fishy

lmao dil's feet dont touch the ground what a vertically challenged little boy

dil did cow dirty with the shit photography skills tbh

Love the energy from this thread!

Need these lads to start modelling 

Cow is a great photographer.

Having finally been able to meet Toronto Legion defenseman Ryuji Sakamoto's friend, Ann Takamaki, I can see why he's so taken with her. I have heard many stories of this young lady, dating back to the time Sakamoto and I spent together in Mexico City, Mexico. "My friend from back home, Ann," Sakamoto would say, reintroducing the concept of this young woman with each new anecdote. The only person he talks about nearly as much is Ren Amamiya, who came to visit when we were stationed in Istanbul.
 
               We met Ms. Takamaki at Toronto International Airport, following a rather hectic travel situation and a particularly anxious Sakamoto. It was unclear from Sakamoto's stories as to whether or not he and Ann were a couple, or simply really good friends, though I always got the impression Sakamoto had a crush on the young lady.
 
               Due to security restrictions, we had to meet Ms. Takamaki in the baggage collection area. "C'mon c'mon c'mon!" Sakamoto was growling under his breath, pacing nervously, waiting for her to appear, keeping his eye on the escalator. Five minutes passed. Then ten. I began to wonder if I should buy Sakamoto some food to keep his hands busy when he finally exclaimed, "There she is!" He left in a flash, showing off his old track star speed as he ran toward the escalator. I was still uncertain which of the dozen or some women around his age to which he was referring, but my confusion was cleared quickly when one of the women's mouths went wide in a grin.
 
               "Ryuji!"
 
               She was a rather fetching girl, certainly not of a purely Japanese heritage. She wore her blonde hair in a pair of long, loose pigtails, which danced in front of a maroon hooded sweatshirt. Now that I've seen the girl, I recall Sakamoto telling me that she was half-Swedish and had been something of an exchange student in Tokyo. Or maybe she lived there on her own? My recollection of the conversation was fuzzy. I watched patiently as the two of them embraced, arms wrapping around each other tightly at the bottom of the escalator, oblivious to those around them. It did not escape my notice that the embrace was an enthusiastic hug, but there was no kissing, and again I wondered if this was simply a strong friendship, or if young Sakamoto was hoping for more from it. Judging by his behavior in the past few weeks, he certainly acts like a man in love.
 
               Eventually they extricated themselves from each other and cleared the path from in front of the escalator, moving toward me. I found myself suddenly very self-conscious, like a chaperone at a school dance who just caught some rather untoward activity beneath a table [editor's note: one of my favorite memories of high school involved a particularly daring 30 seconds below a table at my then-girlfriend's junior prom]. Sakamoto made awkward introductions before leading the way toward the exit, leaving me to follow as if on a leash.
 
               I kept my distance from them as we boarded the subway that would bring us near to the apartment we shared, and it suddenly occurred to me that we had not discussed any kind of sleeping arrangements. I decided that, should the need arise, I would vacate my own bed for the youthful Takamaki and sleep in the recliner in the living room.
 
               "That guy over there with the blond hair looks familiar," I heard someone near me say. "I feel like I've seen him on TV or something."
 
               Eager to keep Sakamoto's identity relatively secret for as long as possible, I replied to the stranger. "I've certainly never seen him before. Though there was a man outside the restaurant in the airport who looked similar."
              
               The stranger seemed to accept my deception and does not comment again, at least for a minute or so until Sakamoto exclaimed, "I'm telling you Ann, playing for the Toronto Legion is such a cool experience! It's all the fame I wanted when we were the Phan-" Sakamoto grunted, eyes going with indignation. A sheepish expression quickly painted his face, and I wonder what he was about to say before Ann Takamaki silence him with a pointed elbow.
 
               "That's right!" the stranger said. "That's the new guy on the Legion, Roogee or something like that! Hey, Roogee! My son is a huge fan! Can you sign something for him?"
 
               Within moments, the train was filled with people looking in Sakamoto's direction, a nervous-looking Ann suddenly sliding behind his shoulder to peer out at the oncoming crowd. I shook my head, bemused by Sakamoto's complete lack of subtlety.
 
               "My son said you can't shoot worth a crap," the stranger said idly, digging through her bag for some slip of paper and a pen for Sakamoto to sign, "but that you work as hard as anyone on the team. He likes you blue collar type of players. Personally, I like that Atreides fellow. Strapping, handsome lad, and he's exciting to watch. I think he's got 21 goals now?"
              
