mediocrepony

Come, join me on the "fuck multi-claims" train!

So fellow VHLers, we just had another ad drive. Perfect! Time for an influx of new 1st gens. Forum content will be all over the place. The S83 draft will be awesome and everything is going to be great. Or will it?
 
A very simple litmus test of future high TPE talent is to simply check: Who has done their career tasks? Because as a high flying TPE junkie, that's going to be happening sooner rather than later. So with that in mind, how many 1st gens have written a Junior review since the ad dropped? 0. Well then... How many PSRs? 0. Oh... If we compare this to my data from doing VHLE draft scouting that I'm 100% not going to actually compile right now since it's Friday afternoon. We can see that this isn't too far off what we saw with the S82 class. Among "real" 1st gens, I could easily count the number of people who did either VHLM level career tasks on the old fingers. If we look at the people who did both career tasks. Well, I think one hand would be more than plenty.
 
Sure you can finish it in your 2nd season. So it's not like people not having done it in the first week or so means it'll never happen. But not a SINGLE one written? That's probably not a sign that people want to engage with the career tasks. I just want some content, because if we go back to when I joined in Late November early December. You'd need a miracle to win a day with less than about 16 reactions. Because there was just so much going on around the forums. Sure, about half of that was just Kachur/Horcrux driving people absolutely insane. But even still, having people winning days with 5-6 reactions somewhat regularly for over a month now is a bit worrying.
 
This week just as an example, I wan't to read MS and .com's and start discussion in them. But there was a small splash on Monday, then just absolutely nothing since. Do I think more engaging career tasks would somehow fix this? Nope, cause there's like 4 people total who even read them if they are written. But at least it's forum content.
 
Currently it just feels like everyone and their mom must have dropped massive 1.5-2k word MS or 2 hour podcasts to start the year off right, then we just see absolutely nothing from anyone for weeks at a time. I know people love their multi-claims, but damn do they make the forum a much more boring place to be.

sorry about that forums were blocked again on my school laptop

Gritty was the last picks there, was trying to give him until the end of the day to pick since I figured he was at school. Guess he's disqualified. I'll make the picks first thing in the morning, half asleep right now. Thanks for keeping an eye out.

1. Drafting at 9th overall, Toronto selected defenseman Bo Johansson @Shindigs, further adding to the Legion's defensive depth. He factors to join pro roster for Season 83, spending this season in the VHLE with the Bratislava Watchmen. What type of impact can we expect from Johansson as a pro?
 
We can expect him to be as good as advertised; an Elmebeck award winner should be a solid player in my opinion, and he should integrate well with what we have going on.
 
2. At 25th overall, Toronto drafted Phoebe Bridgers @GrittyIsKing, adding another prospect into contention to fill in for the loss of Otto Numinen in the future. What could set Bridgers apart from other forward prospects in Toronto's pipeline?
 
The fact that he's a recreate with previous experience makes him a solid linchpin for our depth.
 
3. Johansson and Bridgers were the two additions Toronto made through the Season 82 VHL Entry Draft, passing with their fifth round selection. How would you rate the Legion's draft class?
 
I didnt pay any attention to the draft to be honest, but getting Johansson and Bridgers in the 1st and 2nd round is huge.  That makes this draft successful to me.
 
4. Who do you think was the biggest steal in this season's draft?
 
Getting Johansson as low as we did.  Thought he'd go higher.
 
5. What's your mindset like heading into Season 82?
 
Looking at the difference between us and Vancouver interests me.  I also dont want sths to screw Toronto over.
 
6. If a VHL logo of your choice came to life, which one do you feel you'd have the easiest time beating up?
 
Malmos.  Just kick a hawk at night and job done.

