Oatex

Welcome back everyone! This ones going to be a lot shorter considering I have about 3 weeks of PT's stacked up, and don't really wanna write a 500 word media topic for fun, yet I do wanna keep the series interesting, and learn a bit about the league today. Expect 150-250 in a shorter episode today. I haven't really thought of a theme for today, so I'm just gonna do the first thing that comes to my mind right now, the leading point scorer, but defenseman only! Lets just overlook his/her career and see what's going on there I guess. Well well well, it happens to be Armas Jortikka - a player I know very well, as he worked alongside me in the WJC, when I GM'd him to the gold medal win. Absolute beauty of a player, and its clearly showing now - in the VHLM. Jortikka currently has 63 points in 54 games, this is absurd. The next best defenseman has 44 in 54. That means hes 19 points ahead of the competition, and there's still plenty of season left! Not only is he a great player ranked against the other defenseman, but hes ranked 6th overall in point totals in the league. He is only one of eleven players in the VHLM currently to be at point per game or more - and just so happens to be the only defender on this list. Not only that, but he also has a +35 +/-, and has kept his PIM very low, with 36! In my opinion, Jortikka should be in the MVP conversation for the VHLM currently, as hes doing what no other player in the league is doing right now. We DO see other forwards in this league putting up a PPG, or having 30 goals already - but what we dont see at all? A PPG defenseman who keeps his PIM low and leads his team to the next level of play. That's VALUE, don't get it twisted now. It isn't about stats, its about how much greater you are then your comparisons, that's value. [ @Kavadar ] The Collection Series 1 - Point Leaders

When looking at the point leaders for this season, I noticed a few things. First off, #8, #9, and #10 are just over a PPG, with 51 points and 52 points in 50 games. This seems off because I feel like for elite players, PPG should be an expectation, not rewardable by being "top 10" in points. Secondly, why does the #1 ranked player in points only have 71 points in 50 games? This sets him on pace for only 102 points this season at a constant rate. If we put him in the S95 league rankings, he would be maybe #4 at best. Something isnt adding up there. I also noticed there is a significant dropoff. The #4 player is currently on pace for 87 points in 72 games. If we put that in the S95 ranks, he wouldnt even be top 10! And dont get me wrong - its not just an off year in the VHLM, it was the same way last season too. Actually, it was worse! The #1 player didnt even eclipse 100 (96) points, and the #2 sat at 89 points. My reasoning for this dropoff would be something to do with the VHLE and everyone being dropped back down into the M - and raising the cap roof. Let me know what you guys think. Word Count 225

Theme week.. yea I have 2 PT's currently waiting, but I have to write this one now too haha. Guess im good for a couple of weeks on PT's after this one. Anyways, I'm just gonna pick three players that I believe my current team, the Houston Bulls, should trade for - and why I think they'd help us make a cup run. First off, I think that adding a solid depth defender or two would help. We currently have 3 defenseman, who are all above 200 TPE, 2 of which being over 300. Not only is this a concern for next year, but also currently, we have no depth! Their endurance cant be that good, right? Anyways, out of the top 5 point totals on the team, all 3 defenseman are ranked 3-5, this is either really bad for our offense, or really good for our defense. None of them have that true defensive defenseman build, as they all seem either 2-way or offensive, which leaves us with a few options. After searching the market, I believe Bazooka Joe would be a great addition. He is currently 3rd in shots blocked, and 8th in hits. While sitting at 175 TPE, this would be a great pickup for Houston for future seasons to come as well. Next up, we definitely need a depth goalie. Both of our current goalies are over 300 TPE, meaning they most likely wont be here next season. With that being said, we need someone who can ride the bench for the rest of this season, and start next season. My initial pick to fill this position was Louis Burley, the Philadelphia goaltender. After looking into it further, im not sure that the Reapers would split with him due to him being their current starter. With that being said, I think the more realistic option is the Halifax 21st backup goaltender, Kim Chi. Currently sitting the bench anyways, he is around the 100 TPE mark. We can estimate he will be around 150 TPE by the start of next season, and they could definitely have him bench then too. Last but definitely not least, I think they could trade for another average forward now that will be elite next season. We currently only have maybe 3 true earners who will get up to that full potential next season, and I think bringing on another kind of build that is underrated now, but earning a ton will be a great trade asset for the team. I think that a close friend of mine from past seasons, Kal El, would be a great fill in for this role. Currently at 125 TPE, hes earning around 10-12 TPE per week. With that being said - he could be a great piece to our team next season, especially if we wanna make a late season push for playoffs. Being a fresh recreate, this guy has a lot of potential to be a underrated guy in the S98 class. Never really will reach the top early on due to how late the recreate is, but is a great earner. Word Count 516 MENTIONS: @Viper - @AW13 - @ScottyP - @EndoNate Theme week claim 1/26

