KaleebtheMighty

I’ll pop in here to give an example of an abortion, and why deeming it wrong completely is wrong in and of itself.

 

My wife and I lost a baby in term at 17 weeks. It was absolutely gut wrenching for us both, and spun us into an awful mental spiral. When we received that news, it was the hardest I ever cried in my life.

 

At that point, we had only two options with how to proceed. The first option was a D&C. For those of you who are unaware of what that is, the doctor opens up the cervix of a woman with a tool and then either uses suction or a scraping tool to remove the fetus from the womb. It can be extremely painful. While the option of sedation is used, having to put a woman through that pain and trauma just after being told her baby died is unthinkable. It is soul crushing, pure and simple.

 

Our other option was to induce labor with a drug to deliver my son, so that we could have a chance to see him before we had to let him go. No tools would be used to remove him in pieces. And afterwards, when he would arrive, we could hold him and tell him how much we love him, even though we would only get one chance to see him. 
 

We chose the second option. And in that dark and stormy time in our lives, I got to hold my son, tiny and frail as he was. But you know what? He came out and had the best smile on his face, even though he had passed. I got to hold him close and tell him how much I loved him. And I will never forget, even in the moments of tears and weeping between my wife and I, the special moments we had with our son before we had to let him go.

 

That second option was an abortion. We had to have an abortion to be able to see my son. And because it was an abortion, our insurance didn’t want to cover it. So we had to pay that bill completely, which here in the US, was a big bill. Each month, we had to be reminded of what we went through until it was paid off.

 

And now it’s illegal where I live. While most people think of the simple cases where this can affect them. Now women and families where it’s illegal don’t have the option like we did to see their child in a similar situation.

 

That realization to me is just as soul crushing as that night was for me. There shouldn’t be a blanket ruling that makes all abortions illegal, it is inhumane.

F - Alex Johnston

D - Hard Markinson

 

@OrbitingDeath

Istanbul

On 6/20/2022 at 4:09 PM, Darth Kaprizov said:

1. Welcome to the start of another season of Prague Hockey, what are you most excited about?
2. On the contrary, what are you apprehensive about to start the season off?
3. Off season is over and training camp has begun.  What did skills did you work on over the off season?
4. What do you feel was the most controversial management move during the off season, for either Prague or the VHL?
5. What are your personal goals for the upcoming season?
6. Which Praguer do you think will have a breakout season?
7. Which Praguer do you think will have the biggest season?
8. Are you watching the NHL SC Playoffs?  Who are you routing for?

 

1). I’m excited for the future of this team. This season is going to be a little slow for us, but we’ll soon pick it up over the course of the next few drafts!

 

3). Skating was a big one, as well as more strength and more defensive positioning.

 

5). Since we are in a rebuild, I want to focus on being a main player for the future of this team. I’m committed to Prague’s success!

 

6). Not to be too conceited, but I think my player will have a much better season than last season. It started out slow last season, but right as S83 ended Laperriere began to find some rhythm. I think this season Laperriere will have at least 60 points or more.

 

7). Tessier is going to have the biggest season for the team.

 

8). I am, and I’m rooting for the Avalanche. My wife’s family currently lives out there and are big fans.

The Istanbul Red Wolves have extended a free agency offer to Matt Murdock.

 

@Acydburn

Istanbul

I'm in!!

 

*TAKEN FROM THE ISTANBUL RED WOLVES LOCKER ROOM*

 

 

The Motivator award is handed out to the player who brings about the best attitude and mentality in our locker room. With either great interactions among players or great speeches, this player made everyone feel welcome and excited to play for the Istanbul Red Wolves!

 

The nominees are…
@badcolethetitan
@Brandon

@jacobcarson877
 

And the winner of The Motivator award is…

 

 

 

 

The Bruiser award is given to the physical force of the Red Wolves. Punishing hits, physical play, and penalty minutes to go along with it, this player made their name known and feared on the ice. There wasn’t a game where this player didn’t have a Sportscenter Top 10 hit for that day.

 

The nominees are…

@jaredc7
@der meister
@LeBron Jamezz
 

And the winner of The Bruiser award is…

 

 

 

 

The Hunter award represents the lethality of the Red Wolves. Unwavering, unrelenting, and nearly unstoppable, this player was on the ice when it really mattered. And they never gave anything less than 120% in every situation. Some might call them “Mr. Reliable”, but we prefer The Hunter :howl:.

