Patrik Tallinder

1. Phil always has phenomenal players, and Sakic will be no different. 2. I think it's a pretty good trade, there are definitely steals to be found in the fourth round and to move down a few spots to acquire that pick is a good tradeoff. 3. I don't think so, we have a really strong and quickly improving group. 4. I'll say Saskatoon, they'll be a tough out in the playoffs for sure. 5. I jumped a wooden fence when I was a kid, and my shoelace got caught on a loose screw near the top of the fence and it pretty much hung me upside down for a second before I dropped on my head lol 6. I'll say Miami, they've got a pretty nice organization.

BOAT GANG

I tried my best lmao

1. I think it'll just take consistency and staying focused. We have the team to do it, just need to put our abilities into practice. 2. I think Reingaard is having a really great season, so I think a little more league-wide appreciation is in order. 3. I would love to see a team in Bern, Switzerland in the VHLE. Might replace Vasteras since Sweden has two teams. 4. Maybe a backup goalie, but I think Webber is doing phenomenal in the net so I don't think it's a pressing issue. 5. I had to do a midterm, so I didn't get to see it. I could see the sky get dark from the windows though 6. Always drinking a gatorade before the game so it kicks in by the time it starts.

So we're officially at the halfway mark of the season, and I thought I'd just give my thoughts on Alexandr Novotny's season thus far. I would say the first half of this season has been a major success, as the Halfiax 21st are battling for first in the division and Novotny has been a consistent contributor on the back end. With 35 points in 37 games, he sits fifth in points among defensemen, and second in points on Halifax. Defensively, the young Czech has been quite sound as well, with 46 shots blocked and 73 hits. From a team-oriented perspective, the 21st also looks extremely promising as a team. We have a ton of people consistently earning TPE, a fun locker room, and we had a really solid start to the season. I think we could really make a push for the Founders Cup, which would be awesome as I've never won it. The closest I came was with Patrik Tallinder, losing to Saskatoon in the finals with the Hounds.

1. I didn't do much on Easter, but I had a dinner and watched a hockey game with family on Saturday. 2. To be honest, I'm not sure lol I haven't really witnessed many April Fools Day pranks. 3. I believed it at first, glad it wasn't true haha 4. I'll say the Aces, it seems like they have our number. 5. I'm rooting for Dogwood, I think he can take it with a swing of momentum. 6. Hmmm idk, I personally think he kinda stinks. PS: I appreciate all the nice words from everyone who answered

1,251 words Claiming week 2/2

Hello everyone! I just want to thank you all for the warm reception on my first ScoutsNet article, it feels great to be back making this kind of content. Today we are going to have a much smaller article, but we are going to use it to focus in on one of this draft's premier goalies, Jon Webber III. Without further ado, let's get into it! JON WEBBER III | G | 127 TPE | @Webberj | Ranked #19 Overall Descending from a bloodline of virtual VHL royalty, Jon Webber III is the third generation of a storied family that has produced several quality players over the past 20 seasons. Webber has begun his journey on the east coast, representing the Halifax 21st in the VHLM; In the early stages of the season, he has established himself among the top goalies in the league, landing top 7 in both save percentage and GAA. @Webberj is a very solid and reliable TPE earner, proven by his week-to-week earnings this season and the fact that he amassed 968 TPE with his previous player. If a team is searching for a goalie prospect this offseason, I expect a ton of interest in Webber III, especially if fellow goaltender Soju goes off the board early. So although he sits in the early 2nd round of my rankings at the moment, it would not surprise me to see him go in the first round either. This is a very talented young player that comes from a known and trusted family in the VHL space, so be sure to keep an eye on Jon Webber III at the S94 VHL Draft.

Happy birthday!!

