Laine

I'm in

Laine (Pictured above) on the ice yesterday in Miami, Florida. MIAMI - In 4 days, all VHLM and VHL training camps will open as the players prepare for another season, but no one is quite as excited as Patrik Laine of the Miami Marauders. Laine, you may recall talked about potentially playing the VHL and was selected by his childhood team, the Helsinki Titans, 9th overall in the VHL Draft and since signed a 3-year entry level contract with them. "It was just perfect that they were right in the range of where I was supposed to go, but I was prepared for anything" Said Laine, when asked about the draft "You gotta remember that just because a team talked to you doesn't mean they will pick you. The VHL is still a business. I would have been happy anywhere, but it was perfect that Jubo set me up financially and long term with a stable contract" Laine may have been surprised by the Titans selecting him, but the biggest surprise for him came in the VHLM draft. He was widely expected to be the second overall pick, but his thoughts of going to the VHL scared a few teams off, so he fell all the way to the 5th round, where he was picked up by the Miami Marauders. "I watched the Marauders pick me at my home in Finland and when they picked me, I knew that if I played in the VHLM this coming season, I would prove to the other 11 teams that could have picked me up in the 4th or 5th round that they made a huge mistake." Says Laine Laine (pictured above) participating in a high intensity drill at a Houston Bulls practice last season. Laine put up 59 points in 58 games with Houston last season. "My decision to stay in the VHLM didn't come down to just me" said Laine, when asked about the choice to stay in Miami "I talked to Jubo after the draft last night and he told me they are already deep in forwards there, I would be playing only 3rd line minutes which wouldn't matter, but he told me I would develop better down in the M playing first line so it was an easy choice to listen to him. I grew up watching him and Helsinki so I trusted him." The Founder's Cup, which was far out of Laine's grasp last season in Houston now seems closer then ever with Miami having a lot of superstars, but Laine says this doesn't change his approach or make things any easier. "I know we have a good team with Dakota, Matty, Andre and Vic but the season hasn't begun yet and we have to work as hard as everyone. Star power doesn't mean anything unless you work hard. I'm just making sure I am the best player on the ice once the puck drops and hopefully we can go all the way this year. Still a long way out and I haven't played in the playoffs before but it would be a blast." VHLM Training Camps will open in 4 days and Laine has already arrived in Miami.

Well I mean, I had all A+s last year so next year shouldn't be any different ?

As a high school student who can't really earn money (focus on studies) you didn't need to do this, but I really appreciate it!

Introduction: Down in Miami, a week before training camp and a day after the VHL draft, some players organized for a scrimmage game. They decided to do it draft style to pick teams. The team captains would be RW Patrik Laine and C Andre LeBastard. Laine won the coin toss, so he got to pick first. Team Laine: RW Patrik Laine C Dakota Lamb, LW O Sens D Kosmo Kramerev, D Matty Socks G Bacon Team LeBastard: LW Jared Willis C Andre LeBastard RW Rocket D Eoin Byrne D Wolf Stansson G Russell Rattie Game Summary: The first period was a whole lot of nothing. It was more or less just fooling around with the puck. However, we did see our first goal, coming on a point shot from Matty Socks tipped in front by Dakota Lamb to make it 1-0 Team Laine. Early in the second frame, things began to pick up and Team LeBastard would strike back on a breakaway goal Jared Willis to tie it 1-1. Several minutes would pass before the next goal, but it would be a Patrik Laine one-timer set up by O Sens on a 2 on 4 rush. It would be 2-1 Team Laine heading into the 3rd. Early in the 3rd period, Team LeBastard would take the lead, getting 2 goals in 15 seconds from Wolf Stansson and Andre LeBastard to make it 3-2 Team LeBastard. However, just 3 and a half minutes later, Team Laine would tie it up on a breakaway goal by O Sens set up by a great saucer pass from Kosmo Kramerev. We wouldn’t see anymore scoring in the 3rd as the score would remain 3-3 heading into a 5 minute, 3 on 3 overtime period. The OT period would go back and forth as both teams would get breakaways and 2 on 1 opportunities but the goalies would stand strong and not allow a goal through the first four minutes of overtime. That would all change in the final minute, as Rocket would score on a breakaway to win the game for Team LeBastard 4-3. Conclusion: It was a fun game and it was good for the team to bond before training camp, as they look to make a run at the Founder’s Cup next season.

