Spence King

I go under the same username, however I understand the Beo mix up since I claimed an article he posted but I wrote!
 
Excited to get to work with this young core!

Good write up. Those are some very “kind” ratings for some of them but I enjoy those who are beliebers!! 

Vancouver had a lot of picks, especially in the early rounds. @Beaviss and @Spence King had 7 picks this year, including 5 in the first 2 rounds, and, in my opinion, used them wisely. Obviously, one of those picks included me. Here are the 7 picks made Friday night, and my opinion on them. Enjoy. My grades are not based on talent, but more of about how high they were selected versus how high I perceive their value to be.
 
10th Overall: Robin Galante Nilsson, D, 242 TPE, @RomanesEuntDomus
Not a bad pick. Discipline is a question, but he has good passing and very good defense. He has a good amount of TPE and he could be a rock solid defender in a season or so, and the build is all right. Now, here’s my big issue: He’s big into welfare and hasn’t claimed a Media Spot since December 20. Nearly a month now and it isn’t changing at this point. Welfare guys are nice, and he’s active (being a reviewer), but “Frequent Welfare Claimer”, even with 10-12 TPE a week, isn’t the best thing you want to see on your resume. Grade: C+
 
16th Overall: Jivere Zolnek, C, 256 TPE, @Sixersfan594
Now, if I were a GM, I woulda drafted this guy 10th and not 16th. Known as Beowoof on SBA, he feasts on Affiliate PTs, so he isn’t doing Media Spots, but at least he is writing , even if it is on another website. He has the most TPA of any Vancouver prospect and I would be surprised if he gets a call-up mid to late season if he keeps putting up those gaudy TPE numbers. I’d like to see more passing, discipline, and checking, but overall a very good build. Not much negative to say about this choice. Marvelous. Grade: A+
 
19th Overall: Napoleon Bonaparte, C, 178 TPE, @CptSquall
Normally I don’t expect hockey players to be named after generals, but I guess this is an exception. Like me, he’s a first gen player, and it seems that the GM team likes first gen players, as they selected 5 this draft. His TPE earning dipped last week, but he seems to be good at getting lots of TPE and he has done a few media spots and does some reviewing as well. However, he’s also claimed welfare a couple times and it is still unknown to me whether that is the norm or the exception. Only time will tell, but even if he’s a welfare guy, his build is a very good one, in my opinion. Grade: B+
 
21st Overall: Javad Kamkar, D, 187 TPE, @Parriyah9374
Another first gen, he should be good backup for Nilsson. He also has an SBA account, and has done a few Affiliate PTs, but he seems to be doing a lot more welfare these days. Why he was selected as high as he was is a mystery to me, but nonetheless, he has a very good build and I can’t wait too see what he becomes, even if he’s a career Welfare guy. Personally, he reminds me of Nilsson, just drafted at a more reasonable position, which makes this pick look good. Grade: B
 
26th Overall: Henry Tucker, RW, 186 TPE, @NotSoGood88
Wow, this is the best pick ever because I got drafted! Lol, just kidding. However, what I’ve been told by the guys on the live stream and my old GM, @Ricer13, is that I was a pretty good draft choice. The live streamers said that I’d been active (which is true, I’m doing a Media Spot right now, and I’m on Discord), but one of them couldn’t figure out where he’d seen me chatting, which may be one of the highlights of my time on VHL (after a minute or two, he used his excellent recollection skills and figured out I was on Miami, probably doing the “Counting Torture Chamber” with Ricer). Obviously I’m active, have a good bit of TPE, and only claim Welfare if I have no choice. Real steal, and though I need to work on my build, we’re getting there. Grade: A
 
42nd Overall: Tater Tot, G, 131 TPE, @Trunkxolotl
Tater and Tucker not only play for the same VHLM team, but now are poised to be career teammates as they work their way up from Minnesota to Vancouver simultaneously. I know nothing about goalies, honestly, but it seems like he’s on the right track. Very much a Welfare guy, but he’ll be a good backup (maybe even starter, who knows?) and had the best sim I’ve ever seen. Very good bargain at 42. Grade: B
 
55th Overall: Loic Trepanier, G, 141 TPE, @Noxalpha
Mid 4th round, you’re just taking chances, and this guy is a Welfare Earner through and through. He has good enough TPE, however, and although he didn’t get much action, his 3.29 GAA was very good with Halifax and he helps replenish a previously depleted goalie pool for Vancouver to turn to when their senior citizens retire. I don’t know much about him, but he could be something. Grade: B
 
Overall: A-
I was disappointed in the selections of the welfare guys in higher rounds, but they definitely had TPE. There were some very good selections, and I think the team overall did well. The GM team should be proud of themselves.
 

On a separate note (since I need to get to 1,000 words), Henry Tucker, my first gen player, has decided to unveil a new signature.
It’s based off Alex Ovechkin, and my first sig, definitely not that great, but shit happens, man.
I just used a painting app and painted away. Tucker has been described as a strapping young man who has a sly sense of humor. As far as hockey goes, he is known as being a very physical but undisciplined guy who is willing to throw his body around. His offense is there, but the defense needs work. 
 
