CowboyinAmerica

New York -- This year's World Cup of Hockey is now behind us, and for Team Western Europe, it was a time of ups and downs. The team entered the competition hoping to punch above its weight and did finish third in the round robin phase with a solid - if unspectacular - 5-5 record. However, the team did fail to find the medal stand once again, ultimately falling to fourth place after losing both the semifinals and the bronze medal match. However, not all was a disappointment. Western Europe did win a crucial quarterfinal contest over rivals Eastern Europe, giving some continental bragging rights over the next two seasons. "Maybe it's not the World Cup we wanted, but I think there's a lot to be proud of with our play," said center Antonia Bucatini. "It's something to build on for the next edition." Indeed, there is reason to believe the future is bright for this Western Europe squad and medals may come in the near future. Of course, some part of that is the forward corps, including the Italian duo of Bucatini and Gianfranco del Rocco. But a big storyline this tourney was also the youth in goal - and Deadpanda will only likely improve from here to give Western Europe a top netminder. With that in mind, the prevailing sentiment for the continental team is hope. "We're still learning to play together I think, we'll get there. With so many players from different teams, it takes time to gel," Bucatini added. "But with big wins like the Eastern [Europe] one, I can see the building blocks for a real dynasty here."

Day 8!

1. I would say it’s officially time to get into the holiday spirit! How festive are you feeling? Took me a bit to get through the work week, but now I'm off and feeling good! Happy holidays! 2. Davos has brought back the legend Ahma and the next in the Jokinen line! How do you feel about Davos’ draft? Spectacular. I know it took a bit of capital to move up to select the latest Jokinen, but it's worth it for both a spectacular player and a spectacular member. 3. Of the cities in the VHL in both the NA and EU conferences, which one would you like to visit the most? I've actually been to a lot of them - all in NA minus Calgary, plus London. I've actually talked about visiting Prague sometime soon, I've heard it's a beautiful city. 4. What are your goals for the upcoming season? It's all about the title baby. We've gotten so close in recent years, I don't really care about the personal stats as long as it means wins. 5. What position do you believe is most fun to play as and build in the VHL? Most people will probably say forward, but I'll be honest that I don't mind goalie as much as others do. It's a centerpiece position with wins and losses on you, and I have no problem riding the wave. 6. What is one thing you enjoy the most about being a part of a sim league? I've always liked the game aspect of it all. That's why I like being in point task leagues in particular - you get out what you put in, and I like challenging myself that way.

7 swans a swimming

But did anybody ever wonder why you're gifting six geese a laying? That's a lot of care and upkeep for the recipient.

High five

Four for me

Transaction ID: 0M274582PY317580L CAD $20 Also donating for @Ahma

Hola

Never gonna let you down

Davos, Switzerland -- It was always meant to be a building process for Antonia Bucatini's time on HC Davos Dynamo, and such has it gone. Her rookie year, Davos saw some wins, but ultimately missed out on the playoffs by finishing sixth in the conference. Her second year, it was a first playoff appearance - and an upset over Moscow to boot, before losing in the European Conference finals. Then this year, it was another step - her first finals appearance after getting revenge against Riga and taking down Moscow once again. The Dynamo lost in the finals in 6 games to the Vancouver Wolves. But should the season still be considered a success? Bucatini certainly thinks so. "Maybe we're even a little ahead of schedule honestly, but I think we're clearly where we want to be," she explained. "We wanted to be a team that competes for titles. Well, I would say falling two wins short of the cup certainly qualifies as being a contender." However, it's one thing to get to the finals, it's another to maintain that momentum. Already Davos management has begun to take steps to get there - and plenty more will be said on pairing Gianfranco Del Rocco with Bucatini as we get closer to the season. But for now, it's a time of rest and relaxation for the players. Plus, maybe a little gazing ahead to the future. "I'm still in the first half of my career. I've got a lot of hockey to play," Bucatini said. "So yeah, it's nice to get some wins early. But I think there's going to be plenty of success ahead for this team and in my own career."

For S97 Transaction ID: 4AX7724200750505V $1M Player Store Cash 5 TPE Uncapped Doubles Week

1. Coming off a heartbreaking Finals loss, we have a lot to reflect on. How did you feel about Davos’ S96? Even with the finals loss, I still consider it a success. We built on the previous season to get within two games of a title. But now we have to win it all. 2. How will your player spend their offseason? What's that? Gianfranco Del Rocco is coming to Davos? Well, now there's a lot of sightseeing and introductions to do, I'd imagine... 3. Did you sign up for this season’s Christmas-themed ProAm tourney? I didn't, but I typically don't participate in many ProAm tourneys as it is. The season's long, and I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing to take a break and check out for a bit. 4. There have been some talks between members about a potential updated demographics survey for the VHL (age, gender, country, etc.), would that be something you’d be interested in seeing in the near future? I'd be curious, especially the country part. I think I'm used to my online experience being very U.S.-centric, so I'd be curious to see how true that actually is in the VHL. 5. What would be the most important attribute you’d look for when scouting a player in the VHL? Activity, but that doesn't necessarily mean capping PTs every week. It could be locker room activity, consistent in checking the boards, auto-12s from another league. Just something to show they're engaged with the community. 7. Now that it’s that time of year, what is your favorite holiday tradition that you and your family participate in? We did our tree decorating, which is always a fun one for me. We get a live tree every year, but a small one - just enough to hang a few ornaments and enjoy the holiday season.

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