CowboyinAmerica

Wonderful, the assistant captain honor is great but think the Ring of Honor is really cool.

F - Tyler Barabash Jr F - Phil Marleau @Erik Summers

This is technically for the week ending March 29, but wanted to get it up while it's relevant.

Another World Cup, Another Medal This year's Western Europe squad may not have been favorites by any stretch of the imagination, especially after finishing fifth with 11 points in group play. But following an impassioned knockout round that saw the team steal one in OT against the United States, then beat the Mercenaries by one in the Bronze Medal game, the Western Europe squad found itself upon the medal stand regardless. And with that, my own personal streak in the World Cup continues, despite me thinking that it was going to come to an end. I haven't been in every World Cup in the past 30 seasons, either due to not having a player or not being selected for a team (such as in the last World Cup with Flowers). But when I've been there, I've been to the podium. Karsten Olsen - Team Scandinavia S32 - Gold S34 - Fourth S37 - Bronze S40 - Silver Hans Wingate - Team Western Europe S43 - Gold S46 - Gold S48 - Silver S50 - Silver Gabriel McAllister - Team USA S54 - Silver S56 - Bronze S58 - Gold S60 - Gold S62 - Silver Lance Flowers - Team Western Europe S70 - Bronze That's right, I'm now at 12 straight medals in the World Cup, dating all the way back to Season 34 (my second season with an active player in the VHL). I've purposefully hopped around regions and team compositions as well in order to not be on a loaded squad, but it seems like I keep on trucking. In total, that's four golds, four silvers, and now three bronzes in that time frame. Maybe it's my players? For a few of those Wingate and McAllister years, maybe. But for the most part, and especially this past World Cup, I've been blessed with some great teammates and a fair bit of luck. Flowers had exactly zero points in the knockout round, after all, but the rest of the Western Europe team was able to pick him up. Here's to hoping Western Europe can keep it going in S72, and a better tournament (and maybe a gold or silver?) that year.

D - Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen @Erik Summers

(I'm going to have so much fun with these headlines) Manhattan -- The New York Americans may have missed out on the playoffs last season despite having an above .500 record, but there was always going to be a silver lining: a high draft pick. Originally, that was pick number four, but with nine rostered forwards and A Red Guy in goal, what the team really needed was a top-flight defenseman. Once Roque Davis went off the board, the obvious pick was going to be Hugh Jass. But could New York even trade back and get him? They tried - and in the end, they got their man. With the seventh pick in the draft, the Americans selected the same player they might have taken at #4, and they got an extra S73 second for their troubles. Jass comes to the Americans after an absurd 132 point season with Houston last year in the minors, and if he even continues a fraction of that offensive production on New York, the team will have a steal on their hands. "Especially with McWolf's retirement, it was clear we simply needed more firepower from the blue line," said Lance Flowers, one of New York's returning defensemen. "Now we've got that. I mean, 35 goals and near 100 assists, are you kidding me?" It's expected that Jass will start on the Americans' second line, alongside sophomore defender David O'Quinn. It's likely, though, that he will see some action on the power play and other offensively-minded units - neither Flowers nor O'Quinn are particularly strong scorers. "It was the exact piece we needed to make a true run," Flowers added. "And already, I think we're set to shock some people this year."

SBA +6

1. NY is set to pick at #4, what do you want to see come from this pick? A little late on this one, but I think the trade back worked well. With so many S73 seconds it should kick off a potential rebuild in grand fashion, plus we still got who we wanted. 2. Who's the most exciting prospect in this draft? Hugh Jass, of course! Seriously, I think he'll be an impact player on our blue line right away, and similar to past players like myself and Jensen could very easily be in the ROY mix. 3. How have you spent your offseason so far? Hanging out. I've done some cap work for the team to make sure we can fit everybody, but in general seems a bit sleepier than last offseason. Figure that may pick up when the World Cup starts. 4. After a disappointing finish last year, what do you expect to see from us this year? The playoffs is an obvious answer, but I really expect to see New York as a championship contender this year. We've got the depth, got the hunger after last year, and all we need is the gameplanning. 5. Any hot takes for the upcoming season? My hot take for about three years running now is that Boris the Forest is going to transform into an MVP contender. I'm not going away from it now. 6. NYA Longest Drive Competition, who wins? I do, of course. Come on now, you thought I'd pick somebody else? I'm made for the game of... (what sport is that? oh, ok)... golf. I'm made for golf.

