JigglyGumballs

HC Davos Dynamo Press Conference Week Ending 29/5 1. We're reaching the end of the season, how do you feel about this season? 2. Following up on the previous question, we have a big offseason ahead of us. What do you think needs to be addressed first in terms of team need? 3. It's theme week! Do you like this season's theme? What do you appreciate about the VHL? 4. Do you follow any other sport apart from hockey? If not why do you enjoy hockey? 5. What is something you're really good at? 6. You want some BEANS?

HC Davos Dynamo Press Conference Week Ending 22/5 1. It's trade deadline day! Do you think any moves need to be made? If you're responding past the trade deadline, do you think we made the right decision? 2. Our past three games all had one goal deficits. What do you think the team needs to work on in order to convert on our chances? 3. We're heading towards the end of the season. Does being in the bottom of the standings affect your drive to play? Or does the standings not matter in terms of effort? 4. Any teams you're following in the NHL playoffs? I follow the Rangers bandwagon as of now. 5. Is there anything you're excited for? Whether it's a movie trailer, or game teaser, or anything, are you excited or can't wait for it to happen/arrive? 6. Do you have any pets? If not what would you like for a pet?

HC Davos Dynamo Press Conference Week ending 15/5 1. We've had a lot of tough sims as of late. Just this past sim were some 1 goal games. What do you think we have to do in order to get back in scoring shape? 2. In relation to the previous question, our team hasn't slacked defensively. Both David Tavau and James Teekirque are within the top ten in shots blocked. What does that say about the team and our mentality? 3. Would you prefer this format for pressers? Or do you prefer if I center the question prompts?? 4. How was your mother's day? 5. Are there any hobbies you enjoy doing apart from the VHL? I personally just play a lot of video games. 6. Who's your favorite NHL player? Why?

HC Davos Dynamo Press Conference Week Ending 8/5 1. We had a tough 0-3 sim yesterday and are currently in a 5 game losing streak. What do you think needs to change to get back to a winning format? 2. David Tavau is, as of writing, 9th in the league in terms of shots blocked. What do you think about his efforts? 3. We have a lot of draft capital this season. What do you think the team is missing? 4. Hey how's it going? I'm your new AGM! How do you feel about me coming back from the dead and being your AGM? 5. What's your favorite childhood TV show? 6. Hot chocolate or coffee?

Las Vegas, Nevada - Las Vegas Aces defender, Gruffud Theofylaktos, has seen solid production during the start of the VHLM's 83rd season. The lactose intolerant Greek has done well in a dominant Vegas team. Tallying a respectable 16 points in 22 games. The majority of these points coming from assists. Along with solid offensive production, Gruff has also seen solid defensive stats with 32 Hits and 20 shots block recorded so far, along with a +14 rating. While these stats are nothing in comparison to the more experience and gifted members of the team, it's the contribution that counts. According to the defenseman at least. " I know that I still have lot's to prove." Gruff has stated in an interview following practice. " We have a really good team. That means that you don't exactly get as many opportunities as you'd like. So for me, it's just taking every opportunity that I can get." When asked about what part of his game needs to be fixed, taking penalties was the first priority mentioned. As the Greek Menace is currently 9th in the league in penalty minutes. Nevertheless, the season is still early, and the only way to go is up for Gruffud. 200 Words.

