joeg

Player Information
Username: joeg
Player Name: Joe John Jefferson Junior
Recruited From: Returning
Age: 21
Position: D
Height: 77 in.
Weight: 220 lbs.
Birthplace: Canada

Player Page
@VHLM GM

accepto 

accepto 

What Would Living in a Sports Bubble be Like
 
With 2 major sports leagues playing in the bubble (NHL and NBA) and 2 sports leagues without the bubble having issues already (MLB and NFL) it is not outside of the realm of possibility that we could find ourselves in the bubble until we overcome our current situation. So I began asking myself, what would it be like to live in the bubble for a season.
 
Well first, and most importantly, food. Now this depends on what you fancy. Continental breakfast is usually good, but that will definitely fade after the first week. If the bubble is somewhere nice, like the Royal York, than i would be pleased with every meal. Lunch would be tough, we'd probably get a sandwich everyday, but this can be made up for with a stellar dinner. That is the wild card. If dinner is something substantial and delicious, so exactly the opposite of what the NBA players have been getting at disney world, then that would make up for a lacking lunch. In summary, it would totally depend on your hotel.
 
For comfort, hotel beds are a dime a dozen. It might not be great, but it will most certainly be good enough. Now sticklers might make a point of saying they need their pillow. Fine, bring your own pillow, it's not that hard. Certain amenities would be required, specifically a work out room (a real one, not those found in hotels now) and an INDOOR pool. I don't want an outdoor pool. There is too much uncertainty surrounding the weather. Indoor pool=indoor rules!!
 
These are the demands for amenities should we enter the bubble.
 
WC/280

What Would Living in a Sports Bubble be Like
 
With 2 major sports leagues playing in the bubble (NHL and NBA) and 2 sports leagues without the bubble having issues already (MLB and NFL) it is not outside of the realm of possibility that we could find ourselves in the bubble until we overcome our current situation. So I began asking myself, what would it be like to live in the bubble for a season.
 
Well first, and most importantly, food. Now this depends on what you fancy. Continental breakfast is usually good, but that will definitely fade after the first week. If the bubble is somewhere nice, like the Royal York, than i would be pleased with every meal. Lunch would be tough, we'd probably get a sandwich everyday, but this can be made up for with a stellar dinner. That is the wild card. If dinner is something substantial and delicious, so exactly the opposite of what the NBA players have been getting at disney world, then that would make up for a lacking lunch. In summary, it would totally depend on your hotel.
 
For comfort, hotel beds are a dime a dozen. It might not be great, but it will most certainly be good enough. Now sticklers might make a point of saying they need their pillow. Fine, bring your own pillow, it's not that hard. Certain amenities would be required, specifically a work out room (a real one, not those found in hotels now) and an INDOOR pool. I don't want an outdoor pool. There is too much uncertainty surrounding the weather. Indoor pool=indoor rules!!
 
These are the demands for amenities should we enter the bubble.
 
WC/280

What Would Living in a Sports Bubble be Like
 
With 2 major sports leagues playing in the bubble (NHL and NBA) and 2 sports leagues without the bubble having issues already (MLB and NFL) it is not outside of the realm of possibility that we could find ourselves in the bubble until we overcome our current situation. So I began asking myself, what would it be like to live in the bubble for a season.
 
Well first, and most importantly, food. Now this depends on what you fancy. Continental breakfast is usually good, but that will definitely fade after the first week. If the bubble is somewhere nice, like the Royal York, than i would be pleased with every meal. Lunch would be tough, we'd probably get a sandwich everyday, but this can be made up for with a stellar dinner. That is the wild card. If dinner is something substantial and delicious, so exactly the opposite of what the NBA players have been getting at disney world, then that would make up for a lacking lunch. In summary, it would totally depend on your hotel.
 
For comfort, hotel beds are a dime a dozen. It might not be great, but it will most certainly be good enough. Now sticklers might make a point of saying they need their pillow. Fine, bring your own pillow, it's not that hard. Certain amenities would be required, specifically a work out room (a real one, not those found in hotels now) and an INDOOR pool. I don't want an outdoor pool. There is too much uncertainty surrounding the weather. Indoor pool=indoor rules!!
 
These are the demands for amenities should we enter the bubble.
 
WC/280

S73 VHL SEASON PREVIEW
 
The S72 offseason has come and gone which means it is time for a new season of hockey to begin! We will be taking a look at the situation of all 16 VHL franchises heading into S73. We will be starting with the expansion teams and then be making our way up the standings from last to first. Without further ado, let us begin!

 

Chicago Phoenix
Expansion Team
 
Honestly, If I am a Chicago fan right I would be pretty excited for the kind of damage this team will be able to do a few years down the road. You may not have the best roster right now, but it is filled with future stars. The forward core is led by Adam Syreck, Squirrely Dan, Vladimir Shaposhnikov and Milos Slavik rounding out the top-six forward group. In net, they have their first-round draft pick in Jean Pierre Camus. They are lacking a lot defensively with the only notable name being Nikita Kulikovich, but if their forward core plays well and Camus has a great season, they can be a dark horse playoff contender.

 

London United
Expansion Team
 
London is another team that could do some damage if things go right. They have a solid offence with the likes of veteran forward Guy Lesieur along with some young forwards like Mac Hooper, Jay Jones and The Terrible Trivium. Defensively, they have James Rose who had a great season with the Houston Bulls in the VHLM last season. London’s biggest issue will be in the crease. Their starter going into this season will be Clayton Park, a career backup goalie who hasn’t fit too well into a starting role and this looks like his last season, so London may need a quick fix at goaltender but other than that I can see them possibly making a playoff push depending on what happens before the trade deadline.

 

Los Angeles Stars
Expansion Team

 
I could see LA easily making the playoffs this season. They look to be in the best position out of all of the expansion teams. Offensively, they are led by veterans Sigard Gunnar and Tyler Barabash Jr while sprinkling in some youth with Markus Nygren, Gary Neal and first-round pick Jeffrey Pines rounding out the forward core. Defensively, They are led by the trio of Rusty Shackleford, Gert B Frobe and Kaspars Claude. The only issue I see in their team kind of like London is in the crease. They also have a career backup this time in Kolur Bjoernsson. It will only be like this as both their defence and goaltending will be rounded when second-round picks Jiggly Gumballs and Drew Minott are expecting to come up to the VHL.

 

Warsaw Predators
Expansion Team
 
Warsaw is just like LA where their team looks like a fringe playoff contender, but can easily go further. Warsaw has the best centre depth out of all 4 expansion teams, with Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Zeno Miniti filling the roster down the middle. On the wings, they have 2 players with VHL experience in Dalton Wilcox and Damien Wolfe. Defensively, They have veterans Danny DeYeeto and Hugh Chan along with a younger player in Alex Bridges. Warsaw also has a solid goaltender in Nicolas Fomba. Mix this in with the first-round pick Dakota Lamb coming up to the VHL next year and this can be a dark horse candidate both this year and next year.

 

Malmo Nighthawks
Last Season: 26-41-5 (12th in VHL)
Did not make the playoffs
 
Malmo is a very different team from last season, having 3 first-round picks and nailing all of them. They still have a veteran presence in Aston Martin offensively but throw in young guns Chris Hylands, Ray Shields and top draft pick Marshall James Frostbeard and this team looks extremely dangerous offensively. This team was concerning defensively last year. What better way to fill that hole by taking the S73 draft’s top defender, Tyler Walker at 2nd overall. Mix that with the current core of Zyrok12 and Condor Adrienne and the call-up of Viktor Alexei Kamenov and this is a miles better defence then it was last year. In net, Malmo has long term stability in 6th overall pick Grekkark Gyrfalcon who is poised to have a breakout year in the VHL. This is a solid Malmo team that I can see as a dark horse candidate for a Continental Cup run. 
 

D.C. Dragons
Last Season: 30-38-4 (11th in VHL)
Did not make the playoffs.
D.C. is one of those teams that can do some serious damage. They had a stroke of luck last offseason, moving up to 1st overall to select LW Groovy Dood. Dood has been working hard to fit in with the D.C line up for his rookie year in S73. D.C is led offensively by 2 young guns in Dood and RW Xaiver LeFlamant and veterans in Raleigh Ritchie, Mikko Aaltonen, Boris the Forest and Benny Graves, who is looking like he is prepared for a career year. Defensively, D.C is no slouch either being led by veterans Charles Drumm, Luciano Valentino, Ricky Johnson and a new younger defenseman in Liam Flaten. D.C also has more stability in goal as starting goaltender Stone Wolski did some hard training this offseason and looks poised to be one of the best goaltenders this year. With a team like that, you must be excited if you are a D.C fan as they could easily be a Continental Cup contender. I see them making the playoffs.

 

Vancouver Wolves
Last Season: 32-35-5 (10th in VHL)
Did not make the playoffs
 
Vancouver is a really unpredictable team. Keeping a lot of the players from last season but also sprinkling in some of the young talented players can do that to a team. Offensively, they are still led by centres Brock Louth and Andrew Su, but up the wings, they look deadly. On the right side, they have Jungkok, Gregg Stallion, Gino DiGiannantonio and Mat Tacco and on the left, they have Joe Proto. They will need to shift one or two of their right wings over to the left but they still a dangerous offence. The defence was a bright spot for Vancouver last season as they were 5th in the league in total goals against and they managed to grab Micah Adrienne at 3rd overall in the draft to further solidify their defence. Mix that in with the veterans in Jeff Downey, Andrej Petrovic and Griff Manzer and you have an excellent top 4. In net, they have stability in the starter position with Jimmy Spyro and they have Isak Sjostrom backing him up. If Vancouver can play up to their potential, they will be a tough team to beat this year, but it all depends on how they come out of the gate. They will be a playoff contender but the step to a cup contender depends on how things go.

