Sharkie

Of course but you are the one who made the entrance special!! I was just the reporter.

Love the breakdown of MIA Game 1, thanks for making our grand entrance into the league a special one!

Hello, and welcome to the first edition of a new season of Under 250: The VHLM Report. In these series, we will be taking a look at the trends and topics from the past week in the VHLM. What twists and turns will our minor league hold? Stay tuned to find out!
 
This season we welcome a new writer to our coverage, @diamond_ace! We are very excited to have him on the team, expanding VHLM coverage further. We will be trading off articles, so that’s all for now, but stay tuned for his content coming down the pipeline!
 
Speaking of other VSN content, make sure to check out the other great work from the greater VSN family! Here are a few handy links to check out, from our weekly podcasts to in-depth history articles, scouting reports, and more!
 
 | The Talent Behind the Trophies |  S72 Mock Draft | S72 Top 25 | 
 
The Review 
 
With a new season of hockey comes some new, sweeping changes to the structure of the VHLM. It’s been crowded enough the past few seasons, and so our benevolent overlords have seen fit to give us an expansion team! Welcome to the Miami Marauders, the newest addition to the VHLM family. The Marauders are led by fearless leader/GM Kris Rice @Ricer13, who is backed up by his assistant, @bigAL. Welcome boys!
 
 

 
Now into the standings, starting with the Eastern Conference. The Marauders aren’t exactly up to a great start, and sit at the bottom of their conference with 8 points (though not the worst in the league; more on that later). Next up is the Halifax 21st with 15 points, who are trailing playoff position by five points, partly by virtue of their conference’s strength. 
 
Entering the playoff spots in the East we actually have a three-way tie for second place. The Philadelphia Reapers, Ottawa Lynx, and Mississauga Hounds all have 20 points apiece, sitting on 10 wins, 6 losses, and 0 overtime losses. The Reapers take 4th position due to one of their victories coming in a shootout (Game 73 against Halifax), while the Hounds just edge out the Lynx on goal differential to secure the second position. 
 
Leading the Eastern Conference is the Minnesota Storm, whose 26 points is tied for top overall in the league. The Storm have a dominant goal differential of +42 in only 16 games; in part thanks to some really absurd victories (to the tune of 12-0 and 11-0). 
 
Just who did those victories come against? The two teams bringing up the rear of the Western Conference, the Houston Bulls and the San Diego Marlins. These teams have each won just a single game to go along with their 15 losses, and boast a combined goal differential of -160; meaning roughly a -5 differential per game across the two teams. Luckily for last season’s runner ups, the Yukon Rush, should be thankful, as if things keep going the same way their playoff position should be more or less guaranteed. The Rush currently sit at 13 points, having had middling to poor results so far. 
 
Entering the third position we begin to look at competitors again, starting with the Mexico City Kings. The King’s have the second-best goal differential in the league and have looked dangerous thus far, boasting the fewest goals allowed across their 16 games. In second place in the West is the Saskatoon Wild. The Wild have dropped a few games in overtime, including one early in the season against the West’s leaders, the Las Vegas Aces. These late-game performances so far mark the separation between the two, as the Aces have won all three of their overtime games in a shootout, while the Wild have lost both of their shootouts. With only two points separating these two teams, it is clear the margins could hardly be tighter. 
 
This rounds out our review of the standings. Let’s take a look at our ELO charts to see if they paint a clearer picture of the first week of the season:
 


The first thing that jumps out from the ELO charts is the plummet of the aforementioned Houston Bulls and San Diego Marlins, which should come as no surprise given their performances thus far. Going up the chart we see the Yukon Rush having a lot of movement; they kicked off the season strong but fell quickly thereafter. Miami has been a slow ride down, but manage to stay ahead of the Rush for now despite their worse record. 
 
One of the most interesting facts on our chart thus far is the position of the Hounds. Despite being second in the Eastern Conference, they have an ELO barely above average. This can mostly be explained by the difference in conferences, as they would only be fourth in the West, and they are also only in second in the East by virtue of that three-way tie. 
 
