's sport. Standing tall, true north strong and free. I knew I was eligible and I honestly was hoping I would at least be able to play for Canada. So again, since it was nearing the WJC and I knew I was eligible, I was sorta anxious for that little note saying I've been selected to play in the WJC. I waited and waited, and then it came. Though not in the way I thought it'd be. I checked my email and there it was. I have been selected to play in the World Junior Championship for Team World. At first I was confused. Did I read that right? Team World? As it turns out, I wasn't selected for Canada. Instead I was given a chance with Team World. A team where anyone and everyone who is eligible cam play in. Soon enough, Canada's roster was made public and yep, I wasn't selected. As I looked at the roster, I realized how high the talent was in that defensive core. Players like Riley Knight Gee and James Rose, both former teammates are current friends, then guys like Matty Socks who's doing really well in Miami. I realized that there wouldn't be room for someone like me. It was a bit disappointing yeah, but I was a bit more glad that I was selected for World. So I packed all my things and left for London.
 
      So I flew into London before the WJC to meet up with the team and their GM, Plate. I then settled myself in the hotel, incidentally becoming roommates with Doug Dimmadome, owner of the Dimmsdale Dimmadome. Then we had the first few team meetings and practices before the tournament. It was at this time when the captaincies were announced. Apparently, the team had so much faith in me to the point where I'd be named captain for Team World. Excuse me what? This was my first time in the WJC, and I was expecting to be in Canada's LR when I ended up with World as leftovers. Now I'm the fucking captain? My first reaction to it was genuine surprise. I didn't expect to be in this position. I thought I was just gonna contribute to what I can while I follow someone more experienced as they lead the team. Yet here I was announced as the leader of Team World. It was at that moment when I fully embraced myself as a member of World. During that time I was still kinda disappointed for not being selected for Canada. Sure it was great that I get to play in Team World, but I would've preferred to be in Canada, my home country. However, after being named captain. I decided to flung myself into becoming World's leader. Ever since I was selected for World, I already had a couple of pranks planned. So why not do one of those pranks as my first act? I wanted to send a message. I am ready and driven to win gold for World. So that's the reason why I did the Globe prank. It was directed not only at my opponents, but to my team as well. I'm the captain here. I am Mr. Worldwide, and I'm ready to help lead the team to glory.
 
Part 2: Round Robin
 
    As the first game of the tourney, we were up against Team Europe, a pretty stacked team statistically, and in my mind, I could feel the pressure on me. People from all over the world are gonna be watching us. The "C" on my chest was already affecting me. I was suddenly nervous. Anxious even. It was my job as captain to act as a leader. The whole globe prank didn't help as that gave me  even more pressure towards the opposing players now. I wasn't like myself. I was a lot more serious and I didn't even bother to unscrew any bottle caps or tape skates. The first game of the round robin went and gone, and It was safe to say we got our asses beat. During the game, I felt a bit more comfortable and was getting used to the tourney but I was still not myself. Then the second game went by and another loss. I remember when it was post game and the coach had just finished his debriefing. I was supposed to say some words in order to motivate my team for next game. The problem was, I didn't know what to say. I was even questioning my legitimacy as captain. So all I did was tell the boys that we'll get them next game. I tried playing it cool in any sort of interview with the press. Yet I know my words were empty. The pressure was getting on me. The constant feeling of needing to succeed, needing to be a leader. The pressure to satisfy my teammates, the GM, the fans, everyone. It was suffocating. I would often stay up later than others and I would just think what I was doing wrong or what was I doing right. I had two points in the second game of the tourney and it was a close game that lead to OT, but I still felt like I wasn't performing. Then the third game against Asia came. It was different than the other two. I felt better, felt like I was doing better, and during second intermission, the coach was giving us a briefing. He emphasized that it doesn't matter if we win or lose, it was all about fun. Then realization struck me. This shit was about fun! I was actually having fun this game. That's why I was feeling better in this game. Sure it sounds fucking cheesy but why would you play the sport you love without having fun? I felt so stupid thinking that I was some sort of Captain Serious. With the third period starting soon, I took a deep breath and then came out of tunnel. Ready to have some fun.
 
   We ended up losing that game against Asia, and we only had a few more before the medal round. Things weren't looking too good, but I wasn't worried. Not anymore. For once I was motivated to just enjoy myself and win this shit in the process. What proceeded next was a completed 180. We started to dominate with guys like The Terrible Trivium, Gary Neal, Bo Burrows. That included with the roster shake up got us rolling to second in the round robin standings. As for me? Well I contributed 8 points in 8 games with 2 goals and 6 assists and a +3 in terms of +/-. I was finally playing my game and I did what I'm supposed to do as leader by just being myself. Confidence was high and now I was ready to for the medal rounds. That is what matters most as that's where gold lays.
 
Part 3: Bronze is Really Just Gold
 
     The medal rounds were now upon us and we were feeling pretty good. Our opponent was the US and whoever wins gets to go for gold. The game was close, and it was really competitive. Both teams knew that gold was on the horizon and only the goddess of victory knows which team will get that chance to grab it all. Well apparently the "goddess" of victory was just a bitch as we slipped away in the third and was promptly defeated. Hope was not lost though as we still had a chance for bronze. A nice consolation for our efforts. Of course we would still need to fight for it though. Our game came first so we had to wait for our bronze medal opponent as the US waited for their opponent for gold. Seems like fate is also a bitch as Canada ended up becoming our opponent for bronze. At that point, I was stoked. I was going against the very team that didn't select me for the WJC. The one team who left me to the hands of World, and now I have a chance to steal a medal from them.
 
   Soon enough it was game time. The objective was simple, play our best hockey and fuck over Canada in the process. The first period had us take a two goal lead. The second had Canada cut the lead in half. Though it was already too late. Momentum was already going in our favor as we bring back the two goal lead. The final goal in the third sealed our fate. We had fucking won. I'm pretty sure the team would've liked it more if we won gold. However to me, this was just as good as gold. Imagine this, Canada didn't even get a medal as they lose in the bronze medal game against the team that went 0-3 in the beginning of the round robin. That same team also had a FUCKING CANADIAN as a captain. I'm not saying that Canada would've been more successful with me, but I'm just emphasizing how much of an insult it would be to lose out to a team lead by a Canadian when you're Team Canada. And I basked in all of that glory. Maybe the goddess of victory isn't so much of a bitch after all.
 
Part 4: Post WJC
 
   So back in the VHLM, things aren't doing too great for me. I've been in a bit of a point slump recently but it isn't too much of a worry. I must still be a bit tired from the WJC. Apart from that, things have been going swell. Heck, if I ever were to come back to the WJC next season, I want to come back to Team World. I've had a bunch of ups and downs but I really enjoyed being with World. Though by that time, I don't think Canada would actually risk letting me leave to World a second time. So hopefully by then, I think it'll be nice to lead a team from a different perspective. It would be interesting to see myself playing for my country hopefully next season. Hope the people back home don't hate me like they do now though. I've heard shit like "Jiggs betrayed his country" and all of that bullshit. All I could say is that anything goes in the game of hockey. I can't back down from my team for the sake of my country when the World's fate is on me and my team. So to all those who say I betrayed my country, I'm glad I had the chance to in the first place.
 
(1984 Words)
 
 

Thank You 
Thank you to the WJC in allowing these prospects a chance in representing, not just their countries, but the unity of earth on the international stage. The troubling times we face in the real world today encourage us to stand side by side. Whether it be our friends in the locker room, the fierce competition on the ice, or management and coaching staff, I want to wish you all good luck on your campaigns.
 
Special thank you to Zetterberg, the Team World AGM and former two time Team World GM, for helping me get the groove of things. He's been a huge help to preparing for this years WJC. 
 
Let's move on to your S73 Team World roster!
 

 
 
Team World Roster
Forwards
Gary Neal
The Terrible Trivium
Remy Moreau
Brian Strong Jr.
Jared Willis
Rocket
Lexi Glass
Jeff Odinson
Isabella Campbell
 
Defensemen
Ziarie Angigbogu
Bo Burrows
Bobby Wyman
Jiggly Gumballs
 
Goalies
Grekkark Gyrfalcon
Doug Dimmadome
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Each of you will get a link to the discord. 
 
Mentions
 

Hello there,
 
As of today, claims made under the James Platts Welfare Program or VHL Pension Plan can be automatically claimed on the Portal in a similar fashion to Practice Facility. These claims are not required to be approved by updater's and TPE will be awarded immediately. 
 
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Full claiming instructions and eligibility requirements can be found here.
 
At this time, there is no changes to the monthly Affiliate Check program and those will continue to require posting in a monthly thread.
 