 

Toronto Legion
Last Season: 33-35-4 (9th in VHL)
Lost in Conference Semi-Finals to CGY 4-3
 
Despite how bad S72 looked for Toronto fans, they were in a playoff spot and managed to push the eventual conference champion Calgary Wranglers to 7 games. Not too shabby. Toronto could make a splash this year with an offence lead by Jeff Blaze, Teemu Lehtinen Jr, Chad Magnum and Kristopher McDagg. However, I expect incoming LW Joseph Gainer to have a good season. He is coming off a solid season in the VHLM and has developed nicely down there. Defensively, they are led by a young core of brothers in Gabriel and Leon Gutzwiler, Erik Killinger and a veteran piece in Fredrik Elmebeck makes for a dangerous top 4. In the crease, Toronto is no slouch either, having a solid young goaltender in Jaxx Hextall, who will only continue to get better. Add all of this to 5th overall pick John Merrick being ready to play for S74 and this Toronto team will get dangerous really fast.

 

Prague Phantoms
Last Season: 32-32-8 (8th in VHL)
Did not make the playoffs
 
Missing the playoffs was a bummer for Prague, who despite finishing better than the playoff-bound Toronto Legion ended up ultimately missing the big dance due to S72’s stacked European Conference. Prague has a powderkeg offence led by Thomas Landry II, Ondrej Ohradka, Dagmar Havlova and Alex Pearson. Defensively, they still have the 3 headed-monster of Cinnamon Block, Seabass Perrin and Wolf Stansson Jr. In the crease, they still have Virgil Ligriv in net for his last season but behind him is the young goalie Woody McPine, who was a force in the VHLM last year. Things can turn around for Prague really fast, with centre Andre LeBastard coming up from the VHLM next year.
 

HC Davos Dynamo
Last Season: 35-30-7 (7th in VHL)
Lost in Conference Semi-Finals to RIG 4-0
 
HC Davos was absolutely steamrolled in the first round by the eventual champion Riga Reign in S72. This doesn’t change the fact they have a solid lineup, led offensively by SS Hornet, Jet Jaguar, Soren Jensen and Jerry Garcia. Davos’ defence remains mostly the same led by David O’Quinn and Roque Davis but Davos made a splash move to bring in Charlie Paddywagon from Calgary to round it off. Davos has the young up and coming Joakim Bruden in net who has a chance to have a great season. I see Davos returning to the playoff, but they can go farther than just playoffs.

 

Moscow Menace
Last Season: 35-29-8 (6th in VHL)
Lost in Conference Finals to RIG 4-0
 
Just like Davos, a sweep at the hands of the eventual champion Riga Reign doesn’t take away how good the Moscow Menace was last season. Moscow still has a deadly first line with Nate Telker, Ryo Yamazuki II and Henrik Zoiderberg leading the way offensively but with upcoming stars Vin Calia and Lucas Brandt, those holes that come up once the first line leaves will be easy to fill. Defensively, they still have the deadly duo of Vladimir Pavlov and Oskar Lagesson but added the dangerous VHLM star Alex Letang to an already loaded back end. In net, they still have Raymond Bernard. This will be a tough Moscow team to beat this year and I expect them to be a cup contender.

 

Helsinki Titans
Last Season: 36-26-10 (5th in VHL)
Lost in Conference Semi-Finals to MOS 4-2)
 
Helsinki had a good season in S72, ending with a fantastic 6 game series against Moscow where they easily could have taken it. Helsinki is led offensively by a top line of Hiroshi Okada, Jim Bob and Erik Draven. They also have some solid 2nd line and depth pieces in Ben Hafkey, Jared Spaz and Valtteri Vaakanainen. Defensively, they have Erik Summers and Kyle Andersen leading the way along with rookie Spencer Elsby. In net, Helsinki has the two-headed monster in Zamboni Driver and Samuel Ross. Adding all of this with S73 draft picks Patrik Laine and Oh Sens coming in next season and Helsinki can easily win a Continental Cup.

 

New York Americans
Last Season: 38-26-8 (4th in VHL)
Lost in Conference Finals to CGY 4-3
 
New York’s playoff run last year came to a heartbreaking end in game 7 against the Calgary Wranglers, giving up the game-winning goal with just 30 seconds to play. New York’s offence is still as dangerous as ever with a top-six forward group made up of Julius Freeman, Acyd Burn, Owen Nolan, Jerry Wang, Bjorn Scoringsonn and Richard Penisson. Defensively, they have the tenacious trio of Micheal Gary Scott, Lance Flowers and Hugh Jass. In net, it is also the same with A Red Guy being the starter. This team can easily make a cup run and I expect them to be a contender all season long.

 

Riga Reign
Last Season: 39-25-8 (3rd in VHL)
Won S72 Continental Cup!
 
The defending champion Riga Reign definitely have something to be proud of, going 12-1 throughout last year's playoffs and easily taking the Continental Cup and with a lineup like theirs, who says they can’t go back to back? They are led by the insane centre depth as you have Phil Marleau, Kyl Oferson, Pengu and Codrick Past roaming the middle. They also have Patrik Tallinder and Shush Nyko up the wings making this a dangerous team in the offensive zone. Defensively, they still have their top pair in Lincoln Tate and Guy Saskamoose. Those two will be just as dangerous this year. However, the biggest X-Factor in this team’s success lately, goaltender Greg Eagles. He was the big reason why Riga won the Continental Cup last spring and if he plays even close to the way he did in the postseason, I see Riga going back to back.

 

Seattle Bears
Last Season: 47-22-3 (2nd in VHL)
Lost in Conference Semi-Finals to NYA 4-1
 
Just because Seattle lost in round 1 last season doesn’t mean anything. This team is still extremely dangerous, led offensively by veterans Scott Greene and Ambrose Stark as well as young stars Ola Vikingstad, Uhtred and Timothy Brown. Defensively, Seattle has Hulk Hogan, Berocka Sundqvist, Odin Omdahl and Randy Marsh rounding out an impressive top 4. In the net, Rayz Funk looks like he is going to play his final season, but Seattle was prepared and snagged top goaltender Jacob Tonn in the S73 draft to back him up and take the reigns once Funk retires. Seattle can easily go all the way back and win their 4th Continental Cup in 6 seasons.

 

Calgary Wranglers
Last Season: 49-16-7 (1st in VHL)
Lost in Continental Cup Finals to RIG 4-1
 
Calgary went through a lot of games last season and ended up just short of a Continental Cup, but there isn’t any reason they can’t go back. They still have RJ Jubis, Kris Rice, Mikko Lahtinen, ACL TEAR and Willie Dredge leading offensively. Defensively, it is mostly the same, with Edwin THE Encarnacion and General Zod enforcing their will. Calgary traded Charlie Paddywagon this offseason, leaving a big hole there and it is expected that incoming rookie defender Kosmo Kramerev will fill that hole. Calgary still has Jacques LaFontaine in the net. The question for Calgary isn’t whether they can win a cup, the question is can they do it now? Their window is closing fast, the next 2 seasons are probably the best chances they will have at a cup run before they have to retool everything. Your move, Calgary.


 
If you came here looking for a prediction, forget it. What I say now will either trigger one of three things and I will list them here.
 
My predictions will be wrong by the trade deadline.
I will predict the playoff picture correctly, but everything will just fall off at that point.
My predictions will be wrong by the end of the first week.
- VSN Writer Patrik Laine
 
 

$30 CAD Donation
Transaction ID: 74639372W54833340

For Killinger: ($10) 
- 5 Uncapped
- Doubles Week

For @ROOKIE745 ($5) 
- Doubles Week

For @Steve ($5) 
- Doubles Week

For @Corco ($5)
- Doubles Week

For @joeg ($5)
- Doubles Week

 
WE - ARE - LEGION

VHL SEASON 73 MOCK DRAFT
Written by Christopher Miller
 
With the Season 73 VHL Entry Draft approaching, I have decided to delay my next Historical Battle article for another week.  This seemed like the perfect opportunity to drop my final Mock Draft for the rest of the Victory Hockey League.
 
I do want to make it clear that despite now being the Assistant General Manager for the Malmo Nighthawks, none of my opinions come from any specific knowledge despite my own institution.  No draft strategy has been discussed as of now with Frostbeard and therefore, this is a draft from a completely blind perspective despite public knowledge.
 
Since the Expansion Teams are now properly slotted in, along with their compensation picks, this seemed like the best time to release my three round mock.  Get ready to see fifty-two predictions on where these players may fall in line come draft night.  Please keep in mind that the TPE totals may not fully reflect your current number in the portal since this article has taken a couple of days to complete.
 
**Please note that "AVG" is determined by taking the average amount of Capped TPE earned in the weeks ending June 21st, June 28th, July 5th and July 12th.  Each stat can be a maximum of 12.0"
 
---
 
FIRST ROUND
 

1. DC Dragons: LW/C - Groovy Dood (Minnesota, 234 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @bigAL
NHL Comparable - Sean Couturier
 
Groovy Dude is certainly not the best player available, but I do feel that DC is going to be looking at a forward with this pick.  Ultimately, this could very easily end up being someone like Jeffrey Pines, but I do believe that Dude’s agency has really made quite the impression on the league.  Enorama sees one of the most active members in the league on and off the boards, and with the professional personality he has shown thus far, Dude seems to be the type that not only will be a great locker room presence, but may also be as loyal as they come.  Dude’s VHLM totals this year don’t jump off the page or anything, but consideration does have to be made that he transitioned from a winger to a center and was playing lower in the lineup due to the talent that was in Minnesota.  Ultimately, Groovy would finish with 57 points and 88 hits in 72 games, but it was the improvement he made over the course of the season that has gotten so much attention.  Ultimately, Groovy Dude will not be the best player in the draft next season, but in six or seven seasons I could see him being one of the best as he has some of the best raw potential in this draft class.


