LefLop

While this day has many different names around the world and in various countries, the United States calls today "Veteran's Day." To some people it has little meaning, or maybe it means another day off, or maybe it even means a few of your favorite stores hold discounts. For some people in the United States it has become a day where undying patriotism rises for a bit, and then shrinks down again. The official meaning/history behind Veteran's Day in the United States can be found here. No matter what this day means to most people, I hope I can shed some light onto what this day means for me and maybe other veterans.
 
Every year, usually on November 10th, my Facebook and Instagram are flooded with friends and family members who change their profile pictures to either themselves in uniform or a family member in uniform. They share stories about what they or a loved one did in the US Military, and it's often a day of reminiscing on time spent in the service. I am among the fortunate few who never had to face a deployment. There were many moments where it almost happened, but every time the deployment was moved/cancelled and my unit was not needed. So, my time served was all state-side. I am fortunate there. The memories I do have from my time in service are a complicated mixture of frustration with how stupid the Army could be, and times where I really loved what I was doing. That's about all I can share.
 
I have many friends who share stories on Veteran's Day. They tell about their time overseas, their time in danger, their time being shot/blown up/injured, and they share about the many times where they missed amazing moments with their families. When I read over their stories I find myself even more thankful that my service didn't end with the ultimate sacrifice of life. I was never called away from home for a long time, nor was I ever in danger due to an enemy force. But, for most of my veteran friends, that isn't the case.
 
When I think about and reflect on Veteran's Day, I am reminded of the incredible sacrifice that men and women in the United States have made to serve their country. This isn't to fluff my own feathers, but to lift up veteran's I know. Those who deployed, and those who didn't, agreed to lay their life down for not only one another, but for the people of the United States and for our allies. They agreed to be called at any time to serve those who are in need, giving up their own personal liberty and freedom to ensure that it came to others. Regardless of your stances on foreign policy and the United States Armed Forces, the sacrifice that these men and women are willing to, and sometimes do make is astounding. Even if their personal motivations aren't always ethical, they all agree to the same thing:
 
Oath of Enlistment (Non-Commissioner Officer): I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
 
Oath for Commissioned Officer: "I, _____, having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God."
 
Also, here's my obligatory picture in uniform...
 

For those of you who know me in the SBA, you know exactly what happened to me and why I fell off the face of the earth for a while. For those of you who don't know, I caught COVID and had some really bad symptoms, and then I broke my ankle when I was recovering. I recently had a second surgery on my ankle in another attempt to try to get me to heal to full health, but the itch of going back to leagues came. To be honest, I do feel good enough to do leagues now, and it's a welcome distraction from everything else now that I need to worry about, but there's always the earning pressure that I'm already feeling that I remember and don't really like.

There are a couple of NBA2K leagues where I do the bare minimum and be a role player. I hope I can do that here as well. I know earning isn't hard here actually, it's pretty easy, and I've never actually had a bad interaction with this community, but I think for my mental I can't afford to go in too deep. I hate free agency and people asking me to be on their team. It feels awful to say no to people, especially when I don't have a good reason to. I came back here and saw a bunch of messages and notifications, and had a brief moment of panic and terror, and ran away. I legit only had the VHL portal open on my phone for a few weeks just to do my welfare and practice and try to keep the rest out of my mind.
 
That changed recently. I made a serious comeback attempt in the SBA, and I'm here to do the affiliate check. I'm also here because my friends like hockey and I find myself enjoying hockey when I'm watching. Barron had a fantastic season, only notching 4 penalty minutes, which is exactly what I wanted him to do. I'm going to bite the bullet now and actually add in some scoring, to try to be a better player, but I don't want that to be his main focus. I am low TPE after all, I just want to not be absolutely useless on one end like I have been. I actually like my future, although if I'm a free agent after this season I'm probably going to turtle as much as possible as soon as it happens. Sorry in advance to whoever reaches out to me. 
 
Until next time I decide to do an update, I hope everyone stays healthy and is happy and does well.
 
LefLop
 
 

For those of you who know me in the SBA, you know exactly what happened to me and why I fell off the face of the earth for a while. For those of you who don't know, I caught COVID and had some really bad symptoms, and then I broke my ankle when I was recovering. I recently had a second surgery on my ankle in another attempt to try to get me to heal to full health, but the itch of going back to leagues came. To be honest, I do feel good enough to do leagues now, and it's a welcome distraction from everything else now that I need to worry about, but there's always the earning pressure that I'm already feeling that I remember and don't really like.

There are a couple of NBA2K leagues where I do the bare minimum and be a role player. I hope I can do that here as well. I know earning isn't hard here actually, it's pretty easy, and I've never actually had a bad interaction with this community, but I think for my mental I can't afford to go in too deep. I hate free agency and people asking me to be on their team. It feels awful to say no to people, especially when I don't have a good reason to. I came back here and saw a bunch of messages and notifications, and had a brief moment of panic and terror, and ran away. I legit only had the VHL portal open on my phone for a few weeks just to do my welfare and practice and try to keep the rest out of my mind.
 
That changed recently. I made a serious comeback attempt in the SBA, and I'm here to do the affiliate check. I'm also here because my friends like hockey and I find myself enjoying hockey when I'm watching. Barron had a fantastic season, only notching 4 penalty minutes, which is exactly what I wanted him to do. I'm going to bite the bullet now and actually add in some scoring, to try to be a better player, but I don't want that to be his main focus. I am low TPE after all, I just want to not be absolutely useless on one end like I have been. I actually like my future, although if I'm a free agent after this season I'm probably going to turtle as much as possible as soon as it happens. Sorry in advance to whoever reaches out to me. 
 
Until next time I decide to do an update, I hope everyone stays healthy and is happy and does well.
 
LefLop
 
 

1. Mostly outspoken basketball players like Lebron or Curry etc.
2. I dont know anymore. My relationship with sports (like everything else) is slowly turning toxic
3. I guess at this moment americanized chinese 
4. Always pull the goalie as per smart people. 
5. I'm going for at least 12 points please.
6. I believe in momentum. Spread it out. 
7. I would like to go Aces up as a conquistador 

1. The most recurring one recently is that I die naked. 
2. MLB - money is great there. 
3. I am not sure. I treat as more of role playing for sure.
4. Terrible. I stopped blocking shots out of nowhere. Not a great feeling. 
5. I think spring. You dont have the deal with falling leaves and the holidays are less annoying. Also feels hopeful
6. Beach please. I want to tan and eat shore food.
7.  I have developed a recent hatred of doing laundry and am seriously considering paying someone else to do it for me. 

1. We will be on the standings somewhere. I focus on playing the game. 
2. Math hard. I just diamond hands play game.
3. Whenever I get to block a shot. I enjoy being a fake goaltender
4. No. Playing game is my job. No other. 
5. No. Never. Too much stress and work.
6. I am an idiot sandwich. 
7. I hate all Tommy / Green Ranger. 

Credits: @Zetterberg
 
Hello everyone, and welcome to another edition of VSN's seasonal Future Watch series release.  I'm your resident head scout MattyIce and this article is doubly special for myself.
We get to cover another season of prospects and teams gearing up for the VHL and also, I'll have a special privileged announcement to make!
Another draft has come and gone, and many players have found themselves here; in a prospect pool.
The grind has begun to get to the big show and we're here to show you who's where and who's going to enter the VHL in seasons to come.
 
With many GM changes this offseason, my associate @fonziGG applied for, and accepted the Vancouver Wolves GM job.
Thank you for your contributions and best of luck at your new position!  It was a pleasure hiring you and working alongside you.
 