I can guarantee you that it's not from a cow

I HAVE NO RIGHTS LETS GOOOOOOOOOO

Applying

LET'S GOOOOOOOOO

BILL BILL BILL BILL

Personally, I'm the type of person who simply doesn't give a shit a good chunk of the time. When I see social media posts and Instagram stories of people posting in solidarity of certain movements, I tend to not participate out of the desire to stay impartial. I honestly can't say what I do is good, and I have done my fair share of clicktivism myself so my opinion might not be the best. However, I can point out a couple of things that I hope make clicktivism a bit more understanding. From my understanding as a teenager who's not exactly capable of possibly donating or is able to organize events/fundraisers, stuff like changing logos or making random posts/online movements may be a method to express solidarity or support in that movement. I've admittedly done the black square post before. From my perspective, it was to voice my opinions as a minority myself in support of a serious social issue seen in both Canada in the US. I can understand why you feel like it's a pat on the back sort of action. It's certainly self-gratification to a degree. But to those who actively support that movement who can't exactly do more, it's a bare minimum. This also leads to my second point and that is awareness. More and more often you see society become less tolerant for certain touchy issues. Clicktivism in a way promotes that sort of awareness. Of course, it's a bare minimum again. And those companies that change their logos to rainbow colours while not directly contributing any actual financial or organizational contribution are a problem, I can see why people want to use methods like the black square posts to raise awareness. I'm a person who thinks of social issues with a more logical/analytical mindset. My brain is wired in a way to think of these things as impartial as possible. I don't know if it's a lack of empathy from my part or a possible personal fear of my opinion being disliked by others, but I guess I'm sorta playing devil's advocate for this post. I understand why people think that clicktivism is bullshit, I understand that doing more for things you actually care about is worth more than a PNG change. I also understand that people might be socially pressured to do something like clicktivism. Especially with the opinionated climate of social media. I know I have on occasion. But maybe showing that you support something might be what other's consider as enough in terms of support. Idk, I really appreciate you for bringing this topic up, it really does provoke discussions like this. I just hope this can provide some better understanding of clicktivism in general.

1. I think that our deep and talented roster is what's getting us wins. Most of the time we simply outscore some teams. Other games comes from clutch plays or great goaltending. It's like all aspects of the roster is contributing some way. 2. I think it's really cool, I wouldn't change it. I think it's unique to Vegas so I like the format now. 3. Ping me please. I want to be praised. 4. He's mid. 5. Anything in the 4th round is a steal in my books. From personal experience that's the best round to find hidden gems. So yeah, I'd say he's the biggest steal. 6. I follow the Jets and Kraken. One has given me nothing but pain, while the other has hope.

Las Vegas, Nevada - In a post-game interview following the 7-4 victory against the Houston Bulls, LVA's newest defenseman, Gruffud Theofylaktos, was asked an interesting question regarding his diet. A reporter for a local news tabloid asked the amount of milk Gruff consumes in order for him to play like he does. Surprisingly, Gruff said that he doesn't drink milk. Stating that he was lactose intolerant. After some laughter, Gruff said that he "doesn't know why [the reporter] would ask how much milk he consumes." Further elaborating on his statement he mentions that "if it was almond milk, then about 5 gallons." It was unclear if he meant it or not, but following the game, fans of the Aces started referring him as the Milk Man. Ironic considering his inability to drink milk and other dairy products. During a team practice, teammates notably Juan Ceson, would throw Gruff cartons of almond milk. Obviously referring to the defenseman's new status as the Milk Man. When interviewed about the pranks, Gruff laughed it off remarking that "at least they were considerate enough to give [Gruffud] almond milk." The name has since become a fan favorite. It was more marketable, but less menacing than Gruff's previous title as the Greek Menace. Las Vegas management has hinted at potential merch marketing the nickname. Depicting their newest defenseman holding cartons of almond milk with a bright big smile. However at the expense of Gruffud himself, that might stay as an idea until further notice. Nevertheless, this start of the season is quite an interesting one for the Greek rookie. 263 words