Obligatory  @Members  (don't hate me) 

VHL SEASON 73 MOCK DRAFT
Written by Christopher Miller
 
With the Season 73 VHL Entry Draft approaching, I have decided to delay my next Historical Battle article for another week.  This seemed like the perfect opportunity to drop my final Mock Draft for the rest of the Victory Hockey League.
 
I do want to make it clear that despite now being the Assistant General Manager for the Malmo Nighthawks, none of my opinions come from any specific knowledge despite my own institution.  No draft strategy has been discussed as of now with Frostbeard and therefore, this is a draft from a completely blind perspective despite public knowledge.
 
Since the Expansion Teams are now properly slotted in, along with their compensation picks, this seemed like the best time to release my three round mock.  Get ready to see fifty-two predictions on where these players may fall in line come draft night.  Please keep in mind that the TPE totals may not fully reflect your current number in the portal since this article has taken a couple of days to complete.
 
**Please note that "AVG" is determined by taking the average amount of Capped TPE earned in the weeks ending June 21st, June 28th, July 5th and July 12th.  Each stat can be a maximum of 12.0"
 
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FIRST ROUND
 

1. DC Dragons: LW/C - Groovy Dood (Minnesota, 234 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @bigAL
NHL Comparable - Sean Couturier
 
Groovy Dude is certainly not the best player available, but I do feel that DC is going to be looking at a forward with this pick.  Ultimately, this could very easily end up being someone like Jeffrey Pines, but I do believe that Dude’s agency has really made quite the impression on the league.  Enorama sees one of the most active members in the league on and off the boards, and with the professional personality he has shown thus far, Dude seems to be the type that not only will be a great locker room presence, but may also be as loyal as they come.  Dude’s VHLM totals this year don’t jump off the page or anything, but consideration does have to be made that he transitioned from a winger to a center and was playing lower in the lineup due to the talent that was in Minnesota.  Ultimately, Groovy would finish with 57 points and 88 hits in 72 games, but it was the improvement he made over the course of the season that has gotten so much attention.  Ultimately, Groovy Dude will not be the best player in the draft next season, but in six or seven seasons I could see him being one of the best as he has some of the best raw potential in this draft class.


2. Malmo Nighthawks: D - Tyler Walker (Saskatoon, 319 TPE, 11.0 AVG) @Advantage
NHL Comparable - Alex Pietrangelo
 
Tyler Walker could make an argument for the best player in this draft class (assuming we aren’t counting Frostbeard who will be forced to go later).  Unlike Dude, Walker should be able to make an immediate impact in the VHL and was utterly dominant in the VHLM this season.  With 115 points, 60 hits and 101 blocked shots in 72 games, Walker showcased his incredible skills against the VHLM best all season.  Playing on the eventual Founders Cup Champions, Walker played a pivotal role in the regular season and playoff success of the team.  He would lead the league in assists and led all defensemen in points while being the steadying presence on arguably the best blueline in the VHLM.  Walker also would record 19 points in 18 games (including 7 goals) to go along with 36 hits and 28 blocked shots, during the playoffs.  As the season went on, Walker started to play more physical which has made scouts salivate given the already incredible skating and two-way play that the Canadian defender possesses.  With connections in Malmo due to his agency, this one seems like a sure-bet if DC lets him slip past the first overall pick.


3. Vancouver Wolves: D - Micah Adrienne (Las Vegas, 304 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @Poptart
NHL Comparable - Ryan McDonagh
 
Vancouver is in a pretty good position with the third overall pick.  While they will watch Walker go to Malmo, they have to be pretty excited to pick up a defender that matches up pretty well next to him.  While Micah Adrienne and Tyler Walker are very different defensemen, it is Adrienne that many feel may be the most ready defensively in this draft class.  The pure shutdown defender recorded 72 points, 250 hits and 104 blocked shots in 72 games this season.  His offensive performance was actually pretty impressive for the Aces this season, but it was his defensive showings that have vaulted him up to this position.  One GM I talked to had this to say: “We have him higher than Walker in this draft.  I think he fits better with our team as he is an absolute savage defensively and I love his instincts physically.  You need to keep your head up going through the neutral zone, and that is such an intimidating factor that people don’t realize.”  Adrienne comes from a reliable agency that produced former star goaltender, Finn Davison, but it is Micah that seems to be getting even more hype.  The battle between him and Walker going forward will be interesting, but Vancouver just has to be happy to nab one of them.


4. Seattle Bears (via Prague): G - Jacob Tonn (Mississauga, 310 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @MexicanCow123
NHL Comparable - John Gibson
 
Prague was ultimately likely to trade this pick as they don’t really need defenders or goaltenders and while someone like Pines would help them, there are a lot of quality forwards later on.  Therefore, they traded this pick to Seattle to pick up a couple extra picks down the draft.  Seattle has to be looking for a goaltender here to replace soon-to-be-retired Rayz Funk.  Jacob Tonn has the third most TPE in this draft and is narrowly behind Walker, but as we know, goalies sometimes have to wait a bit longer.  Thankfully for Tonn, Seattle springs to action and trades up to nab the BPA and their future star goaltender.  Tonn recorded 45 wins this year to go along with a .893 SV% and 2.84 GAA, which is decent but not spectacular.  One scout we talked to had this to say on his potential: “We like Tonn a lot.  We have him second on our goalie rankings, due to his size, but I can understand why some would have him first.  He really is a very well rounded goaltender, but I was a bit disappointed at times with his showing this year.  My biggest question for me is his size as he is perhaps the smallest netminder we have ever seen get drafted into the VHL.  His talent is there but I do have concerns there.  Hopefully he proves me wrong.”


5. Toronto Legion: LW - Jeffrey Pines (Mexico City, 268 TPE, 11.5 AVG) @rory
NHL Comparable - Teuvo Teravainen
 
“Thank you very much”, should be the words that Peace uses after seeing Pines fall to five.  The best forward in the draft (not including Frostbeard) ends up being the second one taken, and honestly this is mainly due to the presence that bigAL has shown in the league thus far.  This is a pretty easy pick for Toronto who doesn’t need a goaltender, and while they could look to someone like Glade III, Stansson or Kramerev at defense, I think you just take the best player available here and with it being on-paper the best forward that was available to be drafted by teams that are not Malmo, you have to chalk this up as a huge win.  Pines has shown to be a big personality already in the VHLM but he had the performance to back it up, recording 91 points and 107 hits in 72 games.  Pines is a pass-first winger that plays a responsible two-way game, but he still managed to score thirty-six goals this season, so the scoring potential is definitely there.


6. Malmo Nighthawks (via Davos): G - Grekkark Gyrfalcon (Saskatoon, 269 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @Sharkstrong
NHL Comparable - Connor Hellebuyck
 
I am not really sure Malmo was looking at Tonn over Gyrfalcon due to their Assistant GM’s familiarity with the Wild goaltender, but Seattle taking him certainly made this pick a whole lot easier.  Gyrfalcon is absolutely the polar opposite of Tonn, standing 6”8 and weighing 230 lbs.  He was a brick wall for Saskatoon this year, propelling them to 37 wins, a 2.33 GAA and a .898 SV%.  While Tonn has been getting a lot of the press as the top netminder, Gyrfalcon has slowly come along and put himself right in that conversation as well.  One scout glowed about Gyrfalcon by saying: “He reminds me a lot of both Brick Wahl’s that played in the VHL.  Both were massive goaltenders who had great hand speed and reaction time, and were really huge in key moments.”  Gyrfalcon finished the playoffs with a 12-4-2 record, 2.95 GAA and a .890 SV% but really stepped it up for Saskatoon’s wins in the finals.


7. Chicago Phoenix: G - Jean Pierre Camus (Yukon, 256 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @solas
NHL Comparable - Ben Bishop
 
This seems like a pretty easy selection for Chicago.  Having that first pick for Expansion teams seems like an easy attempt to get that franchise goaltender, and with Jean Pierre Camus on the board, this might be the biggest lock in the draft.  Camus sits as the third best goaltender in the draft, but is neck and neck with Gyrfalcon, and not that far behind Tonn either.  JPC played admirably for a mediocre Yukon team, recording a .906 save percentage despite having a 3.79 GAA and just 21 wins.  Yes, he had the best save percentage of any of the top three netminders in this draft.  Camus, like Gyrfalcon, is a massive 6”8 goalie with a pretty well-rounded skill set that should serve him well in the VHL.  Coming from a pretty well known agency, I can’t see Chicago passing up the opportunity to get their franchise goaltender at this pick.