Phoebe Bridgers was asked for interview about her feelings about the drafts and upcoming season in the VHLM.
Interviewer: Hello Ms. Bridgers, how are you doing today?
PB: Pretty well, how bout you?
I: Great, thank you! I invited you here to ask you some questions about the draft and your upcoming season with Houston. Ok, so how do you feel about the teams you were drafted by?
PB: I'm pleasantly surprised by basically everything that happened during the draft, and all the teams i was drafted by seem like great communities and places to live!
I: What drove you to stay in the VHLM this season?
PB: Well, I felt like I wasn't ready to move up into the VHLE quite yet, due to my somewhat late start, and I wanted to have another season to truly get into the feel and culture of VHL locker rooms and meet some more people who I could have a rivalry with or be great friends with.
I: How do you feel about Houston's chances in the VHLM playoffs?
PB: I'm obviously excited about this season, and I'm feeling really good about our chances. We have some studs like Hammar Voss, AirRig GoodBrandSun and Scotty Sundin, and great management and I honestly can't wait for the season to start!

Players mentioned
 

Hello all,
 
Since the removal of trivia we have seen members taking issue with the amount of secondary task options in order to finish off their weekly cap. While trivia is returning, hopefully for the start of the season, we still wanted to offer an additional way to get your capped TPE.
 
Therefore, as a secondary point task, members may complete a Game Recap in the appropriate sim thread. This recap must be at least 75 words, is worth 1 TPE, and may be claimed up to two times per week. The recap should cover topics relevant to the chosen game.
 
This includes, but is not limited to:
1) A recap of the game
2) Shouting out a great performance
3) Presenting an opinion/observation from the game
 
A member CANNOT recap a game if:
1) Their player played in the game
2) They GM one of the teams in the game
 
Prospects of a VHL and/or VHLE team are allowed to do recaps of those teams before they make that team's roster. ALL VHL-sanctioned sims are eligible for recaps, including the World Cup and WJC.
 
Claiming Game Recaps will be added to the portal and recaps can be claimed starting next week when sims start.

can't wait for the season to start!

Phoebe Bridgers was asked for interview about her feelings about the drafts and upcoming season in the VHLM.
Interviewer: Hello Ms. Bridgers, how are you doing today?
PB: Pretty well, how bout you?
I: Great, thank you! I invited you here to ask you some questions about the draft and your upcoming season with Houston. Ok, so how do you feel about the teams you were drafted by?
PB: I'm pleasantly surprised by basically everything that happened during the draft, and all the teams i was drafted by seem like great communities and places to live!
I: What drove you to stay in the VHLM this season?
PB: Well, I felt like I wasn't ready to move up into the VHLE quite yet, due to my somewhat late start, and I wanted to have another season to truly get into the feel and culture of VHL locker rooms and meet some more people who I could have a rivalry with or be great friends with.
I: How do you feel about Houston's chances in the VHLM playoffs?
PB: I'm obviously excited about this season, and I'm feeling really good about our chances. We have some studs like Hammar Voss, AirRig GoodBrandSun and Scotty Sundin, and great management and I honestly can't wait for the season to start!

Players mentioned
 

Phoebe Bridgers was asked for interview about her feelings about the drafts and upcoming season in the VHLM.
Interviewer: Hello Ms. Bridgers, how are you doing today?
PB: Pretty well, how bout you?
I: Great, thank you! I invited you here to ask you some questions about the draft and your upcoming season with Houston. Ok, so how do you feel about the teams you were drafted by?
PB: I'm pleasantly surprised by basically everything that happened during the draft, and all the teams i was drafted by seem like great communities and places to live!
I: What drove you to stay in the VHLM this season?
PB: Well, I felt like I wasn't ready to move up into the VHLE quite yet, due to my somewhat late start, and I wanted to have another season to truly get into the feel and culture of VHL locker rooms and meet some more people who I could have a rivalry with or be great friends with.
I: How do you feel about Houston's chances in the VHLM playoffs?
PB: I'm obviously excited about this season, and I'm feeling really good about our chances. We have some studs like Hammar Voss, AirRig GoodBrandSun and Scotty Sundin, and great management and I honestly can't wait for the season to start!