BOAT GANG

Hello everyone, and welcome to ScoutsNet! I have been wondering how to approach a "new and improved" version of my scouting content to bring back to the forums, and this was the best I could come up with. For this season, I will be posting scouting content pretty sparingly, but next season, ScoutsNet will host a new version of my previous series, Tallinder's Draft Profiles. ScoutsNet is a media network aimed at providing scouting content for upcoming VHL draft classes, and it is has three hosts: Patrik Tallinder - S72 Continental Cup Winner & Host of the Draft Profiles series Nils Tallinder - Notorious bust, but makes a killer grilled cheese Lucas Tallinder - Previous owner of RavenSkill Agency/Development Program The three brothers are enjoying retirement in Sacramento, California, but they have felt an itch to be back near the game. ScoutsNet is the product of this, as they each aim to produce meaningful content in a number of ways. Patrik will be in charge of the draft profiles, scouting players and discussing their strengths/weaknesses. Nils will be in charge of the final mock draft upon the end of each season, and Lucas will be creating graphics for some of the top prospects. Now, without further ado, let's get into our very first article, hosted by Reign and Wrangler alumni Patrik Tallinder. AN EARLY LOOK AT THE S94 VHL DRAFT Welcome to ScoutsNet everyone! I'm so pleased to have you all on board for what should be an exciting revival of my draft content from the early S70s. I have already begun digging for research relating to this upcoming draft, and I have a few major points I would like to share with you all. First off, let's get the elephant out of the way; Here are my current top 16 rankings! These rankings are based on all TPE earned up until the week ending March 24, as this week is still ongoing. Remember that these are subject to change, and also far from objective truth, so don't take them too seriously. EARLY THEMES Upon first glance, it appears that this draft class is pretty top-heavy. There are several future superstars in the top ranks of this draft, but the talent does start to wear a bit thin after the first round. With that being said, there are certainly some diamonds to be found in the rough. Another primary theme in this draft is its strength on the blue line; Eight of my top 16 prospects from this draft are defensemen, including my projected first overall pick, Jillian Woods. Woods is a phenomenal prospect, but she will not have an easy claim to the pinnacle of this draft class, as winger Maverick Goncalves is neck and neck with her. Let's take a look at my projected top 2 picks in the S94 VHL Entry Draft. Also, remember that the TPE numbers reflect their amount earned up until the end of last week, not any earned this week. It would be impossible to update my spreadsheet every day, so my weekly updates will have to suffice lol JILLIAN WOODS | D | 244 TPE | @jacobcarson877 | Ranked #1 Overall The draft's top prospect thus far is one that could change the direction of an entire franchise. Woods is an elite two-way defender with an impressive 16 points in 16 games to begin her season in Ottawa. User @jacobcarson877 is an extremely active member and the GM of the VHL's London United, as well as coming off a career where he earned a ridiculous 2174 TPE. Woods looks to be another future superstar, with the build and TPE earning to back it up. Woods has earned an average of 23 TPE per week, including all 84 capped TPE available to her since creation. Expect to hear the name Jillian Woods very early in this upcoming draft, and expect to see her excellent mobility and hockey sense displayed at even the highest levels of play in the future. MAVERICK GONCALVES | LW | 245 TPE | @leandrofg | Ranked # 2 Overall Next, we look at the draft's top ranked forward. Choosing to play in the VHLE this season, Maverick Goncalves has not had it easy. Yet, despite being the youngest player in the league, he has managed to create chances and show flashes of brilliance, with 17 shots and 11 hits in only 14 games with the Cologne Express. The Swiss prospect is somewhat of a Swiss Army knife on the ice, able to play in all situations and pose an immense offensive threat as well. Goncalves' TPE earning has also been incredible, averaging 24 TPE per week and collecting all possible capped TPE. Much like Woods, @leandrofg is a known entity in the community, being the GM of the Calgary Wranglers and coming off a stellar previous career. Look for Goncalves to seriously challenge for the first overall selection this season, and don't be surprised if his name is announced first. A LOOK AT FIRST GENS Ahead of each draft, some of the most interesting storylines to follow are surrounding the draft's first gens. There are always some that go on to have hall of fame careers, and others that fizzle out rather quickly. In this draft, a couple first gens have really caught my attention as extremely promising prospects, but others have already began to blossom in potential as well. As for the two that have made my top 16, here what I can say about them: ANDREW SKILTON | D | 133 TPE | @ace_five_ | Ranked #13 Overall A defender with a tremendous two-way game and great vision, Andrew Skilton is a player that just oozes potential. I have sources inside the Halifax locker room (of which he is captain), and he is someone that just naturally garners the respect of his peers through his relentless work ethic, positive attitude, and his willingness to play the game the right way. It has now been two straight weeks of capping out for Skilton, and he has earned an insane 51 uncapped TPE in his three full weeks thus far. Expect to see this player soar in pre-draft rankings, as he is already doing so in mine. With 38 hits and 18 shots blocked in just 16 games, the Canadian is a nightmare to deal with in the defensive zone for any opposing forwards. Additionally, he has earned himself a very respectable 9 points in those 16 games with the 21st. KEVIN JONATHEN | D | 101 TPE | @meandyoc | Ranked #16 Overall Another first gen to keep an eye out for is Kevin Jonathen. Standing at a colossal 6'6", Jonathen is a bulldozer on defence with skill to match his physicality. So far in 15 games with San Diego, he has put up 40 hits, 37 shots blocked, and 5 points. User @meandyoc has already landed himself an AGM position in the VHLM, and he is a very active member in the community. His TPE earning, especially capped, has been steadily rising as well. He has squeaked into my top 16 this week, but expect him to potentially shoot up the rankings even more before the draft. A FINAL WORD I hope you all enjoyed the first instalment of ScoutsNet! I hope to release an article or two more between now and my final mock draft, and I will have regular articles starting next season. If you were not featured here and would like to be in the future, send me a message! I'm happy to discuss your player in an article in the future.

