okifenoki

PC Questions Week ending 5/30 1. A hand full of games have come and gone. Who do you think has been our most valued player thus far? Duncan Idaho is killing it with 22P in 15GP. A hugely impressive pace. 2. How have you performed thus far and based on that performance, what would you like to improve next? I need to work on fighting depreciation if I want to make it in this league. Work has been killing me lately but I am trying to get back to being active. 3. What is your thoughts on the new league announcement, the VHLE? I think it is a great idea. As a player who spent an entire season in the VHLM at the cap, I believe a middle league between the M and the Bigs will be a great addition for a lot of builds. 4. If you were put in charge of something for a day, what would you like that to be and what would you change or do? I would be in charge of all debt and completely remove it all for all people. A fresh start is sorely needed. 5. Who do you thing going to be our biggest rival this season? Malmo and Helsinki both have been our kryptonite in recent years. I expect this season to be just as tough against them both. 6. What's your favorite ice cream flavor? Been enjoying a caramel peanut butter fudge with cookie dough recently. Pretty stellar.

1. Fat Palloon is a great player. He has a unique character about him. I enjoyed making his signature graphic as it was much different than most that you see around the VHL. Both Jay and Schwarz were also great teammates. We got close boys but could never touch the Cup. Best of luck on your new squads. 2. Moscow is definitely in a re-tooling phase. I like the efforts so far. Hoping to stick around to see us develop. 3. Winning games during a down season is always a tough task. We just need to get back to the basics and trust our teammates. Defense first, as always. 4. Having a solid tender under contract for years to come is a luxury. I love this move. 5. I play a lot of Space Engineers. Not everyone's cup of tea. If any of you guys play, let me know. Also, I play Rocket League, Valheim, PUBG, and a few others. 6. Something nice... let's see... LET'S GO PENS, BABAY!!

Congrats Palloon @UnkemptCL4PTP and Colesy @GrittyIsKing09!!!

1. I want us to fight for a spot in the playoffs. Trailing most of the season, keep us on our toes. We get in, last seed. And make a run for the Cup. Unprecedented. 2. Puck movement, puck possession, and d-zone responsibility. They have to maintain puck possession, neutralize the big scorers on the opposing squad, and move the puck in the offensive zone to create scoring chances. 3. Russians are a unique breed. Very proud heritage. I enjoy their love for a good drink and a nice Adidas tracksuit. Personally, I love their Authors the most, Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky being the two most famous and for good reason. 4. I focused on getting back to earning TPE. Writing more media spots and honing my skills in photoshop for sig generation. So any of you new guys on the squad, hit me up for a new sig! 5. The fact that @Spartanis a fan of the best NHL team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. We have had many a game play-by-play on discord. We both recognize the greatness that is Bryan Rust and that alone is enough for me. 6. Mario Lemieux. Hands down. Had his career not been cut short I believe he would have given Gretzky's records a run for their money. He is a down-to-earth dude and a great part of the Pittsburgh management team.

