One of these days I’ll be able to start a season without a GM change, just gotta get enough new guys in, right? As always an amazing group of candidates applied but ultimately passion for the team won us out.
That’s why, starting season 79, the GM of the defending champion Warsaw Predators will be none other than the captain who led them there, @dlamb. Congrats lamb, you have some hefty shoes to now fill!
Hello, everyone. This week's media spot will be a master class in speed-writing.
Yes, I know the update deadline is midnight PST, but as this league's resident idiot, I'm going to challenge myself to come up with something interesting and write about it in the 25 minutes that I have before midnight EST. And, to improve upon things even more, I'm going to try to do that without an intro that shows off my bad case of diarrhea of the word processor. Let's get into it.
I'd like to take this opportunity to officially announce the imminent arrival of the Davos Hype Train to VHL Central Station, a bit behind schedule but back as we hoped it would be in good time. Last time it came around, it took off really quickly, so here's hoping it sticks around a little bit longer this time.
So why am I talking about the Davos hype train, you might ask? Last season, we finished 15th in the standings and I (almost) repeated my old league record of coming in last three times in a row (though many may argue that the first time wasn't my fault). At the moment, a casual observer would take note of the fact that we have a crowded roster and not many great, fully-developed individuals to boost it. And you'd be correct.
However, also at the moment, there's a little secret behind-the-scenes work I've been doing in coordinating with other GMs...and though I guarantee nothing, and nothing is finalized yet, I am close enough to working some things out that I feel comfortable in coming out and boldly stating that Davos plans to be competitive this season. Specific details will be withheld, for obvious reasons--but you'll find out soon enough.
Long story short, it is not guaranteed but likely that I will have at least a decent roster on paper for this season, and it is further not guaranteed but at the very least possible that I will have a decent record.
LIVE UPDATE: Step 1 to Operation Get Good has been confirmed to be on its way through as we speak. Buckle your seatbelts.
So, there we have it. Right after (or possibly before) you read this, you'll likely stumble upon a nice little trade thread in which I'm being called an idiot for doing what I did in the way I did it. Rest assured that it is, in my opinion, the right move to make--and perhaps the only thing I could possibly do as a starting point. If you remember the issues I mentioned earlier--those being with roster space and developed players and a certain excess of one and lack of the other, I'll be putting through a move in which someone is paid handsomely to give me a solid building block and take a lot of a certain crowded-roster issue off my hands.
Whether you like us or hate us, a potential climb up the ladder by the Dynamo this season should be something to look out for (and possibly ridicule me for if it doesn't work, but that's something for another day). Anyway, I'm over 500 words, and it's 11:59, so let's get this hype train rolling.
S78 OFF-SEASON:
Dates and times subject to change
Sunday, July 11th
Off-Season Begins
Experience Points Allocated
Depreciation
(Affects S72 / S73/ S74 Drafted Players)
S79 Finance TPE Cut-Off
(all TPE earned, up to, and including, this date will affect salary brackets for S79)
Wednesday, July 14th
World Cup Day 1
World Cup Day 2
Thursday, July 15th
S79 Training Camp Opens
World Cup Day 3
World Cup Day 4
S78 VHL Awards Ceremony @ 8PM EST
Friday, July 16th
World Cup Day 5
World Cup Quarter-Finals
S78 VHLM Awards Ceremony
S78 VHL Awards Prediction Payouts
S79 VHL Awards Predictions Open
Saturday, July 17th
World Cup Semi-Finals
World Cup Finals
Free Agent Discussions Open @ Noon EST
Sunday, July 18th
WJHC Day 1
WJHC Day 2
Free Agency Open @ Noon EST
S79 VHLM Dispersal Draft @ 3pm EST
S79 VHL Entry Draft @ 7pm EST
S79 VHLM TPE Cut-Off
(Any players who have earned 251 TPE or more, up to and including this date, will no longer be eligible to play in the VHLM for S79 - Training Camp may not be claimed if you are at the Cap; if you are within 10 of the cap on this date, you may claim up to the cap, i.e. If you are at 244, you may claim 6 TPE from Training Camp)
S79 Depreciation Fighter Cut-Off
(Any players who wish to purchase a S79 depreciation fighter from the Player Store will no longer be eligible to do so after this date: The 'Jaromir Jagr', Still Kicking, Old But Not Forgotten)
Monday, July 19th
WJHC Day 3
WJHC Day 4
S79 Retirement
(Players can re-create for S80 and still play S79)
Tuesday, July 20th
WJHC Day 5
WJHC Quarter Finals
Wednesday, July 21st
WJHC Semi Finals
WJHC Finals
S78 Hall of Fame Induction
Thursday, July 22nd
S79 Training Camp Closes
S79 VHL / VHLM Indexes Posted
Friday, July 23rd
S79 VHL / VHLM Regular Season Begins
S79 Predictions Close
As you are likely all aware by now with @Acydburn taking over the VHLE with Vic it has been decided that someone else will jump in as a member of the green team to replace him. Given that the founder’s cup final has finished (congrats Yukon!) it seems a great time to get things changed over in the VHLM leadership.