1. The winning streak we had for a bit was fun! So far I've enjoyed the LR experience more than anything else. 2. He's just a phenomenal player with a ton of potential. When he gets chances, he rarely whiffs on them. 3. I'm gonna say Ottawa, I think they have a strong team. 4. Does Team Canada count? Lol 5. For me, it was the trade deadline. I'm a canes fan and they went all in to acquire Jake Guentzel and Evgeny Kuznetsov. 6. Either Boston Pizza or a sushi restaurant.

G - Lachlan Summers @leandrofg I think rosters are all done

F - Henry Eagles D - Moritz Stauffer @CowboyinAmerica

Never was a fan of these jerseys for Dallas tbh but they look awesome with Malmo's logo. Nice logo swap btw!

Boat gang Boat gang Boat gang Great article btw

WOOO BOAT GANG

Sweet, thanks for pointing that out. Complete oversight on my part lol F - FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @CowboyinAmerica

F - Mac Atlas @CowboyinAmerica

1. I think our team has so much potential! I think we'll be a good team right out of the gate, but by playoff time we'll really be championship caliber. I'm looking forward to playing with our top pick Andrew Skilton, I think he has crazy potential. 2. I think the Ryan Sullivan Trophy would be cool, but the Founder's Cup is obviously the goal. 3. "Garbage Pale Kids" is one of the weirdest songs I've ever heard, and I'm not sure why I keep coming back to it lol 4. The Founder's Cup would be awesome, the LR would go crazy if we did win. I'd also like to be a good presence in the LR throughout the season. 5. I think my defence could use some work still, though it's not too bad. 6. Absolutely! I think we have a lot of passionate players with the potential to improve a ton over the course of this season.

