Spence King

if they can't justify why their voting for that person to the rest of the league then why are they voting for them at all lmfao
 
also it's stupid that nine people got to decide the vote when theirs 170 active people in the league (at least from the slobo votes). down with the top 5%!

I think a good rule of thumb for any voting system, be it BOG, Award Committee, or whatever, is:
 
ACTUALLY MAKE PEOPLE TALK ABOUT THEIR VOTES AND JUSTIFY THEM IN VOTING THREADS.
 
Obviously I'm not here to point fingers and I don't even know who voted for what (that's not my business to know anyway) but I can think of multiple instances where someone won an award based on one person's argument...and I'd assume everyone else just silently agreeing and not contributing. I've been guilty of the same at times (including one season where I straight-up forgot to vote), so don't take this as me putting myself on some sort of moral high ground as that isn't the intent.
 
I actually agree with the concept of votes being released publicly (as in, I'd be fine with it if Victor came in and listed off everyone I voted for; I can take whatever heat anyone's got), but I do worry about how that would be used. I don't want to see people getting personally attacked, accused of voting to serve their own interests, voting to help their own predictions, and whatever else that would probably constitute a Code of Conduct violation worthy of punishment if it didn't inevitably gain popular support if it were worded well enough.
 
...which I think brings up an interesting debate. As a member I'd certainly be interested in seeing who voted which players for which things and who didn't (I don't even have access to that information myself). As someone in the BoG I'm fine with my own votes being plastered all over the forums or Discord, because as stated earlier, I get that people are going to get irrationally angry over some stuff and, if that happens over my votes at any time, it's nothing I haven't dealt with before either on here or in real life. That's my own situation. I can't speak for other people on this, because it should be fairly obvious that being trashed for your own opinions isn't something that anyone actively wants, regardless of whether or not anyone's actually cool with it happening. And also regardless of whether or not anyone's cool with it happening, if specific people being singled out and put down becomes something that routinely happens every season...is that really the way we want the community to go? Is it really the look we want to give off, especially to newer people right before their first big draft(s)? This community is great most of the time, but let's be honest--threads can get messy. And they often do when the topic is controversial.
 
So my opinion is this: transparency = good, definitely opening the door to drama and potentially opening the door to harassment = no good. Either way this goes, there's a big negative to point to.

hi it's rory, here's my suggestion thread for 2021!

here's why voting sucks:
-secret ballot
-secret reasoning
-only half the eligible voters voted and it really skewed the votes imo

here's my fix:
-lots of active people now, so re-make the awards committee
 
thanks!  

We were thinking the same way my friend !

1. What's the best dream you've had?
It is far too adult-themed to repeat on a family-friendly website like VHL but let's just say it involved a lot of high-potency marijuana and several well-endowed ladies.
 
2. Do you believe in love at first sight?
No, I believe love needs to be grown and nurtured in the form of a personal relationship and shared experiences.
 
3. fishy has just ben hired as the new mod. Who should they ban first and why?
Fishy's first action as VHL mod should be to UNBAN flames1fan from discord. He has quickly become a VHL discord staple and the VHL is missing out on not having him around on discord.
 
4. As a kid, would you beg your parents to use night lights? Or did you find comfort in the darkness?
I was definitely a bit of a pussycat when I was a kid, but I don't remember asking for or needing a night light. So I guess I was comfy enough in the darkness.
 
5. What are our odds of winning the cup right now?
100%. Our aura is unfuckwittable. Warsaw getting gently placed into a bodybag and/or casket.
 
6. How many brooms did you take out for the purpose of sweeping Vanpoover?
I found the lowest-quality broom gif I could find to honour our fallen comrades in Vancouver:

 

1. The season is starting today. How are you gonna wake up and get back to business after a long offseason? 
Pretty easily.  I'm ready and excited.  I think we've got a great team here so I'm really looking forward to how this season goes.
 
2. Time for too early predictions! Who's gonna be the MVP of the season? 
I picked Landry II for predictions and that's who I'm sticking with for now.  I suspect Lahtinen will still do well, of course, but I think the fact that London also has Tonn would make him less "valuable" per se, assuming Tonn continues his performances from last season.
 
3. If you were lost on an island, who would u bring along and why? 
Someone who's good at building boats.  Or maybe some kind of survivalist.  Maybe Bear Grylls?  Ideally it'd be someone who does all the work so I can relax, or who can get us off the island and back home.
 
