okifenoki

After a solid season in Mississauga in S72, Pietro Angellini was traded to the San Diego Marlins for a 1st Round Pick in S75. Unsure of his new surroundings as such a young player, Angellini came in with high hopes of acceptance and production with a new squad. During offseason workouts, Pietro must have made quite an impact in the locker room as he was awarded the Captaincy through a team vote. We catch up with Pietro after hearing of his new leadership role: Interviewer: "Big responsibility, Pietro. How do you feel about being voted Captain of your new squad?" PA: "Man, coming in totally new to the area and the team, not knowing a soul except through our games last season, I didn't know what to think. And for these guys to vote for me to be Captain, man, it just feels great. I am excited for the responsibility and hope to help the team push for a great season." Interviewer: "It's not often a new player, acquired via Trade, is awarded Captaincy. What do you think your teammates saw in you that swayed the vote?" PA: "There are a bunch of deserving guys on this team. Merrick @Steve and Han @Dtayl are both great guys and big leaders in the locker room. I don't know what exactly the guys see in me but I hope to live up to their expectations this season. I will bring everything I have and leave it all on the ice. We want the Cup this year." Interviewer: "Those are big dreams, the VHLM looks pretty stacked through the ranks this season. What do you think sets the Marlins apart?" PA: "Our locker room is tight. The guys all work hard and talk to one another about every little thing. We stay on the same page and make sure to push each other during skates and workouts. We're all in this together with a common goal. I feel right at home here in San Diego." Interviewer: "Glad to hear you're settling in. Anything to say to the fans?" PA: "Just know we're bringing it this season. We're going to grind day and night to be the best squad we can be, on and off the ice. Marlins are hunting this season, everyone. Let's get this season started!"

When I was 13 I was starting to fall in love with music, specifically drums, and began begging my parents for a set. They finally caved a year later and I've been playing ever since. Happy Birthday, VHL!

@Dtayl

1. How do you feel we did in the draft? I think we rounded out a solid squad. Taking Steve Merrick @John first overall was a solid move 2. If you are a newcomer to the squad, what do you look forward to doing most? If you are a veteran, how do you feel to play along side of the new draftees? I am a few seasons in and am looking forward to the challenge of chasing a cup with some new faces 3. Which is more important: Ice Time or Success? Success! 4. What is your pre-game workout routine? Heavy, sludgy Metal and hacky sack 5. Are you excited for what might happen next season? Absolutely. I think we have a good shot at the Cup. 6. Will we be a contender or a rebuilding next season? Definitely a contender. Hopefully make it deep in the playoffs, at worst.

Haha whoops. My bad. Don't trade me. Looking forward to Moscow in S74.

Shortly after the end of S72 on the evening of July 12th, 2020, Mississauga GM @ColeMrtz pulled the trigger on a trade to send Pietro Angellini to the San Diego Marlins for a first round pick in the upcoming VHLM Draft. After a developmental season in Mississauga, Pietro was blossoming into a solid two-way centerman with big play potential. With Mississauga looking to rebuild it was a smart move by @ColeMrtz to strike while the iron was hot. Interviewer: "Big news, Pietro, and sudden! Did you know you were going to be traded?" PA: "Actually, I was aware of the possibility. GM @ColeMrtz took the time to discuss it with me personally which I felt was very respectful of him. I had no idea if, when, or where I'd be going but I was open to the idea of a new destination." Interviewer: "San Diego. A complete 180° from what you are used to being from the Northeast and spending the last season in chilly Mississauga. What do you think of your new spot?" PA: "It's exciting. I have never been out West besides on the road for games. I haven't spent much time in the area so I am looking forward to calling San Diego home for a while. It's a Navy City, which is interesting, way down south bordering Mexico (what's up, Kings! @Motzaburger), and has tons of beaches, something I'm not used to seeing while I'm playing hockey." Interviewer: "It is quite a change. Sounds like it could be a big opportunity for you. The Marlins were dead last in the standings in S72, does that concern you?" PA: "Not at all. I see it as a challenge. SDM GM @InstantRockstar saw something in me worth spending a 1st Round Pick on and I intend on delivering to my best ability. Hockey is a streaky sport, sometimes streaks can go on for months, even seasons-long. I think the potential is there for the Marlins to surprise some people this year. I am glad to be a part of the team." Interviewer: "Never one to back down from a challenge. Have you met any of your teammates yet?" PA: "Absolutely. Got acquainted with the boys in the locker room almost immediately. Han Jae Kuk @Dtayl and I hit it off. Dude is from Korea, wild stuff, he took me to a Kim-Chi place the other night, blew my mind. Joakim @Bouncyelf is Norwegian, he said he'd be cooking me some Raspeballs, which sound like awesome potato balls so I am all about it. We're gonna need a tough training camp if we're going to be eating like this!" Interviewer: "Fitting right in. San Diego is known for it's diverse culture and cuisine. You'll find a ton of new experiences here. Best of luck to you in S73, we're hoping you can help lift the Marlins out of the cellar!" PA: "Thanks for the welcome, I'm going to do my best!"