With his departure, I decided to post TWO job openings to round out our Central Scouting department.
While there was alot of interest, I chose two members that have created waves of positive energy throughout the VHL.
These two have simply shown excellent professionalism throughout  their tenures and it's awesome to have them on board.
It's my pleasure to introduce @RedSus and @Spartan.
 
Spartan:  Cheers folks, thrilled to be part of VSN's scouting department.
I think most of you know me, but for those who don't, I am the GM of the Moscow Menace, former GM of the Las Vegas Aces and also an updater.
I've always enjoyed scouting as a GM, and I think that it's always important to keep an eye on the next generation of potential VHL superstars.
We've worked very closely together to evaluate and analyze every team's active prospect pool, and we're excited to share our work with you!
 
RedSus: Hello everybody i'm RedSus, i'm very excited to be joining VSN scouting and look forward to providing content for you.
Scouting has always been an interest of mine ever since joining the league so I definitely look forward working with Matty and Spartan on upcoming projects.
I wish all of the prospects reading this the best and hope you all enjoy this article!
 
Let's see how the teams around VHL are gearing up for the future, shall we?
 
@Ricer13           @Patrik Tallinder         PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA Calgary is facing a new era in their lengthy history, headlined by the hiring of Ricer as their new GM after Jubis stepped down at the end of S76. Sitting at 14th in the overall standings, Calgary is definitely looking to the future to try to get this team into a competing position again. The team immediately addressed their defense core in the most recent draft, selecting Rolf Fizzlebeef Jr. at 7th overall, and then Joe Madison at 14th overall. Fizzlebeef was VHL ready at the time of the draft, and has performed very well so far during this regular season. Madison looks to be called up next season, as well as S76 selection Markuss Puhovs. The question will be how they will make room for these stellar defenseman, with no pending UFA's or retirees on their current defense core. Look for GM Ricer to try to move a player like Kosmo Kramerev at the trade deadline. Russell Dixon, their 3rd round pick looks to come up in S79, and the team will look for him to develop a bit offensively with just 2 points in 26 games in the minors. Goalie ClapbombsRUs looks to come up next season as well and take over the backup goalie spot.       (S77) D - Joe Madison (MIS) @Brewins15 188 (S76) D - Markuss Puhovs (MIN) @VOID Stiles 249 (S77) RW - Russell Dixon (MIA) @Rjdixon01 142 (S76) G - ClapbombsRUs (MIA) @ClapbombsRus 236                         @JeffD           @Blazzer         The Phoenix are all in on the cup and looking to defend their title, but their players are aging rapidly. Chicago is going to face dark days with only a few prospects in their system to replace their aging core. Their entire active prospect system is made up purely of defensemen, even though their defense core is relatively young. Sportsboy57 is progressing slowly, so he could be called up to the VHL in S79. Vasiliy Grigorev, the last pick of the 2nd round in the S77 class has the highest potential out of the prospects in the system, although he will likely only make the jump up in S79 as well. New Player could be the sole prospect to come up in S78, but despite being a strong defenseman in the VHLM, he still needs time to become a VHL caliber defenseman. PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA       (S75) D - New Player (LVA) @I'll change this later 209 (S76) D - Sportsboy57 (MIA) @Sportsboy57 198 (S77) D - Vasiliy Grigorev (MIA) @Noxalpha 169                   @Enorama           @bigAL         PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA DC is facing a bit of a conundrum this season, as they entered the season with aspirations to contend for the championship again. However, a lack of depth and a reliance on their defensive depth and a few superstars has them sitting in last place in the VHL. Although this may not be the season they win it all, their prospect pool looks very solid. Both Nilsson and Henchoz are ready to make the jump to the VHL next season, and should provide strong depth for a Dragons squad that may embrace the rebuild. Creed, the 24th overall pick in the S77 draft, is the crown jewel of this prospect group, with fantastic development each week and averaging almost a point per game with Halifax in the VHLM. Look for him to be ready to make the Dragons roster in S78. Jah Coon is also having a resurgence in his career, seemingly things have clicked for him. He's made massive improvements since S75, and could be a strong prospect who's ready to come up in S79.       (S77) C - creed (HFX) @assassin6898 193 (S76) D - Germano Henchoz (HOU) @RicoTheTrapGod 243 (S76) RW - Jah Coon (MIA) @denns 150 (S75) C - Kjell Nilsson (PHI) @glass 244                   @GustavMattias           @Berocka         General Manager Gustav Mattias openly accepted that it was time to start the rebuild on Davos after some underwhelming seasons. Despite owning the top 2 picks of the S72 draft, Davos just never broke the curse to become a contender. Luckily for the organization, they have plenty of prospects that could come up in the next few seasons and potentially snap the draught. Reylynn Reinhart, the 2nd overall pick in the draft has already come up to the VHL, and fellow first round pick Miles Johnson is in prime position to join his fellow draft mate in the VHL next season. Following closely behind him will be S77 2nd round forward Griff Mackenzie and TheCHEESE, as well as 3rd rounder Declan Wolf, all making significant progress as they hope to join Davos' core for the next few seasons. Defensemen Raphael Sonier and Ezechiele Pierde Enel look to be slightly longer term projects, but the two offensive minded defensemen both project to come up in S79, where GM Gustav will have to make tough choices who he will keep as part of his defense core. Later round picks Raihan Heavems, Emile Clouet and Lochlan Chisholm will have their work cut out for them with so many top tier prospects to be competing with, but increased commitment from the young forwards can easily earn them a slot on the pro roster in S79. 60th overall pick Sean Ramirez may be one of the steals of the draft, selected with the 5th to last pick, but already playing like folks selected in the 3rd round. This group will be very competitive, and expect the players to use each other as motivation to make it to the big leagues. Perhaps that mindset will help them change the course of Davos history! PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA       (S77) RW - Declan Wolf (MIA) @MrShark 169 (S77) LW - Emile Clouet (HFX) @Émile Clouet 147 (S77) D - ezechiele pierde enel (LVA) @Minermonkey 141 (S77) C - Griff Mackenzie (SSK) @HoneyBadger25 189 (S77) LW - Lochlan Chisholm (SDM) @Lochlan Chisholm 119 (S77) LW - Miles Johnson (MIS) @Midnite 219 (S77) RW - Raihan Heavems (MIN) @RstortonYT 147 (S77) D - Raphael Sonier (SSK) @raphaelsonier9815 139 (S77) LW - Sean Ramirez (MIN) @Kyle01 113 (S77) RW - TheCHEESE (SSK) @TheCHEESE 177                   @Jubo07           @PatrikLaine         PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA Helsinki is firmly in the middle of a playoff push, sitting towards the top of the league standings through 25 games played. Despite posessing a roster that of a contender, they've managed to maintain a strong balance between youth and veteran players. Unlike some other contenders in the league, Helsinki is armed with a strong prospect group, albeit mildly top heavy. Forwards Gustislav Nasherov and Jonny Pacheco from Missisauga are primed to make the jump to the main roster next season, with both bringing strong, balanced games to the Titans. Goalie Luke Spinelli could also come up, but we will see if General Manager Jubis will elect to keep the youngster in the minors for another season as they still have Zamboni Driver and Trent Gibson on the roster. Defenseman Elvis Michael has shown strong improvement, but may need a second season in the minors to further develop his game. The same can be said for winger Slick Dasher, who is almost certain to come up after S78. Young center Bryn Yrwy is a bit of a wild card, but a very strong defensive player. He'll need to make strides in his offensive game in order to make the cut and play in the big leagues.       (S77) C - Bryn Yrwy (HFX) @dylanjj37 55 (S77) D - Elvis Michael (MIS) @ATST 178 (S77) RW - Gustislav Nasherov (MIS) @Vat 220 (S75) C - Jonny Pacheco (MIS) @jpach 231 (S76) RW - Slick Dasher @Slick 139 (S75) G - Luke Spinelli (MIS) @Lspinelli 205                   @McWolf           MattyIce         After going out and acquiring some big names in the off season London has found themselves in the middle of a tight playoff race improving vastly from last season. While there pursuit for immediate success has left there pool of prospects relatively thin, it does not mean there nothing to be excited for if your London United. Dexter Vaughn, a goaltender drafted in season 76 by London is a near VHL ready prospect who needs a little fine tuning before he can make the jump to the bigs. He has made consistent strides to improve his game in the VHLM and I don't think it is a stretch to expect him joining London's goaltending group as soon as next season. Another prospect to look forward to is Gabby Dugan who like Dexter Vaughn has been steadily improving though the past couple seasons. Dugan is enjoying a breakout season in the VHLM having already matched her point total from last season. Dugan may need at least another season to make the jump to the VHL but she's definitely a prospect to keep an eye on for London. Lastly there is Hendrix Cobberson who is enjoying by far his most successful season to date. Drafted 81st in S75 Cobberson has shown this season that he has the potential to make to the VHL. Like Dugan after one more strong season of development we could see Cobberson crack the London United roster. PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA                   (S76) LW - Gabby Dugan (SDM) @Howie McMeeker 162 (S75) C - Hendrix Cobberson (SDM) @Hendrix Cobberson 161 (S76) G - Dexter Vaughn (MIN) @Flames1Fan 219                               @Josh           @Brewins15         PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA After multiple seasons of disappointment the Los Angeles Stars have finally found success in the VHL. They've done this with a roster filled with stars and yet they have managed to gather one of the best group of prospects in the league. There prospect pool is highlighted by S77 18th overall pick Trevor Wallace who is producing at a point per game pace in the VHLM along with S75 98th overall pick Kikko Moskinen. Both players without a doubt will join LA next season where could aim to be even stronger. Other prospects who have a chance at joining LA next season include Ron World Peace III who's producing nearly a point per game as a defenseman, Ghengis Khan who's currently 8th in VHLM scoring and Davey Jones Jr. All three players have a chance at making LA's roster next season if not the one after that. Additionally, season 77 picks kman, Jocke Jockesson and Ashton Hauff could all be very valuable players in the future with a season more or two of experience. Last but not least LA's one goalie prospect is expected to make his VHL debut next season. With a 0.9 save% Barry Taffe has the second highest save percentage in the VHLM by goalies who've played over 5 games. He's doing this while playing on a below average Ottawa team which makes his numbers that more impressive.       (S77) C - Ashton Hauff (LVA) @hess30 109 (S77) C - Davey Jones Jr (MIS) @Da Trifecta 169 (S76) LW - Genghis Khan (PHI) @caltroit_red_flames 202 (S77) D - Jocke Jockesson (MIA) @ThomasSyster 128 (S75) LW - Kikko Moskinen (HFX) @MikkoKoskinensMistress 236 (S77) C - Kman (LVA) @Kman 139 (S76) D - Ron World Peace III (MIN) @stevo 215 (S77) RW - Trevor Wallace (MIA) @LilHCorny 234 (S76) G - Barry Taffe (OTT) @Barry 250                   @Hylands           @STZ         With new GM Hylands at the helm Malmo is in the middle of a tight playoff race in the EU looking to return to the post season for the first time since they won the continental cup. There current roster holds a lot of depth much like there collection of prospects who are set to supply Malmo with talent for seasons to come. Two of there bright young players could aid Malmo's efforts as soon as the beginning of S78, The great and Bradley Senjo are both centers in the VHLM who are having phenomenal seasons with there respective teams as there 2nd and 3rd in the M in scoring respectively. Malmo then holds a plethora of young talent from the S77 draft who could all turn out to be impact players. Joshooo was drafted 26th overall after breaking out as a superstar in the VHLM last season. JaredN Jr has shown consistent improvement in his game, Baldar Poulsen has had a very good season at almost a point per game and Zeljko Ranogajec has already surpassed his point totals from his rookie year. These 4 players could make a push to make the VHL next season as they all have shown there potential this season. Kirby Pandora and Tyler Steel are other good prospects in the Nighthawks pipeline who should be in the conversation for making this team in S79. 63rd overall pick Apollo will also need at least 1 or 2 years of development before we can see his name on the back of a Malmo Nighthawks jersey. PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA       (S77) RW - Apollo (YUK) @SexyWrench 94 (S77) LW - Baldur Poulsen (HFX) @GlowyGoat 167 (S75) C - Bradley Senjo (HOU) @Senjo1706 247 (S77) D - JaredN Jr (MIS) @jared 166 (S77) C - Joshooo (OTT) @Joshothegreat 194 (S77) D - Kirby Pandora (OTT) @PandaBearD25 157 (S75) C - The great (YUK) @Jake Sumner 241 (S77) LW - Tyler Steel (HFX) @tylerwest 155 (S77) D - Zeljko Ranogajec (PHI) @ColeMrtz 165                   Spartan                     PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA The Moscow Menace have entered a new era after unloading many of their best players in favour of draft picks and other assets. They have also transitioned to new management lead by the freshly minted General Manager Spartan. After selling off some high level assets, Moscow managed to stockpile a good amount of bright young prospects to aid there team in the future, some of which have already made the jump to the VHL. With Atreides and Idaho already establishing themselves in the league, Moscow can now look forward to their many other prospects who may join the team next season. Among these players include S77 top prospect Kyle Glass who was selected 22nd overall last season and is off to an impressive start this season; at 17 goals already he is only 2 tallies away from matching his previous total with two thirds of the season left to play. He along with S75 forwards Owen Taylor and Grapes with the addition of S76 defensemen Shaggy Tipton should all expect to make Moscow's roster for next season. Moscow's prospect pool is then rounded out by names such as Bahram Kamkar, who could make his debut as soon as S79 and forwards such as Duncan Montana, Brent Skimmer and Giles Sweeney who all may need some seasoning before making the jump to the VHL. Additionally, goaltender Andrew Bowman has shown a lot of promise in the VHLM and could be ready to join Moscow's goalie tandem in S78. All in all, Moscow won't be short on depth in the future as they have a number of VHL worthy players on the rise.       (S76) D - Bahram Kamkar (MIN) @Eagle Eye 195 (S77) RW - Brent Skimmer (OTT) @Adrest245 118 (S77) LW - Duncan Montana (SSK) @124715 153 (S77) RW - Giles Sweeney (LVA) @Giles Rigel 108 (S75) RW - Grapes (MIN) @Grapes-Tophat_Clan- 250 (S77) RW - Kyle Glass (HFX) @Tbeez99 235 (S75) LW - Owen Taylor (MIS) @Owen Taylor 250 (S76) D - Shaggy Tipton (LVA) @Jakefufu 220 (S76) G - Andrew Bowman (SSK) @BrutalBoost 232                   @Esso2264           @dlamb         New York has made significant steps in their rebuild, adding high octane talent like Rhynex Entertainment, Red Lite and up and coming goalie Thadius Sales in the past few drafts. While the squad isn't in the basement of the league anymore, they still have a decent ways to go to be considered a top contender. Luckily for them, they have a strong prospect pool to utilize over the next two seasons. Calvin Hobbes is a lock to come up in S78, although with the center depth of New York, may end up playing a wing as a well-rounded forward. S77 draft picks Tanky, Aldwin Craig and The Loch Ness Monster have a chance to come up next season, but GM Esso Drunkmann may elect to have them continue their development in the VHLM for another season. Older winger Craig Martin has been making consistent progress over past few seasons, but he may have to wait until S79 to get the opportunity to play in the pros. 55th overall pick Jordan Heavens is also likely to to come up in S79 or S80, as the sniper still has room to develop his skating game and defensive IQ. Look to see this young roster possess some dangerous depth across their roster by S79. PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA       (S77) LW - Aldwin Craig (SDM) @Eldredman 182 (S76) C - Calvin Hobbes (MIN) @2hawk 249 (S76) LW - Craig Martin (SSK) @Craig 175 (S77) RW - Jordan Heavens (SSK) @StormJordanYT 114 (S77) D - Tanky (SSK) @TXC 190 (S77) D - The Loch Ness Monster (SDM) @LuluSalesAway 188                   @diamond_ace           @Domg5         PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA The Phantoms are enjoying a strong start to the season, sitting at 4th overall in the standings. While the team has long been led by Thomas Landry II, a changing of the guards appears to be in order with Prague's young forwards establishing themselves in the league. With most of their recent selections already in the big leagues, Prague has just 4 members in their prospect pool. Most exciting of the bunch is surely Willy Myers, a true sniper over a point per game in the minors. The young forward has found the back of the net 19 times in just 24 games. Fellow S76 draftee Chicken Nugget is having a breakout year, tallying 30 points in 27 games, so look for him to be on the roster in S79. Nicholas Mariani, GM Jason Glasser's sole pick in the S77 draft has developed very nicely, exceeding expectations and locking in a spot on the pro roster in S79 as well. S72 defenseman Joakim Lund may never be called up to the pros, but has enjoyed a very successful career as a veteran in the minors.       (S76) RW - Chicken Nugget (LVA) @LT.CHICKEN NUGGETS 118 (S72) D - Joakim Lund (MIS) @Bouncyelf 223 (S77) LW - Nicholas Mariani (SDM) @Mistxh J 165 (S76) LW - Willy Myers (HOU) @Willy Myers 250                   @hedgehog337           @Ledge_and_Dairy         GM Benjamin Zeptenberg's draft strategy since the S74 selloff has been successful for the seasons since, and the youth that has carried over is even still impressive. S75 pick Noah Mashford should finally graduate after four seasons in the VHLM. His production and progress have steadied over the past two seasons, although this snipers' defensive game does still need alot of work. Recent 1st round pick Jan Hlozek chose to stay in the M for another season to dominate and learn the game more and next season he'll be ready to play in a top 4 role quite comfortably. Forward Miks Sunish, defenseman Chris P Bacon and goalies Morgan Karlsson and Kuba Fleury are still somewhat of a question mark to be VHL ready next season, so Riga management has eyes on those youngers as well. As for looking down the road, more prospects look to flood in during the S79 season, and they'll have depth at every position. At least two players should graduate next season, but that could inflate to six, with prospects like goalie Darcy Cat, winger Mikhail Johanssen and defensemen Jere Suominen, still developing, and selections to make at the draft; Riga sure has a very strong draft-and-develop strategy that's very impressive. As of this writing, Riga has six more selections to make at the upcoming draft, including Toronto's 1st round pick, so it could be a season to fill the prospect pool even more. PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA       (S77) RW - Brighton Grisby (YUK) @StephenCurry5806N 110 (S76) D - Chris P Bacon (MIS) @Chris P Bacon 172 (S77) D - Jan Hlozek (MIA) @Bojovnik 250 (S77) D - Jere Suominen (MIA) @Fredoushka8 129 (S77) RW - Mikhail Johanssen (HOU) @Silver Warrior 122 (S76) LW - Miks Sunish (MIS) @Anomalijs 182 (S75) C - Noah Mashford (MIA) @Mashy 228 (S76) C - Normunds (OTT) @Lvhockeybest6 114 (S76) G - Darcy Cat (YUK) @Tropicalfire 142 (S77) G - Kuba Fleury 37 (PHI) @Kuba-Fleury 146 (S76) G - Morgan Karlsson (LVA) @Erik 177                   @Banackock                     PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA The once dominant Seattle Bears have taken a step back in terms of competing for a cup, but have made strong strides to put together the next core of the future. Only 3 of their roster players have undergone depreciation, and most of their core is S74 or younger, with plenty of prospects in the pool. 4 players could be called upon to make the jump up in S78, including forwards Alexander the Great, Delving Mackey and Guy Lambert, along with their S77 2nd round selection of defenseman Nixon Caldwell. Lanbert and Macket are both strong offensively, with Mackey possessing a very disciplined game. Alexander the Great is well-rounded, establishing himself as a sold playmaker, while Nixon Caldwell is developing nicely into the puck-moving defenseman archetype. S75 winger Gaspar Zakrevsky may also be in the mix next season, but he may need another season to deveop his overall game. Fellow S77 2nd round pick Innunnguaq Kiak will most certainly stay in the minors for another seson much to the thrill of the Yukon Rush, as the young defenseman has tremendous offensive potential, netting 23 points in just 13 games after being traded from the Missisauga Hounds.       (S76) C - Alexander The Great (MIA) @Shiny 239 (S76) LW - Delving Mackey (MIA) @Jurell Yurki 237 (S75) LW - Gaspar Zakrevsky (MIS) @Pythonic 205 (S76) C - Guy Lambert (MIS) @Spartakiller2 239 (S77) D - Inunnguaq Kiak (YUK) @Grant 164 (S77) D - Nixon Caldwell (SSK) @Kendrick 234                   @Peace                     Toronto has had some recent draft success, with Jolly Greene Giant, Scotty Kaberle, Frank Funk Jr. and Asher Reinhart within the past three drafts, and GM Rylan Peace has also been wheeling and dealing, giving his roster a fresh new look. This leaves his prospect pool quite empty, so the only two drafted players here are forwards Nikita Wolf and Silas Messner. Wolf is a playmaking winger, playing his first full season in the VHLM with the Minnesota Storm. He's playing in a depth role for them and he's producing steadily. He should be ready for the bigs when season 79 comes around. Silas Messner's development has stalled since training camp, but that happens sometimes with later round selections. He's a centerman that does have good physical fundamentals, but he's clueless in his own zone and in the faceoff circle, which is a glaring deficiency for a centerman. The Legion only have four selections to make in the next two drafts, and no first round picks either. Perhaps GM Peace makes a move to get more picks or prospects, or he makes the best selections he can with what he has. PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA       (S77) LW - Nikita Wolf (MIN) @MrE 153 (S77) C - Silas Meissner (OTT) @I dont know what I am doin 117                                           @fonziGG           @Sixersfan594         PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA Vancouver is another team that just went through a GM swap, but it's no secret that previous GM Keaton Louth had success with the draft and develop approach. Newly-minted GM Ted Mosby inherits a franchise that is deep pretty much everywhere. Next season's graduating class might see no less than six players move up the Wolves' roster. S76 second round pick Napoleon Bonaparte himself is the most anticipated new arrival next season. The playmaking centerman has the goods to fill in at a depth position next season, while last season's first round pick Barron Kruulenstein is producing, assists, at a higher rate. He's still looking for his first goal in Minnesota, but his defensive development has been pretty amazing. Wingers Darryl McDagg and Gary Tarantino II are two snipers that are eyeing the VHL as well, but McDagg has been the more productive one, whereas Tarantino is just a bit further along in his development. Fellow winger and sniper Kid Frost is in his third VHLM season and is finally producing in Houston. He's another forward that wants the call up. Defenseman Roger Jone is also in his 3rd season, but it's still too soon to tell if he's gonna be ready for the S78 Wolves. His progress has been slow, but steady. Lorgo Pompronkimishkonov is most likely to be a career VHLMer, like the dart agency's previous player, Florent Vericel.       (S75) C - Aivars Kiris (OTT) @Aivarszz 135 (S77) D - Barron Kruulenstien (MIN) @LefLop 229 (S77) LW - Darryl McDagg (LVA) @Wolverine 179 (S77) RW - Gary Tarantino II (MIN) @Garrett 193 (S76) LW - Kid Frost (HOU) @TownBizness 205 (S77) C - Lorgo Pompronkimishkonov (YUK) @dart 111 (S76) C - Napoleon Bonaparte (MIA) @CptSquall 250 (S75) D - Roger Jone (HFX) @Rick132 194 (S77) LW - Ryan Li (HOU) @Ryan Li 111                   @.sniffuM           @dasboot         Warsaw is a stacked team, but they are slowly aging. With many players entering their prime, GM Damien Walec has his work cut out for him. There are only three players in the Predators' system, most notably, the most recent first round selection, Hadrian. He's a defenseman who's very close to being ready for the big league, and finally getting the ice time to produce in Halifax. He's build very solid and within the meta, so he can slot in right away and help the Warsaw defense corps starting next season. Cup winning goalie Jonathan Bustard has recently returned to form with Halifax and could be ready soon as well if he remains consistent in his earning. S77 third round selection Donnie Talifero, teammate of Bustard, is becoming a very solid defenseman and skater, but he's more likely going to need another season in the M. The Predators have four selections upcoming, so Walec has the luxury of building up his future with the S78 Entry Draft. PROSPECT USER AGENCY TPA             (S77) D - Donne Taliferro (HFX) @Wally 165 (S77) D - Hadrian (HFX) @bluesfan55 226 (S75) G - Jonathan Bustard (HFX) @williamirc 198              
 
