CowboyinAmerica

This draft deserves more coverage like this. I demand scouting reports from everyone for the next 2 weeks.
 
I knew it

CIA’s Early, Probably Wrong S93 Mock Draft
 
The playoffs are here, and that means the event that absolutely everybody is waiting for. No, of course not the playoffs, who cares about those? No, what everybody is really focused on is the VHL Draft, the illusion of hope that will inevitably crush 15 out of 16 teams each season.
 
And this draft is a particularly interesting one. At the beginning of this particular draft cycle, there was a belief it’d be a weak draft year. There weren’t many recreating members, after all, especially with a few high profile S83 players instead preferring to take some time off before recreating. It also didn’t help that most of those early creates were all forwards, meaning there wasn’t going to be much variety at the top of the draft.
 
Then, the deluge happened. Spurred on by a renewed recruitment drive on Youtube, new members began to enter in drove. The result is a draft with more first generation players than we’ve seen in any time in recent memory. And since many of those new members joined at the same time, there really isn’t much separating anybody in the draft. Indeed, as of Sunday, Feb. 18, there are fourteen players between 221 TPE and 199 TPE. Yes, that’s just 22 TPE, separating the fourth and seventeenth ranked players in the first round.
 
In my opinion, that means this could very well be the craziest draft we see in a long time. It also promises to be the most unpredictable, and a lot is going to depend on unknown GM preferences and scouting meetings that haven’t happened yet. In fact, it would be a fool’s errand - downright irresponsible, in fact - to try and predict any of this before the lottery has even occurred.
 
Luckily, downright irresponsible is why I’m here. Before I get into the mock, there’s two important things to keep in mind:
 
1. This is one person’s opinion, and I know nothing. I’m very purposefully not active on Discord outside of my locker rooms, so I don’t know who’s friends with who or player plans that may have been discussed on there. I’m making picks based on what I know and team fits.
 
2. If you’re dissatisfied with where I put you, please absolutely take it personally. It’s because I hate you, specifically, person I’ve never met in real life.
 
Now with that in mind, let’s get to picking. TPE totals are as of Sunday afternoon.
 
  1. Seattle Bears: C Antonia Bucatini, Houston Bulls, 354 TPE, @CowboyinAmerica
 
I swear I’m not doing this to be conceited, and I think there’s a very good chance that Gianfranco Del Rocco is the first name on the draft board for a few lottery teams (more on that in a second). But I do expect Bucatini to be one of the top two, both because of the agency’s history and also the raw TPE total. As it relates to the Bears specifically, I’ll just say this: I’ve only actually created one forward before. That player, Gabriel McAllister, went first overall in S56 to the Bears and a relatively new GM named Bana. Four seasons later, Bana had his first title, and McAllister was named Playoff MVP.
 
  2. HC Davos Dynamo: LW Gianfranco Del Rocco, San Diego Marlins, 327 TPE, @Victor
 
The easiest pick on the board, put it in pen. While some drafts have surprises, I’ll be a bit shocked if myself and Victor aren’t 1-2 in some order. And while Del Rocco falls to Davos here, I wouldn’t be shocked if he was top on their draft board regardless. After all, Victor is a former Davos GM, many of his best seasons as a member were with the franchise, and Davos could be looking for new blood after having CIA’s Booberry just a few seasons ago. Plus, Davos actually has the best combined chance at the first pick in the lottery (32.5%), giving them a chance to make this a reality.
 
  3. Vancouver Wolves: LW Forum Content, Miami Marauders, 221 TPE, @frescoelmo
 
This is where I believe things start to get interesting. The easy pick would be winger Jean-Pierre Devote, who has the most TPE on the board. There’s also an argument for one of the more active first gen players who would provide a high upside. But I’m going with door number 3 in winger Forum Content. Fresco is one of the very, very few sim league members who have been around longer than I have (read: we’re old), and given past member history, there’s less of a chance of burnout than perhaps some of the newer members. The Wolves have their top-end talent from their host of S92 picks, what they really need are steady players to fill out the roster. Content certainly has the capability to be a star, but the high floor is even more important for me here.
 
  4. Chicago Phoenix: LW Jean-Pierre Devote, San Diego Marlins, 276 TPE, @eagle_3450
 
Early on in this drafting cycle, Devote was promoting himself as a potential first overall pick. And while he may have fallen a tiny bit behind Bucatini and Del Franco in terms of training points earned, there’s still all the makings here of a potential star. That potential mixes nicely with what the Phoenix need here, because I view Chicago as the exact opposite of Vancouver: A lot of really solid players, but in desperate need of a high ceiling player who could be the leader of the team into a new generation. That’s also why I think some enterprising first gens could be in consideration here, but Devote’s TPE advantage right now and previous earning gives the advantage.
 
  5. HC Davos Dynamo (from Warsaw): D Lucy Leitner, Houston Bulls, 215 TPE, @LucyXpher
 
A lot has been made of Davos getting this pick from Warsaw, so what now will they do with it? I have two immediate thoughts: First that they may not want two forwards in the lottery knowing there will be many available later, and second that Alex is not a GM afraid of taking a chance on first gens. So with that in mind, we see a first gen off the board here in Leitner. One of those coming to the league early in the season, Leitner has been a revelation on the blue line for the Bulls, averaging more than a point per game. Their insightful articles have also been a revelation, and show someone both invested in the league and not as prone to potential burnout in what may be a longer Davos rebuild.
 
  6. Riga Reign: D Benjamin Abenduct, Houston Bulls, 208 TPE, @Schnee
 
The Reign are my single most intriguing team as we enter the draft. Barring a bit of lottery luck or playoff lack of luck, they have three first round picks that sit in the middle of the first round. That gives them an opportunity to take a few chances, or perhaps even trade up with a team that’s looking for more established players (Chicago?). But as I’m not predicting trades, I wouldn’t be surprised if Riga takes a similar tactic to Davos’ last pick and knows there are forwards later. Thus, Leitner’s linemate Abenduct is the pick, a first gen who has been a continuously strong earner since joining at the beginning of the season. With Cobalt Burns set to retire and new defensemen in the prospect pool, Riga desperately needs some youth on the blue line.
 
  7. New York Americans: LW Chris Reynolds Jr, Houston Bulls, 213 TPE, @Crstats23
 
New York has a lot of offensive talent right now, but only one forward in their pool younger than S88 (last year’s first round pick Wayne Gretzky). So I’d expect them to go forward, and the third straight Bull to go off the board in Reynolds would seem to be a perfect fit. Reynolds’ agency proved to produce loyal players given Pete Mitchell’s eight seasons in Davos, something that relatively new GM STZ should value given that the Americans are still trying to build a new identity. Reynolds has also been a consistent earner, even if not always at the max, and the Americans have seemed to value long-term consistency as evidenced by the Gretzky pick.
 
  8. Prague Phantoms: RW Annie Oaks, Las Vegas Aces, 206 TPE, @Noodle Enjoyer
 
With Prague being eliminated in the wild card round, it would seem to be the end of an era. Four of their starters are retiring this offseason; stars John Jameson and Nikolas Kauppi are following next season. With a full rebuild potentially looming on the horizon, that screams to me a first gen who Prague can mold over time and serve as the centerpiece as more players come in with high picks in coming seasons. Between both Saskatoon and Las Vegas, Oaks has emerged as one of the VHLM’s top offensive talents and can be exactly that type of scorer Prague can build around. A perfect earner as far as I can tell, Oaks also has star upside to be the next in a line of top earners once Jamerson and Kauppi are gone.
 
  9. Toronto Legion: D Gul Dukat, Miami Marauders, 199 TPE, @MSouthworth
 
This is where the draft order could start to change based on the playoffs, and the Legion certainly wouldn’t mind picking last in the first round. But if they’re here, an infusion of youth into the defensive core is a must if they’re going to extend their window of opportunity. Dukat is the third of the three first gen defensemen I’d expect to go earlier than some may expect, providing high-level upside as long as their earning stays consistent. Much more of a defensively-oriented player than either Leitner or Abenduct, Dukat would also fit in nicely with a team that has high-profile scorers in Jaks and Atlas, but could use a bit more blue line strength.
 
  10. Riga Reign (from London): LW UghSike, Miami Marauders, 202 TPE, @UghSike
 
You thought I was going to pick a different forward here? Ugh, sike! (Sorry, it was the low-hanging fruit.) After going defense with the first pick, and with S91 draftee Red Panda fully entrenched at goalie, going forward with their next two firsts makes sense for the Reign. UghSike has been a consistent earner since joining, recently topping the 200 capped mark for the VHLM. And even if the points haven’t necessarily been there yet with Saskatoon or Miami, that will change in time as long as the TPE stays consistent. A good team/player fit, as Riga has had success bringing first gens along.
 
  11. Riga Reign (from D.C.): RW Nathan Ecker, Houston Bulls, 199 TPE, @Nathan_8
 
And with the next pick, Riga goes to the opposite side of the ice, taking right winger Nathan Ecker. Another first gen who came in near the start of the season, Ecker started off slow for the Bulls but picked his game up near the end of the season, ending with 25 goals while playing on Houston’s second line. But more important than that is a desire to be involved with the league, as evidenced by a JST GM position. That portends good tidings for long-term league longevity, and once again Riga is a good landing spot for first gens.
 
  12. Moscow Menace: C Tyler Lawson, Houston Bulls, 172 TPE, @Nyx
 
I’m curious where Moscow would go: recreating members who might occasionally get welfare but provide consistent earning (Nabokov, Kolesinska, French), or a first gen who has a higher ceiling, but potentially a lower floor? But having two late firsts allows them to split the difference, and I’m predicting a newer member in Lawson here. Although Lawson joined a little later than some players who have gone already, only getting in 56 games with the Bulls, he nonetheless has been a consistent earner and quickly worked his way up draft boards. The Menace do have three young talented centers in Gunner, Ruutu and Richmond, but Lawson’s current build could easily be molded to play on the wing as well.
 
  13. Moscow Menace (from Los Angeles): D WWumbo, Ottawa Lynx, 172 TPE, @Fire Tortorella
 
What, you thought my returning player spiel in the previous section was just about forwards? The same logic could apply just as easy to defensemen - and perhaps moreso, given that Andersson isn’t too far from regression and Pereira is a semi-regular welfare earner. WWumbo may see some welfare himself, but in a defensive pool with less depth than forward, a consistent earner and VHL regular would be welcomed into Moscow. Just don’t hire Torts as the team’s coach.
 
  14. Helsinki Titans: G Jorgen Lovstrom, Philadelphia Reapers, 202 TPE, @Pifferfish
 
Wait, a goalie hasn’t gone yet? Yes, it’s a rough market for goalies this season for two main reasons. First, there are a few talented ones, meaning teams could feel they can afford to wait and not miss out. And second, five of the picks in the mid-first are owned by Riga and Moscow - two teams with young goalies of their own who aren’t looking for a replacement. But those factors are Helsinki’s gain, as they get a talented netminder in Lovstrom here. The goalie for the VHLM-leading Reapers, Lovstrom has shown he knows how to win - important for a Helsinki team that may be looking to extend its window even beyond Fuukka Rask’s retirement in two seasons’ time.
 
  15. Malmo Nighthawks (from Calgary): RW Yermolai Nabokov, Philadelphia Reapers, 205 TPE, @fonziGG
 
What do you get for the team that has everything? There are some talented goalies on the board, but Malmo has a few prospect goalies to replace Ash Sparks, including last year’s 10th overall pick Olafur Gunnleifsson. Defense is the strength of the team already with a few young players. So forward is where I’m going, and with a known member in Fonzi. Nabokov has a few welfare claims to his name, but the Fonzi agency has also demonstrated an ability to make strong players if motivated. Landing on the reigning Victory Cup champions would seem to be strong motivation, especially since it looks like the team’s core will continue winning for a few seasons.
 
  16. HC Davos Dynamo (from Malmo): G Ondrej Vencko, Houston Bulls, 182 TPE, @Mutti
 
With their two lottery picks in this mock, the Dynamo already selected a forward and a defensive player. So when entering the rebuild, what’s left? Why, a goalie of course? It’s a matter of preference between Vencko and Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen, but I’m going with the first gen here. Outside of one hiccup week, Mutti has been a consistent earner since joining the league on a youthful Bulls team, emerging as the lead goalie in the run to the five seed. The Dynamo certainly have no problem with first gen goalies (see: Lachlan Summers), and Vencko would be ready to go upon Summers’ ultimate retirement.
 
Just missed first round:
 
RW Trimiskez Artav @jake - Was on track to be at the top half of the lottery, but two welfare weeks followed by not updating this week worries me. Can get back to things quickly though.
 
RW Miner vHLer @Rhynex Entertainment - I’m so excited to see how the build idea works. But with a lot of depth in the draft, I’m not sure teams would be as excited.
 
C Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn - For teams wanting a consistent presence, Kolesinksa is your player. But I’m expecting more swings for first gens this draft.
 
RW Steve French @Seabass - Same reasoning as above, though I’m curious whether the agency’s past association with Moscow means anything with their late firsts.
 
G Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu - Goalie is just going to be a tough position this draft with who currently holds firsts. But I’m sure someone like L.A. or London would love to trade back in to the late first and pick them up. 
 
D Ray Stanton @horoscope - My dark horse first round pick, given how many teams need defense. Has been a strong earner since joining mid-season, if the scouting interview goes well a team could swing for the high upside.

CIA’s Early, Probably Wrong S93 Mock Draft
 
The playoffs are here, and that means the event that absolutely everybody is waiting for. No, of course not the playoffs, who cares about those? No, what everybody is really focused on is the VHL Draft, the illusion of hope that will inevitably crush 15 out of 16 teams each season.
 
And this draft is a particularly interesting one. At the beginning of this particular draft cycle, there was a belief it’d be a weak draft year. There weren’t many recreating members, after all, especially with a few high profile S83 players instead preferring to take some time off before recreating. It also didn’t help that most of those early creates were all forwards, meaning there wasn’t going to be much variety at the top of the draft.
 
Then, the deluge happened. Spurred on by a renewed recruitment drive on Youtube, new members began to enter in drove. The result is a draft with more first generation players than we’ve seen in any time in recent memory. And since many of those new members joined at the same time, there really isn’t much separating anybody in the draft. Indeed, as of Sunday, Feb. 18, there are fourteen players between 221 TPE and 199 TPE. Yes, that’s just 22 TPE, separating the fourth and seventeenth ranked players in the first round.
 
In my opinion, that means this could very well be the craziest draft we see in a long time. It also promises to be the most unpredictable, and a lot is going to depend on unknown GM preferences and scouting meetings that haven’t happened yet. In fact, it would be a fool’s errand - downright irresponsible, in fact - to try and predict any of this before the lottery has even occurred.
 
Luckily, downright irresponsible is why I’m here. Before I get into the mock, there’s two important things to keep in mind:
 
1. This is one person’s opinion, and I know nothing. I’m very purposefully not active on Discord outside of my locker rooms, so I don’t know who’s friends with who or player plans that may have been discussed on there. I’m making picks based on what I know and team fits.
 