Yeah and also the last 2 years, it may increase because of the TPE bracket

I'm gonna miss you but when I come to LA/Ottawa I will prank you still ?

SICK! LOVE IT!

Excited for the opportunity!

So, I was picked by Helsinki at 9th overall. I took some time and talked with Helsinki's GM, @Jubo07 and we came to the conclusion that I will stay in the VHLM for S73. I would like to thank the Helsinki Titans for selecting me, excited for the opportunity to play for my favourite team growing up and excited for the opportunity down in Miami this coming season. Cheers! - Patrik Laine

Patrik Laine has signed a 3 year, 5.5 Million dollar contract with the Helsinki Titans. Laine was picked 9th overall by Helsinki in the S73 VHL Draft. He put up 59 points in 58 games with the Houston Bulls in S72. The contract is structured as follows: S73: 3 Million S74: 1.25 Million S75: 1.25 Million

Introduction: Welcome to Super Series, where we will be discussing some of the best playoff series in recent memory. Let us start with arguably the best series of the S72 Postseason, the North American Conference FInals between the Calgary Wranglers and New York Americans. The season series between these two was quite even (4-1-3 for Calgary, 4-4-0 for New York). Calgary Wranglers (49-16-7, beat TOR 4-3) Calgary came into this series after a gruelling 7 game thriller against the Toronto Legion. The Wranglers were offensively lead by Sigard Gunnar, Willie Dredge, Edwin THE Encarnation, Mikko Lahtinen and Charlie Paddywagon. Each of these players averaged over a point per game across the entire S72 Postseason. Edwin The Encarnation and Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen lead the way defensively, being the top 2 players in shot blocks all throughout the S72 Postseason. In goal, the Wranglers had Jacques Lafontaine, whom amassed a 0.908 save percentage and 3.02 goals against average across the postseason. New York Americans (38-26-8, beat SEA 4-1) New York had the upper hand in both rest and ability heading into this series, having dispatched the defending Continental Cup Champion Seattle Bears in round one with a dominating 4-1 series win which saw New York play some of their best hockey all year. They were lead offensively by Owen Nolan, who had 16 points across 12 postseason games in those playoffs. However, their defense was playing excellent hockey that spring. Lance Flowers, Hugh Jass and Micheal Gary Scott were all top 10 in points by defensemen that spring. Flowers was playing at over a point per game pace (13 in 12 games). All three of those defensemen were also top 10 in blocked shots, contributing at both ends of the ice. Julius Freeman and Keven Foreskin led the way physically, being in the top 5 in hits throughout the postseason. However, the biggest X-Factor for New York in series was going to be A Red Guy, who was playing at a good level that postseason recording a .905 save percentage, but backing it up with a 2.76 goals against average. Game 1: NYA 4 - CGY 3 (NYA Leads 1-0) This game was very close. Most of it was the two teams trying to feel each other out, but the firework started early with Owen Nolan opening the scoring for the Americans just 3:23 into the game. It wouldn't take long for Calgary to respond though, as RJ Jubis would pot his 3rd of the playoffs just 4:03 later. The middle half of the period was very physical with not a lot of shots from either team. New York thought they had striked gold near the end of the period as Soren Jensen scored with 2:57 left in the first period, but Willie Dredge would come back 1:25 later to tie the game 2-2 for Calgary. The score would be 2-2 after one. New York came out firing in this period, recording 15 shots in the 2nd period and getting power-play goals from Scott and Jensen to take a 4-2 lead into the intermission. The third was extremely low shooting, but lots of hitting. Calgary was using their will to knock New York off the puck and it paid off with Gunnar making it a 1 goal game with just over 8 minutes to go. However, it wasn't enough. New York shut the door the rest of the way and took game one with a 4-3 win. Game 2: CGY 3 - NYA 2 (Series tied 1-1) This game opened with more firing. 