After an application process with many great candidates it has been decided that @McWolf will be taking over as the newest member of team green and will work alongside @diamond_ace as the newest VHLM commish. The blue team wishes him all the best in his new endeavour and thanks Acyd for his service!
As some of you may be aware, @.sniffuM has announced he will be stepping down, following the conclusion of these S78 Playoffs. He has done an admirable job building the Predators up from an expansion team to consistent contender, and we would like to take a moment to congratulate him for his fine work as GM!
If you are interested in the opening, please post in this thread stating so. Please do not contact the Commissioners outside of this thread, we will reach out to all who apply, privately.
***Please refrain from making comments regarding any candidates and their "worthiness" of being hired for this job, positive or negative. Any comment that is not an application will be removed to maintain a clean list of actual candidates, and (I hate that this actually needs to be said, but...) any member bashing will not be tolerated.***
Smh makes me sad every time when I see how bad my elo is 😢. Ready for redemption seasons though. Props to NOHBDY for taking over and Ricer for helping out.
Hello everyone and welcome to yet another edition of VSN's Mock Draft. I'm MattyIce and with fellow contributors of varying capacities, @RedSus, @Patrik Tallinder, @Zetterberg and @Spartan, we were able to assemble this article in very short time; and give you a glimpse at what this season's VHL Entry Draft might look like.
This draft has a great mix of high-quality member recreates, a bright batch of first-gens, and even a group of returning members from VHL's past.
It isn't in the higher-end tpe levels, but the membership here is very distinct and of quality.
Every season, some of the best VHL memories are made on draft night. Whether it is a first generation player hearing their name called on the draft stream for the first time or a recreate embracing a new home for their new on-ice identity, I don’t think it should come as a surprise to anyone that this is the most memorable night for many players from their whole careers. This season is no exception, and things may be even more engaging than ever with some brand new upgrades to the draft stream’s presentation.
Don't miss the draft stream happening today, May 13th at 8pm est. I'm sure it will be hosted by @Enorama and/or @Esso2264, so look out for their posts in the discord servers!
ON WITH THE RANKINGS!
1
NILS TALLINDER
C
TPE:
296
@Patrik Tallinder
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
After winning the lottery, Calgary will likely look to improve their forward depth in this draft. An obvious way to do this would be to select Nils Tallinder, brother of @Patrik Tallinder, who is the AGM of the Wranglers. Tallinder is a two-way center with good puck handling abilities and a nice scoring touch. His 29 goals placed him 2nd in that category on the Storm, who would make an early exit in the postseason after falling to the Halifax 21st. This is a player that will undoubtedly grow into a top line center for the Wranglers, and it is a pick that would make a lot of sense given Tallinder’s history with the team.