2. If you’re dissatisfied with where I put you, please absolutely take it personally. It’s because I hate you, specifically, person I’ve never met in real life.
 
Now with that in mind, let’s get to picking. TPE totals are as of Sunday afternoon.
 
  1. Seattle Bears: C Antonia Bucatini, Houston Bulls, 354 TPE, @CowboyinAmerica
 
I swear I’m not doing this to be conceited, and I think there’s a very good chance that Gianfranco Del Rocco is the first name on the draft board for a few lottery teams (more on that in a second). But I do expect Bucatini to be one of the top two, both because of the agency’s history and also the raw TPE total. As it relates to the Bears specifically, I’ll just say this: I’ve only actually created one forward before. That player, Gabriel McAllister, went first overall in S56 to the Bears and a relatively new GM named Bana. Four seasons later, Bana had his first title, and McAllister was named Playoff MVP.
 
  2. HC Davos Dynamo: LW Gianfranco Del Rocco, San Diego Marlins, 327 TPE, @Victor
 
The easiest pick on the board, put it in pen. While some drafts have surprises, I’ll be a bit shocked if myself and Victor aren’t 1-2 in some order. And while Del Rocco falls to Davos here, I wouldn’t be shocked if he was top on their draft board regardless. After all, Victor is a former Davos GM, many of his best seasons as a member were with the franchise, and Davos could be looking for new blood after having CIA’s Booberry just a few seasons ago. Plus, Davos actually has the best combined chance at the first pick in the lottery (32.5%), giving them a chance to make this a reality.
 
  3. Vancouver Wolves: LW Forum Content, Miami Marauders, 221 TPE, @frescoelmo
 
This is where I believe things start to get interesting. The easy pick would be winger Jean-Pierre Devote, who has the most TPE on the board. There’s also an argument for one of the more active first gen players who would provide a high upside. But I’m going with door number 3 in winger Forum Content. Fresco is one of the very, very few sim league members who have been around longer than I have (read: we’re old), and given past member history, there’s less of a chance of burnout than perhaps some of the newer members. The Wolves have their top-end talent from their host of S92 picks, what they really need are steady players to fill out the roster. Content certainly has the capability to be a star, but the high floor is even more important for me here.
 
  4. Chicago Phoenix: LW Jean-Pierre Devote, San Diego Marlins, 276 TPE, @eagle_3450
 
Early on in this drafting cycle, Devote was promoting himself as a potential first overall pick. And while he may have fallen a tiny bit behind Bucatini and Del Franco in terms of training points earned, there’s still all the makings here of a potential star. That potential mixes nicely with what the Phoenix need here, because I view Chicago as the exact opposite of Vancouver: A lot of really solid players, but in desperate need of a high ceiling player who could be the leader of the team into a new generation. That’s also why I think some enterprising first gens could be in consideration here, but Devote’s TPE advantage right now and previous earning gives the advantage.
 
  5. HC Davos Dynamo (from Warsaw): D Lucy Leitner, Houston Bulls, 215 TPE, @LucyXpher
 
A lot has been made of Davos getting this pick from Warsaw, so what now will they do with it? I have two immediate thoughts: First that they may not want two forwards in the lottery knowing there will be many available later, and second that Alex is not a GM afraid of taking a chance on first gens. So with that in mind, we see a first gen off the board here in Leitner. One of those coming to the league early in the season, Leitner has been a revelation on the blue line for the Bulls, averaging more than a point per game. Their insightful articles have also been a revelation, and show someone both invested in the league and not as prone to potential burnout in what may be a longer Davos rebuild.
 
  6. Riga Reign: D Benjamin Abenduct, Houston Bulls, 208 TPE, @Schnee
 
The Reign are my single most intriguing team as we enter the draft. Barring a bit of lottery luck or playoff lack of luck, they have three first round picks that sit in the middle of the first round. That gives them an opportunity to take a few chances, or perhaps even trade up with a team that’s looking for more established players (Chicago?). But as I’m not predicting trades, I wouldn’t be surprised if Riga takes a similar tactic to Davos’ last pick and knows there are forwards later. Thus, Leitner’s linemate Abenduct is the pick, a first gen who has been a continuously strong earner since joining at the beginning of the season. With Cobalt Burns set to retire and new defensemen in the prospect pool, Riga desperately needs some youth on the blue line.
 
  7. New York Americans: LW Chris Reynolds Jr, Houston Bulls, 213 TPE, @Crstats23
 
New York has a lot of offensive talent right now, but only one forward in their pool younger than S88 (last year’s first round pick Wayne Gretzky). So I’d expect them to go forward, and the third straight Bull to go off the board in Reynolds would seem to be a perfect fit. Reynolds’ agency proved to produce loyal players given Pete Mitchell’s eight seasons in Davos, something that relatively new GM STZ should value given that the Americans are still trying to build a new identity. Reynolds has also been a consistent earner, even if not always at the max, and the Americans have seemed to value long-term consistency as evidenced by the Gretzky pick.
 
  8. Prague Phantoms: RW Annie Oaks, Las Vegas Aces, 206 TPE, @Noodle Enjoyer
 
With Prague being eliminated in the wild card round, it would seem to be the end of an era. Four of their starters are retiring this offseason; stars John Jameson and Nikolas Kauppi are following next season. With a full rebuild potentially looming on the horizon, that screams to me a first gen who Prague can mold over time and serve as the centerpiece as more players come in with high picks in coming seasons. Between both Saskatoon and Las Vegas, Oaks has emerged as one of the VHLM’s top offensive talents and can be exactly that type of scorer Prague can build around. A perfect earner as far as I can tell, Oaks also has star upside to be the next in a line of top earners once Jamerson and Kauppi are gone.
 
  9. Toronto Legion: D Gul Dukat, Miami Marauders, 199 TPE, @MSouthworth
 
This is where the draft order could start to change based on the playoffs, and the Legion certainly wouldn’t mind picking last in the first round. But if they’re here, an infusion of youth into the defensive core is a must if they’re going to extend their window of opportunity. Dukat is the third of the three first gen defensemen I’d expect to go earlier than some may expect, providing high-level upside as long as their earning stays consistent. Much more of a defensively-oriented player than either Leitner or Abenduct, Dukat would also fit in nicely with a team that has high-profile scorers in Jaks and Atlas, but could use a bit more blue line strength.
 
  10. Riga Reign (from London): LW UghSike, Miami Marauders, 202 TPE, @UghSike
 
You thought I was going to pick a different forward here? Ugh, sike! (Sorry, it was the low-hanging fruit.) After going defense with the first pick, and with S91 draftee Red Panda fully entrenched at goalie, going forward with their next two firsts makes sense for the Reign. UghSike has been a consistent earner since joining, recently topping the 200 capped mark for the VHLM. And even if the points haven’t necessarily been there yet with Saskatoon or Miami, that will change in time as long as the TPE stays consistent. A good team/player fit, as Riga has had success bringing first gens along.
 
  11. Riga Reign (from D.C.): RW Nathan Ecker, Houston Bulls, 199 TPE, @Nathan_8
 
And with the next pick, Riga goes to the opposite side of the ice, taking right winger Nathan Ecker. Another first gen who came in near the start of the season, Ecker started off slow for the Bulls but picked his game up near the end of the season, ending with 25 goals while playing on Houston’s second line. But more important than that is a desire to be involved with the league, as evidenced by a JST GM position. That portends good tidings for long-term league longevity, and once again Riga is a good landing spot for first gens.
 
  12. Moscow Menace: C Tyler Lawson, Houston Bulls, 172 TPE, @Nyx
 
I’m curious where Moscow would go: recreating members who might occasionally get welfare but provide consistent earning (Nabokov, Kolesinska, French), or a first gen who has a higher ceiling, but potentially a lower floor? But having two late firsts allows them to split the difference, and I’m predicting a newer member in Lawson here. Although Lawson joined a little later than some players who have gone already, only getting in 56 games with the Bulls, he nonetheless has been a consistent earner and quickly worked his way up draft boards. The Menace do have three young talented centers in Gunner, Ruutu and Richmond, but Lawson’s current build could easily be molded to play on the wing as well.
 
  13. Moscow Menace (from Los Angeles): D WWumbo, Ottawa Lynx, 172 TPE, @Fire Tortorella
 
What, you thought my returning player spiel in the previous section was just about forwards? The same logic could apply just as easy to defensemen - and perhaps moreso, given that Andersson isn’t too far from regression and Pereira is a semi-regular welfare earner. WWumbo may see some welfare himself, but in a defensive pool with less depth than forward, a consistent earner and VHL regular would be welcomed into Moscow. Just don’t hire Torts as the team’s coach.
 
  14. Helsinki Titans: G Jorgen Lovstrom, Philadelphia Reapers, 202 TPE, @Pifferfish
 
Wait, a goalie hasn’t gone yet? Yes, it’s a rough market for goalies this season for two main reasons. First, there are a few talented ones, meaning teams could feel they can afford to wait and not miss out. And second, five of the picks in the mid-first are owned by Riga and Moscow - two teams with young goalies of their own who aren’t looking for a replacement. But those factors are Helsinki’s gain, as they get a talented netminder in Lovstrom here. The goalie for the VHLM-leading Reapers, Lovstrom has shown he knows how to win - important for a Helsinki team that may be looking to extend its window even beyond Fuukka Rask’s retirement in two seasons’ time.
 
  15. Malmo Nighthawks (from Calgary): RW Yermolai Nabokov, Philadelphia Reapers, 205 TPE, @fonziGG
 
What do you get for the team that has everything? There are some talented goalies on the board, but Malmo has a few prospect goalies to replace Ash Sparks, including last year’s 10th overall pick Olafur Gunnleifsson. Defense is the strength of the team already with a few young players. So forward is where I’m going, and with a known member in Fonzi. Nabokov has a few welfare claims to his name, but the Fonzi agency has also demonstrated an ability to make strong players if motivated. Landing on the reigning Victory Cup champions would seem to be strong motivation, especially since it looks like the team’s core will continue winning for a few seasons.
 
  16. HC Davos Dynamo (from Malmo): G Ondrej Vencko, Houston Bulls, 182 TPE, @Mutti
 
With their two lottery picks in this mock, the Dynamo already selected a forward and a defensive player. So when entering the rebuild, what’s left? Why, a goalie of course? It’s a matter of preference between Vencko and Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen, but I’m going with the first gen here. Outside of one hiccup week, Mutti has been a consistent earner since joining the league on a youthful Bulls team, emerging as the lead goalie in the run to the five seed. The Dynamo certainly have no problem with first gen goalies (see: Lachlan Summers), and Vencko would be ready to go upon Summers’ ultimate retirement.
 
Just missed first round:
 
RW Trimiskez Artav @jake - Was on track to be at the top half of the lottery, but two welfare weeks followed by not updating this week worries me. Can get back to things quickly though.
 
RW Miner vHLer @Rhynex Entertainment - I’m so excited to see how the build idea works. But with a lot of depth in the draft, I’m not sure teams would be as excited.
 
C Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn - For teams wanting a consistent presence, Kolesinksa is your player. But I’m expecting more swings for first gens this draft.
 
RW Steve French @Seabass - Same reasoning as above, though I’m curious whether the agency’s past association with Moscow means anything with their late firsts.
 
G Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu - Goalie is just going to be a tough position this draft with who currently holds firsts. But I’m sure someone like L.A. or London would love to trade back in to the late first and pick them up. 
 
D Ray Stanton @horoscope - My dark horse first round pick, given how many teams need defense. Has been a strong earner since joining mid-season, if the scouting interview goes well a team could swing for the high upside.

2000+ words
 
Claiming for the weeks ending:
2/25
3/3
3/10
3/17

CIA’s Early, Probably Wrong S93 Mock Draft
 
The playoffs are here, and that means the event that absolutely everybody is waiting for. No, of course not the playoffs, who cares about those? No, what everybody is really focused on is the VHL Draft, the illusion of hope that will inevitably crush 15 out of 16 teams each season.
 
And this draft is a particularly interesting one. At the beginning of this particular draft cycle, there was a belief it’d be a weak draft year. There weren’t many recreating members, after all, especially with a few high profile S83 players instead preferring to take some time off before recreating. It also didn’t help that most of those early creates were all forwards, meaning there wasn’t going to be much variety at the top of the draft.
 
Then, the deluge happened. Spurred on by a renewed recruitment drive on Youtube, new members began to enter in drove. The result is a draft with more first generation players than we’ve seen in any time in recent memory. And since many of those new members joined at the same time, there really isn’t much separating anybody in the draft. Indeed, as of Sunday, Feb. 18, there are fourteen players between 221 TPE and 199 TPE. Yes, that’s just 22 TPE, separating the fourth and seventeenth ranked players in the first round.
 
In my opinion, that means this could very well be the craziest draft we see in a long time. It also promises to be the most unpredictable, and a lot is going to depend on unknown GM preferences and scouting meetings that haven’t happened yet. In fact, it would be a fool’s errand - downright irresponsible, in fact - to try and predict any of this before the lottery has even occurred.
 
Luckily, downright irresponsible is why I’m here. Before I get into the mock, there’s two important things to keep in mind:
 
1. This is one person’s opinion, and I know nothing. I’m very purposefully not active on Discord outside of my locker rooms, so I don’t know who’s friends with who or player plans that may have been discussed on there. I’m making picks based on what I know and team fits.
 
2. If you’re dissatisfied with where I put you, please absolutely take it personally. It’s because I hate you, specifically, person I’ve never met in real life.
 
Now with that in mind, let’s get to picking. TPE totals are as of Sunday afternoon.
 
  1. Seattle Bears: C Antonia Bucatini, Houston Bulls, 354 TPE, @CowboyinAmerica
 
I swear I’m not doing this to be conceited, and I think there’s a very good chance that Gianfranco Del Rocco is the first name on the draft board for a few lottery teams (more on that in a second). But I do expect Bucatini to be one of the top two, both because of the agency’s history and also the raw TPE total. As it relates to the Bears specifically, I’ll just say this: I’ve only actually created one forward before. That player, Gabriel McAllister, went first overall in S56 to the Bears and a relatively new GM named Bana. Four seasons later, Bana had his first title, and McAllister was named Playoff MVP.
 
  2. HC Davos Dynamo: LW Gianfranco Del Rocco, San Diego Marlins, 327 TPE, @Victor
 
The easiest pick on the board, put it in pen. While some drafts have surprises, I’ll be a bit shocked if myself and Victor aren’t 1-2 in some order. And while Del Rocco falls to Davos here, I wouldn’t be shocked if he was top on their draft board regardless. After all, Victor is a former Davos GM, many of his best seasons as a member were with the franchise, and Davos could be looking for new blood after having CIA’s Booberry just a few seasons ago. Plus, Davos actually has the best combined chance at the first pick in the lottery (32.5%), giving them a chance to make this a reality.
 