This was actually my question too. Especially with a lot of people already capping because of jobs and the like, seems like it may kill something that has helped people learn about the history of the league and engage in a different way. All in all I think lowering the inflation is a good idea though.

I'm in

That OT goal will be a nice final shot on the Smitty HOF induction reel

Moscow, Not the USSR -- The Moscow Menace are one game away from clinching the franchise's first Continental Cup in only its sixth year of existence. That's a quick turnaround time for certain; in fact, only four other franchises have won the title the whole time Moscow has been in existence. But I was curious: How would Moscow's quick title compare to other expansion teams? As it turns out, Moscow's title is quick, but not the quickest in history for a new franchise. Discounting the VHL's original eight franchises (because then Calgary would hold the title at one season), here's how long it took the VHL's expansion teams to win their first title. Cologne Express: Created S31, Title S42 (12 seasons) Quebec City Meute/Vancouver Wolves: Created S31, Title S35 (5 seasons) Malmo Nighthawks: Created S66, No title (5 seasons) D.C. Dragons: Created S68, No title (3 seasons) Prague Phantoms: Created S68, No title (3 seasons) As you can see, the franchise formerly known as the Meute and now known as the Wolves broke through the quickest. The Valiq brothers on defense paired with high profile free agent goalie Skylar Rift, older forwards Miles Larsson and Yuri Grigorenko and young star forwards in Wesley Kellinger and Doug Clifford to take home the title. At the time, it was believed to be the start of a dynasty, but that incarnation of the Meute would only win one trophy. The franchise itself would not win another until S56. None of the teams created after the Menace have yet won a championship - but the Dragons and Phantoms in particular still have a chance to make history. If either one were to win the Continental Cup next season, they would pass the Meute (and the Menace) as the franchise to win a title quickest after being created. But considering that neither team has ever made the conference finals, let alone the VHL finals, they better get a quick move on.

Toccobout a big game!

Flowers +5

1. What's your favorite memory in the VHL so far? We've only had one playoff trip, but it was a fun one. Even if we didn't win, the atmosphere in that Game 7 against Seattle last year was electric. 3. New York Americans have an early offseason - how are you spending the extra time off? When we didn't make the playoffs in Season 68, it was about rest and relaxation. But this time, I'm just too anxious. I thought we should've made the playoffs, and that's pushing me to only train harder. 5. What's your spirit animal? I'm going to go with a panda. They look cuddly, sure, but did you know those things are truly vicious if you try and attack them first? That's me - I won't start a fight, but I'll finish it. 7. VHL Draft is approaching - what kind of player do we most need to draft? Due to retirements and unfortunate circumstances, our defensive core looks to be a bit lacking. I think that's clear to most, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a defenseman in New York. 8. What kind of offseason moves do you hope to see the New York American do? It may sound odd after missing the playoffs, but I really don't think we need to do much. We're still a young team, and another year of growth will do us well. 9. What's the best part about playing for New York? There really is no city in the world that has New York's electricity. They'll get on you if you're playing poorly, but if you're winning, it's a better feeling knowing that this loyal fanbase is behind you.

Part I - Pick em' (Pick the correct winners of all three games for 2 TPE) Game 3 - Moscow Menace @ Calgary Wranglers Game 4 - Moscow Menace @ Calgary Wranglers Game 5 - Calgary Wranglers @ Moscow Menace Part II - Predict the Score (Predict the correct score and winner of this game for 3 TPE) Game 5 - Menace 3-2 Part III - Player Predictions (Predict the correct player for each category, 1 TPE for each correct answer) Series leader in points: Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen Series leader in goals: Jet Jaguar Series leader in assists: Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen Who has the series PIM lead: Tyler Barabash Jr Who scores the series winning goal: Jet Jaguar