2. Malmo Nighthawks: D - Tyler Walker (Saskatoon, 319 TPE, 11.0 AVG) @Advantage
NHL Comparable - Alex Pietrangelo
 
Tyler Walker could make an argument for the best player in this draft class (assuming we aren’t counting Frostbeard who will be forced to go later).  Unlike Dude, Walker should be able to make an immediate impact in the VHL and was utterly dominant in the VHLM this season.  With 115 points, 60 hits and 101 blocked shots in 72 games, Walker showcased his incredible skills against the VHLM best all season.  Playing on the eventual Founders Cup Champions, Walker played a pivotal role in the regular season and playoff success of the team.  He would lead the league in assists and led all defensemen in points while being the steadying presence on arguably the best blueline in the VHLM.  Walker also would record 19 points in 18 games (including 7 goals) to go along with 36 hits and 28 blocked shots, during the playoffs.  As the season went on, Walker started to play more physical which has made scouts salivate given the already incredible skating and two-way play that the Canadian defender possesses.  With connections in Malmo due to his agency, this one seems like a sure-bet if DC lets him slip past the first overall pick.


3. Vancouver Wolves: D - Micah Adrienne (Las Vegas, 304 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @Poptart
NHL Comparable - Ryan McDonagh
 
Vancouver is in a pretty good position with the third overall pick.  While they will watch Walker go to Malmo, they have to be pretty excited to pick up a defender that matches up pretty well next to him.  While Micah Adrienne and Tyler Walker are very different defensemen, it is Adrienne that many feel may be the most ready defensively in this draft class.  The pure shutdown defender recorded 72 points, 250 hits and 104 blocked shots in 72 games this season.  His offensive performance was actually pretty impressive for the Aces this season, but it was his defensive showings that have vaulted him up to this position.  One GM I talked to had this to say: “We have him higher than Walker in this draft.  I think he fits better with our team as he is an absolute savage defensively and I love his instincts physically.  You need to keep your head up going through the neutral zone, and that is such an intimidating factor that people don’t realize.”  Adrienne comes from a reliable agency that produced former star goaltender, Finn Davison, but it is Micah that seems to be getting even more hype.  The battle between him and Walker going forward will be interesting, but Vancouver just has to be happy to nab one of them.


4. Seattle Bears (via Prague): G - Jacob Tonn (Mississauga, 310 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @MexicanCow123
NHL Comparable - John Gibson
 
Prague was ultimately likely to trade this pick as they don’t really need defenders or goaltenders and while someone like Pines would help them, there are a lot of quality forwards later on.  Therefore, they traded this pick to Seattle to pick up a couple extra picks down the draft.  Seattle has to be looking for a goaltender here to replace soon-to-be-retired Rayz Funk.  Jacob Tonn has the third most TPE in this draft and is narrowly behind Walker, but as we know, goalies sometimes have to wait a bit longer.  Thankfully for Tonn, Seattle springs to action and trades up to nab the BPA and their future star goaltender.  Tonn recorded 45 wins this year to go along with a .893 SV% and 2.84 GAA, which is decent but not spectacular.  One scout we talked to had this to say on his potential: “We like Tonn a lot.  We have him second on our goalie rankings, due to his size, but I can understand why some would have him first.  He really is a very well rounded goaltender, but I was a bit disappointed at times with his showing this year.  My biggest question for me is his size as he is perhaps the smallest netminder we have ever seen get drafted into the VHL.  His talent is there but I do have concerns there.  Hopefully he proves me wrong.”


5. Toronto Legion: LW - Jeffrey Pines (Mexico City, 268 TPE, 11.5 AVG) @rory
NHL Comparable - Teuvo Teravainen
 
“Thank you very much”, should be the words that Peace uses after seeing Pines fall to five.  The best forward in the draft (not including Frostbeard) ends up being the second one taken, and honestly this is mainly due to the presence that bigAL has shown in the league thus far.  This is a pretty easy pick for Toronto who doesn’t need a goaltender, and while they could look to someone like Glade III, Stansson or Kramerev at defense, I think you just take the best player available here and with it being on-paper the best forward that was available to be drafted by teams that are not Malmo, you have to chalk this up as a huge win.  Pines has shown to be a big personality already in the VHLM but he had the performance to back it up, recording 91 points and 107 hits in 72 games.  Pines is a pass-first winger that plays a responsible two-way game, but he still managed to score thirty-six goals this season, so the scoring potential is definitely there.


6. Malmo Nighthawks (via Davos): G - Grekkark Gyrfalcon (Saskatoon, 269 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @Sharkstrong
NHL Comparable - Connor Hellebuyck
 
I am not really sure Malmo was looking at Tonn over Gyrfalcon due to their Assistant GM’s familiarity with the Wild goaltender, but Seattle taking him certainly made this pick a whole lot easier.  Gyrfalcon is absolutely the polar opposite of Tonn, standing 6”8 and weighing 230 lbs.  He was a brick wall for Saskatoon this year, propelling them to 37 wins, a 2.33 GAA and a .898 SV%.  While Tonn has been getting a lot of the press as the top netminder, Gyrfalcon has slowly come along and put himself right in that conversation as well.  One scout glowed about Gyrfalcon by saying: “He reminds me a lot of both Brick Wahl’s that played in the VHL.  Both were massive goaltenders who had great hand speed and reaction time, and were really huge in key moments.”  Gyrfalcon finished the playoffs with a 12-4-2 record, 2.95 GAA and a .890 SV% but really stepped it up for Saskatoon’s wins in the finals.


7. Chicago Phoenix: G - Jean Pierre Camus (Yukon, 256 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @solas
NHL Comparable - Ben Bishop
 
This seems like a pretty easy selection for Chicago.  Having that first pick for Expansion teams seems like an easy attempt to get that franchise goaltender, and with Jean Pierre Camus on the board, this might be the biggest lock in the draft.  Camus sits as the third best goaltender in the draft, but is neck and neck with Gyrfalcon, and not that far behind Tonn either.  JPC played admirably for a mediocre Yukon team, recording a .906 save percentage despite having a 3.79 GAA and just 21 wins.  Yes, he had the best save percentage of any of the top three netminders in this draft.  Camus, like Gyrfalcon, is a massive 6”8 goalie with a pretty well-rounded skill set that should serve him well in the VHL.  Coming from a pretty well known agency, I can’t see Chicago passing up the opportunity to get their franchise goaltender at this pick.


8. Los Angeles Stars: C - John Merrick (Mexico City, 234 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @Steve
NHL Comparable - William Karlsson
 
With a few solid goaltenders likely to get to the Expansion teams’ compensation picks, I see the run on goalies ending here.  Los Angeles can look to pick up a center to play with the likes of Markus Nygren, Gary Neal and potentially even Sigard Gunner.  Merrick is a two-way scoring center that played for a brief time on the Mexico City Kings this season.  In 26 games, Merrick recorded a very respectable 6 goals and 10 assists, before having a solid 10 point in 18 game playoff campaign.  It is important to note that given the stacked nature of Mexico City, Merrick was hardly the first option on the team and likely sacrificed some of his production because of this.  Los Angeles will be nabbing a player from a pretty well-known agency with a build that should serve him well in the Victory Hockey League.


9. Helsinki Titans: D - Wolf Stansson (Mexico City, 220 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @ahockeyguy
NHL Comparable - Jacob Trouba
 
Some may be surprised to see Wolf Stansson going this high, especially given that there are defenders like Kramerev and Glade III still on the board, but you shouldn’t be.  Wolf Stansson has been absolutely incredible since joining the league.  Off the ice, the agency for Stansson has been near perfection when it comes to earning the development time necessary each and every week.  On the ice, Stansson was an absolute monster this year for Miami.  Stansson recorded 30 goals and 83 points to go along with 143 hits and 138 blocked shots.  He was as well-rounded as they came in the minors this year, and I think that is one of the big reasons he jumps into the top ten for me.  While he does currently sit fifteenth in development time, I see Stansson being a top ten earner in the long run, and bringing his two-way physical style to a top pairing in the near future.


10. Warsaw Predators: D - Shawn Glade III (Mississauga, 229 TPE, 6.0 AVG) @ShawnGlade
NHL Comparable - Matt Dumba
 
I do have to admit that I have Glade III falling a little bit due to him rubbing some people the wrong way in the past….but it’s time for that fall to end.  Glade III projects as a talented two-way defender who doesn’t really dabble into the physicality as much.  He was excellent for Mississauga this year with 83 points in their 72 game campaign.  My other reason for Glade III falling slightly is a bit of inconsistency in his updates as of late (as seen by the average rating above).  There is certainly a chance that he has just not updated everything yet, but it may be a cause for some pause on draft night.  Ultimately though, the high-end potential is there and if anyone is going to take a risk, I think an Expansion team like Warsaw could use the experience and a potentially safer pick than some of the first-gens on the board.