  3. Vancouver Wolves: LW Forum Content, Miami Marauders, 221 TPE, @frescoelmo
 
This is where I believe things start to get interesting. The easy pick would be winger Jean-Pierre Devote, who has the most TPE on the board. There’s also an argument for one of the more active first gen players who would provide a high upside. But I’m going with door number 3 in winger Forum Content. Fresco is one of the very, very few sim league members who have been around longer than I have (read: we’re old), and given past member history, there’s less of a chance of burnout than perhaps some of the newer members. The Wolves have their top-end talent from their host of S92 picks, what they really need are steady players to fill out the roster. Content certainly has the capability to be a star, but the high floor is even more important for me here.
 
  4. Chicago Phoenix: LW Jean-Pierre Devote, San Diego Marlins, 276 TPE, @eagle_3450
 
Early on in this drafting cycle, Devote was promoting himself as a potential first overall pick. And while he may have fallen a tiny bit behind Bucatini and Del Franco in terms of training points earned, there’s still all the makings here of a potential star. That potential mixes nicely with what the Phoenix need here, because I view Chicago as the exact opposite of Vancouver: A lot of really solid players, but in desperate need of a high ceiling player who could be the leader of the team into a new generation. That’s also why I think some enterprising first gens could be in consideration here, but Devote’s TPE advantage right now and previous earning gives the advantage.
 
  5. HC Davos Dynamo (from Warsaw): D Lucy Leitner, Houston Bulls, 215 TPE, @LucyXpher
 
A lot has been made of Davos getting this pick from Warsaw, so what now will they do with it? I have two immediate thoughts: First that they may not want two forwards in the lottery knowing there will be many available later, and second that Alex is not a GM afraid of taking a chance on first gens. So with that in mind, we see a first gen off the board here in Leitner. One of those coming to the league early in the season, Leitner has been a revelation on the blue line for the Bulls, averaging more than a point per game. Their insightful articles have also been a revelation, and show someone both invested in the league and not as prone to potential burnout in what may be a longer Davos rebuild.
 
  6. Riga Reign: D Benjamin Abenduct, Houston Bulls, 208 TPE, @Schnee
 
The Reign are my single most intriguing team as we enter the draft. Barring a bit of lottery luck or playoff lack of luck, they have three first round picks that sit in the middle of the first round. That gives them an opportunity to take a few chances, or perhaps even trade up with a team that’s looking for more established players (Chicago?). But as I’m not predicting trades, I wouldn’t be surprised if Riga takes a similar tactic to Davos’ last pick and knows there are forwards later. Thus, Leitner’s linemate Abenduct is the pick, a first gen who has been a continuously strong earner since joining at the beginning of the season. With Cobalt Burns set to retire and new defensemen in the prospect pool, Riga desperately needs some youth on the blue line.
 
  7. New York Americans: LW Chris Reynolds Jr, Houston Bulls, 213 TPE, @Crstats23
 
New York has a lot of offensive talent right now, but only one forward in their pool younger than S88 (last year’s first round pick Wayne Gretzky). So I’d expect them to go forward, and the third straight Bull to go off the board in Reynolds would seem to be a perfect fit. Reynolds’ agency proved to produce loyal players given Pete Mitchell’s eight seasons in Davos, something that relatively new GM STZ should value given that the Americans are still trying to build a new identity. Reynolds has also been a consistent earner, even if not always at the max, and the Americans have seemed to value long-term consistency as evidenced by the Gretzky pick.
 
  8. Prague Phantoms: RW Annie Oaks, Las Vegas Aces, 206 TPE, @Noodle Enjoyer
 
With Prague being eliminated in the wild card round, it would seem to be the end of an era. Four of their starters are retiring this offseason; stars John Jameson and Nikolas Kauppi are following next season. With a full rebuild potentially looming on the horizon, that screams to me a first gen who Prague can mold over time and serve as the centerpiece as more players come in with high picks in coming seasons. Between both Saskatoon and Las Vegas, Oaks has emerged as one of the VHLM’s top offensive talents and can be exactly that type of scorer Prague can build around. A perfect earner as far as I can tell, Oaks also has star upside to be the next in a line of top earners once Jamerson and Kauppi are gone.
 
  9. Toronto Legion: D Gul Dukat, Miami Marauders, 199 TPE, @MSouthworth
 
This is where the draft order could start to change based on the playoffs, and the Legion certainly wouldn’t mind picking last in the first round. But if they’re here, an infusion of youth into the defensive core is a must if they’re going to extend their window of opportunity. Dukat is the third of the three first gen defensemen I’d expect to go earlier than some may expect, providing high-level upside as long as their earning stays consistent. Much more of a defensively-oriented player than either Leitner or Abenduct, Dukat would also fit in nicely with a team that has high-profile scorers in Jaks and Atlas, but could use a bit more blue line strength.
 
  10. Riga Reign (from London): LW UghSike, Miami Marauders, 202 TPE, @UghSike
 
You thought I was going to pick a different forward here? Ugh, sike! (Sorry, it was the low-hanging fruit.) After going defense with the first pick, and with S91 draftee Red Panda fully entrenched at goalie, going forward with their next two firsts makes sense for the Reign. UghSike has been a consistent earner since joining, recently topping the 200 capped mark for the VHLM. And even if the points haven’t necessarily been there yet with Saskatoon or Miami, that will change in time as long as the TPE stays consistent. A good team/player fit, as Riga has had success bringing first gens along.
 
  11. Riga Reign (from D.C.): RW Nathan Ecker, Houston Bulls, 199 TPE, @Nathan_8
 
And with the next pick, Riga goes to the opposite side of the ice, taking right winger Nathan Ecker. Another first gen who came in near the start of the season, Ecker started off slow for the Bulls but picked his game up near the end of the season, ending with 25 goals while playing on Houston’s second line. But more important than that is a desire to be involved with the league, as evidenced by a JST GM position. That portends good tidings for long-term league longevity, and once again Riga is a good landing spot for first gens.
 
  12. Moscow Menace: C Tyler Lawson, Houston Bulls, 172 TPE, @Nyx
 
I’m curious where Moscow would go: recreating members who might occasionally get welfare but provide consistent earning (Nabokov, Kolesinska, French), or a first gen who has a higher ceiling, but potentially a lower floor? But having two late firsts allows them to split the difference, and I’m predicting a newer member in Lawson here. Although Lawson joined a little later than some players who have gone already, only getting in 56 games with the Bulls, he nonetheless has been a consistent earner and quickly worked his way up draft boards. The Menace do have three young talented centers in Gunner, Ruutu and Richmond, but Lawson’s current build could easily be molded to play on the wing as well.
 
  13. Moscow Menace (from Los Angeles): D WWumbo, Ottawa Lynx, 172 TPE, @Fire Tortorella
 
What, you thought my returning player spiel in the previous section was just about forwards? The same logic could apply just as easy to defensemen - and perhaps moreso, given that Andersson isn’t too far from regression and Pereira is a semi-regular welfare earner. WWumbo may see some welfare himself, but in a defensive pool with less depth than forward, a consistent earner and VHL regular would be welcomed into Moscow. Just don’t hire Torts as the team’s coach.
 
  14. Helsinki Titans: G Jorgen Lovstrom, Philadelphia Reapers, 202 TPE, @Pifferfish
 
Wait, a goalie hasn’t gone yet? Yes, it’s a rough market for goalies this season for two main reasons. First, there are a few talented ones, meaning teams could feel they can afford to wait and not miss out. And second, five of the picks in the mid-first are owned by Riga and Moscow - two teams with young goalies of their own who aren’t looking for a replacement. But those factors are Helsinki’s gain, as they get a talented netminder in Lovstrom here. The goalie for the VHLM-leading Reapers, Lovstrom has shown he knows how to win - important for a Helsinki team that may be looking to extend its window even beyond Fuukka Rask’s retirement in two seasons’ time.
 
  15. Malmo Nighthawks (from Calgary): RW Yermolai Nabokov, Philadelphia Reapers, 205 TPE, @fonziGG
 
What do you get for the team that has everything? There are some talented goalies on the board, but Malmo has a few prospect goalies to replace Ash Sparks, including last year’s 10th overall pick Olafur Gunnleifsson. Defense is the strength of the team already with a few young players. So forward is where I’m going, and with a known member in Fonzi. Nabokov has a few welfare claims to his name, but the Fonzi agency has also demonstrated an ability to make strong players if motivated. Landing on the reigning Victory Cup champions would seem to be strong motivation, especially since it looks like the team’s core will continue winning for a few seasons.
 
  16. HC Davos Dynamo (from Malmo): G Ondrej Vencko, Houston Bulls, 182 TPE, @Mutti
 
With their two lottery picks in this mock, the Dynamo already selected a forward and a defensive player. So when entering the rebuild, what’s left? Why, a goalie of course? It’s a matter of preference between Vencko and Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen, but I’m going with the first gen here. Outside of one hiccup week, Mutti has been a consistent earner since joining the league on a youthful Bulls team, emerging as the lead goalie in the run to the five seed. The Dynamo certainly have no problem with first gen goalies (see: Lachlan Summers), and Vencko would be ready to go upon Summers’ ultimate retirement.
 
Just missed first round:
 
RW Trimiskez Artav @jake - Was on track to be at the top half of the lottery, but two welfare weeks followed by not updating this week worries me. Can get back to things quickly though.
 
RW Miner vHLer @Rhynex Entertainment - I’m so excited to see how the build idea works. But with a lot of depth in the draft, I’m not sure teams would be as excited.
 
C Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn - For teams wanting a consistent presence, Kolesinksa is your player. But I’m expecting more swings for first gens this draft.
 
RW Steve French @Seabass - Same reasoning as above, though I’m curious whether the agency’s past association with Moscow means anything with their late firsts.
 
G Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu - Goalie is just going to be a tough position this draft with who currently holds firsts. But I’m sure someone like L.A. or London would love to trade back in to the late first and pick them up. 
 
D Ray Stanton @horoscope - My dark horse first round pick, given how many teams need defense. Has been a strong earner since joining mid-season, if the scouting interview goes well a team could swing for the high upside.

CIA’s Early, Probably Wrong S93 Mock Draft
 
The playoffs are here, and that means the event that absolutely everybody is waiting for. No, of course not the playoffs, who cares about those? No, what everybody is really focused on is the VHL Draft, the illusion of hope that will inevitably crush 15 out of 16 teams each season.
 
And this draft is a particularly interesting one. At the beginning of this particular draft cycle, there was a belief it’d be a weak draft year. There weren’t many recreating members, after all, especially with a few high profile S83 players instead preferring to take some time off before recreating. It also didn’t help that most of those early creates were all forwards, meaning there wasn’t going to be much variety at the top of the draft.
 
Then, the deluge happened. Spurred on by a renewed recruitment drive on Youtube, new members began to enter in drove. The result is a draft with more first generation players than we’ve seen in any time in recent memory. And since many of those new members joined at the same time, there really isn’t much separating anybody in the draft. Indeed, as of Sunday, Feb. 18, there are fourteen players between 221 TPE and 199 TPE. Yes, that’s just 22 TPE, separating the fourth and seventeenth ranked players in the first round.
 
In my opinion, that means this could very well be the craziest draft we see in a long time. It also promises to be the most unpredictable, and a lot is going to depend on unknown GM preferences and scouting meetings that haven’t happened yet. In fact, it would be a fool’s errand - downright irresponsible, in fact - to try and predict any of this before the lottery has even occurred.
 
Luckily, downright irresponsible is why I’m here. Before I get into the mock, there’s two important things to keep in mind:
 
1. This is one person’s opinion, and I know nothing. I’m very purposefully not active on Discord outside of my locker rooms, so I don’t know who’s friends with who or player plans that may have been discussed on there. I’m making picks based on what I know and team fits.
 
2. If you’re dissatisfied with where I put you, please absolutely take it personally. It’s because I hate you, specifically, person I’ve never met in real life.
 
Now with that in mind, let’s get to picking. TPE totals are as of Sunday afternoon.
 
  1. Seattle Bears: C Antonia Bucatini, Houston Bulls, 354 TPE, @CowboyinAmerica
 
I swear I’m not doing this to be conceited, and I think there’s a very good chance that Gianfranco Del Rocco is the first name on the draft board for a few lottery teams (more on that in a second). But I do expect Bucatini to be one of the top two, both because of the agency’s history and also the raw TPE total. As it relates to the Bears specifically, I’ll just say this: I’ve only actually created one forward before. That player, Gabriel McAllister, went first overall in S56 to the Bears and a relatively new GM named Bana. Four seasons later, Bana had his first title, and McAllister was named Playoff MVP.
 
  2. HC Davos Dynamo: LW Gianfranco Del Rocco, San Diego Marlins, 327 TPE, @Victor
 
The easiest pick on the board, put it in pen. While some drafts have surprises, I’ll be a bit shocked if myself and Victor aren’t 1-2 in some order. And while Del Rocco falls to Davos here, I wouldn’t be shocked if he was top on their draft board regardless. After all, Victor is a former Davos GM, many of his best seasons as a member were with the franchise, and Davos could be looking for new blood after having CIA’s Booberry just a few seasons ago. Plus, Davos actually has the best combined chance at the first pick in the lottery (32.5%), giving them a chance to make this a reality.
 
  3. Vancouver Wolves: LW Forum Content, Miami Marauders, 221 TPE, @frescoelmo
 
This is where I believe things start to get interesting. The easy pick would be winger Jean-Pierre Devote, who has the most TPE on the board. There’s also an argument for one of the more active first gen players who would provide a high upside. But I’m going with door number 3 in winger Forum Content. Fresco is one of the very, very few sim league members who have been around longer than I have (read: we’re old), and given past member history, there’s less of a chance of burnout than perhaps some of the newer members. The Wolves have their top-end talent from their host of S92 picks, what they really need are steady players to fill out the roster. Content certainly has the capability to be a star, but the high floor is even more important for me here.
 
  4. Chicago Phoenix: LW Jean-Pierre Devote, San Diego Marlins, 276 TPE, @eagle_3450
 
Early on in this drafting cycle, Devote was promoting himself as a potential first overall pick. And while he may have fallen a tiny bit behind Bucatini and Del Franco in terms of training points earned, there’s still all the makings here of a potential star. That potential mixes nicely with what the Phoenix need here, because I view Chicago as the exact opposite of Vancouver: A lot of really solid players, but in desperate need of a high ceiling player who could be the leader of the team into a new generation. That’s also why I think some enterprising first gens could be in consideration here, but Devote’s TPE advantage right now and previous earning gives the advantage.
 
  5. HC Davos Dynamo (from Warsaw): D Lucy Leitner, Houston Bulls, 215 TPE, @LucyXpher
 
A lot has been made of Davos getting this pick from Warsaw, so what now will they do with it? I have two immediate thoughts: First that they may not want two forwards in the lottery knowing there will be many available later, and second that Alex is not a GM afraid of taking a chance on first gens. So with that in mind, we see a first gen off the board here in Leitner. One of those coming to the league early in the season, Leitner has been a revelation on the blue line for the Bulls, averaging more than a point per game. Their insightful articles have also been a revelation, and show someone both invested in the league and not as prone to potential burnout in what may be a longer Davos rebuild.
 