               Indeed, the Toronto Legion's leading scorer has eclipsed the 20-goal mark for the eighth consecutive season. He will be hard-pressed to reach last season's gaudy total of 61, but Paul Atreides continues to produce despite being nearly at the end of his guaranteed Hall of Fame career. Heading into this season, the diminutive center had played just over 500 games and had well over 600 points, with almost 300 of those points being goals. Never a particularly physical player, he nevertheless built a career on being Mr. Clutch, mostly for the Moscow Menace, before moving to Toronto and having a career year with 61 goals and 59 assists for a staggering 120 points. It's no wonder the Legion's fanbase took such a quick liking to him. Idly, I wondered how many fans Sakamoto himself has, excitedly cheering on his sacrifices to block shots, to do the unsung work to make goals from people like Atreides mean that much more in the standings.
 
               The hubbub around Sakamoto's presence eventually died down enough that he was able to make his way toward me, Ms. Takamaki staying close behind. "Ann's used to busy subways from back home," Sakamoto explained, "but this was something else, man!" A few minutes later and we departed the subway, accompanied by a quick cheer of "Let's go Legion!"
              
               The Toronto Legion are looking to stay in the North American Conference's playoff picture, currently in an absolute dogfight while they jockey for position with the D.C. Dragons, the Chicago Phoenix, and the Seattle Bears, while fighting to stay ahead of the Calgary Wranglers. At the time of this piece, only the New York Americans, Los Angeles Stars, and Vancouver Wolves look like early eliminations from post-season contention.
 

Subway stations can be very busy places...
 
 
Note: Claiming for the week of 7/25 and 8/1

15 years is a long time in internet years. A lot has changed not only in internet culture, but the world’s culture. Personally, I haven’t even reached my 3 year birthday in the VHL. Due to this fact, this article won’t have much journalistic integrity. I’m going to make a lot of general assumptions based on nothing but stereotypes and biases in my mind. Look, I’m not proud of it either, but I’m currently on vacation and if it weren’t raining outside at the moment, this would likely be the first theme week I’ve missed. So, let’s spew words until we get to 500 and hopefully I’ll make up for this sub-par effort with future posts or maybe I’ve already covered myself by riding on the quality of my previous posts.
 
Taking the wayback machine to 15 years ago lands us in 2007. Much of the internet was dominated by cis white males. Testosterone reigned supreme which means juvenile jokes sprinkled with homophobia and misogyny were par for the course. You won internet street cred by out insulting your target, the more vulgar the better. The more personal the better. Any sign of care or concern for another person or group was a display of weakness, so never do that. I imagine the general tone of the VHL followed this same ethos. One could argue the reason the VHL was created was to just give another avenue to allow angsty teens to yell at one another. Use the guise of a competitive hockey simulation league as a cover to let insults fly.
 
In those 15 years since 2007, internet culture has changed in some circles. Others, it’s gotten worse. It seems like in general culture every step forward is followed by a step or two back. Are there areas of the internet that still thrive on hatred and insulting of others? Sure. Are there areas that are much more accepting of many types of people. Yes. Maybe I’m kidding myself, but I like to think the VHL community is a member of the later. An accepting community of all people. A community that provides safety for people to open up and express themselves. 
I want to recognize the leaders of this community for making conscious decisions and changes to improve the community. Things like creating a code of conduct and having moderators around to protect everyone. I know that sometimes things like that can be controversial and everyone might not agree with decisions made by those in power. But that is part of growth, it’s not perfect. We do our best to make the best decisions at that moment with the information we have. Sometimes the end result isn’t ideal, but if the intentions are pure, we all move down the path of progress.
 
Thank you to those in power who helped move this community from where it was 15 years ago to where it is today, thank you. The VHL may not be perfect and who knows, I might write an article 15 years from now looking back and saying the exact same thing, but I think the VHL is a better place than it’s ever been. That’s thanks to the maturation of everyone involved. Happy Birthday VHL!
 

This board has definitely changed big time as far as what’s allowed to be said. We once had a member of blue team just straight up say the n word in forums like it was nothing. Even being the troll I am that wasn’t cool with me and when I messaged him asking him to stop he just said ok dad and seemed annoyed by it. Some changes have definitely been for the better. 

I am indeed a hall of fame builder

Jamie was a blast and didn't take shit from anyone - had the pleasure of being on her team when she had her best player, Brennan McQueen, and GMing her on Riga and in the VHLM with Ottawa.
 
Just naming other "noteable" female members....Meg, Cailean, and I'm sure I'm missing more.
 
Also yes, @Squidward used to not always troll and used to be a VHL GM, VHLM GM, VHLM Commissioner, and BoG member.