21 combined shots between the two clubs in the opening 20. As you can imagine, there was some scoring in the first. Richard Penisson opened the scoring for New York mid-way through the first, but Sigard Gunnar would tie it up with 38 seconds left to send us to the first intermission with the teams knotted at 1-1. In the second, it didn't take long for Calgary to build off of their late goal in the first, tacking on a power-play marker from Latrell Mitchell just 58 second into the middle frame. New York would get one back late in the from Penisson, his second of the game to send us to the 3rd tied at two goals a piece. The third was back and forth with a balance of shots and physical play. Calgary would end up getting the lone goal of the period from RJ Jubis mid-way through the period. It would be enough as Calgary would shut down the New York offense and take game 2 to tie the series 1-1. Game 3: CGY 4 - NYA 3 (CGY Leads 2-1) Calgary rode a fast start to the win in this one, scoring 3 goals in the first period, but New York also had one to make it 3-1 after 20. At the beginning of the second, New York absolutely stunned the Calgary crowd, scoring 2 goals in the first 4 minutes of the second to level the game off 3-3 through a dominating period for New York, as they outshot Calgary 18-4 in the second. However, Calgary would get the last laugh of the second, getting a goal Mikko Lahtinen with 15 seconds left to send us to the intermission with the score 4-3 Calgary. New York once again dominated offensively in the 3rd, but not to the same extent as the second period, only outshooting Calgary 12-7. Calgary's physical defense would prove too much as they would shut down New York in the final frame in a wild 4-3 win for the Wranglers. Game 4: NYA 3 - CGY 1 (Series tied 2-2) This game was utterly dominated by New York, but the reason why may surprise you. It looked like Calgary was going to roll over New York, having scored on a dominating power-play shift just 2:36 into the game but then, penalty troubles. Calgary ended up taking 9 penalties in game 4, giving up 2 power play markers and getting outshot 53-22. The only 5 on 5 goal for New York came later in the first from Owen Nolan to tie it up 1-1. New York would score twice in the second, the first goal being 10 seconds into the middle frame to go up 3-1 going into the third. In the final frame, New York's defense shut down the surging Calgary offense to take game 4 and tie the series. Game 5: CGY 3 - NYA 1 (CGY Leads 3-2) This is the definition of stealing a game for the Calgary Wranglers. New York gets a goal midway through the first to go up 1-0, but Calgary strikes at the end of the period with Sigard Gunnar getting a power-play goal with 12 seconds left to level the game at 1-1 heading into the break. Calgary finished what they started in the second, getting 2 goals midway through to go up 3-1 heading into the third. From there, Jacques Lafontaine shut the door, stopping 11 out of 11 New York shots in the third period, 37 out of 38 in the game to help the Wranglers go up 3-2 in the series with a chance to close it out at home. Game 6: NYA 6 - CGY 2 (Series tied 3-3) New York absolutely dominated this game. It started early with a goal from Acyd Burn less than 5 minutes in to make it 1-0 Americans. Their lead would grow later with Owen Nolan's 4th playoff goal making it 2-0. Calgary would respond right away with Kris Rice scoring 25 seconds later to slice the lead in half. However, it didn't last long as only 1:45 later, Keven Foreskin would tack on a NYA power-play goal to make it 3-1 heading into the intermission. Calgary would begin to claw back in the second, Sigard Gunnar's 8th goal of the postseason would cut the New York lead to 1 again 7:17 into the second, but less then 4 minutes later, Foreskin would tack on his second of the game to make it 4-2 New York. It would stay like this through the second with New York entering the third with a 4-2 lead. New York would make it 5-2 on a quick goal by Jensen 12 seconds into the third period. They would get the game's final goal at 6:19 of the third on a 5 on 5 bullet from Scott. New York forces a game 7 with a decisive 6-2 win in Calgary. Game 7: CGY 3 - NYA 2 (CGY wins series 4-3) This game 7 had everything you needed. The goals started early, Calgary got 2 goals in the first 5 minutes of the game from Gunnar and Jubis to go up 2-0 heading into the second period. New York would battle right back, as near the end of the second period, they would score 2 goals in 10 seconds to tie it 2-2. That 2-2 score would take us into the third. The third was a very physical period as big hits and checks into the board became a common site. New York dominated the shot board in the 3rd period, outshooting Calgary 14-3 in the final frame. Despite this, Calgary made their 4th shot count, as Gunnar would score his league-leading 10th goal of the playoffs with just 30 seconds left on the board. New York wasn't done, getting 3 shots away in the last 15 seconds. However, their season was over. Calgary would take this game 3-2 and move on to the S72 Continental Cup Finals against the undefeated Riga Reign. (1596 words, 8474 characters written by @PatrikLaine)

