chikn

The VHLE draft was held today and Annie Oaks @Noodle Enjoyer was selected 6th overall by Cologne, Cologne also added some more firepower by adding Forum Content @frescoelmo at 10th and Jean-Pierre Devote @eagle_3450at 12th. They also added great pieces for next season in Oliver Loo @Peiffy at 18th, Cody Toland @ctoland102 at 19th, and Billy Joel @The goat of hockey at 24th. They picked up a backup goalie in Herald Benson @Benson at 22nd. Cologne had won back to back to back Renaissance Cups before falling short past season, but they appear poised to go the distance once again with their fresh reinforcements. 
 
Some other notable selections this year we saw Oslo pick up Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica 1st overall, then Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee at 5th, and UghSike @UghSike at 7th those are 3 quality players and future superstars in the making. Vasteras'  top three picks of the draft were Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher at 2nd overall, Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor at 4th, and Yermolai Nabokov @fonziGG at 13th. The Rome Gladiators were able to bring in Gul Dukat @MSouthworth at 3rd, Nathan Ecker @Nathan_8 at 9th, and then Vanuza Kolesinka @chikn at 15th. Stockholm's first pick wasn't until round 2 where they got WWumbo @Fire Tortorella at 8th overall, then they selected Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu at 20th, and then Trimiskez Artav @jake at 28th. Bratislava's first pick wasn't until all the way back in the 5th round so their options were limited, they got themselves Ocean Codoller @FreshOceanCod at 29th, Connor Simard @Alex99 at 35th,  and Filip Zinek @FiZi at 41st.
 
If I had to pick a draft winner it would be the Vasteras Iron Eagles, they had lots of high selections and even managed to pick up two stud goaltenders in Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish at 16th and Ondrej Vencko @Mutti at 26th. Behind them would be Oslo in my opinion followed closely by Cologne. But there was a lot of talent in this draft and it should be an exciting season seeing this new blood take to the ice in the European league.
 
 
This has been Jim Hotdog for VHL.com

I have left team USA to come to Europe after ending their reign last season so lets try and go for Gold once again! With this stacked team we should be solid and have a great chance.
 
Forwards
Adi Dassler @BOOM
Kimi Raikkonen @mattyIceman
Jussi Jokinenegg @HearnNation67
Nico Belique @Syzygy
Stefan Nikolaev @Is_thatok
Tom Dufour @Cookie
Dan jr @Danzo
Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica
Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn
 
Defensemen
Karol Lamb @dlamb
Vlad Von Carstein @Dom
Guntis Gavilrovs @Girts
kodie Curran @Battlepopcorn
 
Goalies
Giorgiy Costanzov @Mongoose87
Amir Redzic @Slav_Sloth
 
Assistant Manager
@Banackock
 
Players and Fans of Europe come join us in the fun and exciting atmosphere.

https://discord.gg/2PMa7cyNnz
 
Players please ping me (@mysterious_fish) when you join the server so I can give you the role!
 
Europe for Gold
 

Chicago Phoenix Fans Left Questioning
 

 
Off-Season
 
The Chicago Phoenix came into the off-season looking to be buyers, as a lot of their players had finally got to a level where they can compete. With names like Trunov, Schwarzer, Gaming, and Artyomov, in the system for a bit, and young guns in Collberg, Lamb, and Woodworth, this team seemed ready to make that next step to be a playoff team. Only a couple pieces away, as they already have much of the core in place, this team had the chance to do some damage in the upcoming season(s) with plenty of cap space and a young roster. The fans were finally ready to be out of the rebuild, to start competing and winning. One fan said that, "They can't wait to see Chicago hoist the trophy and we know we're getting there soon!" With the GM willing to part ways with picks, it seemed that it was finally time to start competing. However, too many trades ended up falling through for the young GM as he couldn't come to agreement on multiple deals. One by one the star players ended up being shipped away that were available and the Phoenix were left with nothing to show for it. The only notable move they made was moving out a defenseman for a third round pick in the upcoming draft, who they used to select Micah Cederbaum @MicahC a young forward who will take some time before reaching the pros. Regardless, what this team could have been for Chicago left them disappointed in the GM for not making moves. The fans wanted to compete and the time was now to make that next step, but that step hasn't been taken. 
 
Draft
 
Heading into the draft, there were questions if Chicago would be selecting 5th overall, as trades were coming in left and right for that pick. However, as no trade ended up sparking the GMs eye, the pick was made, drafting @UghSike at 5th overall. An amazing young forward that would be a huge addition to the young forward core in the future. Moving on, 20th overall was looming and the GM was busy with trades coming in from over 5 different teams. Originally, the plan was to move back in the draft and secure extra draft capital in an already stacked draft. However, there was a player that caught their eye at 20th overall, that being Jean-Pierre Devote @eagle_3450. A player with an amazing upside, however, question marks on his activity and consistency. Chicago ultimately decided that at 20th overall, the reward would outweigh the risk and took the young forward, however, that wouldn't be the end for the Phoenix already busy draft. After the pick was made, Chicago had been eyeing prospect Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn and had tried to move up in the draft previous to 20th overall, but to no avail, as they had been selected 18th overall to Prague. Eventually, Chicago and Prague would come to a deal where Chicago would land Kolesinska for two 2nd round picks in S94 and S95. Adding a solid player such as Kolesinska would be huge for the Phoenix, as they continued to add to their stacked forward core, however the risk is that in S95, the draft is extremely deep and that 2nd becomes an insanely solid player. The draft would end off with Chicago making their third round selection in Micah Cederbaum @MicahC and their fourth round selection in Kevin OConnor @Luke033. A very busy draft for Chicago as multiple trades were potentially going to happen!
 
Free Agency
 
After the draft, Chicago had to reassess where the team was this season. They were still again only a couple pieces away from being a playoff team and potentially going on a run in the playoffs. The expectation heading into this season was to be a wildcard, with teams at this point in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Seattle, potentially not being the strongest moving forward, however, that had changed. Chicago was making a run at top Free Agent Henry Eagles (so was almost every team I'm pretty sure), as he was the big fish to catch in free agency. However, Chicago again would come short, failing to land the stud forward that could've helped propel them into the post-season. Even worse, a team that potentially was going to be weaker in the Seattle Bears ended up landing the stud forward, throwing them into the playoff mix, and honestly, favorites ahead of Chicago at this point. Chicago now has a hole to fill in their forward core and also defensively, as their prospect Darko Alexander Malkovich had walked without a single word to the GM. There is still lots of time for Chicago to field a roster, and concerns of them not having a full roster are overblown, as they've found ways to ultimately put together a roster every season. Not too long ago was Chicago 3rd seed in NA, with Scotty Sundin carrying the way, when expectations were to finish bottom of the league. This team could potentially end up making a run again, and this season could look very different.
 
Conclusion
 
A disastrous off-season in what "could have been" a very young playoff team, with only upside as the season went on. Many fans are starting to question if their GM can truly get this team into the post-season, or if they'll be stuck in yet another rebuild. Chicago fans want to win, and they want to start winning now. This doesn't mean a championship this season, but forward steps into being a playoff team. Failure to do so would further make Chicago not an attractive destination for prospects and players in the future. The GM will have his hands full this season, including around the trade deadline where he'll have to decide if it's playoffs, or time to sell off for the draft. Regardless, you can expect Chicago to be "all-in" next season, where they'll finally look to make a push to the post-season.
 
Also, just want to point out that some of this is dramatized for the article. It's not actually that bad, most of the trades fell through due to timing, and not necessarily value. I'm still happy with how the draft turned out, as we got a bunch of young pieces for the future in a stacked draft class. Building through this draft was absolutely crucial, and I hope it's going to pay off in the future.
 
