CowboyinAmerica

The Antonia Bucatini Biography Finding the Ice Antonia Bucatini was never supposed to play hockey. She was from a family noodle making business, you see, specializing in noodles with holes in the center that took after the family name: bucatini. Located in the tourist areas of Rome, Bucatini’s was not only a landmark, but it was a certified business. Her father had grand designs to bring her into the business one day. In the meantime though, the successful noodle business provided the funds for some of her hobbies. There was a karting phase that ended the first time she wrecked. Then, there was an equestrian phase before she realized she hated the smell of horses. Football, choir singing, skiing, they all ended the same. So, when Antonia Bucatini took up ice dancing at the age of 11, her parents thought it would be the same. Buy her a pair of skates, let her go out on a local ice rink for a month or two to get it out of her system, and she’ll be on to the next thing. Her future in the kitchen is what awaits, after all, so better to let her be a child and well rounded now. A funny thing happened when Bucatini took to the ice though: She loved it. Maybe not the dancing part, she would say - she could never understand the judging guidelines and the shiny outfits. That was never Bucatini’s style; she was more of a risk taker. But the ice itself, that seemed to call to her. She could skate quicker than all the other ice dancers, and seemingly stop on a dime. She felt in control, like the skates were a natural extension of herself. One month turned into two, which turned into four then six. Amazingly to her parents, she kept skating. After a while, then-12 year old Bucatini thought she might want to go out for figure skating. The Olympics were in Italy not too long ago in Turino, she thought, and there may be some coaches that would want to train the next big Italian figure skater. Her parents were loathe to let her go, but then again they figured, why not let her through this phase? The noodle making empire will be here. And that’s how she found herself in Turino while still in grade school, trying to make her way in the skating world. The Right Kind of Skates When Bucatini arrived in Turino, she found that she didn’t enjoy actually figure skating. Instead, she found herself drawn to another set of athletes sharing ice time: the ice hockey players. Where figure skating was delicate, ice hockey was brutal. Where figure skating rewarded tight routines, ice hockey rewarded taking risks. Figure skating needed discipline; ice hockey rewarded discipline, yes, but married it with talent and a flair for the dramatic. The only problem was, Bucatini had never played hockey. It took three months in Turino for Bucatini to work up the nerve to ask to step on the ice during the ice hockey practices. It took her an additional couple of months to learn the rules, the paces, the tricks of the trade. Then there was the issue that she was one of the few female players in the camp, in which most of the girls stayed with either figure skating or ice dancing. Slowly but surely, though, Bucatini worked her way through the system. By the time she turned 15, she established herself as one of the best players at the elite Italian camp. Her parents were flabbergasted. Sure, they admired her tenacity, and were proud that their daughter had developed a dedicated spirit towards one of her hobbies. But still, ice hockey? They were in disbelief that ice hockey would lead their daughter anywhere, especially since Italy was not known as a hockey powerhouse. Even if she was the best player in her academy, that might still pale in comparison to the best players in Europe from the Nordic countries or Russia, let alone anywhere in North America. So for the now secondary school-aged Antonia Bucatini, there was a choice to make: See where hockey took her, or head home to Rome and truly establish herself at the family business? To say that it was a no-doubt decision would be a lie; Bucatini loved her family, loved Rome, and would have a perfectly fine life in the family business. But deep down, she knew that if she did not try now, she’d be left with a hole in the middle similar to her family’s noodles. She had to make the jump; the family business can wait. The VHL and Beyond With her family’s blessing, Bucatini left at 16 to make yet another big move - this time changing countries, where she left Italy to move to Sweden and the local youth academy for the VHLE’s Vasteras Iron Eagles. There, she met with VHL-affiliated coaches and scouts, learned what it takes to play high-level hockey, and began training to make hockey her actual profession. After a few months in Vasteras, she realized, yes, she did have what it takes. While she wasn’t the best player immediately, she proved to learn quickly, have a high work ethic, and above all else, have that natural connection with the ice. Now at the age of 18, Antonia Bucatini has made yet another big move: to Philadelphia, the VHLM, and the idea that she will be entered in the VHL Draft in just two years time. Maybe Antonia will flame out; maybe she will go all the way and become the VHL’s next big star. But regardless, both Bucatini and her family are proud of her journey. From a noodle shop in Rome to the brightest VHL stage and beyond, Antonia Bucatini has never been afraid to take risks. Now, she just needs to bring the sauce.