Hey, thats me!

Submitting for week ending 7/19. @Esso2264.

I stumbled upon the VHL through Reddit (must mean recruitment is somewhat successful) and, in a time of shutdowns, pandemics, and stay-at-home orders, was pleasantly surprised by the community I was met with. Off the bat, I was offered contracts with VHLM teams and welcomed even though I had little-to-no idea of what to actually do or even if I would enjoy it. I knew I loved hockey but I wasn't ready to feel so included in a group of complete strangers. The VHL has been a fantastic distraction from all the happenings of the current days. I have gotten back into Photo Editing and, even when unsure of myself, was helped by others in the Discords regarding tips on rendering logos and creating player signatures. This past season, S72, I was fortunate to be on the Mississauga Hounds of the VHLM. With @ColeMrtz as GM I was quickly introduced and hanging with the guys in the Discord, @jared @JBrew42 @MexicanCow123 @rory among a bunch of others. The whole experience was great and, even though we suffered a first round playoff elimination, I enjoyed every game and every afternoon waiting on the sims to come through to see how everyone did. I have read through some of the VHL Lore, including the Legend of AK47, and see how this community brings people together in interesting ways. Even as complete strangers, our love of hockey, sims, and just sports in general provides a path through the anonymity and allows us to befriend people we would never otherwise meet. The VHL Donation Campaign was a huge success and seeing everyone pitch in and help others was just another solidifying moment during my first full season in the VHL. I just wanted to thank everyone for being so accepting, understanding, and helpful in this League Community. Although it may seem like just another online forum, the VHL has a ton more to offer and is a force of goodwill in an uncertain time. I hope my sappiness isn't over the top. Thanks, guys. GO PENS!

1. With the finals being around the corner, who are you cheering for between the Mexico City Kings and Saskatoon Wild? I was originally acquired by Mexico City during S71. Go Kings! 2. In the majors, who are you cheering for between the Calgary Wranglers and the Riga Reign? Lets go RIGA 3. What's been keeping your attention during this extended offseason for the Hounds? Rocket League and reading books 4. Did any team awards winners surprise you? Not really. Mac and Burrows deserved all the hardware. 5. Any thoughts about the VHL draft lottery results, and are you hoping any specific team wins the VHLM draft lottery? I hope Mississauga wins it. 6. What is your favorite music album of all time? That is a very tough question as I am a musician and deeply in love with music. I'd have to say: Explosions In The Sky - The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place

1. With our playoff run brought a quicker end than we would’ve liked, what are your plans for the offseason? Hope to build up my graphic/render skills further. I might apply for a position in management or VHLN. 2. Where do you think you’re going to go in your respective drafts? I hope to stick with Moscow in the VHL. As far as VHLM it would be great to be back on Mississauga. 3. While our lack of advancement is somewhat disappointing, the first year Miami Marauders are giving the top seed Minnesota Storm a run for their money. Do you think they can pull it off? LET'S GO MARAUDERS!!! 4. What are your predictions for the remainder of playoffs? As long as Philly loses I am happy. 5. With golf season underway for the Hounds, who wins longest drive? Has to be @Kisslinger. Dude is 6'8". He's like Chara swinging a tree branch out there. 6. Who do you think had the best lockeroom presence this season? JaredN @jared was very present and involved daily. I enjoyed his input.