1000+ words

1 HC Davos Dynamo     Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica                         C     TPE: 394                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 38 43 81 -18 374 40 119 55                             S92 Playoffs 12 1 7 8 4 23 4 20 2                             After finally breaking their longstanding championship drought in Season 89 and just a season after back-to-back Victory Cups in Seasons 90 and 91, the HC Davos Dynamo now find themselves in the midst of a full rebuild after dealing stud goalie Lachlan Summers to Warsaw. Fortunately for them, they won the draft lottery, and cash in with Antonia Bucatini, a center universally regarded as the top prospect in this class. Bucatini comes from an agency renowned for success, and sure enough, has already shown those flashes of greatness in the VHLM. With coolness and poise rarely seen from young players, the gifted center is arguably already a VHL-ready player, but with the state of the Dynamo, there's no real reason to come up in Season 93. Davos gets the perfect start to their rebuild with an elite center in Bucatini that they can build around.                                             2 Seattle Bears     Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor                         LW     TPE: 367                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 31 33 64 9 317 69 141 47                             S92 Playoffs 6 5 1 6 0 29 8 9 1                             First of all, I need to begin with the fact that I don't believe that Seattle will hold on to this pick. Their prospect pool is utterly barren, especially at defense, and even with a great young goalie in Georgiy Costanzov, the Bears are likely going to struggle again in Season 93. While I don't think Seattle would be terribly upset with an elite prospect like Gianfranco Del Rocco, the clear-cut best prospect in the draft after Bucatini, I do believe they would prefer to move back a little and go for a defenseman instead. However, should they remain here at second overall, Del Rocco has to be the selection. A strong winger built to score goals, this is exactly the caliber of player you want to get with a top pick like this, and would be yet another dangerous young forward for the Bears. Regardless of who owns this pick, I don't see it being used for anyone else.                                             3 Riga Reign     Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher                         D     TPE: 269                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 16 60 76 7 199 76 157 94                             S92 Playoffs 12 1 9 10 4 32 16 26 22                             A first generation blue liner taking the league by storm, Lucy Leitner would be a phenomenal addition to a young Riga team on the verge of becoming a serious contender in the European Conference. Despite her small size, Leitner is a gifted skater capable of moving and protecting the puck and demonstrates a remarkable talent for positioning in both the offensive and defensive zones. All Riga really needs is a fourth defenseman and further development from their young core and they will be ready to be a major player for not just the European Conference title, but the Continental Cup itself. Leitner's rapid development could see her potentially called up to be the fourth defenseman this season, especially if Riga is crunched against the cap, but worst case scenario she will be primed to have a big rookie season in Season 94. This is a no-brainer of a pick here.                                             4 Vancouver Wolves     Annie Oaks @Noodle Enjoyer                         RW     TPE: 260                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 41 54 95 2 354 26 124 46                             S92 Playoffs 14 5 5 10 -3 76 10 15 1                             At fourth overall, we have another first generation play in Annie Oaks going off the board to a Vancouver Wolves team that are reaching the end stages of their rebuild. True to her namesake, Oaks is a sharpshooter, possessing the deadliest shot in the draft class, producing nearly as many goals as the top prospects in the VHLM with far less shot volume. While she isn't as defensively sound as other top prospects, further development in the VHLE will certainly iron that out, along with the amount of penalties for a player with a decidedly non-physical build. Vancouver, however, is an excellent landing spot for Oaks, as she will be afforded the time to develop and then join a talented forwarded core including Left Alone, Logan Ninefingers, Riley Martin, and more. The first-gen sniper stands to be another phenomenal pick for a Vancouver team that has been killing it at the draft lately, and that success continues with Oaks.                                             5 Chicago Phoenix     Forum Content @frescoelmo                         LW     TPE: 261                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 41 64 105 11 314 36 130 19                             S92 Playoffs 11 3 2 5 3 25 8 12 1                             Chicago has a lot of pieces in place already here after a couple of good drafts in seasons past. They are looking here for some top end offensive talent however with their goaltending and defense rather settled. They've had a couple pieces falter in their forward group, and will need someone reliable, with a good history of making strong players, and who isn't afraid to make some exciting forum content. Forum Content fills all the boxes here and Chicago should be thrilled to see a player like this fall into their lap.                                             6 HC Davos Dynamo     UghSike @UghSike                         LW     TPE: 250                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 28 32 60 -15 203 18 93 14                             S92 Playoffs 11 3 5 8 4 33 14 19 0                             Davos gets an early crack at their second pick of the night here and have the option of many great players. They land on UghSike here, an exciting first gen who has really been the epitome of consistency and potential. They lock down what should be a slam dunk Hall of Famer given the user's history with their first pick, and should have the opportunity to secure a dangerous duo for a long time with UghSike at 6. A really strong earning history and a strong build gives UghSike the confidence in such a high pick, and is a well deserved selection.                                             7 Malmo Nighthawks     Jean-Pierre Devote @eagle_3450                         LW     TPE: 293                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 52 54 16 15 361 54 139 58                             S92 Playoffs 6 0 2 2 -4 30 4 12 4                             After a blistering start, Devote seemed to be the consensus #3 pick of the draft. But it seems as though that early push has done some damage as there have been some concerns at the lack of progression being made in the last few weeks. You really want to see a player making their biggest jump leading into the draft, but at 7, Malmo takes the chance here on a user they're familiar with, and have seen some success with before. They'll have had to have been settled after scouting that development will continue at a top-10 pick rate. This could be a real steal, or a major fumble, but for a team as established as Malmo, you have to think they'd be willing to take that chance on a player who has been so dynamic in recent past.                                             8 Prague Phantoms     Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish                         G     TPE: 241                                   Season GP W L OTL SV% GAA SO GA SA     S92 Regular Season 62 48 8 4 0.918 2.34 3 144 1761                             S92 Playoffs 16 12 4 0 0.92 2.13 1 34 427                             Jorgen Lovstrom refuses to lose. And for a team that is looking to start fresh under a new management group, that's the sort of mentality they'll look to bring to the next era of Phantoms hockey. Lovstrom stood head and shoulders above the VHLM in the regular season, and looked no different when it mattered in the playoffs. Championship experience, established user with a strong earning history, and a real brain for the optimization of the game. Prague closes up shop and thanks everyone, wishing them all a fine day with this pick, and turn their minds to securing their next position. The VHLE is a tough beast for goaltenders, but if Lovstrom can take their game to that next level, there should be no worries about the VHL and beyond.                                             9 Moscow Menace     Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee                         D     TPE: 252                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 68 23 58 81 13 211 78 170 100                             S92 Playoffs 12 2 13 15 2 39 10 19 22                             After surprising the league with a stunning run to 3rd place within the EU Conference, Moscow looks ready to begin competiting with their young squad. Finding themselves with both the 9th and 10th overall picks in the first round, Moscow can help solidify their young core with additional pieces. They'll look to select a defenseman to eventually make their way up on the blueline with Leif Reingaard and Obuz Schneider Canet du Bocage. Enter Benjamin Abenduct, who just had an 81 point season in the VHLM with Houston. He already boasts an elite level of point production along with great physical play, registering 170 hits and 100 shots blocked. Given that level of performance, this would be an easy selection for Moscow in the first round.                                             10 Moscow Menace     Nathan Ecker @Nathan_8                         RW     TPE: 222                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 25 23 48 13 217 56 115 9                             S92 Playoffs 12 5 3 8 2 42 4 20 1                             Moscown continues with another selection immediately following the 9th overall pick. After going with a defenseman just before, they'll look to select a forward with this pick. While their lines are for the most part solidified, there are a few current players who may begin to decline by the time this draft selection is ready to enter the VHL. Taking that into account, Moscow selects Nathan Ecker here. A first generation VHLM player, Ecker played alongside Abenduct in Houston and will have a familiar face to play alongside once he's ready to join Moscow. He's already working hard and making a name for himself, and should benefit from joining an elite organization like Moscow.                                             