8. Los Angeles Stars: C - John Merrick (Mexico City, 234 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @Steve
NHL Comparable - William Karlsson
 
With a few solid goaltenders likely to get to the Expansion teams’ compensation picks, I see the run on goalies ending here.  Los Angeles can look to pick up a center to play with the likes of Markus Nygren, Gary Neal and potentially even Sigard Gunner.  Merrick is a two-way scoring center that played for a brief time on the Mexico City Kings this season.  In 26 games, Merrick recorded a very respectable 6 goals and 10 assists, before having a solid 10 point in 18 game playoff campaign.  It is important to note that given the stacked nature of Mexico City, Merrick was hardly the first option on the team and likely sacrificed some of his production because of this.  Los Angeles will be nabbing a player from a pretty well-known agency with a build that should serve him well in the Victory Hockey League.


9. Helsinki Titans: D - Wolf Stansson (Mexico City, 220 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @ahockeyguy
NHL Comparable - Jacob Trouba
 
Some may be surprised to see Wolf Stansson going this high, especially given that there are defenders like Kramerev and Glade III still on the board, but you shouldn’t be.  Wolf Stansson has been absolutely incredible since joining the league.  Off the ice, the agency for Stansson has been near perfection when it comes to earning the development time necessary each and every week.  On the ice, Stansson was an absolute monster this year for Miami.  Stansson recorded 30 goals and 83 points to go along with 143 hits and 138 blocked shots.  He was as well-rounded as they came in the minors this year, and I think that is one of the big reasons he jumps into the top ten for me.  While he does currently sit fifteenth in development time, I see Stansson being a top ten earner in the long run, and bringing his two-way physical style to a top pairing in the near future.


10. Warsaw Predators: D - Shawn Glade III (Mississauga, 229 TPE, 6.0 AVG) @ShawnGlade
NHL Comparable - Matt Dumba
 
I do have to admit that I have Glade III falling a little bit due to him rubbing some people the wrong way in the past….but it’s time for that fall to end.  Glade III projects as a talented two-way defender who doesn’t really dabble into the physicality as much.  He was excellent for Mississauga this year with 83 points in their 72 game campaign.  My other reason for Glade III falling slightly is a bit of inconsistency in his updates as of late (as seen by the average rating above).  There is certainly a chance that he has just not updated everything yet, but it may be a cause for some pause on draft night.  Ultimately though, the high-end potential is there and if anyone is going to take a risk, I think an Expansion team like Warsaw could use the experience and a potentially safer pick than some of the first-gens on the board.


11. London United: D - Kosmo Kramerev (Miami, 228 TPE, 10.25 AVG) @Mongoose87
NHL Comparable - Jaccob Slavin
 
The league voted that Kosmo Kramerev was likely to go much higher than I have him selected, but ultimately I think this will be closer to reality.  Kosmo Kramerev had a marvelous year for Miami this season, finishing with 106 points, 94 hits and 142 blocked shots.  Kramerev is a shoot-first defender that plays responsibly enough defensively that he should be able to transition fairly well to the Victory Hockey League.  His style of play is actually eerily similar to projected second overall pick, Tyler Walker.  However, my main concern isn’t his ability to produce or his on-ice skill set.  My concern is that he doesn’t max his development time like Wolf Stansson does.  Now, with that being said, I definitely could see him jumping ahead of Glade III, but I do think some General Managers will value Shawn’s experience in the league, so ultimately I have London being thrilled to start their draft off with a first-gen defender.


12. Calgary Wranglers (via Seattle): RW - Patrik Laine (Houston, 201 TPE, 11.5 AVG) @PatrikLaine
NHL Comparable - J.T. Miller
 
When I originally was predicting picks in this draft, I had Patrik Laine slipping out of the first round.  After all, there is a ton of talent that will go in the top fifty-two selections of this draft.  However, after closer inspection I felt that Laine’s enthusiasm on and off the ice, to go along with his definitively impressive development time, was enough to see him slip into the first round.  Since coming into the league, Laine has shown to be one of our most active draftees on the site.  He’s also a force on the ice, finishing the season with 59 points in 58 games for Houston.  The goal-scoring winger could be a great fit on a first line one day, or even anchor a second line by using his shot, size and two-way play to make an impact.  With Calgary having the likes of General Zod, Latrell Mitchell and Edwin THE Encarnacion on defense, I see them focusing on forward and adding a potential star in Laine.


13. Moscow Menace: D - Matty Socks (Las Vegas, 187 TPE, 10.5 AVG) @fishy
NHL Comparable - Jared Spurgeon
 
“But Advantage, he is 22nd in TPE in the draft class”.....I do not care.  Matty Socks should be a first rounder come draft night.  Socks plays a very defensive style of play but has the ability to jump in when necessary, as demonstrated by his 57 point campaign with Las Vegas this year.  Why the jump? Socks is one of the top earning players per week of late, and I think his impressive development will vault him over a few other options.  Additionally, other than maybe one other defender, the draft pool at that position is about to fall off, and one look at Moscow’s roster will tell you that they need to look for a defenseman.  Alex Letang is the only defenseman in their entire franchise that is young and has any future in the Victory Hockey League.  After that, you are mainly looking at players already in their prime or past it.  Therefore, I think Victor puts a premium on defense here and given that he is, in my opinion, arguably the best player available to be taken, I think this is a slam dunk selection.


14. Vancouver Wolves (via New York): C - Andre LeBastard (Miami, 225 TPE, 10.25 AVG) @Andre LeBastard
NHL Comparable - Bo Horvat
 
Andre has actually impressed me quite a bit since coming into the league.  His 76 point campaign was very respectable and his two-way playmaking build should serve him quite well once he reaches the Victory Hockey League.  LeBastard is a pretty consistent earner and really capped off his season with a tremendous showing in Miami’s one series.  With 11 assists and 12 points in their 7 game series, LeBastard showed that he has the stuff to compete with anybody when the moments are at their biggest.  LeBastard could look to stall and play another year in the minors, which could set up Miami for a potential Founders Cup run.  Then look out cause I think LeBastard has the potential to be a high-end second liner and maybe even a first liner if his development continues to trend upward.


15. Prague Phantoms: C - Dakota Lamb (Miami, 199 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @dlamb
NHL Comparable - Brayden Schenn
 
For those that have not been following Prague, they want forwards.  They have really no need for defense in the early rounds and they are set for goaltending at the moment.  Therefore, I have them looking at three players here in Lamb, Volchenkov and Baillie Jr.  Ultimately though, I know how much Jason loves selecting new talent to the league, and I believe the enthusiasm Lamb has shown will certainly serve him well.  Another member of Miami that could return next season, Dakota will be looking to build off of his 37 goal, 93 point campaign.  Lamb projects as an elite second line center who plays effectively in all three areas of the ice and boasts a heavy and accurate shot when found in the offensive zone.  Another one of those really consistent updaters that could very well go higher than many expect come draft night.


16. Malmo Nighthawks (via Riga): LW - Marshall James Frostbeard (Mississauga, 328 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @FrostBeard
NHL Comparable - Leon Draisaitl
 
This is obviously the pick given that Marshall James Frostbeard is the selected player of the General Manager.  Frostbeard has to be taken with one of Malmo’s first rounders, and since this is the last pick of the first round, this is really the only pick that is 100% set in stone come draft night.  To many, MJF is the best player in this draft and is coming after a tremendous 39 goal, 87 point and 259 hit campaign.  Frostbeard is the top developer in the draft, and will be a future franchise player for the Malmo Nighthawks going forward.
 
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SECOND ROUND


17. Prague Phantoms (via Malmo): C - Alec Volchenkov (Saskatoon, 201 TPE, 11.5 AVG) @SirRupertBarnes
NHL Comparable - Paul Stastny
 
Remember when I said that Prague wants forwards?  After selecting Lamb with 15th overall, I think they look for another top forward at 17th overall.  I’m not too worried about positions here with how flexible our league is in that regard, but I just think that Volchenkov is the best forward available.  Despite a rather mediocre campaign with Saskatoon that saw Volchenkov record just 15 points in 60 games, many scouts have indicated that they believe Volchenkov has the raw potential to be a first round selection in this draft.  He is a solid faceoff taker to go along with being one of the best skaters and playmakers in the entire class.  His scoring ability leaves a lot to be desired, but I think with continued development, we could see Volchenkov flourish on whatever team drafts him in the VHLM this off-season.  Then you can expect him in Prague who is looking to continue stocking up at forward in this draft.


18. Helsinki Titans (via DC): RW - Dan Baillie Jr. (Saskatoon, 214 TPE, 8.5 AVG) @wcats
NHL Comparable - James van Riemsdyk
 
I’ve seen a lot of people suggest that Baillie Jr. should go in the top ten in this draft, but I just can’t agree with it.  I know the member has history with his last player in the league and is generally very well liked, but I do believe he doesn’t quite cut it compared to some of the forwards I have going ahead of him.  In fact, I’d argue there are a couple I have going behind that I would probably look to first, but I do think his reputation will see him go here to Helsinki.  With 44 points and 150 hits this season on Saskatoon, Baillie Jr. showed that he can play in every situation but is an extremely dangerous sniper who can skate with the best of them.  However, my main concern is that his average updating totals for capped development time do fall slightly behind some of the other forwards that will go between ten and twenty, and that’s why I don’t have him as high as some.