Flowers +5

Manhattan -- New York had an unfortunate end to the season: Despite finishing with an above .500 record and seventh in the VHL, the Americans were fifth in their conference and missed the playoffs by exactly one point. It was a crushing blow for the franchise, and particularly for defenseman Lance Flowers who had looked to S70 as a potential breakout year for the team. However, that does not mean that it’s the end of the road for Flowers in New York. Shortly after missing the playoffs, the franchise had a more positive announcement: It had re-signed Flowers to a two year deal, including a no trade clause for the defenseman. Speaking with Flowers shortly after the announcement, it’s clear that he feels he has unfinished business. Before the draft, Flowers’ agency made it clear that it wanted to win titles with as many different franchises as possible. Three seasons in, that drive still hasn’t changed. “A title’s what I want, and I’m going to do what it takes to bring it to New York,” Flowers said. “That’s not a mindset that’s going to change, and I think we’ll have a good shot at it next season.” Indeed, much of New York’s top two lines will be returning next season, but there’s one notable exception: retiring defenseman Joseph McWolf. His departure means that Flowers will be the unquestioned #1 defenseman next season, a role he’s ready to tackle. “I’ve worked my [expletive] off, and I’m ready,” Flowers said. “You’re going to see a whole new side of me next year.”

Awesome, thanks! I think it'd take a lot for Flowers to get there, but always have to hold on hope.

A bit surprised McAllister wasn't up there anyway, but looks like he missed by 2 TPE. WTG Flowers, getting shit done.

A Red Guy coming up huge in what might be the biggest game of the season

Re #2: Do you mean team or individual?

This week, VHL.com is highlighting a number of players who could one day make the Hall of Fame. And while anything can happen in the back half of a career, there's one player that won't have many (if any) other articles written about him this week: defenseman Lance Flowers. Following a Season 68 rookie year that saw him take home both Stolzschwieger (ROY) and Wylde (Defensive Defenseman) trophies, Flowers' second and third seasons have been extraordinarily quiet. While his points and plus/minus are up ever so slightly from last season, and his penalty minutes are down, it's clear that what was once viewed as a star trajectory has come crashing back down to earth. So what does Flowers need to do in the next couple of seasons to even have a sniff of the Hall of Fame? It's a lot, but here's a start. Be a consistent first line performer. It makes sense that McWolf took the primary defenseman minutes this year, but when Flowers has a chance to shine, he needs to take advantage. Lean into his offensive game. Checking has always been his style, but sub-50 point totals are non-starters. He needs to get the assist numbers going, stat. A deep playoff run. If you don't have top numbers, you better win some championships. If the season ended today, the Americans would finish sixth in the VHL and out of the playoffs. That's not good. Pray. So much of what makes a player good comes down to luck. The CIA agency had it with Wingate and McAllister. They haven't with Flowers. But there's always time to turn that ship around.

I think so, especially with the last two Cups. I do wish there were more HOF defensemen in general though.

1) After going on quite the tear, we now sit 5th in the league and 3rd in the conference, only five points out from Calgary. Do you think we can catch them? Who knows. I think there would be some interesting conversations in the league office if we were to finish sixth in the VHL and miss the playoffs though. 2) After playing our last match against Davos, our series against them comes out to 2-4-0, which may call for a resounding "what happened"? I propose that there are some shady Davos back room dealings that kept us from winning. It's all about the deep state, man. 3) This is the second consecutive season where we've struggled through the first half of the season and pulled it together for the second. Why do we wait to put on the gas? It's a good question, and one I wish we had the answer for. I think it just takes us more time to figure out lines, apparently. 4) Many veteran players (our @McWolf included) have recreated for the next draft class. Who are you most excited to see in the next few season? The honest answer is none of the veterans at all. I always like to see who the new blood coming in will be, and I hope there's a lot of them to be excited for. 5) If you had to recreate right now, who would your next player be? Probably back to offense, a goal scorer. I like to hop around with my player types, but I did like that one with McAllister. 6) Who's the scariest team to play against? A team where you have everything to lose and nothing to gain. So yeah, Davos.