11 New York Americans     Chris Reynolds Jr @Crstats23                         LW     TPE: 233                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 29 40 69 29 244 26 122 31                             S92 Playoffs 12 8 5 13 1 45 10 19 2                             The New York Americans select next after trading down with Malmo to acquire Jebediah Big Ol Dinks in Amish, securing a valuable piece on the blue line in this deal. With a strong roster primed to compete, the Americans will select the best prospect they can to add to their prospect pool. It will be an easy choice with Chris Reynolds Jr still on the board. Having played for both Ottawa and Houston in the VHLM, Chris Reynolds Jr is developing at a consistent pace that will make him a valuable piece with supporting the forward group once the current players begin to age. With time, Chris Reynolds Jr will make his name known in New York.                                             12 HC Davos Dynamo     Ondrej Vencko @Mutti                         G     TPE: 215                                   Season GP W L OTL SV% GAA SO GA SA     S92 Regular Season 50 27 18 3 0.892 2.94 1 138 1272                             S92 Playoffs 12 6 5 1 0.917 2.52 1 31 374                             With the trade that sent Lachlan Summers out of Davos, the rebuild is on! After selecting a generational center, HC Davos will look to replace their star goaltender. While a first generational VHLM player, Ondrej Vencko made his name known especially well in the VHLM playoffs with Houston. There they registered a 0.917 save percentage with a 2.52 goals against average. For a new player, this is the sign of a blossoming career. The future is very bright with Ondrej Vencko and will be even brighter when they are selected by HC Davos.                                             13 Toronto Legion     Gul Dukat @MSouthworth                         D     TPE: 247                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 18 47 65 -9 198 72 163 123                             S92 Playoffs 11 1 3 4 -4 24 16 40 18                             Toronto is in the middle of their competetive window right now, and with only so many seasons left it makes sense that they draft a player that will be in the VHL sooner rather than later. Selecting Dukat gives Toronto exactly what they need as with one more season of development they will be ready to make the jump to the VHL and make an impact. Dukat projects as a top 2 defensemen with a great offensive upside. Coming off a great season in the VHLM where Dukat put up 65 points and almost 20 goals in 72 games played, Dukat is ready for the next level and it will be very exciting to see what this young defensemen brings in the future.                                             14 Helsinki Titans     Miner vHLer @Rhynex Entertainment                         LW     TPE: 236                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 5 7 12 1 49 16 49 6                             S92 Playoffs 12 0 0 0 -1 3 0 1 0                             True leaders are hard to come by, and while Miner vHLer, doesn't have the most conventional build, it may pay off massively. While vHLer, does come with some offensive risk as they only put up 12 points in a total of 84 games this past season, this is the type of gamble that Helsinki could be looking to take. With their current position this pick would make perfect sense, if vHLer os still available at this pick, it could absolutely be the perfect choice for Helsinki.                                             15 Riga Reign     Walter Jinn @Adrest245                         C     TPE: 168                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 34 46 80 32 335 38 133 21                             S92 Playoffs 16 10 8 18 6 69 21 33 6                             Led off by their 3rd overall pick, there is a new generation of player in Riga, their next two picks will round out their future core for many season to come. Riga really can't go wrong here with drafting Walter Jinn. Jinn has a very high ceiling, and could prove everyone wrong in short order here. They are coming off of a phenominal season in the VHLM, and will be looking to build off of it this coming season in the VHLM before making the leap to the VHLE or VHL. Jinn could very well prove to be a great pick for Riga here, their agency has developed great players for Riga previously, and don't be suprised if it happens again.                                             16 Riga Reign     Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn                         C     TPE: 222                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 31 48 79 7 290 50 149 23                             S92 Playoffs 11 2 4 6 1 43 12 22 7                             Riga is in a great spot with back-to-back picks to end the 1st round, it makes sense for them to take 1 pick safe and draft a player from an agency who has built a reputation of consistency and developing solid forwards who seem to contribute to team success everywhere they go. Kolesinska is coming off of a great season in the VHLM where they had over 30 goals and were 7 points over a point per game. Riga is set to hit this first round completely out of the park.                                             2ND ROUND                                     17 Seattle Bears     WWumbo @Fire Tortorella                         D     TPE: 207                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 14 50 64 -17 139 112 206 144                             S92 Playoffs 6 0 3 3 2 8 10 12 11                                                     18 Prague Phantoms     Yermolai Nabokov @fonziGG                         RW     TPE: 225                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 46 57 103 29 380 49 115 28                             S92 Playoffs 16 9 13 22 7 111 24 42 7                                                     19 Moscow Menace     Tyler Lawson @Nyx                         C     TPE: 184                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 56 20 36 56 26 139 28 84 8                             S92 Playoffs 12 2 3 5 2 26 8 13 0                                                     20 Chicago Phoenix     Ray Stanton @horoscope                         D     TPE: 176                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 38 10 22 32 -10 71 50 101 54                             S92 Playoffs 6 0 1 1 4 6 8 10 4                                                     21 HC Davos Dynamo     Cody Toland @ctoland102                         D     TPE: 169                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 8 27 35 14 91 126 213 92                             S92 Playoffs 12 0 1 1 -2 4 20 27 11                                                     22 Los Angeles Stars     Oliver Loo @Peiffy                         RW     TPE:166                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 48 6 4 10 -1 42 16 40 5                             S92 Playoffs 11 1 2 3 1 18 4 14 3                                                     23 Calgary Wranglers     Billy Joel @The goat of hockey                         D     TPE:158                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 6 14 20 25 68 106 205 84                             S92 Playoffs 6 2 0 2 -3 5 0 13 4                                                     24 Prague Phantoms     French Fries @solyom                         C     TPE: 160                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 16 35 51 22 146 30 98 11                             S92 Playoffs 7 3 1 4 0 12 4 9 1                                                     25 Warsaw Predators     Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu                         G     TPE: 221                                   Season GP W L OTL SV% GAA SO GA SA     S92 Regular Season 67 39 24 4 0.905 2.62 1 177 1870                             S92 Playoffs 7 3 3 1 0.904 2.69 0 19 197                                                     26 Los Angeles Stars     Anthony Simmons II @Starchychaff                         RW     TPE: 138                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 38 18 20 38 1 132 38 54 9                                                                                                     27 Calgary Wranglers     Steve French @Seabass                         RW     TPE: 194                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 43 46 89 10 338 42 90 40                             S92 Playoffs 6 2 1 3 -3 28 4 4 4                                                     28 Prague Phantoms     Taylor Swift @lilchrist                         C     TPE: 168                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 70 34 51 85 17 272 49 113 24                             S92 Playoffs 16 7 9 16 6 64 21 29 4                                                     29 Seattle Bears     Chuck E Cheese @a_Ferk                         D     TPE: 196                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 25 45 70 -9 200 78 139 159                             S92 Playoffs 7 3 4 7 -4 22 4 11 11                                                     30 Helsinki Titans     Filip Zinek @FiZi                         LW     TPE: 149                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 72 21 27 48 4 151 18 112 12                             S92 Playoffs 12 2 4 6 4 29 9 14 2                                                     31 HC Davos Dynamo     Jack Dickins @Mystery_boy98                         RW     TPE: 152                                   Season GP G A P (+/-) SHT PIM HITS SB     S92 Regular Season 64 10 10 20 -7 97 28 54 7                             S92 Playoffs 12 0 2 2 -5 29 4 5 0                                                     32 Calgary Wranglers     Herald Benson @Benson                         G     TPE: 181                                   Season GP W L OTL SV% GAA SO GA SA     S92 Regular Season 29 13 10 1 0.892 3.3 1 84 781                                                                                          

The closest series in the first round of the VHLM playoffs gets a thrilling Game 7 and it goes down tomorrow night!  
 