Players mentioned
 

Phoebe Bridgers was asked for interview about her feelings about the drafts and upcoming season in the VHLM.
Interviewer: Hello Ms. Bridgers, how are you doing today?
PB: Pretty well, how bout you?
I: Great, thank you! I invited you here to ask you some questions about the draft and your upcoming season with Houston. Ok, so how do you feel about the teams you were drafted by?
PB: I'm pleasantly surprised by basically everything that happened during the draft, and all the teams i was drafted by seem like great communities and places to live!
I: What drove you to stay in the VHLM this season?
PB: Well, I felt like I wasn't ready to move up into the VHLE quite yet, due to my somewhat late start, and I wanted to have another season to truly get into the feel and culture of VHL locker rooms and meet some more people who I could have a rivalry with or be great friends with.
I: How do you feel about Houston's chances in the VHLM playoffs?
PB: I'm obviously excited about this season, and I'm feeling really good about our chances. We have some studs like Hammar Voss, AirRig GoodBrandSun and Scotty Sundin, and great management and I honestly can't wait for the season to start!

Players mentioned
 

With the VHLM Draft in the books, Ryuji Sakamoto and the Mexico City Kings are ready for action. The Kings had an informal practice session yesterday, allowing the players to meet each other, run through some drills, and play a 20 minute game of shinny.
 
The pace of the exercise was at a decent level considering formal training camps have yet to open, but there was definitely some rust and need for development on display. For his part, Sakamoto was easily the fastest player on the ice. He broke up several odd man rushes with nifty pokechecks, and threw a particularly loud open ice check on forward Hayden Rain. Goaltender Brandt Fuhr looked sharp in net, demonstrating good rebound control and a couple of stops on deflected shots that required split second reactions.
 
While it's difficult to predict which team will end up at the top of the VHLM rankings, early indications are that the Mexico City Kings should, at the very least, be an entertaining team to keep an eye on.

Ridiculously massive thanks to @Victor and @OrbitingDeath  from preventing me from retiring back in S78 or so. And all the thanks to Vic, @Enorama and @Josh/@rory for the time spent on your teams that helped out with getting to this point - had a blast playing for you all and appreciate you all a lot.
 

Congrats all! Each and every one is a deserving inductee!

Hi and welcome back to HOF inductions. Some big names to induct today so let's get to it...
 
LW - Groovy Dood, S73-S80 
RS: 576 GP, 313 G, 387 A, 700 P, +101, 895 PIM, 2,191 HIT, 267 SB, 37 GW
PO: 76 GP, 31 G, 47 A, 78 P, -16, 90 PIM, 244 HIT, 32 SB, 9 GW
 
S77 Scott Boulet Trophy (Top Two-Way Forward)
S78 Scott Boulet Trophy (Top Two-Way Forward)
S79 Scott Boulet Trophy (Top Two-Way Forward)
1x All-VHL First Team (S80)
3x All-VHL Second Team (S77, S78, S79)
 
It felt like a slightly bold 1st overall choice in the huge S73 draft but Groovy Dood fully repaid the faith of the DC Dragons. Despite a tough rookie season, Dood became an integral part of the Dragons and helped them to a trip to the finals in S75, the franchise's best ever playoff performance. After that, as the old guard stepped aside, Dood took the mantle as team leader and captain and became the VHL's premier two-way forward after the retirement of Mikko Lahtinen, and extended D.C.'s competitive cycle for as long as he was in the team. In the end, Dood hit the magical 700-point mark for his career and was firmly among the league's best forwards for at least half his career. A first ballot induction for @bigAL!
 