Gruffud Theofylaktos: The Greek Menace Born in Heraklion located on the island of Crete, the young Greek's hockey dreams would begin when Gruff's family moved to Athens when he was four. It was in Athens where Gruff gained interest in the winter sport when the winter olympics were being broadcasted. As a child, he quickly fell in love. With Gruff describing it in his own words, it was "love at first sight." Though because ice hockey was not a prominent sport in the country, there were very few ice rinks available that can facilitate such a hockey dream. Because of that, Gruff had spent most of his early childhood playing his next best choice soccer. However, his fate would soon change when his family would move again. This time, his family would immigrate to the US. Gruff's family would move to the city of Denver in Colorado. He had extended family already living there, so the adjustment period to a new country and culture was less challenging. For the young Greek, this was a dream come true. The US's hockey market was huge, and they were in Denver too. The Colorado Avalanche of the NHL would be a big influence for the 10 year old Gruff. It reactivated his dreams of playing hockey, and soon after immigrating, he would take up the skates and play for a local team. Gruff was not exactly the fastest skater in his team, heck he barely knew how to skate, yet it was easy to tell that the kid had potential. Placed on defense due to his lack of speed, his first indicator of potential was a talented physical prowess. While Gruff was still pretty small, he could out muscle players on the boards. When he finally could properly skate, he was considered a physical monster that can shut down an opposing team's defense. By high school, scouts have taken note of Gruff's potential, and while playing in AAA hockey, Gruff would soon commit to the US National Team Development Program's U17 team. Gruff's physical prowess would continue to dominate, as while he didn't put up as many points compared to the more dynamic defensemen he had as teammates, he was a shut down defender. Standing at a tall 6'4'' at 17, and just weighing in at 212lbs. Gruff could lay out the body, grind out the boards, and had a heavy slapshot. He became a sort of enforcer figure for the team. No one wanted to fight if he was on the ice. Someone tried running over the goalie? Gruff would beat them to a pulp. He became known as the Greek Menace during this time, as he still had a Greek accent while he spoke fluent English. Heading towards the end of his U18 season, Gruff decided that he wasn't going to get drafted. Instead committing to the University of Michigan. It was a promise he made to his parents. To finish college and get a degree. While he had dreams of playing for a professional team, he knew that his play style, unless there was a new dimension to it, would not bring him far at a professional level. So that's what he did at college. He began producing more on the offensive side, and all the while he worked on his degree. Once he played his last season in the NCAA, he spent another two years in college. Though even if his hockey career seemed over, there were still teams looking to sign him as a free agent. Notably in the VHLM. With that in mind, Gruff would be given a contract by the Las Vegas Aces of the VHLM, and his hockey dreams would continue... 611 words

1. I think what makes a great captain is a person who's willing to be active as a player consistently and is willing to help the team's newer members. 2. Seeing as I have a bit of catching up to do, I'd have to say Rustyov Dusterov, Dogwood Maple, and Travis Clark. 3. Nothing much happened since my family just recovered from COVID. But we did go out for boba on Easter Sunday. 4. Biggest strength has to be goaltending and our forward core. Biggest weakness is our defensive depth despite having some really good defensemen. I think we could really go far if we fill those holes. 5. I'm in the process of just experimenting, I'll base my build on some of the stuff that might be potentially viable, but I really want to just mess around and see what works and what doesn't. 6. I don't know how to skate so I don't play ice hockey. I have played some floor hockey intramurals before and I played both goalie and defense.