For the first time all season, we will finally be able to name a winner between these two teams, and let me explain.  As I detailed in a previous article, Mexico City and Miami played a dead even season series against each other with each team winning 4 contests. The two teams finished the season only separated in the standings by 6 points.  If we combine both their regular season and playoff records, we get the full picture of how close this matchup has been from the drop of the puck in Season 92.  Tied at 7 wins and 7 losses each, Mexico has the marginal scoring edge with 40 goals to Miami's 39. The shots on goal category also remains remarkably close with 395 shots for the Kings and 410 shots for the Marauders.  Frankly, it would have been a travesty if this thrilling first round series didn't get a winner-takes-all Game 7 and the hockey gods have smiled upon us tonight as the Marauders claimed Game 6 with a 6-4 win.  
 
The goaltending duel all year has been full of intrigue, and in these playoffs, there is very little to choose between Miami's Shaunca @shaun1979 and Mexico's Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu.  Shaunca comes into game 7 with a .906% and a 2.74 GAA while AKK holds a slightly lower .904% but a better GAA at 2.62.  On paper, as I've said before, I think Mexico has the better goalie, but as he's proved in this series, Shaunca cannot be counted out and is more than capable of stealing a game.  I'll get to my full prediction at the end of this article, but I will say that I don't believe Game 7 will be decided by one goalie or the other standing on his head.  Make no mistake, in a rivalry of fine margins, they will be called upon to play their part and will need to be razor sharp to give their team even the smallest edge. 
 
For the Marauders, it has been Pierre Ennis @DeciBell4 who has led the way in scoring throughout this series with 8 points in the 6 games.  Left winger Joe Shmo @matt sovick has also proven that he's no Joe Blo and has also pitched in on offense with 5 points after scoring 54 in the regular season.  Bilbo Teebaggins @SackButter remains the top shutdown option for the Marauders and has an inspiring 17 shot blocks so far these playoffs.  Crucially, the Marauders will need their top guns in Forum Content @frescoelmo, Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn, Matthew Highmore @NineIQ v2, and UghSike @UghSike to bring their A+ game if they are going to claim to be the victors of this head-to-head.  They have all the offensive firepower, talent, and potential necessary to make life a living hell for the Kings defenders and I would be shocked if they were all kept off the scoreboard in this crucial game.  
 
For Mexico City, as I've written about before, the pool of forwards is a little weaker than Miami's, but Loona Buckzo @WildfireMicro has been firing on all cylinders with 9 points in the series.  And while Mexico may not have the forward depth to match Miami, their top two defenders, Free Gorlab @eaglesfan036 and Chuck E Cheese @a_Ferk are shutdown monsters who have proven they are willing to bring the fight to the high flying Miami offense. For Mexico to win this final deciding game, they are going to need these three players at their very best and playing for keeps.  It's a tall order, but not one that is beyond their capabilities and that is precisely why this matchup has been so enthralling all season long.
 
Prediction: Okay, so this is what we all want to know-- who will finally be able to claim superiority between the Kings and the Marauders?  Let me first say, I would not bet a cent on this series because it's almost guaranteed to be a cent lost.  But you're here for a prediction so here it is: Miami ekes this one out with a 4-3 win in overtime.  Yes, overtime, how else should this series end? And for bonus points, I'm picking UghSike to score the series winner. 
 
---
 
And there it is, for whatever it's worth.  I can't wait to see what actually happens tomorrow night.  What we can say with certainty is that the winner of this series will be in tough with a second round matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, but more on that later...
 

Lauren Lambert for VHL.com
02/19/24

VHLM Playoff Preview
Mysterious Fish
 
This playoff preview stuff is getting so repetitive so I am here going to try and add a twist to it. I will be talking about every series but I have asked each GM two questions:
What is your team’s strength? and, What is your team’s weakness? Doing that I will have my own sort of addition to mine.

(1) Philadelphia Reapers vs Saskatoon Wild (8)
 
Alright so starting off with the 1vs8 matchup. The Reapers have had a great season but not amazing. Philly ended the season 1st in the league and 1st in the east with 54 wins and a total of 112 points. Saskatoon on the other hand ended the season 8th in the league but 5th in the west. After selling at the deadline they managed to make the playoffs 1 point behind 7th and 9 points ahead of 9th.

Alrighty, my prediction is Reapers will win the series in 5. 
 
The Wild will find a way to steal one game with some luck between the pipes by most likely Austin Goulet lll @Tuchy and some production from Leo Neelson III @silentnyrf31, Connor simard @Alex99, and Pierre Marc Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito. 
 
Philly one the other hand will probably win because of Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish in between the pipes, and Yermolai Nabokov @fonziGG as the best forward. Otherwise Philly doesn’y have that much except some meh to bad depth and some meh defense.

Saskatoon Wild answers: @Ricer13
What do you think Saskatoon's strength is?
“A strength of Saskatoons, especially in this series is going to be our defense. It’s not a massive edge but it is an edge we will need.”

What do you the Saskatoon's Weakness is?
“Our weakness is going to be goaltending. We have two goalies who’ve been fighting for the starting job where as Philadelphia’s strength is going to be their goaltending.”

Philadelphia Reapers answers: @Lemorse7
What do you think Philly's strength is?
“Goalies of course and we also have 2 of the top 5 center in faceoff might be even 2 in the top 3”
 
What do you the Philly's Weakness is?
“Not clear on it but he did say Also the Jinn chemistry on the ice is just something else that need to be study”

(4) San Diego Marlins vs Houston Bulls (5)
 
The most hyped up series in the playoffs with the series between 4 and 5 that most people say would be a great Finals. Yet here we are. The Marlins with one of the best offenses in the league finished 4th in the league and 3rd in the west, they have had an interesting season but a good one at that. The Bulls finished one point behind San Diego in the standings finishing 5th in the league and 4th in the west. With a full roster of 12-6-2 they have the depth all around with insane goaltending. 
 
Alrighty, this might be a bit biased but when everyone says Houston is going to win I am going to go with San Diego in 7.
 
San Diego has a great offense with 4 capped and 1 that is 10 tpe away. The capped forwards consist of Dietrich Reingaard @JigglyGumballs, Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor, Jean-Pierre Devote @eagle_3450 and Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles. Dwight Schrute @Jamomayo is at 190 tpe right now. The defense improved a lot at the deadline with a big move getting Ray Stanton @horoscope, along with a few waivers and then a decent goalie in the net.
 
Houston has probably the best depth but too much depth can hurt teams. In this case it might with too much star power that might not get as much playing time as needed. With 3 capped forwards by the names of Chris Reynolds Jr @Crstats23, Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica and Trimiskez Artav @jake. Then 2 capped defenders, Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee and Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher. Then one of the best goalies by tpe Ondrej Vencko @Mutti. 
 
Overall this will be a fun series and it will really be a story of how the depth players perform vs others or in the case of Houston depth players vs Depth and Star players.
 
San Diego Marlins answers: @McGriddy10
What do you think SDM's strength is?
“I think our strength is offense”

What do you think SDM's Weakness is?
“our weakness is defense”
 
Houston Bull answers: @AJW
What do you think Houston's strength is?
“I would say Houston’s strength is the depth of players we have consistently earning. Luckily enough we got a shipload of players before the regular season started and a few more joined along the way. Majority have stuck around to playoffs so I feel I’ve  got a good idea on each players strengths/weaknesses. We have a lot of options to play different players in different lines if needed.”
 
What do you think Houston's Weakness is?
“Houston’s weakness is definitely unpredictability. Throughout the entire regular season we had A LOT of 1-1 sims. It seems like we’ll beat up a team one game, then the next game we might fall asleep. To go far in these playoffs we need to stay consistent, and not give up games that we should be winning.”
 