 
 
 
D - Alex Letang, S73-S79
RS: 504 GP, 128 G, 439 A, 567 P, +122, 748 PIM, 924 HIT, 1,081 SB, 31 GW
PO: 65 GP, 17 G, 56 A, 73 P, +11, 125 PIM, 137 HIT, 165 SB, 3 GW
 
S79 Scotty Campbell Trophy (Most Valuable)
S79 Alexander Beketov Trophy (Most Assists)
S79 Sterling Labatte Trophy (Top Defenceman)
S79 Alexander Valiq Trophy (Top Offensive Defenceman)
1x All-VHL First Team (S79)
 
Another first-gen who missed out on a championship but made up for it with sheer consistency. Alex Letang's career was bubbling along at a steady pace for most of his career, largely in the shadow of more renowned veterans in Moscow but he was a steady and increasingly flashy #2 on defence. Then came a move away from the franchise everyone associates with him and after a stop at DC, it was in LA where Letang finally broke out in a big way in S79, securing his place in the HOF after all the hard work to build up his case beforehand. The 119-point finale obscures the rest but Letang was at a point-per-game pace or thereabouts for his whole career and it is for the diligence that @Spartan gets his first HOF induction.
 
 
VOTING RESULTS
Groovy Dood - 16/20
Alex Letang - 9/20
----
Jean Pierre Camus - 8/20
Roque Davis - 2/20
Erik Killinger - 1/20
Tyson Kohler, Jakab Holik, Alexander Pepper, Dakota Lamb, John Merrick, Matty Socks - 0/20
 
 
BUILDER
And after a season off, we are back with a Builder induction. We might be in S81 but we finally welcome to the Hall one of oldest names in the VHL today in @CowboyinAmerica. To many it is probably a surprise that he wasn't in the HOF already. Cowboy or Zach Warren is a familiar name to some sim league veterans and for a long time I think he was more of a sim leaguer in general rather than a VHLer specifically. But it's now been some 50 seasons since he decided to grace the VHL with his presence too and we have gotten a lot of quality Cowboy output from him in that time. Hans Wingate and Gabriel McAllister are the standout names in the Hall of Fame but every player he's created in his time here has been a top-tier player and an invaluable member of his teams. On top of that, Cowboy's updating career spans most of his time in the VHL and any updater now, let alone in the pre-portal days, will tell you what a commitment that requires. He's dabbled in the BOG and in VHLM GMing and his Media Spots are always an insightful treat to read, but I think I'll sum it up in one line: a sim league institution at last is welcomed into the institution that is the VHL Hall of Fame.
 
 
Well deserved congratulations to each of Al, Spartan, and Cowboy!

Hello, my friends. I am back to continue my weekly series series which seek to understand the logic behind the names of VHLM teams and if they work or not. Last week we looked at Halifax and Houston and look at the different between traditional and untraditional team names. Today we will checking out the team names for the cities of Las Vegas and Mexico City and the importance of clear references to a team name. My analysis machine is all fired up so let's begin 
 
It is rare to find a team name that has a double meaning in which both meanings reference a important part of the the home city. The Las Vegas Aces is one such team name as "Ace" can refer to two different things important to the Las Vegas area.  We can see the clear reference to the ace card, the highest valued card in many modern card games including those used for gambling in casinos. Gambling halls and casinos help make Las Vegas the city it is today so that reference works well. An "Ace" can also mean a skilled military pilot. It just so happen one of the Air Force's most important bases in the United States, Nellis Air Force Base, is right next to Las Vegas. This is a great way to show respect to the local military community. Both references together create the image of a risk taking adventurer who claims victory, which is a good image for a hockey team. Both the team name and the new logo are some of the best in the VHLM in my opinion.
 
Not ever team name can have two or even one good reference. Take the Mexico City Kings for example. I get that they were trying to reference the great leaders of Mexico's past. However there is a problem that bugs me. While there have been kings of Mexico, the leaders of this region everyone knows never claimed the title of king. They were emperors. As someone who believed that team names should have precise and clear references, this bothers me more than it should. Kings and emperors are not the same and that should be understood. It just feels like a lazy and haphazardously chosen team name to me. Perhaps this team should rebrand into something better fitting Mexico than just kings. It is an ok team name with better options available if we look for them.
 
