CowboyinAmerica

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?

Uncapped TPE Package +2 4/5

Seattle -- After last season's North American Conference finals loss, the Seattle Bears were determined to put the failure behind them and come out strong. But I doubt many in the locker room or front office expected quite this level of high play from the very beginning of the season. The Seattle Bears started out the season with a 9-0-2 record, with 20 points in 11 games and a seven game winning streak. And even though the streak was recently broken with a loss to the Malmo Nighthawks, those 20 points still have Seattle with the best record in the league and 4 points clear of Chicago at second in the conference. To team newcomer Xavier Booberry, it's a great start to his final season. "This is always what you envision in your head, but so often those dreams don't become reality," Booberry said. "But here, we're going out and doing exactly what our gameplan is. It's nice to see." It's a mix of offense and defense that has gotten it done for Seattle so far. The team's 39 goals scored are the second-most in the VHL thus far, only behind a surprising Helsinki Titans start. Booberry, meanwhile, has a 7-0-2 record in 9 starts, a .933 save percentage and 2.18 GAA - all figures that top his previous two seasons in Davos. And Booberry thinks the team can keep it going from here. "I think we're built to win it all, certainly. Now will we? There's so much that can happen in the VHL, especially in the playoffs. But I feel good that we've got just as good of a shot as anybody, and I think our play so far proves it."

21. @CowboyinAmerica recently broke the record for all time TPE earned in a career. How did the Bears help him celebrate? Being away from North America for so long and knowing what Seattle's good for, a fresh fish dinner was exactly what he wanted. One of those "pick your own" fish sorts of places. 22. Seattle is off to a hot start. is this surprising for you? Why do you feel they’re as hot as they are right now? I expected us to do well, but I didn't think we'd be doing quite this well. 20 points in 12 games is a great omen for the rest of the year. 23. how happy are you with your players performance so far? Solid, but I actually think I could be doing better. I love getting the wins, but I'd like to be dominant with some shutouts as well. 24. Seattle is coming out with a new cologne brand. What is the name and what is the scent? B.E.A.R. by Bana. Weirdly smells like salmon, but I guess some people are into that? (Really like this question btw) 25. Outside of Seattle, what team has been the biggest surprise so far this season? I have to say, I didn't see Helsinki's start coming. It's been some rough years for those fans, so it'd be nice to see them at least make playoffs. 27. Who is one of your biggest rivals on the ice in the VHL? Maybe rivals isn't the right word, but it's always nice to beat my old teams in Helsinki and Davos. And if we somehow ended up facing them in the finals, it'd get wild.

What if I wrote all that then just didn't claim the Uncapped TPE Package? But no, I probably should. Uncapped TPE Package +2 (3/5)

The All-Time TPE Lead (or, I've Spent Way Too Much Time Here) If you look in the Portal right now, you will see Xavier Booberry sitting at 1996 TPE. This VHL.com articles is worth 2 points. I also purchased an Uncapped TPE Package for this season that gives me a +2 for five VHL.com articles. That means, by the end of this article, I'll be at exactly 2000 TPE - or in other words, tied for the all-time TPE lead. This wasn't my plan at all, if I'm being honest. One of the very first things I did after creating Xavier Booberry was laying out my plan for his potential career. Really, I just wanted to experience what the VHLE and a nine season career would seem like, and let the chips fall where they may from there. But I did plan on trying to be active long-term after my previous player was more welfare-oriented, and for me, earning a lot of TPE goes along with that. I wrote at the time: "I’ve recharged enough to try and shoot for the stars, and I believe the ability to go nine seasons in his career will give me the drive to shoot for high TPE levels, especially early, to be able to wait out that long career. Constant 12’s per week will be the goal here, along with donations in the early stages." Maybe I didn't math is out or maybe I didn't think about it that much, but I've learned - just max earning is a lot of TPE. I've started dropping a few points due to 5 point welfares over the past month or so, but at least through S86, I'm pretty sure I had only missed 3 capped points in 7 seasons total (1 when I forgot to claim a Trivia, 2 when I was in England). I also had participated in every donation, fantasy zone and free giveaway I could, plus added a few points with store purchases. But I really didn't see it as a big lift, just trying to optimize what I could do. What I've learned, though, is constant vigilance really adds up. So I guess I'm going to sit with the all-time TPE lead, at least for a bit. I'm not going to lie, it's kind of a fun distinction - particularly because it's something that's 100% within my control, so I can feel like I've accomplished something. I've had the all-time TPE lead once before actually - Gabriel McAllister set the new record when he hit 1613 back in S63, only to see it passed one season later by Mats Johnsson and Norris Stropko a season later. Perhaps this title will last a bit longer. Maybe Nico Pearce passes it next season. I don't really care either way, honestly. I just think it's cool that I'm passing a nice round number like 2000 for the first time in VHL history, and even if Booberry's career has had its ups and downs, this is something I can point to as a fun feather in my cap for this career.