(2) Las Vegas Aces vs Ottawa Lynx (7)
 
In a series that might be good we have the 2 and 7 seeded teams. Las Vegas who is quite similar to San Diego in the sense of offense it is just Las Vegas has a tiny bit worse top 5 based on tpe. LVA finished the season 2nd in the league and 1st in the west. Ottawa who has been struggling is basically everyone on the tpe side who finished 7th in the league and 3rd in the east.
 
My prediction is Las Vegas will win in a clean sweep.
Las Vegas with a good group of forwards which includes 2 capped forwards Caesar Monterrey @CaptainGatsby and Annie Oaks @Noodle Enjoyer who they acquired in a trade with Saskatoon and then 3 more forwards in the 190+ range of tpe and then a solid D with good depth and 1 capped D by the name of Bric Sheithaus @Oldhead911. In net they have a decent goalie Hugo Boss @Dil with 130 tpe.
 
Ottawa has the 2 leading point scorers both capped by the names of Ivan Ivanov @KmaddFPSand Wayne Shotzky @Kenamatic. The next closest forward by tpe is Steve French @Seabass with 177 tpe. On the defensive side no one is capped but Wwumbo @Fire Tortorella is the top D with 172 tpe. In the net with 98 tpe Alexander ovieckin jr @penguinb19.
 
With poor goaltending on Ottawa and good offense for LVA this is why LVA will prevail.
 
Las Vegas Aces answers: @McLovin
What do you think LVA's strength is?
“our strength is absolutely our offense. bolstering the most consistent and potent offense in the league over the last two seasons has given us a remarkably unique opportunity to outscore and outpace our opponents, and we've used that greatly to our advantage of this last season especially.”
 
What do you think LVA's weakness is?
“our greatest weakness is the other side of the coin, our defense and goaltending for sure. we let up on average a significantly larger number of goals than other similarly ranked teams, and Hugo Boss can only do so much to stop the high volume of shots he faces every night, but even he has weak nights sometimes”
 
Ottawa Lynx answers: @Grape
What do you think Ottawa's strength is?
“Strength would be high end offensive talent”
 
What do you think Ottawa's weakness is?
“Weakness is subpar goaltending”

 
(3) Mexico City Kings vs Miami Marauders (6)
 
Lastly we have the series between Mexico City and Miami. Mexico City has the depth but not a real superstar but they still finished 3rd in the league and 2nd in the west. Miami was the best team to start the season going 15-0-1 but after the first 16 games they only won 22 more games in 56. Still with that they finished 6th in the league and 2nd in the east.
 
My prediction is Mexico City will win in 6 games.
 
Mexico City is worse on paper with only one capped player Trey Daniels @Tdan04 outside of him the team just has a bunch of depth that has worked well for the forwards. The Kings defense has 2 good D then the other 3 are under 100 tpe.
 
Miami does have a chance to win if their offense of 5 capped forwards Forum Content @frescoelmo, UghSike @UghSike who were both picked up at the deadline in a trade with Saskatoon. The other 3 are Joe Shmo @matt sovick, Matthew Highmore @NineIQ v2 and Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn. One the defensive side they have basically 2 capped players, Pierre Ennis @DeciBell4 and Gul Dukat @MSouthworth. So in total Miami has 7 capped players which should mean they win but in this case they have too much of the same in their star players instead of some different style of players.
 
On paper Miami should win but their goalie even though the goalie has good tpe has been performing poorly.
 
Mexico City Kings answers: @hylands
What do you think Mexico City's strength is?
“Our strength is definitely defence and goaltending. When I drafted this team I had a clear direction I wanted to go, and that was building from the goalie outward.”
 
What do you think Mexico City's weakness is?
“Our biggest weakness is forward depth. Looking at all of the other playoff teams, they have a lot more firepower than we do. However, the players we do have are extremely dedicated to the cause and know exactly what is needed from them.”
 
Miami Marauders answers: @Tetricide
What do you think Miami's strength is?
“Our strength definitely comes from our offensive prowess, whether it's from our forwards or defense.”
 
What do you think Miami's weakness is?
“However, we lack the opposite from our forwards -- defense. There are a few like Highmore, Kolesinska, and Loo who have helped a little in that department, but it's caused us to have a close goal differential towards the end of the season at 17. Because of that, our goaltending has suffered quite a bit as well, and it all just kind of falls down from there.”


 
Although this does not matter in the 2nd round San Diego will beat Philly in 6 because Philly really only has a goalie and then between the Aces and the Kings the Aces will win in 7. In the Finals between the Aces and the Marlins the Marlins will take it in 6.
 
This has been my VHLM Playoff Preview and lets enjoy the playoffs!

Wooooooo

Welcome back!

Player Information
Username: chikn
Player Name: Vanuza Kolesinska
Recruited From: Returning
Age: 23
Position: C
Height: 65 in.
Weight: 168 lbs.
Birthplace: Poland

Player Page
@VHLM GM

Player Information
Username: chikn
Player Name: Vanuza Kolesinska
Recruited From: Returning
Age: 23
Position: C
Height: 65 in.
Weight: 168 lbs.
Birthplace: Poland

Player Page
@VHLM GM

@leandrofg
 
Here we go again as the Season 91 is into it first full week of meaningful games and teams try to see if all the changes made during the off season will amount to anything meaningful this season but I hear most saying that is still very early. Well; some team hope that is the case as some have started very slowly and some have simply had shockers. So without much more waffling about let’s get into reviewing the first week of the season.
 

North American Conference
 
 
1.    
Record:       8 – 0 – 2         18pts
Being led by Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside with 9 goals and 13 assist for 22pts and rookie Ryan Artyomov @Enorama in net. It has been a prefect start to the season for the Phoenix but is this really what they want when they are still in a rebuilding situation? Ranked 7th in the conference in the VSN Presents: S91 VHL Season Preview seeing the team undefeated to date in the season is a bit surprising; but when you consider two top teams have struggle so far this season means someone has been taking an advantage of the situation. Well; enter Chicago as they have beat the struggling Legion twice this season.
 
Prediction:          2nd North American Conference        🔻
Expect this team to drop at least one spot next week as they are currently too far ahead of 3rd place Seattle Bears and 4th place D.C. Dragons. It will be interesting to see if this hot start can be maintained and might led the team in making a surprise play-off appearance.
 
 
 
2.    
Record:      8 – 2 – 0           16pts
Great goaltending from Art Vandelay @Gustav and great offense as Todd Cooke @KRZY (proving it was not flash in the pants last season) has the Los Angeles Stars heading toward being the best team in the conference. They could also be the best team in the league at the moment with the best offensive number and defensive numbers; I cannot see that changing any time soon.
 
Prediction:       1st North American Conference        🔺
As Chicago Phoenix fall back slightly this week; the Stars should benefit. Add in a games head-to-head against the Phoenix and it is just a matter of time before they claim the top spot in the conference. But they do have a tough schedule that might keep them in 2nd for another week as Prague, Malmo, Toronto and Chicago should give them some stiff challenge this week.
 
 
 
3.    
Record:      6 – 4 – 0          12pts
Seattle is playing tough close hockey with 2.90 GF and 2.70 GA as Clueless Wallob @DMaximus is keeping the Bears in a lot of games. Amazing start to the season for Rex Wolffe Gregor @oilmandan as he leads the team in goals, assist and points combined with Rookie Simons Worst Nightmare @zepheter leading the league in SB with 51. 
 
Prediction:       4th North American Conference       🔻
Expected to play around five hundred hockey most of the season and hang around in the wildcard area most of the season. They should drop back as D.C. Dragons find a bit more consistency. A head-to-head game later in the week should determine final placement between the two teams.
 