77 - Minnesota
72
29
33
62
17
210
31
63
22
77 - Minnesota (Playoffs)
6
1
2
3
0
17
4
2
2
76 - Miami
15
2
4
6
2
13
2
8
2
76 - Miami (Playoffs)
6
1
1
2
-1
13
0
2
0
2
HARD MARKINSON
D
TPE:
334
@STZ
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
As the projected second overall pick in the upcoming draft, it's fair to say that Hard Markinson is a highly touted prospect. He began his career as a waiver pickup last season where he played 13 regular season games with the Mexico City Kings followed by 15 playoff games. This season in his draft year he's been able to prove why he is seen as the best option for first overall in the upcoming draft as he's exhibited an outstanding defensive game while also posting respectable offensive numbers. At 6'3 210lbs Markinson is known as a physical shutdown d-men a bit of a rarity in modern hockey which makes him all the more valuable. Along with being big and physical Markinson is very mobile allowing him to keep up with smaller players and contribute a little bit in the offense.
77 - Mississauga
72
23
40
63
45
194
120
198
42
77 - Mississauga (Playoffs)
15
3
12
15
-4
41
24
57
17
76 - Mexico City
13
0
4
4
9
2
10
23
6
76 - Mexico City (Playoffs)
15
1
1
2
3
8
32
41
8
3
THE SEABASSTARD
C
TPE:
302
@Seabass
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
One of the most talented and hyped players in this draft class is Saskatoons star center The Seabasstard. Arguably Seabasstard is still in contention for the first overall pick although it's very likely Calgary will go with the younger brother of there former star. As far as numbers go The Seabasstard finished 5th in team scoring with over a point a game and over 30 goals. His steady earning of TPE has kept him at the top of this draft class for a while as he's been capped each week besides the first week he was in the league. At number 3 Moscow would certainly love to bolster there forward core behind Atreides and Idaho after adding to their defense core a pick earlier.
77 - Saskatoon
72
34
47
81
21
247
28
95
26
77 - Saskatoon (Playoffs)
5
3
2
5
5
12
8
10
2
76 - Saskatoon
14
2
8
10
2
11
13
15
0
4
LUC TESSIER
C
TPE:
254
@KC15
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Luc Tessier rounds out a trio of centers that have made their way to the top ranks of this draft. The former San Diego Marlin has a very well put together build, and one that led him to an utterly dominant draft season. A 37 goal, 78 point regular season was topped by an even better playoff performance. His 4 goals and 11 points in 7 games made him an early standout in the S77 postseason, but unfortunately the Marlins were stopped dead in their tracks in round one by the eventual cup-winning Marauders. Tessier has seriously elite potential, capping out on nearly a weekly basis. His scoring ability and defensive aptitude are a deadly combination that will make an immediate impact in the big league, and he will only become more and more threatening as he grows and matures as well. A one-two punch of Tsujimoto and Tessier up the middle would be nearly unstoppable if Tessier lands in Davos.
77 - San Diego
72
37
41
78
14
233
18
30
21
77 - San Diego (Playoffs)
7
4
7
11
7
28
0
4
2
5
SVEN REIKKINEN
D
TPE:
271
@Devise
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Sven Reikkinen was immediately seen as one of the top names in this draft class, and for good reason. After an impressive debut stint with Saskatoon that included 8 assists in 14 games, he would go on to have an outstanding season in S77 that helped solidify his spot as the 2nd best defender in this draft. The young Finn put up 24 goals and 111 shot blocks with Las Vegas, which were a respective 10th and 5th in this entire draft class. In London’s short history to date, they have seen many great defensemen put on their jersey. Reikkinen will join this elite company, and could possibly even establish himself as the greatest among them if he stays long term.
77 - Las Vegas
72
24
46
70
-6
229
44
76
111
77 - Las Vegas (Playoffs)
9
2
7
9
-1
21
6
4
16
76 - Saskatoon
14
0
8
8
2
31
6
15
14
6
TUI SOVA
D
TPE:
240
@v.2
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
A returning member who witnessed the early years of the league, Tui Sova will be a welcome addition to any team who chooses to take him on draft night. Having made hall of fame players before Sova has proven that he is capable of reaching the highest level which is a good sign for GM's. Projected to go in the top 10 and possibly top 5 Sova produced at an astounding pace this season putting up 82 points in 72 games played making him one of the most productive defensemen in the league. Sova has also earned TPE consistently and at a high volume, once even producing 40 TPE in one week, he's capped in each week in his career so far and has gone for nearly all the uncapped opportunities he could. In the VHL Tui Sova projects to be a top pairing d-men in the big leagues as he's set to be a big piece for any team he lands on.