S76 was a whirlwind. The Moscow Menace took the regular season by storm, flying atop the standings for the majority of the season with only the Warsaw Predators close behind. 112 Points as a Team, 53 Wins and only 13 regulation losses (6 overtime losses), the Menace had a whale of regular season. But, as hockey fans know, nothing matters once Post-Season begins. Its a whole new challenge. The Regular season just acts as the proving grounds and the post-season shows who really has the grit and tenacity to find their way to the rarified air of Cup-Land. With serendipity, the Moscow Menace eventually fell in the Conference Finals to their regular season rivals atop the division, Warsaw. Taking it all the way to 7 Games, the Menace fell short by one goal, with Uhtred @leafsman sealing the deal with a Power Play Goal midway through the 3rd period Warsaw advanced to the VHL Cup Finals. Ending in spectacular, yet disappointing fashion, we caught up with Alternate Captain Pietro Angellini of the Moscow Menace after an offseason workout: Interviewer: "Pietro, it is tough to see things go down like that. A 'So Close Yet So Far' scenario. What do you think contributed to the shortcomings this Postseason for the Menace?" PA: "The way I see it, we gave it all and left everything on the ice. Warsaw got us in the end with a last look goal and we just couldn't even it up. I know our team gave it all. The stars were stars, with Colesy @GrittyIsKing09 and Mikko @Beketov doing their thing, night in and night out, we always had a chance. We just fell a little bit short this time around." Interviewer: "Your series with Warsaw was one of the most exciting we have seen in years. A slugfest of high octane offense and solid blueline work. How do you think the Menace can get over their postseason woes and make the next step in S77?" PA: "Warsaw played their hearts out. Both teams were laying it on the line. Huge respect for their squad. As far as our postseason woes, that's just it, they're only some difficulties we have to work on. Sometimes the puck favors one player over another, sometimes things don't go your way. It is about how you react to this sort of situation that truly defines you as a professional. Personally, I will be doing what I always do and put in the offseason work to build myself up and, in turn, build up those around me. The better I can be the better the core of the Menace can be. I try to play unselfish hockey, finding what works with my teammates and what is comfortable. Sometimes the groove lasts and sometimes it fades. When that happens it is a constant search for a new groove and that takes hard work." Interviewer: "Well said, Pietro. We love to see a player like that on the ice. In true Musketeers style, all for one and one for all." PA: "Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno, Alexandre Dumas" Interviewer: "Always the bookworm, Pietro. Love it. Let's talk about the Moscow GM change. With @Victor leaving the franchise, how do you think this effects the team as a whole?" PA: "We remain with but one goal: The Cup. It is hard to see a GM go, especially the one that took a chance on me when I was just entering the league in S72 as a minor-leaguer. But I have met with the new GM, @Spartan, and have the utmost confidence in his vision for our team. As a player I try to stay out of the front office stuff and focus on what I can control on the ice and in the weight room so, in actuality, I don't think it changes my outlook at all. Like I said, we want The Cup and only The Cup. Whatever it takes."

1. I am very humbled to have been drafted by @Victor. As a literal no-name player, Victor drafted Angellini late in S72. Angellini played 3 seasons in the VHLM, building his skills to earn a spot in the Bigs with the Menace. Victor helped me a lot through my early career and I appreciate him for that. He will be missed. 2. I've kept it relatively quiet so far this offseason and plan on kicking back into high gear this next week. Pietro is an oddball and needs time away from the stress of professional hockey to read and reflect on the season prior. Here's to another try for the Cup! 3. I'm excited for the new faces and a fresh chance at finding that lineup that gives us the best opportunity for success. 4. My mindset is always the same. Grind TPE, make Angellini the best player he can be, and win as many games as possible. Rebuild or not, I'm always looking to be the best I can. 5. There are a lot of good candidates. I would honestly like to throw my hat in the ring for AGM @Spartan. 6. I'd like to hit 700 TPE if possible. It's a longshot but if I keep earning it is attainable.

@UnkemptCL4PTP

3rd Year Players in the VHL are looking to bump things up a notch and get noticed. Pietro Angellini has been campaigning for acknowledgement during S76. Posting career best numbers and flirting with Point-Per-Game status (55P [29G, 26A in 63 Games Played), Pietro is fired up and looking to make a name for himself in the Big League. It was a cold week in February with the Moscow Menace visiting Helsinki and coming home for a match against the New York Americans at home in the Motherland. Pietro had been chippy in his last few games, trying to find the back of the net but not burying his chances. That would change in Game 494 vs the New York Americans. In a first period that saw 7 total goals by both teams, Pietro lit the lamp at 7:09 on the Power Play from sweet, sweet apples donated by Liam Flaten @flatl99and breakout defenseman Fat Palloon @UnkemptCL4PTP. Pietro wasn't done: finding the net again at 9:30 and again at 16:17 in the 1st Period supported by helpers from Ricer @Ricer13, Jay Jones @TTtheT, and Newhook @GrittyIsKing09. Pietro then returned the favor dishing an apple to Ricer in the 2nd Period at 9:40. Angellini ended up with 4 Points (3G, 1A), 8 Shots, adding 1 hit and 1 block along the way. A huge game for Pietro, he was feeling it and looking for more. In the next Matchup, the Menace travelled to Helsinki to face off against their recent post-season rival, the Titans. This one was a tighter matchup. With only 2 goals total for the game, the Menace were victorious. Pietro did everything he could to help, finding Ricer via Letang @Spartanon a nice set-up, and scoring his own 39 seconds later by way of Newhook and Liam Flaten once again. Pietro was riding high and we caught up with him after the 2-0 win in Helsinki: Interviewer: "Wow. Just wow. The Menace were looking fierce tonight. What do you think you guys have been doing to draw so much success lately?" PA: "We just move pucks to the net. We keep the play in front of us and make sure we help out our boy Tonner @MexicanCow123. Did you guys see him out there today?! STANDING ON HIS HEAD!" Interviewer: "Unbelievable. Moscow looks to be in stride. From solid Goaltending to punishing offense, everything looks to be coming together. Pietro, you have 6 points in the last 2 games. To what do you owe the uptick in your offense?" PA: "It all comes from my teammates. We are a tight unit. Ricer came on this offseason and jumped right in to the mix. He has been great. I think I have developed some chemistry with Colesy and having our solid blueliners back behind the forwards makes everything easy. I just play my role and hope to do what I can to help the team." Interviewer: "Whatever may be the recipe, it is surely working wonders. How do you keep things going?" PA: "We have our GM @Victorto thank. He keeps the lines fresh and shakes things up if we get complacent. We just need to maintain what we are doing. FORECHECK, BACK CHECK, PAYCHECK, BAYBAY!!!" MOSCOWMOSCOWMOSCOW