4. What's one thing that you like but others find overrated? 
This is a really cool question but also unfortunately one that I do not have a very good answer to.  I'm sure there's something but nothing is really coming to my head.
 
5. Did you know that the Earth has a butt hole? Can u figure out where it is? 
Is it Indiana?  I've heard it might be there.
 
6. If your could tell your younger self one advice, what would it be? 
Try to put yourself out there more.  It doesn't have to be really big, but just look for small opportunities to be a bit more outgoing or to find places where you could meet new people.  Of course, this is advice that I'd have to give myself now as well but I always feel like I missed a lot of opportunities in the past.  Maybe it's just a hindsight thing.

... and the graphics provided by BOOM are his and his only... we'll just be using them here in the Toronto Social Club.
 
They are ours, not mine. I'm not claiming them as PT's or anything and even if I was, they are for each individual to use or not use however they see fit. Social Club unite! 

#winit4Rookie
 
Big thanks to @BOOM for his incredible work with the sigs, and @Peace for the writeups on each guy!
 
To echo was Dok said, it really is a treat to be part of this group, it's taken a bit to get it where it is but I am so happy with our current squad. People constantly lifting each other up, positive vibes... it's great and even the new guys @rjfryman and @Webberj have seamlessly fit in great. We aren't quite a powerhouse yet, but I truly feel we are moving in the right direction!

This is fffffing amazing 👏 😍 🙌 ❤ 

This is straight fire.

Those are absolute HEAT! Great work!

Let's go Toronto. Great writeups @Peaceand proud to be with this group. #winit4rookie

So the season begins today and I'm excited to finally reveal something we've been working on, but first I need to make a very special acknowledgement: @BOOMhas risen above and beyond for our roster by offering his time and talents for each individual we currently entertain on the Toronto Legion. He's even created graphics for players that have departed or Toronto targeted in free agency, so we all owe him a token of our appreciation. I want to state that I am not claiming any of this for TPE, and the graphics provided by BOOM are his and his only... we'll just be using them here in the Toronto Social Club. 

Without further ado... your season seventy-seven Toronto Legion! 

Yes you can finally use these as your signatures now!
 
#1 | G | Sirkants Klamasteris | @hedgehog337


Klamasteris joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the Riga Reign a few seasons ago. Although Sirkants will serve as the 1B goaltender for the Legion this season, he'll absolutely become Toronto's starting goaltender upon Jaxx Hextall retiring. 'The Klam' had a rough sophomore season and seeks to improve upon his 3.1 goals against average, and make no doubt he is the next starter of Toronto after signing a three season extension with the club during the off season.

#7 | LW | Frank Funk Jr | @Rayzor_7

 
Frank Funk Jr joined the Toronto Legion after being selected sixth overall in the S76 VHL Entry Draft. He had a rough rookie campaign but looks poised to fight for the most improved individual award, and Toronto is going to attempt to get him there. He will attack S77 with the experience he's gained from his rookie campaign, and personal improvements from his ongoing development.  
 
#13 | RW | Ziarie Anigbogu | @ngine4

 
Ziarie Anigbogu joined the Toronto Legion as a defensemen during the S72 VHL Entry Draft -- where Toronto selected him thirty eighth overall -- and has quietly done his duties for the club. He eventually joined the roster in S74 and has recently moved to the right wing to bolster Toronto's offensive firepower.
 
#15 | D | Scotty Kaberle | @fromtheinside

 
Scotty Kaberle joined the Toronto Legion after being selected eleventh overall in the S75 VHL Entry Draft and has quickly risen to become the top defender on the Legions' depth chart. The impressive improvement both as an individual and a professional hockey player guide him towards being a star in the VHL... and fast. 
 
#21 | LW | Nicholas Sunderbruch | @NickSunderbruch

 
Nicholas Sunderbruch joined the Toronto Legion after being selected thirty-fifth overall in the S74 VHL Entry Draft. Although he has endured through a rollercoaster of emotions -- from a great rookie campaign to a depressing sophomore season -- Sunderbruch has quietly earned himself a reputation as a reliable player for Toronto.
 
#23 | C | Wolf Weiss | @Matmenzinger

 
Wolf Weiss joined the Toronto Legion after being selected twenty-fifth overall in the S74 VHL Entry Draft. As a player his development has been steady and reliably, although he had a rough sophomore season after an early shake up of Legion last season. Weiss will be a key piece of Toronto's depth for a while longer, and will get to display his improved skills this season.
 