77 - Mexico City
72
29
53
82
-23
250
83
113
180
7
ANZE MIKLAVZ
RW
TPE:
233
@McKelvie
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Like Tui Sova, Anze Miklavz has been around since the early days of the league having created successful players before. Having reacclimated to the league there's no reason why you can't say he'll do it again. Miklavz enjoyed himself a very successful rookie campaign scoring 87 points in 72 games played on a below average Mexico City team. Having made a considerable amount of TPE in his short time in the league there's no reason why his VHLM success won't translate to the VHL. In the S78 draft, Anze could fall anywhere between 6 and 16 as he is a high reward player who doesn't necessarily have as much risk as a regular first gen. In the VHL he projects to be a top 6 forward, whether he plays on the first or second line will depend on the depth of his team.
77 - Mexico City
72
42
45
87
-44
324
41
118
43
8
ALEX JOHNSTON
RW
TPE:
217
@Alex_J32
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Another intriguing first gen player, Alex Johnston has been lights out for the Yukon Rush in the time he's been in the league. As a point per game player his stats have been extremely impressive in the short time he's been in the league. Johnston is an acute scoring winger with great size and ability, he is projected to go around the middle of the first round but don't be surprised if a GM takes a chance on him a little higher. Alex joined the Yukon Rush just before the halfway point of the season playing more than 50 games before the season ended. As far earing goes Johnston has been capping nearly every week while claiming many uncapped opportunities along the way, along with this he was hired as the GM of Asia in the WJC after only being in the league for about a month which show how committed he is.
77 - Yukon
52
24
26
50
-24
172
44
83
26
9
NATHAN POWERS
D
TPE:
188
@JB123
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Similar to Damien Salducci, Nathan Powers is a late blooming first gen defensemen with a bunch of potential. Starting of his career with the Yukon Rush as an off season signing, Powers played all 72 games this season, playing a critical role in Yukon's back end. As a rookie, he finished second on his team in points by a defensemen posting an impressive 62 points in 72 games played. However, the similarities with Salducci are with his earning. Powers, like his fellow S78 draftee, started with just welfare and practice facility and gradually improved his earning to where he's capping out every week. This creates a similar situation in that Powers TPE doesn't reflect his big potential. Therefore, Powers could be another late first round steal for any lucky team to snatch up.
77 - Yukon
72
9
53
62
-17
99
112
202
112
10
MILK JUGS
D
TPE:
205
@NerdyCowz
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Arguably the highest rated first-gen behind Alex Johnston, Milk Jugs has had a fairly impressive first season with the San Diego Marlins. Jugs joined the Marlins as an early season waiver signing, playing more than half the season with the team. With 39 points in 61 games played, Milk Jugs put up respectable numbers for a defenseman while being defensively sound with an 18 plus/minus. Being a 5'5 defensemen, Milk Jugs makes up for the lack of size though strong skating and strong positioning. Jugs also possesses a strong shot which she can utilize on the powerplay and on the rush as a trailer. In the VHL Jugs could project into a top pairing defenseman if her earning stays consistent which would attract the interest of many GMs picking from 6 to 12.
77 - San Diego
61
16
23
39
18
133
50
66
56
77 - San Diego (Playoffs)
7
1
3
4
6
19
4
6
12
11
DAVID TAVAU
D
TPE:
210
@Ahma
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
David Tavau had arguably the most impressive seasons of any S78 draft eligible player, with 88 points in 72 games playing on the Saskatoon Wild. Tavau finished second in scoring among defensemen in the VHLM as well as second in the assists column as well. His earning is impressive as well as he's managed to stay in the top 16 of TPE in his draft class making him a likely first rounder. With Ahma having made good players before it would be safe to say David Tavau will likely go on to have a great career making him a good low risk for any GM's not interested in taking there chances on first gens.