Love the history pieces, I picked a good time to also return to activity. That U.S. first line is nasty, I'd love to see it (Season 100 specialty tournament?!?) And wasn't expecting Olsen to sneak in there for Finland but glad to see him get some shine.

REAPERS PRESS CONFERENCE It's that time of the week again! Welcome back to the Press Conference. Answer 3 for 1 Capped TPE or all 6 for 2 Capped TPE! 1. It was just Thanksgiving in Philadelphia! What is your player thankful for this year? 2. What's your favorite Thanksgiving food you just can't get enough of? 3. The Reapers with 69 (nice) points, fifth overall in the VHLM. Do you think the team finishes the season in fifth? 4. Caring Bear and Logen Ninefingers are first and second in the VHLM in points, and it's not close. What makes them so good? 5. Between Bear and Ninefingers, who finishes the season with more points? 6. Who's your X-Factor player down the stretch and into the playoffs for the Reapers?

Transaction ID: 7D994572M0089122J Double Week 5 TPE 1M

Hell yeah. Already excited for the World Cups tbh

Hey my suggestion already in here! I second Doctors Without Borders, I know some people who have worked with them and it's my go-to charity. They do some great work, and they're good about making sure a lot of the donation funds go directly to people who need it.

Antonia Bucatini Scouting Report Name: Antonia Bucatini Position: C Hometown: Rome, Italy Team: TBD As the newest prospects for the VHL’s Season 93 Draft begin to filter their way into the VHLM, there is unexpected one name that has garnered some intrigue. Center Antonia Bucatini comes from the hockey not-so-hotbed of Naples, Italy, meaning that she hasn’t been as highly scouted as the typical American, Canadian or Northern European player. But that does not mean her skills are unserious - on the contrary, in fact. In limited looks, Bucatini has wowed scouts with her combination of playmaking and pinpoint shooting. Her drive and determination have also turned heads as well, leading some scouts to believe that she could be a future star in the VHL. However, at her diminutive size and with a general lack of checking skill and physical play, scouts also concede that she has plenty of room to grow before becoming a real force. What should VHLM, VHLE and VHL teams expect from Antonia Bucatini? Here’s some of her strengths and weaknesses heading into her first games in the pros. Pros Playmaking: In an age where everybody wants to score, distributors may seem increasingly rare. But Bucatini is a player focused on team goals, not necessarily her own production. Skilled at the art of the extra pass, she’s been known to be an excellent fast break starter and would be good to pair with a high-powered wing. Face-offs: The art of the face-off may be lost in many VHLM and VHLE circles, but it would not be with Bucatini. She comes into the league with a decently strong face-off percentage as a true center, and that figure is only expected to increase over time as she plans on perfecting the craft. Longevity: Having recently been picked up by a player agency with a VHL pedigree, many scouts expect that Bucatini has a bright future. While there may be some concerns about her absolutely maximizing her skill (more on that in a second), those around her believe she will absolutely be a consistent presence at practice and is likely to go all eight seasons in her career. Cons Physical Play: Let’s call a spade a spade: Bucatini isn’t the type to move somebody off of the puck. Much preferring to skate around players and identify a pinpoint pass, Bucatini’s size and lack of physicality may run her into some problems against larger defenders and physical forwards. Leadership: Some teams picking high in drafts may be looking for a vocal leader, somebody to rally the players in the locker room and get everybody on the same page in the game. That’s not Bucatini. While she does do a certain element of leading by example, a more soft-spoken nature means she won’t be the most vocal in the locker room or to the press. Ceiling: While Bucatini is viewed as a high floor player, she may also not have the Hall of Fame ceiling that some teams are looking for. Compared with past players from her agency, there are rumors that Bucatini may be content not maxing out at practice each week, doing a solid job but not spectacular. In terms of past agency players, think more Lance Flowers than Xavier Booberry.

Rome, Italy -- As typically happens at the VHL’s Trade Deadline, a host of new players are beginning to declare for the VHLM for the first time. One of those is Antonia Bucatini, an intriguing playmaking center prospect out of Rome, Italy. Sources say Bucatini is soon to begin receiving inquiries from VHLM GMs about her status and her preferred place to play. But rather than hold her cards close to her chest, Bucatini has chosen to go public with her VHLM wishes in selecting a team. “Really, all I want is two things. First, I’d prefer to play on a winning team. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to win the title, but I’d like a shot at the playoffs this year if I can. Second, I want to make an impact. Fourth-line minutes don’t mean that much to me, but a potential second line slot from the start would make a big difference.” Are there teams that satisfy both of Bucatini’s wishes? Possibly, though it may be up to the teams’ GMs whether they trust starting a fresh rookie in big games down the stretch. Either way, Bucatini feels confident about her abilities and what she’d bring to a potential VHLM franchise. “I know I have room to grow, but I also know I come with some skills. I feel good about my play,” Bucatini said. “And to have the opportunity to show that in the VHLM is all I want. It’s time for me to bring the sauce.”

