CowboyinAmerica

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Bucatini Eligible for VHLE Draft
 
Houston -- As we enter the VHL offseason, a lot of the focus for the large S93 class has been where they'd land in the VHL Draft. But with so many players, it's bound to be just as chaotic of a draft on the VHLE side, where 19 players (more than 3 full rounds) in the S93 draft class would be eligible to play in the VHLE next season.
 
One of those is former Houston forward Antonia Bucatini, but her story is a bit more complex - given her current practice time, she would be eligible to skip the VHLE altogether if she so chose. In addition, she probably would be capped from practicing further in the VHLE due to league rules about competition.
 
Still, Bucatini held a press conference today to officially announce: She's forgoing a direct path to the VHL, instead planning to take a season in the VHLE.
 
"I think it's what's best for my development. I want to do a normal progression path, and I feel like I can really make an impact for some E team next year," Bucatini said.
 
Which team will that be? There's no way of knowing until next week. But Bucatini believes today's announcement may help clarify that path.
 
"I just didn't want any confusion whether or not I'd be eligible. So this is just to let the VHLE GMs know: I'm there to be chosen, and I'm ready to play."

1. I'm excited! Drafts are just generally fun for me anyway, but being involved is great. Whoever ends up on my team, ready to embrace them with open arms.
 
2. Well first putting on my fireproof gloves. Second, I'm learning Tackle and Defense Curl to be able to play with them, but not in a way where they'd faint or anything.
 
3. Big girl pay* But yeah, everybody's gotta have a draft party. A little food, a little booze, let's spend that signing bonus before I get it.
 
4. I mean, there's a perfect good Litten that's now around the locker room that can be AGM instead. A kitty is good for morale, can come up with gameplans (always attack), and I'm fine answering PCs that are all meows.
 
5. I'm sure we'll all keep in contact. But I also wouldn't be shocked if I end up on a team with one or two - there's about to be a lot of Bulls entering the VHL.
 
6. You did a great job, but now you're also going to have another job! So AJ will have to find another person to do these unfortunately, and best of luck in the new gig!

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Bucatini Eligible for VHLE Draft
 
Houston -- As we enter the VHL offseason, a lot of the focus for the large S93 class has been where they'd land in the VHL Draft. But with so many players, it's bound to be just as chaotic of a draft on the VHLE side, where 19 players (more than 3 full rounds) in the S93 draft class would be eligible to play in the VHLE next season.
 
One of those is former Houston forward Antonia Bucatini, but her story is a bit more complex - given her current practice time, she would be eligible to skip the VHLE altogether if she so chose. In addition, she probably would be capped from practicing further in the VHLE due to league rules about competition.
 
Still, Bucatini held a press conference today to officially announce: She's forgoing a direct path to the VHL, instead planning to take a season in the VHLE.
 
"I think it's what's best for my development. I want to do a normal progression path, and I feel like I can really make an impact for some E team next year," Bucatini said.
 
Which team will that be? There's no way of knowing until next week. But Bucatini believes today's announcement may help clarify that path.
 
"I just didn't want any confusion whether or not I'd be eligible. So this is just to let the VHLE GMs know: I'm there to be chosen, and I'm ready to play."

-> 
 
Bucatini Eligible for VHLE Draft
 
Houston -- As we enter the VHL offseason, a lot of the focus for the large S93 class has been where they'd land in the VHL Draft. But with so many players, it's bound to be just as chaotic of a draft on the VHLE side, where 19 players (more than 3 full rounds) in the S93 draft class would be eligible to play in the VHLE next season.
 
One of those is former Houston forward Antonia Bucatini, but her story is a bit more complex - given her current practice time, she would be eligible to skip the VHLE altogether if she so chose. In addition, she probably would be capped from practicing further in the VHLE due to league rules about competition.
 
Still, Bucatini held a press conference today to officially announce: She's forgoing a direct path to the VHL, instead planning to take a season in the VHLE.
 
"I think it's what's best for my development. I want to do a normal progression path, and I feel like I can really make an impact for some E team next year," Bucatini said.
 