Nothing much happen, just want to make myself clear. Pretty much, I told some VHLM GMs that I planned to play in the VHL, so they didn't pick me early like Ottawa at #2 Overall. If my GM tells me to stay in the VHLM this season, it makes it look like I purposefully told everyone to not pick me so I could go to Miami (because their team is stacked) so I am just here to say that if I end up in the VHLM next season, this wasn't premeditated. At this point, it is my future VHL GM's decision where I play next year.

Now, after being taken in the 5th round of the VHLM draft earlier tonight, I was thinking about my future. I thought about it and I decided I should make a statement: Keep in mind, I did not purposefully put out those VHL statements as some sort of ploy to fall in the draft. I'm not like that. My real intentions were to actually play in the VHL. I was talking with a few teams who said they would play me as a rookie, but I realized soon it all depends where I go. Differents GMs would rather me stay one more year in the VHLM then come up right away. I will know tomorrow once the draft is over. If my VHL GM wants me to play my rookie season in S73, that is what I shall do. If they want me to play one more year in the M then that is what I shall do. I will know tomorrow what my fate is. Sorry for the confusion everyone (I actually feel bad about it) - Patrik Laine

Same

Week 8: Offseason (Week Ending 7/19) 1) For those of you who are eligible for the VHL Draft, what are you feeling like heading into it? For those of you who have already been drafted, what do you remember most about the draft? 2) The World Cup starts today! What are your thoughts on the structure of it? Is there anything they could change? 3) What is your pre-game ritual? 4) What part of your game will you work on during the offseason? 5) Do Pineapples belong on Pizza? 6) What are your final thoughts on the play of the team this season?

I wasn't expecting that picture tbh ?

I got you back though....better go check on all of your hockey equipment......