You were right about the first name. I did a small edit. I think it works out better.

PC ?'s, Week of 2/8: 1. Moscow is on a solid regular season campaign so far. Does being at the top of the Euro Conference make you anxious or confident? 2. We recently dropped a game to Chicago (1st in NA) and Toronto (6th in NA) each. What can we do to shore up the win column? 3. Warsaw and Helsinki are hot on our heels. Who will be our post-season rival in S76? 4. As we were all VHLMers at one point, how is the team that drafted you doing after you left? 5. We're all hockey fans here. How do you feel about the NHL's compact schedule and regional divisions so far? 6. If you had to pick a favorite sandwich to eat everyday for the rest of your life, what would you pick?

@Viperxhawks19

@Jakefufu

1. Seasons still pretty early but who is your early season MVP so far? Gotta give it to Mikko @Beketov. Almost 2 PPG, 120 Hits, 6 GWG. Killing it. 2. Moscow is now tied for 1st place in EU, will they start to pull away from the pack? I believe we have the talent to pull ahead and stay ahead. Hoping we can solve our post-season woes in S76. 3. Moscow has three players in the top 10 in scoring to this point of the season. Does this surprise you? It is a bit surprising but definitely awesome to see. POWERHAUS 4. Which Menace player has been the biggest surprise this season? Palloon! @UnkemptCL4PTP Contributing right out of the gate from the blueline. Love having a solid defense core. 5. Which European team is our biggest competition this season? Warsaw and Helsinki are right up there with us. And with our recent post-season run-ins with Helsinki, I'd say the Titans are our main competition. 6. Which area of the game would you say is Moscow's strength? Offense, defense or goaltending and why? Offense is flying high this season. Most games we are scoring 4-5 goals. But I think Tonn @MexicanCow123 is doing a great job backing everyone up.

1. How do we feel about our start so far? I think we have looked solid out of the gate. New faces are already chipping in and we seem to be winning or splitting games on a daily basis. I think we will hit our stride here soon. 2. What do you think the team can improve on? So far we have been playing in tight games, going to shootouts regularly. We could use some tightening on the defensive side to help out Tonn @MexicanCow123 3. What do you think you can individually improve on? The shots are there. The minutes are there. I need to make more shots count. Find the back of the net and, if not, dish the puck to someone who can! 4. What are you getting up to off the ice? Trying to be the next Rocket League Champion. Keeps my skills tight. 5. Favorite memory of the season so far? S76 Game 70 Shootout goal winner against London for sure! 6. What was the first thing you bought with your salary? I bought a Gaming PC with a bootleg Russian RTX3090 and an overclocked decommissioned military guidance CPU. It keeps me warm in the winter.

