CowboyinAmerica

Enjoyed the article! But fwiw I believe YEAH's first player was just Edwin Encarnacion after the baseball player, thus the Re- working on another level for Player 2.

A while ago, @ROOKIE745 ran through a list of the top players all-time in terms of TPE. And it really threw me off when I was reading through and got to #10, then realized that each of the first nine on the list were skaters. That hasn't changed in the interim either, even as new names like Duncan Idaho, Hard Markinson and even Rookie himself with Jonathan Ori entered the list. The top goalie of all-time by TPE is still Bushito's Norris Stropko with 1623 TPE, all the way back in Season 57. Well, it was Norris Stropko I should say. Because with this week's article plus Theme Week TPE, Xavier Booberry is about to pass Stropko for the most goalie TPE of all-time. And that's not even a function of the longer career lengths either, since Booberry rather inexplicably still has two more seasons after this one to go. This wasn't a goal that I necessarily had with Booberry, even if I realized a while ago that it might be achievable. When Booberry came into the league, I was more interested in winning the VHLE and what nine-season careers meant for overall stats. But part and parcel with nine season careers is having a player actually worth taking the full nine seasons, which meant that I needed to stick with updates. It also helped having a bunch of excellent updaters, and up-and-coming goalies, on my tail to spur me to keep going. I'm not too sure where Booberry will land on the ultimate TPE list. I don't think I'm getting to 2000 without a lot of help, or without splurging on TPE-boosting items in the store rather than the depreciation-fighters that I'll ultimately buy. I think second on the list is extremely doable, though. If Booberry maintains 1200+ APE for the final 4.5 seasons of his career and ends up somewhere around 1900 TPE total, that's a wild enough ride for me. And here's to hoping that I might be putting the goalie record out of reach for the foreseeable future.

What a Changing Cap Will Do: How the S33 Draft Compares to S80 Around the time of the S80 Draft, I compared that year’s draft with the last time I was chosen first overall, the S56 Draft. The point was to show just how far the VHL had come in terms of activity, with a fully active 16+ picks in S80 a mile away from the roughly 3.5 players that had solid careers out of S56. But now, in keeping with the theme week, I’m going to compare S80 with another season: my first gen year of S33. And all things considered (and especially compared with S56), S33 was actually a banner year for players coming into the VHL. There were three future Hall of Famers from big name members in Wesley Kellinger (Jericho), Odin Tordahl (Boom) and Niklas Lindberg (Boubabi). Five of the first six picks in the draft ended up winning titles, and the one who didn’t was my Karsten Olsen because I had horrible luck. And there was rare depth: Even Doomsday’s Thomas Landry, the 16th pick in the draft, ended up winning two titles with the Americans, while Cologne’s David Collier was a first gen who would later become the team’s GM. But I really wanted to compare these two for another main reason: TPE. Because remember, the weekly cap for TPE didn’t used to be 12. It was 9. And because of that, comparing TPE on all-time leaderboards was already wonky even before the introduction of nine-season careers. It’s about to become even more ridiculous in the coming seasons. So for comparison, remember that S33 was a good draft, and that S80 players are only in their seventh season post-draft, as you take a look at these final numbers: Draft Spot S80 Player Current TPE S33 Player Ending TPE 1 Xavier Booberry 1612 Wesley Kellinger 903 2 Matty Fire 1081 Karsten Olsen 843 3 Saku Kotkakoivu 1348 Odin Tordahl 1311 4 Oskar Lindbergh 1264 Tomas Valiq 525 5 Kyle Peace 863 Felix Zamora 612 6 Corey Kitson 863 Willie Weber 548 7 David Davis 1273 GIYGAS 547 8 Alessandro Nano 916 Keiji Toriyama 658 9 Vinny Detroit 1356 Jarkko Olsen 762 10 Hari Singh Nalwa 1443 David Collier 684 11 Nils Godlander 1056 Sebastian Ball Jr. 779 12 Logain Ablar 738 Niklas Lindberg 1125 13 Florida Man 956 Riley Stevens 201 14 Zach Kisslinger II 973 Evgeny Namestnikov 516 15 Sven Eightnine 996 Mario Corvia 112 16 Ryan Vidot 1138 Thomas Landry 794 The third-highest TPE total in the S33 Draft ended up being Hall of Famer Wesley Kellinger at 903. Currently, there are 14 players who have already topped that figure in the S80 Draft less than seven seasons into their career, including the above plus second round pick Brendan Marner. Tordahl and Lindberg’s 1000+ totals were seen as insane back in the day (particularly for Lindberg as a first gen himself), but today that figure is much more commonplace. Although some players in 4-11 range in S33 admittedly petered out of updating by the end of their careers, it's tough to imagine a scenario where more than an additional player or two would have hit the 1k mark. I really don’t have an opinion on TPE inflation at all, since I think it all comes out in the wash. But I do think it’s an interesting thing to look back on when trying to compare eras and how they function within STHS, and certainly when coming up with all-time TPE leaderboards. Things changed a lot when the weekly cap was raised around S59 or so, and it’ll be sure to change a lot in the future as well when the affects of the nine-season career truly start to be seen.