I can remember it clearly, waking up that morning. I could hardly sleep. The thought of finally getting to play in front of a crowd so large was intimidating. All these emotions were running through my head. Was I going to be the player the Reapers wanted? I tried to forget these thoughts by envisioning some plays in my head while I sat down for my breakfast. Good old bacon and eggs to get started in the morning. I made it a rule that there would be no sports networks the day of a game or the day after. I did not want the media to affect me in anyway. I stand out on my balcony, overlooking the city of Philadelphia. It is peaceful at 5:30 am, though in a couple hours this city will be loud and full of life. This move had really shaken me, but I’m happy to be a part of a new team.
After breakfast, I went down to the rink. I dressed in just my skates helmets and gloves, and went out for a very light skate. I worked on my shot, and stick handling mostly. Just getting a feel for the puck and get some nerves out. I stopped at center ice, and just basked in the glory of the rink. I did a couple more laps, and made sure to hit the cross bar before leaving the ice. Immediately went to the lunch area and had myself a light snack. Apple, and a couple granola bars. It was time to talk a walk down by the river. Was odd being able to look across the river into another country? It doesn't feel any different from just looking at it, makes you wonder if there really is a difference.
 
Lunch time comes around, and I had heard of this steak house place I wanted to try. It was called The Bulls with their famous secret recipe. I enjoyed my heavy meal, and ventured back to my apartment for a quick nap. Proceeding the nap I hop into the shower and blast myself with cold water. Really sparks my energy and gets me motivated. Head back to the rink, and hit the bike before we hit the ice for our pre game skate. I walked into that dressing room, I felt the sweat dripping down my back. My nerves were shot, no one can prepare you for something like this. I am struggling with my breathing while I tie my skates. I walk out into the hallway, they tell me that we rookies have to go first. My nerves multiply, I step into the runway, and can hear the roaring of the crowd. The stadium is packed already. Everyone excited for the first game with some new teammates. I take a deep breathe, feel that strong cold ice smell. Take a step, and run on to the ice. I go out take a couple shots, and look around. Seeing your name on the back of a jersey, well I've never smiled so big in my life. Everything else just came together at that point. It just felt like I finally was where I belonged.

Wow this is such a cool announcement

UH OH
 
@fishy HELP

sorry

13 thousand words? 
 
since when did you get into the burnout any% speedrun category gustav

Bruh

I think that might be oversimplified somewhat. It’s not like it was exclusively Vancouver doing it or every player on Vancouver so to say the entire team and anyone that played for them for 3-4 seasons gets an asterisk isn’t really fair. Other teams were doing the same thing, maybe slightly less effectively but it was still happening.

Because the VHL is turning 15 this fine year of our lord two thousand and twenty two I found it fitting to review the top members that have entered this mortal world after the Victory Hockey League.
 
4. @Dil. Dil is a young member of the league and has been on a mission to tear it into the ground. However, his anti-fascist rhetoric has been a great benefit in the moderation world. If the young Dil had not become a mod, I don't think they'd be doing a lot in the league at this time, as true VHL boomers will remember when I was named his replacement as Halifax GM because he was THAT BAD (nothing else). Dil's most notable league additions have been his dedication to standing against the many VHL leaders that are literal neo-nazis. Thanks Dil! I rate Dil 15/15 years.
 
3. @MinionSpeaking of Halifax GMs! This member was my successor in the lovely land of Halifax General Managering if you disregard the current GM (I do). The most notable move they made was literally trading a first for a second and seventh. An amazing trade that has stood up amongst the pillars of this community, such as Shawn Glade's self trade and trade down for 2 worse picks, or rory's Jeffrey Pines to Vancouver for a second. The greatest parts of Minion have always been his VHL discord contributions and I must assume he has continued them since I have left the nazi recruitment center of VHL general. I rate minion 13/15.
 
2. @MexicanCow123. MarxistCow123 is a true VHL legend for his dedication that he has shown to the league that is literally older then him. For his work being a stellar Yukon Rush GM (only VHL boomers remember the YUKON RUSH!), the most active and accurate updater, and his most recent work as general manager of the New York Americans. He also has a hall of famer coming in Jerome Reinhart! MarxistCow's always stood to their guns and kept the cap equal amongst all teams (the 1 team he traded with 3-4 times a season), and for that I rate him a solid 13/15 years.
 