That is all the analysis and opinions I have for today. No matter references there are in a team name, they all should be clear and not connected to vague concepts loosely connected to the home city. Please don't take my criticisms personally as I do not seek to attack only to question. Come back next week as I seek to have my questions about two more VHLM team names answered. We will meet other then but for now I say goodbye.

I think it’s not a secret that we’re all going to miss @Victor being a VHLE Commissioner. The person who will be taking over his position will have some pretty big shoes to fill. Victor really helped flesh out the E and was a strong force to get it where it is today. I personally can not thank Victor enough for his contributions to the E, the league and just as a person. He listened to me go off on a tangent quite a few times and just let me get it out.  
 
So now that I got all the mushy out, lets get to why I really made this announcement. Knowing that Victor was going to step down this season, we needed to find a replacement. The person that we had in mind to fill the position would have to be a good fit not only to work alongside me, they also would have to be passionate about the league and have experience in many different roles within the league. This person has been a great contributing member of the league for a few years and has worked alongside me since I joined the league. We’ve worked together in many different roles, one of which being co-commissioners together for a few seasons. All of these reasons are how I know that they’ll be able to jump on board and we’ll be able to give the VHLE the best that they have. 
 
So without me rambling any further the new VHLE Commissioner is 
 
 
Lets all congratulate said person on their new role!

Welcome to the new season of VHFL! Below is the randomly assigned draft order for your group. 
 
The draft is conducted in a snake order, meaning that each round goes in reverse order of the last. There is a time limit of 12 hours per pick. If the person ahead of you has not picked in their 12-hour slot, you may make your selection, and they can go any time after. If a member misses two picks - not necessarily consecutive, they will be disqualified and the team will be drafted by me or a filler I appoint. If someone has two picks in a row and fails to do the first one before 12 hours pass, tag them and give them another 12 hours for the second pick in a row. Once you have made your selection, tag the person following you. 
 
Group Manager: It is your responsibility to make sure that picks are being made within 12 hours, and if not, that the clock keeps going for the next pick. Please also have a complete roster within the first few posts of the thread - this saves me time later so that you get your results faster! Please also be sure of each player’s position, and that they are not retired nor in the VHLM before adding them to your roster! When maintaining the updated roster, please copy the roster template below, exactly how it is. Make sure to also spell player names properly when updating your group. Do NOT copy the roster for every single pick.
 
Here are some useful links:
 
VHFL Rules
S81 Top Skaters
S81 Top Goalies
 
If there are any issues, tag the group manager or me. The draft is now live - good luck! Tag me when all the rosters are complete!
 
1. @qripll
F - Duncan Idaho
F - Taro Tsujimoto
F - Paul Atreides
D - Tui Sova
D - Sven Reikkinen
G - Thadius Sales
 
2. @DQ 
F - Brendan Telker
F - Druss Deathwalker
F - Nico Pearce
D - Hard Markinson
D - Chicken Wing
G - Tater Tot
 
3. @Spartan (GM)
F - Henry Tucker
F - Jerome Reinhart
F - Robert Bouchard
D - Kristof Welch
D - Poopy Peepants
G - Cole Pearce
 
4. @solas
F - Alex Johnston
F - Taylor Mourning
F - The Seabasstard
D - Robin Galante Nilsson
D - Jan Hlozek
G - Rara Rasputin
 
5. @Tate
F - Justin Lose
F - Tyler Reinhart
F - Pistil Stamen
D - Aurelien Moreau
D - Battre Sandstrom
G - Sirkants Klamasteris
 
6. @Jubis
F - Reylynn Reinhart
F - That Dude
F - Bogdan Trunov
D - Zeedayno Chara
D - Tom Eagles
G - Em Em Flex

you shoulda seen the dead end sign at the start of the road man. Anyways, Victor you always make the right decision, so I approve of your choice! Stay active pls

you shoulda seen the dead end sign at the start of the road man. Anyways, Victor you always make the right decision, so I approve of your choice! Stay active pls

@N0HBDY

@N0HBDY

It comes to surprise no one that there would be another Florida man article circulating around the internet. Historically, those articles have been headlined as such:
 