1. I dont know, I feel like this is a kinda lame topic. Guess ill try to make an interesting media post. 2. At this point, whatever gets me goals, thats what he likes to do. 3. Definitely important, but its not the worst thing if we dont get the top seed. 4. I think it will be an average amount of people, no more or less then expected. 5. I love the Moscow Menace, but I really wish they'd change Halifax. 6. Jean Pierre-Devote, great dude and great player too.

Burning Bridges Series One - Presented by Alex Bridges Welcome to the first ever, Burning Bridges series. This is a series ill be starting up purely off enjoyment. I will make random segments, including lots of analyzation, stats, etc. - based on whatever I want! I already have a PT for this week, but I'm doing this regardless. Without further ado, our theme this week will be: I know this only really pertains to 3 certain individuals, but I figure most will find this an interesting segment just to see the progress these 3 individuals have made throughout their VHL careers so far! The way ill do this is ill list their season by season stats, then have their career averages at the bottom. Ex. 1st Season (VHLM) - 30G 25A 55P This will provide a way to track how the player has done compared to the other 2 players on the list every year of their career. __________________________________________________________ Our first player on the list, coming in at #3 on the point list with a whopping 60 points is the Moscow Menace left winger, Pombo! [@samx] 1st Season (VHLM - LVA): 20GP - 1G - 0A - 1P 2nd Season (VHLM - LVA): 72GP - 51G - 51A - 102P 3rd Season (VHLE - ROM): 72GP - 31G - 27A - 58P 4th Season (VHL - LAS): 72GP - 30G - 32A - 62P 5th Season (VHL - MOS): 72GP - 19G - 44A - 63P Current Season (VHL - MOS): 40GP - 26G - 34A - 60P Career AVGs: 58GP - 27G - 31A - 58P - 1PPG __________________________________________________________ Our second player on the list, coming in at #2 on the point list with a whopping 61 points is the Moscow Menace defenseman, Obuz Schneider Canet du Bocage! [@Grape] 1st Season (VHLM - HFX): 72GP - 13G - 38A - 51P 2nd Season (VHLM - HFX): 72GP - 20G - 58A - 78P 3rd Season (VHL- MOS): 72GP - 6G - 29A - 35P 4th Season (VHL - MOS): 72GP - 20G - 37A - 57P 5th Season (VHL - MOS): 72GP - 21G - 43A - 64P 6th Season (VHL - MOS): 72GP - 20G - 49A - 69P 7th Season (VHL - MOS): 72GP - 30G - 74A - 104P 8th Season (VHL - MOS): 72GP - 26G - 64A - 90P Current Season (VHL - MOS): 40GP - 13G - 48A - 61P Career AVGs: 68GP - 19G - 49A - 68P - 1PPG __________________________________________________________ Our last player on the list, coming in at #1 on the point list with a whopping 66 points is the Moscow Menace left winger, Maverick Goncalves! [@leandrofg] 1st Season (VHLM - SDM): 20GP - 2G - 2A - 4P 2nd Season (VHLE - COL): 72GP - 12G - 19A - 31P 3rd Season (VHLE - COL): 72GP - 36G - 58A - 94P 4th Season (VHL - MOS): 72GP - 38G - 42A - 80P 5th Season (VHL - MOS): 72GP - 35G - 77A - 112P Current Season (VHL - MOS): 40GP - 31G - 35A - 66P Career AVGs: 58GP - 26G - 44A - 68P - 1.17PPG __________________________________________________________ Impressive enough, all 3 of these players are not only ALL on the Moscow Menace - but also have had a career PPG or more average! Moscow has a bright future, and they are a THREAT to the league currently. Word Count 589