 

The nominees are…

@LeBron Jamezz
@badcolethetitan
@der meister
 

And the winner of The Hunter award is…

 

 

 

 

The Keeper award has a special ordeal this season. This is the first season where we had two incredible goalies on our roster. Not only did each player perform extremely well (underrated if you ask me compared to the consensus pick for best goalies in the E), but they ended with the exact same save percentage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AND NOW....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a pack of wolves, each member is ferocious. Each player is a predator on the ice, ahnilating their prey with effective ease. But in a pack, there is only one leader. One commander. One ultimate force. One who represents the very best that is an Istanbul Red Wolf.

 

The Alpha.

 

By and large, The Alpha winners each season represent an exclusive club of Red Wolves that truly left an impact on this team. Many have worn the jersey, but few leave a lasting legacy like The Alpha.

 

The nominees are…

@der meister
@LeBron Jamezz
@Insypher

@badcolethetitan

And the winner of The Alpha award is…

 

 

 

 

 

The wolves howl, the full moon rises, and the 4th ever Istanbul Red Wolves Awards draw to a close. It has been an extremely thrilling season, but one which ended in heartbreak. We were all so close to reaching the finals! But the greatest memories made were the ones where we rallied at the end of the season, on the backs of our leaders and the fiery speeches from @cole h. In those moments, our true team spirit shined bright. Thank you all for another fantastic season; I always love being your GM and helping you all enjoy this team. We will be rooting for you as you make your next steps in your VHL careers! Always remember, no matter where your career takes you, the Red Wolves never forget a member of the pack! 

Thanks again @thadthrasher for the trade discussions!

 

@Big Deeyou haven’t worn the Red Wolves sweater yet, but we wish you well on your new journey through the VHLE with the Vikings!

Awesome hire, congratulations @Arce!!!

@Brodie_Landrywhile you’re not quite up here in the E yet, I wish you well with your new VHLE team in your future!

 

Thanks @JB123for the talks!

On 6/2/2022 at 10:35 AM, Darth Kaprizov said:

1. Well…. the playoffs are over for Prague, what are your thoughts on the season?
2. Besides the exit from the playoffs, what was the key thing this season you didn’t feel went as planned?
3. Do you feel you played up to your expectations this season?
4. Based on this answer, what will you be working on in the offseason to get you to where you want to be next season?
5. If you could model your game after another player, who would it be?
6. What upcoming vacations or other activities do you have planned during the offseason?
7. Any thoughts on what you would like to see Prague do with it’s upcoming alternative jersey prototype?
8. If you had a choice, what meal would you chose from the following:  Salad with lots of vegetables and vinaigrette dressing,  cheeseburger and onion rings or barbeque chicken pizza?

1). I think we still have a good team and depending on some things, we could do really well next season!

3). Yes, and then things really started to click at the end. I think Laperriere is going to do great things here!

4). I need a better FO percentage and the ability to score, so I’ll be working on that this off-season.

6). I have a camping trip planned in Germany for a few days to just get away from the VHL for a bit!

8). Right now, I’m leaning towards the salad. Not the biggest fan of onion rings and BBQ pizza, although good, is more of a in the mood type of food for me.

 

I’ll apply as well!

On 5/23/2022 at 9:50 AM, Darth Kaprizov said:

1. Prague is having a late season push up the standings, you were playing well before this last stretch but what do you think has pushed the team over the hump?
2. Who would you want to play in the first round of the playoffs?
3. What color scheme is your favorite alternative jersey combo?
4. Have you been thinking about your golf game at all?
5. What is your favorite pre game meal?
6. Do you prefer coffee, Red Bull or other before/during a game?
7. Are  you a Star Wars fan and are you excited for the Obi Wan series?
8. If you were reincarnated and had the choice between a snake and weasel, which would you choose?     

 

 

 

1). I think an adjustment in strategies helped us get over that little struggle we were having, and thank goodness!
3). Our grey and purple stealth jerseys are super awesome!

4). Nope, mind is set on hockey right now. We've got a run for the cup to push for!

5). Fish in some way, sometimes a fish taco or sometimes grilled.

6). Coffee, it's what hits the spot for me and helps me think clearly.