Which team will that be? There's no way of knowing until next week. But Bucatini believes today's announcement may help clarify that path.
 
"I just didn't want any confusion whether or not I'd be eligible. So this is just to let the VHLE GMs know: I'm there to be chosen, and I'm ready to play."

-> 
 
Bucatini Eligible for VHLE Draft
 
Houston -- As we enter the VHL offseason, a lot of the focus for the large S93 class has been where they'd land in the VHL Draft. But with so many players, it's bound to be just as chaotic of a draft on the VHLE side, where 19 players (more than 3 full rounds) in the S93 draft class would be eligible to play in the VHLE next season.
 
One of those is former Houston forward Antonia Bucatini, but her story is a bit more complex - given her current practice time, she would be eligible to skip the VHLE altogether if she so chose. In addition, she probably would be capped from practicing further in the VHLE due to league rules about competition.
 
Still, Bucatini held a press conference today to officially announce: She's forgoing a direct path to the VHL, instead planning to take a season in the VHLE.
 
"I think it's what's best for my development. I want to do a normal progression path, and I feel like I can really make an impact for some E team next year," Bucatini said.
 
Which team will that be? There's no way of knowing until next week. But Bucatini believes today's announcement may help clarify that path.
 
"I just didn't want any confusion whether or not I'd be eligible. So this is just to let the VHLE GMs know: I'm there to be chosen, and I'm ready to play."

-> 
 
Bucatini Eligible for VHLE Draft
 
Houston -- As we enter the VHL offseason, a lot of the focus for the large S93 class has been where they'd land in the VHL Draft. But with so many players, it's bound to be just as chaotic of a draft on the VHLE side, where 19 players (more than 3 full rounds) in the S93 draft class would be eligible to play in the VHLE next season.
 
One of those is former Houston forward Antonia Bucatini, but her story is a bit more complex - given her current practice time, she would be eligible to skip the VHLE altogether if she so chose. In addition, she probably would be capped from practicing further in the VHLE due to league rules about competition.
 
Still, Bucatini held a press conference today to officially announce: She's forgoing a direct path to the VHL, instead planning to take a season in the VHLE.
 
"I think it's what's best for my development. I want to do a normal progression path, and I feel like I can really make an impact for some E team next year," Bucatini said.
 
Which team will that be? There's no way of knowing until next week. But Bucatini believes today's announcement may help clarify that path.
 
"I just didn't want any confusion whether or not I'd be eligible. So this is just to let the VHLE GMs know: I'm there to be chosen, and I'm ready to play."

-> 
 
Bucatini Eligible for VHLE Draft
 
Houston -- As we enter the VHL offseason, a lot of the focus for the large S93 class has been where they'd land in the VHL Draft. But with so many players, it's bound to be just as chaotic of a draft on the VHLE side, where 19 players (more than 3 full rounds) in the S93 draft class would be eligible to play in the VHLE next season.
 
One of those is former Houston forward Antonia Bucatini, but her story is a bit more complex - given her current practice time, she would be eligible to skip the VHLE altogether if she so chose. In addition, she probably would be capped from practicing further in the VHLE due to league rules about competition.
 
Still, Bucatini held a press conference today to officially announce: She's forgoing a direct path to the VHL, instead planning to take a season in the VHLE.
 
"I think it's what's best for my development. I want to do a normal progression path, and I feel like I can really make an impact for some E team next year," Bucatini said.
 
Which team will that be? There's no way of knowing until next week. But Bucatini believes today's announcement may help clarify that path.
 
"I just didn't want any confusion whether or not I'd be eligible. So this is just to let the VHLE GMs know: I'm there to be chosen, and I'm ready to play."

-> 
 
Bucatini Eligible for VHLE Draft
 
Houston -- As we enter the VHL offseason, a lot of the focus for the large S93 class has been where they'd land in the VHL Draft. But with so many players, it's bound to be just as chaotic of a draft on the VHLE side, where 19 players (more than 3 full rounds) in the S93 draft class would be eligible to play in the VHLE next season.
 