11. London United: D - Kosmo Kramerev (Miami, 228 TPE, 10.25 AVG) @Mongoose87
NHL Comparable - Jaccob Slavin
 
The league voted that Kosmo Kramerev was likely to go much higher than I have him selected, but ultimately I think this will be closer to reality.  Kosmo Kramerev had a marvelous year for Miami this season, finishing with 106 points, 94 hits and 142 blocked shots.  Kramerev is a shoot-first defender that plays responsibly enough defensively that he should be able to transition fairly well to the Victory Hockey League.  His style of play is actually eerily similar to projected second overall pick, Tyler Walker.  However, my main concern isn’t his ability to produce or his on-ice skill set.  My concern is that he doesn’t max his development time like Wolf Stansson does.  Now, with that being said, I definitely could see him jumping ahead of Glade III, but I do think some General Managers will value Shawn’s experience in the league, so ultimately I have London being thrilled to start their draft off with a first-gen defender.


12. Calgary Wranglers (via Seattle): RW - Patrik Laine (Houston, 201 TPE, 11.5 AVG) @PatrikLaine
NHL Comparable - J.T. Miller
 
When I originally was predicting picks in this draft, I had Patrik Laine slipping out of the first round.  After all, there is a ton of talent that will go in the top fifty-two selections of this draft.  However, after closer inspection I felt that Laine’s enthusiasm on and off the ice, to go along with his definitively impressive development time, was enough to see him slip into the first round.  Since coming into the league, Laine has shown to be one of our most active draftees on the site.  He’s also a force on the ice, finishing the season with 59 points in 58 games for Houston.  The goal-scoring winger could be a great fit on a first line one day, or even anchor a second line by using his shot, size and two-way play to make an impact.  With Calgary having the likes of General Zod, Latrell Mitchell and Edwin THE Encarnacion on defense, I see them focusing on forward and adding a potential star in Laine.


13. Moscow Menace: D - Matty Socks (Las Vegas, 187 TPE, 10.5 AVG) @fishy
NHL Comparable - Jared Spurgeon
 
“But Advantage, he is 22nd in TPE in the draft class”.....I do not care.  Matty Socks should be a first rounder come draft night.  Socks plays a very defensive style of play but has the ability to jump in when necessary, as demonstrated by his 57 point campaign with Las Vegas this year.  Why the jump? Socks is one of the top earning players per week of late, and I think his impressive development will vault him over a few other options.  Additionally, other than maybe one other defender, the draft pool at that position is about to fall off, and one look at Moscow’s roster will tell you that they need to look for a defenseman.  Alex Letang is the only defenseman in their entire franchise that is young and has any future in the Victory Hockey League.  After that, you are mainly looking at players already in their prime or past it.  Therefore, I think Victor puts a premium on defense here and given that he is, in my opinion, arguably the best player available to be taken, I think this is a slam dunk selection.


14. Vancouver Wolves (via New York): C - Andre LeBastard (Miami, 225 TPE, 10.25 AVG) @Andre LeBastard
NHL Comparable - Bo Horvat
 
Andre has actually impressed me quite a bit since coming into the league.  His 76 point campaign was very respectable and his two-way playmaking build should serve him quite well once he reaches the Victory Hockey League.  LeBastard is a pretty consistent earner and really capped off his season with a tremendous showing in Miami’s one series.  With 11 assists and 12 points in their 7 game series, LeBastard showed that he has the stuff to compete with anybody when the moments are at their biggest.  LeBastard could look to stall and play another year in the minors, which could set up Miami for a potential Founders Cup run.  Then look out cause I think LeBastard has the potential to be a high-end second liner and maybe even a first liner if his development continues to trend upward.


15. Prague Phantoms: C - Dakota Lamb (Miami, 199 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @dlamb
NHL Comparable - Brayden Schenn
 
For those that have not been following Prague, they want forwards.  They have really no need for defense in the early rounds and they are set for goaltending at the moment.  Therefore, I have them looking at three players here in Lamb, Volchenkov and Baillie Jr.  Ultimately though, I know how much Jason loves selecting new talent to the league, and I believe the enthusiasm Lamb has shown will certainly serve him well.  Another member of Miami that could return next season, Dakota will be looking to build off of his 37 goal, 93 point campaign.  Lamb projects as an elite second line center who plays effectively in all three areas of the ice and boasts a heavy and accurate shot when found in the offensive zone.  Another one of those really consistent updaters that could very well go higher than many expect come draft night.


16. Malmo Nighthawks (via Riga): LW - Marshall James Frostbeard (Mississauga, 328 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @FrostBeard
NHL Comparable - Leon Draisaitl
 
This is obviously the pick given that Marshall James Frostbeard is the selected player of the General Manager.  Frostbeard has to be taken with one of Malmo’s first rounders, and since this is the last pick of the first round, this is really the only pick that is 100% set in stone come draft night.  To many, MJF is the best player in this draft and is coming after a tremendous 39 goal, 87 point and 259 hit campaign.  Frostbeard is the top developer in the draft, and will be a future franchise player for the Malmo Nighthawks going forward.
 
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SECOND ROUND


17. Prague Phantoms (via Malmo): C - Alec Volchenkov (Saskatoon, 201 TPE, 11.5 AVG) @SirRupertBarnes
NHL Comparable - Paul Stastny
 
Remember when I said that Prague wants forwards?  After selecting Lamb with 15th overall, I think they look for another top forward at 17th overall.  I’m not too worried about positions here with how flexible our league is in that regard, but I just think that Volchenkov is the best forward available.  Despite a rather mediocre campaign with Saskatoon that saw Volchenkov record just 15 points in 60 games, many scouts have indicated that they believe Volchenkov has the raw potential to be a first round selection in this draft.  He is a solid faceoff taker to go along with being one of the best skaters and playmakers in the entire class.  His scoring ability leaves a lot to be desired, but I think with continued development, we could see Volchenkov flourish on whatever team drafts him in the VHLM this off-season.  Then you can expect him in Prague who is looking to continue stocking up at forward in this draft.


18. Helsinki Titans (via DC): RW - Dan Baillie Jr. (Saskatoon, 214 TPE, 8.5 AVG) @wcats
NHL Comparable - James van Riemsdyk
 
I’ve seen a lot of people suggest that Baillie Jr. should go in the top ten in this draft, but I just can’t agree with it.  I know the member has history with his last player in the league and is generally very well liked, but I do believe he doesn’t quite cut it compared to some of the forwards I have going ahead of him.  In fact, I’d argue there are a couple I have going behind that I would probably look to first, but I do think his reputation will see him go here to Helsinki.  With 44 points and 150 hits this season on Saskatoon, Baillie Jr. showed that he can play in every situation but is an extremely dangerous sniper who can skate with the best of them.  However, my main concern is that his average updating totals for capped development time do fall slightly behind some of the other forwards that will go between ten and twenty, and that’s why I don’t have him as high as some.


19. Vancouver Wolves: RW - Oh Sens (Miami, 192 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @osens
NHL Comparable - Jake Guentzel
 
Oh Sens is one of those forwards that I think I would have ahead of Baillie Jr. going into this draft.  He has been as consistent as anyone in this draft and brings a very solid two-way scoring build to the winger position on Miami, as demonstrated by his 28 goals and 61 points this season.  While he will be entering into the VHLM Dispersal Draft, I think Sens will be one of the best scorers in the minors next this season, and be someone that can explode for them.  With Vancouver having back-to-back picks and already selecting Micah Adrienne with the third overall selection, I believe we will see them go forward with both of these, especially given the talent available.


20. Vancouver Wolves (via Prague): C - Kevin King (Las Vegas, 173 TPE, 11.75 AVG) @IamMOOSE
NHL Comparable - Tomas Hertl
 
Kevin King is ranked twenty-fifth in development time but I have him slightly jumping here due to his consistent activity.  He is another that is updating at a near-perfect rate and has been very impressive off the ice as well.  With a build that supports a goal-scoring center that can bring intangibles to the game, I do think that King’s lack of production this season should not hurt him.  Despite only recording 2 goals and 8 points in 30 games, I believe that Kevin King has the potential to still be an excellent second line center, and maybe even better than that if he keeps it up.  There is another winger that could go here, but given that they already took Sens, I think King makes a lot of sense with this selection.


21. Warsaw Predators (Compensation Pick): RW - Jesper Norberg (Las Vegas, 172 TPE, 11.5 AVG) @jpsd
NHL Comparable - Viktor Arvidsson
 
Speaking of that winger, I have to think Warsaw would be thrilled to select Jesper Norberg with this pick.  There are some pretty impressive goalies left and a really talented defenseman, but after taking Glade III in the first round I can’t really see them going back to the blueline.  Additionally, they have another compensation pick at 24 and with multiple talented goalies left, and Chicago still to pick (not looking for a goalie after drafting Camus), they are still pretty much guaranteed to get one of the top goalies available.  Therefore, Jesper Norberg is an easy pick especially given the impressive consistency he has already shown to developing in the league.  While he still has holes in his game, mainly defensively, Norberg seems like a contender for one of the most improved forwards next season in the VHLM.  It would not shock me if we are talking about how Jesper Norberg is a steal in five seasons, let's put it that way.


22. Chicago Phoenix (Compensation Pick): D - Mikeal Keef (Minnesota, 209 TPE, 6.5 AVG) @RStar
NHL Comparable - Alec Martinez
 
Chicago will say thank you very much for having Mikeal Keef fall right into their laps.  The defender is ranked nineteenth in the draft for development time and is coming off a very successful season with Minnesota, that saw him tally 67 points, 127 hits and 89 blocked shots over the course of the season.  Keef is a defense-first blueliner that doesn’t mind throwing his weight around and will jump into the play when necessary.  His skating still needs to continue improving and I would like to see him handle the puck better before making the jump to the VHL, but I do see Keef being a real solid player down the road.  My only real concern with him, and the reason he did drop for me, is that while he is a consistent developer, I do believe his ceiling is not as high as some of the players I have going ahead of him, like Matty Socks.