19. Vancouver Wolves: RW - Oh Sens (Miami, 192 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @osens
NHL Comparable - Jake Guentzel
 
Oh Sens is one of those forwards that I think I would have ahead of Baillie Jr. going into this draft.  He has been as consistent as anyone in this draft and brings a very solid two-way scoring build to the winger position on Miami, as demonstrated by his 28 goals and 61 points this season.  While he will be entering into the VHLM Dispersal Draft, I think Sens will be one of the best scorers in the minors next this season, and be someone that can explode for them.  With Vancouver having back-to-back picks and already selecting Micah Adrienne with the third overall selection, I believe we will see them go forward with both of these, especially given the talent available.


20. Vancouver Wolves (via Prague): C - Kevin King (Las Vegas, 173 TPE, 11.75 AVG) @IamMOOSE
NHL Comparable - Tomas Hertl
 
Kevin King is ranked twenty-fifth in development time but I have him slightly jumping here due to his consistent activity.  He is another that is updating at a near-perfect rate and has been very impressive off the ice as well.  With a build that supports a goal-scoring center that can bring intangibles to the game, I do think that King’s lack of production this season should not hurt him.  Despite only recording 2 goals and 8 points in 30 games, I believe that Kevin King has the potential to still be an excellent second line center, and maybe even better than that if he keeps it up.  There is another winger that could go here, but given that they already took Sens, I think King makes a lot of sense with this selection.


21. Warsaw Predators (Compensation Pick): RW - Jesper Norberg (Las Vegas, 172 TPE, 11.5 AVG) @jpsd
NHL Comparable - Viktor Arvidsson
 
Speaking of that winger, I have to think Warsaw would be thrilled to select Jesper Norberg with this pick.  There are some pretty impressive goalies left and a really talented defenseman, but after taking Glade III in the first round I can’t really see them going back to the blueline.  Additionally, they have another compensation pick at 24 and with multiple talented goalies left, and Chicago still to pick (not looking for a goalie after drafting Camus), they are still pretty much guaranteed to get one of the top goalies available.  Therefore, Jesper Norberg is an easy pick especially given the impressive consistency he has already shown to developing in the league.  While he still has holes in his game, mainly defensively, Norberg seems like a contender for one of the most improved forwards next season in the VHLM.  It would not shock me if we are talking about how Jesper Norberg is a steal in five seasons, let's put it that way.


22. Chicago Phoenix (Compensation Pick): D - Mikeal Keef (Minnesota, 209 TPE, 6.5 AVG) @RStar
NHL Comparable - Alec Martinez
 
Chicago will say thank you very much for having Mikeal Keef fall right into their laps.  The defender is ranked nineteenth in the draft for development time and is coming off a very successful season with Minnesota, that saw him tally 67 points, 127 hits and 89 blocked shots over the course of the season.  Keef is a defense-first blueliner that doesn’t mind throwing his weight around and will jump into the play when necessary.  His skating still needs to continue improving and I would like to see him handle the puck better before making the jump to the VHL, but I do see Keef being a real solid player down the road.  My only real concern with him, and the reason he did drop for me, is that while he is a consistent developer, I do believe his ceiling is not as high as some of the players I have going ahead of him, like Matty Socks.


23. Los Angeles Stars (Compensation Pick): G - Ajay Krishna (Ottawa, 207 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @Hooperorama
NHL Comparable - Jacob Markstrom
 
With Los Angeles not having another pick until 28, I see them getting their choice of goaltenders here and letting Warsaw take whoever the Stars don’t want.  Krishna definitely is a step up on the rest of the goalies for me and probably has the fourth best ceiling of any goalie in this draft.  After a really successful campaign on Ottawa (36 wins, .891 SV%, 3.58 GAA), I am looking forward to seeing if Krishna can take the next step for the Lynx.  Ultimately, Los Angeles will need their goalie and this just seems like a no-brainer here with Warsaw on deck and likely looking for a netminder themselves.


24. Warsaw Predators (Compensation Pick): G - Calvin Harvey (San Diego, 174 TPE, 7.5 AVG) @Mrpenguin30
NHL Comparable - Petr Mrazek
 
Calvin Harvey is one of the more interesting prospects in this draft.  I do think he is a pretty safe pick to become a VHL goaltender one day, but my main concern is that he ends like goalies like Clayton Park did in the past, and just maxes out as a decent goalie but not really the type of netminder you want to build around.  He had a pretty tough campaign playing for the atrocious Marlins, winning just ten games and recording a .889 SV% and 4.45 GAA.  However, that really isn’t indicative of his potential as they were barely a VHLM team at times.  However, my concern is that I don’t believe his ceiling is as high as needed to become someone to build around.  With that being said, if Warsaw feels that Harvey can at least be a solid goalie then I think they take a shot here and hope for the best.  I do think Harvey should become a decent goalie and while I don’t see him as an elite goalie one day, the league has shown that you don’t necessarily need to have an elite goalie to find success.


25. New York Americans (via Toronto): RW - The Terrible Trivium (Minnesota, 203 TPE, 5.0 AVG) @der meister
NHL Comparable - Michael Ferland
 
One of the biggest drops in the draft for me is Trivium mainly due to his limited potential.  I see his ceiling as a solid second liner that can score goals and play pretty good defense.  Ultimately, there is a pretty good chance that he does go higher on reputation alone, but as the member behind him as already stated, he isn’t going all-out like he has in the past.  True to his word, Trivium has been developing slower than some of the others in this draft, but has been consistently developing as well.  He would be a great fit on any team looking for a guaranteed top six winger in the future but I don’t really see first line in the cards on a championship contender.


26. New York Americans (via Davos): D - Victor Grachev (Philadelphia, 157 TPE, 10.5 AVG) @KaleebtheMighty
NHL Comparable - Nick Jensen
 
Grachev is a late bloomer that has been flying up the draft charts for some.  The defenseman played limited minutes on Philadelphia, recording 3 points, 46 hits and 22 blocked shots in 26 games.  He plays a no-nonsense defensive style that relies on his above-average skating and occasional physicality.  Grachev has a huge frame and will still need to grow in it, but has the potential to be a steady presence on a second pairing one day soon.


27. Chicago Phoenix: LW - S Kuchar (Ottawa, 145 TPE, 10.75 AVG) @S. Kuchar
NHL Comparable - Anthony Duclair
 
Speaking of late bloomers, Kuchar is another that has really shot up the mock drafts after a brief but very impressive 28 game campaign for Ottawa this season.  Kuchar recorded 23 points and 26 hits in the stretch of games, and really showed off his elite shot and above-average skating.  The sky is the limit when it comes to potential for this kid and we do see him as the type of guy that could even find his way onto a first line one day.  With that being said, while it was an impressive run by him, there is some risk involved in trusting in that small sample size.


28. Los Angeles Stars: RW - Jeremy Lin (Mexico City, 158 TPE, 8.5 AVG) @jman9theman9
NHL Comparable - Tanner Pearson
 
While I do believe that his potential isn’t as high as someone like Kuchar, I do also feel that Jeremy Lin will find himself being selected at some point in the second round.  Lin is a consistent earner that doesn’t necessarily max his development, but should be able to put himself in the position to be a more-than-adequate second line player.  This season with the stacked Mexico City Kings, Lin recorded 12 goals and 36 points during the 72 game campaign.  With Los Angeles already taking a center and a goalie in this draft, I think they will see Lin as a potential replacement for guys like Gunnar and Nygren in the future.


29. Calgary Wranglers (via Helsinki): RW - Gary Rush (Las Vegas, 137 TPE, 7.5 AVG) @G_Rush
NHL Comparable - Connor Brown
 
An earner in a similar mold to Lin, Calgary will look to add another forward to their team to join Patrik Laine after they took him in the first round.  Rush is similarly built to Laine with a large frame and a big shot to accompany it.  While Rush only recorded 21 points in 72 games this season, he did have 13 goals and was a threat anytime he had the puck on his stick.  I project Rush to be a glue-guy second liner that has the potential to score 20+ goals in the VHL one day.


30. Warsaw Predators: D - Han Jae Kuk (San Diego, 152 TPE, 6.0 AVG) @Dtayl
NHL Comparable - Victor Mete
 
The draft is starting to fall off in talent with only a handful or two of active developers left.  Han Jae Kuk is one of them with a defensive style anchored by his skating and puck handling.  Kuk recorded 34 points in 68 games last year on the abysmal San Diego Marlins, but did impress with 114 hits and 140 blocked shots.  His defensive game has turned some heads and it will probably bait a team like Warsaw or another Expansion team who will be looking for future top four blueliners for their lineup.