Introduction: As you may know, the VHL draft is tomorrow night and we were able to catch up with first-round prospect Patrik Laine in Finland for an interview before the draft and we had quite a few questions for him. Here is what he had to say: PL How has the training been in Finland: PL: You know, it has been good. Miss going to the rink with Minott and Jiggs every morning but in Finland I am around a lot of friends and family so I get to have some fun while I am busy preparing for next season. We have heard rumours on you going as high as 8th overall, what do you think about that? PL: Well, it certainly is an honour to be touted as such a high pick in the VHL draft, but I gotta remember just because I am drafted doesn't mean I can take my foot off the gas. If anything, I have to push the pedal all the way down as there are hundreds of other players trying to be better then me which will help me play at my best. You announced last weekend you are hoping to make the jump to the VHL right away, what thinking went into that decision? PL: Yeah, I put quite a bit of thought in and talked over it with my family. I thought it was the right move in my mind because if I am playing against tougher competition in the VHL, I can improve faster and it would be great to be in a VHL locker room. How many teams have you maintained steady contact with up until now? PL: I have talked with quite a few teams. I won't say any names just for the privacy of GMs. It's been good talking with some of them and getting to know them but I know I will only go to 1 team in this draft. What have you been developing lately? PL: I've been improving on my physicality and shooting the most. I want to be able to use my frame to steal the puck away and with a quick release and one-timer, I want to have a dangerous shot from all over the ice. Will you be in the building for the draft? PL: Yes. Me and my family will be at the draft venue for the big event tomorrow. I'm excited but nervous at the same time and can't wait. Patrik Laine (pictured above) after scoring his first VHLM goal. Who do you think will pick you? PL: I have an idea, but I will keep that to myself for now. You will find out tomorrow. Rumour has it that after the draft, you are going to train with Tappara. Can you give us any information on that? PL: Yeah. I'll be training with Tappara starting on Thursday after the draft. I played U-14 through U-18 there and me and the director are pretty good friends so he thought he could help me train with their U-20 team and also give them some tips and tricks on how to play better. I love helping out young players and training so it is a win-win for me. As soon as I heard the invite, I was all for it. I will only be out there for a little while though as training camps start soon. Okay, last question. What do you think is the best part of your usual hockey game day? PL: I love making memories with the fans. I'll tell some kids near the glass to stick around after the game and I'll sign sticks and pucks for them. Autographs on jerseys, you name it. I also gift some pucks away in warmup. I love making memories with the young fans. To all of the young hockey players out there, you can be a pro too if you just put your mind to it. People mentioned: @JigglyGumballs @DreMin15 (655 words, 3235 characters written by @PatrikLaine)

This isn't too far off as a mock draft and I really appreciate the effort you put in not just for me but for each of the 52 players mentioned here. Extremely well done!

I'll gladly throw my name in that hat. Unfortunately do not have STHS access so that may be an issue.

Had me tearing up over here! Very well written. Keep it up, Patrik!