Claims: Myself, RedSus and Spartan are eligible to claim 2 weeks of job pay each.

1. It's cold, people are way too attached to sports, and it's a city. Also I have terrible memories of the place.
 
2. It contains whatever moments of childhood innocence I've ever had, at least a large part of it.
 
3. Yes. I think my current temper prevents me from playing.
 
4. They used to be fun, but now I hate the time pressure mechanics that in free to play games, and plot driven games don't fit my poor memory anymore
 
5. At this current moment it is probably basketball. 
 
6. I own a car. I like nice cars. I know nothing of how to fix or evaluate them, but I want to have a nice ride. I like daniel mac videos
 
7. I havent decided yet. The mRNA stuff freaks me out and I am considering the idea that I might enjoy life better living in constant fear and having the virus as an excuse to flake out on my social arrangements as I become more of a bitter man filled with hate and continue driving a wedge between myself and those who call me a friend. 

3/28 - 4/4

Answer 6 questions to claim 2 capped TPE
 
1) Tell me why your hometown is the worst!
2) Tell my why your hometown is the best!
3) Have you ever played in a forum Town of Salem game? This is the most recent one: 
4) Do you like to play video games, or do you find them boring?
5) What is your least favorite sport?
6) Do you own a car? Do you think you are a "car person"?
7) Are you planning on getting vaccinated soon?

1) Tell me why your hometown is the worst!
Not sure, I would say lack of variety, it's not a big place so not a lot of options.
 
2) Tell my why your hometown is the best!
Traffic is never a problem.
 
3) Have you ever played in a forum Town of Salem game? This is the most recent one: 
I don't play but I read through most of them.
 
4) Do you like to play video games, or do you find them boring?
Yeah I'm a big video game guy.

5) What is your least favorite sport?
There are plenty of sports I don't watch, but baseball and soccer are just awful to watch for me.

7) Are you planning on getting vaccinated soon?
Yes, I've had my first one, and getting my second one this weekend.

1) My hometown don't have a lot of money, for upgrades, and our Mayor is in jail.
2) It's good place for tourists, because of the beach.
3) No, I haven't.
4) I like to play video games, when I have free time.
5) I don't know, I like all of them.
6) No i don't own a car, and i think i am not a car person.
7) No, I don't want, I don't trust to these vaccines.

1) I'm trying really hard to find something bad about it.
2) quiet. No traffic. Really good community 
3) no I haven't. 
4) I enjoy playing them a lot but I'm not obsessed. (Which is good)
5) golf or tennis 
6) I don't own a car and am probably not considered a car person 
7) nope. I'm 16 and don't need one unless they force me to need one.

Hello Members,
 
It's no secret that the VHL has been expanding rapidly over the last few seasons and an internal goal has been to eventually beat out the NHL for number of teams, which will sit at 32 once Seattle joins the league. With that goal in mind we have decided to bring forth the largest change to the league in decades, potentially ever.
 
Starting in S78 the VHLM will be disbanded with it's teams all being moved to the VHL, giving us 28 teams in total. This gets us close to our goal but not quite there so we will be also adding 6 new teams to the league, all based out of Europe to counter the 12 North American teams entering. This gives us 34 teams, thus beating the NHL and proving VHL dominance.
 
This would still leave us unbalanced of course with 14 teams in Europe and 20 in North America so we will also be moving Mexico, Houston, and Minnesota to Europe in order to balance the conferences. 
 
A general manager application will be opening shortly so that we can fill the vacant 6 spots and decide on team name and locations and more details will follow in the upcoming weeks. The @BOG and Blue team are very excited to finally hit this milestone with you all and we welcome your ideas regarding where teams should be placed and their logos.
 
Sincerely,
@Commissioner 

Wowwww that’s a game. What the hell happened here?
 
Kid Frost (HOU) for Fighting (Major) at 8:53, Tui Sova (MEX) for Fighting (Major) at 8:53, Kid Frost (HOU) for instigated a fight (Game Misconduct) at 8:53, Bradley Senjo (HOU) for Fighting (Major) at 8:53, Watson Stonebridge (MEX) for Fighting (Major) at 8:53, Bradley Senjo (HOU) for instigated a fight (Game Misconduct) at 8:53, Willy Myers (HOU) for Fighting (Major) at 8:53, Alexander Rivers (MEX) for Fighting (Major) at 8:53, Alexander Rivers (MEX) for instigated a fight (Game Misconduct) at 8:53, Drakon Zabastovka (HOU) for Roughing (Minor) at 8:53, β-MEX D4 (MEX) for High sticking (Minor) at 8:53, Germano Henchoz (HOU) for Hooking (Minor) at 8:53
 
holy let’s unpack that. I have to assume the penalties are in reverse chronological order because a High Sticking cap in the middle of a line brawl is not a minor penalty. 
 
First, Henchoz hooks MEX D4. D4 goes down and flails with his stick, smashing Henchoz in the schnoz. Zabasktakov doesn’t like the high stick, and comes and sits on D4 while he’s still down on the ice. Alex Rivers doesn’t like the big Eastern European man using his teammate as a couch, and runs over to help. Big Willy Myers steps in the way of Rivers, and gets superman punched by the fast moving Rivers. Big Willy is a brick wall, Rivers breaks his hand, and Big Willy throws him to the ground. Fight over. Bradley Senjo didn’t like his teammate getting embarrassed like that, so he goes after the closest King and starts a fight with Watson Stonebridge. Kid Frost sees his Houston teammate starting shit and figures he better grab a partner and get in on the action, and picks a fight with Tui Sova. The refs break up all the fights and start wiping up the Alex Rivers blood from the ice. 
 
Gotta love a good fight night in Houston!

Unfortunately the deadline was Sunday 😕 but its not too much TPE so you aren't missing out on that much.