31. London United: G - Drew Minott (Houston, 140 TPE, 9.0 AVG) @DreMin15
NHL Comparable - Thomas Greiss
 
Not Cal Conway? I really feel that Minott has passed him at this point for me.  I even think there is an argument that Minott has passed Harvey, but I went with more of a sure thing there.  Drew Minott is still updating at a pretty strong rate and despite not being the best goalie available on paper, does possess the best potential of any goalie left.  As stated already, I feel his peak might be just behind someone like Krishna.  Minott spent the year backing up in Houston and recorded a 6-24-2 record to go along with a .858 SV% and 3.98 GAA.  Don’t let the numbers fool you though as Minott is certainly a project pick.  He is the type of goaltender that needs at least one season more in the minors, potentially even two, before being ready for the big time.  With that being said, his development time could be accelerated in London that will look towards Minott being their franchise goaltender.


32. Seattle Bears: D - Kirishima Wakaro (Mexico City, 152 TPE, 5.5 AVG) @Snussu
NHL Comparable - Ben Chiarot
 
 Wakaro is from an agency known for their dabbling in football and basketball.  Now they are representing a player in Kirishima Wakaro who played last season on Mexico City and recorded 40 points, 144 hits and 77 blocked shots during his 72 game campaign for the Kings.  Wakaro projects as a defensive defender that boasts a hard and accurate shot that he gets off a lot.  I see him being a potential fourth defender on Seattle one day and someone that can be counted on in their rotation as while his ceiling isn't high, he is another that seems like someone you can count on to still develop consistently.


33. Moscow Menace: D - Jiggly Gumballs (Houston, 142 TPE, 8.0 AVG) @JigglyGumballs
NHL Comparable - Brad Hunt
 
 Remember when I said Moscow needs a defense...well here we go again.  I actually do believe that Jiggly could go earlier in this draft as he is one of the only players remaining that records a point task every week.  If whoever drafts him can show him some of the other easy point opportunities, there is a chance he could become a max earner.  Well who better to do that then the Victator himself? Gumballs projects as a defensive defenseman that could anchor a second pairing one day but just as easily could be a borderline second pairing defender if not guided well by management.


34. Vancouver Wolves (via New York): G - Cal Conway (Saskatoon, 181 TPE, 3.0 AVG) @Shaka
NHL Comparable - Jack Campbell
 
What a fall right? Frankly, it is deserved and one peek above to his average capped TPE total over the last four weeks will tell you why.  Conway was one of the most talked about goalies going into this draft, even ahead of the likes of Harvey and Krishna, and was coming off an incredible campaign as the backup goalie on the Saskatoon Wild.  Many saw him as next years best goalie in the Minors, but unfortunately Conway has tailed off of late.  Whoever takes him will need to reach out and get him back on track but this pick certainly becomes more risky than expected, which is why he falls to 34 for me.  Vancouver can afford that risk as they aren't in desperate need for a goalie with Spyro in the prime but may want to take a run at him with their team philosophy to start looking a bit younger.


35. Seattle Bears (via Calgary): LW - Rocket (Miami, 152 TPE, 7.5 AVG) @Rocket
NHL Comparable - Jesper Bratt
 
 With one of the more interesting names in this draft class, Rocket is the sleeper pick that someone like Seattle would love to pick up.  He is another forward that possesses a lower ceiling but a pretty high floor with a style centered around his skating and shot.  Rocket should be one of the better performers in the minors next year on whatever team picks him up in the VHLM Dispersal Draft.


36. Vancouver Wolves (via Riga): D - Fat Palloon (Yukon, 142 TPE, 7.0 AVG) @UnkemptCL4PTP
NHL Comparable - Brendan Smith
 
 After having a pretty wild season that saw the defender record 68 points, 186 hits and 220 blocked shots on the lowly Yukon Rush, whats not to like about the potential of a guy like Palloon.  After going to forward and goalie with their last few picks, I see them going back to defense and taking the best player available.  Palloon's game is built around his skating, passing and puck handling to go along with his physical defensive style.  Always a threat to take the puck up the ice, Palloon will look continue to develop consistently in the VHLM next season.
 
---
 
THIRD ROUND


37. Malmo Nighthawks: RW - Vlad Imir (Miami, 90 TPE, 8.0 AVG) @Big Dee
NHL Comparable - Ryan Hartman
 
 Sitting 45th in TPE for the draft, this is another big jump for a forward on Miami.  Vlad Imir was a late bloomer that struggled throughout the campaign with Miami, but really started to develop consistently towards the end.  He is the guy I peg to be one of the most improved next year with his defensive play style serving as his foundation for success.  I could definitely see a team in the draft look at him as a project pick that will develop into a solid VHLer if he continues his current trend.


38. DC Dragons: RW - Jeff Odinson (San Diego, 101 TPE, 3.5 AVG) @GoldGear88
NHL Comparable - Jesper Fast
 
 Jeff Odinson joined this draft less than a month ago which makes him one of the newest members to this draft class.  With that being said, his 18 points in 30 games to go along with an unsteady but weekly development should serve him well enough to be selected either late in the second round or early in the third.  Odinson is an interesting player due to his style of play that sees him as average at everything but not elite or bad in any area.  If he can develop some higher end skills in some specific areas like skating, scoring or defense, you could be looking at a future VHL player.  He is exactly the type of player that someone like Enorama could mold.


39. HC Davos Dynamo (via Vancouver): C - Empty (Halifax, 116 TPE, 1.0 AVG) @StamkosFan
NHL Comparable - Casey Cizikas
 
 I was ready to not even have Empty get taken in this mockup.  Despite being represented by a pretty recognizable player agency, Empty hadn't really taken the steps forward required to be selected in the draft...until recently.  Empty is the opposite od someone like Odinson as he is really only good at two things.  That is scoring and playing good defensively.  And he is elite in both of those areas.  Empty is a liability in every other regard but those skills alone get him drafted and if moulded properly, he could be a darkhorse to have a productive VHL career.


40. Helsinki Titans (via Prague): C - Janiina Juutila (San Diego, 109 TPE, 4.0 AVG) @Jansgasm
NHL Comparable - Nathan Gerbe
 
 A Finn being taken by Helsinki? Yeah this wasn't a hard pick to make.  Juutila has slightly fallen off in development but has the scoring ability to still make an impact and turn a few heads.  This is a low risk pickup at this point in the draft with a decent reward id Juutila becomes more consistent again.


41. DC Dragons (via Toronto): RW - Bobbie Cheechoo (Miami, 107 TPE, 2.0 AVG) @Sharkie
NHL Comparable - Martin Frk
 
 Not unlike Juutila, Bobbie Cheechoo has been a bit inconsistent in development late.  With that being said, the Canadian winger is still progressing and has an impressive two way goal scoring play style that will prepare him well if he is to make it to the VHL.  DC takes this low risk player as he is one of the only players left that is still developing.


42. HC Davos Dynamo: RW - Joromir Jagr (Ottawa, 115 TPE, 5.5 AVG) @Temppi
NHL Comparable - Tomas Jurco
 
 Joining less than a month ago, this massive winger possesses the skating and scoring ability to be quite a threat in the future.  While he doesn't have the potential of someone like Laine, Jagr should fit well on a second line one day if he can work on maintaining consistent updating to his development.  At this point you need to go best player available and I believe Joromir Jagr is that guy.


43. Chicago Phoenix: D - Rick Osman (Halifax, 116 TPE, 1.5 AVG) @dylanjj37
NHL Comparable - Matt Benning
 
 Rick Osman hasn't updated recently but he was on quite a role there just a few short weeks ago.  Possessing a very one dimensional defensive game, Osman recorded 36 points, 163 hits and 177 blocked shots for Halifax this season.  Hes a longshot to make it but hes also pretty low risk given his production and the pick he is going at.


44. Los Angeles Stars: LW - Florent Vericel (Miami, 128 TPE, 0.0 AVG) @dart
NHL Comparable - Charles Hudon
 
 Vericel, like Osman, has fallen off late and will need contacting after the draft for the pick to work out.  With that beind said, Vericel had done quite a bit of developing prior to plateauing over the last month.  Vericel is a two way scoring winger that with the right moulding, could be one to watch if he gets back on track.


45. Helsinki Titans: RW - Wayne Jetski (Halifax, 91 TPE, 0.5 AVG) @namanert
NHL Comparable - Reid Boucher
 
 Bonus points for having one of the best names in the draft, Helsinki takes Jetski as he is one of the only players still earning development time every week.  It isn't much and it's really just been showing up at the practice facility, but Helsinki will look to grab him and see if they can broaden his developmental horizon.