1. @Josh. This young man has been such an amazing contributor to VHL! For their work as a developer, creating the VHL portal at the rife age of 10, Josh deserves all of the accolades. Adding on his amazing work as my first ever majors General Manager (shit, he made me do all the work after like 3 seasons), and Commissioner (also shit), this member is such an easy top 4 members that the VHL is older then. One thing I'd like to see more from Josh is more playing rocket league with me and not abandoning the raft game from like last year with muff. Josh is the sole reason we have not played and I refuse to believe otherwise. All of this being said, I think Josh is a solid 11/15 years and I'm going to come to Winnipeg and make him play ghost hunter with me so I can sit in the van all day.

He really didn't accomplish anything meaningful until he got to D.C., but I think this season alone MIGHT just be enough to get him some HOF consideration.

no jeffrey pines mention 3/10

You should have seen the first two boards, we had downright calmed down by the time we hit this one. The original was a cesspool.

Cannot stress how true this is.😅

It’s been a while since I've actually done a 6-tpe point task, and it feels a bit odd. I became eligible for pension and I’m just coasting now. I’ve decided to come around again for theme week.

This article is going to include the following:
Swearing Links to articles that reference sex and other stuff that we’ve restricted since actually having a mod team
Read at your own risk

2007–I was just 8 years old, some folks here weren’t even a thought yet, and other dorks were, well, here. Starting a hockey simulation league. The league, for a long time, was just a bunch of guys–boys, really–bein’ dudes. When you look back through the forum for what this league was like, it looks like a whole different place, despite seeing names pop up here and there over the last 9 years. (Of note, this forum only started existing in 2013, so that’s the earliest content we’ve got.)

There are some real gems still living on the site for public consumption, and I want to share them. This article is just going to be a collection of random shit that you find when you search the word “girl” in the search, because what could possibly go wrong?

December 2013: What could go wrong, asking VHLers for advice?

Oh, how the times have changed. We have countless threads have been created just in the last year of people 1) asking for advice and 2) offering advice (hit up Berocka for all your legal needs). Podcast question threads galore, and not too much engagement on those. While the linked thread doesn’t have a whole lot of content on there, I’m sure that it gave the podcasters something to talk about, much more than asking what their favorite color is.

January 2014: People fight about a graphic originally made for Emma Watson that was supposed to be Al Watson

This interaction is hilarious to me. By the time I showed up, the graders were long (I think) gone, and thank god. Your content used to be evaluated by other people and the amount of TPE you got was based on that evaluation. Actually bonkers.

I wish I could see the original graphic, because based on context, I think Emma Watson was the render. We have an oldhead that I forget is an oldhead, STZ, making an appearance in the thread with the notable contribution, “lmao. stoopid.” iconic.

July 2014: The first mention of a female user that I find in my not-very-thorough search

Jamie appears to have come and gone, last seen 2017. A shame, I wonder what the experience of coming back would be like.
I will say there is one comment that aged exceptionally well:


Nice work, Devise.

This thread also features a young eaglesfan … not trolling? I didn’t know there was an era where that was the case.

Ultimately I laughed reading this thread because it began as someone being butthurt about things that weren’t personal, saying “get it all out there and off your chest” and then they’re the only person that’s mad. I lack context, so maybe there’s something I’m missing, but who cares. This article isn’t about accuracy, it’s about laughing at people in the past
 
—

I’m calling this article a wrap because I don’t want to continue sifting through the sexism and sexualization of women but it was a fun go. The league has come a long way in the past 15 years, going from calling people a girl as an insult, posting pictures of themselves and calling each other ugly, and talking about their genitals then saying no homo to letting folks of all genders intermingle without it being weird or uncomfy all the time. I will say, though, that the insults were way better in 2014.
 

It’s been a while since I've actually done a 6-tpe point task, and it feels a bit odd. I became eligible for pension and I’m just coasting now. I’ve decided to come around again for theme week.

This article is going to include the following:
Swearing Links to articles that reference sex and other stuff that we’ve restricted since actually having a mod team
Read at your own risk

2007–I was just 8 years old, some folks here weren’t even a thought yet, and other dorks were, well, here. Starting a hockey simulation league. The league, for a long time, was just a bunch of guys–boys, really–bein’ dudes. When you look back through the forum for what this league was like, it looks like a whole different place, despite seeing names pop up here and there over the last 9 years. (Of note, this forum only started existing in 2013, so that’s the earliest content we’ve got.)

There are some real gems still living on the site for public consumption, and I want to share them. This article is just going to be a collection of random shit that you find when you search the word “girl” in the search, because what could possibly go wrong?

December 2013: What could go wrong, asking VHLers for advice?