Player Information Username: CowboyinAmerica Player Name: Antonia Bucatini Recruited From: Returning Age: 18 Position: C Height: 71 in. Weight: 177 lbs. Birthplace: Italy Player Page @VHLM GM

Oh damn, that was rather unexpected - I thought I might get the Shaw but this one never crossed my mind. Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me and sent Booberry off on such a high note!

Peace out y'all. See you down the road!

Booberried Xavier Booberry had kind of a weird career, honestly. A lot of stops, starts and unfinished business. He was picked first overall by a barren Helsinki team, but one that had a lot of high picks and was really building something for my first four seasons. There was hope and a second place EU finish... then Rayz disappeared at the worst possible time and the team fell apart. So it was on to Davos, which had its own bright future with a lot of young talent. There was playoff success and a finals appearance in S87 to build on... then Booberry was kicked to the curb as a cap casualty with one season left. So it was on to Seattle for the final season. And it was a good season, even with losing in the finals... but of course there's no opportunity to get revenge next season. It's easy to call Booberry's story one of unfulfillment. And my knee-jerk reaction can be a bit of disappointment by how it all went down. But then, I look again at what my initial plan was for Booberry and how I stacked up. And I realize - perhaps a bit conceitedly - that I've had the titles and awards before. What I wanted with Booberry was new experiences, and those experiences I've had in spades. First, I wanted to stress test what at the time was the brand new nine season careers. I think I managed that quite well: 2102 TPE as of this writing, and I'd venture to guess that Booberry's 1427 TPA to end the season is as well. Even if Spartan/whoever passes me, I'm not concerned - I wanted to see what could happen with a nine season career and insane TPE totals, and in damn near getting 99's across the board in the important attributes, I accomplished that quite well. Second, I had been pushing for the return of Vasteras since the team went away in the early '40s. I also wanted to prove myself in the league that I hadn't done anything in (because it had never existed): the VHLE. To not only be drafted to Vasteras, but to win the title in the inaugural VHLE season, very sincerely does mean more to me than a VHL title would have. It's unique and a cool story, and I'm happy I got to experience it. So in the end, I consider Booberry's story a successful one. There were ups and downs, to be certain, but what I really wanted out of Booberry's experience was something different from my past VHL players. And I certainly accomplished that, both the good and the bad. Thanks to all who made the experience what it was. With that in mind, there isn't too much more I think I want out of the VHL. Really, there's only one thing I can foresee right now. For someone around in the early days of sim leagues, where making it three seasons was an accomplishment to be lauded, seeing the VHL go 100 seasons and inching close to 20 real life years would be insane. So, I won't be around for a few seasons, but don't be shocked if I pop back up in the mid 90s to make a player in their prime for S100. It's a cool milestone, one that people should be proud of, and I'd be excited to see what the next era brings.

Great minds, etc.

Seattle -- This year's North American Conference finals between Seattle and Calgary is interesting enough on its face: Two teams with a long history and a lot of success facing off to stake a claim as the team to beat in the conference. But there's another reason why this matchup is interesting in the two teams' goalies. Xavier Booberry and Oskar Lindbergh @Doomsday have been linked since the beginning of their careers. Both were top five picks in the vaunted Season 80 Draft, both were members of the inaugural VHLE championship team in Vasteras, and both have fought for multiple awards and accolades throughout their careers. Now, as both players are set to retire, it will be one knocking the other out for the final time. And Booberry is quick to note that Lindbergh has something he doesn't: a VHL title, won against the Davos squad Booberry played for last season. "I'm happy with how my career's gone, but I wouldn't say I'm satisfied without that title," Booberry said. "I'm happy for him that he's got one, but I feel like it's my time." Both players have been hot throughout the playoffs, with Booberry's strong .945 save percentage outpaced by Lindbergh's scorching hot .961 save percentage mark. But with the series 1-1, Booberry thinks Seattle still could have enough firepower to pull out the series. "He's strong, I'll give him that. But I've faced off against strong goalies before," Booberry added. "A career leads to this, a test of skills on the biggest stage. It really is now or never."