  6. Riga Reign: D Benjamin Abenduct, Houston Bulls, 208 TPE, @Schnee
 
The Reign are my single most intriguing team as we enter the draft. Barring a bit of lottery luck or playoff lack of luck, they have three first round picks that sit in the middle of the first round. That gives them an opportunity to take a few chances, or perhaps even trade up with a team that’s looking for more established players (Chicago?). But as I’m not predicting trades, I wouldn’t be surprised if Riga takes a similar tactic to Davos’ last pick and knows there are forwards later. Thus, Leitner’s linemate Abenduct is the pick, a first gen who has been a continuously strong earner since joining at the beginning of the season. With Cobalt Burns set to retire and new defensemen in the prospect pool, Riga desperately needs some youth on the blue line.
 
  7. New York Americans: LW Chris Reynolds Jr, Houston Bulls, 213 TPE, @Crstats23
 
New York has a lot of offensive talent right now, but only one forward in their pool younger than S88 (last year’s first round pick Wayne Gretzky). So I’d expect them to go forward, and the third straight Bull to go off the board in Reynolds would seem to be a perfect fit. Reynolds’ agency proved to produce loyal players given Pete Mitchell’s eight seasons in Davos, something that relatively new GM STZ should value given that the Americans are still trying to build a new identity. Reynolds has also been a consistent earner, even if not always at the max, and the Americans have seemed to value long-term consistency as evidenced by the Gretzky pick.
 
  8. Prague Phantoms: RW Annie Oaks, Las Vegas Aces, 206 TPE, @Noodle Enjoyer
 
With Prague being eliminated in the wild card round, it would seem to be the end of an era. Four of their starters are retiring this offseason; stars John Jameson and Nikolas Kauppi are following next season. With a full rebuild potentially looming on the horizon, that screams to me a first gen who Prague can mold over time and serve as the centerpiece as more players come in with high picks in coming seasons. Between both Saskatoon and Las Vegas, Oaks has emerged as one of the VHLM’s top offensive talents and can be exactly that type of scorer Prague can build around. A perfect earner as far as I can tell, Oaks also has star upside to be the next in a line of top earners once Jamerson and Kauppi are gone.
 
  9. Toronto Legion: D Gul Dukat, Miami Marauders, 199 TPE, @MSouthworth
 
This is where the draft order could start to change based on the playoffs, and the Legion certainly wouldn’t mind picking last in the first round. But if they’re here, an infusion of youth into the defensive core is a must if they’re going to extend their window of opportunity. Dukat is the third of the three first gen defensemen I’d expect to go earlier than some may expect, providing high-level upside as long as their earning stays consistent. Much more of a defensively-oriented player than either Leitner or Abenduct, Dukat would also fit in nicely with a team that has high-profile scorers in Jaks and Atlas, but could use a bit more blue line strength.
 
  10. Riga Reign (from London): LW UghSike, Miami Marauders, 202 TPE, @UghSike
 
You thought I was going to pick a different forward here? Ugh, sike! (Sorry, it was the low-hanging fruit.) After going defense with the first pick, and with S91 draftee Red Panda fully entrenched at goalie, going forward with their next two firsts makes sense for the Reign. UghSike has been a consistent earner since joining, recently topping the 200 capped mark for the VHLM. And even if the points haven’t necessarily been there yet with Saskatoon or Miami, that will change in time as long as the TPE stays consistent. A good team/player fit, as Riga has had success bringing first gens along.
 
  11. Riga Reign (from D.C.): RW Nathan Ecker, Houston Bulls, 199 TPE, @Nathan_8
 
And with the next pick, Riga goes to the opposite side of the ice, taking right winger Nathan Ecker. Another first gen who came in near the start of the season, Ecker started off slow for the Bulls but picked his game up near the end of the season, ending with 25 goals while playing on Houston’s second line. But more important than that is a desire to be involved with the league, as evidenced by a JST GM position. That portends good tidings for long-term league longevity, and once again Riga is a good landing spot for first gens.
 
  12. Moscow Menace: C Tyler Lawson, Houston Bulls, 172 TPE, @Nyx
 
I’m curious where Moscow would go: recreating members who might occasionally get welfare but provide consistent earning (Nabokov, Kolesinska, French), or a first gen who has a higher ceiling, but potentially a lower floor? But having two late firsts allows them to split the difference, and I’m predicting a newer member in Lawson here. Although Lawson joined a little later than some players who have gone already, only getting in 56 games with the Bulls, he nonetheless has been a consistent earner and quickly worked his way up draft boards. The Menace do have three young talented centers in Gunner, Ruutu and Richmond, but Lawson’s current build could easily be molded to play on the wing as well.
 
  13. Moscow Menace (from Los Angeles): D WWumbo, Ottawa Lynx, 172 TPE, @Fire Tortorella
 
What, you thought my returning player spiel in the previous section was just about forwards? The same logic could apply just as easy to defensemen - and perhaps moreso, given that Andersson isn’t too far from regression and Pereira is a semi-regular welfare earner. WWumbo may see some welfare himself, but in a defensive pool with less depth than forward, a consistent earner and VHL regular would be welcomed into Moscow. Just don’t hire Torts as the team’s coach.
 
  14. Helsinki Titans: G Jorgen Lovstrom, Philadelphia Reapers, 202 TPE, @Pifferfish
 
Wait, a goalie hasn’t gone yet? Yes, it’s a rough market for goalies this season for two main reasons. First, there are a few talented ones, meaning teams could feel they can afford to wait and not miss out. And second, five of the picks in the mid-first are owned by Riga and Moscow - two teams with young goalies of their own who aren’t looking for a replacement. But those factors are Helsinki’s gain, as they get a talented netminder in Lovstrom here. The goalie for the VHLM-leading Reapers, Lovstrom has shown he knows how to win - important for a Helsinki team that may be looking to extend its window even beyond Fuukka Rask’s retirement in two seasons’ time.
 
  15. Malmo Nighthawks (from Calgary): RW Yermolai Nabokov, Philadelphia Reapers, 205 TPE, @fonziGG
 
What do you get for the team that has everything? There are some talented goalies on the board, but Malmo has a few prospect goalies to replace Ash Sparks, including last year’s 10th overall pick Olafur Gunnleifsson. Defense is the strength of the team already with a few young players. So forward is where I’m going, and with a known member in Fonzi. Nabokov has a few welfare claims to his name, but the Fonzi agency has also demonstrated an ability to make strong players if motivated. Landing on the reigning Victory Cup champions would seem to be strong motivation, especially since it looks like the team’s core will continue winning for a few seasons.
 
  16. HC Davos Dynamo (from Malmo): G Ondrej Vencko, Houston Bulls, 182 TPE, @Mutti
 
With their two lottery picks in this mock, the Dynamo already selected a forward and a defensive player. So when entering the rebuild, what’s left? Why, a goalie of course? It’s a matter of preference between Vencko and Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen, but I’m going with the first gen here. Outside of one hiccup week, Mutti has been a consistent earner since joining the league on a youthful Bulls team, emerging as the lead goalie in the run to the five seed. The Dynamo certainly have no problem with first gen goalies (see: Lachlan Summers), and Vencko would be ready to go upon Summers’ ultimate retirement.
 
Just missed first round:
 
RW Trimiskez Artav @jake - Was on track to be at the top half of the lottery, but two welfare weeks followed by not updating this week worries me. Can get back to things quickly though.
 
RW Miner vHLer @Rhynex Entertainment - I’m so excited to see how the build idea works. But with a lot of depth in the draft, I’m not sure teams would be as excited.
 
C Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn - For teams wanting a consistent presence, Kolesinksa is your player. But I’m expecting more swings for first gens this draft.
 
RW Steve French @Seabass - Same reasoning as above, though I’m curious whether the agency’s past association with Moscow means anything with their late firsts.
 
G Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu - Goalie is just going to be a tough position this draft with who currently holds firsts. But I’m sure someone like L.A. or London would love to trade back in to the late first and pick them up. 
 
D Ray Stanton @horoscope - My dark horse first round pick, given how many teams need defense. Has been a strong earner since joining mid-season, if the scouting interview goes well a team could swing for the high upside.

CIA’s Early, Probably Wrong S93 Mock Draft
 
The playoffs are here, and that means the event that absolutely everybody is waiting for. No, of course not the playoffs, who cares about those? No, what everybody is really focused on is the VHL Draft, the illusion of hope that will inevitably crush 15 out of 16 teams each season.
 
And this draft is a particularly interesting one. At the beginning of this particular draft cycle, there was a belief it’d be a weak draft year. There weren’t many recreating members, after all, especially with a few high profile S83 players instead preferring to take some time off before recreating. It also didn’t help that most of those early creates were all forwards, meaning there wasn’t going to be much variety at the top of the draft.
 
Then, the deluge happened. Spurred on by a renewed recruitment drive on Youtube, new members began to enter in drove. The result is a draft with more first generation players than we’ve seen in any time in recent memory. And since many of those new members joined at the same time, there really isn’t much separating anybody in the draft. Indeed, as of Sunday, Feb. 18, there are fourteen players between 221 TPE and 199 TPE. Yes, that’s just 22 TPE, separating the fourth and seventeenth ranked players in the first round.
 
In my opinion, that means this could very well be the craziest draft we see in a long time. It also promises to be the most unpredictable, and a lot is going to depend on unknown GM preferences and scouting meetings that haven’t happened yet. In fact, it would be a fool’s errand - downright irresponsible, in fact - to try and predict any of this before the lottery has even occurred.
 
Luckily, downright irresponsible is why I’m here. Before I get into the mock, there’s two important things to keep in mind:
 
1. This is one person’s opinion, and I know nothing. I’m very purposefully not active on Discord outside of my locker rooms, so I don’t know who’s friends with who or player plans that may have been discussed on there. I’m making picks based on what I know and team fits.
 
2. If you’re dissatisfied with where I put you, please absolutely take it personally. It’s because I hate you, specifically, person I’ve never met in real life.
 
Now with that in mind, let’s get to picking. TPE totals are as of Sunday afternoon.
 
  1. Seattle Bears: C Antonia Bucatini, Houston Bulls, 354 TPE, @CowboyinAmerica
 
I swear I’m not doing this to be conceited, and I think there’s a very good chance that Gianfranco Del Rocco is the first name on the draft board for a few lottery teams (more on that in a second). But I do expect Bucatini to be one of the top two, both because of the agency’s history and also the raw TPE total. As it relates to the Bears specifically, I’ll just say this: I’ve only actually created one forward before. That player, Gabriel McAllister, went first overall in S56 to the Bears and a relatively new GM named Bana. Four seasons later, Bana had his first title, and McAllister was named Playoff MVP.
 
  2. HC Davos Dynamo: LW Gianfranco Del Rocco, San Diego Marlins, 327 TPE, @Victor
 
The easiest pick on the board, put it in pen. While some drafts have surprises, I’ll be a bit shocked if myself and Victor aren’t 1-2 in some order. And while Del Rocco falls to Davos here, I wouldn’t be shocked if he was top on their draft board regardless. After all, Victor is a former Davos GM, many of his best seasons as a member were with the franchise, and Davos could be looking for new blood after having CIA’s Booberry just a few seasons ago. Plus, Davos actually has the best combined chance at the first pick in the lottery (32.5%), giving them a chance to make this a reality.
 
  3. Vancouver Wolves: LW Forum Content, Miami Marauders, 221 TPE, @frescoelmo
 
This is where I believe things start to get interesting. The easy pick would be winger Jean-Pierre Devote, who has the most TPE on the board. There’s also an argument for one of the more active first gen players who would provide a high upside. But I’m going with door number 3 in winger Forum Content. Fresco is one of the very, very few sim league members who have been around longer than I have (read: we’re old), and given past member history, there’s less of a chance of burnout than perhaps some of the newer members. The Wolves have their top-end talent from their host of S92 picks, what they really need are steady players to fill out the roster. Content certainly has the capability to be a star, but the high floor is even more important for me here.
 
  4. Chicago Phoenix: LW Jean-Pierre Devote, San Diego Marlins, 276 TPE, @eagle_3450
 
Early on in this drafting cycle, Devote was promoting himself as a potential first overall pick. And while he may have fallen a tiny bit behind Bucatini and Del Franco in terms of training points earned, there’s still all the makings here of a potential star. That potential mixes nicely with what the Phoenix need here, because I view Chicago as the exact opposite of Vancouver: A lot of really solid players, but in desperate need of a high ceiling player who could be the leader of the team into a new generation. That’s also why I think some enterprising first gens could be in consideration here, but Devote’s TPE advantage right now and previous earning gives the advantage.
 
  5. HC Davos Dynamo (from Warsaw): D Lucy Leitner, Houston Bulls, 215 TPE, @LucyXpher
 
A lot has been made of Davos getting this pick from Warsaw, so what now will they do with it? I have two immediate thoughts: First that they may not want two forwards in the lottery knowing there will be many available later, and second that Alex is not a GM afraid of taking a chance on first gens. So with that in mind, we see a first gen off the board here in Leitner. One of those coming to the league early in the season, Leitner has been a revelation on the blue line for the Bulls, averaging more than a point per game. Their insightful articles have also been a revelation, and show someone both invested in the league and not as prone to potential burnout in what may be a longer Davos rebuild.
 
  6. Riga Reign: D Benjamin Abenduct, Houston Bulls, 208 TPE, @Schnee
 
The Reign are my single most intriguing team as we enter the draft. Barring a bit of lottery luck or playoff lack of luck, they have three first round picks that sit in the middle of the first round. That gives them an opportunity to take a few chances, or perhaps even trade up with a team that’s looking for more established players (Chicago?). But as I’m not predicting trades, I wouldn’t be surprised if Riga takes a similar tactic to Davos’ last pick and knows there are forwards later. Thus, Leitner’s linemate Abenduct is the pick, a first gen who has been a continuously strong earner since joining at the beginning of the season. With Cobalt Burns set to retire and new defensemen in the prospect pool, Riga desperately needs some youth on the blue line.
 
  7. New York Americans: LW Chris Reynolds Jr, Houston Bulls, 213 TPE, @Crstats23
 
New York has a lot of offensive talent right now, but only one forward in their pool younger than S88 (last year’s first round pick Wayne Gretzky). So I’d expect them to go forward, and the third straight Bull to go off the board in Reynolds would seem to be a perfect fit. Reynolds’ agency proved to produce loyal players given Pete Mitchell’s eight seasons in Davos, something that relatively new GM STZ should value given that the Americans are still trying to build a new identity. Reynolds has also been a consistent earner, even if not always at the max, and the Americans have seemed to value long-term consistency as evidenced by the Gretzky pick.
 