#29 | C | Asher Reinhart | @rjfryman

 
Asher Reinhart joins the Toronto Legion after being selected sixth overall in the S77 VHL Entry Draft. The young rookie looks to make an immediate impact as Toronto's second line center and will fight for the top rookie individual award as perhaps the leagues dark horse in that race. Welcome to Toronto, rookie, let's get that bread for you. 
 
#43 | D | Jolly Green Giant | @DoktorFunk

 
Jolly Green Giant joined the Toronto Legion after being selected second overall in the S75 VHL Entry Draft. Giant is a reliable offensive defensemen who looks to improve upon his rookie campaign, and represents Toronto's investment in their defense. Giant will anchor the blue line on a more offensive team, and could battle for some individual trophies this season.
 
#54 | G | Jaxx Hextall | @ROOKIE745

 
Jaxx Hextall joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the HC Davos Dynamo during the S70 VHL off season. He's served as your CAPTAIN -- and does so again this season -- for numerous consecutive campaigns and already has his number all but retired for Toronto. He has endured with the team through thick and thin, and now the team will try to get him a championship for his efforts. #WinForRookie
 
#59 | RW | Gunnar Odinsson | @BOOM

 
Gunnar Odinsson joined the Toronto Legion from the Helsinki Titans after a mid-season trade during Toronto's last campaign. Odinsson immediately moved to forward and quickly represented Toronto's offensive hopes for the upcoming season. Gunnar was named ALTERNATE CAPTAIN by management prior to the season beginning after displaying a true team first mentality, going 'above and beyond' of what is typical in a team environment.
 
#72 | D | Kristof Welch | @Juice

 
Kristof Welch joined the Toronto Legion after being selected fifth overall in the S76 VHL Entry Draft. Welch had a decent rookie campaign but looks to achieve more for both Toronto and himself in his second season, and will benefit from starting the season on his friends line. Together the duo have the potential to create a reliable pair for the Toronto Legion, and could fight to become one of the better pairs in the league.
 
#81 | RW | Oh Sens | @osens

 
Oh Sens joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the Helsinki Titans near the S74 trade deadline. During his time with Toronto Oh Sens has become the offensive leader, averaging north of point-per-game and looks to continue his performance in this upcoming season with a strengthened Toronto offense.
 
#91 | RW | Jon Webber | @Webberj

 
John Webber joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the Helsinki Titans during this offseason. Webber replaces Gainer on the depth chart and hopes to best Gainer's rookie season on a more offensive Toronto roster. The rookie will start the season on the third line but has the ability to move up the depth chart as he develops.
 
#94 | C | Lester Green

 
Lester Green joined the Toronto Legion after a trade with the Las Angeles Stars last season. He has immediately improved the locker room environment, put the team above his own desires and recently switched to C for his team. Green looks to being the Legion into dominance and has been named an ALTERNATE CAPTAIN for numerous reasons... including his infectious positivity.

#96 | D | Kate Upton | @OscarTheSwagDude

 
Kate Upton joined the Toronto Legion during the free agency frenzy and will play on the same team as friend Ziarie Anigbogu. Upton agreed to a one season deal with Toronto and looks to improve upon her fourteen point rookie campaign with a reimagined Toronto hockey club. 

And finally... your GM: 

 
It as I... actually me. I am your GM.
 

Review: I remember my first draft, I didn’t know much about the league and wasn’t nearly as invested, but was excited when I logged on! In a league that only requires 16 starters, going in the top of the third is a great feat for a first Gen goalie, don’t be discouraged or worry where you fall, putting in the work will get the results you want. Good review
 
8/10

Masami Iwasawa had always felt like she was destined for something special. From as far back as she could remember she had a passion for two things. Music, and Ice Hockey. She was determined to make her presence felt, to touch the lives of those around her. She desperately wanted to make an impact. Music was her main outlet, it let her express her very soul. Hockey was a good backup that she really enjoyed, but that she couldn’t quite find out how to make it work for her desire to touch the lives of people. Then she caught a break. She was playing in an exhibition game for high schoolers in Hokkaido and a scout happened to be there. The scout immediately recognized her talent for defensive positioning and recruited her at once for the VHLM. She signed up as a free agent and immediately joined the Halifax 21st. A city half the world away from her native Japan. She didn’t mind though, it was an opportunity to spread both her presence on the ice, and her music. The first thing she made sure to pack was her beloved guitar. Acoustic guitar solo artists weren’t exactly the biggest of fashions in Japan but she loved the sound that she could make with just her voice and an acoustic guitar.
 