46. Warsaw Predators: C - Kevin Sterk (Houston, 82 TPE, 0.0 AVG) @TenZi
NHL Comparable - Byron Froese
 
 Basically read above but it is Kevin Sterk going to Warsaw.  Sterk is a consistent participant in practice but has not been able to really develop anywhere else.  He is a pure scorer who will continue to try and take that next step.  Unfortunately for Sterk, he could be a few years off of making the VHL and has a long ways to go to do so.


 
47. London United: RW - Theodore James St. Louis (Yukon, 96 TPE, 3.0 AVG) @Nick Kirkpatrick
NHL Comparable - Logan Shaw
 
 Theodore is probably the second last player that will be taken that has even developed over the last few weeks.  He is a winger that recorded 36 points in 50 games for Yukon this season. The defensive forward has a big frame and a big shot that when he decides to shoot, can find the back of the net with velocity.  Probably have him a bit overlooked here compared to a few that went before, but I think the guys just doing practice facility have more potential than shown.


48. HC Davos Dynamo (via Seattle): D - Tim Kamashev (Halifax, 68 TPE, 0.0 AVG) @Ninjaboi
NHL Comparable - Xavier Ouellet
 
 Like Jetski and Sterk before, Kamashev is a consistent participant in practice but has a long way to go if he wants to make it to the VHL.  Kamashev has showed off some impressive skating but really is incredibly raw in a lot of other areas.  With the right mentorship, maybe Kamashev can make it and I trust Gus as much as anyone with managing that one.


49. Seattle Bears (via Moscow): D - Zachariah Kisslinger (Mississauga, 68 TPE, 0.0 AVG) @Kisslinger
NHL Comparable - Joshua Didier
 
 Despite not being an active developer of his skills lately, Kisslinger was seen recently hanging out near the practice facility.  He garnered some attention given that we hadn't seen him in quite some time.  The physical shutdown defender will look to build on this past season and hope to use it as momentum to make it to the VHL in the next few seasons.


50. New York Americans: RW - Keno Wolf (Philadelphia, 99 TPE, 0.0 AVG) @aCrypticPancake
NHL Comparable - Curtis McKenzie
 
 Keno Wolf hasnt really been seen in a while but after putting up a respectable 31 points and 63 hits, he should find himself selected in the top three rounds.  His development prior to disappearing was solid and if he can get back to that, then New York will have quite the pickup on their hands.


51. Prague Phantoms (via Calgary): C - Antti Paakkarinen (San Diego, 76 TPE, 0.0 AVG) @SeamusSv
NHL Comparable - Liam O'Brien
 
 Paakkarinen was seen a little more recently than someone like Wolf but didn't put quite as much development time in prior to leaving. Paakkarinen is pretty well rounded but doesn't possess any above average skills that stand out to scouts.  Time will tell on this one but we are at the point where we are far less likely to see future VHL talent. 


52. Malmo Nighthawks (via Riga): C - Kirk Holloway (Ottawa, 86 TPE, 0.5 AVG) @ebay12
NHL Comparable - Laurent Dauphin
 
The final pick of the third round and this Mock Draft is Kirk Holloway, a center who played for the Ottawa Lynx last season.  He too disappeared of late but has shown some flashes of potential prior to doing so.  He is another average everywhere and elite nowhere player, but still managed to record 22 points and 96 hits in 46 games this year. 
 
Word Count - 7576  @Members  (Ya'll can enjoy the effort put in)

For the 20th overall pick, the LA Stars will be selecting Gary Neal @LittleRiDog from the Malmo Nighthawks!
 
And for the 21st overall pick, the LA Stars will be selecting S74 VHL Entry Draft: 24th Overall Pick

Roque Davis + 21 Erik Killinger + 25 Stone Wolski + 52 Jim Bob + 18 Thomas Landry II + 13 Ola Vikingstad + 1 Uhtred + 40 Hugh Jass + 14 Pengu + 19 Ray Sheilds + 29 Joakim Bruden + 11 Xavier leFlamant + 23 Vin Calia + 21 Richard Penisson + 3 Woody McPine + 13 Squirrely dan + 18 Big Chungus + 13 Bob Helminen + 6 Mickey Dickson + 17 Adam Syreck + 7 Gary Neal + 7 Kazimir Komarov + 25 Hex Valentine + 5 Jack John + 6 Hunter Harrison + 5 Blake Bridges + 19 Raiens Grasis + 2 Erik Hjalmarsson + 2 Matt Sovick + 2 Ryder Pyatt + 2  
@Josh @Peace @DollarAndADream @jRuutu @Doomsday @Dil @leafsman @TheFlash @Pengu@Zetterberg @PadStack @BarzalGoat @VinCal @bluesfan55 @HearnNation67 @jacobaa19 @Ferda@Big Bob @Brewins15 @Spade18 @LittleRiDog @Gooningitup @DrHexDex @GoadenGoalie35@I'll change this later @Blake Bridge @raiens @Erik @matt sovick @Battlepopcorn

Alright folks, let's simmer down a bit. New member accidentally used a tag he wasn't supposed to use, he gets it now, cut him some slack. 

Don't come at Gary like that ?

Roque Davis + 60 Erik Killinger + 24 Kyl Oferson + 25 Jim Bob + 20 Ola Vikingstad + 38 Thomas Landry II + 49 Stone Wolski + 35 Hugh Jass + 11 Uhtred + 18 Pengu + 38 Ray Sheilds + 54 Joakim Bruden + 7 Vin Calia + 35 Xavier leFlamant + 30 Richard Penisson + 21 Woody McPine + 26 Squirrely dan + 23 Bob Helminen + 17 Big Chungus + 2 Adam Syreck + 7 Gary Neal + 13 Mickey Dickson + 28 Kazimir Komarov + 10 Bo Burrows + 2 Hex Valentine + 2 Gavin Harris + 2 Jack John + 6 Cassius Gardner + 12 Hunter Harrison + 8 Gino Alkamino + 6 Raiens Grasis + 4 Erik Hjalmarsson + 4 Matt Sovick + 4 Robert Buttholio + 2
 
@Josh @Peace @Nykonax @jRuutu @Dil @Doomsday @DollarAndADream @TheFlash @leafsman @Pengu @Zetterberg@PadStack @VinCal @BarzalGoat @bluesfan55 @HearnNation67 @jacobaa19 @Big Bob @Ferda @Spade18 @LittleRiDog@Brewins15 @Gooningitup @Walter Fizz @DrHexDex @BigIrish @GoadenGoalie35 @jhatty8 @I'll change this later @ChaceT@raiens @Erik @matt sovick @Bobby Bummhole

Another tournament down!
 
 
I wanted to thank @Josh for simming  and @rjfrymanfor helping with being a commissioner. As well as all the GM's @bigAL, @Hylands33, @Zetterberg. @Shaka and @fonziGG.
 
So now the awards!
 
S72 World Juniors Award Show
Medal Winners

Europe
 
USA
 

Canada
 
 
 
WJC All-Team
F - SS Hornet @McWolf
F - Gary Neal @LittleRiDog
F - Mikey Dickson @Brewins15
D- Gabriel Gutzwiler @DaftRaincloud
D - Zyrok12 @Zyrok
G - Jacob Tonn @MexicanCow123
 
Tournament MVP
F -  SS Hornet @McWolf
 
SS Hornet (CAN) finished second in scoring during round robin play with 2.0 P/G. He showed up when Canada needed him most and helped seal the Bronze Medal game against Team Europe. SS Hornet also earned the most Stars during the tournament, pacing the league with 3 First Star awards in 8 games played. 
 
 
Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to all who participated in this tournament. The WJC is a great place for new members to gain experience and learn how the league is run. I had a blast running this years tournament and here is looking to next seasons!

Welcome back to another season of the World Junior Championship; as such, it is time for another Daily Review! These series are about best players, surprises, and let downs from the most recent games. Stick around and follow us, as VSN is here to be the media outlet for you and your entertainment!
     
    Also, don’t forget to check out other cool VSN Content produced weekly for your entertainment.
S72: Early Standouts | Deep Rewind | Ringless: Stockholm Vikings | VHL Weekly | Under 250: VHLM Review  
 
What a wonderful tournament these five amazing teams put on this season. Team Europe have come out on top, earning themselves the Gold Medal as back to back champions. Team USA came up short in the finals after a stellar tournament, and are awarded the Silver Medal. Meanwhile, Team Canada were able to dispatch Team World for the Bronze Medal, and Team Asia ended the tournament in 5th place. This recap will take on a slightly different format as I analyze each game of this incredible medal round.