D - Mark Calaway @CowboyinAmerica

Every sport has their superstars. Continued success is a difficult thing in sports, and those who are able to achieve it are celebrated endlessly by the cities and countries they represent; These players become almost greater-than-life figures to the people they inspire. However, none of them started as global superstars or household names. Every story begins on the same blank sheet of paper, and it is up to the author to make the most of each and every page. Today, we look at the promising first few pages of what could be an unforgettable story of hard work and success, but only time will tell how the rest of its pages unfold. During Season 74, just blocks away from the Prague Phantoms arena, a boy by the name of Alexandr Novotny was born. From the very beginning, Alexandr gravitated toward the booming cheers coming from that building, the sounds of which never ceased to reach his home during playoff time. The boy's family was not poor; They were more than able to make ends meet, but they did not have the kind of money to go to multiple games a season. Thus, he would watch the games on TV with his father and his sister, imitating every subtle movement from his favourite Phantom, Thomas Landry II. The glimmering reflection of the TV broadcasts never left his eyes, and the cutting sounds of skate blades across the ice never left his ears. It would not take long for Alexandr to ask his parents to sign him up for minor hockey. The Novotnys were a family that adored the winter. The father, Jakub, played hockey growing up, and it made sense that he wanted to share this passion with his children. He, along with Alexandr and his sister, Adela, would watch every Prague Phantoms game and play hockey out in the driveway. He also coached some of their minor hockey teams, choosing ultimately to step away from coaching after they got a bit older. However, his support remained unwavering. The mother, Anna, loved to ski. While she learned to love hockey as well, she relished being on the slopes and sharing that experience with the rest of her family. While the Novotnys were primarily a hockey family, they had a lot of fun skiing trips growing up as well. In his early days of minor hockey, Alexandr enjoyed much success. He was a passionate and hard-working kid who quickly found a knack for skating technique, where his edgework far surpassed his peers. He made high-level teams with relative ease, and seemed to hardly ever leave the rink. However, the young Czech was not doing particularly well academically during this time, as he took much less interest in his studying than his on-ice performance. When Alexandr turned 16, a catalytic event would change the course of his life and force him to re-evaluate his values and priorities as a whole. His girlfriend at the time, Maria, became pregnant with his child. Only 17 years old herself, this news completely flipped both of their lives upside down. For Alexandr specifically, he had taken a lackadaisical approach to his life thus far, not working towards anything that would resemble a future career. Since he had put such little effort into school, the only path the young man saw fit was to push all of his chips in to become a professional hockey player. He had dreamt about it before, but he had never wholeheartedly decided on it as a career path. Now that he had something - or someone, rather - to work for, he knew that his on-ice success would be instrumental in providing a quality childhood for his kid. Upon the end of the S90 season, the streets of Prague were densely populated with parading Phantoms fans, celebrating their long-awaited Continental Cup victory. The distant sounds of the parade could be heard through the walls of the very same hospital where Alexandr was born; and also where his newborn daughter, Eliska, was then born. The cheering never stopped in the city throughout Eliska's entire stay at the hospital, but it was noted by Maria that the white noise it produced helped her fall asleep. Alexandr looked into his daughter's eyes, as he listened to the masses roar on outside. In that moment, he felt the pride of Prague as a city, and more importantly, he felt the love of his daughter. He then knew that he needed to make it to the VHL and make both his city and his family proud. The now second-youngest Novotny wasted no time getting to work. Working tirelessly to take care of Eliska and hone his craft, Alexandr had finally found purpose in his life. He was driven like never before, and it produced rapid improvements in his game on the ice. After almost a year with this new mindset, he tried out for the Czechia U18 team. It was a pace he had never experienced before, but his work ethic impressed the coaches. The last round of cuts was complete, and Novotny found his name at the very bottom of the list; He made it, but barely. This was bittersweet for the boy, as he was grateful to have made it, but he had expected more from his relentless work over the many months since his daughter was born. However, he did not let the bad taste stay in his mouth for long, as he got to work once again. The U18 tournament first introduced Alexandr Novotny on the world stage. While it was not an easy feat making the team, he quickly found chemistry with his defense partner, Artur Voracek. The two quickly earned themselves more and more ice time, shutting down the other team's top players and sending the puck back up the other way. Novotny proved to be the more offensively gifted of the two, as he racked up assists throughout the tournament. While ultimately the team succumbed to Finland in the gold medal game, Alexandr was named MVP of Czechia's U18 team. It was from there that scouts began taking a liking to his game and awaiting his next move. Nowadays, Alexandr is one of the VHLM's top prospects to keep an eye on, as he could truly fall anywhere in the draft. He is still very raw in talent, but is also rapidly improving and motivated to get better every single day. He hopes to one day make it to the VHL to provide a stable environment for his daughter as she grows up, and to make his city proud of the player and person he has become.