One of those is former Houston forward Antonia Bucatini, but her story is a bit more complex - given her current practice time, she would be eligible to skip the VHLE altogether if she so chose. In addition, she probably would be capped from practicing further in the VHLE due to league rules about competition.
 
Still, Bucatini held a press conference today to officially announce: She's forgoing a direct path to the VHL, instead planning to take a season in the VHLE.
 
"I think it's what's best for my development. I want to do a normal progression path, and I feel like I can really make an impact for some E team next year," Bucatini said.
 
Which team will that be? There's no way of knowing until next week. But Bucatini believes today's announcement may help clarify that path.
 
"I just didn't want any confusion whether or not I'd be eligible. So this is just to let the VHLE GMs know: I'm there to be chosen, and I'm ready to play."

1. I'm excited! Drafts are just generally fun for me anyway, but being involved is great. Whoever ends up on my team, ready to embrace them with open arms.
 
2. Well first putting on my fireproof gloves. Second, I'm learning Tackle and Defense Curl to be able to play with them, but not in a way where they'd faint or anything.
 
3. Big girl pay* But yeah, everybody's gotta have a draft party. A little food, a little booze, let's spend that signing bonus before I get it.
 
4. I mean, there's a perfect good Litten that's now around the locker room that can be AGM instead. A kitty is good for morale, can come up with gameplans (always attack), and I'm fine answering PCs that are all meows.
 
5. I'm sure we'll all keep in contact. But I also wouldn't be shocked if I end up on a team with one or two - there's about to be a lot of Bulls entering the VHL.
 
6. You did a great job, but now you're also going to have another job! So AJ will have to find another person to do these unfortunately, and best of luck in the new gig!

Hello all,
 
Once again, we have come to a situation where we are hiring more GMs than we initially expected. First of all, congrats to @Tetricide who is leaving Miami to lead the Prague Phantoms in the VHL. We are also saying goodbye to @vincentlg2007 who is stepping down from Mississauga due to irl priorities. We appreciate both of them and their work in the role, along with the previously mentioned @hylands and @ShawnGlade.
 
Before we get into hirings, we'd also like to note that @Ricer13 was brought in mid-season in S92 to step in as an interim GM for Saskatoon. He will be remaining with us as a permanent GM for S93, but will be changing teams based on our overall hirings.
 
Without further ado, here are all of our S93 VHLM GM hires and team changes:
 
Congrats to all our new GMs! Looking forward to working with you all to continue to improve the VHLM and the new player experience!

Please don't bother me until December.

@VHL Santa pls let us earn TPE from March Madness

Houston -- It was a season of ups and downs for Italian center Antonia Bucatini. It started on a Halifax team that, while rebuilding, couldn’t quite much going in the win column. Then at the trade deadline, Bucatini was traded to a Houston team with a lot of energy, a lot of hope, and soon after a lot of winning. There was high expectations entering the playoffs, but in the end, it all came crashing down with a semifinals loss to the eventual champion Philadelphia Reapers.
 
A roller coaster, that’s how Bucatini put it. But does she think she’s worse off for the ride?
 
“I wouldn’t change a thing,” Bucatini told reporters at the Bulls’ post-season media debrief. “There’s a lot that’s happened this past season, more than I would have ever thought possible. But through the ups and downs, I think I’ve learned – and I’ve also made a few friends.”
 
Bucatini has spoken publicly before about how she has enjoyed playing in such a vibrant environment like the one in Houston. And even now, as the team’s players are set to go their separate ways, she’s hopeful that future locker rooms will take cues from what she just experienced.
 
“It’s just the starting line for so many of us in the VHLM, and that’s true for more people than ever before,” she added. “I’m aware it’s a long career and that people fade away. But it’s my sincere hope that locker rooms everywhere are able to engage people like Houston, Miami and some of the other top VHLM clubhouses have this year. Because so many people active and on board makes things more fun for everybody.”