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? I really want to do a Mediterranean trip, Italy and Greece in particular. I'd come back 50 pounds heavier and it'd be glorious. 13. what were your overall thoughts on the off-season? Seemed really long, honestly. It's my final season and I really just want to get it going. 15. it is Easter weekend. Does your player have any plans? Wife has to work in the evening, but we're doing brunch with her family. Simple but nice to get people together. 16. The Seattle Bears are having an Easter dinner potluck. Each player is supposed to bring something. What do you bring? Probably some Minnesotan fish that everybody tries a little bit of then goes for better food. Walleye for everybody. 19. your player was recently seen in the news for doing something on vacation. What were they doing? What, you didn't enter a hot dog eating challenge during your time off? 34 hot dogs in 12 minutes ain't too bad if I say so myself. 20. Beketov Was reading bedtime stories after the dentist. Growing up, what was one of your favourite tales or stories? I had a lot of Berenstein Bear books growing up - and I couldn't tell you a single thing about them now. But just remember having a stuffed bear I really enjoyed, funny that I'm on the Bears now.

Uncapped TPE Package 2/5: +2

Seattle -- For the past eight years of his life, Xavier Booberry has lived in Europe. First it was a year with the Vasteras Iron Eagles. Then it was four and a half in Helsinki with the Titans. That was followed by three and a half seasons with HC Davos Dynamo. And all the while, Booberry adjusted, but the goalie from Northern Minnesota never quite felt at home. But now, for the first time in a while, Booberry is back on North American soil. Granted, Seattle isn't quite the same as Minnesota. But the goalie - who has also represented Team USA in multiple World Cups - does feel somewhat more at ease in his new living conditions. "I mean at least it's not a cross-globe flight to see family, the portion sizes are large like me, and there's plenty of nature and hiking around like I'm used to. I think I'm going to like it in Seattle just fine this year," Booberry told local media after training camp. "It's not quite home, I'll admit, but it's a good place to be." Bears management and Booberry alike know that he's only going to be around for one season before retirement, so he hasn't looked for a permanent home in the area. But then again, he didn't shut down the notion either. "I've only been at each stop in my career for few years, so I haven't developed a deep connection with any one place. I just kind of assumed I'd be back in Minnesota after my career," Booberry added. "But as it draws closer, who knows? We'll see what happens in the Pacific Northwest. I'm just going to take one day at a time and worry about that when it happens."

1. Who is the greatest athlete that you have seen live? Seeing Lionel Messi live is a trip. He looks so small compared to what you expect of professional athletes, but then you see him move and it's so fluid. 2. What's a food combination or meal that you uncommonly enjoy? I put hot sauce on a lot, but I find not too many people put it on breakfast sandwiches. It's normal on eggs, why not the whole sandwich? 3. What is a feature you think would be really cool to add to the VHL? Bring back chat! Actually though, I know there's no way to actually "watch" the games, but for special ASGs or something I think it'd be great engagement. Questions: 1. What's your bucket list vacation destination? 2. It's opening day for baseball - you a fan? Why or why not? 3. What's your favorite VHL color scheme and why?

There's a balance between letting GMs make moves but still allowing players to have fun, and I think it's too far to one side. Generally, I've seen a lot of players moved because their builds aren't exactly in line what the GM wants. Players are getting cast off in search of whatever the meta is at the time (right now 6 F, 3 D, more TPE in forwards with zero variation) without a second glance. And partially in mine and Dusty's case but I've seen it in others (including not goalies), players spending a large portion of their careers with one franchise only to get abruptly cast aside for cap reasons right as they're reaching the end of their career. That all works fine if you're playing a GM simulator, and I think many GMs approach moves like they're playing OOTP or something. But here you're dealing with people - and people who are only here for fun at that, not a paycheck like professional leagues. At least in my opinion, player sims should have more of a communal element baked in, and part of that means letting individual players have fun in the way they want. If you want specifics, to me that means a more forgiving salary structure that allows more players to stay on teams if they wish (even if you don't want to raise the cap, think NBA's Bird Rights), less of a focus on the STHS meta and optimal player builds, and rosters/lines that encourage players to play as much as possible no matter where they are in their careers (with this many goalies, I wouldn't be against the backup limit being raised to 16 or 20). But above all else, really I just wish people focused more on what's fun than what's "best" or most "balanced". I've said all along that I'd rather be on a team that's a lot of fun and a 5% chance of winning instead of a team that's cutthroat for a 20% chance of winning. I think the league would be better off if more people thought that way too. That's not the prevailing mindset though.

I mean, I'd also argue that I deserved better from Davos which had a ripple effect here. There seems to be a culture of optimization over fun among current VHL GMs that I'm not the biggest fan of, which makes being cutthroat a necessity just to keep up.

Donation Doubles