7). Absolutely, and very much so!! I'm hoping to see Darth Vader in action again and am excited for Hayden to come back to the Star Wars universe.

It's approaching 2 years since I joined the VHL community. Two years of up and downs, rough seasons along with championships. Two years of many things in both the community and in real life. As if spurred upon by a sense for additional TPE, I'll give thanks and mention to those in the community here who have made these past 2 years enjoyable and fun. Although I wish I could extend a thanks to everyone here by name, I've only interacted with a small number of you all. That being said, even if I don't mention you here, thank you for being you!

 

--

In the beginning, @DMaximus  was the Philadelphia Reapers GM. It was his offer that I initially accepted as a first time player, and what an ordeal that struck up. Only spending a short time there as a player, I would later return as his AGM for a time and eventually take over the GM position. It was through him that I learned the initial steps of GMing here and getting involved.
 

@Ricer13 was an incredible GM in Miami and a valuable connection to make! While the team fell just short of a championship, it was here that I got to know some other great members, @dlamb and @Laine. Thank you for the great time together on that awesome team!

 

@.sniffuM created an awesome culture in Warsaw, and it was a blast to join that organization and play there for as long as I did. Each of these interactions with players on that team from season to season gave me a great insight on how to GM and communicate with the players here as well. @Renomitsu, @AW13, @jacobcarson877, @Siddhus, @hylands, @dasboot, and again @dlamb - we had a great run with the Predators. Thanks for being a part of an amazing team and showing up each day to contribute to an amazing experience!

 

@thadthrasher, actually meeting up for a beer and a burger was awesome. It was so cool to hear how both of us were going to be having kids and GMing in some way in this community. Thanks for the talks and taking on the VHLE!

 

@Spence King, you have such a passion for this community. Thank you for all that you contribute to the community and keep doing you buddy!

 

@Alex, my first AGM. I remember you applying with an actual application for the position in Philadelphia, and boy I was thrilled when you got to work. You've been a tremendous force in the community for good, and I can't wait to see your future dynasty in the VHL!

 

@Spaz. Where the heck do I even begin, we've had a crazy ride through some wild seasons. You've been my AGM for awhile now and have put up with me panicking over line changes and trades. But you've stuck with me, and I'll keep sticking with you! We make a great team, let's go win us a championship here soon!

@Acydburn thank you for your commitment to the VHLE as commissioner, you help make that league better and better with each passing season! And also you're a great GM in Prague, so please keep this thanks in mind when you look at Laperriere on Prague's roster around each trade deadline! 

 

For the members of my teams that I've had, I'd like to say thank you for being involved in some way during my tenure with the Philadelphia Reapers and Istanbul Red Wolves. You all have been tremendous assets to the community, and I'm always rooting for you to do well!

 

Each of the GMs that I've had trade talks with or discussions with, thank you to each and every one of you! Your efforts make each team and their respective locker rooms better!

 

It would be wrong of me to take complete credit for it. Awhile ago when I was the GM of Philadelphia, @Alex was the one who originally brought it to my attention and to implement it into the Reapers locker room. I have merely carried that theme on to the VHLE and am loving how the fleece has brought the Red Wolves together every season!

PRESS CONFERENCE - Week of May 22th, 2022
(Just answer at least 6 of the questions for 2 TPE)

 

1). It's suddenly a free for all in our conference for both the lead and a playoff position. Do you think the Red Wolves end up on top?

2). What is something you are really looking forward to? (either VHL related or real life related!)

3). What is your favorite thing about Hockey?

4). Are you an expensive house / cheap car typo of person, or a cheap house / expensive car person?

5). Last chance for some predictions, who ends the season with the most points on the Red Wolves?

6). What is your predicted number of hits @jaredc7 has at the end of the season? (I'm thinking 329)

7). Team practice has been cancelled, and instead, we will all go help out at a charity of your choosing! Which charity would you like to see the Red Wolves help at?

8). Which brand of hockey equipment do you like to use?

9). Hypothetical: Aliens exist! You've been selected (honestly baffled at that but you have lol) to be the first to interact with the aliens. However, in order to avoid a catastrophe in saying something wrong or displaying a body gesture that would be taken the wrong way thus dooming the planet to an alien invasion, you have been tasked to stand in front of them and play 1 song. Which song do you play for the aliens to show them what is unique about our planet and humanity?