While the S93 VHL Entry Draft was highly anticipated from the moment high-end prospects Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor and Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica declared their eligibility - and Jean-Pierre Devote @eagle_3450 and Forum Content @frescoelmo rounded out the top of the draft class nicely - it was a group that was originally pegged by many VHL scouts as lacking in depth.
 
It’s not so much that those scouts missed the mark, but the VHL made a mid-season play to expand their recruiting efforts and all of a sudden, there was a massive influx in talent in the VHLM and, accordingly, in the S93 draft class as well. Several of the new faces brought in have immediately made names for themselves, and a couple of them even threaten to shake up that top of the draft class - although the top two of Del Rocco / Bucatini in some order is essentially untouchable.
 
As a result, the S93 draft now looks like one of the deepest VHL draft classes in a very long time. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the new faces that have made their impact felt during their brief times in the league, and when some of these fast-rising prospects can look forward to hearing their names called on draft day.
 
Lucy Leitner - D - Houston Bulls @LucyXpher
The 5’8, 155 pound US-born defender stormed onto the VHL scene at the start of S93 and signed with Houston, where she would go on to rank 4th in the VHLM in defenseman scoring with 76 points in 72 games. That is surely impressive production for a VHLM rookie but it’s off the ice, with her work ethic, that Leitner has impressed most. She is a brilliant skater who moves the puck well and excels in her own end of the ice, though the offensive toolkit (passing and shooting) will need to develop to see the same production at the next level. Leitner has skyrocketed up draft boards and has massive upside - currently ranked 5th in the draft class, Leitner’s name will be in the minds of every GM who isn’t picking in the top-2, and if I were making the call, she would probably be the #3 pick.
 
Benjamin Abenduct - D - Houston Bulls @Schnee
The Bulls really scored themselves a pair of great young defensemen early in the year through the VHLM’s waiver process, with Abenduct close behind Leitner all year and actually outproducing her on the scoresheet. He finished the year with 23 goals, 81 points, 170 hits, and 100 blocks in 68 games. Although the stats don’t necessarily bear it out, Abenduct is a little more defense-minded than Leitner but doesn’t get around the ice as well and has a little bit less refined offensive game. He’s currently ranked 6th in the draft class and has his own case to jump Devote and Content on draft day, probably going right after Leitner especially if a team needs a defender.
 
Annie Oaks - RW - Las Vegas Aces @Noodle Enjoyer
Oaks signed with the Saskatoon Wild at the start of the VHLM season before being traded to the more competitive Las Vegas Aces at the deadline. Over the season, Oaks totalled 41 goals and 95 points, showcasing excellent vision and a powerful slapshot. Her shot is actually nearly pro-ready, but she does have a lot of work to do defensively before being able to contribute at the VHL level. Oaks is currently the ninth-ranked player in the draft class, the highest-rated forward coming from the increased recruiting efforts, and is a surefire first-round pick with a good chance to break into the top half of the round.
 
UghSike - LW - Miami Marauders @UghSike
UghSike has a lot of similarities to the aforementioned Oaks, having signed with the Wild at the start of the year before being shipped out at the trade deadline. UghSike found himself in Miami after the trade and was not as productive as Oaks during the season - he compiled 28 goals and 60 points. Compared to Oaks, UghSike has a slightly weaker shot (but still very good), is even less refined defensively, but is a better passer and skater. He will likely come off the board shortly after Oaks on draft day, somewhere in the middle of the first round.
 
Trimiskez Artav - RW - Houston Bulls @jake
Another member of the Houston Bulls, Artav brought it in a big way this season putting up 43 goals and 88 points in 72 games. He’s talented offensively and a little more well-rounded overall compared to the other forwards we’ve discussed so far. Unfortunately, over the last few weeks, there have been reports that Artav’s development has stalled and he’s been missing practice, which could definitely affect his draft stock. For the time being, Artav is still ranked 12th, but it seems likely he will fall into the second or third round based on these recent developments.
 