When she arrived in Canada she quickly realized that the English they taught her in High School wasn’t quite sufficient in this new land where everyone had spoken it their whole lives. Also, it seemed that everyone spoke French as well, which is something that Masami had not expected. She would have a lot to learn if she wanted to fit in with these people here. She met her teammates, and her General Manager, and the lovely Assistant General Manager, and got settled in to her apartment near to the arena. It wasn’t much, it was kind of a rundown hole in the wall if she was honest, but she didn’t mind that one bit. Once she unpacked she grabbed her guitar and went down to the front of the arena to check out where she might set up. Eventually she found a nice spot with a lot of foot traffic and she set up her kit and began to play. She sang in Japanese but it wasn’t about the lyrics anyway, it was about the emotion. Emotion that she had to spare and willingly gave to anyone who would stop for a moment and listen. Those who did stop were amazed at this person who was singing in a language they could not understand, yet they felt that they could understand what she wanted to convey perfectly. She sang ballads mostly, a couple pure love songs, and even one upbeat pop type song. Eventually she wrapped it up for the night, collected her tips as though she were any other street performer and not a soon to be VHLM player singing in front of her own arena, and went back to her little apartment. She was very happy with this development and could not be more excited about the future.
 
521 words  

Several nice offers but I've got to go back to my roots.

BOAT GANG.

Chicago Phoenix Press Conference 
Answer 6 for 2 TPE; answer 3 for 1 TPE
 
1. The season is starting today. How are you gonna wake up and get back to business after a long offseason? 
2. Time for too early predictions! Who's gonna be the MVP of the season? 
3. If you were lost on an island, who would u bring along and why? 
4. What's one thing that you like but others find overrated? 
5. Did you know that the Earth has a butt hole? Can u figure out where it is? 
6. If your could tell your younger self one advice, what would it be? 

1. The season is starting today. How are you gonna wake up and get back to business after a long offseason? 
I think the break was good to get us some time to rest and recharge before the season, and we had a great Training Camp, so now it's just time to go back out there and keep doing the things that won us the Cup last season!
 
2. Time for too early predictions! Who's gonna be the MVP of the season? 
Kinda hard not to go with Lahtinen in a too-early prediction. Between his track record and going to a London team placing an emphasis on their high-end skill, gonna be hard for anyone to knock him off his perch.
 
3. If you were lost on an island, who would u bring along and why? 
I wouldn't bring anyone because I don't want to strand anyone else on a lost island with me, I'd rather people continue their lives.
 
4. What's one thing that you like but others find overrated? 
Well, I'm a Leafs fans and people never fail to take the opportunity to tell me they're overrated, so I guess that?
 
5. Did you know that the Earth has a butt hole? Can u figure out where it is? 
Gary, Indiana?
 
6. If your could tell your younger self one advice, what would it be? 
Buy bitcoin, do not lose log-in information.

1. The season is starting today. How are you gonna wake up and get back to business after a long offseason? 
I'm really hoping that everything is going to just click back into place. We've got some new faces on the team, which means setting a new rhythm, but I do think that enough of our S76 core is still here that we can tap back into that championship energy. We have a lot to prove this season - a good amount of people are expecting Chicago to perform well this season, so the pressure's on. It's a little wild not being the team that surprises everyone, and I'm not sure how I feel with all the eyes on us.
 
2. Time for too early predictions! Who's gonna be the MVP of the season? 
Assuming Chicago is out of the question because of the bias, I'd hope it's Warsaw forward Dakota Lamb. His time to shine is long overdue.
 
3. If you were lost on an island, who would u bring along and why? 
I'd bring a shovel so that I can dig my own grave.
 
4. What's one thing that you like but others find overrated? 
I think astrology counts for this one. I also like pop music, which pretentious people think is not good. I don't care what's popular, I like what I like, and that's good enough for me.
 
5. Did you know that the Earth has a butt hole? Can u figure out where it is? 
it's indiana
 
6. If your could tell your younger self one advice, what would it be? 
just keep going. it gets better.

really conflicted because gary sucks and i hate indiana but also this is my state and u canadian scum don't get to talk shit

Smh the disrespect. Fizz going top-5 or he retires.
 
(Jk fantastic article)