CowboyinAmerica

Eight is greeeeeeat

Se7en

Number six.

Five for Fighting

Hello

Threes up for Dale

Why hello

Yo

Thanks for doing Doctors Without Borders. It really is a great mission they have and one I'm happy to support. Also for @Theory

Reapers Report Bucatini and the Reapers Onto Round Two Philadelphia -- When Antonia Bucatini signed for the Philadelphia Reapers upon joining the VHLM, she knew she’d be seeing some potential playoff games. The Reapers, after all, sat fifth in the VHLM and second in the Eastern Conference, a near surety to be playing some meaningful hockey at the end of the season. The Reapers did indeed end up in that same slot, drawing the Las Vegas Aces in the first round. To Bucatini, the fast pace and increased intensity of the playoffs sure lived up to the hype. “It’s one thing to look forward to the playoffs, but it’s another thing to be in it, you know?” Bucatini told reporters after a victorious Game 5. “The pace, the ferocity, how much your mind really needs to be focused - it’s really something else.” That isn’t to say that Bucatini had an uneventful end of the season after joining the Reapers. Stepping into the team’s second line right away alongside fellow Season 93 draftee Jean-Pierre Devote, Bucatini was able to contribute right away to the tune of 6 goals and 8 assists in 14 games. She even got a game winning goal for good measure, one in a series of strong play from Philadelphia that helped the team get to within a game of Ottawa in the final conference standings. Still, Philadelphia drew a tough Las Vegas team in the first round, a four versus five matchup that was truly anyone’s series. Entering the contest, Bucatini admitted to have some butterflies in her stomach. “It’s a big game, right? I’d be lying if I said there weren’t some nerves there,” Bucatini later said. “We’re human after all, and that was the biggest game of my professional career to that point. The next round will be even bigger. There’s some anxiety there, for sure.” On the ice, however, Bucatini certainly didn’t show those nerves. In Game 2, Bucatini was even named the team’s third star, picking up 3 assists en route to the team’s 6-3 victory. Bucatini finished with an even 5 points in 5 games - a goal and 4 assists - as the Reapers took the series in a surprising 4-1 split. To Bucatini, the games were an opportunity to shake off the nerves and show a raucous Philadelphia crowd what her game was all about. “You always think you’re good, but you never really know until your under that spotlight,” she added. “I’m happy I rose to the occasion.” The run is not over yet though. To become the champions, the Reapers would need to get through two more series. And as the top three teams in the league standings also advanced to round two, that would be a tall order indeed. But Bucatini won’t be cowed. She sees a path to a title. “Look, I joined midseason, and all I asked was for a chance,” she said. “Well guess what, we won our first series, got to the semifinals and will be on the big stage. We’ve sure as hell got that chance now, we’ve got the trophy in front of us. And I plan to do my damn best to take it.”

REAPERS PRESS CONFERENCE Let's do one for the playoffs! Welcome back to the Press Conference. Answer 3 for 1 Capped TPE or all 6 for 2 Capped TPE! 1. The regular season is now over, with the Reapers finishing fifth overall (second in conference). Where does this line up with your expectations? 2. Did you reach your personal goals this season? Why or why not? 3. The Reapers scored an upset for Las Vegas in round one! What was the key to victory in your opinion? 4. Gut check right now: Who's winning the VHLM title? 5. What's your favorite playoff tradition, either among the team or its fans? 6. Do you get more amped for playoff games than regular season games?

1. It's Leandro Goncalves for me. The goals and points are nice, but leading a team to a 16 game winning streak is insane. 2. From a traditionalist standpoint I've always liked the Seattle and Davos logo and colors. Third I'll go Riga, the new lion's grown on me. 3. It's fall for me - a bit of crispness to the air, start of holiday season, football, still can be outside with friends and have fun. ------- 1. It's almost playoff time! Who do you have in the VHL finals this season? 2. Did your player accomplish their goals for this season? Why or why not? 3. What's your favorite holiday memory?

Philadelphia -- Coming into a team about two-thirds through the season can create awkward situations for even the best of players. That counts double for any player coming from a foreign country such as, say, Italy. However, for new VHLM center Antonia Bucatini, she has been able to find a home with her new team, the Philadelphia Reapers. Not only has Bucatini joined the squad’s rotation without a hitch, already slotting in as second-line center, but she’s found a home in the locker room as well. Joining the same time as fellow S93 draftee Jean-Pierre Devote surely helped, sources say, as did the fact that the entire locker room was desperate for a leg up. “This is a fifth-place team that has championship aspirations, and any way to close that gap is going to be welcomed,” an opposing team’s GM said. “I’m not surprised that Bucatini is already fitting in nicely.” Through her first 12 games, Bucatini has put up solid - if unspectacular - stats with 4 goals and 7 assists. But more than that, her potential growth ahead of the playoffs and attitude towards putting in the work has endeared her to Philadelphia fans. “I know Philly’s a blue collar city, and I think that resonates with me,” Bucatini said after a recent win against Houston. “Even if I’m not playing like [teammates] Bear or Ninefingers yet, I’m ready to put in the work to get there. And I know if I put in the work, they’re definitely going to have my back.”

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.