 
 
4.    
Record:      5 – 4 - 1          11pts
While adding The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath has added a bit more offensive flare for the dragons this season; the team has been a bit inconsistent losing games to Calgary, Seattle and splitting games with Chicago. Depth has been an issue as well as bit of questionable goaltending; which has led to the bit of inconsistency. As Geoff Bezos @Quik improves his consistency so should the Dragons.
 
Prediction:        3rd North American Conference        🔺
Easy schedule to start the week with Vancouver, Malmo before the schedule toughen with a lot of conference games. They have a chance to really carve a place in the standing with wins in Conference otherwise they might find themselves heading the other direction in the standings soon than later.
 
 
 
5.    
Record:      4 – 6 – 0         8pts
Rebuilding team with a losing record but hanging around where I actually have them placed. The team is being carried by three remaining players in FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ, Liv Slater @Subject056 and Brandt Fuhr  @Tate with the later providing serviceable goaltending in his final season. New additions Adison Bond @adison and Justin Adolfsen @NJDevils24 have provided consistency on the offense for a team that really should drop lower in the standings.
 
Prediction:       6th North American Conference         🔻
Hard to see Calgary catching them by the end of the week or them being passed by New York so it feels like they are right around where they should be but Toronto should start playing better and over take the Wolves at some point this week.
 
 
 
6.    
Record: 3 – 7 – 1         7pts
It is amazing that a team has no goaltender, and has one of the worst goals against in the league. But somehow is still above two other teams in the standing after the first week of the season. All wins coming from teams expected to be fighting them for last except a surprise win over the struggling Legion. Bright spot is the youth being served by Jasper Davis @Josh, Francesco Mancini @GioSivo and Tord Yvel @Trazan
 
Prediction:       7th North American Conference       🔻
Hard not to have New York last in the conference but with all the question marks around Calgary at the moment leads to me thinking that New York should stay ahead of Calgary at least for another week.
 
 
 
7.    
Record:      3 – 7 – 0         6pts
Have lost two back-up games otherwise could have been higher up the standings with at least a five hundred record but instead we are talking about a team that was viewed as one of the favorites for the Victory Cup being 7th in the conference and 13th in the league? Promising signs in the play of Mac Atlas @v.2 and Jimi Jaks @ke1vi but they need more from veterans Tomas Sogaard @Brandon and Jimmy MacElroy @Xflexz. Not letting Joel Castle @animal74 off the hook either as .917% simply isn`t good enough.
 
Prediction:        5th North American Conference        🔺
Easier schedule as struggle Wranglers come to town for two games to start the week add in games against Vancouver, and New York before becoming tougher with Prague, Los Angeles and Malmo with two huge games against D.C. to finish the week. If they manage five hundred hockey they should climb back up to at least 5th in the conference; maybe even as high as 4th depending on head-to-heads against D.C.
 
 
 
8.    
Record:      1 – 7 – 2         4pts
They cannot score and they cannot keep the puck out of the net. Surprising placement for a team that looked much better on paper than they have currently shown during the first ten games of the season. Bright spots for the team is the offensive play of defensive defenseman Malum Maellard @frescoelmo as they sit second on the team in points with 10pts (all assist) only two point back of leading Oreo McFleury @JB123; who has 12pts.
 
Prediction:        8th North American Conference        🟰
While I don`t think they are the worst team in the Conference looking at the lack of production from Randy Bobandy @AJW; a pass first defensive minded forward and Sadie St-Louis @sadie, two-way forward that leans toward defensive responsibility means it might have been unfair to expect an offensive flare from a team that is heavily defensive minded. Making it even more surprising that they cannot also keep the puck out of the net as they have received subpar goaltending so far from Merome Dilson @MexicanCow123 or is that a bit unfair? Either way they might end up holding the bottom of the conference for a while if they cannot figure out a way to score.
 
 
 
 

European Conference
 
 
 
1.    
Record:     8 – 2 – 0         16pts
Defending Champions had very little turn over last season and key members returning like John Jameson @Frank, who simply put has been dominate for Prague with 12 goals (2nd), 12 assists for 24 pts (1st). Prague was one of the best teams offensively in the first week of the season but not everything is coming up rosy as Prague needs to find some secondary scoring as Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide is 10pts behind Jameson with 14pts.  Matt Murdock @Acydburn will look to improve his save percentage as 0.915 is rather pedestrian with a 3.09 GA; if Prague is going to contend for the Victory Cup and defend the Continental Cup.
 
Prediction:       2nd European Conference       🔻
It is a bit of a mix bag schedule for Prague with a possible big game against Riga, London, Toronto and Los Angeles. While they should win the majority of the games; it will really come down to the game against teams they are currently tied with in Riga and London to determine final standings.
 
 
 
2.    
Record:     8 – 3 – 0         16pts
Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877 is looking to keep is goal per game pace through the season as he leads Titans offense with 11 goals (3rd) with 20pts added by the Daryl Dixon @Ricer13 13 assists for 19pts  and new defender Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito 14 assist and 16 pts. But the star for the team so far has been Fuukka Rask @Jubis with his 2.43 GA and 0.930 Sav%. How long can Helsinki keep pace with the top team in the conference?
 
Prediction:        4th European Conference       🔻
Tough schedule against some of the stronger team in the league and it will be a make-or-break week in the standings for the Titians as they start with a game against London, Riga and three games against HC Davos before finishing the week softer with games against New York and Moscow. If they come out playing better than five hundred hockey than they could be higher in the standings.
 
 
 
3.    
Record:      8 – 3 – 0         16pts
Riga project is working with seven forwards and five defenders everything seems to be heading in the right direction with Sock Monkey @chikn leading the team in goals (8), AK92 Wit da Hoodie @hedgehog337 leading in assist (15) and points (22). Not to be over-shadowed Babay Shrimp @Blazzer is also in the league top 10 in scoring (20pts) and top three in the league in assist with 14. Add great goaltending from Henry Tucker Jr @NSG with 2.69 GA and 0.927 sav% and everything is coming up Riga at the moment.
 
Prediction:         3rd European Conference       🟰
Bit of a mixed bag of schedule will see Riga play a majority of the team in the conference with Malmo, Prague (2), London, Helsinki, and HC Davos. I think they have a slightly easier schedule compared to Helsinki so I am giving them the edge as I think they should play around five hundred hockey as they continue to punch above their weight early in the season.
 
 
 
4.    
Record:     7 – 2 – 2         16pts
Expected to be a top team in the league and the conference; so it was a bit surprise that they finished the first week in 4th in the conference standings. Yeah, okay they are really tied for first. Scoring is a bit of a concern at the moment with 11th best offense in the league lead by Molly the Cat @JCarson (7G – 9A – 16pts) and new comer Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ (7G – 8A – 15pts) while Leonard Triller @Triller leads in assist with 11 for 13pts. But none of that matters when you have the best defense in the league and best goaltender Jesse Teno @aimkin sporting a 1.98 GA with 0.943 sav%. This team is going to be tough to beat even with the current scoring woes.
 
Prediction:       1st European Conference      🔺
Easier schedule towards the back-end of the week but I still see this team winning more games than losing so expecting better than five hundred hockey from this team. Should continue to be either 1st or 2nd in the Conference.
 
 
 
5.    
Record:     6 – 4 – 0         12pts
David is doing as David does scoring by committee with six of the ten players over a point per game with Alfred Champagne @Anthique leading the way in goals (9) and points (18). While David Jokinen @Ahma leads the team in assist with 16 for 16 pts. Biggest concern for the team at the moment will be the play of Lachlan Summers @kirbithan as he has been rather average with 3.15 GA and 0.913 sav%. He will need to be better if HC Davos is going to stay with the top teams in the conference this season.
 