23. Los Angeles Stars (Compensation Pick): G - Ajay Krishna (Ottawa, 207 TPE, 12.0 AVG) @Hooperorama
NHL Comparable - Jacob Markstrom
 
With Los Angeles not having another pick until 28, I see them getting their choice of goaltenders here and letting Warsaw take whoever the Stars don’t want.  Krishna definitely is a step up on the rest of the goalies for me and probably has the fourth best ceiling of any goalie in this draft.  After a really successful campaign on Ottawa (36 wins, .891 SV%, 3.58 GAA), I am looking forward to seeing if Krishna can take the next step for the Lynx.  Ultimately, Los Angeles will need their goalie and this just seems like a no-brainer here with Warsaw on deck and likely looking for a netminder themselves.


24. Warsaw Predators (Compensation Pick): G - Calvin Harvey (San Diego, 174 TPE, 7.5 AVG) @Mrpenguin30
NHL Comparable - Petr Mrazek
 
Calvin Harvey is one of the more interesting prospects in this draft.  I do think he is a pretty safe pick to become a VHL goaltender one day, but my main concern is that he ends like goalies like Clayton Park did in the past, and just maxes out as a decent goalie but not really the type of netminder you want to build around.  He had a pretty tough campaign playing for the atrocious Marlins, winning just ten games and recording a .889 SV% and 4.45 GAA.  However, that really isn’t indicative of his potential as they were barely a VHLM team at times.  However, my concern is that I don’t believe his ceiling is as high as needed to become someone to build around.  With that being said, if Warsaw feels that Harvey can at least be a solid goalie then I think they take a shot here and hope for the best.  I do think Harvey should become a decent goalie and while I don’t see him as an elite goalie one day, the league has shown that you don’t necessarily need to have an elite goalie to find success.


25. New York Americans (via Toronto): RW - The Terrible Trivium (Minnesota, 203 TPE, 5.0 AVG) @der meister
NHL Comparable - Michael Ferland
 
One of the biggest drops in the draft for me is Trivium mainly due to his limited potential.  I see his ceiling as a solid second liner that can score goals and play pretty good defense.  Ultimately, there is a pretty good chance that he does go higher on reputation alone, but as the member behind him as already stated, he isn’t going all-out like he has in the past.  True to his word, Trivium has been developing slower than some of the others in this draft, but has been consistently developing as well.  He would be a great fit on any team looking for a guaranteed top six winger in the future but I don’t really see first line in the cards on a championship contender.


26. New York Americans (via Davos): D - Victor Grachev (Philadelphia, 157 TPE, 10.5 AVG) @KaleebtheMighty
NHL Comparable - Nick Jensen
 
Grachev is a late bloomer that has been flying up the draft charts for some.  The defenseman played limited minutes on Philadelphia, recording 3 points, 46 hits and 22 blocked shots in 26 games.  He plays a no-nonsense defensive style that relies on his above-average skating and occasional physicality.  Grachev has a huge frame and will still need to grow in it, but has the potential to be a steady presence on a second pairing one day soon.


27. Chicago Phoenix: LW - S Kuchar (Ottawa, 145 TPE, 10.75 AVG) @S. Kuchar
NHL Comparable - Anthony Duclair
 
Speaking of late bloomers, Kuchar is another that has really shot up the mock drafts after a brief but very impressive 28 game campaign for Ottawa this season.  Kuchar recorded 23 points and 26 hits in the stretch of games, and really showed off his elite shot and above-average skating.  The sky is the limit when it comes to potential for this kid and we do see him as the type of guy that could even find his way onto a first line one day.  With that being said, while it was an impressive run by him, there is some risk involved in trusting in that small sample size.


28. Los Angeles Stars: RW - Jeremy Lin (Mexico City, 158 TPE, 8.5 AVG) @jman9theman9
NHL Comparable - Tanner Pearson
 
While I do believe that his potential isn’t as high as someone like Kuchar, I do also feel that Jeremy Lin will find himself being selected at some point in the second round.  Lin is a consistent earner that doesn’t necessarily max his development, but should be able to put himself in the position to be a more-than-adequate second line player.  This season with the stacked Mexico City Kings, Lin recorded 12 goals and 36 points during the 72 game campaign.  With Los Angeles already taking a center and a goalie in this draft, I think they will see Lin as a potential replacement for guys like Gunnar and Nygren in the future.


29. Calgary Wranglers (via Helsinki): RW - Gary Rush (Las Vegas, 137 TPE, 7.5 AVG) @G_Rush
NHL Comparable - Connor Brown
 
An earner in a similar mold to Lin, Calgary will look to add another forward to their team to join Patrik Laine after they took him in the first round.  Rush is similarly built to Laine with a large frame and a big shot to accompany it.  While Rush only recorded 21 points in 72 games this season, he did have 13 goals and was a threat anytime he had the puck on his stick.  I project Rush to be a glue-guy second liner that has the potential to score 20+ goals in the VHL one day.


30. Warsaw Predators: D - Han Jae Kuk (San Diego, 152 TPE, 6.0 AVG) @Dtayl
NHL Comparable - Victor Mete
 
The draft is starting to fall off in talent with only a handful or two of active developers left.  Han Jae Kuk is one of them with a defensive style anchored by his skating and puck handling.  Kuk recorded 34 points in 68 games last year on the abysmal San Diego Marlins, but did impress with 114 hits and 140 blocked shots.  His defensive game has turned some heads and it will probably bait a team like Warsaw or another Expansion team who will be looking for future top four blueliners for their lineup.


31. London United: G - Drew Minott (Houston, 140 TPE, 9.0 AVG) @DreMin15
NHL Comparable - Thomas Greiss
 
Not Cal Conway? I really feel that Minott has passed him at this point for me.  I even think there is an argument that Minott has passed Harvey, but I went with more of a sure thing there.  Drew Minott is still updating at a pretty strong rate and despite not being the best goalie available on paper, does possess the best potential of any goalie left.  As stated already, I feel his peak might be just behind someone like Krishna.  Minott spent the year backing up in Houston and recorded a 6-24-2 record to go along with a .858 SV% and 3.98 GAA.  Don’t let the numbers fool you though as Minott is certainly a project pick.  He is the type of goaltender that needs at least one season more in the minors, potentially even two, before being ready for the big time.  With that being said, his development time could be accelerated in London that will look towards Minott being their franchise goaltender.


32. Seattle Bears: D - Kirishima Wakaro (Mexico City, 152 TPE, 5.5 AVG) @Snussu
NHL Comparable - Ben Chiarot
 
 Wakaro is from an agency known for their dabbling in football and basketball.  Now they are representing a player in Kirishima Wakaro who played last season on Mexico City and recorded 40 points, 144 hits and 77 blocked shots during his 72 game campaign for the Kings.  Wakaro projects as a defensive defender that boasts a hard and accurate shot that he gets off a lot.  I see him being a potential fourth defender on Seattle one day and someone that can be counted on in their rotation as while his ceiling isn't high, he is another that seems like someone you can count on to still develop consistently.


33. Moscow Menace: D - Jiggly Gumballs (Houston, 142 TPE, 8.0 AVG) @JigglyGumballs
NHL Comparable - Brad Hunt
 
 Remember when I said Moscow needs a defense...well here we go again.  I actually do believe that Jiggly could go earlier in this draft as he is one of the only players remaining that records a point task every week.  If whoever drafts him can show him some of the other easy point opportunities, there is a chance he could become a max earner.  Well who better to do that then the Victator himself? Gumballs projects as a defensive defenseman that could anchor a second pairing one day but just as easily could be a borderline second pairing defender if not guided well by management.


34. Vancouver Wolves (via New York): G - Cal Conway (Saskatoon, 181 TPE, 3.0 AVG) @Shaka
NHL Comparable - Jack Campbell
 
What a fall right? Frankly, it is deserved and one peek above to his average capped TPE total over the last four weeks will tell you why.  Conway was one of the most talked about goalies going into this draft, even ahead of the likes of Harvey and Krishna, and was coming off an incredible campaign as the backup goalie on the Saskatoon Wild.  Many saw him as next years best goalie in the Minors, but unfortunately Conway has tailed off of late.  Whoever takes him will need to reach out and get him back on track but this pick certainly becomes more risky than expected, which is why he falls to 34 for me.  Vancouver can afford that risk as they aren't in desperate need for a goalie with Spyro in the prime but may want to take a run at him with their team philosophy to start looking a bit younger.


35. Seattle Bears (via Calgary): LW - Rocket (Miami, 152 TPE, 7.5 AVG) @Rocket
NHL Comparable - Jesper Bratt
 
 With one of the more interesting names in this draft class, Rocket is the sleeper pick that someone like Seattle would love to pick up.  He is another forward that possesses a lower ceiling but a pretty high floor with a style centered around his skating and shot.  Rocket should be one of the better performers in the minors next year on whatever team picks him up in the VHLM Dispersal Draft.


36. Vancouver Wolves (via Riga): D - Fat Palloon (Yukon, 142 TPE, 7.0 AVG) @UnkemptCL4PTP
NHL Comparable - Brendan Smith
 
 After having a pretty wild season that saw the defender record 68 points, 186 hits and 220 blocked shots on the lowly Yukon Rush, whats not to like about the potential of a guy like Palloon.  After going to forward and goalie with their last few picks, I see them going back to defense and taking the best player available.  Palloon's game is built around his skating, passing and puck handling to go along with his physical defensive style.  Always a threat to take the puck up the ice, Palloon will look continue to develop consistently in the VHLM next season.
 