1. Good to be back on the ice and play real games. I am patient man.
 
2. We play who we play and how we play matters more than our opponent. I don't read into any of this stuff. 
 
3. I would like to be a Yukon gold. I want to be known for my amazing color and richness. 
 
4. Potatoes are one of my favorite foods. 
 
5. 2 > 1. Always want 2 points. Dont care how I get them. 
 
6. I ghosted the site for a week and skipped my picks and got banned. Whoops.
 
7. Please send me a list so I can submit. I dont want to forget to do tpe tasks. 

Duncan Idaho + 30 Paul Atreides + 10 Asher Reinhart + 23 Reylynn Reinhart + 23 Brendan Telker + 28 Aurelien Moreau + 39 That Dude + 13 Zeedayno Chara + 23 Druss Deathwalker + 24 Rolf Fizzlebeef Jr + 23 Jan Hlozek + 22 Brussels Sprout + 10 Kyle Glass + 8 Trevor Wallace + 2 Barron Kruulenstien + 10 Hadrian + 10 Nixon Caldwell + 18 Miles Johnson + 14 Gustislav Nasherov + 11 Gary Tarantino II + 8 Joshooo + 16 Joe Madison + 6 Griff Mackenzie + 16 Aldwin Craig + 6 The Loch Ness Monster + 6 creed + 18 Tanky + 20 Elvis Michael + 2 Kirby Pandora + 16 TheCHEESE + 4 Baldur Poulsen + 8 Darryl McDagg + 8 Declan Wolf + 10 Davey Jones Jr + 10 Vasiliy Grigorev + 8 JaredN Jr + 6 Zeljko Ranogajec + 6 Inunnguaq Kiak + 2 Tyler Steel + 21 Nicholas Mariani + 15 Raihan Heavems + 6 ezechiele pierde enel + 6 Kuba Fleury 37 + 6 Russell Dixon + 2 Jocke Jockesson + 6 Jere Suominen + 6 Jordan Heavens + 17 Mikhail Johanssen + 32 Sean Ramirez + 12 Lorgo Pompronkimishkonov + 16 Brent Skimmer + 16 Giles Sweeney + 15 Ryan Li + 10 Apollo + 20 Bryn Yrwy + 20  
Total number of people who updated this week in this draft class: 55  
@OrbitingDeath @Mr_Hatter @rjfryman @Ricer13 @Telkster @Frank @Cornholio @Jubis @animal74 @TacticalHammer @Bojovnik @Liberty_Cabbage @Tbeez99 @LilHCorny @LefLop @bluesfan55 @Kendrick @Midnite @Vat @Garrett @Joshothegreat @Brewins15 @HoneyBadger25 @Eldredman @LuluSalesAway @assassin6898 @TXC @ATST @PandaBearD25 @TheCHEESE @GlowyGoat @Wolverine @MrShark @Da Trifecta @Noxalpha @jared @ColeMrtz @Grant @tylerwest @Mistxh J @RstortonYT @Minermonkey @Kuba-Fleury @Rjdixon01 @ThomasSyster @Fredoushka8 @StormJordanYT @Silver Warrior @Kyle01 @dart @Adrest245 @Giles Rigel @Ryan Li @SexyWrench @dylanjj37

We back @Members
 
 
 
Each correct answer is worth 1 capped TPE at the end of the week. Don't reveal the answer in public, but if you're not sure, ask around, here, or in the special trivia Discord channel.
 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpaWb6t4HDKdnmLd9SH_A6AU4Xy0FliUhX9gV2I0Mvbser2g/viewform?usp=sf_link

Weeekly Earning
 
So I've been pretty angry in sim leagues recently. You would think that wouldn't be the case. In one league, the team I just founded I won the ring in my first year of regression, on the team I founded, with my protege GM leading the way, and myself winning the finals MVP. In another league, I'm back again for my 3rd year of regression, barely hanging on, trying to win a title with Kelsier in what is most likely my last hurrah. In another league, I just won the title, with Kelsier, with one of my favorite users in Ng4 being my gm, after 3 attempts. In another league, I did some cap magic and kept most of my players (sorry McWolf), and we're on our way to being a real contender. 
 
Of course, that doesn't mean it didn't take a toll elsewhere. In one of our biggest games of the season for another league, I completely didn't do any scouting, and we lost. Our playoff fate now lies in the hands of our rivals, who are down 2 runs in the final inning. I have no idea if we'll make it, and my lack of scouting this season for the team has really hurt our offensive performance. In the VHL, I totally checked out and forgot that I had signed up for fantasy, and totally ghosted a group. Sorry again. in another league, I just didn't have time to do any earning, and didn't even update. 
 
More importantly, people have commented that I seem unhappy - especially in certain leagues. Well, maybe not the league that I just won the titles in, but in some others. I think I have a good idea why.
 
I've been talking to people about my gaming habits recently. I've totally given up on games with time pressure. I used to love playing gachas and game with stamina systems, as well as games with hourly dungeons and quests. I'm not about that life anymore. I found that those games have a hold of me - they enforce time pressure on me - they were literally controlling parts of my life. Sim leagues are starting to feel like there is some time pressure on me as well. Every week, I need to check in and earn. Regardless of how my life is going, inside or outside of leagues, there's stuff going on. Playoffs, offseasons, player drama, sim league drama. They are all chasing after me for something - it's like we've gone into a hyperdrive of the attention economy.
 
I normally do a weekly meditation session. Lately, I've found myself not looking forward to them. I don't want to take the time to empty my mind - there's always something /next/ that needs more attention. At work, with things seemingly reopening up - we are in super scramble mode. I still haven't done my taxes, and this is the first time I'll have to file taxes with stock stuff - I keep putting it off. Someone found a discord pokemon bot, and now I want to be the very best. My player name there is bee drill and i'm already trying to breed a passible (2 IV perfect + nature) Weedle. 
 
Part of this is just who I am and how I'm wired. I know I'm angry because my wiring pushes me to do all of these things, and I'm upset because there's something really wrong with how i'm living my life right now, but I'm not able to identify it. So I'm ok with "turning heel" in other leagues, because if I can't figure out whats wrong, maybe I'll just change and try new approaches to leagues and relationships and something will break and then hopefully things will get better.
 
until then, another weekly point earning task down. now to rotate through the other leagues and make sure i'm doing my job.
 
 

Welcome to the VHL class of 77. Hope you enjoyed the draft.

1. I want to play. I got drafted to a team that will let me play in future. Good stuff.
2. Coaching staff. we have some of the best minds in the business. i know i'm in good hands
3. me. i can always be better
4. Vanilla soft serve. normal jarred ice cream doesn't do much for me. matcha/greentea is nice.  
5. before the pandemic i like buffet. give me buffet please.
6. a purpose. something worth fighting for. 
7. i don't know. always focused on me and me alone. 

First, I would like to preface this article that Fonzi is a great candidate and will do Vancouver justice. He is a great member of the team, so I wish him luck. 
 
--------------------------------------------
 
Dear Diary... 
 
I am absolutely frustrated. Imagine spending many hours doing scouting, looking at trades, preparing the team because you are an Interim GM only to have the rug ripped out from under you. I had no intention of being a GM in this league in the VHL, that is why I didn't even post in the thread about that. However, Vancouver meant a lot to me. @Beaviss gave a shot to Finn Davison, and then went and picked me higher than I probably should have gone. I love that team - they were close to me. So, I went for it. I spent so much time planning what the future would hold, talking trades, even looking at extensions and talking about those to find out I didn't get the position. Why bother? Why did I bother applying? It was pretty clear that the Blues had their ideal candidate in mind, and it was not me. For whatever reason, and that's fine. Why allow me to make trades? Why allow me to do anything if you knew it was not going to be me. At the point that I am so upset about something that it impacts my IRL because that's how much I wanted this. I had a plan, I was ready to go with it, but I don't even get a message back from the blues. I get a measly 10 questions in my forum DM to answer. That was the interview. I've never really interacted much with the blues here before, so who knows what I could bring? I feel that I wasted my time. I was even told by multiple people that typically AGMs have a good shot at getting the job (which they should). I knew what Beavs was thinking. I knew what the plan was. Frustrating. I wasted my time doing scouting, drafting, getting the entire plan, it has nothing more than a feel of disappointment and that I wasted my time. 
 