Taking a look at the Las Vegas Aces also showcases something peculiar. Although the Aces are first in the West and are tied for the top record in the league, they are next in ELO; meaning they are seventh right now, lower than the Halifax 21st, a team that isn’t even in a playoff spot right now. This tells us two things: one, the power dynamic in the West is almost certainly not settled yet, and two, the Eastern Conference is proving more and more to be a tough mix of teams. 
 
The top two teams by ELO are the Philadelphia Reapers and the Minnesota Storm, with the Reapers just edging out the Storm for that top spot. The Reapers started off strong, but have plateaued recently, while the Storm are currently riding a seven-game winning streak. In general, though, there appear to be a lot of competitive teams this season. The Reapers and Storm in the East are closely trailed by the Saskatoon Wild and the Mexico City Kings in the West; here’s to hoping a Founder’s Cup showdown between equally competitive teams will come to fruition. 

The Highlights
 
Miami’s Big Break
 
First things first; let’s look at the Marauders. Usually, we won’t cover individual games in too much depth, instead focusing on the bigger picture, but hey, the first game of an expansion team deserves something. And boy was that first game something else. Game 4 on the season, between newly minted Miami Marauders and the perennial contenders of the Minnesota Storm. The Marauders were travelling to Minnesota in this match, but it did little to deter them. The franchise’s first goal was scored by their top-line centre and first star of the game, Andre Lebastard, with the assist from Kosmo Kramerev. Congrats you two! 
 
Despite scoring first, the Storm hit back and hit hard with three unanswered goals to close out the first period, outshooting Miami 21-3. The second period was more of the same on the shot totals, but somehow, Miami evened up the score with two more finding the back of the net. Heading into the third period, I don’t think anyone could predict what was going to happen. 
 
Thirty seconds into the period, the Marauders took the lead off a goal from Bobbie Cheechoo. Not to be outdone, the Storm evened it up, but they wouldn’t score again. The game-winning goal came from Kosmo Kramerev, whose powerplay snipe sealed the franchise's first franchise win in their first-ever game. A nervy third period played out, but with only a minute or so left, Miami sealed the deal with an empty-net goal. Particularly impressive was the performance of Miami’s goaltender, the one and only Bacon, whose 46 saves on 50 shots was the backstop that weathered the Minnesotans storm of offence, leading them to victory. 
 
A Season for the Goalies
 
So far this season we have seen some impressive offensive performances (mostly thanks to a few team’s particularly unimpressive defences). Take a look at Game 72 in which the Minnesota Storm beat the Houston Bulls 12-0. This tied the league records for most goals by one team in one game (12), most assists by one team in one game (24), and most game points in one game (36). Interestingly enough, the Bulls nearly beat their own record for shots blocked in this game with 30; that’s because they got 31 earlier in the season against the Saskatoon Wild in Game 19 that saw them outshot 93-6. 
 
Despite such one-sided displays, it is in fact the defensive qualities that are most impressive this season. The goalies, in particular, have started off hot, with three starters over .900 SV%, and another two right on the border with .899.  Granted, it is still early, but compare this to the end of last season, where only three players had an SV% over .895, and the top goalie ended at just .900. That is a pretty impressive difference, sample-size notwithstanding.  Thus far Grekkark Gyrfalcon has the highest SV% through his 12 games at .910, followed by Mexico City’s Zamboni Driver with .906 over 16 games played; both goalies are currently tied on GAA with 1.81. Last season, no one had below a 2.61. 
 
Who knows if this trend will continue, but let’s enjoy it while it lasts. It’s not too often that we are treated to such impressive goaltending displays, regardless of opponent quality. 
 
That’s all for this edition of Under 250: The VHLM Review. Thank you all for reading, and stay tuned next week for the inside scoop on all that’s going on in the league. Until next time!
 