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THIRD ROUND


37. Malmo Nighthawks: RW - Vlad Imir (Miami, 90 TPE, 8.0 AVG) @Big Dee
NHL Comparable - Ryan Hartman
 
 Sitting 45th in TPE for the draft, this is another big jump for a forward on Miami.  Vlad Imir was a late bloomer that struggled throughout the campaign with Miami, but really started to develop consistently towards the end.  He is the guy I peg to be one of the most improved next year with his defensive play style serving as his foundation for success.  I could definitely see a team in the draft look at him as a project pick that will develop into a solid VHLer if he continues his current trend.


38. DC Dragons: RW - Jeff Odinson (San Diego, 101 TPE, 3.5 AVG) @GoldGear88
NHL Comparable - Jesper Fast
 
 Jeff Odinson joined this draft less than a month ago which makes him one of the newest members to this draft class.  With that being said, his 18 points in 30 games to go along with an unsteady but weekly development should serve him well enough to be selected either late in the second round or early in the third.  Odinson is an interesting player due to his style of play that sees him as average at everything but not elite or bad in any area.  If he can develop some higher end skills in some specific areas like skating, scoring or defense, you could be looking at a future VHL player.  He is exactly the type of player that someone like Enorama could mold.


39. HC Davos Dynamo (via Vancouver): C - Empty (Halifax, 116 TPE, 1.0 AVG) @StamkosFan
NHL Comparable - Casey Cizikas
 
 I was ready to not even have Empty get taken in this mockup.  Despite being represented by a pretty recognizable player agency, Empty hadn't really taken the steps forward required to be selected in the draft...until recently.  Empty is the opposite od someone like Odinson as he is really only good at two things.  That is scoring and playing good defensively.  And he is elite in both of those areas.  Empty is a liability in every other regard but those skills alone get him drafted and if moulded properly, he could be a darkhorse to have a productive VHL career.


40. Helsinki Titans (via Prague): C - Janiina Juutila (San Diego, 109 TPE, 4.0 AVG) @Jansgasm
NHL Comparable - Nathan Gerbe
 
 A Finn being taken by Helsinki? Yeah this wasn't a hard pick to make.  Juutila has slightly fallen off in development but has the scoring ability to still make an impact and turn a few heads.  This is a low risk pickup at this point in the draft with a decent reward id Juutila becomes more consistent again.


41. DC Dragons (via Toronto): RW - Bobbie Cheechoo (Miami, 107 TPE, 2.0 AVG) @Sharkie
NHL Comparable - Martin Frk
 
 Not unlike Juutila, Bobbie Cheechoo has been a bit inconsistent in development late.  With that being said, the Canadian winger is still progressing and has an impressive two way goal scoring play style that will prepare him well if he is to make it to the VHL.  DC takes this low risk player as he is one of the only players left that is still developing.


42. HC Davos Dynamo: RW - Joromir Jagr (Ottawa, 115 TPE, 5.5 AVG) @Temppi
NHL Comparable - Tomas Jurco
 
 Joining less than a month ago, this massive winger possesses the skating and scoring ability to be quite a threat in the future.  While he doesn't have the potential of someone like Laine, Jagr should fit well on a second line one day if he can work on maintaining consistent updating to his development.  At this point you need to go best player available and I believe Joromir Jagr is that guy.


43. Chicago Phoenix: D - Rick Osman (Halifax, 116 TPE, 1.5 AVG) @dylanjj37
NHL Comparable - Matt Benning
 
 Rick Osman hasn't updated recently but he was on quite a role there just a few short weeks ago.  Possessing a very one dimensional defensive game, Osman recorded 36 points, 163 hits and 177 blocked shots for Halifax this season.  Hes a longshot to make it but hes also pretty low risk given his production and the pick he is going at.


44. Los Angeles Stars: LW - Florent Vericel (Miami, 128 TPE, 0.0 AVG) @dart
NHL Comparable - Charles Hudon
 
 Vericel, like Osman, has fallen off late and will need contacting after the draft for the pick to work out.  With that beind said, Vericel had done quite a bit of developing prior to plateauing over the last month.  Vericel is a two way scoring winger that with the right moulding, could be one to watch if he gets back on track.


45. Helsinki Titans: RW - Wayne Jetski (Halifax, 91 TPE, 0.5 AVG) @namanert
NHL Comparable - Reid Boucher
 
 Bonus points for having one of the best names in the draft, Helsinki takes Jetski as he is one of the only players still earning development time every week.  It isn't much and it's really just been showing up at the practice facility, but Helsinki will look to grab him and see if they can broaden his developmental horizon.


46. Warsaw Predators: C - Kevin Sterk (Houston, 82 TPE, 0.0 AVG) @TenZi
NHL Comparable - Byron Froese
 
 Basically read above but it is Kevin Sterk going to Warsaw.  Sterk is a consistent participant in practice but has not been able to really develop anywhere else.  He is a pure scorer who will continue to try and take that next step.  Unfortunately for Sterk, he could be a few years off of making the VHL and has a long ways to go to do so.


 
47. London United: RW - Theodore James St. Louis (Yukon, 96 TPE, 3.0 AVG) @Nick Kirkpatrick
NHL Comparable - Logan Shaw
 
 Theodore is probably the second last player that will be taken that has even developed over the last few weeks.  He is a winger that recorded 36 points in 50 games for Yukon this season. The defensive forward has a big frame and a big shot that when he decides to shoot, can find the back of the net with velocity.  Probably have him a bit overlooked here compared to a few that went before, but I think the guys just doing practice facility have more potential than shown.


48. HC Davos Dynamo (via Seattle): D - Tim Kamashev (Halifax, 68 TPE, 0.0 AVG) @Ninjaboi
NHL Comparable - Xavier Ouellet
 
 Like Jetski and Sterk before, Kamashev is a consistent participant in practice but has a long way to go if he wants to make it to the VHL.  Kamashev has showed off some impressive skating but really is incredibly raw in a lot of other areas.  With the right mentorship, maybe Kamashev can make it and I trust Gus as much as anyone with managing that one.


49. Seattle Bears (via Moscow): D - Zachariah Kisslinger (Mississauga, 68 TPE, 0.0 AVG) @Kisslinger
NHL Comparable - Joshua Didier
 
 Despite not being an active developer of his skills lately, Kisslinger was seen recently hanging out near the practice facility.  He garnered some attention given that we hadn't seen him in quite some time.  The physical shutdown defender will look to build on this past season and hope to use it as momentum to make it to the VHL in the next few seasons.


50. New York Americans: RW - Keno Wolf (Philadelphia, 99 TPE, 0.0 AVG) @aCrypticPancake
NHL Comparable - Curtis McKenzie
 
 Keno Wolf hasnt really been seen in a while but after putting up a respectable 31 points and 63 hits, he should find himself selected in the top three rounds.  His development prior to disappearing was solid and if he can get back to that, then New York will have quite the pickup on their hands.


51. Prague Phantoms (via Calgary): C - Antti Paakkarinen (San Diego, 76 TPE, 0.0 AVG) @SeamusSv
NHL Comparable - Liam O'Brien
 
 Paakkarinen was seen a little more recently than someone like Wolf but didn't put quite as much development time in prior to leaving. Paakkarinen is pretty well rounded but doesn't possess any above average skills that stand out to scouts.  Time will tell on this one but we are at the point where we are far less likely to see future VHL talent. 


52. Malmo Nighthawks (via Riga): C - Kirk Holloway (Ottawa, 86 TPE, 0.5 AVG) @ebay12
NHL Comparable - Laurent Dauphin
 
The final pick of the third round and this Mock Draft is Kirk Holloway, a center who played for the Ottawa Lynx last season.  He too disappeared of late but has shown some flashes of potential prior to doing so.  He is another average everywhere and elite nowhere player, but still managed to record 22 points and 96 hits in 46 games this year. 
 
Word Count - 7576  @Members  (Ya'll can enjoy the effort put in)

Can't wait!! #WeAreLegion

Can't wait!! #WeAreLegion

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- The final seconds of the season are on the clock, just a few more seconds before the off-season begins.
 
The VHL S73 Expansion Draft looms just around the corner, hiding in perfect sight but cloaked in mystery. The Legions' protection list has already been submitted, and now it's time for Toronto's management team to continue preparing for the S73 VHL Entry Draft. It's around this time where the hype starts to build, player agencies start to amp up the draft expectations for their players, and GMs begin to send out inquiries as they test the draft pool waters. Although typically boring for some, especially those outside of the playoffs or eliminated early, it's also one of the more unique atmospheres to be around -- especially for a first time player agency. 

The Legion themselves have three prospects ascending from the VHLM ranks, which fits the cut-and-run stories of free agents leaving their teams at the conclusion of the season. Toronto has plenty of free agents that will hit the market, or in one case a pending UFA that will be forced to retire due to the VHL's collective bargaining agreement. 
 
Dissanayake? Gone. 
Matthews? Retired. 
Scoringsonn? Gone.  

Three gone -- three more rise, maybe. 
 
Joseph Gainer (@joeg) -- perhaps Toronto's most anticipated prospect since the wonderful three -- will join the team around the same level McDagg started his VHL career at, if I can recall correctly, but I digress. There should be no surprise that Mr. Gainer will immediately slot into the Legions' forward core, and given enough time to develop properly, could even surpass current 1LW McDagg in just a few short seasons. It's inevitable for depreciation to happen, but Gainer will be ready to assume the duties his teammate has performed with immense loyalty. 