Fonzi did offer me the AGM job again, but I did turn it down. The only reason I took the AGM job was to help the team, to learn everything I could to be a GM of this team. When the opportunity presented itself, I wasn't even in the running. They knew they wanted fonzi (again, great candidate, not upset about the choice). I wish I knew before. I wouldn't have made trades or even tried to plan it out when it would have not been my choice. I wouldn't even have applied. I don't see me applying for another position, I don't see myself applying for any GM job, because why would it matter? They already have who they want on a shortlist anyway and if I can't get it when I am the current AGM and acting GM, why would I even apply again? What does the future hold for me? That's a good question, I do not have the answer to. Will I keep updating here knowing I will always be disappointed? I wish I could tell you that answer. I give 100% to what I do, and if I cannot give 100%, what the hell is the point? I'll always be upset, disappointed, and frustrated, so maybe it is best I just move on. 
 
I am probably on the block currently for this reason, which I don't blame fonzi. At worst case, I am a 855 TPE defenseman that can help your team. I don't know what the plan is for my player. 
 
Thank you for reading. I spent some time thinking about what to write. I don't even care how many words this is because I doubt I will claim anyway. I don't care if you see me as a complainer or whiny bitch. You can think what you want. I needed to get this out for my experience as this meant a lot to me. I appreciate you reading. 
 

 

My bad. Totally forgot about this week. Apologies to the group

As our preseason slowly winds down this week, we look back on the season that was and then turn our attention to what's coming in our near future. First and foremost, congratulations to the Mexico City Kings on winning their first ever Founder's Cup in team history. After assembling an incredible squad top to bottom, they were able to knock off mighty Houston Bulls in the finals. It was an exciting and high-offense final that saw the Kings come out ahead in six games. Mexico will be looking entirely different going into Season 77 as most of its players are graduating to the VHL. Additionally GM @Hylands was promoted to take over the Malmo Nighthawks, which his assistant GM @Juice was tasked with taking over the Yukon Rush. Replacing the management in Mexico City is none other than VHL legend @Advantage.With a member like Advantage at the helm, another title may not be far off. 
 
The shake-up in Mexico was far from the only executive change this offseason, as the VHL and VHLM have gone over an unprecedented overhaul in the past few weeks. Just last week long time Las Vegas Aces general manager @Spartan was promoted to take over the Moscow Menace. Replacing him will be his old assistant @JigglyGumballs,  and his newly appointed assistant will be @Emi! Meanwhile over in South Beach, @Ricer13 was chosen to take the reigns for his old team in Calgary.  Replacing Ricer in Miami will be a returning @InstantRockstar, who brings in a ton of experience as well. There is still a vacant GM spot left in Vancouver, so the managerial musical chairs may still not be over yet. The community has been buzzing about these changes and time will tell how these new faces fair in their new places. In my opinion, while some of these people may surprise some people, I think all of them are fantastic choices and will do great in their new roles. Congratulations and best of luck to all of you. Now, let's get down to business. Coming off the heels of the S77 VHL Dispersal Draft this past Sunday, the VHLM landscape has once again shifted. Let's take a look at where the chips have fallen.
 

Prev: N/A  |  Current: 1
Well after a season of mediocrity, the Marauders are back in a major way for Season 77. Ricer left his old club in great shape for this season. With a cavalcade of returning players who are going to have massive years, alongside some decent draft picks, Miami is primed to compete this year. The historic duo of @CptSquall Napoleon Bonaparte and @Shiny Alexander the Great will look to do some major damage up front, while first round pick @Bojovnik Jan Hlozek will be tasked with anchoring a respectable defensive core. Miami management also did a nice job adding some extra depth by signing free agent @Mashy Noah Mashford to help add some extra offensive punch. Meanwhile, between the pipes goaltender @ClapbombsRus returns for another season and looks poised to build upon a relatively successful Season 76. I think with the vast number of weapons the Marauders feature up front, combined with a steady defense and a good goalie puts them at the top of the Power Rankings for now. Though there are certainly a couple other teams who could be just as good, or even better!
 

Prev: N/A  |  Current: 2
The reigning champions of the Eastern Conference are looking to take another crack at greatness again in Season 77. The Minnesota Storm dominated in the regular season last year, but ultimately were stymied in the playoffs by the eventual Cup-winning Mexico City Kings.  While they may have lost some high end talent from last year's roster, they still pack quite a punch and  have re-loaded their roster nicely via the draft. Winger @Grapes-Tophat_Clan- Grapes will look to take on a larger role with the team this season as he will be promoted to the top line alongside fellow returnee @2hawk Calvin Hobbes. If that wasn't enough, they'll look to their second overall pick @Patrik Tallinder Nils Tallinder to anchor their second line which could be a potent top six come playoffs time. The Storm also feature arguably the best blueline in the league this season. Most of their blueliners are returning to the club from last year and many of them are highly developed already.  The top pair should consist of @VOID Stiles Markuss Puhovs and @LefLop Barron Kruulenstien, both of whom play  solid defense, while Puhovs could be an early favourite for the Ryan Sullivan Trophy with his strong two-way play. In net @Leafsfan328 Carter Bellamy returns, and this season the starting job is all his. If he can continue to grow and improve, the Storm could easily contend for a title this season.
 

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In the three seasons I've done VHLM Power Rankings, I can safely say this is the highest I've ever seen the Mississauga Hounds place. Credit to @Zetterberg and @tcookie for turning around this franchise that was truly a hot mess for the past few seasons. The Hounds seemed to have went for the same model that the Season 76 Houston Bulls went for. They've been able to secure a nice group of returning players from last season, and they also loaded up in the draft with three picks in the top five, and six picks in the first two rounds overall. While this strategy is solid, and I do think their team is quite strong, it's unfortunate for them that the draft class of S77 is significantly weaker than the one of its predecessor from S76. Nonetheless, they still managed to scoop up some of the best players available heading into this season. The Hounds have incredible depth both on offense and defense from top to bottom. If their players commit to developing at a reasonable rate, this team could be downright scary come playoff time.  @Lspinelli Luke Spinelli returns for another season  between the pipes and should be one of the top keepers in the league this year. 
 

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Coming in at 4th is the first team out of the Western Conference, which is noticeably the weaker of the two conferences this season. While their roster may not jump out at you with any powerhouse players, Las Vegas has stability which is more than most teams in the West can say for themselves.  Up front the Aces will really be relying on returning winger @Wolverine Darryl McDagg, who will be taking on a much bigger role than last season. Where the Aces really shine is their blueline, where they have a few really promising players to shut down the opposition. The veteran of the group is @I'll change this later New Player, who is back for his second stint in Vegas and looked to improve upon a 62 point performance last season. Alongside him will be flashy Fin @Devise Sven Reikkinen. Reikkinen is developing at a rapid pace and should be a top-end defender come playoff time. Manning the crease will be @Erik Morgan Karlsson, who is eager to step out from behind Aksu Maronen, and finally get his shot to be a starting goaltender in the VHLM. I think if Karlsson can rely on his steady defense in front of him and play  half-decent, the Aces could easily beat up on a weak Wastern Conference.
 