1. Moscow Menace - This team has so much aura, its not even funny. Menace, the tough logo, top of the league right now. Just gravitating aura all over the place. Wow. 2. Vancouver Wolves - Solid aura, the grey and black, sleek logo. Near the top of the league. Insane high aura for this team as well. Wouldn't mind it here. 3. Prague Phantoms - This team also has an extreme amount of aura. The "Phantoms" is tough, and they have a nice overall theme, correlated to like "evil" and "death" almost. Extremely cold. 4. Helsinki Titans - This team has some okay aura, but definitely above average for the VHL. I like the blue and grey color scheme - could make some good jerseys. The "Titans" are also a tough name. 5. Seattle Bears - This team has so much aura - but not because of the team. The GM... Bana has so much aura put into this team. The win rate, playoff success, etc. Too good, way too good. Please note: Dear VHL GMs, please draft me, even if you aren't on here. I am just ranking aura, and want to go as high as possible. I love you all equally, thanks! Word Count 199

Just for you, I'll make it happen!

Alex Bridges IV was born in Milan, Italy, a city not exactly known for producing hockey players. As a matter of fact, Milan was more famous for its art, its history, and its fashion than for its hockey rinks. But to Bridges IV, the sound of skates was what paved the start to his dreams. For him, hockey wasn't a game; it was part of his bloodline. His father, Alex Bridges III, played in the VHL, one of the most prestigious leagues in the world, along with the VHLM - the minor league in his earlier years. His great-grandfather, Alex Bridges, also did time in both leagues, leaving a trail of success that loomed large over the family. To Bridges IV, the weight of that legacy wasn't just something to be proud of; it was something to live up to. To exceed. Growing up, Alex had very few of the opportunities that so many North American kids take for granted when it comes to hockey. In Milan, for example, the ice rinks were few and far between; hockey wasn't the sport of choice that packed stadiums. Instead, soccer was dominant. Still, Alex was determined to skate, to follow in his father and grandfather's footsteps, even if it meant making sacrifices. His dad, a former VHL flop, had been known for his grit and determination on the ice. But Bridges III had never forced hockey upon his son. He always had unconditional support, but had a desire for his son to continue the legacy. Alex knew what his father wanted. His father didn't care about talent; he cared about heart and passion and the will to push through. And it would be fairly obvious from day one that Alex had some fire in his belly. The rink was where he came alive. From his first time on the ice, he showed a natural feel for the game - quickness in his hands, sharp instincts, and an ability to read the play. But there came also the realization that this was never going to be easy; he had big shoes to fill - and a tough path to fill those shoes too. Most kids his age in Italy played soccer, and the hockey culture was rare, but Alex didn't mind that one bit. He spent every free moment on the rink, working on his skating, his stickhandling, and his shooting. When he wasn't at practice, he was watching videos of his dad and grandfather's games, picking apart their moves, and dreaming of one day playing at their level. "I'm not going to lie," Alex said in an interview years later, "it was tough. I didn't always fit in. I had to fight for everything I have up until this point." By his 18th birthday, Alex knew it was time to take the next step in his development. So after much contemplation—and with a little pressure from his father—he made the very uncomfortable choice of relocating from Italy to America. The VHLM was where he would go-a place that would challenge him like never before. The jump wasn't easy: hockey in Houston was a different animal altogether, with players bigger, quicker, and so much more physical. Alex was less skilled than most of his teammates and opponents, and often times, he felt overwhelmed. But he wasn't one to back down. There were days he would doubt his abilities, living in the question of whether he was really cut out for the game. But with his family's legacy weighing heavily upon his shoulders, he refused to let that history slip away. Stories from his father about hard work and making it through kept him going. He had no choice but to push harder, to find strength in continuing to improve. It wasn't long before Alex found his rhythm. He grew taller, stronger, faster. His natural ability began to shine through, and his style of play-a blend of quick skating, sharp passes, and an ability to read the game-began to turn heads. No longer was he just "the son of Alex Bridges III." He was Alex Bridges IV, a player with his own name. It was in his first season with the VHLM and Alex really found his groove. He started the season extremely hot for a rookie and was considered one of the league's top prospects. That season was the turning point—he finally felt ready for the VHL, ready to follow in his father's footsteps. While much younger than the majority of competitors, Alex began to prove himself. He wasn't the biggest fella on the ice, but quick and with hockey IQ, he did become a player to reckon with. He could move the puck with precision and read plays even before they happened, always seeming to be at exactly the right place at exactly the right time. It didn't take long for the players in the VHLM to realize he wasn't just "the son of Alex Bridges III." He was Alex Bridges IV—an emerging star. But even with success in the VHLM, Alex never forgot where he came from. Milan, his father's sacrifices, and the hours spent training-hey kept him on his feet. He knew it wasn't just about the fame of winning titles; it was about the legacy of love and passion that had driven generations of Bridges players before him. Now, as Alex skates onto the ice, he is not a young prospect but a player to watch, a force to be told. He became alive to testimony about his family's legacy and a bridge to the past and the future. And most of all, he was playing the game he loved, not for the name on the back of his jersey, but because of the name on the front. Word Count 957