Climbing their way into the Postseason, Mississauga had high hopes for the Founder's Cup but were forced to an early round exit following a 4-1 Series Loss to the Philadelphia Reapers. Throughout the season Philadelphia had menaced Mississauga, some saying that a VHLM Rivalry was brewing between the two teams. VHLN Interviews Second Line Center, Pietro Angellini, on his thoughts regarding the postseason play, the regular season, and where he intends on going from here: Interviewer: "A tough outcome for the Hounds tonight. Elimination is never easy to stomach. How are the Hounds feeling in the locker room?" PA: "We are all disappointed, that is obvious. We fought hard and became a close group on and off the ice and to lose the way we did in the first round to Philly, man, it just sticks with you. It's a tough pill to swallow." Interviewer: "No doubt. But a lot of promising things seemed to come out of the Hounds this season. Some blossoming players and some interesting developments" PA: "Absolutely, Mac @LastOneUp and JaredN @jared had tremendous seasons. I think they carried the whole squad a lot of the way. They tore up the scoresheet and made the players around them better. Brewittt @JBrew42 and Gainer @joeg had great seasons in their own right and are only getting better and better. And, never to be forgotten, our stoic Goaltender, Tonn @MexicanCow123 gave everything he had to push the team to the be the best we could be. All in all I look back and think the season was a success even if we are dealing with an early round exit." Interviewer: "The Hounds dropped some close games here and there. What do you think makes the difference?" PA: "I think we had some miscues up front. I think I could have been better defensively, personally, and plan on working on that in the offseason. In my opinion, our blueline, led by Burrows @Walter Fizz and Glade @ShawnGlade did everything asked of them and drove play forward while playing responsibly. We were a young squad and I think we will all be better with some more time to develop. That is what the VHLM is all about. We're all working hard to be better and play up top in the VHL." Interviewer: "Well said. You mentioned your offseason work is going to be focused on defense, how do you plan to go about that?" PA: "I am hoping to join the big guys from the Moscow Menace in offseason camps and learn from the best. Defense wins championships and, as a center, I need to be a two-way-player, no question about it. I plan to train even harder than I did last offseason and come into S73 as a stronger force than ever." Interviewer: "We will be watching your progress. Anything to say to close out the season?" PA: "We gave it all we could, Hounds Fans. We'll be back next year better than ever. Everyone stay safe, help others in need, and be excellent to each other."

Thank you for the feedback! I appreciate the compliments and the background work suggestion. I definitely draw a blank when it comes to background work. I tend to opt for the ice/stands in the background to make the renders seem more realistic. I have been looking at other's sigs and they have very intricate backgrounds which I plan to try my hand at coming up with soon. I think I have obtained a pretty firm grasp on the Jersey Swaps and backgrounds are next. Thanks again!

Made this sig for @Blazzer. If anyone likes my renders I am open to taking requests and would be happy to work one up for anyone who asks.

After a grueling few weeks, the VHLM Playoffs are upon us. Only a few weeks ago, the Hounds were rolling, rattling off wins and flying high. But, with a few missteps and close games, the Hounds hit a rough patch of games and dropped some important games along the way. Entering the playoffs, the Hounds are seeded 3rd in the East with post-season play beginning Saturday, 6/27. Reporter: "It's been a rocky few weeks but Mississauga has made the playoffs, how are you and the team prepping for tough post-season competition?" PA: "Same as any other week, really. The boys are grinding out tough practices and pushing themselves to be better. I think over the last few weeks we have learned a lot as a squad and we are stronger for it. Heading into post-season with a good mindset." Reporter: "The Hounds had a bit of a rough patch towards the end of the season. What would you attribute this to?" PA: "Just fundamentals. Small mistakes. All the games we have lost recently have been by 1 or 2 goals. A loose puck here, soft defense there. Small mistakes that can be corrected. As long as we give Tonner @MexicanCow123 a solid effort I believe he can keep us in a game with anyone." Reporter: "Now that the regular season has come to an end, do you think you have achieved your personal goals this season?" PA: "We definitely improved as a team across the board. Mac @LastOneUp joined me on the 2nd Line a few weeks back and has been raking. I think he has something like 130 Points?! Dude has been on fire. And JaredN @jared centering the top line ended up with 114 points. We have been pushing hard and I think it showed towards the end. My other linemate, Brewitt @JBrew42, challenged himself in the late season and ended up contributing more. I think, as a team, we have a serious chance to contend for the Founder's Cup." Reporter: "Your GM @ColeMrtz rounded out the roster with some late additions in Lee Xin @Blazzer and Lexi Glass @AW13. How do you feel about the Hounds overall?" PA: "We are a tight squad. We chirp each other at practice and between games and try to keep it light and have fun all while focusing on the task at hand. I think Lee @Blazzer and Lexi @AW13 have fit in great and are working hard to help the team, just like the rest of us. We have a tough job ahead of us in post-season and its great to have fresh legs to chip in" Reporter: "Best of luck to the Hounds in the post-season. Anything else to say to the fans?" PA: "Keep an eye on us. We may be the underdog you're looking for."