Ziarie Anigbogu (@ngine4) -- Toronto's current top defensive prospect -- has slowly been earning himself reputation as one of the best fourth round selections picked in recent drafts. The 38th overall draft pick has risen over ten slots compared to his fellow drafted prospects, ranking in at the 26th best player from his class. Combined with training camp and the growth between the present day and when they open, Anigbogu will likely find a spot on the Legions' roster for the start of S73. 

Jeff Blaze (@NyQuil) -- formerly one of Toronto's top prospects from seasons in the past -- will likely be forced to join the Toronto Legion as per the leagues rules. It's unclear whether or not the S71 prospect wished to be a career VHLM player, but his development exceeded the capacity the VHLM allows, so his options may be limited. Blaze, should he actually join the Toronto Legion, could replace an 'unlikely to return' player in Damien Wolfe. We hope he does, we really do. 

That leaves the Toronto Legion looking ahead at the entry draft. 

The Legion have the fifth overall pick. 

"We're excited," GM Peace admitted. "Lots of quality players around that pick, so we've got options. The only position that we're not interested in right now -- and this might be disheartening for some to hear -- would be goaltenders, so I guess that's a little bit of a hint. With Hextall in net, we don't really think it's far to those hardworking goalies to be stuck behind a starting goalie signed long term for the foreseeable future." 
 
"Optimally, we'd like to go with either a quality forward or a defender who could rise above our current depth chart to eventually slot in with either Magnum or Killinger. We'll see what happens though." 

 

Now look, I’m not one to make ultimatums or tell people they are wrong. BUT, if you think anything other than Tortiere being the correct pre-game meal than not only are you wrong, but your taste in food needs to be re-evaluated.
 
Let us go over some facts, shall we?
 
FACT: Pre-game meals should consist primarily of carbohydrate rich foods
 
FACT: What carbohydrates are better than beautiful, flaky pie crust AND some delicious potatoes in that beauty
 
FACT: It’s Canadian, which should put it ahead already
 
FACT: What type of meat do you want? Pork? Done! Veal? Done! Beef? Done! Fish? That is a hard no and I redirect you to the beginning of this article and suggest you re-evaluate your food preferences.
 
FACT: My dad makes an absolute killer tourtiere that he learnt from his father. Am I biased?
 
NO! No amount of bias could overcome the glorious creation known as tourtiere.
 
That’s really all I got. If you want to be like the rest of the herd, sure, then go have some pasta. Have a sandwich or something simple. It will work, I guess. But if you want to stand out amongst the herd. If you want to treat you stomach to a masterpiece that will make you weep. If you want to fuel your body AND treat your body, then there is only one option.
 
T-O-U-R-T-I-È-R-E
 
WC/225

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."
 
 

Gainer’s Thoughts on Expansion
 
4 brand new teams are coming to the VHL, which means now teams get to visit 4 new cities. What does that mean? 4 NEW CUISINES are added to the VHL schedule. Getting to visit 4 new cities means players get to partake in new national or regional cuisine. Without further ado, here is Gainer’s rankings of the new expansion clubs by cuisine.
 
4. Los Angeles, Pink’s Hot Dogs Los Angeles
 
 The City of Angels, you can rejoice. Not because Kwame Brown is gone, but because hockey is coming your way. On the food end though, I have some trouble adding you to the rankings. You see, the other 3 cities more or less had some national or regional dish that I could use. For LA, there is just so much good stuff happening there that 1 couldn’t be singled out. So, I settled on the 1st restaurant that came up when I searched “LA Famous Restaurant”. And that was Pink’s Hotdogs. Now I did a little bit of research into Pinks, and there was no shortage of amazing wieners on the menu. However, as you’ll find out in these rankings, the ultimate downfall was there just aren’t enough carbs for me. Nothing personal, just not enough carbs.
 
3. Chicago, Deep Dish Pizza I think I first heard of Deep-Dish Pizza on the classic TV show Man vs Food. I’m going to be honest; I wish I could put this higher. I love pizza (I don’t want to meet the person who doesn’t like pizza), and deep-dish pizza just packs more bang for my buck. Your downfall is how hard it is to eat. I want to num nums in my mouth, not on my plate.
 
2. Warsaw, Perogi I went to a Pittsburgh Pirates game with my dad once. They had a footlong hotdog sold in the stadium that came with onion rings and pierogis on it. I would have gotten, nay, I should have gotten it. But the thought of having to sit through either 9 innings of pain after eating a stadium hotdog or using a gross stadium bathroom was enough to turn me off. What was the point of this? Oh yeah, perogies. My great aunt makes killer perogies.
 
1. London, Full English Breakfast I went back and forth on this one. Part of me wanted to go fish and chips. But alas, I don’t like fish. Or anything from the sea for that matter. So, I went with full English breakfast. Bacon, fried eggs, sausage, mushrooms, backed beans, toast, grilled tomatoes…YOU HAVE IT ALL. Have it any meal of the day. Breakfast for dinner is an ultimate meal after all. Hell, have it for all 3 meals. This is peak human intelligence. I mean bacon AND sausage in one meal. UN-BE-LIEVABLE. I’ll be sure to have this when we head cross the pond to London. Oh, and say hi to the Queen for me.
 
WC/496

Gainer’s Thoughts on Expansion
 
4 brand new teams are coming to the VHL, which means now teams get to visit 4 new cities. What does that mean? 4 NEW CUISINES are added to the VHL schedule. Getting to visit 4 new cities means players get to partake in new national or regional cuisine. Without further ado, here is Gainer’s rankings of the new expansion clubs by cuisine.
 
4. Los Angeles, Pink’s Hot Dogs Los Angeles
 
 The City of Angels, you can rejoice. Not because Kwame Brown is gone, but because hockey is coming your way. On the food end though, I have some trouble adding you to the rankings. You see, the other 3 cities more or less had some national or regional dish that I could use. For LA, there is just so much good stuff happening there that 1 couldn’t be singled out. So, I settled on the 1st restaurant that came up when I searched “LA Famous Restaurant”. And that was Pink’s Hotdogs. Now I did a little bit of research into Pinks, and there was no shortage of amazing wieners on the menu. However, as you’ll find out in these rankings, the ultimate downfall was there just aren’t enough carbs for me. Nothing personal, just not enough carbs.
 
3. Chicago, Deep Dish Pizza I think I first heard of Deep-Dish Pizza on the classic TV show Man vs Food. I’m going to be honest; I wish I could put this higher. I love pizza (I don’t want to meet the person who doesn’t like pizza), and deep-dish pizza just packs more bang for my buck. Your downfall is how hard it is to eat. I want to num nums in my mouth, not on my plate.
 
2. Warsaw, Perogi I went to a Pittsburgh Pirates game with my dad once. They had a footlong hotdog sold in the stadium that came with onion rings and pierogis on it. I would have gotten, nay, I should have gotten it. But the thought of having to sit through either 9 innings of pain after eating a stadium hotdog or using a gross stadium bathroom was enough to turn me off. What was the point of this? Oh yeah, perogies. My great aunt makes killer perogies.
 
1. London, Full English Breakfast I went back and forth on this one. Part of me wanted to go fish and chips. But alas, I don’t like fish. Or anything from the sea for that matter. So, I went with full English breakfast. Bacon, fried eggs, sausage, mushrooms, backed beans, toast, grilled tomatoes…YOU HAVE IT ALL. Have it any meal of the day. Breakfast for dinner is an ultimate meal after all. Hell, have it for all 3 meals. This is peak human intelligence. I mean bacon AND sausage in one meal. UN-BE-LIEVABLE. I’ll be sure to have this when we head cross the pond to London. Oh, and say hi to the Queen for me.
 
WC/496

1.
 
If the chance at the cup isn't pushing you, then I don't know what will.
 
2.
 
When cats eat wet food, their shit smells awful.
 
3.
 
Mac
 
4.
 
Pretty damn good.
 
5.
 
Miami cause @Bacon
 
6.
 
Nah, shut it down and hope we can start in the late fall. I don't want next season to start in January. We are just not ready yet.

Gainer’s Thoughts on Expansion
 
4 brand new teams are coming to the VHL, which means now teams get to visit 4 new cities. What does that mean? 4 NEW CUISINES are added to the VHL schedule. Getting to visit 4 new cities means players get to partake in new national or regional cuisine. Without further ado, here is Gainer’s rankings of the new expansion clubs by cuisine.
 
4. Los Angeles, Pink’s Hot Dogs Los Angeles
 
 The City of Angels, you can rejoice. Not because Kwame Brown is gone, but because hockey is coming your way. On the food end though, I have some trouble adding you to the rankings. You see, the other 3 cities more or less had some national or regional dish that I could use. For LA, there is just so much good stuff happening there that 1 couldn’t be singled out. So, I settled on the 1st restaurant that came up when I searched “LA Famous Restaurant”. And that was Pink’s Hotdogs. Now I did a little bit of research into Pinks, and there was no shortage of amazing wieners on the menu. However, as you’ll find out in these rankings, the ultimate downfall was there just aren’t enough carbs for me. Nothing personal, just not enough carbs.
 
3. Chicago, Deep Dish Pizza I think I first heard of Deep-Dish Pizza on the classic TV show Man vs Food. I’m going to be honest; I wish I could put this higher. I love pizza (I don’t want to meet the person who doesn’t like pizza), and deep-dish pizza just packs more bang for my buck. Your downfall is how hard it is to eat. I want to num nums in my mouth, not on my plate.
 
2. Warsaw, Perogi I went to a Pittsburgh Pirates game with my dad once. They had a footlong hotdog sold in the stadium that came with onion rings and pierogis on it. I would have gotten, nay, I should have gotten it. But the thought of having to sit through either 9 innings of pain after eating a stadium hotdog or using a gross stadium bathroom was enough to turn me off. What was the point of this? Oh yeah, perogies. My great aunt makes killer perogies.
 