1: It may have been a while since you were drafted, but are you happy with your draft position? Nah. First is too much pressure, tbh. Give me a nice third round draft selection and we'll call it a day, no expectations to be had here. 2: If you had to rename the VHL, what would you call it? Seems odd to call a league Victory when only 1 of the 16 teams wins each year. To be more accurate I'm calling it the Unrealistic Expectations Hockey League, or UEHL for short. 3: What kind of sponsorship would your player accept? I'm contractually obligated to already have a cereal sponsorship, so I'm cozying up to the milk lobby for some synergy. 4: What do you think Davos’ mascot should be? You need something neutral to fit with Switzerland, purple to fit with the team colors, and at least relatively fun for kids. So that's right: We're buying the rights to Barney. 5: What was your favorite toy when you were young? Matchbox cars, all day every day. Pro tip: Parents typically don't like it when they're cleaning out the gutters and find cars, realizing that you've climbed on the roof to race them down. 7: Can you play any instrument? If not, what one would you like to learn? I cannot, but I think a banjo would be fun. People would start out annoyed but then realize "Oh you can really play?!?" and get into it.

Davos, Switzerland -- At the halfway mark of the season, HC Davos Dynamo are doing ok. Actually, more than ok. The Dynamo currently top the European Conference at 49 points, albeit with two more games played, over the Moscow Menace and Warsaw Predators. Those points give them a 2 point lead over second, and crucially an 8 point lead over fourth, entering the back half of the season. For goalie Xavier Booberry, the goal entering this season was always to win a title. But even with that said, he wanted to put the team's success in perspective when talking to the media after a recent win over Helsinki. "Does it feel good to be at the top of the standings? Of course it does," Booberry said. "But we have a lot of other very good teams right on our heels. It's time to pick up the pace rather than rest on our laurels." Booberry himself has had another solid season following up last year's Shaw Trophy, sitting second among full-time starters with a .937 save percentage and fourth in GAA at 2.22. Especially since Davos has already reached the minimum number of backup goalie games for the season, his play down the stretch will be crucial. "I don't think there's any easy games this season; everything is necessary points in a race this close," Booberry added. "It's a long way to go to be sure, but it's excited. I'm ready to see this Davos team do great things."

1: James Teekirque currently leads Davos in points, how many points do you think they’ll end the season with? Can he hit 100? Probably not, but I'm going to predict it because I think it's fun. 2: What move do you think is your player's go-to shootout move? Poke checks once the skater gets in close. It's fun to see a skater get confident with all these fancy moves, only for a simple poke of the puck away. 4: What is your favorite Movie Genre? Always been big on comedy. Using my free time just to be scared or sad seems a bit odd to me. 5: If you could choose any Superpower, what would you choose? Teleportation would be pretty sweet. I really don't want anything too crazy with it, just to be able to cut out time going places would be nice. 6: Who is your favorite Villain in any show, movie, or game? A lot of people like villains with backstory or ambiguous morals, but that's not a true villain to me. Give me someone like Scar in The Lion King - unambiguously evil and fun to see fail. 7: Who is your favorite NHL player as of right now? Being in Minnesota, it's been fun to see the Wild have an actual star in Kaprizov. Who knows how long it's going to last, but it's fun to watch.

1: Davos is currently 2nd in the league. Do you think we’ll finish the season in this spot? Of course not, are you kidding me? It's because we're going to finish FIRST. I'VE ONLY GOT MY EYES UP. 2: Which teammate do you think your player gets along with best?He's a recent addition, but I think Sam Tombstone and I have a nice 1-2 punch going at goalie. And he's playing pretty darn well, if I do say so myself. 3: Which player do you think has been our MVP so far this season?Jake Thunder may not get a lot of press, but 19 assists in 17 games is nothing to sneeze at. He's everywhere out there on the ice. 4: We have recently added Sunrise Van De Schubbekuteveen to the roster. How would your player welcome them to the team?Play "Here Comes the Sun" on a loop the entire practice. It starts out like a nice gesture, and slowly turns into hazing as go through the first hour-plus of one song. 5: What would be your players' goal song? It'd be the Benny Hill Theme, because if I'm out there scoring a goal, something has seriously, seriously gone wrong. 8: Besides Hockey, which sports do you like/follow?I'm all over the place. Basketball is probably my number one, but also baseball, football (particularly college), soccer and actually racing - both nascar and F1.