#IstillHaveLeaderInYourForunLR LET'S GOOO

So uhh... Hey. It's been a while hasn't it? A lot has changed since I left the VHL. A lot of new faces, but still a lot of familiar older ones. Now before I start going off and reintroducing myself, I wanna clarify that I've been gone for only a few months. Though I'm making it sound like I'm an ancient relic of the past. With that in mind, uhh hey! If you don't know me, I'm JigglyGumballs. Most people simply refer to me as Jiggs. I've been a member of the VHL since June 2020 so technically I'm heading towards year two now. So that's nice. In terms of contributions in the VHL, I've been an AGM and eventually the GM of Las Vegas in the M for a period of time. Sorta did some weird draft picks and made some dumb trades. Also spammed the term "TRADE THE PICKS TRUST THE PROCESS" when I could. Anyways, I guess this is my shameless attempt to milk TPE out of a sort of catch up post on what I've been doing since I left so if you don't really give a shit. Then uh, how's it going chief? To start things off, why come back now? Well, I did say in my last post that when I feel comfortable of earning the max amount of TPE per week again, I'd return to the VHL. So here I am attempting to fulfill that promise. Along with that the introduction of a new stats system that overhauls the previous meta. I thought that it might be a good time to come back and learn all the new stuff. In terms of my player, I honestly kinda want to dick around with my build. It's leaning towards another defensive defenseman like how I did my last player, but I'm really hoping for a more goon build that only makes slapshots. If this becomes a viable build as part of the new meta, then you're welcome for ruining the new attributes. In terms of irl stuff. Uh to those interested, I've applied for a college now. Yay... I'm also struggling to find a job because I didn't consider getting any sort of work experience or volunteer hours earlier in highschool. Double yay... And guess what, I got COVID and extended my spring break by two weeks LET'S GOOOOO. Depressing shit aside, I'm doing really well now. After an honestly disappointing experience with COVID, I'm at the back half of highschool. I've spent a lot more time with my friends and just been enjoying life on a day by day basis. In terms of what I want to achieve in my second coming in the VHL, I hope to some day go back to the GMing/AGMing scene though I'm not quite ready for that now. I also hope that I can be just as active as I was before. With all the new changes and new faces, I really want to re-experience the VHL in a new light. So excuse me in advance for being a dumbass and not knowing new things. So yeah. I'm back, and I hope I don't die and become inactive anytime soon. 533 words.

Player Information Username: JigglyGumballs Player Name: Gruffud Theofylaktos Recruited From: Returning Age: 24 Position: D Height: 76 in. Weight: 245 lbs. Birthplace: Greece Player Page @VHLM GM

TRADE THE PICKS TRUST THE PROCESS

So hey, been a while eh? This is probably the least secretive secret I've ever had the pleasure of keeping, but I'm officially announcing that I am taking an indefinite break from the VHL. In the last two seasons or so, it was kind of obvious that I hadn't been paying the most attention in the VHL. Heck, I didn't even do a waiver offer in the entirety of last season. Literally going against what the VHLM is supposed to do. Keep in mind that this is in no fashion a type of flex or something. It shouldn't be something to be proud of honestly. I'll be the first to admit that in these past two seasons, I've completely mismanaged Las Vegas, leading it to be a shell of what it once was by the end of my tenure. All of this is just me emphasizing how hands off I've been in terms of this sim league. So why have I been like this? Did I just lose motivation? Is it because of the amount of changes as of late? To be frank, motivation has just been one factor as to why I've been absent. The main reason is simply because I'm too busy in life. I'm in my senior year of high school with no real idea of where to go with my future. Sure motivation has been a factor for a while. I've just felt like I've enjoyed spending with my friends irl than being in the VHL, leading into my decline. But the fact that I've had a large focus on my future is the main reason why I've been gone, and will be gone from the VHL moving on. I know some people are content with a minimal presence in the VHL, and most people have work, along with a good chunk having school. Yet they're able to leave time for this sim league and contribute greatly. For me, it's not really the same situation. Life is simply too busy, and my motivation has taken a toll because of it. I really don't expect anyone to pity or sympathize with me. This is just a little bit of a vent at some of my regrets as of late. I regret not being a better GM and not being able to uphold my job of retaining new players. Honestly my tenure has been nothing but a meme. Call me a bitch if you want to, but I've always been hard on myself when it comes to the VHL. I always have high standards in what I do, what I can contribute, and the inputs I try to put in. Especially when I was still relatively new. So when things get busy and I don't hold up to the same standards I set myself to, I decide that it was time to set back. Now I won't disappear from the VHL completely. Yeah I'm taking an indefinite break, but in reality, I'll be lurking a lot more. Kinda like how I am now. II'll check in every now and then, maybe like a few posts, bring out the popcorn on any drama. And by break, I don't mean any specific time. I might be back literally days after this post. Maybe it'll take me months. One way or another, I wanna come back when I feel comfortable in being able to max earn and go back to how I used to be. I still love the VHL, and this community has been one of the best I've had the pleasure of being in. I just hope that when I come back, I can fully commit to this place like before. So until then, I bid all of you a farewell.

Please carry on the tradition of "Trade the picks, Trust the process"