77 - Saskatoon
72
5
83
88
38
52
22
59
119
77 - Saskatoon (Playoffs)
5
0
2
2
0
3
8
3
6
76 - San Diego
9
1
3
4
-6
8
10
23
5
12
AIKE VAN GIERSBERGEN
G
TPE:
233
@enigmatic
TEAM
GP
W
L
OTL
SV%
GAA
SO
GA
MP
One of two goalies included in this draft class is Dutch goaltender Aike Van Giersbergen. At 6'8" 220lbs Giersbergen relies on his tall frame and good positioning to keep pucks out of the net. Along with this, Giersbergen possesses good technique and rebound control to minimize scoring opportunities. Through an almost full season in the VHLM, Giersbergen impressed, finishing in the top 10 in Goals against average and save percentage with a 891 SV% and 3.01 GAA. After a weak showing of goaltenders in last seasons draft, teams will be eager to find their goaltenders of the future in this draft. This should bode well for Giersbergen as he's rated 6th amongst the draft class in TPE meaning any team in need of a goalie could step in and take him.
77 - Houston
71
36
30
4
0.891
3.01
3
216
4298
77 - Houston (Playoffs)
5
1
4
0
0.896
4.2
0
21
300
76 - Philadelphia
11
6
4
1
0.889
2.8
2
28
599
76 - Philadelphia (Playoffs)
5
1
4
0
0.862
5.58
0
18
193
13
HENRI LE MASSIF
LW
TPE:
211
@Garsh
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Henri le Massif is one of those players that is very much a known entity. I mean this in the sense that he will be a reliable TPE earner and a positive influence on a locker room, and these are skills that GMs value greatly. Le Massif is a physically punishing winger that can rack up hits with no hesitation from night to night. His 145 hits in S77 were the 5th most in the draft class and also 1st among forwards. The French winger will look to translate that physical dominance to the VHL, where LA is the hypothetical beneficiary. Henri le Massif has potential to be a consistent contributor throughout his career, and he would be a terrific addition to the Stars’ roster for seasons to come.
77 - Minnesota
72
15
11
26
4
107
68
145
9
77 - Minnesota (Playoffs)
6
0
0
0
-1
11
6
6
20
76 - Mexico City
13
0
0
0
-2
2
0
0
0
76 - Mexico City (Playoffs)
15
0
0
0
-2
1
2
0
0
14
BASTIAN GREISS
G
TPE:
185
@ThatsGreissy
TEAM
GP
W
L
OTL
SV%
GAA
SO
GA
MP
The first experience for Bastian Griess as a pro was baptism by fire, he joined the Mexico City Kings (who were far and away the worst team in the VHLM) as a waiver pickup and proceeded to start every game for them until the season was over. Even with a below average team in front of him, Greiss still managed to put up fairly impressive numbers as he was 4th in save percentage among goalies who played over 20 games. His earning points to massive potential as he's capped out each week he's been in the league while completing many uncapped opportunities as well. Having only been in the league for less than a month, Greiss is already considered a first round pick as a first gen which shows his passion for the league. Nobody should be sleeping on Bastian in the upcoming draft as he could be a massive steal for any team looking for a goaltender.
77 - Mexico City
39
13
21
5
0.892
3.55
2
139
2348
15
DAMIEN SALDUCCI
D
TPE:
193
@Deee.Geee
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Damian Salducci is an intriguing first gen member who's been steadily improving ever since joining the league. Joining the Miami Marauders as an off season signing, Salducci managed to get a full season under his belt. While his stats don't jump out at you at first, it's worth noting Salducci played on a very deep and competitive Miami team that eventually went on to win the Founders Cup. This meant it was very difficult for him to earn minutes. Despite this, there is big potential in this player due to his earning. Salducci has gone from a player who earned only welfare and practice facilty's to a player that can cap out every week. This could potentially make him a big steal for any team who takes the chance of drafting him since he has more potential than his TPE shows.