45. what did you think of the series between Seattle Bears and Vancouver Wolves? It made me happy. The Wolves are a team with a history of success and upsets, so pulling out a win however we can is a positive by me. 46. what has been the biggest surprise of the playoffs so far? It has to be Prague getting knocked out. But that leaves us as the team with the best record left, so now we're the ones with the targets on our backs. 47. how did your player do in the regular season? Pretty solid if I say so myself. Playing goalie can be a crapshoot at times, so having such a high save percentage and win/shutout total made me happy. 48. Thoughts on the current series against the Calgary Wranglers? It's tied 1-1, and I wouldn't expect anything less. I expect our offense to pick up though, so pulling out a 2-1 win in Game 2 was a positive sign. 49. Your player recently adopted an animal. What did they adopt? What did they name it? I live out in the woods, so it has to be something a bit burly to live in that atmosphere. My domesticated brown bear named Oso is doing quite well, thank you. 50. what has been some of the highest moments of your players career so far? I'm hoping that my biggest moment is yet to come: A VHL title. I've only got one shot left for it, so let's get it done!

1. Prague is heading into the playoffs seeking the first Continental Cup in franchise history. What team do you think will be their biggest hurdle, and what chances do you give them of winning it all? It's always tough to knock out teams that have been there before, and with either Davos or Moscow in a potential conference finals that's going to be a tough hill to surmount. 2. What is your favorite logo in any of the VHL/VHLE/VHLM? I've always liked the Davos logo. It's clean, a lot you can do with it, and I'm a fan of the purple coloration. 3. Recommend me an album to listen to. It's old, but Riot Fest lineup was released today and got me listening to some Enter Shikari. I listened to a lot of Take to the Skies back in the day. Questions: 1. It's Game 7 in the locker room - are you trying to pump people up, or keep everyone calm? 2. What's your favorite hockey gameday tradition? 3. It's springtime, so what's your favorite flower/plant?

Seattle -- The Seattle Bears did what they needed to do during the regular season: With 102 total points, the Bears finished first in the North American Conference and a point off the overall VHL lead. It was overall a successful season - but to goalie Xavier Booberry, the regular season was never the goal. "Of course you want to get the wins, but it's all in service of one goal: a title," Booberry said following the season. "Now for me, the real games begin." Indeed, Booberry and the Bears will be watching the wild card games closely, where it will be decided whether they face the Vancouver Wolves or the Los Angeles Stars in the next round. If they were to get past that, the Chicago Phoenix or Calgary Wranglers would be waiting. But Booberry cautions against looking too far ahead. He's had a lot of playoff experience in his career with both Helsinki and Davos, and in Seattle he's joined a veteran squad with a lot of experience of its own. He's hoping that will help garner the one trophy he's never quite gotten. "I've done a lot in my career but I don't yet have that title. This is my last shot," Booberry said. "What happens will happen, but I don't want to have any regrets with how I play out there. It's go time."

37. It’s seems as though @DarkSpyro is on vacation. Where did he go? What are they doing? Well Spyro is out there doing whatever dragons do of course - there's a whole Dragon world to save. Or maybe since they're Dark Spyro, they're destroying it? 38. Your player has to partake on dancing with the stars as per your new agency contract. Who do you choose as a partner and why? Rough. Without knowing any of the dancers, I'm picking the absolute smallest one to pair with Booberry. It's easier lifts, and the size difference will pop on TV. 39. Nano @leafsman has announced their retirement from the VHL. What was the gift that the VHL gave to all their retirees this go around? Given the nine season careers mean a lot more hits, I'm guessing an NDA that doesn't let them discuss concussion protocol. 40. being just passed the trade deadline, how do you think the team has done so far this season? Ended up finishing first in the conference, which ain't half bad. That's not the goal though - that's still ahead for a title. 41. at the last home game, Seattle had released a brand, new, unique giveaway to the fans during the game. They dropped about 100 of them from the rafters with parachutes to help them down. What did they giveaway? Live bears actually. It was weird, PETA got involved, and now we don't really talk about it much. 42. If the VHL became a monarchy, and we had to elect the first ever, king or queen, who would you choose as your new ruler? How would they rule? I mean, I'm choosing myself. That's not against the rules apparently, so bow down to your benevolent leader everybody.