 
Team Asia (4) vs. Team World (6)
This playoff game decided who would go on to the Semi-Finals to play against the top-seeded Team USA. Team World had managed to scrape home-ice advantage on the last day of the Round Robin despite actually losing to Team Asia on the final day of action. This set us up for an amazing playoff round between two hungry teams that were eager to play for a medal. Unfortunately for Team Asia, Team World was determined to be the ones that advanced by jumping out to an early 3-0 lead just 10 minutes into the game, after goals from Xavier leFlamant, Micah Adrienne, and Aleelee Kiak. Team World actually had a 4-0 lead heading into the 2nd period after a late tally by Gary Neal. Team Asia attempted to rally back behind top scorer Jungkok but Team World cut down any hopes of that by adding another two goals, another one from Adrienne and one from DeFenz Mann. Late in the game, Viktor Mjers cut Team World’s lead back to two goals but that was all Team Asia was able to do. Team World would come out on top, winning 6-4 in regulation and booking themselves a ticket to the Semi-Finals.
 
Team World (0) vs. Team United States of America (6)
Continuing their dominant performance in the tournament, Team USA easily dispatched Team World by a score of 6-0, which also happened to be the first shutout of the tournament as well. Team USA had an incredible 61 shots on goal as they showed no mercy to their opponents. Robin Winter and Jack Feriancek scored in the 1st period, followed by a couple of goals from Mickey Dickson. Things were all but said and done before Vin Calia scored the 6th and final goal in an absolute rout of Team World. 

 
Team Canada (3) vs. Team Europe (5)
In the second Semi-Final game, we had a much tighter contest between two great teams in Team Europe and Team Canada. Both of these teams were pegged to be favourites to play for Gold, but as is often the case with these tournaments, only one of them can make it. Special teams played an important role in this game and it was Team Canada who got off to an early lead through Tyler Walker after capitalizing on an early power play. Not to be discouraged, Team Europe answered with a goal of their own from Richard Penisson and then a late marker by Marshall James Frostbeard allowed them to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission. Gabriel Gutzwiler added to Team Europe’s lead before Michael Mac showed Team Canada had some grit and got one back right after. Perhaps gaining some confidence from Mac’s goal, SS Hornet scored a late equalizer with 49 seconds to play in the 2nd, tying this game at 3 heading into the 3rd period. Team Canada got into some penalty trouble of their own in the 3rd, and it ultimately spelt their demise, after G. Gutzwiler scored the 2nd goal, and Chris Hylands added some insurance on a late power play. Team Europe was able to see out the game and get a shot at winning back to back Gold Medals.
 
Team World (3) vs. Team Canada (4)
What a game this Bronze Medal contest turned out to be. Two teams that really put out their best efforts in an attempt to acquire some hardware. SS Hornet scored a lone goal for Team Canada in the 1st and they took that lead into the 2nd period. SS Hornet added another goal for its team before Aleelee Kiak finally got Team World on the board. However, just 32 seconds after that goal, Team Canada added another one from Joe Exotic which restored their two-goal cushion. Latrell Mitchell then rounded off the scoring of an action-packed 2nd period and had Team World within touching distance heading into the final frame. It wasn’t until 17:16 of the 3rd period before Timothy Brown scored what ended up being the game-winner on the power play for Team Canada. Aleelee Kiak scored a power-play goal of his own to make things interesting in the last couple of minutes but Team Canada was able to hold on for the win and were rewarded with the Bronze Medal.
 
Team Europe (6) vs. Team United States of America (2)
The tournament’s top two teams met in the Gold Medal game of this season’s tournament. It’s not often you get to see the top-seeded teams battling it out to prove who is truly the best. Team USA won both Round Robin games so they had the slight mental edge coming into this game. Having said that, it was Team Europe who started on the front foot through Leon Gutzwiler and Chris Hylands. Trailing 2-0 heading into the 2nd period, Team USA regrouped and cut the deficit to one after a goal from Jeff Blaze. The Gutzwiler twins then linked up for a goal of their own and restored the two-goal lead for Team Europe. The very next shift, however, Lucas Brandt erased that advantage with a beautiful goal only 16 seconds later. Sadly, that was all the scoring that Team USA would be able to find. Team Europe starting goaltender, Zamboni Driver, made 29 saves in the victory, and our hats are off to Team USA goalie, John Poremba, who faced a whopping 63 shots, and made 57 saves! Bob Helminen, Empty, and Richard Penisson scored the rest of the goals for Team Europe who cruised to victory, and back to back Gold Medals.

 
This concludes our coverage of the Season 72 World Junior Championships. Please join us again next season where VSN will be host to all of your WJC action.
 
 

Welcome back to WJC Update for the Season 72 World Juniors Championship. This series is about best players, surprises, and let downs from the most recent games. Stick around and follow us as VSN is here to be the media outlet for you and your entertainment!
 
Also, don’t forget to check out other cool VSN Content produced weekly for your entertainment. 
VHL Weekly | VHLM Weekly | League History | S72 WJC Team Rankings
 

The round-robin is officially over, and our matchups are set for the medal round. All in all the standings are pretty comparable to our second update, only the final pair of teams has swapped spots. Team USA maintains their top spot after a brilliant string of performances. Next is Team Europe who narrowly edges out Team Canada. Finally, Team World has overtaken Team Asia for the fourth position thanks to their tenacity in the final string of matches, despite actually losing to Team Asia in their final game of the round-robin. Let’s dive into the individual team’s performances now. 
 
Team United States of America
 
Coming from their humble starts after the first day of play, the United States has continued its strong run of performances coming out of Day Two. The US started Day Three with a strong win against fellow contenders in Team Europe, outsourcing the Europeans by a score of 6-4. Lucas Brandt played a fantastic game, scoring two goals and assisting once, as the Americans mounted a push late, scoring three goals in the third period. Ending the round-robin on somewhat of a sour note, the Americans lost to Team Canada in an overtime thriller, despite outshooting the Canadians 57-34. They won’t be happy but considering they went through the entire round-robin only losing twice, both in overtime, and I’d say they are sitting pretty for the medal rounds. The Americans are a textbook case of balanced scoring; they have nine players with ten or more points; the next closest is Team Europe with only six. They have the most goals scored with 45 and the highest GD at +11. Jack Feriancek and Mickey Dickson combine to be a lethal front line, each with 15 points, while winger Gino DiGiannantonio has impressed as well, scoring 4 points in their final two matches to sit at third on their scoring charts. Their defence will have to improve, however, and goaltending remains inconsistent. John Poremba’s .886 SV% may not be enough, despite thus far being good for six wins, but at the end of the day, if they keep outsourcing the opponents, it doesn’t matter how many you concede. 
 
Team Europe
 
The Europeans will be somewhat disappointed with how their final day of round-robin hockey went but certainly ended with a morale booster. Playing three games saw them lose twice, against both the United States and Canada, and then win big against Team Asia. They were simply outgunned against the Americans,  but they let Team Canada slip past them in a disappointing 4-3 loss that saw them outshoot their opponents 48-39. In that game, Richard Penisson did well to score twice, but a lack of discipline saw them concede twice early on in the third period. Really, their biggest error was conceding a total of nine penalties, on which they were punished three times. Their final game, and indeed the final game of the round-robin overall, perhaps felt like a bit of a release. The Europeans took out their anger on poor Team Asia, winning the match 7-3. Gregg Stallion, who is tied with Penisson for most goals on the team with 6, found the back of the net twice. Zyrock12 had a particularly impressive four assists from the blue-line. The Europeans blue line, in general, has been a constant force, with all four of their defencemen scoring nine or more points. They will be a good team to look to coming into the medal round, with a very balanced profile across defence and offence. 
 
Team Canada
 
Barely behind Team Europe in the standings, Team Canada is looking strong going into the medal round. Sitting with a tournament-best 28 goals allowed, the tournament’s best goaltender Jacob Tonn has been on fire. His .924 SV% is the best amongst starters, and he is the only starter to have under a 4.00 GAA, sitting at 3.47. Canada’s issue isn’t scoring either, per se. Their star centre SS Hornet has the second-most points and is tied for the most goals with 8. However, he is the only Canadian in the top ten for points. They just need more from the rest of the team. Day Three started off with an unfortunate loss to Team World. After going down 3-2 in the first period, World always stayed one step ahead, ending the match with a final score of 4-5. However, their next two games proved their efficacy against the big boys this tournament, beating both Team USA and Team Europe, the two teams above them in the standings. Balanced scoring and a goaltender standing on his head saw them win 4-3 against the Europeans. Against the Americans, Tonn played another good game, but it was their power play that deserves the most credit, scoring three of their five goals. Joseph Gainer put away the game just 48 seconds into the overtime period as the Canadians upset their neighbours on the southern border. 
 