77 - Miami
72
1
17
18
16
20
30
33
28
77 - Miami (Playoffs)
15
2
4
6
1
12
4
19
20
16
TYNAN SYLVESTER
D
TPE:
176
@diamond_ace
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
The player belonging to the commissioner of the VHLM had a ironically disappointing season leading up to this draft. After only posting three points in 15 games in his first season with Mississauga, Tynan Sylvester looked to improve in his draft year with the same team. Unfortunately for him the season didn't go as planned as he only put up 13 points in 72 games played. Nevertheless, this likely won't scare away GM's since his game still may translate into the VHL. Being the commissioner of the VHLM you know he will be active so drafting Sylvester should be a fairly safe pick and while his earning isn't fairly high he is consistent with job pay. With this in mind Tynan Sylvester should be a safe pick for any team looking for a depth defensemen in the upcoming draft.
77 - Mississauga
72
2
11
13
14
25
20
32
50
77 - Mississauga (Playoffs)
15
0
3
3
0
10
8
11
7
RedSus, Talli and myself claim 2 weeks
In Season 76, the Warsaw Predators became league darlings after an absolutely memorable postseason run, in which they became the epitome of, "never say die." Going an absurd 6-0 in elimination games before ultimately falling to the Chicago Phoenix in the Continental Cup Finals, big things were expected of them again this season, and did they ever deliver. Led by a breakout season from Aloe Dear @Renomitsu , all Warsaw did for an encore was put up a 47-21-4 record, good for 98 points and the best record in the VHL. After dusting off the Prague Phantoms in a series mired in controversy (through no fault of their own, it should be said) in five games, the Predators found themselves at war with the Helsinki Titans, in a series destined for Game Seven. In fitting fashion, even Game Seven wasn't enough, and it went to overtime, where Warsaw was burned by a penalty with James Rose @MattyIce burying the series-clinching power play goal. That close to returning to the Cup finals... but this is a team just getting started.
Congratulations to the Warsaw Predators, winners of the Season 77 Victory Cup!
1. We swung a massive deal to bring in Chris Hylands. Where does that put this team in terms of firepower? Its interesting, cause I do think we already had enough firepower, so hopefully chemistry developing doesnt hurt us too much. But always nice to bring in some more help.
2. Which of the league’s two conferences would you say is stronger and why?
European conference in my opinion, since three of the teams have more points than the North American Conference.
3. Which 3 teams would you say are the league’s top cup contenders right now?
Other than us, Helsinki, Prague, and the Chicago Phoenix.
4. Who has been the team’s MVP so far this season in your opinion?
Latrell Mitchell is the goat, not on the top of the leaderboard for the team, but has over a point per game, and adds a lot on the defensive side of the ball (puck?)
5. What is the best vegetable?
Tomatoes, cause tomatoes are not fruits smh my head.
6. Which player in the league that is having great success are you most surprised to see pushing the top of the leaderboards? I am surprised to see Aloe Dear at the top, not anything against Reno, but with teams with a lot of scorers, it takes a lot of work to end up #1 in the list.
10. Star Wars or Star Trek?
Not a fan of either to be completely honest.
In Season 75, the Warsaw Predators instituted a group of young players into leadership roles within the team and we have seen our success grow to great heights with that group of players leading the way. With all three still being here, we would be remiss to force any changes, so for the third consecutive season, your Warsaw Predators captains will be:
C - Dakota Lamb @dlamb
A - Aloe Dear @Renomitsu
A - Victor Grachev @KaleebtheMighty
Congrats to everybody, and I look forward to seeing where this group leads us this season!
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Siddhus got a reaction from .sniffuM in Continental Cup Finals, Game: 6
Siddhus got a reaction from jhatty8 in 20/21 Soccer/Football Thread
Siddhus got a reaction from Ricer13 in S78 VHL Chess Tournament Sign-Up Thread