1. As we come up to the end of the season, how do you keep motivated for that final push? Big wins against tough competition. 2. Have you learned anything new this season, either about the league or the sim? If not just something in general? I have learned tons regarding graphics and photo editing. I genuinely enjoy it. 3. Regular Season team awards are coming up, does anyone steal the show? JaredN 4. How do you feel about our playoff chances? ALL THE WAY BAYBAY 5. Who do you feel was our “rival” this season? Fucking Philly 6. Do you think the NHL will resume play after the latest bout of infections? I certainly hope so but with big names like Auston Matthews testing positive it is seeming pretty unlikely.

@Beaviss this is a game changer. My eyes thank you.

1. As the trade deadline passes, what moves were the biggest/most surprising to you? Trey Nets @KillaScrilla and Bo Burrows @Walter Fizz were huge pick-ups 2. We're sitting in 6th right now, a somewhat disappointing position. What can we do/should we have done to improve? We seem to be having a tough time keeping Goals-Against in check. We need to tighten up defensively and help out Tonn @MexicanCow123 3. With it looking like we'll be seeded against the Reapers, how do you feel about our playoff odds? I welcome the challenge. Philly has been our rival this season and I think we can stack up well in the postseason. 4. Our last run of games has been a bit of a downer, what do you think is setting us back? Bad luck with sims, goals-against out of whack. We just need to tighten up and we can get back on the winning track. 5. We recently signed Lexi Glass off of the waiver wire (welcome @AW13!), how does this addition bolster our roster? A new winger to add some scoring depth is always a good thing. 6. Selfish question, I feel as though this season has been somewhat lackluster on my end. How do I be better at my job, both for the current season and the future? I feel you have been very active and present during the whole season. Trades, help with TPE acquisition and build advice for the newer players. I like our GM.

With some recent success centering the 2nd Line of the Mississauga Hounds of the VHLM, Pietro Angellini has started to draw some attention from the Big League scouts. Drafted 47th Overall (S72) by the Moscow Menace, Angellini is looking to make his name known in the Minors and become a bullet point on all the VHL Scout's watchlists. Recently, in an article penned by VSN Journalist @Patrik Tallinder regarding the VHL Future Watch, Angellini was mentioned as a possible breakout candidate: Reporter: "Pietro, word around the league is that you're getting some looks from other Squads, VHL and VHLM alike. How does that make you feel?" PA: "Well it feels good, obviously. The hard work at practice with the Hounds seems to be paying off. It is nice to hear my name around but, I'll be honest, we're in a playoff race here and that is my main focus." Reporter: "The VHLM is a tight race this year, especially in the Eastern Conference. Minnesota already locked in a spot for the playoffs but the race is on between Philly and the Hounds. You guys dropped some tough games against Philly recently. How do you expect to bounce back?" PA: "Man, Philly is a tight squad. Going up against Bud Knight @Dilly Dilly and Jer Lefebvre @Jer_Lefebvre was a tough task. Those guys are putting up heavy numbers this season. But I think we can right the ship and make the playoffs. Hopefully we will face off against Philly and show them and the fans what we can do" Reporter: "You sound like you want another shot at them." PA: "Damn right I do. I respect those guys but dropping 4 close gamest to them, while we're jocking for points in the standings, left a bad taste in our mouths." Reporter: "How do you think the Hounds will stack up with Philly next time around?" PA: "We have to focus on Defense. Let up less chances and let Tonner @MexicanCow123 do his work in net. The more support we give him the better chance we have." Reporter: "It sounds like you're determined to make a name for yourself in the League. What are your plans to make that happen?" PA: "Like I said before, we're in a playoff race here and that is my main focus. The better I can support my teammates and help us win games the better off we will all be. I want all our names to be on everyone's mind, not just me." Reporter: "There you have it, fans. Angellini and the Hounds look to push for the playoffs and won't quit. We will see if they can make it to the dance and whether or not they can stay in the mix. Until next time, VHL fans."

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I made this sig for Dakota Lamb @dlamb of the Miami Marauders yesterday. I shared it in the VHL Graphics Discussion Discord. I was confused on the submission deadline for Theme Week and waited until today to submit. If it it is too late, I understand and I will only claim the standard Point Task.