On 5/10/2022 at 1:02 PM, Darth Kaprizov said:

1. The team is having an interesting season, success against some of the top teams yet floundering against teams behind us in the standings.  What do you think we could do differently?
2. What are your plans for the VHL All Star Game? 
3. Do you use an alarm clock to wake up or is your body conditioned to automatically wake up when needed.
4. What is your pregame ritual.  Some players put their gear on the same way, what’s yours?
5. Some players feel the energy on the way to the rink.  How do you know if you are going to have a good game or not?
6. What stick flex and lie do you like and why?
7. What goals did you set for yourself this season and how are where do you stand on achieving them?
8. Regardless of which team you were on at the time, what is the best post game accolade your teammates handed out?  hard helmet, chain gang, champ belt, etc….

1). Commit more to offense, just start going full tilt. I think we can overpower a lot of teams.

3). Alarm clock, mainly because I get up at different times for work and my kids.

4). I put on my lower half of my gear, then usually put in my headphones and play music.

5). That first lap on the ice for warm ups. If that clicks, I’m good. If I feel sluggish or weird, it’s going to be a rough game.

7). My goals initially this season were to produce as much as I can. However, my role with the team right now is to be a team player. I’ve been mainly focusing on my face off statistics and my +/- right now. I think in another season or two is when I’ll be at the point to produce.

8). When I was with the Red Wolves, we handed out a fleece to the player best deserving after the game. It was super unique to get a pelt of fur to drape over yourself like a warrior!

On 5/2/2022 at 10:38 AM, Darth Kaprizov said:

Prague Presser!

 

1. With the season under way, what is one attribute you wish you would have added to instead of during your rebuild?
2. The Phantoms are in 4^th place, 12 pts out of first and 7 pts ahead of 5^th, what is one thing the team can do to solidify it’s playoff run and gain ground on Riga?
3. Which of your teammates is the most surprising on the stat sheet?
4. Do you drive or get a ride to the arena on game day?
5. Do you like your gloves dried between periods?
6. What if anything do you eat or drink between periods in the locker room?
7. The Phantoms home locker room is second to none in the league, which opposing team has the worst locker room for visitors?
8. The Phantoms have recently partnered with 3 Floyds Brewing and it’s Foggy Geezer IPA as our newest sponsor.  Do you consume this product and if not who would you like to see partner with the franchise?

 

2). Honestly, give STHS an appropriate sacrifice to bring some good luck our way.

4). Drive by myself. That car ride alone with music is therapeutic.

5). No, that's not something I normally go for. I'm good with my gloves throughout the game as is.

6). Orange juice was always a big one, plus a pickle. Yes I know it's weird but it worked (at least I thought it did lol).

7). Moscow. It's a rinky dink room with folding chairs and we just hear "MOSCOW MOSCOW MOSCOW" from the stands above us.

8). Beer is good, so yes I consume.

10 minutes ago, Zack said:

Wonder what a darker gold would look like instead, with the added black

 

Grey/silver stars are mid.. Now I will forever see LA like that

 

On 4/26/2022 at 3:07 PM, fonziGG said:

Prague Presser!

1. Why do you think we've been starting off so slow this season?
2. Who is your favourite teammate so far?
3. How hard has your coach been working you in practices? Do you think its warranted?
4. Are there any new meals in the team cafeteria you want to try out? If not, then what would you recommend for the team to be fed?
5. Who is your pick for MVP this season? Why do you think it would be them?
6. Do you have a suggestion for the upper management?

 

1). STHS has not been pleased with our normal offerings, we need to step up to bigger sacrifices.

2). Reylynn Reinhart, they always bring a positive attitude into the locker room!

3). Very hard, but we need it. The only way we are going to get better is through hard work!

4). Someone mentioned that they were going to introduce a Cajun Chicken Sandwich soon, I'll be looking forward to that. But everyone needs to go try the Veggie Tacos they have. I know it's just veggies and guacamole and what not but hot damn!

5). Right now I'd be leaning towards Asher Reinhart. They have put in some serious work on the blue line, blocking 33 shots and making 69 hits so far on top of having 22 points in 20 games.

6). No suggestions at all, just keep doing your thing!

I tried to mimic something that reflected the design of the Walt Disney Concert Hall's stainless steel outside and ended up going with a beveled look. Ta-da.