1. London, Full English Breakfast I went back and forth on this one. Part of me wanted to go fish and chips. But alas, I don’t like fish. Or anything from the sea for that matter. So, I went with full English breakfast. Bacon, fried eggs, sausage, mushrooms, backed beans, toast, grilled tomatoes…YOU HAVE IT ALL. Have it any meal of the day. Breakfast for dinner is an ultimate meal after all. Hell, have it for all 3 meals. This is peak human intelligence. I mean bacon AND sausage in one meal. UN-BE-LIEVABLE. I’ll be sure to have this when we head cross the pond to London. Oh, and say hi to the Queen for me.
 
WC/496

Dedicated to the entire Toronto Legion team. 

I'm proud of you guys, this team has been underrated for so long and yet we're maintaining a post-season berth. 

To those who I know well, and to those I know little -- thank you. 

 

A Tight Knit Community
 
The VHL has the ability to bring people together and make us all feel close, even during these times of social distancing. What’s amazing about this, other than the fact that the league has members from around the world, is the many ways in which the league connects its members. 
 
For many members the main way they connect is through their individual teams, specifically their discord locker rooms. It is the easiest and most economical way to connect large groups of people. But it doesn’t stop there. Consider the multiple ways in which you connect with teammates outside of the locker room. Forum individual messages, replies to different posts on the forum, heck, chatting on the stream during the VHL entry draft. All of these are ways in which members connect. These ways also don’t limit you to only chatting with team members. Locker rooms are filled with alumni players and league staff amongst others. Heck, some members in your locker room may even be a General Manager for another team. This allows for you to branch out into the larger VHL and meet members of other teams. All of this goes to the strengthening of the community fabric found in the VHL and what makes it such a great community.
 
Well this may be the process by which members connect, other activities the league participates in help to build the feeling of community. The first and most obvious is this, using theme weeks, doubles weeks, etc. to bring together the community and have members get to better know one another, especially with the crazy year that 2020 has been (so far). In the locker rooms, mental health is protected and your teammates are always there to help you, even if they are across the world. Another league activity is birthday wishes. Be it in the locker room, or bribed on the forum, the ability of a community to come together and celebrate the birthday of someone they have possibly never met, is incredible. Especially in times where social gatherings are not possible. Finally, being able to contribute as a community to social movements, as we saw this past week, shows how united this community is to good and just causes.
 
This league has been a blessing for me, especially during these teams. Having a place that is such a tight community, which once again is especially important during this time that prevents us from seeing our friends, has helped me manage my time in isolation, and given me a short escape from the world when I login. Eagerly waiting to see game results every night gives me something else to look forward to, and the league has embraced me at whatever pace I have felt comfortable. To league staff, from the commissioners, BOG, to VHL and VHLM GM’s, thank you for all you do to help make this such a safe, jolly, and welcoming community. And to all my fellow members, I hope this league has been as helpful to you as it has been to me.
 
My friends, stay healthy, stay safe and Go Hounds.
 
WC/510

A Tight Knit Community
 
The VHL has the ability to bring people together and make us all feel close, even during these times of social distancing. What’s amazing about this, other than the fact that the league has members from around the world, is the many ways in which the league connects its members. 
 
For many members the main way they connect is through their individual teams, specifically their discord locker rooms. It is the easiest and most economical way to connect large groups of people. But it doesn’t stop there. Consider the multiple ways in which you connect with teammates outside of the locker room. Forum individual messages, replies to different posts on the forum, heck, chatting on the stream during the VHL entry draft. All of these are ways in which members connect. These ways also don’t limit you to only chatting with team members. Locker rooms are filled with alumni players and league staff amongst others. Heck, some members in your locker room may even be a General Manager for another team. This allows for you to branch out into the larger VHL and meet members of other teams. All of this goes to the strengthening of the community fabric found in the VHL and what makes it such a great community.
 
Well this may be the process by which members connect, other activities the league participates in help to build the feeling of community. The first and most obvious is this, using theme weeks, doubles weeks, etc. to bring together the community and have members get to better know one another, especially with the crazy year that 2020 has been (so far). In the locker rooms, mental health is protected and your teammates are always there to help you, even if they are across the world. Another league activity is birthday wishes. Be it in the locker room, or bribed on the forum, the ability of a community to come together and celebrate the birthday of someone they have possibly never met, is incredible. Especially in times where social gatherings are not possible. Finally, being able to contribute as a community to social movements, as we saw this past week, shows how united this community is to good and just causes.
 
This league has been a blessing for me, especially during these teams. Having a place that is such a tight community, which once again is especially important during this time that prevents us from seeing our friends, has helped me manage my time in isolation, and given me a short escape from the world when I login. Eagerly waiting to see game results every night gives me something else to look forward to, and the league has embraced me at whatever pace I have felt comfortable. To league staff, from the commissioners, BOG, to VHL and VHLM GM’s, thank you for all you do to help make this such a safe, jolly, and welcoming community. And to all my fellow members, I hope this league has been as helpful to you as it has been to me.
 
My friends, stay healthy, stay safe and Go Hounds.
 
WC/510

https://imgur.com/dG0eh8W
 
Congratulations to Team Canada!
The fifteen players selected to play for Team Canada at the S72 World Junior Championship are as follows:
 
 
Squirrely Dan @jacobaa19 | SS Hornet @McWolf | Timothy Brown @a_Ferk
Joseph Gainer @joeg | Andrew Su @Da_Berr | Michael Mac @LastOneUp
Joe Exotic @Joe Exotic | Jared @jared | Remy Moreau @Da Trifecta

      Alex Letang @Spartan | Tyler Walker @Advantage
      Liam Flaten @flatl99 | Bo Burrows @Walter Fizz
 
               Woody McPine @HearnNation67
               Jacob Tonn @MexicanCow123
 
All players can join the discord server at: https://discord.gg/zbQD4d
 
Merry World Juniors Time!!

1.
 
It makes me feel like our hard work is paying off. It means I will continue to put effort in so that our success can continue.
 
2.
 
We're pretty even up and down the lineup in terms of effort and stuff we are putting into our players, so I think having relentless waves coming over the boards is a big boost.
 
3.
 
I think we are still prone to some of last years problems lackadaisical defence leading to some poor defensive games, but we're definitely improving.
 
4.
 
Team success. There is no i in team.
 
5.
 
@LastOneUp has been absolutely stellar so far.
 
6.
 
On the advice of legal counsel I invoke my 5th amendment privilege against self-incrimination and respectfully decline to answer your question.
 

How to Properly Dress for A Saturday Night Hockey Game
 
Hockey night in Canada, Saturday Night, HNIC, whatever you call it in Canada, Saturday night means hockey night and there is a certain dress code for that. Below you will find the appropriate attire for Saturday night pregame dress.
 

 
Let us get into the king of hockey fashion, Austin Matthews for some good and some bad. Let’s start with the good. The hat is good, very good in fact. Fedora is a classic look that can’t go bad. Flat cap and newsboy are other options you can’t go wrong with. To the bad, double breasted blazer is ok on Saturday night ONLY if it is a rivalry game or playoffs. For a standard game, stick to the casual blazer. Now moving on done, the pants are good. Your pants should match the colour of the blazer. Tight or loose are fine, but they must match. Now, getting down to the nitty gritty, WEAR SOCKS PEOPLE. I don’t know where the idea came that it looked good to wear shoes with no socks. You wear socks, BLACK SOCKS. No ifs, ands or buts about it. Finally, to the shoes, go crazy here. This is where you can really go wild. If you feel pretty tame, then just match the shoe colour with the blazer and pant colours. But if you’re feeling on the wild side, slap some brown shoes on and go wild. The world is your oyster.
 
Remember, Saturday night hockey is a national treasure that must be protected. Let’s not sully it up with bright suits or beanies, or mismatching suits. Oh, and by the way, I had to look up what half these words meant. I wasn’t sure blazer was the correct term, so maybe take my advice as a grain of salt.
 
WC/306

How to Properly Dress for A Saturday Night Hockey Game
 
Hockey night in Canada, Saturday Night, HNIC, whatever you call it in Canada, Saturday night means hockey night and there is a certain dress code for that. Below you will find the appropriate attire for Saturday night pregame dress.
 

 
Let us get into the king of hockey fashion, Austin Matthews for some good and some bad. Let’s start with the good. The hat is good, very good in fact. Fedora is a classic look that can’t go bad. Flat cap and newsboy are other options you can’t go wrong with. To the bad, double breasted blazer is ok on Saturday night ONLY if it is a rivalry game or playoffs. For a standard game, stick to the casual blazer. Now moving on done, the pants are good. Your pants should match the colour of the blazer. Tight or loose are fine, but they must match. Now, getting down to the nitty gritty, WEAR SOCKS PEOPLE. I don’t know where the idea came that it looked good to wear shoes with no socks. You wear socks, BLACK SOCKS. No ifs, ands or buts about it. Finally, to the shoes, go crazy here. This is where you can really go wild. If you feel pretty tame, then just match the shoe colour with the blazer and pant colours. But if you’re feeling on the wild side, slap some brown shoes on and go wild. The world is your oyster.
 
Remember, Saturday night hockey is a national treasure that must be protected. Let’s not sully it up with bright suits or beanies, or mismatching suits. Oh, and by the way, I had to look up what half these words meant. I wasn’t sure blazer was the correct term, so maybe take my advice as a grain of salt.
 
WC/306