  8. Prague Phantoms: RW Annie Oaks, Las Vegas Aces, 206 TPE, @Noodle Enjoyer
 
With Prague being eliminated in the wild card round, it would seem to be the end of an era. Four of their starters are retiring this offseason; stars John Jameson and Nikolas Kauppi are following next season. With a full rebuild potentially looming on the horizon, that screams to me a first gen who Prague can mold over time and serve as the centerpiece as more players come in with high picks in coming seasons. Between both Saskatoon and Las Vegas, Oaks has emerged as one of the VHLM’s top offensive talents and can be exactly that type of scorer Prague can build around. A perfect earner as far as I can tell, Oaks also has star upside to be the next in a line of top earners once Jamerson and Kauppi are gone.
 
  9. Toronto Legion: D Gul Dukat, Miami Marauders, 199 TPE, @MSouthworth
 
This is where the draft order could start to change based on the playoffs, and the Legion certainly wouldn’t mind picking last in the first round. But if they’re here, an infusion of youth into the defensive core is a must if they’re going to extend their window of opportunity. Dukat is the third of the three first gen defensemen I’d expect to go earlier than some may expect, providing high-level upside as long as their earning stays consistent. Much more of a defensively-oriented player than either Leitner or Abenduct, Dukat would also fit in nicely with a team that has high-profile scorers in Jaks and Atlas, but could use a bit more blue line strength.
 
  10. Riga Reign (from London): LW UghSike, Miami Marauders, 202 TPE, @UghSike
 
You thought I was going to pick a different forward here? Ugh, sike! (Sorry, it was the low-hanging fruit.) After going defense with the first pick, and with S91 draftee Red Panda fully entrenched at goalie, going forward with their next two firsts makes sense for the Reign. UghSike has been a consistent earner since joining, recently topping the 200 capped mark for the VHLM. And even if the points haven’t necessarily been there yet with Saskatoon or Miami, that will change in time as long as the TPE stays consistent. A good team/player fit, as Riga has had success bringing first gens along.
 
  11. Riga Reign (from D.C.): RW Nathan Ecker, Houston Bulls, 199 TPE, @Nathan_8
 
And with the next pick, Riga goes to the opposite side of the ice, taking right winger Nathan Ecker. Another first gen who came in near the start of the season, Ecker started off slow for the Bulls but picked his game up near the end of the season, ending with 25 goals while playing on Houston’s second line. But more important than that is a desire to be involved with the league, as evidenced by a JST GM position. That portends good tidings for long-term league longevity, and once again Riga is a good landing spot for first gens.
 
  12. Moscow Menace: C Tyler Lawson, Houston Bulls, 172 TPE, @Nyx
 
I’m curious where Moscow would go: recreating members who might occasionally get welfare but provide consistent earning (Nabokov, Kolesinska, French), or a first gen who has a higher ceiling, but potentially a lower floor? But having two late firsts allows them to split the difference, and I’m predicting a newer member in Lawson here. Although Lawson joined a little later than some players who have gone already, only getting in 56 games with the Bulls, he nonetheless has been a consistent earner and quickly worked his way up draft boards. The Menace do have three young talented centers in Gunner, Ruutu and Richmond, but Lawson’s current build could easily be molded to play on the wing as well.
 
  13. Moscow Menace (from Los Angeles): D WWumbo, Ottawa Lynx, 172 TPE, @Fire Tortorella
 
What, you thought my returning player spiel in the previous section was just about forwards? The same logic could apply just as easy to defensemen - and perhaps moreso, given that Andersson isn’t too far from regression and Pereira is a semi-regular welfare earner. WWumbo may see some welfare himself, but in a defensive pool with less depth than forward, a consistent earner and VHL regular would be welcomed into Moscow. Just don’t hire Torts as the team’s coach.
 
  14. Helsinki Titans: G Jorgen Lovstrom, Philadelphia Reapers, 202 TPE, @Pifferfish
 
Wait, a goalie hasn’t gone yet? Yes, it’s a rough market for goalies this season for two main reasons. First, there are a few talented ones, meaning teams could feel they can afford to wait and not miss out. And second, five of the picks in the mid-first are owned by Riga and Moscow - two teams with young goalies of their own who aren’t looking for a replacement. But those factors are Helsinki’s gain, as they get a talented netminder in Lovstrom here. The goalie for the VHLM-leading Reapers, Lovstrom has shown he knows how to win - important for a Helsinki team that may be looking to extend its window even beyond Fuukka Rask’s retirement in two seasons’ time.
 
  15. Malmo Nighthawks (from Calgary): RW Yermolai Nabokov, Philadelphia Reapers, 205 TPE, @fonziGG
 
What do you get for the team that has everything? There are some talented goalies on the board, but Malmo has a few prospect goalies to replace Ash Sparks, including last year’s 10th overall pick Olafur Gunnleifsson. Defense is the strength of the team already with a few young players. So forward is where I’m going, and with a known member in Fonzi. Nabokov has a few welfare claims to his name, but the Fonzi agency has also demonstrated an ability to make strong players if motivated. Landing on the reigning Victory Cup champions would seem to be strong motivation, especially since it looks like the team’s core will continue winning for a few seasons.
 
  16. HC Davos Dynamo (from Malmo): G Ondrej Vencko, Houston Bulls, 182 TPE, @Mutti
 
With their two lottery picks in this mock, the Dynamo already selected a forward and a defensive player. So when entering the rebuild, what’s left? Why, a goalie of course? It’s a matter of preference between Vencko and Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen, but I’m going with the first gen here. Outside of one hiccup week, Mutti has been a consistent earner since joining the league on a youthful Bulls team, emerging as the lead goalie in the run to the five seed. The Dynamo certainly have no problem with first gen goalies (see: Lachlan Summers), and Vencko would be ready to go upon Summers’ ultimate retirement.
 
Just missed first round:
 
RW Trimiskez Artav @jake - Was on track to be at the top half of the lottery, but two welfare weeks followed by not updating this week worries me. Can get back to things quickly though.
 
RW Miner vHLer @Rhynex Entertainment - I’m so excited to see how the build idea works. But with a lot of depth in the draft, I’m not sure teams would be as excited.
 
C Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn - For teams wanting a consistent presence, Kolesinksa is your player. But I’m expecting more swings for first gens this draft.
 
RW Steve French @Seabass - Same reasoning as above, though I’m curious whether the agency’s past association with Moscow means anything with their late firsts.
 
G Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu - Goalie is just going to be a tough position this draft with who currently holds firsts. But I’m sure someone like L.A. or London would love to trade back in to the late first and pick them up. 
 
D Ray Stanton @horoscope - My dark horse first round pick, given how many teams need defense. Has been a strong earner since joining mid-season, if the scouting interview goes well a team could swing for the high upside.

1. Solid, but 3 wins isn't good enough. I really want to close out this series in 6 at home, I think the fans deserve it for sticking with us this season.
 
2. More than I think most fans realize. I've seen goalies in the VHL get on absolute heaters and carry their teams, and Vencko's been putting in the work all season to get to that top tier level. I've got faith.
 
3. I mean, I don't want to seem conceited by saying top two in the VHL, but that's where I think the TPE's got me right now. No matter where the lottery gods might put me though, I'll be excited to get started.
 
4. The Philly/Saskatoon series in particular has really surprised me with how dominant Philly looked during the season. If the Wild could pull that off even after being sellers at the deadline, everybody would be in shock.
 
5. Peanut butter in the skates is an oldie but goodie. A real pain in the ass to try and clean out too, but not ruin-somebody's-life malicious.
 
6. In-laws are in Mexico right now, that'd be nice. I'm headed to the Azores in a few months anyway, so if I could move that up a bit to now to escape the cold, I'd be rather happy.

1. Solid, but 3 wins isn't good enough. I really want to close out this series in 6 at home, I think the fans deserve it for sticking with us this season.
 
2. More than I think most fans realize. I've seen goalies in the VHL get on absolute heaters and carry their teams, and Vencko's been putting in the work all season to get to that top tier level. I've got faith.
 
3. I mean, I don't want to seem conceited by saying top two in the VHL, but that's where I think the TPE's got me right now. No matter where the lottery gods might put me though, I'll be excited to get started.
 
4. The Philly/Saskatoon series in particular has really surprised me with how dominant Philly looked during the season. If the Wild could pull that off even after being sellers at the deadline, everybody would be in shock.
 
5. Peanut butter in the skates is an oldie but goodie. A real pain in the ass to try and clean out too, but not ruin-somebody's-life malicious.
 
6. In-laws are in Mexico right now, that'd be nice. I'm headed to the Azores in a few months anyway, so if I could move that up a bit to now to escape the cold, I'd be rather happy.

CIA’s Early, Probably Wrong S93 Mock Draft
 
The playoffs are here, and that means the event that absolutely everybody is waiting for. No, of course not the playoffs, who cares about those? No, what everybody is really focused on is the VHL Draft, the illusion of hope that will inevitably crush 15 out of 16 teams each season.
 
And this draft is a particularly interesting one. At the beginning of this particular draft cycle, there was a belief it’d be a weak draft year. There weren’t many recreating members, after all, especially with a few high profile S83 players instead preferring to take some time off before recreating. It also didn’t help that most of those early creates were all forwards, meaning there wasn’t going to be much variety at the top of the draft.
 
Then, the deluge happened. Spurred on by a renewed recruitment drive on Youtube, new members began to enter in drove. The result is a draft with more first generation players than we’ve seen in any time in recent memory. And since many of those new members joined at the same time, there really isn’t much separating anybody in the draft. Indeed, as of Sunday, Feb. 18, there are fourteen players between 221 TPE and 199 TPE. Yes, that’s just 22 TPE, separating the fourth and seventeenth ranked players in the first round.
 
In my opinion, that means this could very well be the craziest draft we see in a long time. It also promises to be the most unpredictable, and a lot is going to depend on unknown GM preferences and scouting meetings that haven’t happened yet. In fact, it would be a fool’s errand - downright irresponsible, in fact - to try and predict any of this before the lottery has even occurred.
 
Luckily, downright irresponsible is why I’m here. Before I get into the mock, there’s two important things to keep in mind:
 
1. This is one person’s opinion, and I know nothing. I’m very purposefully not active on Discord outside of my locker rooms, so I don’t know who’s friends with who or player plans that may have been discussed on there. I’m making picks based on what I know and team fits.
 
2. If you’re dissatisfied with where I put you, please absolutely take it personally. It’s because I hate you, specifically, person I’ve never met in real life.
 
Now with that in mind, let’s get to picking. TPE totals are as of Sunday afternoon.
 
  1. Seattle Bears: C Antonia Bucatini, Houston Bulls, 354 TPE, @CowboyinAmerica
 
I swear I’m not doing this to be conceited, and I think there’s a very good chance that Gianfranco Del Rocco is the first name on the draft board for a few lottery teams (more on that in a second). But I do expect Bucatini to be one of the top two, both because of the agency’s history and also the raw TPE total. As it relates to the Bears specifically, I’ll just say this: I’ve only actually created one forward before. That player, Gabriel McAllister, went first overall in S56 to the Bears and a relatively new GM named Bana. Four seasons later, Bana had his first title, and McAllister was named Playoff MVP.
 
  2. HC Davos Dynamo: LW Gianfranco Del Rocco, San Diego Marlins, 327 TPE, @Victor
 
The easiest pick on the board, put it in pen. While some drafts have surprises, I’ll be a bit shocked if myself and Victor aren’t 1-2 in some order. And while Del Rocco falls to Davos here, I wouldn’t be shocked if he was top on their draft board regardless. After all, Victor is a former Davos GM, many of his best seasons as a member were with the franchise, and Davos could be looking for new blood after having CIA’s Booberry just a few seasons ago. Plus, Davos actually has the best combined chance at the first pick in the lottery (32.5%), giving them a chance to make this a reality.
 
  3. Vancouver Wolves: LW Forum Content, Miami Marauders, 221 TPE, @frescoelmo
 
This is where I believe things start to get interesting. The easy pick would be winger Jean-Pierre Devote, who has the most TPE on the board. There’s also an argument for one of the more active first gen players who would provide a high upside. But I’m going with door number 3 in winger Forum Content. Fresco is one of the very, very few sim league members who have been around longer than I have (read: we’re old), and given past member history, there’s less of a chance of burnout than perhaps some of the newer members. The Wolves have their top-end talent from their host of S92 picks, what they really need are steady players to fill out the roster. Content certainly has the capability to be a star, but the high floor is even more important for me here.
 
  4. Chicago Phoenix: LW Jean-Pierre Devote, San Diego Marlins, 276 TPE, @eagle_3450
 
Early on in this drafting cycle, Devote was promoting himself as a potential first overall pick. And while he may have fallen a tiny bit behind Bucatini and Del Franco in terms of training points earned, there’s still all the makings here of a potential star. That potential mixes nicely with what the Phoenix need here, because I view Chicago as the exact opposite of Vancouver: A lot of really solid players, but in desperate need of a high ceiling player who could be the leader of the team into a new generation. That’s also why I think some enterprising first gens could be in consideration here, but Devote’s TPE advantage right now and previous earning gives the advantage.
 
  5. HC Davos Dynamo (from Warsaw): D Lucy Leitner, Houston Bulls, 215 TPE, @LucyXpher
 
A lot has been made of Davos getting this pick from Warsaw, so what now will they do with it? I have two immediate thoughts: First that they may not want two forwards in the lottery knowing there will be many available later, and second that Alex is not a GM afraid of taking a chance on first gens. So with that in mind, we see a first gen off the board here in Leitner. One of those coming to the league early in the season, Leitner has been a revelation on the blue line for the Bulls, averaging more than a point per game. Their insightful articles have also been a revelation, and show someone both invested in the league and not as prone to potential burnout in what may be a longer Davos rebuild.
 
  6. Riga Reign: D Benjamin Abenduct, Houston Bulls, 208 TPE, @Schnee
 
The Reign are my single most intriguing team as we enter the draft. Barring a bit of lottery luck or playoff lack of luck, they have three first round picks that sit in the middle of the first round. That gives them an opportunity to take a few chances, or perhaps even trade up with a team that’s looking for more established players (Chicago?). But as I’m not predicting trades, I wouldn’t be surprised if Riga takes a similar tactic to Davos’ last pick and knows there are forwards later. Thus, Leitner’s linemate Abenduct is the pick, a first gen who has been a continuously strong earner since joining at the beginning of the season. With Cobalt Burns set to retire and new defensemen in the prospect pool, Riga desperately needs some youth on the blue line.
 
  7. New York Americans: LW Chris Reynolds Jr, Houston Bulls, 213 TPE, @Crstats23
 
New York has a lot of offensive talent right now, but only one forward in their pool younger than S88 (last year’s first round pick Wayne Gretzky). So I’d expect them to go forward, and the third straight Bull to go off the board in Reynolds would seem to be a perfect fit. Reynolds’ agency proved to produce loyal players given Pete Mitchell’s eight seasons in Davos, something that relatively new GM STZ should value given that the Americans are still trying to build a new identity. Reynolds has also been a consistent earner, even if not always at the max, and the Americans have seemed to value long-term consistency as evidenced by the Gretzky pick.
 