Who needs scoring anyways?

1. I think just playing to our full potential, where as we weren't playing that well at the start of the season. This is the standard, the expectation, 2. Couldn't even tell you - aim for the net maybe? Pick a corner and hit it lol. Not too sure on this one. I'm the problem for this one, with my 2% shot percentage. 3. Retiring already? Haha, put some hustle into this team and lead us to a chip - only right answer! Also teach my player how to score. 4. Hes a big pizza guy, originating in Italy. Its a family tradition you could say. 5. Either visa or amazon cards. They are like unlimited and give you tons of options. 6. Honestly forgot to make one, but ill make one for you now Jacob. Im going to work out at least 4 times a week. Ill let you know soon.

Today I had the bright idea of taking teams total TPE throughout their team, and make a general power ranking off it. Ill then break it down even further and categorize them and explain them based off each individual part of their team. This is confusing to explain - so I'm just gonna start now. Team TPE Totals: (In order of current league standings) Miami Marauders - 3,181 TPE Halifax 21st - 3,284 TPE Houston Bulls - 3,537 TPE Ottawa Lynx - 2,349 TPE San Diego Marlins - 3,533 TPE Las Vegas Aces - 3,163 TPE Mexico City Kings - 1,967 TPE Saskatoon Wild - 1,944 TPE Mississauga Hounds - 1,891 TPE Philadelphia Reapers - 1,375 TPE Houston Bulls (1) - 3,537 TPE Forwards - 1,998 TPE Coming in as the #2 rated forward group, this squad is loaded with talent, and a majority of it is young talent as well. This is a dangerous group of players - and teams should be on the look out for them. Defense - 887 TPE This is the #3 ranked defensive unit in the league, which only consists of three players! This could be a problem for Houston in the future, but right now, they're dangerous. Goalies - 652 TPE The second best goalie room in the league, with a dangerous duo in net for Houston. Not sure if they'll have any returners for future seasons though. San Diego Marlins (2) - 3,533 TPE Forwards - 1,598 TPE The #4 ranked offensive unit in the league, with lots of guys in that 200-250 range currently. There's a good chance that this unit is a powerhouse next season. Defense - 1,548 TPE The BEST defensive room in the league consists of 5 different players - all over 200 TPE. This is a scary good crew, definitely one to look out for. Goalies - 387 TPE This is a single goalie room, with their one and only being Ricky LaFleur. Having a solid season so far, but what will the Marlins do in future seasons? He comes in as the #6 ranked goalie room. Halifax 21st (3) - 3,284 TPE Forwards - 2,095 TPE This IS the powerhouse offense of the league, coming in at the #1 rank. This is a scary good group of forwards, with 7 players! Defense - 768 TPE This is the #7 ranked defensive group, which is probably where Halifax is struggling this season. This is going to be a extremely different look next season though, and they should be feared. Goalies - 421 TPE The #4 ranked group in the league, with Chad Powers being a solid starter now, and then Kim Chi taking over next season. No problems there! Miami Marauders (4) - 3,181 TPE Forwards - 1,927 TPE The #3 ranked unit in the league, with 4 nearly capped out players. Problem is, most of the remaining players are inactive - not a good look for the future. Defense - 855 TPE The #4 ranked defensive unit in the league, based on 3 players. Once again, not many future prospect here either. Goalies - 399 TPE