GMs:  @Proto, @ColeMrtz, @DoktorFunk, @Dil, @Rayzor_7, @Motzaburger,
@MexicanCow123, @McWolf, @DMaximus, @iRockstar, @Sonnet, @Ricer13
 
Players Mentioned: @Andre LeBastard, @Mongoose87, @Sharkie, @Bacon, @Sharkstrong, @Tape-to-Tape
 
 
 
VSN Writer Mr_Hatter
 

The Miami Marauders just finished up their first game of the season and came out with a surprise win shocking everyone but themselves. While the team looked good as a whole one stood out from the rest with an impressive start to the season. Miami goalie Bacon "Baconator" took the hearts of the home town fans stopping 46 out of the ridiculous 50 shots on goal in their 6 to 4 win over the Minnesota Storm. 
 
Here is an exclusive VHL.com look at the Baconator in action! 
 

User: dart | TPE: 65 (0 Banked)
LW | 5' 11" | 183 lb. | Age: 17 |  |
 
 

 
 
Florent Vericel is a fast shooting LW hailing from Mirabel, Quebec. Vericel's hockey career is as weird as they come, he had never picked up a stick before until a sixth grade gym class, that is what introduced him to the sport that is now his passion. Vericel had always been a runner he was fast for his age and was always a lock for his school at any speed events, he never really had a passion for running but he loved the competition and was good at it. That all changed after that 6th grade gym class, when he picked up that stick it was like he was born to play.. but not only play.. he was born to score. 
 
Vericel's shot was naturally good, somehow without playing ever before he could shoot but his skating was well.. not there Vericel worked on his skating every day he could until he had the fundamentals down Vericel was lightning fast as expected but he was lacking control. When the time for Vericel to attempt making a Bantam team everybody past on him so he made the decision to move to Edmonton, and this move did wonders for his career. The SSAC Mount Carmel Tigers managed to get Vericel who instantly showed his scoring prowess.
After this career move which showed how willing Vericel was to do anything for hockey he moved back to Quebec and was instantly asked to join the towns Midget Triple A team, he continued to do what he did best and registered 27 goals and 17 assists in 50 games for the Saint-Hyacinthe Gaulois. These performances put him on the map to be drafted into the QMJHL, he was picked 15th overall by the Drummondville Voltigeurs. He wouldn't crack their lineup right away as they loaned him to the MHL for a season of development. Vericel came ready to play next season and was immediately put into the line up for Drummondville, his regular season was impressive for a rookie as he netted 24 goals and 24 assists in 64 games. Drummondville had made it to the playoffs and Vericel showed that he was a top scorer scoring  8 goals and 6 assists in 11 games for Drummondville on his way to his first Presidents cup. Unfortunately the team placed second in the Memorial Cup which became tradition for Vericel throughout his career in Drummondville. In his next season with the Voltigeurs he continued his reign of dominance that playoff breakout with a 42 goal and 31 assist with another 64 games played, but his dominant season didn't end there, Drummondville again made the playoffs where Vericel was a monster scoring 19 goals with 12 assists in 20 games again helping Drummondville to another Presidents cup and winning himself the Guy Lafleur trophy as the QMJHL's Playoff MVP.. sadly again, Vericel and the Voltigeurs finished second place in the memorial cup. Vericel put in notice with the Drummondville Voltigeurs that he'd not be returning to play a final season as he wanted to chase greater competition. 

Vericel had seen some impressive Junior's talent be drafted into the VHLM but was far too late to declare, he talked around with his agent and was told that he could join a VHLM team under contract for one season but then would have to go through the draft process after that season and that was the route Vericel took. He had multiple offers from great teams but had known someone recently drafted to the Miami Marauders. Dakota Lamb's father Mark Lamb was at one of Vericel's games in Edmonton doing a little bit of scouting and impressed by his play Lamb made an effort to introduce himself after the game and gave him some advice on what it takes to be a high level hockey player and what it takes to win. Vericel grew to have a sense of loyalty and grew to be willing to do whatever it takes as long as his team wins. Vericel had never really played with a group as committed as him until the QMJHL but going into the VHLM he had no idea what the experience he'd like, but knowing what Mark Lamb's personality and views were he knew that Dakota would share the same mindset as him. He signed with Miami as soon as he saw their offer come in and is fully committed to making the team a winner along side center Dakota Lamb.
 