  8. Prague Phantoms: RW Annie Oaks, Las Vegas Aces, 206 TPE, @Noodle Enjoyer
 
With Prague being eliminated in the wild card round, it would seem to be the end of an era. Four of their starters are retiring this offseason; stars John Jameson and Nikolas Kauppi are following next season. With a full rebuild potentially looming on the horizon, that screams to me a first gen who Prague can mold over time and serve as the centerpiece as more players come in with high picks in coming seasons. Between both Saskatoon and Las Vegas, Oaks has emerged as one of the VHLM’s top offensive talents and can be exactly that type of scorer Prague can build around. A perfect earner as far as I can tell, Oaks also has star upside to be the next in a line of top earners once Jamerson and Kauppi are gone.
 
  9. Toronto Legion: D Gul Dukat, Miami Marauders, 199 TPE, @MSouthworth
 
This is where the draft order could start to change based on the playoffs, and the Legion certainly wouldn’t mind picking last in the first round. But if they’re here, an infusion of youth into the defensive core is a must if they’re going to extend their window of opportunity. Dukat is the third of the three first gen defensemen I’d expect to go earlier than some may expect, providing high-level upside as long as their earning stays consistent. Much more of a defensively-oriented player than either Leitner or Abenduct, Dukat would also fit in nicely with a team that has high-profile scorers in Jaks and Atlas, but could use a bit more blue line strength.
 
  10. Riga Reign (from London): LW UghSike, Miami Marauders, 202 TPE, @UghSike
 
You thought I was going to pick a different forward here? Ugh, sike! (Sorry, it was the low-hanging fruit.) After going defense with the first pick, and with S91 draftee Red Panda fully entrenched at goalie, going forward with their next two firsts makes sense for the Reign. UghSike has been a consistent earner since joining, recently topping the 200 capped mark for the VHLM. And even if the points haven’t necessarily been there yet with Saskatoon or Miami, that will change in time as long as the TPE stays consistent. A good team/player fit, as Riga has had success bringing first gens along.
 
  11. Riga Reign (from D.C.): RW Nathan Ecker, Houston Bulls, 199 TPE, @Nathan_8
 
And with the next pick, Riga goes to the opposite side of the ice, taking right winger Nathan Ecker. Another first gen who came in near the start of the season, Ecker started off slow for the Bulls but picked his game up near the end of the season, ending with 25 goals while playing on Houston’s second line. But more important than that is a desire to be involved with the league, as evidenced by a JST GM position. That portends good tidings for long-term league longevity, and once again Riga is a good landing spot for first gens.
 
  12. Moscow Menace: C Tyler Lawson, Houston Bulls, 172 TPE, @Nyx
 
I’m curious where Moscow would go: recreating members who might occasionally get welfare but provide consistent earning (Nabokov, Kolesinska, French), or a first gen who has a higher ceiling, but potentially a lower floor? But having two late firsts allows them to split the difference, and I’m predicting a newer member in Lawson here. Although Lawson joined a little later than some players who have gone already, only getting in 56 games with the Bulls, he nonetheless has been a consistent earner and quickly worked his way up draft boards. The Menace do have three young talented centers in Gunner, Ruutu and Richmond, but Lawson’s current build could easily be molded to play on the wing as well.
 
  13. Moscow Menace (from Los Angeles): D WWumbo, Ottawa Lynx, 172 TPE, @Fire Tortorella
 
What, you thought my returning player spiel in the previous section was just about forwards? The same logic could apply just as easy to defensemen - and perhaps moreso, given that Andersson isn’t too far from regression and Pereira is a semi-regular welfare earner. WWumbo may see some welfare himself, but in a defensive pool with less depth than forward, a consistent earner and VHL regular would be welcomed into Moscow. Just don’t hire Torts as the team’s coach.
 
  14. Helsinki Titans: G Jorgen Lovstrom, Philadelphia Reapers, 202 TPE, @Pifferfish
 
Wait, a goalie hasn’t gone yet? Yes, it’s a rough market for goalies this season for two main reasons. First, there are a few talented ones, meaning teams could feel they can afford to wait and not miss out. And second, five of the picks in the mid-first are owned by Riga and Moscow - two teams with young goalies of their own who aren’t looking for a replacement. But those factors are Helsinki’s gain, as they get a talented netminder in Lovstrom here. The goalie for the VHLM-leading Reapers, Lovstrom has shown he knows how to win - important for a Helsinki team that may be looking to extend its window even beyond Fuukka Rask’s retirement in two seasons’ time.
 
  15. Malmo Nighthawks (from Calgary): RW Yermolai Nabokov, Philadelphia Reapers, 205 TPE, @fonziGG
 
What do you get for the team that has everything? There are some talented goalies on the board, but Malmo has a few prospect goalies to replace Ash Sparks, including last year’s 10th overall pick Olafur Gunnleifsson. Defense is the strength of the team already with a few young players. So forward is where I’m going, and with a known member in Fonzi. Nabokov has a few welfare claims to his name, but the Fonzi agency has also demonstrated an ability to make strong players if motivated. Landing on the reigning Victory Cup champions would seem to be strong motivation, especially since it looks like the team’s core will continue winning for a few seasons.
 
  16. HC Davos Dynamo (from Malmo): G Ondrej Vencko, Houston Bulls, 182 TPE, @Mutti
 
With their two lottery picks in this mock, the Dynamo already selected a forward and a defensive player. So when entering the rebuild, what’s left? Why, a goalie of course? It’s a matter of preference between Vencko and Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen, but I’m going with the first gen here. Outside of one hiccup week, Mutti has been a consistent earner since joining the league on a youthful Bulls team, emerging as the lead goalie in the run to the five seed. The Dynamo certainly have no problem with first gen goalies (see: Lachlan Summers), and Vencko would be ready to go upon Summers’ ultimate retirement.
 
Just missed first round:
 
RW Trimiskez Artav @jake - Was on track to be at the top half of the lottery, but two welfare weeks followed by not updating this week worries me. Can get back to things quickly though.
 
RW Miner vHLer @Rhynex Entertainment - I’m so excited to see how the build idea works. But with a lot of depth in the draft, I’m not sure teams would be as excited.
 
C Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn - For teams wanting a consistent presence, Kolesinksa is your player. But I’m expecting more swings for first gens this draft.
 
RW Steve French @Seabass - Same reasoning as above, though I’m curious whether the agency’s past association with Moscow means anything with their late firsts.
 
G Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu - Goalie is just going to be a tough position this draft with who currently holds firsts. But I’m sure someone like L.A. or London would love to trade back in to the late first and pick them up. 
 
D Ray Stanton @horoscope - My dark horse first round pick, given how many teams need defense. Has been a strong earner since joining mid-season, if the scouting interview goes well a team could swing for the high upside.

VHLM Playoff Preview
Mysterious Fish
 
This playoff preview stuff is getting so repetitive so I am here going to try and add a twist to it. I will be talking about every series but I have asked each GM two questions:
What is your team’s strength? and, What is your team’s weakness? Doing that I will have my own sort of addition to mine.

(1) Philadelphia Reapers vs Saskatoon Wild (8)
 
Alright so starting off with the 1vs8 matchup. The Reapers have had a great season but not amazing. Philly ended the season 1st in the league and 1st in the east with 54 wins and a total of 112 points. Saskatoon on the other hand ended the season 8th in the league but 5th in the west. After selling at the deadline they managed to make the playoffs 1 point behind 7th and 9 points ahead of 9th.

Alrighty, my prediction is Reapers will win the series in 5. 
 
The Wild will find a way to steal one game with some luck between the pipes by most likely Austin Goulet lll @Tuchy and some production from Leo Neelson III @silentnyrf31, Connor simard @Alex99, and Pierre Marc Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito. 
 
Philly one the other hand will probably win because of Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish in between the pipes, and Yermolai Nabokov @fonziGG as the best forward. Otherwise Philly doesn’y have that much except some meh to bad depth and some meh defense.

Saskatoon Wild answers: @Ricer13
What do you think Saskatoon's strength is?
“A strength of Saskatoons, especially in this series is going to be our defense. It’s not a massive edge but it is an edge we will need.”

What do you the Saskatoon's Weakness is?
“Our weakness is going to be goaltending. We have two goalies who’ve been fighting for the starting job where as Philadelphia’s strength is going to be their goaltending.”

Philadelphia Reapers answers: @Lemorse7
What do you think Philly's strength is?
“Goalies of course and we also have 2 of the top 5 center in faceoff might be even 2 in the top 3”
 
What do you the Philly's Weakness is?
“Not clear on it but he did say Also the Jinn chemistry on the ice is just something else that need to be study”

(4) San Diego Marlins vs Houston Bulls (5)
 
The most hyped up series in the playoffs with the series between 4 and 5 that most people say would be a great Finals. Yet here we are. The Marlins with one of the best offenses in the league finished 4th in the league and 3rd in the west, they have had an interesting season but a good one at that. The Bulls finished one point behind San Diego in the standings finishing 5th in the league and 4th in the west. With a full roster of 12-6-2 they have the depth all around with insane goaltending. 
 
Alrighty, this might be a bit biased but when everyone says Houston is going to win I am going to go with San Diego in 7.
 
San Diego has a great offense with 4 capped and 1 that is 10 tpe away. The capped forwards consist of Dietrich Reingaard @JigglyGumballs, Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor, Jean-Pierre Devote @eagle_3450 and Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles. Dwight Schrute @Jamomayo is at 190 tpe right now. The defense improved a lot at the deadline with a big move getting Ray Stanton @horoscope, along with a few waivers and then a decent goalie in the net.
 
Houston has probably the best depth but too much depth can hurt teams. In this case it might with too much star power that might not get as much playing time as needed. With 3 capped forwards by the names of Chris Reynolds Jr @Crstats23, Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica and Trimiskez Artav @jake. Then 2 capped defenders, Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee and Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher. Then one of the best goalies by tpe Ondrej Vencko @Mutti. 
 
Overall this will be a fun series and it will really be a story of how the depth players perform vs others or in the case of Houston depth players vs Depth and Star players.
 
San Diego Marlins answers: @McGriddy10
What do you think SDM's strength is?
“I think our strength is offense”

What do you think SDM's Weakness is?
“our weakness is defense”
 
Houston Bull answers: @AJW
What do you think Houston's strength is?
“I would say Houston’s strength is the depth of players we have consistently earning. Luckily enough we got a shipload of players before the regular season started and a few more joined along the way. Majority have stuck around to playoffs so I feel I’ve  got a good idea on each players strengths/weaknesses. We have a lot of options to play different players in different lines if needed.”
 
What do you think Houston's Weakness is?
“Houston’s weakness is definitely unpredictability. Throughout the entire regular season we had A LOT of 1-1 sims. It seems like we’ll beat up a team one game, then the next game we might fall asleep. To go far in these playoffs we need to stay consistent, and not give up games that we should be winning.”
 
(2) Las Vegas Aces vs Ottawa Lynx (7)
 
In a series that might be good we have the 2 and 7 seeded teams. Las Vegas who is quite similar to San Diego in the sense of offense it is just Las Vegas has a tiny bit worse top 5 based on tpe. LVA finished the season 2nd in the league and 1st in the west. Ottawa who has been struggling is basically everyone on the tpe side who finished 7th in the league and 3rd in the east.
 
My prediction is Las Vegas will win in a clean sweep.
Las Vegas with a good group of forwards which includes 2 capped forwards Caesar Monterrey @CaptainGatsby and Annie Oaks @Noodle Enjoyer who they acquired in a trade with Saskatoon and then 3 more forwards in the 190+ range of tpe and then a solid D with good depth and 1 capped D by the name of Bric Sheithaus @Oldhead911. In net they have a decent goalie Hugo Boss @Dil with 130 tpe.
 
Ottawa has the 2 leading point scorers both capped by the names of Ivan Ivanov @KmaddFPSand Wayne Shotzky @Kenamatic. The next closest forward by tpe is Steve French @Seabass with 177 tpe. On the defensive side no one is capped but Wwumbo @Fire Tortorella is the top D with 172 tpe. In the net with 98 tpe Alexander ovieckin jr @penguinb19.
 
With poor goaltending on Ottawa and good offense for LVA this is why LVA will prevail.
 
Las Vegas Aces answers: @McLovin
What do you think LVA's strength is?
“our strength is absolutely our offense. bolstering the most consistent and potent offense in the league over the last two seasons has given us a remarkably unique opportunity to outscore and outpace our opponents, and we've used that greatly to our advantage of this last season especially.”
 
What do you think LVA's weakness is?
“our greatest weakness is the other side of the coin, our defense and goaltending for sure. we let up on average a significantly larger number of goals than other similarly ranked teams, and Hugo Boss can only do so much to stop the high volume of shots he faces every night, but even he has weak nights sometimes”
 
Ottawa Lynx answers: @Grape
What do you think Ottawa's strength is?
“Strength would be high end offensive talent”
 
What do you think Ottawa's weakness is?
“Weakness is subpar goaltending”

 
(3) Mexico City Kings vs Miami Marauders (6)
 
Lastly we have the series between Mexico City and Miami. Mexico City has the depth but not a real superstar but they still finished 3rd in the league and 2nd in the west. Miami was the best team to start the season going 15-0-1 but after the first 16 games they only won 22 more games in 56. Still with that they finished 6th in the league and 2nd in the east.
 
My prediction is Mexico City will win in 6 games.
 
Mexico City is worse on paper with only one capped player Trey Daniels @Tdan04 outside of him the team just has a bunch of depth that has worked well for the forwards. The Kings defense has 2 good D then the other 3 are under 100 tpe.
 
Miami does have a chance to win if their offense of 5 capped forwards Forum Content @frescoelmo, UghSike @UghSike who were both picked up at the deadline in a trade with Saskatoon. The other 3 are Joe Shmo @matt sovick, Matthew Highmore @NineIQ v2 and Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn. One the defensive side they have basically 2 capped players, Pierre Ennis @DeciBell4 and Gul Dukat @MSouthworth. So in total Miami has 7 capped players which should mean they win but in this case they have too much of the same in their star players instead of some different style of players.
 
On paper Miami should win but their goalie even though the goalie has good tpe has been performing poorly.
 
Mexico City Kings answers: @hylands
What do you think Mexico City's strength is?
“Our strength is definitely defence and goaltending. When I drafted this team I had a clear direction I wanted to go, and that was building from the goalie outward.”
 
What do you think Mexico City's weakness is?
“Our biggest weakness is forward depth. Looking at all of the other playoff teams, they have a lot more firepower than we do. However, the players we do have are extremely dedicated to the cause and know exactly what is needed from them.”
 
Miami Marauders answers: @Tetricide
What do you think Miami's strength is?
“Our strength definitely comes from our offensive prowess, whether it's from our forwards or defense.”
 
What do you think Miami's weakness is?
“However, we lack the opposite from our forwards -- defense. There are a few like Highmore, Kolesinska, and Loo who have helped a little in that department, but it's caused us to have a close goal differential towards the end of the season at 17. Because of that, our goaltending has suffered quite a bit as well, and it all just kind of falls down from there.”