The #5 ranked unit in the league, Draw Mac the only one wearing the pads for this team. Once again, no future here either. Miami is looking like a very poor team next season. Las Vegas Aces (5) - 3,163 TPE Forwards - 1,235 TPE This is the #6 ranked unit in the league, which isn't too great. Bright spot is, tons of young talent. Definitely a dangerous crew for the upcoming season. Defense - 1,383 TPE The #2 ranked defensive core, which consists of 4 players. Future isn't too bright for this group, as they'll all most likely be off to the bigs next season. Goalies - 545 TPE The #3 ranked goalie combo in the league, with a solid starter this season, and one for next season as well. Ottawa Lynx (6) - 2,349 TPE Forwards - 1,277 TPE Ottawa's forwards are currently the #5 ranked squad in the league, with PLENTY of young talent. Bright future for these guys. Defense - 324 TPE Ranked dead last in the league, this is what's keeping the Lynx from being a great team. These guys have a bright future with a few more additions, though. Goalies - 748 TPE The BEST goalie duo in the league. Unfortunately, neither will be around next season - time to rebuild! Mexico City Kings (7) - 1,967 TPE Forwards - 1,053TPE This is the #7 ranked crew in the league, with tons of bright stars - and a great outlook into future seasons. Defense - 625 TPE Only consisting of TWO players, this is the #8 ranked core in the league. I'm assuming they'll lose one, if not both to the VHL this upcoming season. Goalies - 287 TPE Pepe Silvia ranks #7 in the league for goalies. Most likely returning next season, will become one of the top units in the league. Hopefully they can invest in a young backup. Saskatoon Wild (8) - 1,944 TPE Forwards - 870 TPE Here we have the Saskatoon forwards group - ranked 9th in the league. Not much going for them at the moment, and they'll lose one of their forwards to the VHL next season. Defense - 849 TPE A solid group currently, ranked 5th in the league. They'll lose 2/3 defenseman next season as well - not too good for the Wild. Goalies - 225 TPE Toby Bob sits in the net alone for Saskatoon - ranked as the #8 unit in the league. He can be one of the top units and core piece to this team next season. Mississauga Hounds (9) - 1,891 TPE Forwards - 923 TPE This group has potential to be on the uprise next season, with all their young talent. Unfortunately, they sit at the #8 group this season. Not much to show for here. Defense - 818 TPE The #6 ranked crew in the league, with 3/4 most likely returning for next season. This will be an upcoming group if they can get some depth at the position. Goalies - 150 TPE Embarrassing enough, this is a set of goals. Two. The starter comes in at 94 TPE, the backup - 56 TPE. Their backup is inactive, but the starter, whiteknight, can help improve this group soon. Currently ranked last. Philadelphia Reapers (10) - 1,375 TPE Forwards - 818 TPE The worst offensive group in the league - bright future if they can add some more pieces and depth to it for next season though. Defense - 398 TPE Made of two young players, this group is ranked #9, but can also have a bright future with some depth brough for the upcoming season. Goalies - 159 TPE Ranked 9th in the league as well, Louis Burley can be a core piece to their team next season, and help lead them to wins - maybe even playoffs? I hope you guys enjoyed this, as I sure did. If it gets enough traction and demand, I can also do this for the VHL? Let me know. Word Count: 1128 Claiming for weeks ending 1/19 & 2/2