Uh oh, was I not supposed to say anything? :X my bad

@MexicanCow123

After two productive seasons in the Bigs, Pietro has been tapped for assignment as an Alternate Captain for the Moscow Menace. A huge honor. Pietro has worked tirelessly in Moscow to become a staple in the Menace lineup. With two seasons under his belt (50 and 53 points, respectively) Pietro is looking to jump to the next level in S76. We caught up with him after a Sunday Morning Skate to see what his plans are. Interviewer: "Morning, Pietro. Big news today. How's it feel to get that "A"?" PA: "It is a huge honor. I am humbled by the news. GM @Victor must believe in me. I am going to do everything I can to prove him right." Interviewer: "A couple of solid seasons in the VHL, how do you plan on getting better from here?" PA: "Same old story. Hard work. Put in hours skating with the boys, hit the weights hard, and I think I am going to throw in some Hot Yoga this year. Been hearing good things about that stuff." Interviewer: "Hot Yoga, eh? Fascinating. You're full of surprises. The Menace took another early exit from the playoffs in S75. What is the plan to take it all the way in S76?" PA: "I know I need to be better on special teams, whether it be Power Play or PK. We have to make the most of our chances. I know I kicked it up a notch physically (92 hits) and I took my chances (309 SOG). I think being well-rounded is the key to success. Just have to put in more work and hope the pucks find the twine." Interviewer: "Absolutely. You took noticeable jumps in physicality and offensive presence. Even contributing more defensively with 27 blocked shots. Could S76 be the year of the Menace?" PA: "I think so. I think we have a good shot. We have our star in Mikko @Beketov and we added some new firepower with Kris Rice @Ricer13 coming on board. Even snagged a new tender in Tonner @MexicanCow123. Some new faces but the same mentality. We want that Cup."

Thanks @MexicanCow123 Planning on cooking yours up this weekend.

1. We decided to make some big moves on the first day of the off-season. Which of Kris Rice, Jacob Tonn, Ryan Schwarz, Jay Jones, and Michael Olson are you most excited to see in Moscow? Kris Rice is going to ball out immediately, I can feel it. He should fit right in here in Mother Russia. 2. What will you miss the most about our esteemed S75 backup Rara Rasputin? I will miss his reliable presence on the bench the most. He was always there to give advice during games while sipping on what I assumed may have been a vodka-laden mixture from a gatorade squeeze bottle. 3. What's a personal goal to achieve this season for you, in the VHL or VHLM? I would like to eclipse the previous 2 years point totals and possibly make a run for the top 10 in scoring. 4. How have you welcome our new S76 prospects, Mortie, Bowman, and Tipton? I welcomed them to the Locker Room and offered to help them with any sigs/renders they may need for their new home. 5. What's your favourite thing about Moscow at this time of year? The unheeding depression brought on by the seemingly endless winter. Great for reading a nice work of Dostoevsky. 6. Who do you think is the biggest menace to the Menace this coming season / or who do you think the favourite in the VHLM is? Most likely Malmo. They're stealing our thunder in the Euro-League.

@Ricer13

1. Well, we're out of the playoffs but it was our best run in the while. What are you doing to work on in the off-season to take the next step in S76? Getting back in the Cap-Out TPE Groove. 2nd half of 2020 I got a bit off track. I plan to be back in business ASAP. 2. What's one area of the team you'd be looking to improve in S76 based on our S75 performance? We lost a lot of close games. I feel that defensive responsibility is an area we could work on. We were pretty solid after a slow start. I think we can do even better in S76. 3. What lovely gift should we give the VHL's refereeing team after their outstanding work during our series with Malmo? I feel they deserve a nice vacation. Maybe something in the south of France. Get those boys a Yacht. 4. Who do you want to win between D.C. and Malmo? I'd like to see DC win. If it can't be us from the Euro side, I'd rather see a USA team take the cup. 5. Any prospects catch your eye in the upcoming S76 entry draft? I will need to look into that. We need to replace Telker. I am hoping to help fill the void myself but any new prospects who can chip in are more than welcome. 6. What was your favourite VHL city to visit this past season? I was a big fan of Prague. Historic city, beautiful libraries, and an old-world culture.

1. I cooked a very large amount of food and hung out at home, watching sports and playing video games. 2. Never lose faith in the Russian Machine. Moscow has the power! 3. Nothing short of Playoff MVP Honors. Lahtinen was able to bury the biscuit and propel us into the semifinals. 4. Their on-ice contributions as well as their locker room presence. As a newer addition, it has been an honor playing with such awesome veterans. 5. I think Alex Letang could be a good captain. He anchors our blueline and keeps things manageable. 6. I have faith in Rara. He may not be Simon's favorite but he will get better as time goes on!