Nathan Ecker - RW - Houston Bulls @Nathan_8
As you may have guessed, the Bulls were big beneficiaries of the VHL’s recruitment effort, and this is the fourth player they’ve placed on this list. Ecker is an extremely similar player to UghSike, with glaring defensive deficiencies in his game but excellent offensive talent, hands, and vision. With 25 goals and 48 points in 72 games, Ecker contributed to the Bulls’ offense from day one and has shown a steady commitment to improving. He is ranked 15th in the draft right now and will definitely be in the conversation for those GMs picking late in the first round.
 
Gul Dukat - D - Miami Marauders @MSouthworth
Dukat is an old-school defender, a stay-at-home, 6’3 200 pound behemoth with a mean streak and above average mobility, the kind of game that fans, scouts, and coaches all love. Dukat even showed some untapped offensive ability with Miami this season, putting up 18 goals and 65 points, even though that’s not necessarily their strong suit. With 163 hits, 72 PIM, and 123 blocks, it is that defensive element where Dukat truly shines. Ranked 16th in the class to date, Dukat is also the draft’s third-ranked defenseman behind Leitner and Abenduct, which means they should be a lock to be a first rounder.
 
Ondrej Vencko - G - Houston Bulls @Mutti
Vencko came to the VHLM as a talented but troubled young netminder, and had some much-publicized concerns about drug usage mar his early days in Houston. We may never find out exactly what went on, but it seems that whatever it was is firmly in the rearview mirror. Vencko quickly claimed the starting role in Houston and improved greatly as the year went on, finishing the season 27-18-3 with an .892 SV% before posting a .917 SV% in 12 playoff games. Vencko has excellent reflexes and rebound control, but struggles with lateral mobility and plays a little small in his net at times. There’s definite upside here though and he is the 3rd-ranked goaltender and 18th-ranked prospect in the draft overall. Vencko should go early in the second round and might sneak into the late-1st if there is a particularly goalie-needy team.
 
Tyler Lawson - C - Houston Bulls @Nyx
The Bulls are a veritable factory of brand-new talent! Interestingly, Lawson is the first player on this list that naturally plays centre and is the third-ranked centre in the draft class overall. Lawson has a similar profile to a lot of these players in that he’s got great offensive vision, a good slapshot, and some flaws in other areas of his game, particularly defensively. Joining the Bulls mid-season, Lawson scored at a point-per-game pace in the regular season (56 points in 56 games) but fell off in the playoffs with just 5 points in 12 games. He’s ranked #22 and probably didn’t do enough this season to jump into the first round, but he’s a high upside player who could really reward a team that takes the plunge in the high or mid-2nd.
 
Ray Stanton - D - San Diego Marlins @horoscope
Stanton, a 5’10 185 pound defenseman who’s a little more offensively-inclined than most of the others in this draft, really stepped into the league in a big way with the Saskatoon Wild mid-season. He put up 21 points, 61 hits, and 42 blocks in just 18 games before being traded to the San Diego Marlins. Unfortunately, his production tailed off in a more structured system in San Diego leaving some questions as to whether his production was a product of just playing on a bad team or truly being great. Stanton has made some good progression over his short time in the league so far and is projected in the middle of the second round (ranked #25).
 
Cody Toland - D - Houston Bulls @ctoland102
A gritty, 6’4 215 pound offensive defenseman, Toland likes to hit and isn’t afraid to mix it up, giving him a little bit of a different dimension compared to most of the other young defenders in this draft. The two main concerns with Toland at this stage in his career are that he’ll need to develop his defensive game to play a defensive position at the next level and, while his improvement has been consistent over the course of the season, he hasn’t taken the next step in his development like some of the other players in the class have. With 35 points, 213 hits, and 92 blocked shots for Houston this year, Toland definitely has a possible VHL career in his future, and I would expect him to be chosen somewhere in the late-2nd or early-3rd round.
 
Oliver Loo - RW - Miami Marauders @Peiffy
Loo is a well-rounded, two-way forward with a little less upside than many of the forwards we’ve covered so far, but has shown steady improvement throughout the year and plays a projectable game without many flaws. Because of his limited offensive upside, at least based on what we’ve seen so far, Loo is more of a project who will likely spend more time at the VHLM and VHLE levels. However, he’s a good skater and responsible defensively, two things that VHL teams love to see. Loo is another player who will probably be selected somewhere around the early-3rd round.
 