Oh, how the times have changed. We have countless threads have been created just in the last year of people 1) asking for advice and 2) offering advice (hit up Berocka for all your legal needs). Podcast question threads galore, and not too much engagement on those. While the linked thread doesn’t have a whole lot of content on there, I’m sure that it gave the podcasters something to talk about, much more than asking what their favorite color is.

January 2014: People fight about a graphic originally made for Emma Watson that was supposed to be Al Watson

This interaction is hilarious to me. By the time I showed up, the graders were long (I think) gone, and thank god. Your content used to be evaluated by other people and the amount of TPE you got was based on that evaluation. Actually bonkers.

I wish I could see the original graphic, because based on context, I think Emma Watson was the render. We have an oldhead that I forget is an oldhead, STZ, making an appearance in the thread with the notable contribution, “lmao. stoopid.” iconic.

July 2014: The first mention of a female user that I find in my not-very-thorough search

Jamie appears to have come and gone, last seen 2017. A shame, I wonder what the experience of coming back would be like.
I will say there is one comment that aged exceptionally well:


Nice work, Devise.

This thread also features a young eaglesfan … not trolling? I didn’t know there was an era where that was the case.

Ultimately I laughed reading this thread because it began as someone being butthurt about things that weren’t personal, saying “get it all out there and off your chest” and then they’re the only person that’s mad. I lack context, so maybe there’s something I’m missing, but who cares. This article isn’t about accuracy, it’s about laughing at people in the past
 
—

I’m calling this article a wrap because I don’t want to continue sifting through the sexism and sexualization of women but it was a fun go. The league has come a long way in the past 15 years, going from calling people a girl as an insult, posting pictures of themselves and calling each other ugly, and talking about their genitals then saying no homo to letting folks of all genders intermingle without it being weird or uncomfy all the time. I will say, though, that the insults were way better in 2014.
 

It’s been a while since I've actually done a 6-tpe point task, and it feels a bit odd. I became eligible for pension and I’m just coasting now. I’ve decided to come around again for theme week.

This article is going to include the following:
Swearing Links to articles that reference sex and other stuff that we’ve restricted since actually having a mod team
Read at your own risk

2007–I was just 8 years old, some folks here weren’t even a thought yet, and other dorks were, well, here. Starting a hockey simulation league. The league, for a long time, was just a bunch of guys–boys, really–bein’ dudes. When you look back through the forum for what this league was like, it looks like a whole different place, despite seeing names pop up here and there over the last 9 years. (Of note, this forum only started existing in 2013, so that’s the earliest content we’ve got.)

There are some real gems still living on the site for public consumption, and I want to share them. This article is just going to be a collection of random shit that you find when you search the word “girl” in the search, because what could possibly go wrong?

December 2013: What could go wrong, asking VHLers for advice?

Oh, how the times have changed. We have countless threads have been created just in the last year of people 1) asking for advice and 2) offering advice (hit up Berocka for all your legal needs). Podcast question threads galore, and not too much engagement on those. While the linked thread doesn’t have a whole lot of content on there, I’m sure that it gave the podcasters something to talk about, much more than asking what their favorite color is.

January 2014: People fight about a graphic originally made for Emma Watson that was supposed to be Al Watson

This interaction is hilarious to me. By the time I showed up, the graders were long (I think) gone, and thank god. Your content used to be evaluated by other people and the amount of TPE you got was based on that evaluation. Actually bonkers.

I wish I could see the original graphic, because based on context, I think Emma Watson was the render. We have an oldhead that I forget is an oldhead, STZ, making an appearance in the thread with the notable contribution, “lmao. stoopid.” iconic.

July 2014: The first mention of a female user that I find in my not-very-thorough search

Jamie appears to have come and gone, last seen 2017. A shame, I wonder what the experience of coming back would be like.
I will say there is one comment that aged exceptionally well:


Nice work, Devise.

This thread also features a young eaglesfan … not trolling? I didn’t know there was an era where that was the case.

Ultimately I laughed reading this thread because it began as someone being butthurt about things that weren’t personal, saying “get it all out there and off your chest” and then they’re the only person that’s mad. I lack context, so maybe there’s something I’m missing, but who cares. This article isn’t about accuracy, it’s about laughing at people in the past
 
—

I’m calling this article a wrap because I don’t want to continue sifting through the sexism and sexualization of women but it was a fun go. The league has come a long way in the past 15 years, going from calling people a girl as an insult, posting pictures of themselves and calling each other ugly, and talking about their genitals then saying no homo to letting folks of all genders intermingle without it being weird or uncomfy all the time. I will say, though, that the insults were way better in 2014.