Prediction:      5th European Conference       🟰
HC Davos has beaten the team that they are supposed to beat but lose to every team that is close to the same caliber; which is a rather concerning trend in the first ten games. If this continues than expect them to beat up on Warsaw and New York but lose to Helsinki and London this week. Their standings ultimately will be determined by the head-to-head against Helsinki as they play three times; which might be enough for them to leapfrog Helsinki for 4th in the conference standing by the end of the week or not.
 
 
 
6.    
Record:     4 – 5 – 1         9pts
Henry Eagles @Greg_Di is back!! Having struggled last season adjusting to a new team, he now is back amongst the leader in the league with 19pts being aided by newly signed Yaroslav Bogatyrev @Bojovnik (7g – 8a – 15pts) and acquired Skor McFleury @Alex (3g – 13a – 16pts) but the biggest issue still seems to remain in the form of inconsistent goaltending from Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro with an ugly 4.08 GA and 0.892 sav%. Considering they have the best defense on paper you would think these numbers would be better.
 
Prediction:       6th European Conference       🟰
They continue to consistent at win one game and lose one game so I don`t think they will buck this trend any time soon so while they stay playing five hundred hockey, they won`t be able to keep pace with majority of the team a head of them. They will hope that Riga or HC Davos fall back to them or they could be looking at another long season ahead after only two weeks.
 
 
 
7.    
Record:      2 – 8 – 0         4pts
Young team that is still clearly in the rebuild stage but promising signs as young Maxim Anisimov @McLovin (5g – 6a – 11pts) leads the team along with King Kisslinger @Kisslinger (4g – 5a – 9pts) not that far behind. Add in better-than-expected goaltending from DJ Fire Dragon @Firekiss with a 3.02 GA and 0.932 sav%. They will continue to surprise a few teams this season. 
 
Prediction:       7th European Conference       
They should hover around this location all season and with so many good teams in the conference I cannot expect them move much up or down in the standings. They will race Moscow for draft placement.
 
 
 
8.    
Record:     1 – 10 – 0       2pts
While Warsaw is currently being led by the young stars; it is the old guard in Moscow that leads the way in Left Alone @okochastar (7g – 5a – 12pts) with promising rookie Axle Gunner @Steve (2g – 7a – 9pts) slight behind. They will continue to the whipping boys of the league and most likely the European Conference.
 
Prediction:        8th European Conference       
Was surprised that they even won a game until I seen that they beat Warsaw. Still a surprise but not completely unexpected. They have a long season ahead of them.
 
 
 
Final thoughts:
A couple of surprise teams higher up the standing in Chicago and Riga but last season D.C. Dragons was one of these teams; rode the hot start all the way to the play-offs so the biggest question will be Can the maintain the current form or will they fall back. Also, what the heck is happening in Calgary as they were expected to be a top team in the league, not struggling as they are. Can they turn it around or is my damming predictions the actual reality for the Wranglers this season? Holly European!!! The European Conference is going to be a blood bath with four teams currently tied for the conference lead and six of the eight team fighting for a play-off spot; expect a ton of movement week to week in this conference. It should be fun to watch through the season!!
 
Come back next week to tell me how wrong I was or why not wait and tell me know below in the comment section but please like and subscribe.

Top 10 VHL Free Agents
 
Every season fans and players from around the world get really excited during period of the off-season as the team that they cheer for or play for try to improve with the ultimate goal of lifting the Continental Cup at the end of the season. One of these periods is the start of the UFA signing period also known as Free Agent Frenzy. With the VHL S91 Draft completed and a ton of trades completed; the focus now switches to the Free Agents. Here we will look at ten VHL Free agents that should garner of interest and fans should keep an eye out for over the next few days. 
 
1.     (S86) RW - Yaroslav Bogatyrev  @Bojovnik                                     $6,000,000M
Was part of trade that seen his right shipped to HC Davos before the league stepped in and canceled the deal due to complications with conditions on the draft picks involved that seen the trade voided to remove any further complications. This has complicated things for what should have been the most sought-after player in the market as only a few teams now have the cap space to sign the star forward.
 
 
2.     (S85) RW - Babay Shrimp  @Blazzer                                                  $5,000,000M
Has the boat sailed already for Babay Shrimp; one of the players that should have been highly sought after right along with Yaroslav Bogatyrev but as teams have found their need via trades and other signs majority of the teams interested as shrunk. While they could still be signed by any team if would complicate things if they don`t have the cap space.
 
 
3.     (S83) LW - Sock Monkey   @chikn                                                     $3,500,000M
Having split time with two teams (Warsaw Predators and London United) Sock Monkey looks set to test the market a head of his final season. He should have the usual several teams interested in his services but may need to be a bit more patient as the top two UFA players will control the market as teams may change direction based on who is in or out on the top two players.
 
 
 
4.     (S85) D - Michael Shotter   @TacocaT9                                          $2,5000,000M
Could actually have Michael Shotter higher up this list due to the fact that he will drive a lot of interest as one of three defensemen available during the UFA period and with three teams really needing some support in the back-end. Michael Shotter is the odd man out in Calgary after the Wranglers rebuilt their roster via trades bring in Malum Maellard and AirRig GoodBrandSun; so, he will definitely be looking for new home this season.
 
 
 
5.     (S85) G - Karl Pedersen   @JeffD                                                         $3,000,000M
Having played a few seasons in Calgary and moved out of the way for a younger tender in Merome Dilson; Karl Pedersen finds himself once again in a similar situation as he has most likely been shown the door by Chicago as the team transitions to the much younger Ryan Artyomov but could look to insulate the young tender by bring him back for a shared duty. If not, Karl Pedersen should find a few suitors interested in his services.
 
 
 
6.     (S83) C - Ivan Retoslav   @eagle_3450                                               $3,000,000M
Having spent most of his time in London with the United Ivan Retoslav is current weighing up his option as to where he would like to finish his career. Again, he may need to be patient as the UFA market is bound to bring him more interest as the players high up the list sign and teams circle back on other options.
 
 
7.     (S84) C - William Futch    @Futch                                                          $2,500,000M
A year younger than some of the forwards above him on the list but that actually might drive some more interest in this player as he has two seasons remaining before retirement. Again, he will have to be patient as the UFA market is bound to circle back to him as other player sign.
 
 
 
8.     (S88) C - Dank Turtle    @DankTurtle                                                   $2,000,000M
After a good rookie season with Riga; it looks like Dank Turtle could be odd forward out as Riga explored other options via trades to improve the roster. This means other team will quickly be interested in this player should he actually make it to market.
 
 
 
9.     (S83) LW - Justin Adolfsen      @NJDevils24                                   $2,500,000M
Having started his career with Malmo Nighthawks before joining D.C. Dragons for the past three season he has been forced to find a new home as the Dragons brought in young talent and signed pending UFA The Frenchman to a contract; after acquiring his rights from Riga Reign. Again, this is a situation where the market will circle back giving this player more options as other sign.
 
 
 
10.  (S85) RW - Alexander Stroheim    @Stroheim                                 $2,000,000M
Having just played his rookie season with Warsaw Predators Alexander Stroheim seems to be looking at his options and options he should have as at least four team should be interested in his services.
 
 
It will be interesting to see where these players sign over the next few days or weeks and the impact that they will have on their teams.
 
 

@Spartan done

Sorry again I'm having trouble with the website loading on my phone!!!
 
D - Watson Power

Done:) @Spartan

@chikn please update OD's goalie as Henry Tucker Jr with no penalty
 
@OrbitingDeath  for the future, please let your GM know when the draft begins that you will need a discord ping on weekends. Happy to accommodate schedule issues as long as it's clearly known in advance, cheers 🙂

My bad, I was just going off the list provided. 
 
g - Lachlan Summers

Shit! I had them in the text part. I mustn’t of actually clicked “submit reply”.
 