I'm the only one without a goalie so going G - David Davis to speed things up. Tag Minion next

D - Jake Thunder @Tate

If I'm in third by the end of what would be season 7 after the draft, still definitely think that counts for something. Also I appreciate that to make the top 5 next I have to knock out... myself

D - Hari Singh Nalwa @UnknownMinion

F - Vinny Detroit @Tate

1: First Two games of the season down. How do you like your performance so far? Eh, could be better. Solid first game, but way too many goals against Warsaw. Would like to limit that against European competitors. 2: Early prediction for most goals this VHL season? Lamb would be nice, since I just picked them in fantasy a second ago. A lot of talent spread across the VHL though. 3: How does your player prepare for a big game? I'm more of a loner, as I think goalies are sometimes. Blast some metal in the headphones and get ready for this thing. 4: How many points do you expect from your player this season? I mean, I actually do have a history of a decent amount of assists. So I'll say 5 assists... and one empty net goal, because I can. 5: Which attributes do you intend on increasing this season, if any? Absolutely zero. It's in full regression saving mode now, but I think I've got a decent lead on doing that and staying good my final couple of seasons. 6: Do you have a favorite Restaurant or fast food place? If so, what is it? Of the chain places, I'll mess up a Chili's. It's my go-to in an airport when I want something I know will be good and don't want to think about things too much.

F - Vasile Lamb @UnknownMinion

F - Saku Kotkakoivu @Tate

Thank you all who voted for me for the Shaw! Not what I would have guessed entering last season, a very welcome surprise.

1: What is the best color for a Hockey Jersey? I generally like a red jersey, think it contrasts nicely with the ice. But I will say: I saw the Kraken jerseys in person for the first time last week, and they're pretty sweet. 2: Where would you like to go for vacation? Somewhere warm is preferred just to get away from things. A beach, but not a crowded one - I've been to Bonaire before and it was a nice mix. 4: If you were to recommend one Show, Movie or Youtube channel to someone, which would you choose? I recommended Coco to a friend with kids last week, and I stand by that. The newer Disney movies don't get as much of a shine as some of the older ones, but I think they're legit. 5: Who is your favorite cartoon or animated character? I've seen a lot of Avatar the Last Airbender in my life, including with some film industry friends who swear it's one of the best written shows ever. 6: Are you able to do any voice impressions? If so, which ones? I've got a deep voice when I try and can do a pretty decent James Earl Jones. It's great for the Star Wars fan in your life. 8: Who is your favorite actor right now? I tend comedy in general, and I have a soft spot for anything Danny McBride recently. I could have said the Righteous Gemstones for the above question 4 as well, very excited for the next season.

S86 Donation Transaction ID: 43U86323GC301225T $1 million Cash Doubles Week 5 Uncapped TPE Claiming all this week

Davos, Switzerland -- When long-time Helsinki Titans goalie Xavier Booberry made his way over to Davos at mid-season, there was some question whether he would be at his new destination longer than the one season left on his contract. However, Booberry put those doubts to rest earlier this week, signing an extension with the Dynamo through S88. For Booberry, the new deal takes him through retirement, and particularly with a full no trade clause it's likely he's found the home for the rest of his career. And for him, that exactly what he wanted. "The goalie landscape can be tough, with a lot of teams not making moves or with younger prospects. If I have a place I like, why rock the boat?" Booberry said. "I'm happy here, and I'm glad they're happy with me too." Booberry just entered regression for the first time in his career, but the expectation is that with his work ethic, he will largely be able to stave off age's effects through the end of his career. That means Davos has three seasons of high-level Booberry remaining. "The goal is absolutely to win a title before I retire, that was never a question," Booberry added. "I think we have the pieces to do it too. It's been a long time coming for another Davos title, and I hope I'm here to help it arrive."

1: It’s gonna be officially the offseason at some point this week. Philadelphia Reapers (VHLM) Oslo Storm (VHLE) & DC Dragons (VHL) All won their respective championships. Which one surprises you most? Probably the Dragons for me. I'm extremely happy for them, but as a member of the franchise's first finals team I thought they were cursed a bit. Glad to see that's not so. 2: If you were in the StarWars universe, which color of the lightsaber would you choose? I'm going to say purple. Not only Davos colors, but rather underutilized and I think the lighting off of it would be cool. 3: Which current NHL jersey would you get? (To make it interesting let’s say it can’t be your favorite teams) I tend towards the classic jerseys, and as a bandwagoner I tend to like the popular players more. So give me a Leafs Matthews jersey, and I'll wear it during Olympic hockey season to make people angry. 4: Which current NHL star would you like to meet and why? Off the radar: I want to meet Gritty, make him take a shot with me, then party it up all night. 5: Do you like Halloween? Why? I bought a house not too long ago, and it's fun being on the other side of the coin giving candy to kids. Just sit with a hot cider and rum, eat some chocolate - I'm good. 6: Since it’s Spooky Season, which was the last form of media that scared you? (Songs, Movies, Shows, and so on) I probably do more horror with books or podcasts than anything else, honestly. But I did like Severance a lot too - scary in more of a thriller way, I suppose.