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Shifting focus back to the East, the Halifax 21st come in at the five spot. The 21st feature a  very robust roster with some high-end weapons on both ends of the ice. The top line of Halifax should feature the boisterous first-gen @assassin6898 Creed centering @MikkoKoskinensMistress Kikko Moskinen and @Tbeez99 Kyle Glass. These three could make a very formidable offensive threat and it should be fun to watch going forward to see how their do. Top draft pick @GlowyGoat should nicely compliment the second line to give Halifax some nice depth to their Top 6. After coming over via trade last season, @bluesfan55 Hadrian will be tasked with leading the defensive core for the 21st.  Hadrian's development since landing in Halifax last season has been solid and they could really be in store for a great season if they keep up their hard work. The only reason I don't have them higher up on the list is because they have a bit of a weakness in net. Rookie @Vkobe-v Leroy Johnson will be handed the reins and is still a raw and unproven talent in the VHLM. If Leroy maximizes his training and improves, Halifax could be in a great spot this season, but it won't be easy. 
 

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After a year of rebuilding, the Wild have flushed out the last of their old generation and ushered in the next batch of Sasky Bois to lead them to the promised land. While Saskatoon's roster isn't necessarily deep or stacked with elite talent, there's still a lot of positives to draw from. A couple of legendary recreates highlight the new roster. Up front, center @Seabass The Seabasstard will likely take the spot on the top line and could be the best faceoff guy in the league this year. Hopefully this will lead to more puck possession and in turn, more goals for the Wild.  On the defensive end, the Wild were able to snag @Kendrick Nixon Caldwell with the seventh overall pick in the Dispersal Draft this past Sunday. Caldwell will look to build on a very nice 51 point rookie performance he had with the Reapers last season. Also on defense, returning for his second year in Saskatoon is the belligerent and truculent @TXC Tanky. Tanky plays a physical, shutdown brand of hockey that will undoubtedly make the Wild a tough match night in and night out. Finally, in net Saskatoon is bringing back @BrutalBoost Andrew Bowman for what will likely be his last season in the VHLM. Bowman has grown steadily throughout his minors career and will look to have a dynamite season to propel the Wild back into the postseason this year.
 

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The Lynx are back in playoff range for Season 77 as they look to build off of a respectable campaign last year. Ottawa welcomes back its mega-star @Joshothegreat Josho who set the VHLM world on fire last season with 49 goals, 72 assists and 121 points.  Josho will need to be just as good as he was last season for Ottawa to be successful, as they don't have a ton of high-end options to compliment him up front. On the blueline the Lynx grabbed @PandaBearD25 Kirby Pandora in the second round of the VHLM Dispersal Draft, and will rely on her to hold down the blueline. The reason I have the Lynx in the top 8 though is thanks to their netminder @Barry Barry Taffe. Taffe comes into this season as one of the highest rated goalies in the VHLM and Ottawa will rely on him to steal some wins for them this season.  If Ottawa adds some pieces throughout the season, they could still be a solid team. I see them finishing close to the .500 mark, just like they did last year.
 

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Last season Marlins management were tasked with picking up the pieces following a Season 75 run that saw them go all in for a Founder's Cup and coming up short.  Season 76 was a long and hard road as the team was just trying to recruit players to fill out their roster most nights. This year, while they are still by no means a powerhouse quite yet, they at least have a roster full of promising young players. General Manager @thadthrasher has gained a great reputation early in his managing career for recruiting and developing young talent in this league. He has a plethora of players at the helm this season who can be molded and I am sure some of them will be quite good.  Left winger @Eldredman Aldwin Craig will return to the team to lead the offensive charge. On defense, Marlins prized first overall pick @LuluSalesAway The Loch Ness Monster will lead their fellow blueliners. In goal best boy @Jericho Anime Protagonist will be do his best to keep pucks outta the net. He might need a training arc or two in order to get his power level up to keep up with the firepower some teams in the VHLM have in store for him.
 

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For the first time I've ever done these Power Rankings, the Mexico City Kings find themselves on the outside looking in. This should come as no surprise as Mexico has been a highly competitive team for three seasons now. After finally winning the big one, most of their roster is off to the pros this season. Unfortunately for new GM @Advantage, there wasn't a whole lot left for him "in the cupboards" so to speak. The weakest point of the team is undoubtedly the offense, which only features one player over 100 TPE. While they only have  three defenders,  @Jakefufu Shaggy Tipton and @KingMortie Big Mortie are both serviceable options that the Kings can rely on. If they can add a couple more bodies to their blueline, they could probably get by fine. Rounding out things in net is returning goaltender @williamirc Johnathan Bustard. Bustard had a solid season last year for the Kings, but he will have a much harder task at hand this season and will have to play the best hockey of his life if Mexico City wants to sneak into a playoff spot in Season 77.
 

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Ironically one spot below Mexico City is the Houston Bulls at 10. Much like the Kings, the Bulls were all in on Season 76, but unfortunately they came up just short. Their team was loaded with max-TPE players and almost all of them have moved on to the pros this season. Three skaters return for the Season 77 though, most notably among them is winger @Senjo1706 Bradley Senjo who will enjoy a full season at the 250 cap. @TownBizness Kid Frost will also be returning and joining Senjo on the top line. These two could be a great 1-2 punch. On defense, while @RicoTheTrapGod Germano Henchoz will be steady, he is one of only two defenders on the roster, and that is mainly why I have the Bulls rated so low. If they can add some bodies to their defensive core they would be a lot better off, but unfortunately defensemen are few and far between in the VHLM these days and many teams are vying for their services. In goal Dutch keeper @enigmatic Aike van Giersbergen will get his chance to be a starter after serving as a backup last season for Philadelphia.
 

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The last two teams on the list are kind of odd choices as they do have some solid skaters, but the main reason  both teams find themselves on the bottom of the list is because as of the time of writing this article, neither have a goaltender for the start of the season. The Reapers are now two seasons removed from winning the Founder's Cup in Season 75, and while they have some decent pieces, they are still not quite back to the form they once were. @glass Kjell Nilsson will be back for more season, and the Reapers will need all 140 points of his production from last season and then some if they want to be playoff-bound. The Reapers have a few respectable d-men, highlighted by @Sportsboy57 who continues to develop nicely as he enters his third season with Philadelphia. Sadly, despite the handful of quality players on the team, none of it will matter if their is a Bot goaltender in net come the start of the season. As we seen last year with Saskatoon, teams will feast on this deficiency and it will get ugly fast. So here's to hoping @DMaximus can find a solution between now and next week!
 

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Just like the Reapers, Yukon is goalie-less going into the start of their S77 campaign. Coming off the heals of a respectable regular season and subsequent semi-final sweep at the hands of the Houston Bulls, the Rush are in rebuild mode and focusing on having a strong Season 78. As previously mentioned, having no goalie puts them at the bottom of the barrel for the Power Rankings, but what makes them worse than Philadelphia is that they only are icing two defensemen to start their season. If they could find a half-decent goalie and a couple of defenders the team could actually be pretty decent with the likes of @Jake Sumner The Great and @Pythonic Gaspar Zakrevsky coming back for one more season with the team. Until they find a netminder though, its gonna be bad times ahead for Yukon.
 
That wraps up the first installment of the Power Rankings for Season 77. The balance of power has definitely shifted dramatically this season and I think it is pretty wide open. There are some strong teams for sure, but there aren't any clear cut favourites as of yet. Multiple teams could do well if their players commit to improving over the course of the season so it should be fun to monitor each team over the course of the year. Thanks for reading and until next time, cheers!