 
Although this does not matter in the 2nd round San Diego will beat Philly in 6 because Philly really only has a goalie and then between the Aces and the Kings the Aces will win in 7. In the Finals between the Aces and the Marlins the Marlins will take it in 6.
 
This has been my VHLM Playoff Preview and lets enjoy the playoffs!

Have you ever wondered where the word "playoff" comes from?  No? Just me? Okay then...
 
Well, I'm going to tell you what I learned anyway.  The term, playoff, is a combination of two English words, "play" and "off" (duh). What is interesting is that the two words have somewhat contrasting definitions.  "Off" is a word commonly used as a preposition to describe the position or place of something, usually a non-primary or negative location.  It has also been traditionally used to describe something being sent away or ended, an antonym of "on".  It's why we might say a deal is off, or we turn off lights. "Play", on the other hand, is a term that commonly refers to the beginning or engagement in an activity, usually a game.  While off is typically a term of negation, play is a positive term referring to the start and continuation of some action.  At the beginning of the season, you might hear the phrase, "play on", signaling the commencement of the game.  "Play off", on the other hand, suggests the beginning of the end, a call to wrap up action and determine a winner.
 
The first known use of the term was in the 1607 play, “Lests to Make You Merie” by Thomas Dekker and George Wilkins.  Eventually, the term would be used with more and more frequency in the sporting world.  While the literal meaning, to begin to end, is retained in the contemporary definition, the term gained a more specific attachment to the particular set of post-season games leading up to the awarding of a championship.  Those games became known as playoffs-- games played with the sole purpose of concluding a season by determining a winner.
 
And so, as the VHLM regular season comes to a close, so commences the playoffs, the beginning of the end of Season 92.  Though the regular season has already concluded, the season is far from decided with the most important games yet to be played.  Two teams (Halifax and Mississauga) have already been eliminated from contention, but the remaining 8 teams will matchup to determine who will raise the Founder's Cup as VHLM champions this season. With the linguistic lesson out of the way, let's look at the four first round playoff series that will kick off the endgame of Season 92.
 
(1) Philadelphia Reapers vs. (8) Saskatoon Wild
 
Coming off of a dominant regular season which saw them win 54 of 72 games, amassing 112 points, the Philadelphia Reapers are the favorite in this series.  There is, however, a lot of intrigue around this series as it sees this season's top regular season team against the Season 91 Champions, albeit with a very different roster from the team that actually won the Founder's Cup.  Saskatoon enters the playoffs with 68 points, just over half as many as Philadelphia, and only 28 wins in 72 games.  Despite the extreme disparity in regular season record, this series may prove to be a lot closer.  On paper, many analysts have been critical of this Reapers roster which boasts only 1 bona fide all star skater in Yermolai Nabokov @fonziGG.  With that said, the Reapers are full of players punching above their weight, providing offense and defense well above their projected value.  Players like Enn Jinn @jhatty8, Magni Jinn @DontCallMeCarson, and beaubeau primetime @Bobo are making the most of their ice time and are contributing greater value than their attributes might predict.  Behind all of this is probably their most important player, goaltender Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish, who has made a strong case to be considered the top goalie in the VHLM this season with a .918%, 2.34 GAA, 3 shutouts, and 48 wins in 62 starts.  With his importance to the Philadelphia roster, it is this writer's opinion that he should also be in consideration for MVP honors.  It's difficult to imagine where the Reapers would be without Lovstrom's stellar play and he may well be the difference between winning the Founder's Cup or a disappointing first round exit.  
 
Lining up against the Reapers, Saskatoon actually compares favorably on paper-- in fact, if Saskatoon had retained Annie Oaks, Forum Content, and UghSike at the trade deadline, they would probably line up as the favorite in terms of team composition.  Even with the departure of these players, Saskatoon still boasts a forward group that compares to Philadelphia's collection, and I'd be tempted to give Saskatoon the edge on defense with Carson Tripp @Cartripp14 leading the way from the back end. Where Saskatoon falls behind is at the goaltending position.  Austin Goulet III @Tuchy is a fine goalie prospect, but he frankly does not hold a candle to the aforementioned Lovstrom, and if Saskatoon is going to win, Goulet III is going to have to find another level.  
 
Prediction: Philadelphia comes into the playoffs riding the high of regular season dominance, the impact of this run of form is high player chemistry and team morale and I don't think that evaporates overnight.  Look for Philadelphia to continue their strong play into the postseason, but don't be surprised if the Wild make things interesting.  I predict the  Reapers take the series in 6 games (4-2) and move on to the semifinals.  
 
(2) Las Vegas Aces vs. (7) Ottawa Lynx
 
After the stunning acquisition of phenom, Annie Oaks @Noodle Enjoyer, from the Saskatoon Wild at the trade deadline, Las Vegas enters the playoffs with one of the most potent top-6 forward groups in the VHLM.  Oaks, along with Caeser Monterrey @CaptainGatsby, Piston Maicupp @MandyManiac, Elle Aura Ashe @Lynersify, and Stinky @taylorherd are among the most dynamic forwards in the league and are the stuff of nightmare for opposing defenses.  On the back end, Vegas also boasts the league's top scoring defenseman in Bric Sheithaus @Oldhead91.  Vegas also has solid depth throughout the rest of their forward and defense corps and should matchup favorably against almost any opponent in this year's playoffs.  Goaltender Hugo Boss @Dil is a solid option between the pipes, but will need to be on his "A" game (pun very much intended) if the Aces are to make good on their championship aspirations.  Vegas GM, @McLovin, possessed a solid hand in a competitive team this season and decided to play it aggressively, going all-in at the trade deadline to strengthen his forward group and give his team every chance for success. Time will tell if this gamble pays off.
 
On the other side, Ottawa is lead by the two-headed monster that is Wayne Shotzky @Kenamatic and Ivan Ivanov @KmaddFPS.  The two of them are tied for the league lead in points with 111 in 72 games, with Ivanov scoring a stunning 50 goals and Shotzky not far behind with 48.  To say that the Lynx's success hinges on these two players is a bit of an understatement.  Beyond their big two, Ottawa has Steve French @Seabass and The Phantom of the VHL @Hogan on offense, as well as WWumbo @Fire Tortorella on the back end as their top option.  After these players, Ottawa's depth falls off fairly quickly and their goaltender, Alexander oviechkin jr @penguinb19 leaves something to be desired in goal.  With another season of development, the rest of this roster will likely round into contending form, but at the moment it is difficult to see how Ottawa wins this series if Ivanov and Shotzky are kept at bay.  
 
Prediction: Vegas' scoring depth proves to be too much for Ottawa's defense and goaltending and Vegas powers their way to a decisive series victory in 5 games (4-1). 
 
(3) Mexico City Kings vs. (6) Miami Marauders
 
The series between Mexico City and Miami may well be one of the most intriguing in the first round because of how well these two teams compare with one another entering the post-season.  Though Mexico City managed a better record through the regular season, it wasn't by much with 87 points compared to Miami's 81.  The two teams split the season series with an even 4-4 record against one another.  The parity goes deeper as each team scored exactly 23 goals and allowed 23 against, with Miami holding a slight edge in the shots department with 244 to Mexico City's 221.  By all accounts, this is going to be very close series between two evenly matched teams.  
 
Mexico City has a well balanced group of skaters with notable names such as Trey Daniels @Tdan04, Loona Buckzo @WildfireMicro, and French Fries @solyom leading the way up front, and Free Gorlab @eaglesfan036 and Chuck E Cheese @a_Ferk their head honchos on defense.  In goal, Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu is among the top goalies in the VHLM and should give Mexico a shot to win every night.  It is hard to find holes in the Mexico roster, but if one had to be named it would be their depth outside of their top three forwards and top two defensemen.  They'll be relying on big performances from players deeper in the roster if they hope to make a long run in these playoffs.  Their regular season record shows that they are capable of such performances, but consistency will be the key to their playoff success.
 
Miami, not unlike Mexico City, also boasts a well balanced roster.  They do seem to have an advantage in the forward department with deadline acquisitions Forum Content @frescoelmo and UghSike @UghSike bolstering an already strong corps featuring Matthew Highmore @NineIQ v2, Joe Shmo @matt sovick, and Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn.  On paper, their defense also seems to matchup favorably against Mexico City with Pierre Ennis @DeciBell4 and Gul Dukat @MSouthworth being their big two, while Bilbo Teebaggins @SackButter has had a strong showing this season as well.  The one possible area of weakness for Miami might be in goal with Shaunca @shaun1979 having an inconsistent season at best.  If he can find his game and peak at the right time, the Marauders have the tools to beat Mexico City, but it's a lot of pressure to put on a young goalie and the jury is still out on whether he has what it takes to lead the way.  
 
Prediction: There is so little between these two teams so it's difficult to see how this series doesn't go the distance.  I'm going to hedge my bets with Shaunca and Miami's depth and say that the Marauders edge the series in 7 (4-3).  
 
 
(4) San Diego Marlins vs. (5) Houston Bulls
 
In a first round full of intrigue, this series between the Marlins and the Bulls might have the most eyes on it.  San Diego features one of the strongest forward groups in the league while Houston owns the distinction of being the leagues most improved team, growing from a group of green rookies into a legitimate championship level team over the course of the 72 games season.  The Marlins owned the Bulls in the season series, winning 6 out of 8 games between the two sides, but it should be mentioned that a good number of these games were played earlier in the season and the Houston roster has changed quite a bit since then.  The Bulls have bounced back with wins later in the season, proving that they can beat San Diego and adding to the intrigue surrounding this series.
 
The Marlins, like Las Vegas, ice a lethal top-6 forward group.  Dietrich Reingaard @JigglyGumballs, Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor, Jean-Pierre Devote @eagle_3450, Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles, and Dwight schcrute @Jamomayo (a former Houston Bull) make up the Marlins top five players, and could all be top line players on any team in the VHLM.  Maverick Goncalves @leandrofg is also a strong player who provides excellent depth for San Diego, however there is a fairly steep drop-off beyond him.  If you asked the Marlins, they'd probably tell you that they are as deep as they need to be, allowing their top players to play more minutes instead of having lower roster players eat up time, but it remains to be seen whether this strategy will hold up over a 7 game series.  On defense, San Diego is strong and actually boasts decent quality through all 6 of their defensemen.  Dustin Moore @Maxx leads the way as their top defender, but Jillian Woods @jacobcarson877 is a strong up-and-comer that the Marlins will also be leaning on in these playoffs.  Finally, at goaltending, Samuel Wazinski @samthemancub has had a stellar season with a .904%, 2.91 GAA, and 35 wins in 64 starts.  Some scouts would argue that he's probably been the beneficiary of a good team defense in front of him, but he certainly has shown the capacity to deliver the quality performances when called upon.  
 
The Houston Bulls are probably the deepest team in the VHLM.  GM @AJW (who is expected to be a GM of the year candidate) has done an exceptional job of scouting new talent and building an environment in which these young players can grow and ultimately flourish.  The team he has built is strong all the way through the lineup with 4 lines, 3 defensive pairings, and 2 quality goaltenders that can be rolled out at any time.  In the forward group, captain Trimiskez Artav @jake led the way this season with 43 goals and 45 assists for 88 points.  Joining him at the top of the depth chart are trade deadline acquisition, Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica, Chris Reynolds Jr. @Crstats23, Barry McOckiner @LanerDUST, Nathan Ecker @Nathan_8, and Tyler Lawson @Nyx.  Quality depth options Murray Connolly @Blakemac22, Filip Zinek @FiZi, and Jack Dickens @Mystery_boy98 complete the top 3 lines for the Bulls.  The Bulls' 4th line is home to one of the leagues most infectious leaders, Miner VHLer @Rhynex Entertainment, affectionately known in the Houston Locker-room as "SuperBot".  Micah Cederbaum @MicahC and Dylan Boland @shadowbloxgame round out the forward corps, both having solid campaigns for the Bulls in minor roles.  The Bulls are among the league's strongest on defense with Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee at the top of the chart with 81 points in 68 games. Frequent defense partner, Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher, has also had a strong showing this season for the Bulls, as well as one of the league's most physical players in Cody Toland @ctoland102.  Bufert T Smustice @Crummer77, Toby Cook @KRZY, and Charles Losfeld @losfail round out the defense. The Bulls also boast what is possibly the best backup goaltender in the VHLM in Herald Benson @Benson. Starting goalie, Ondra Vencko @Mutti, should see the majority of starts in the playoffs, but should he falter, Benson is more than capable of shoring up the net.  I've spoken to scouts about Vencko and I've learned that he's made some adjustments in his game recently that have really unlocked some of his potential.  His recent starts have reflected this and, lately, he's been well above his season average of .892%.  He could be a bit of a sleeper, I'm told, when it comes to playoff MVP candidates, provided the Bulls go far.  
 
Prediction: Those who have followed my writing throughout the season should know that I cover the Bulls regularily.  Despite that, I want to give San Diego some love.  I believe their top-6 forwards certainly have what it takes push Houston to the limit, but they'll be up against strong competition on the Bulls' blueline.  It's a close series in every respect and I'd be shocked to see one team or the other run away with it.  I'm still going with the Bulls, but I think it's going to take 7 games (4-3) with an overtime winner to decide it. 
 
---
 
And so it begins: The playoffs kick off tonight and I, for one, cannot wait to see how the VHLM shakes out.  I'll be following these story lines through each round and updating you on the series so stay tuned for more! If you have any comments or disagree with one of my predictions, feel free to tell me! 
 
 
Lauren Lambert for VHL.com
Claim for 11/25/24 (2651 words)

Player Information
Username: Will
Player Name: Tommy Shelby
Recruited From: Returning
Age: 22
Position: C
Height: 72 in.
Weight: 180 lbs.
Birthplace: United Kingdom

Player Page
@VHLM GM

Let's rewind time: It's the end of S91 and the Houston Bulls say goodbye to GM, @STZ, due to VHL GM promotion. Who will fill these Houston Bulls shoes? 
 
0. Hi: If you don't know me, Hi, my name is AJ and I was hired as GM of the Houston Bulls in the VHLM this season. I GM'd Houston from S84-S89, stepping down to focus on my schooling and football. Recently I had lost my VHL drive from being focused on my real life tomfoolery. But... with my football season ending the same time STZ stepped down, I threw my name in the hat. I didn't plan on applying for any GM jobs, I didn't even know STZ was going to get hired in New York. I just wanted Houston back, I missed it, and more importantly I missed the fire it used to bring me (more more importantly I have the time to do it again now). One problem I faced in the first week of this "new job" was the lack of an AGM, @Triller, to be specific. Triller and I worked together in Houston for 3 seasons before we both parted ways in S89. Triller did more than any AGM I have met, I even gave us both GM roles in the discord because that's how I viewed his role in our organization. He is incredibly talented and I honestly put a lot of the job's weight onto him because he just naturally was good at it, nothing was really a job for him. We worked so well together and now I'm stuck with just me, myself and I to start S92. This VHLM GMing stuff is time consuming, you need to work well with others, you need to be a teacher, a role model... I had no one by my side to help me start my return to Houston. With 6 seasons of experience I just had to lock in.
 