Team World
 
The biggest storyline from Day Three has to be Team World’s impressive performances to end the round-robin. Winning two of their three matches, losing only once in overtime, Team World put themselves on the map here. An incredible performance from defenceman DeFenz Mann against Canada saw them win the first one 5-4. Mann had a hat-trick in the first period, and further contributed with the sole assist on fellow blueliner Latrell Mitchell’s game-winning powerplay goal in the third period. Then they played Asia, and well, I’ll let the stats speak for themselves. 7-3 final scoreline, Gary Neal with a hattrick and two assists, Mann with one goal and four assists, Micah Adrienne with three assists. Speaking of Gary Neal, he is looking like a potential early favourite for tournament MVP. Leading the league in goals (tied with 8), assists (11), and points (19), his only knock may be that Team World could struggle to advance in the tournament. If he keeps playing like this though, I’m not sure they will struggle. Nothing is guaranteed, however; just one match later, they lost to Team Asia in a shootout. The first period was incredible, with seven goals scored between the two teams. Aleelee Kiak had a fantastic game, scoring two goals and assisting twice, but it wasn’t enough to seal a win for World. 
 
Team Asia
 
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Despite ending Day One at the top of the standings, Team Asia now brings up the bottom and faces immediate elimination in the playoff game against Team World. Their Day Three performances left a lot to be desired for the most part, as they lost 7-3 on two separate occasions. Those games have been covered for the most part; the short end of it is Asia did not do too hot. Their game against Team World showed, however, that they aren’t out of the running yet. Jungkok remains their top scorer, with 12 points. His hattrick in that shootout victory against Team World was vital, including a game-tying goal with 4 minutes left to push the game into overtime.  However, with a lack of top talent, Team Asia is going to have to grind out results if they want to progress in this tournament. Bacon has been a consistent performer, with a .914 SV% over five games played, and may prove instrumental moving forward into the medal rounds. 
 
But for now, that will be all from us. Do you agree with our assessment? Tune in next time for your WJC Update, presented by @Hylands33! See you there!
 
Players Mentioned:  @twists, @Jackie4967, @Brewins15, @pennypenny, @CrlineDijohn14, @bluesfan55, @SweatyBeaver, @Zyrok, @MexicanCow123, @McWolf, @joeg, @Mike, @dasboot, @Poptart, @LittleRiDog, @Grant, @tfong, @Bacon

VSN Writer Mr_Hatter
 

Damn Gary kinda goated ?

Damn Gary kinda goated ?

Welcome back to another season of the World Junior Championship; as such, it is time for another Daily Review!. These series are about best players, surprises, and let downs from the most recent games. Stick around and follow us as VSN is here to be the media outlet for you and your entertainment!
 
Also, don’t forget to check out other cool VSN Content produced weekly for your entertainment. 
 
 
So far we have two teams still perfect after the first day of games, with Team Asia taking the number one spot thanks to their regular/overtime wins, closely followed by Team Europe whose two shootout victories are enough to take the second position. The United States comes next, having won one and lost one in overtime, while Team Canada is all over the place, going 1-1-1 through their three games.  Rounding out the standings is Team World, whose performance leaves a little to be desired, as they have lost three times, once in overtime. All in all, the standings are neck and neck, with three teams tied on points heading into Day 2 of games. Let’s take a look at all the action from our first day of games, right here on your WJC Daily Update!
 
Team Asia
 
Despite not having a single skater in the top ten for points (you have to go all the way down to Jungkok at number 12, though he is tied for tenth with four, all goals, in fact, more on that later), Team Asia is off to a great start this WJC. Both their games have been nailbiters, with their first victory coming in a 4-3 victory against the Canadians. Despite being outshot 45-24, Team Asia held strong, with a particularly impressive third-period display of defensive grit. Bacon’s 42 saves may not have earned a star, but he certainly showed what it means to put the team on his back in this one. Our first star of the game went to a well-deserving Kazimir Komarov, whose two goals (including the game-winner) were vital in securing the victory for the Asians. Going back to Jungkok however, take a look at his performance in Game 5 against the United States. Take a good hard look at the stat’s line. Yes, you are reading that right; four goals in just the one game from the Korean. Speaking of putting the team on his back, this was almost single-handed; but not quite. Arthur Dayne assisted three times, and the aforementioned Komarov was the one to put the icing on the cake four minutes into the overtime period. It’s been a good showing from Team Asia so far; let’s see if they can keep it up!
 
Team Europe
 
The Europeans have started off the tournament with two wins, but it could have just as soon been two losses. Finding themselves in two back-to-back shootouts, if their luck was just a little worse you could potentially have seen them much farther down in the standings. Regardless, lady luck smiled on them indeed, and they walked away with both the wins. Similar to Team Asia, their only skater near the top-ten in points is Valtteri Vaakanainen, who is coincidentally also tied for tenth with four points. Does this mean balanced scoring, or do our top teams have some hidden issues they need to sort out? Their first game against Team Canada was neck and neck, with four separate equalizers being scored. Gabriel Gutzweiler’s brace was key in keeping the Europeans in the game, while Chris Hylands was the man to score the winning shot in the shootout. The second game was a little different. Despite trailing early on in the first to Team World, they quickly came back with three unanswered goals, absolutely blitzing them. Despite eventually conceding the equalizer, they did enough to take it to the shootout where their goalie Zamboni Driver came up big, stopping one and psyching out the second shot to end it after just four shots. 
 
Team United States of America
 
The United States has been an interesting team thus far; they certainly know how to put on a show. Jack Feriancek and Mickey Dickson are both electrifying players, whose five points apiece land them solidly in the top 10 for points. Each had three in their first game against Team World that seemed to be trying to answer the question “how many different periods of domination can we have?” Despite a strong start in the first period, the United States conceded four in a row in the second, before then scoring another four in a row to take the victory a thrilling 7 goals to 5. Robin Winter came up big, kicking off the comeback with a shorthanded goal twelve and a half minutes into the second period, before scoring the equalizer just a minute and a half later. Game two was a heartbreaking overtime loss to Team Asia, but showed great signs of promise, as the Americans were never really out of reach of victory; it just didn’t go their way. Lucas Brandt and Jack Feriancek each had a goal and assist to their name, but despite their best efforts were unable to take the victory. 
 
Team Canada
 
Despite sitting fourth in the standings, Team Canada has been on fire to start the WJC. They have four players inside the top ten four points, including three of the top four centres in the tournament: SS Hornet,  JaredN, and Andrew Su. Alex Letang is the lynchpin defenceman holding the group together and is tied for most points from a defenceman, while Timothy Brown is holding strong. The Canadians have the top three slots for +/-, a factor helped out by their third game against Team World that saw them win by a blowout score of 6-1; five goals scored in the first period. Andrew Su’s four-point game was particularly impressive, though it was goaltender Jacob Tonn’s 49 save performance that deserves significant praise, considering he wasn’t even named one of the stars.  Their first two games were very tight, and although it didn’t quite go their way, losing in a shootout to Team Europe and losing by just a single goal to Team Asia isn’t the worst way Day One could have gone. Looking ahead, Canada needs to stay the course; they have the firepower and they have the grit to take this tournament for themselves. 
 
 
Team World
 
While Team Canada’s fourth-place position might be a little disingenuous considering their +3 goal differential, Team World’s -8 is just about right for their performances thus far; but even with that being said, I wouldn’t count them out just yet. Yes, they lost big to Canada, but they only fell to the United States by 2 goals, and only lost to Team Europe in a shootout. What Team World needs is more consistency. Their goaltender, Hex Valentine, has been about as hot and cold as you can get. His games against Team USA and Team Canada left a lot to be desired, conceding a total of 13 goals across 71 shots, but a strong 40 save performance against the Europeans showcased what he can do. With all that being said, how can Team World dig themselves out of this? They are in an interesting position: they have one of the greatest disparities in talent between their lines of any team. Left-winger Gary Neal leads the tournament in points with eight, on two goals and six assists, and is shooting at an impressive 16.67% rate. Considering Aleelee Kiak’s and Latrell Mitchell’s strong performances as well (with Mitchell’s three goals ranking best amongst defencemen), you would think they would be a stronger competitor. But with a lack of depth scoring, they have struggled. We will see if they can turn this around.
 

But for now, that will be all from us. Do you agree with our assessment? Tune in next time for your WJC Update! See you there!
 
 
Players Mentioned: @tfong, @Bacon, @Gooningitup, @Infernal, @Jubo07, @DaftRaincloud, @Hylands33, @Tape-to-Tape, @Jackie4967, @Brewins15, @Sonnet, @twists, @McWolf, @jared, @Da_Berr, @Spartan, @a_Ferk, @MexicanCow123, @DrHexDex, @LittleRiDog, @Grant, @dasboot
 
  
VSN Writer Mr_Hatter