That’s it for today, have a happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and most importantly, don’t get corona. I hope you enjoyed this article and please comment. 
 
1,019 Words
Claiming for 1/24 and 1/31

I've done these awards for I think 5 seasons in a row now, maybe more, and so its weird sitting on the sidelines. But that just goes to show change can be a good thing; fantastic work my friend @fromtheinside. 
 
Congratulations to all the winners! Well deserved, and I wish you the best of luck in your careers moving forward!

VHLM
 
IT'S LIT 🔥 

Amazing job @fromtheinside
 
congrats to all the winners!!!!
 
@tcookiecontinues to win hardware. Congrats buddy

I did it for you dad!

Great work!

Congratulations on the best award @fromtheinside

@fromtheinside well done dude! 

That wraps up this season’s VHLM Awards. It was a great year, congratulations to all of our winners and runner-ups! This was truly an incredible season full of stacked talent across the board. Season 75 will go down as one of the deepest seasons ever in the M, and we hope we can have more seasons like this in the future! Thanks to our commissioners @diamond_ace  and @Acydburn overseeing the league and keeping things functional! Also a big thank you to the VHLM GMs who voted for all the awards. 
 
I have been your Host for the night, fromtheinside, VSN Writer for all things VHLM and more! Thank you for coming out and good luck to everyone in Season 76!!

Playoff MVP Award "Skylar Rift Trophy"
 
The Skylar Rift Trophy is awarded to the VHLM Playoffs MVP. The award goes to someone who exemplifies an outstanding effort in the postseason, someone who elevates their game to another level to help their team. There were some great choices for this one, but one person clearly stood out amongst the pack.
 
 
Our runner up really proved his worth after coming over to the Philadelphia Reapers in the first big pre- trade deadline deal in Season 75. Gustav Hjalmarsson managed terrific production in the postseason, potting 6 goals and 10 assists for 16 points in 15 games. Those are terrific numbers for a defenseman. @McLovin will be taking his talents to Helsinki as he looks to start his pro career the same way he ended his minor league one! Best of luck!
 
 

And now the Playoff MVP…. in a landslide this one went to Jacob Carson, goalkeeper for the Philadelphia Reapers! In 15 games the netminder posted a 12-1-2 record en route to his first Founder’s Cup Trophy. He was rock solid but what impressed me the most was how he elevated his game come playoffs. If you look back and compare his numbers to the regular season you will see Carson improved his save percentage from an .897% to a .921%. His GAA went from 2.71 in the regular season to 2.40 in the playoffs. And to boot he managed 2 shutouts in the postseason, an all around terrific effort. @jacobcarson877 will be headed to Warsaw next season to serve as backup under another fantastic goalie, Ajay Krishna. Best of luck Jacob!
 
 
 
Lastly - Top Executive  - Jack Reilly Trophy!

Top Two-Way Forward Award "Matt Bentz Trophy"
 
While all the glory will go towards the Fertittas and Vericels of the world for their offensive dominance, a solid two-way forward often goes overlooked and underappreciated. While elite scorers can definitely leave their mark on a team, so can a solid forward who takes pride in excelling in their defensive game too.  It is often said the best offense is a good defense, and the Matt Bentz Trophy is awarded to the player that best exemplifies just that. This was a close vote so let’s take a look at our runner-up first.  
 
 
Theodore James St. Louis certainly had a year to remember. He hit the century mark for points, coming in at 101 (47G,54A) and despite playing on a Halifax team that was mediocre at best on most nights, he still managed to post a +31 rating which is nothing short of incredible. He also wasn’t afraid to sacrifice the body, making 195 hits and even blocking 25 shots. @Nick Kirkpatrick is just under the TPE cap to go pro, so it is unknown at this time if he will stay in Halifax for S76 or graduate to Prague. Either way, he is a lethal 2-way forward that will be an asset wherever he ends up!
 
 

Now for our winner… coming off back to back Founder’s Cup wins, the Matt Bentz Trophy goes to Addison McLaren of the Philadelphia Reapers. McLaren was undoubtedly the full package this season. He contributed 93 points (42G, 51A) and finished a +34 by the end of the regular season. While flexing his offensive flair, he also was a nightmare for the opposition, laying down 265 hits (5th in the league) and accumulated 128 PIMS (4th in the league). There’s no doubt McLaren was in touch with his inner goon throughout the course of the season!  McLaren and the rest of the army of S75 first-gens will be off to Riga Reign training camp next week. McLaren will definitely be an exciting young player to watch next season and could make a push for Rookie of the Year in Season 76. 
Congratulations @tcookie
 
 
 
Next up - Regular Season  MVP - Mitch Higgins Trophy!

Top Goaltender Award "Benoit Devereux Trophy"
 
When you build a team you usually build from the net out. A team is usually only as good as its starting goaltender. The Benoit Devereux trophy goes to the top netminder in the VHLM each season and this year, while there were a handful of great goalies, it was truly a three horse race the entire season.  
 