Xavier Booberry - RB

1: Alex Johnston and David Tavau have announced they’ll be retiring this offseason. Do you have any final words for your teammates? I haven't been in Davos long, but I could feel the love as soon as I got here. The veterans on the team are a big reason behind that, and I thank them for welcoming me with open arms. 2: I know it’s early and we’re not entirely sure who’ll be brought to Davos this offseason but who do you think will lead Davos in points next season? A rough one, but I'll say it's Pete Mitchell. He's due for a breakout season, and I think the offense as a whole will be much better next season. 3: Moscow has made the VHL finals, who do you think joins them DC Dragons or Chicago Phoenix? I'll say it's DC. I've been hoping for them to win one dating back to my days on the team with Flowers, and it'd be nice to see them coalesce and pull through. 7: What was your favorite trick-or-treat costume? I had a Dale Earnhardt costume when I was really young that included the racing helmet and everything. I'm a redneck from way back, you can't touch me. 8: What is your favorite Scary Movie to watch during the season? Nor much of a scary movie person, if I'm being honest. Hocus Pocus is about the most I go there, and I did watch the sequel yesterday so that's probably my answer. 9: What is your favorite type of Cake? I was that kid at parties growing up: ice cream cake. Ice cream is so much better anyway, and it's something different as a kid, so why not lean into it?

Davos, Switzerland -- When HC Davos Dynamo fell to the fourth seed in the European Conference, there was consternation among the fanbase, and for good reason: Anything can happen in a wild card round. Five games against a tough team in the Malmo Nighthawks would be a real challenge, compared to a first round bye. And indeed, it was a challenge: The Davos/Malmo series went to five games. But in the end, the Dynamo were able to pull it out, winning the decisive Game 5 by a score of 3-1. In the final game, recently acquired goalie Xavier Booberry finished with 26 saves on 27 shots, and overall for the series had a .935 save percentage and 1.99 goals against average. "It's what I came here to do," Booberry said. "I hadn't won a playoff series before, so that's a nice weight off my back. But our work is nowhere near done." Indeed, Davos now plays a Warsaw team that dominated the conference during the regular season, which would give many players pause. But the Dynamo played Warsaw close during the regular season, and to hear the locker room tell it, they're feeling good heading into the series. "We may be underdogs, but nothing is a sure thing in hockey," Booberry said. "Last time the Dynamo won it all, they were a three seed. We're a four, but I think we can make the same sort of run. It's time to show what this talent can do."

1: Davos made it past the Wildcard round in a very close series, do you think that win will somehow give us an advantage going into round one? I'm not sure about an advantage, but it definitely gives us confidence. Being able to pull out one series win lets us know that we can compete, even against a tough team like Warsaw. 2: Which player on Davos will have the most points on the team by the end of our playoff run? You know what they say, Jake Thunder brings the Thunder. Is that what they say? Either way, I'm rolling with it. 3: Is the NHL preseason too long? I don't think so. Especially after a long offseason it's good to get ramped up and give new players a chance to prove themselves. Possibly frustrating for fans, but necessary. 4: What do you think about Jersey sponsors in the NHL? It would be my preferred method, for sure. But it's also not my money. I get why owners tend towards greed and want more revenue streams - even if I call them greedy for doing it. 8: Do you like it when people do their own covers of famous songs? If so, what is your favorite cover? It's fine, as long as it's a completely different take and not just a different famous person singing the same song (aka Weezer's Africa). Johnny Cash's Hurt is the easy answer for this one, but for a good reason since it's so haunting. 9: What was the most recent movie trailer you have seen that genuinely sparked your interest? (For fun this question can count towards Shows, Anime, or any other media) The J. Lo movie "Shotgun Wedding" had a pretty great trailer. If you haven't seen it, there's a twist near the middle that I don't want to spoil. I'm down to see it when it's streaming.

McAllister 2 gud (Backstory: I was actually planning on making him a pure scorer with zero hitting capability. But I was kind of running out of places to put TPE and decided to swing hard the other direction, which is how he got a huge hit spike between seasons 2 and 3. Glad I did, it's a fun record to have.)