Billy Joel - D - San Diego Marlins @The goat of hockey
Joel is a similar player to Toland, except even bigger, but less refined defensively. Joel’s brand of defense is simply running guys over and while it’s effective at times and certainly fun to watch, he will need to develop that positioning and poke checking at some point in order to have a VHL career in the future. Joel is a real old school type player, a 6’5, 235 pound physical force who is very willing to drop the gloves. He’s also got a bomb of a shot when he wants to use it. He put up 20 points in 72 games with San Diego but, more importantly, 205 hits and 84 blocks with 106 PIM. The harder he practices, the quicker he will get better but for now it looks like whoever drafts Joel will have a long-term project on their hands, with probably VHL #4 defenseman type upside to him. He’s likely to go off the board in the early-3rd round.
 
Jack Dickins - RW - Houston Bulls @Mystery_boy98
A big, well-rounded winger, Dickins has shown some steady improvement over the season and the consistency to eventually play at the VHL level if he can maintain that for a few seasons, but he’s definitely a couple of seasons away, starting with what will likely be another VHLM season to continue his development. Dickins put up 20 points in 64 games with Houston this year and is in line for a bump up in role with whichever VHLM team drafts him next season. How the next season or so goes for him will be the big determinant in whether or not the VHL is in his future, but he’s surely worth a pick in the 3rd round to figure that out.
 
 
~2020 words for the next 4 weeks

Houston -- It was a season of ups and downs for Italian center Antonia Bucatini. It started on a Halifax team that, while rebuilding, couldn’t quite much going in the win column. Then at the trade deadline, Bucatini was traded to a Houston team with a lot of energy, a lot of hope, and soon after a lot of winning. There was high expectations entering the playoffs, but in the end, it all came crashing down with a semifinals loss to the eventual champion Philadelphia Reapers.
 
A roller coaster, that’s how Bucatini put it. But does she think she’s worse off for the ride?
 
“I wouldn’t change a thing,” Bucatini told reporters at the Bulls’ post-season media debrief. “There’s a lot that’s happened this past season, more than I would have ever thought possible. But through the ups and downs, I think I’ve learned – and I’ve also made a few friends.”
 
Bucatini has spoken publicly before about how she has enjoyed playing in such a vibrant environment like the one in Houston. And even now, as the team’s players are set to go their separate ways, she’s hopeful that future locker rooms will take cues from what she just experienced.
 
“It’s just the starting line for so many of us in the VHLM, and that’s true for more people than ever before,” she added. “I’m aware it’s a long career and that people fade away. But it’s my sincere hope that locker rooms everywhere are able to engage people like Houston, Miami and some of the other top VHLM clubhouses have this year. Because so many people active and on board makes things more fun for everybody.”

Player Information
Username: Thunder
Player Name: Bollos de Trueno
Recruited From: Member (Scurvy)
Age: 17
Position: D
Height: 75 in.
Weight: 213 lbs.
Birthplace: Mexico

Player Page
@VHLM GM

the tabloids are gonna read between the lines here for sure 🫢

Houston -- It was a season of ups and downs for Italian center Antonia Bucatini. It started on a Halifax team that, while rebuilding, couldn’t quite much going in the win column. Then at the trade deadline, Bucatini was traded to a Houston team with a lot of energy, a lot of hope, and soon after a lot of winning. There was high expectations entering the playoffs, but in the end, it all came crashing down with a semifinals loss to the eventual champion Philadelphia Reapers.
 
A roller coaster, that’s how Bucatini put it. But does she think she’s worse off for the ride?
 
“I wouldn’t change a thing,” Bucatini told reporters at the Bulls’ post-season media debrief. “There’s a lot that’s happened this past season, more than I would have ever thought possible. But through the ups and downs, I think I’ve learned – and I’ve also made a few friends.”
 