I didn't find time to do the Theme Week though, giving just enough of an opening as a tease

Seattle -- It's a big week in VHL circles, the one where a number of players in their final season decide to hang up their practice skates for good. This year, that's expected to be the big Season 80 draft class - the first ones to play in the VHLE, go nine seasons, and have overall higher practice hours that make retirement somewhat of a relief. Except, there's one player on the Seattle Bears that has no intention to turn in his walking papers. Goalie Xavier Booberry, as it turns out, is staying in the practice arena. "I don't really do many things with half measures. So why would I retire early?" Booberry asked assembled media after a recent practice. "I plan on seeing this thing through to the very end, thank you very much." Booberry's insistence follows a trend from his agency, which typically sees players play out their entire career before the agency itself goes on a hiatus for a few seasons. Sources indicate the same pattern will follow here and it will be a bit before Booberry has a successor. But until then, Booberry has two main goals: extend his practice hours lead, and guide the Bears to a VHL title. "You know, I still don't have one of those," Booberry noted. "I've got some work to do before I hang up these skates, and I'm surely not done yet."

1. Who has been your favorite GM through your VHL experience? I've had a lot of good ones, honestly. Going way back, going to give Eagles a shout-out for those 40s Calgary teams. They were cobbled together out of nothing, and he made them fun. 2. How shocked were you in the NHL first round upsets and what were the biggest surprises to you? I mean, Boston being bounced was simultaneously shocking but also hilarious. Wouldn't have minded seeing the Wild go further either, but that's not much of an upset. 3. Where do you really want to visit for a vacation? A Mediterranean trip is on the bucket list - would love to get to some combo of Italy/Greece sometime soon. Questions: 1. Which VHL/VHLE/VHLM race are you watching most closely the rest of the season? 2. Does a Canadian team win the Stanley Cup this year? If not, how long before one does? 3. What's a pet that you've never had but would love to try?

28. How was your player done so far this season? Decent. Like that Seattle's winning a lot, but haven't had the individual save percentage that I would have wanted. 29. What are your thoughts on Seattle so far this season? Right in the thick of things, that's all I could have asked for. Really hoping that we can overtake Chicago down the stretch, first would be fun. 31. It’s theme week. If you were in charge of choosing a theme week, which theme week, would you like to leave to do? In the spirit of the last question, I know they don't like to talk about expansion here, but it'd be a fun topic. Propose a team, do an expansion draft, something along those lines. 32. Trade deadline can be a nervous time for some players. What does your player do on that day? Booberry's an old man at this point, he's seen trade deadlines come and go. Whatever will be will be honestly. 33. Seattle is having a fan appreciation night. What are they giving away to the fans? It has to be teddy bears. You've got to go with the theme at least a little, and we can make them cute. 35. It’s been a few seasons now. What are your thoughts on the new hybrid TPE updating scale? Haven't messed with it as a goalie, will be curious what it might look like with a new non-goalie player. Seems to have balanced things out though.

Uncapped TPE Package +2 5/5

Seattle -- The Seattle Bears started out the VHL season hot, winning 10 of the team's first 12 games. Then started a cool down that saw the Bears fall to the rest of the pack, particularly the Chicago Phoenix and Los Angeles Stars. And yet, with 30 games now down and the league nearing the halfway point of the season, the Bears have still been able to hold onto that first place slot. With 44 points in 30 games, the Bears hold the highest point total in North America by 2 over Chicago and 6 over Los Angeles. They're also just one point off the league lead behind Helsinki, with two extra games in hand. To goalie Xavier Booberry, it's exactly the type of start he wanted to see. "You generally think you have a good shot at these things, but you never know until you hit the ice. But now over a long stretch, the winning mentality has played out," Booberry said. "I think we've solidified that we're a real contender here?" So would Booberry call Seattle a favorite? Not quite yet - and the randomness of the VHL playoffs plays a big role in that. In fact, Booberry is keeping his goals modest for the rest of the season, similar to past years in Helsinki and Davos. "Honestly? I just want to be top three in North America," Booberry said. "Sure, it'd be nice to be top of the conference. But we see that anything happens in the playoffs. And as long as we're missing that play-in round, I think we've got just as good of a shot as anybody else in this league."

1. A hand-me-down 2003 Hyundai Elantra. I'll say though that thing last like 160k miles and like 15 years, not bad for what's supposed to be a crappy car. 2. I have a friend doing an Avatar the Last Airbender watch for the first time and texting me about it, so I've got Zuko at the top of my mind. But his character progression is insane. 3. Nothing! Lawyering up first baby - I want this thing to last me forever, and do it legally. Boring sure, but I'd rather be boring than flame out. Questions: 1. If you could add an extra holiday to the year that gives you a day off work/school, what month would you place it in? 2. What's a type of pet that you've never had but would love to try caring for? 3. If you could pick a new goal song for your favorite NHL team, what would you pick?