 
Our runner up is Michael Olson from the San Diego Marlins! He was the goto man for the Marlins this season and played admirably throughout the season. On nights where the San Diego defenders weren’t sharp, Olson was there to slam the door on opponents. He led all goaltenders with 51 wins and also posted 3 shutouts along the way. @MSO94  will be off to the Motherland next season where he will serve as a backup to Jacob Tonn in Moscow and perhaps have a shot at a Continental Cup in S76!
 
 
 
The winner of the Benoit Devereaux trophy in convincing fashion is none other than Markus Emerson Jr, goalkeeper for the Mexico City Kings! He posted a 47-12-5 record with a 2.49 GAA and a .902 save percentage with 5 shoutouts. Above all else, Emerson Jr was the biggest difference maker among all the goalies considered for this award. His ability to steal games when the Kings need him to was a huge part of what sets him apart from the field. Next season Emerson Jr will be off to Van City to start his pro career with the Wolves! 
Congratulations @Xflexz
 
 
 
Next up - Top Two Way Forward - Matt Bentz Trophy!

Top Defenseman Award "Ryan Sullivan Trophy"
 
The Ryan Sullivan Trophy goes to the league’s top defenseman.  There’s a ton of criteria that can go into picking the winner of this trophy. A good defenseman can not only defend in his own zone, but also provide for his team offensively when needed also. This year’s recipient did just that. While being a rock solid defender all season, his elite vision and playmaking ability really came to the forefront this season as helped his club go on a franchise-record 13 game win streak! 
 
 
First our runner up, and coincidentally the teammate of the winner is none other than the new hired AGM of SDM, Cowboy Prout! Cowboy was taken first overall in the Season 75 Dispersal Draft and did not disappoint this season! He led his team in blocks and hits and even managed 91 points on the year! He made up half of the league’s best 1-2 punch on the blueline this season. Cowboy will be moving onto play for the New York Americans next season, all the best @Prout!
 

Now for the winner of the Ryan Sullivan Trophy… he was the teammate of the aforementioned runner-up, and he is none other than Scotty Kaberle. Kaberle’s intense development really helped boost him to new heights with San Diego this past season. The Marlins traded up to get him and although they couldn’t knock off the Reapers, IR definitely had to be happy with his return. Kaberle will be off to join the Toronto Legion next season with a very promising young club. They will definitely be worth keeping an eye on in the future!
Congratulations @fromtheinside

 
 
Next up - Top Goaltender - Benoit Devereux Trophy!

Congrats @Rayzor_7, fantastic career with unrivalled playoff success!
 
@Beaviss big congrats to you my dude, been a long time coming and very well deserved on both ends, especially the builder nod. Wild to think about all those days chatting on here (bring back chat?) and what you’ve brought to the league in what is not really a short time anymore, but was when you started all of your movements. Vic isn’t wrong that there likely isn’t a 75th VHL season without you. 
 
Love you man, expect your builder article to be up there soon. 

Thank you all!
🍻🍻🍻

Last season, I introduced a new system for Davos captain voting, this time with a three-season term limit. Seeing as no terms have expired this season, I'm proud to announce that our captains remain the same:
 
C - Fernando Jokinen @Ahma
A - SS Hornet @McWolf
A - Tyler Walker @Advantage
 
Congratulations once again to our captains, and let's have a great S76!

I don’t have the fourth pick 👀

@DMaximus @rory @Rayzor_7@Spartan @Ricer13 @fromtheinside
 
I don't have screen capture set up so I had these witnesses and screen shared. 
 
Ottawa had a 30% chance
Houston had a 25% chance
Mississauga had a 25% chance
Houston had a 20% chance
 
These are the results
 
 

Top Executive Award "Jack Reilly Trophy"
 
Any VHLM team that has an ounce of playoff aspirations will have to start off by having a fantastic Dispersal Draft. The Reapers were certainly no exception to this as they put on a masterclass on how to draft efficiently and effectively. Sure, they were loaded up with a lot of picks, but they never missed on any of those picks. Drafting main core players like Jolly Greene Giant, Robert Bouchard, Addison McLaren, Tom Eagles, and others really put Philadelphia in a position to win right from the jump. Then when it came time to add a missing piece come the trade deadline, Philly management beat everyone to the punch by acquiring defensemen Gustav Hjalmarsson. Having the insight to be the first team to pull the trigger on a deal really shows the prowess of the Reapers’ management staff.
 
Before announcing the winner, the runner-up for this year’s award goes to @InstantRockstar. This was a tight vote and IR narrowly missed out on winning one last award in the VHLM before riding off into the sunset for greener pastures. We would like to take this opportunity to wish IR all the best in his future endeavors in the league, and thank him for all his contributions to the San Diego Marlins over the past 10 seasons! Thanks IR!
 
 

Now, to announce our winner. It is none other than the GM of the Philadelphia Reapers @DMaximus! Congratulations on an amazing season and becoming the Executive of the Year for Season 75!