Vericel is yet to score a VHLM goal but he has always shown that he can score at any level, he is just taking his time to adapt to the speed of the game and trying to be more consistent in his growth to make sure he can get back in Miami this draft.
 
(798 words)

Way to show the haters that the VHLM can be a good career option too! You'll be in the big league in no time Lamby

Dakota Lamb
Centre | 6' 1" | 185 lb. | Age: 19 |  |

 


Dakota Lamb is a speedy two-way centre born in Niagara, Ontario, Canada. He is the son of former Edmonton Oilers C Mark Lamb, who won a Stanley Cup in 1990. He has grown up his whole life playing mainly hockey, beginning with the Pelham Panthers. He also played baseball and ball hockey, however ice hockey was always his main passion. 
 
His whole career has taken place in southern Ontario. He dominated as a child and with his high school, which led to him being drafted by the OHL's Niagara IceDogs at age 16. He was not a high pick, however climbed up the depth chart and quickly became a swiss army knife "do it all" type of player. He can quarterback a Powerplay, deflect pucks in front of the net, kill Penalties, play a shutdown C role, or, in his most comfortable spot, be the scoring C you need to get your team a goal. With the IceDogs, he improved every season, scoring more goals and points as each season progressed. His OHL career was capped off with a J. Ross Robertson Cup (OHL Champions) followed by a Memorial Cup win. (CHL Champions)
 

 
After he had done everything you can do in the OHL, he considered his options. There was European leagues that were offering for his services; however Lamb had a conversation with his close family and friends, and he then decided that he did not want to leave North America. There was the NCAA that was offering, as well as his local USports teams, even his hometown Brock University Badgers. This offer was super enticing, however he went against all of his offers and declared for the VHLM draft. 

His agent told him that no VHLM team would be interested in him, and this is the worst career move that Lamb could've made. But Lamb loves to hear criticism like that. He took what his agent said, and got to the grind, skating, working out, becoming the best version of himself before the draft. And oh boy, did it pay off. In the 4th round, 49th overall in the S72 VHLM draft, the Miami Marauders took a shot on the kid from small town southern Ontario, and he could not have been happier. The Marauders had just taken Lamb's close friend Oh Sens, a RW from Japan, who he had met in Juniors, and now he had a chance to play on the same line as him. 
 
Lamb knew he was not going to be a high pick, but the doubters always fuel him. The more people think he can't succeed, he goes out and tries harder and harder. 

In his first VHLM game, Dakota Lamb scored his 1st goal, a moment he will never forget. He is looking forward to helping the expansion Marauders succeed and grow, and hopefully bring a championship to Miami sooner rather than later. We will see what lies ahead for this youngster's career.

(505 words)

The Miami Marauders just finished up their first game of the season and came out with a surprise win shocking everyone but themselves. While the team looked good as a whole one stood out from the rest with an impressive start to the season. Miami goalie Bacon "Baconator" took the hearts of the home town fans stopping 46 out of the ridiculous 50 shots on goal in their 6 to 4 win over the Minnesota Storm. 
 
Here is an exclusive VHL.com look at the Baconator in action! 
 

The greatest 

The Miami Marauders just finished up their first game of the season and came out with a surprise win shocking everyone but themselves. While the team looked good as a whole one stood out from the rest with an impressive start to the season. Miami goalie Bacon "Baconator" took the hearts of the home town fans stopping 46 out of the ridiculous 50 shots on goal in their 6 to 4 win over the Minnesota Storm. 
 
Here is an exclusive VHL.com look at the Baconator in action! 
 

OK, Bacon! Let's get it Miami

We lost, but Bacon is killing it.

In his first game vs the Minnesota Storm, Dakota Lamb scored his 1st VHLM goal. A moment I'll never forget.