Cole Pearce 
Mikhail Kovalchuk
 
@Spartakiller2

SKIP! Been 15 hours. Make a pick when you can @OrbitingDeath 
 
@chikn You are technically up. No rush, VHLers. Hope you're good  

1. @Banackock
F - Mikhail Kovalchuk
F - Yaroslav Bogatyrev 
F - James Teekirque
D - Hammar Voss
D - The Board Game Clue On Skates
G - Cole Pearce

2. @Spartakiller2
F - Hulk Hogan 2
F - Daryl Dixon
F - Vinny Lecavalier 
D - Skor McFleury
D - Elias Lampi
G - Fuukka Rask

3. @GioSivo
F - Henry Eagles
F - Nico Pearce
F - Nezuko
D - Jake Thunder
D - Biggie Cheese
G - Brandt Fuhr

4. @OrbitingDeath
F - Daniel Janser 
F - John Jameson
F - Perry Laperriere
D - Brian Kowalski
D - Brian Payne 
G - Henry Tucker Jr

5. @chikn (GM)
F - Ronan Lavelle
F - Tomas Sogaard
F - Sirdsvaldis Miglaskems
D - Pierre Emile Bouchard
D - Phil Strasmore
G - Clueless Wallob

6. @ScottyP
F - Leandro Goncalves 
F - Landon Wolanin 
F - Vasile Lamb
D - Mo Probert
D - AK92 Wit da Hoodie
G - Lachlan Summers

Wow. What a way to end the season. With a 15-6-2 record, Jesse Teno and the London United are VHL Champions for the first time in team history. This team broke every London playoff record, though that seems easy since London had never won a playoff series until now. Against all odds they not only won, but did so with a dramatic flair that had fans and players on the edge of their seats. It’s amazing that only last season London hadn’t even made it to the wildcard round and now here they are, under the genius direction of Jacob hoisting the Continental Cup. 
With such an incredible run, let’s see what it took each game in the finals for London to get to where they are today.
 
Game 1: 3-2 London
 
Trading minimal shots during regulation, both teams managed 2 goals each, Seattle in the 2nd period and London in the 3rd. Going into overtime, Ivan Retoslav became the hero of the game scoring the game winning goal with 3:54 remaining.
 
Teno - 0.935
 
 
Game 2: 1-3 Seattle
 
During the first period, Jesse Teno allowed 2 goals on only 4 shots and let in a 3rd during the second period. London only managed 1 goal in the second which was also the only period in this game where they managed to make as many shots as Seattle.
 
Teno - 0.912
 
 
Game 3: 2-1 Seattle
 
London managed to prevent Seattle from scoring in the 1st or 2nd period but were unable to prevent 2 goals on the 16 shots in the third. 
 
Teno - 0.963
 
 
Game 4: 3-2 Seattle
 
London had a high 21 shots in the first period and Siyan Yasilievich grabbed a goal but the team seemed to lose steam when Seattle throttled them with 18 shots to London’s 7, managing 2 goals. Shots in the end were almost even but Seattle was hard to keep out of the net.
 
Teno - 0.925
 
 
Game 5: 5-2 London
 
Despite a 50 shot night for Seattle, Teno was able to hold down the fort, allowing London to have 5 different players score the 5 goals. A hard push brought London back from the brink of elimination.
 
Teno - 0.960
 
 
Game 6: 2-3 London
 
79-63 shots in favor of Seattle, triple overtime, and a low-scoring game. Both goalies had an incredible night but it was Jesse Teno who was able to hold out the longest as Sock Monkey put away the game winning goal at 0:36!
 
Teno - 0.975
 
 
Game 7: 2-0 London
 
A shutout to end it all. For the win. For the cup. Teno stopped 24 shots as Yasilievich and Igor Molotov scored the opener and the winning goals respectively.
 
Teno - 1.000
 

A truly amazing showing by both teams as Seattle managed to bring London to a chance of elimination with the last 3 games. But the heart and hard work from the United could not be stopped this time. An incredible team, top notch leadership, and a backstop to end all backstops.
 
Your S88 Continental Cup Champs: The London United.
 

 
 

Graphic courtesy of Leandrofg
(Marcel's stats/Daniel's stats)
 
The London United did it. They got the stigma of not being a playoff team out of their system. Despite a 3-1 deficit in the series they did the unthinkable and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Of course, such a feat is always a combined effort. However, we think that few will object, when we state that netminder Jesse Teno was dragging their squad screaming and kicking across the goal line. The US-native has already more than double the playoff games than any other goalkeeper in London's (admittedly short) history. A mind boggling .949 save rate and allowing less than two goals per game, gave the Londoners a fighting chance every night.
 
Obviously, the offensive giants in the former Stoltzschweiger-awardee Molly the Cat (who once and for all dispelled the rumours that he is only in the team by way of nepotism), Siyan Yasilievich, the S87 Beketov winner, who started scoring goals just when his team needed them the most and Igor Ivan Retoslav were also a driving force to the franchise's post-season success.
 
Igor Molotov, Hari Singh Nalwa in his swan song and 3D-artist Leonard Triller provided crucial secondary scoring. The former Mississauga Hound Hunor Solyom, former Wranglers prospect Adam Rage, left winger Sock Monkey and last but not least veteran defender, erstwhile Wrangler and repeat cup winner Marcel Janser were more concerned with the defensive aspects of the game.
 
Especially the latter showed a very balanced mix of grit (36 hits), discipline (only 24 PIM) as well as sacrifice (35sb) and brought cool-headed defensive play to the cup-winning table.
 
While Marcel is enjoying his well deserved triumph, Daniel is preparing for the ProAM Tournament where he will dress for the Bangor Beavers, together with freshly-made champions Molotov and Rage, ex-Wranglers Reinhart, his team mate Abbas, seasoned defender Greg, forwards Cooke, Walker Jr and Toms as well as back Yvel. The post between the pipes is occupied by future Wrangler starting goaltender Dilson.
 
When asked, why he always participates in the off-season tournament, Janser said: 'It is fun to play in a team consisting out of VHLM, VHLE and VHL players and even retired oldtimers. It has an interesting mix of fun tournament and competitiveness. And you get to know more players you normally would not get in such close contact with.'
 
As the World Cup is also due during this offseason, we asked the Swiss prodigy, whether he will dress for Europe once more and help to defend the title. Said Janser: 'It is of course always an honour to be nominated for such an elite squad and it would be nice to get a last hurrah on the international level. However, I have not heard from the GM yet, and there are talented and younger players out there, who also deserved the opportunity to show their skills on a World Cup. If the staff are of the opinion that they need me, or that I can contribute to the teams success, I am more than willing to heed the call. Should I not be nominated, it is not a biggie. I have achieved more than I ever dreamt of and have no problem to let it go at the backend of my career. More time to spend with my family I guess. So, you see, however you turn it, I can only win.'
 
Here are the final post season stats for the Rotkreuz natives:
Marcel: 23gp, 4g, 6a, 10pts, +2, 24 PIM, 36 hits, 35sb, 4ppg
Daniel: 11gp, 4g, 7a, 11pts, +4, 14 PIM, 24 hits, 7sb, 57.78FO%
 
Stay tuned for further updates on our trophy-collecting hockey exports in our next edition.
 
https://vhlforum.com/topic/136120-a-tale-of-two-brothers-second-round-achieved/
https://vhlforum.com/topic/136133-a-tale-of-two-brothers-london-goes-davos/
https://vhlforum.com/topic/136259-a-tale-of-two-brothers-half-done/
https://vhlforum.com/topic/136282-a-tale-of-two-brothers-one-step-away/