Bucatini has spoken publicly before about how she has enjoyed playing in such a vibrant environment like the one in Houston. And even now, as the team’s players are set to go their separate ways, she’s hopeful that future locker rooms will take cues from what she just experienced.
 
“It’s just the starting line for so many of us in the VHLM, and that’s true for more people than ever before,” she added. “I’m aware it’s a long career and that people fade away. But it’s my sincere hope that locker rooms everywhere are able to engage people like Houston, Miami and some of the other top VHLM clubhouses have this year. Because so many people active and on board makes things more fun for everybody.”

I don't really care about the goalie rule one way or the other, but since nobody's talking about it - the hardest of passes on fatigue. I remember being in a (basketball?) league that tried it once, and there's nothing more demoralizing to activity than saying, "I know you're max earning and chasing records/titles/etc., but you're just going to not be involved now because the sim engine said so." Rule of Fun > Realism

How is your VHL team looking for the future?
 

 
Breaking down the graph
 
Before we get into it, I want to point out this is not taking into account players, a rosters age, etc. There are teams that have a young roster with little picks that could be on here, so just because your present team and/or future team could have less picks, it doesn't mean your team is screwed. Now that we got that out of the way, let me give you a quick rundown of what this graph is actually showing by explaining it if you don't understand. Point % is on the x-axis and how to calculate point % is take the amount of points your team earned (example: 65 for Chicago) and divide that by the maximum amount of points that can be earned (in this case, it would be 144 as there are 72 games played * 2 which is the maximum amount of points you can earn for a win). So, when people say you are a ".500" team, that means you have earned 50% of the possible points at that time. The "Draft Picks" is pretty self explanatory as it's just the amount of draft picks the team has in the next two drafts. Now that we understand the numbers and where they come from, we can finally get into the point of the article!
 
The "normal" teams
 
These are the teams that either had a good point % (good record) and not a lot of picks, or a bad point %, but a lot of picks. Also, keep in mind that the average number of draft picks is 8, so I would consider have "a lot of draft picks" at anything 10 or higher. Having little draft picks is technically 6 or lower. First, we'll look at the teams with good point %, but not a lot of picks. The teams that fall into this category would be: Malmo Nighthawks, Los Angeles Stars, D.C. Dragons, Toronto Legion, and London United. All these teams are fairly good (all were playoff teams), but they don't necessarily have draft capital for the future. This is OK, as it's completely normal, as to have a good team, you usually need to trade away futures to compete! I would also consider Chicago in this category, but they are kind of stuck in no mans land, where they were average and have slightly under average the amount of picks. They don't really fit in the "bad" team category, but don't really fit in the "normal" team category, but they're closer to "normal" than "bad", so it's a toss up where they should be. Next up, we have the teams with bad point %, but a good amount of picks. The teams that fall into this category would be: Vancouver Wolves, Riga Reign, Seattle Bears, and HC Davos Dynamo. These teams are all in the same in that most of them weren't that good this season (with the exception of Riga, they were average), but have lots of picks and a bright future ahead. They should be able to be towards the top of the standings in a couple of years with the amount of draft capital they have, they're having a good rebuild one could say.
 
The "good" teams
 
Moving on, these are the teams that had a good point % (good record) AND also have more than the average amount of picks (8) in the next two drafts. These GMs are able to find a way to be competitive, while at the same time still be able to have assets to make moves to become even stronger. These are contender teams, where in the near future, even next season, they could be winning a cup. These teams that fall into this category would be: Moscow Menace, Helsinki Titans, Prague Phantoms, and Calgary Wranglers. I want to give a quick reminder that this is NOT looking at players age, players, etc, this is just looking at point % and draft picks. Prague is losing multiple players to retirement and will basically be forced into a rebuild, despite fitting into this category. Regardless, these four teams are going to be contending for a championship very soon and their GMs should be considered some of the best GMs in the league. I just want to give a quick shoutout to @samx @Spartan  and @leandrofg, you guys are doing fantastic work and a trophy could be in the near future!
 