Florida man chews off another man’s face
Florida man trapped in unlocked closet for two days
Florida man busted feeding iguanas to alligator in jail zoo
Florida man tries to evade arrest by cartwheeling away from cops
Florida man arrested for calling 911 after kitten denied entry into strip club
 

These are, of course, rather serious incidents that have been reported. The comical nature of the article titles do not diminish the seriousness of each incident. It was, however, only a matter of time before a serious “Florida man” incident occurred in the world of the VHL. You may be thinking that this article would take place in Miami with the Marauders, but it seems that this particular Florida man made his way across the ocean to Sweden. And they wanted him there…
 
 
While this title is NOT the title for the current article you are reading, this article is about that most unfortunate child named Florida Man @zepheter. Presumably growing up in the marsh lands of Florida, wrestling with alligators and siphoning gasoline out of local lawn mowers, Florida Man made a name for himself (see what we did there…) in the world of professional hockey. Drafted 42nd Overall in the Victory Hockey League Europe by the Stockholm Vikings, Florida Man made his way around the world to Stockholm, Sweden. For two amazing seasons he played his heart out for the Vikings. This effort, fueled by a strict diet of Mountain Dew and Funyuns, led him to be a favorite name in Stockholm among the Vikings fanbase. Failing to ever disappoint his fans, Florida Man went on to be the Points, Goals, Shots, and Plus/Minus leader for the S81 playoffs, which brought the venerated Renaissance Cup to Stockholm. Unfortunately, this is what leads us to this article’s title…
 
  

 
It seems that Florida Man ran through a variety of emotions after the Viking’s Renaissance Cup victory. Celebrating in the city, Florida Man’s inner…well, Florida man came out. He drank excessively, punched a bunch of walls and stained glass, and found himself standing in the National Sports Museum at Djurgardsbrunnsvagen 26. In the next room was the cup that he had just lifted but a few days before. His phone rang and it was @rory, the General Manager of the Los Angeles Stars calling him to not only congratulate him, but to say the very sentence that would push Florida Man over the edge, “I hope you’re ready to play in Los Angeles.”
 
Florida Man felt immense dread come over him as he wanted to play in Stockholm for the rest of his life. He figured it was the Florida of Sweden. In Florida man fashion he stripped down, completely naked, and pulled his favorite pair of crocs out of his draw string bag. Putting them into sport mode, he kicked down the main door to the National Sports Museum which brought him right before the podium that held the Renaissance Cup. In front of an army of media personnel, Florida Man lifted the cup over his head, screamed out “Florida forever!” and gyrated himself out the door. At the time of this article being published, Florida Man and the Renaissance Cup are still missing.
 
The Vikings General Manager, @thadthrasher, responded immediately to the media personnel saying, “Well, he’s not my problem anymore. Good luck rory.”
 
----
Claiming week ending 30 January, 602 words

I'll keep it brief like my VHLE commish stint....
 
As Acyd may have spilled the beans in the past 24 hours, I am stepping down from the role, having done all the fun stuff in setting up the E from scratch and hopefully on the road for a place as a permanent staple of the VHL experience. In any case, it has been a great journey being part of one of the big innovations in the league in recent times and a very rewarding experience with lots of keen members, GMs, and of course a brilliant partner in crime in Acyd.
 
Acyd's work especially in the last month or so means the transition will be quite painless - I promise we were a fully functioning duo for about 80% of the way but I certainly haven't pulled my weight the last little while! Ultimately, I was looking for a spark to encourage me to recreate which I didn't have after stepping down as Moscow GM, but the spark was shortlived and now that I enter the last season of Rasputin it seems the right time to take another break. Well, less a break this time, more of a stepping back into the HOF/BOG shadows until the itch of creating a new player inevitably comes back. In any case, that's for the future and the VHLE deserves a more active presence right now.
 
That's about it, thanks everyone.
 
EEEEEEEEE