Hello, I am Otis Otterson. Please join me again on our journey of discovery, exploring the stories that other outlets don't discuss, because they don't matter.
 
Balloons: round, elastic, rubbery and buoyant. We often think of them in times of celebration, but they are also widely used in meteorology. One place they don't see much use? Professional hockey scouting departments.
 
One scout wants to change that. Jeremiah Jameson is a scouting intern with the Miami Marauders.
 
"Well, I was reviewing some tape, and I realized that we really struggle to get direct overhead shots of things like faceoffs. So, I ordered one of those weather balloons and I rigged a camera up on it," Jameson explains.
 
At first, the results were disappointing. The view of the faceoff would often be obscured, either by the linesman's body, or by the centers' helmets.
 
But then, something changed.
 
"My balloon was floating there, all balloon-like, when, suddenly, a piece fell off and hit a player," recalls Jameson.
 
The player, who has asked to remain unnamed, suffered a concussion and required three stitches. But, that wasn't the only damage. The Marauders' commitment to player safety was called into question.
 
Jameson was sacked. But he is not giving up on scouting by balloon. He has approached three other hockey teams, trying to sell his idea. So far, none have been interested, but Jameson isn't ready to give up.
 

Raymond Bernard and George Washington
 
@Jubis

Young Prospect Given The 'C' In Miami
 

 
VHLM expansion team the Miami Marauders, have voted for their three leadership slots this season and the final tally is in. The players have chosen 18 years old centre iceman Andre LeBastard for the honour of being the clubs' inaugural Captain.
 
The full leadership group for the club is as follows:
 
Captain: Andre Lebastard @Andre LeBastard 
Assistant Captain: Wolf Stansson @ahockeyguy (Wolf Stansson) 
Assistant Captain: Bacon @Bacon
 
LeBastard spoke to the press following the club's announcement. 'This is a real honour and I would like to thank the guys in the room for allowing me to lead the club going forward. We have a good bunch of guys in the room and the two Assistant Captains are both guys I voted for the top job, their leadership so far is undeniable. I think we can make a good leadership group together, as it's not just about one guy.' 'We have many players that I have noticed already, who have good leadership instincts and take responsibility who won't be wearing a letter and I think that speaks volumes about the job management have done in recruiting and the type of players we have here at the club.'
 
'I can't wait for the season to start and I am humbled by the appointment, now it remains for me to do my job both on and off the ice to help the team and the guys in any way I can.' 'Finally, thank you again, boys, for the huge honour and I will do my best not to let  you down.'
 

F - Julius Freeman
F - 
F - 
D - 
D - 
G - 
 
@Jubis

1. I joined last week when I saw a Reddit post for a different league, and someone in the comments said this league was better and I agreed with them after a quick look at the portal. 
2. Graphics, articles, and press conferences. 
3. Just want some friendly guys, maybe some teammates to play other games with, and of course a little shit talkin. 
4. Hopefully I will bring some goal scoring as one of the forwards on this team. 
5. In California so not much hockey here so I did Water polo, probably my tournament wins. 
6. Drinking.

The Miami Marauders are a new to the VHLM and with a new team came a new General Manager in Ricer13. He has been tasked to build a roster from scratch for the upcoming season but what is his plan?
 
After speaking with Ricer13 a few days ago his message became very clear. “Compete!” Ricer wants Miami to be competitive right out of the gate. So why did he move his first round picks? Well that’s simple, he doesn’t think there would have been enough to make Miami a serious contender right off of the bat so he opted for the strategy to pick up additional picks for next seasons draft and to move further down in this years draft. Now he will have the chance to draft active members who are ready to compete this season and build a winning culture for this team and then next season he will be able to fill out his roster with high quality stars to be a true contender. 
 
It’s not always as simple as it’s made out to be, every other team is trying to contend/compete as well. It’s only a matter of time before we see if Ricer13s vision for Miami will be a success. 
 
Word Count: 205

Love the confidence! Cheechoo looks like he's got what it takes on and off the ice to make a splash in the M this year!