The "bad" teams
 
Last, these are the teams that had less or close to a 50% point % (average-bad record) AND also have less than the average amount of picks (8) in the next two drafts. These would include: New York Americans, Warsaw Predators, and Chicago Phoenix. Again, not always do the stats tell the tale, as New York had in the playoffs, and Chicago has a young team. Warsaw is really the only ones that "fit" into this category, however, these other two teams in NYA and CHI have to be included as well. These are the GMs that have found a way to have a less than optimal team, and also not have the draft capital to improve the team. If this team is not a young team, they could be in for a dark age, where the team unfortunately isn't able to compete and the assets to get them to compete aren't there.
 
Closing
 
I just want to say that this isn't trying to call out any GMs for how bad they are. I think every GM in the league knows what they need to do to win and is trying their best to get their franchise a W. I don't think in the long run anyone is trying to "lose", otherwise they wouldn't have a job. I made sure to include myself in the "bad" teams so that people wouldn't say I tried to keep myself out. Also, data doesn't always show where a team is heading! Prague although considered a "good" team needs to rebuild, but they've got a head start due to their old GM @Acydburn. It'll be interesting to see if any of Helsinki, Calgary, or Moscow end up winning next season, as they were considered the main three at the top! Thanks and I hope you enjoyed the read.
 
1000+ words
 
 
 
 
 

I support this story line. (Or do I? Perhaps you'll never know...)

1. It's rough, not going to lie. Really thought we had a good shot at that title, but props to Philadelphia, they were able to get it done. The hurt will pass in time, but wallowing in it for now.
 
2. That's probably the case for most people, but for a lot of Bulls it's now draft prep time. Meetings, workouts, negotiations, the whole nine yards ahead for me.
 
3. I'm really glad I was able to join mid-season and just be a part of the atmosphere. One of the more enjoyable VHLM experiences I've had, hats off to the Houston leadership for fostering that comeraderie.
 
4. I wasn't taking part in the riots, but I wasn't stopping them either. Nothing like a cool pina colada to sit on the roof of the stadium and watch as things burn.
 
5. Just a few VHL teams, no VHLE teams so far which is interesting. I'm really just anxious for the VHL lottery to be here already more than anything.
 
6. It's on to the E for me, and I'm really just curious what team I land on there. I'm 1 for 1 in VHLE titles so far, would be pretty sweet to go 2 for 2.

The two highest-rated prospects in the S93 VHL Entry Draft are both Italian and also... a couple? After Antonia Bucatini's Founder's Cup hopes were ended in the semi-finals, she was seen having lunch with fellow draftee Gianni Del Rocco in his hometown of Savona, Italy before both were spotted by paparazzi in a high-end trendy bar up in Milan later that evening. Del Rocco's San Diego Marlins were of course knocked out by Bucatini's Houston Bulls in the previous round of the playoffs and rumours are now swirling that she not only ended his VHLM championship dreams but also stole his heart.
 
Neither agency responded when approached for comment, but the tabloid headlines will have certainly reached desks of VHL GMs in the draft lottery positions for S93. They will be musing what this potential power couple might mean in terms of trying to get both on the same team, but also if things go south, what would be the personal implications for both.
 
With both Italians expected to spend a season in closer to home in the VHLE in S93, with regular visits to the Rome Gladiators (if neither gets drafted by them), expect this story to continue swirling around the VHL rumour mill, regardless if the young prospects come out denying it. A fiery development in what is already an exotic draft class.

I don't really care about the goalie rule one way or the other, but since nobody's talking about it - the hardest of passes on fatigue. I remember being in a (basketball?) league that tried it once, and there's nothing more demoralizing to activity than saying, "I know you're max earning and chasing records/titles/etc., but you're just going to not be involved now because the sim engine said so." Rule of Fun > Realism

I don't really care about the goalie rule one way or the other, but since nobody's talking about it - the hardest of passes on fatigue. I remember being in a (basketball?) league that tried it once, and there's nothing more demoralizing to activity than saying, "I know you're max earning and chasing records/titles/etc., but you're just going to not be involved now because the sim engine said so." Rule of Fun > Realism