Introduction: Welcome to another episode of Patrik's Picks! Now, as you may remember a little while ago I did an article on my thoughts of every VHLM team’s MVP during the regular season. I will be taking this idea and flipping it to the postseason. Now, let’s see who we have for our top performers. Mississauga Hounds (Lost to PHI 4-1) MVP: RW Michael Mac (4-3-7 in 4 GP) Even though Mississauga was completely outmatched in their first-round exit against the juggernaut Philadelphia Reapers, right-winger Michael Mac showed up in a big way. Mac had 4 goals and 3 assists across 5 games in the series during Mississauga’s defeat in 5 games. Ottawa Lynx (Lost of SSK 4-1) MVP: G Ajay Krishna (0.895 SV% in 5 GP) It was kind of expected that the Lynx would fall after trading a couple of their stars at the trade deadline and then seeing them matched up against top-seeded Saskatoon. Krishna played admirably and through 5 games in the series had an 0.895% save percentage. Now I know that his 5.32 goals-against average doesn’t look so nice, but he was facing extremely high shot volumes almost every game in that series. Las Vegas Aces (Lost to MEX 4-2) MVP: G Nils Friedriksen (0.898 SV% in 6 GP) Las Vegas played admirably in their opening-round loss to the Mexico City Kings and Vegas netminder Nils Friedriksen is a big reason of why Vegas almost knocked off the Kings in the opening round. With a record of 2-3-1, an .898 save percentage and a stellar 2.75 goals-against average, Friedriksen was playing great hockey for Vegas but Mexico City was just too much to handle. Miami Marauders (Lost to MIN 4-3) MVP: C Andre Lebastard (1-11-12 in 7 GP) Nobody expected much out of the expansion Miami Marauders this year. If people thought a playoff appearance was unexpected, what happened next would blow their minds. Miami almost knocked off the powerhouse Minnesota Storm in 7 games in the first round. Miami centre Andre Lebastard was a part of this special Miami run, notching only 1 goal in 7 games, but adding 11 helpers within those 7 games as well. Unfortunately for Miami, their season would end with a crushing 5-3 loss in game 7. Minnesota Storm (Beat MIA 4-3, Lost to MEX 4-2) MVP: RW The Terrible Trivium (5-6-11 in 13 GP) After going down 3-1 to Miami in the opening round and coming back to beat them in 7 games, Minnesota was raring to go in round 2 for a date with the red hot Mexico City Kings. Minnesota right-wing The Terrible Trivium was a huge part of Minnesota’s amazing comeback. In 13 postseason games, he notched 5 goals and 6 assist for 11 points in 13 games. Unfortunately, Minnesota would be eliminated by Mexico City in 6 games. Philadelphia Reapers (Beat MIS 4-1, Lost to SSK 4-3) MVP: LW Adam Syreck (8-10-18 in 12 GP) Philadelphia looked like a true contender heading into round 2 this postseason. They easily took out Mississauga in 5 games in round 1. They were going to be tested in round 2 with their opponent being Saskatoon. The Reapers acquired Adam Syreck and a few other of Ottawa’s superstars at the deadline and after dominating in the regular season, Syreck wasn’t finished. In 12 games with the Reapers in the playoffs, he had 8 goals and 10 assists for 18 points. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough as the reapers would fall to Saskatoon in 7 games. Mexico City Kings (Beat LVA 4-2, Beat MIN 4-2, Lost to SSK 4-2) MVP: LW Jeffrey Pines (10-12-22 in 18 GP) Mexico City went on a miraculous run this postseason, dancing all the way into the Founder’s Cup Finals and a date with the red hot Saskatoon Wild. Kings left wing Jeffrey Pines was an absolute stud that entire run. He notched 10 goals and 12 assists in 18 games to help Mexico City advance into the Founder’s Cup Finals. Unfortunately, Mexico City would meet its match and end up losing to Saskatoon in a hard-fought 6 game series. Saskatoon Wild (Beat OTT 4-1, Beat PHI 4-3, Beat MEX 4-2) S72 Founder’s Cup Champions! MVP: LW Kazimir Komarov (14-17-31 in 18 GP) The moment Saskatoon won the Founder’s Cup, you knew exactly who their MVP was, star left-winger Kazimir Komarov. He recorded 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points in 18 games this postseason, one of the all-time great performances in VHLM Playoff history. However, Komarov didn’t just dominate on the score sheet, he dominated everywhere. Komarov in those 18 games also recorded 22 hits and 2 blocked shots to propel Saskatoon to the top of the VHLM. Conclusion: Before I end this article, I must say congratulations to the Saskatoon Wild for winning the Founder’s Cup! It was fun to watch you guys play all postseason and I wish all of you the best in your futures, especially their GM who is now taking a GM position with one of the VHL's expansion franchises. People mentioned: @McWolf @Gooningitup @rory @Spade18 @der meister @Andre LeBastard @Hooperorama @Biggreen10 @LastOneUp (842 words, 4703 characters written by @PatrikLaine)

Introduction: In the hockey world, you may know Doug Dimmadome as an up and coming goaltender poised for a breakout year in S73, but what you might not know is what is behind this goaltender. Doug always had a passion for goaltending and hockey in general, but he is also a famous entrepreneur and owns some of the world’s key monuments. Who is Doug Dimmadome on the ice? Doug Dimmadome is a 50-year-old goaltender who was born in Honduras. He stands only 5 feet 5 inches but weighs in at 200 pounds. He has great reflexes, shown by his amazing pad kick out and glove saves. He also has great rebound control. He is currently a free agent in the VHLM but will be eligible in time for the S74 draft. Who is Doug Dimmadome off the ice? Doug Dimmadome is one of the few great entrepreneurs in the United States. He resides in Dimmsdale, California and is famous as the owner of the Dimmsdale Dimmadome. He is known for his signature look which includes the extremely tall signature Doug Dimmadome ten-gallon hat. Conclusion: In reality, Doug Dimmadome isn’t just an amazing goaltender. He is also a wealthy entrepreneur with a huge following. He would bring tremendous ticket sales to the team that drafts him or signs him and can also play goaltender as good as anyone. @Esso2264 (227 words, 1261 characters)