In a recent discovery, Houston Bulls RW and third round draft pick, Alex Bridges IV, was found to allegedly have wrote a letter - addressed to his mother, titled "Dear Houston, I'm Sorry." The letter started off by Bridges IV stating his regret to his mother on his inability to score in the VHLM. After coming out in an interview and stating that it didn't bother him last week, this is big news. After having a 1.9% shot percentage throughout his first 26 games, clearly it has bothered Bridges IV so far. The letter continued to ramble about his personal and professional life for a few paragraphs before ending it off with the following quote: "My knees are weak, my arms are heavy, there might even be vomit already - I think its your spaghetti? Mom, I can't score." Rather confusing if you ask me - but best of luck to Bridges IV and his season. Hopefully the young bright spot can fight his way out of the current slump he's in. Word Count 169

Were about one third the way through my players rookie season, and he has a couple points to show for it. 26 games in, and Bridges IV has recorded a solid 11 points. When I said I wanted around .35 points per game this season, this is a good start. Currently exceeding expectations, Bridges IV has around .42 points per game so far. This is all fine and dandy from the outside looking in, but lets head inside and take a deeper look into Bridges IV's contribution to his teams success so far into the S98 season. In S97 at the dispersal draft for the VHLM, Bridges IV was selected in the third round - 23rd overall in the draft. Underwhelming, Bridges IV swore to make everyone understand why passing on him was a mistake. Finally, with a chance to back it up - he has helped the Houston Bulls pave their way to leading the western conference. So far, Houston resides at an impressive record with sixteen wins (16-8-2), and has 34 points to their name at the moment. When looking at how Houston ranks amongst other teams in the league, we can say that they're doing quite well so far: Stat (Conference Rank) [League Rank] Wins (T-1) [T-4] Win% (1) [4] GF (1) [4] GA (2) [3] GD (1) [4] We can see the common pattern that obviously, Houston is in the weaker division - but overall they are doing what they need to do, thriving. When we take a deeper look into Bridges IV's season - and how that's playing out so far - we can sort of tell how he's contributing to the team, and in what ways. Bridges IV currently has 1 goal and 10 assists throughout the 26 game span. When we take that into the account of his teams success, it means Bridges has scored 1.5% of his teams goals this season, which is extremely low. He is tied for the least amount of goals on his team at the moment - which is also never great. In the assist column, he currently has 10 assists in 26 games, which is a much more presentable stat line. When we factor this in to the teams scoring, he currently assists about 15% of the teams goals so far into the season. In simpler terms, Bridges IV is active in about 16.5% of Houston's scoring plays in the current season. To put that in even simpler terms - for every 6 scoring plays that Houston has, Bridges IV is involved in one. For a third round pick, that's not too bad - but for a future star, concerning. When we look at how he ranks among his team, and other RW's drafted in S98 (5 OTHER, 6 TOTAL), he shows he has the potential: Stat (Whole Team Rank) [S98 RW Class Rank] Goals (T-11) [5] Assists (T-5) [T-1] Points (7) [3] +/- (T-4) [3] The data provided shows that although hes not the best at the moment, he definitely is one of the best right wingers in his class. His stats in his team average out to be the 7th best player on his team, and the 3rd best player in his draft class at his position. Hopefully Bridges IV can improve his stats and become the best in his draft class, although highly unlikely. Word Count 551

1. I feel like white out is just a spin off of an away jersey usually, blacked out is usually very cool to look at. 2. I like the goalie that Rory has for the Americans right now, WWW WWWWWW or whatever his name is. 3. Id hope we would buy and try and make a run, but who really knows at this point? Questions 1. Are you ready for the NFL playoffs? Will you be rooting for any specific team? 2. What’s your go to fast food restaurant, and your favorite meal? 3. Do you have any early childhood memories that you probably shouldn’t be able to remember?

Love it! Asia for the win!