 
 
1. The Draft: Sitting at home, drunk on whatever night the draft was held, I got an invite to join the draft stream and have some fun. Good thing I was drunk because being on a stream and having to consistently say stuff to keep the viewers entertained ain't as easy as it seems. Anyways blah blah blah, the first round goes by in a flash and Houston still hasn't used their first pick yet. Houston's first pick was at 14th overall in the second round, from a trade that occurred a few days prior involving Miami. Miami gained a 3rd and a 4th round pick from Houston in return for the 2nd. 14th overall rolls around and Houston gets on the clock to SNIPE Chris Reynolds Jr @Crstats23. At the time of being drafted, Reynolds Jr was the only player on the Houston Bulls roster, lonely and needing someone to hold. 18th overall came quickly and Houston was on the clock again. To my absolute surprise (you can even watch the stream and hear the things I said because I don't remember) Trimiskez Artav @jake was my second SNIPE of the night. I would've taken Artav 14th, but I wanted Reynolds. I still to this day do not know how Artav fell that low, but also to this day I'm not questioning it. With two forwards out of the way, the next best possible thing to do is what? Correct. Draft another forward. 3rd round, 22nd overall Miner vHLer @Rhynex Entertainment SNIPED with the 40 TPA build. This was honestly without a doubt not a risky pick to me. I've GM'd and played with Rhynex before, I didn't care what their build was I just wanted them in my Locker Room especially after drafting Chris Reynolds Jr the round before (they know each other well). Last but not least, a goaltender was needed. At 25th overall, Herald Benson @Benson is my GEM SNIPE! Prior to the draft Benson was any average Joe, earning chill, nothing out of the ordinary kind of TPE. I chatted with Benson also prior to the draft and found out they were a 12 Affiliate earner from the SBA, just hadn't claimed any yet. Hence, GEM SNIPE! 
 
Roster after the draft: 3-0-1: (LW) Chris Reynolds Jr, (RW) Trimiskez Artav, (LW) Miner vHLer, (G) Herald Benson
 
 
2. Recruitment Waivers, assemble!: Once the draft was completed, waivers officially opened up. Still in my drunken state from the stream, a user who I had been talking to before the draft wanted to sign right away. Ondrej Vencko @Mutti wanted into Houston! Funnily enough I think he wanted to join because he knew I was drunk bastard, and Vencko lovessss getting silly. Mutti was very nice to chat with in all honesty and Houston's first waiver signing would cap out our goaltenders for the season. Now with 2 goalies, I needed the rest of the team that would skate in front of them! Little did I know how open the flood gates would really get in Houston. Nathan Schwartz @Njschwartz03, Nathan Ecker @Nathan_8, Dylan Boland @shadowbloxgame, Deez nutz @Shadowpac12, Cody Toland @ctoland102, Filip Zinek @FiZi, Charles Losfeld @losfail, and Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher joined within a day or two of the Recruitment Ad dropping. Not only did two centers join, but THREE defenders did too! I felt like a kid on Christmas. Luckily I had those couple days off since it was around holiday season. So I had the chance to actually reach out to my signings right away which I feel helped a lot in building the base foundation of this team, but also in building my individual relationship with each member. I was really thrilled to have the group I got! It seemed everyone was excited to learn and get started. Our discord locker room seemed to finally start showing some life again but I wasn't satisfied just yet, we were missing something.
 
Roster after waiver signings: 8-3-2: (G) Ondrej Vencko, (C) Nathan Schwartz, (RW) Nathan Ecker, (RW) Dylan Boland, (C) Deez nutz, (D) Cody Toland, (LW) Filip Zinek, (D) Charles Losfeld, (D) Lucy Leitner
 
 
3. Pre-Season Trade?: That's right! The Las Vegas Aces were looking to move a skilled forward at discounted price. Barry McOckiner @LanerDUST got swept off the streets of downtown Vegas for a 3rd round pick in the next season's draft. McOckiner had around 180 TPE when traded, this is considered a steal. A big steal to me though, McOckiner was a discounted trade due to inactivity problems. As someone who had seen LanerDUST active in the past, I messaged them and started chatting to find out that they are still a cool guy! Laner said he wanted to be more active and I was hyped for it. With all the recent waiver players signed I knew our depth was an investment to put my big bills on, I needed this almost capped winger for when my investment reaches its full potential (playoffs lol).
 
Roster after trade: 9-3-2: (RW) Barry McOckiner
 
 
How I felt entering the season after starting with no players on my roster
 
4. Start of Season: I promise I didn't share the same facial expressions as Drew, but the emotion was there! I was so happy and proud of myself for getting this squad together and ready for game 1. This obviously didn't all happen because of me, I have the Recruitment Team to thank for getting these lovely people to the forum. Houston started S92 with a daycare roster, basically everyone was under the age of 100 TPE. We surprisingly did pretty good though, a lot of 1-1 sims was something that I wasn't mad about. We were cruising and I really didn't think anymore waivers would fly in but they did. Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee, Jack Dickins @Mystery_boy98, and SID THE FREAKING KID GOAT CROSBY @Sidthekid_87 would join in on the Bulls fun. All three, just like the previous signings, were a pleasure to meet and started off really strong! We had a juiced roster in the making, the most waiver signings out of any team, we were looking great... but then it happened.
 
Roster after Start: 11-4-2: (D) Benjamin Abenduct, (RW) Jack Dickins, (C) THE FREAKING KID GOAT CROSBY
 
 
5. THE GREAT CENTER DEPRESSION: Oh my it hit us as if the economy crashed! One center retired, then another went IA, then another was a multi-user all in a week!! I couldn't hold onto my head, all 3 of the centers that I had just signed, gone in a flash! I didn't know what to do... until, an angel rained down on me as it parted through the clouds. 4 gifts is what he brought. In each gift birthed a new center, to replace the centers Houston had sacrificed before... plus one for good luck I guess. Someone take the horseshoe out of my arse because I kid you not, the day of releasing Houston's three centers I was able to sign Murray Connolly @Blakemac22 and Tyler Lawson @Nyx, then a day or two later Micah Cederbaum @MicahC and Bolor Khan @Bolor Khan would follow. Shocked, an understatement. I don't know what I did this season to get so lucky with all these signings, especially at the literal most perfect times when I needed them. I'll give full credit to the waiver pitch I wrote. After this point in the season Houston started to see some double dubs to catch up to the top of the league in standings!
 
Roster after Depression: 12-4-2: (C) Murray Connolly, (C) Tyler Lawson, (C) Micah Cederbaum, (C) Bolor Khan
 
 
6. Almost TDL, one more?: Approaching Trade Deadline I had no plans on buying or selling. I wanted to cruise into it after the recent waiver addition of defender Bufert T Smustice @Crummer77. We had basically a full roster of waiver players who were all earning really well, and Artav was our first player to reach 200 TPE before the trade deadline with many more to follow. So, what else was I supposed to do?? Make a trade?!
 
Roster heading into Trade Deadline: 12-5-2: (D) Bufert T Smustice
 

 
7. Trade Deadline: Yeah I made a trade. It's trade deadline come on! We have a really good roster and with this recruitment drive, so does every one else! Before I get into that, a silly member created one week early for the S94 draft class and had to get a 1 week TPE ban for their silliness. This new player was a 2nd generation player, of a 1st generation player from Houston... Toby Cook @KRZY didn't hesitate for a second to join Houston since they enjoyed their time the first lap around with Todd Cooke! I GM'd KRZY in my first season with Houston in S84, so it was a cool feeling to see them wanting to come back. Okay now onto the trade! I didn't LOVE the lack of depth our center core had with each and every one of them just recently joining. I made my decision on which center I wanted to let go of, which isn't always easy by the way, and traded for Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica from Halifax to center the first line of the Houston Bulls. In return Houston coughed up a 1st and 4th round pick plus center Bolor Khan, all for the S92 VHLM 1st overall pick, Bucatini. Some say the trade was under value, some say that Cowboy would have fun on a team like Houston because of our positive and fun atmosphere, not because of winning a cup. I say, you are all wrong haters.
 
Roster after Trade Deadline: 12-6-2: (C) Antonia Bucatini, (D) Toby Cook
 
8. Present Times: I feel like I can take a breath now. After quite a few weeks of chaos we now have a finalized and full roster. This is the best roster I have created in my 7 seasons of GMing and it is the first time I have created a full 12-6-2 roster! (S84 we had a 9-6-2 roster). I am so proud of the culture and community we have built this season and I have no one but my players to thank. These are very talented people all with the same love and drive for Houston as I do. With tonight being the last sim before playoffs, it's been a long journey this season already and I just want everyone to know that Houston is far from done yet. The Bulls enter the first round this season as which appears to be 6th place. We've been underdogs all season, this isn't anything new to us, Houston is Coming.
 

She's a beauty, eh? (Thanks @Triller for making this)

1. You can just feel the energy in the room. Sure there's pressure, but I'd rather play a playoff game with high stakes than a random Game 52 any day.
 
2. I do think this season's so weird because of the steady influx of players and how much teams have grown over time. I think we're probably seen as the underdog, but I also think we're peaking in terms of talent level at just the right time.
 
3. It's been solid. I didn't really have any goals honestly, just been along for the ride. A title win would make me happier than anything else, and I hope that's coming soon.
 
4. You gotta have something that gets the crowd hyped, that gets them moving and ready to open up those pocketbooks. It's Dancing Queen by Abba for me, everybody loves that one.
 
5. Not to argue with the premise of the question, but just want to get this straight: We had a fundraiser for charity, and the suggestion to use the charity money is a 10 foot statue of the GM? Please hold, just need to get the IRS real quick on line two...
 
6. I do like chocolates. The partner works Thursday but is off Friday, so Valentine's itself will be pizza and a movie at home, but then we're going out for a nice dinner the next night where we can relax a bit more (and probably will have a better time with the normal menu and not waiting 30 minutes for an Uber too).

I'd lean into Nessie tbh. Different enough from DC's dragon, could also introduce some greens that we don't have as much of at the VHL level.
 
I also donate canonically Edinburgh-born Hans Wingate as a VHL ambassador to this cause.

To the dismay of many, the conversation around moving London to Scotland seems to have not caught any traction. We are unsure why as the idea is absolutely fool proof and would only benefit the VHL by reaching into an untapped market. It would also allow for some injection of new life and colors into the VHL. No one needs another red, white and blue team when a Scottish team could have beautiful oranges for their highland cow mascot-to-be.
 
“I’m disappointed that the conversation hasn’t gone anywhere,” said London goalie Jesse Teno. “It’s something I really believe would be good for everyone involved. I want everyone to know that once I retire, I will be putting my efforts into trying to bring hockey to Scotland.”
 
Who knows if the Board of Governors will ever take up the issue but we’re all hoping that they at least give the idea a go.
 
151 words for week ending 2/18/2024
 

In response to Houston Bulls’ pre game and underage drinking, GM AJW had a few comments to share with the press:
 
”I am very aware about the unhealthy habits our team has built throughout the season. We do have younger and older players who share a lot of time together… a lot of activities and quality time together. Drinking a couple brews with the teammates is more of a bonding moment than an unhealthy habit in my eyes.
 
I am also very aware that this is my team, my players, and my say to do whatever the f*** I want! VIVA LA HOUSTON BABY!”
 
GM AJW was later seen opening up another can of Busch Lite post interview with assistant captain Chris Reynolds Jr @Crstats23

It's another week in the books for the Houston Bulls and the headlines continue to write themselves, especially as they pertain to rookie Czech goalie, Ondra Vencko @Mutti.  Last week, we had an exclusive opportunity to sit down with Vencko to discuss the early season controversy and learn a little about what makes him tick, both on and off the ice.  As he was leaving our studio that very same afternoon, the eclectic puck stopper was assaulted by a man who was apparently shouting at him in German.  This story was first reported by Ben Icio del Torro of the Houston Gossiper who reached out to Vencko for comment after the incident.
 
"It was more of a scare than an attempt on my life," said Vencko, reflecting on the attack.  Concluding his article, del Torro expressed concern about the incident affecting Vencko's game in a negative way, however it seems that perhaps a good slap was exactly what he needed to find his true form.
 
DISCLAIMER: We do not condone violence of any kind!
 
Since the assault, Vencko has had an outstanding week, recording the first shutout of his VHLM career and backstopping the Bulls to a 4-1 victory over the league-leading Philadelphia Reapers just last night.  In the words of legendary Pittsburgh Penguins commentator, Mike Lange, "Slap me silly!"  
 
In all seriousness, perhaps the catharsis and adrenaline rush of the incident was exactly what Vencko needed to get him out of his own head.  Goalies are known to be notoriously cerebral and there's no doubting Vencko's drive to perform. Maybe this was a case of Vencko just gripping the stick a little too tightly, getting lost in the game between the ears and missing the one on the ice in front of him.  Leave the rusty razorblades and hacksaw-backscratchers at home, Mr. Lange, this time a slap seems to have done the trick.  
 
Sticking with Lange-isms, Vencko seems to have reacquired his liquor license and the brews are flowing freely . . . maybe a little too freely.  I spoke with a reputable source yesterday who claimed that Vencko, along with a good number of other Bulls players, have taken up the practice of drinking beers before each game.  It's hard to complain with the team's solid play as of late, but one does wonder if this kind of ritual pre-gaming is what management had in mind when emphasizing preparation.  We reached out to GM @AJW on the matter, but for now he has declined to comment.  It is important to note, however, that while Vencko himself is 22 and of legal age, there are a number of young Bulls who are well below the legal drinking age.  Nathan Ecker @Nathan_8, for example, is still only 16.  
 
Here's another Lange line for ya, "Let's go hunt moose on a Harley!"
 
A batch of pre-game brews might explain why the Bulls have been called "bush league" by some critics this season, though "beer league" is perhaps more apropos.  The Bulls are the VHLM league leaders with 1611 hits through 65 games this season.  Unfortunately, their physical play has at times been reckless, leading to the 2nd most penalty minutes in the league with 713.  Compounding the issue, their penalty kill hasn't been up to snuff, currently sitting 2nd lowest in the league at 76.58%.  They have done well to compensate for a bad PK with the league's best powerplay, clicking at a rate of 25.28%. If the Bulls can reign in the penalty minutes while maintaining their physicality and powerplay success, they'll be in good shape for a long playoff run-- beer bellies not withstanding.  
 
"Oh, Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley! Bring me the brandy!"
 
Another legendary Lange line that the Bulls surely hope to hear adapted should they make it to the Founder's Cup Final.  Oh, Founder, Lord Founder bring them them . . . a pounder of beer?  Yeah, the rhyme still needs work. Recent power rankings have the Bulls a close 2nd to the Las Vegas Aces, while the Reapers, who have scarcely struggled all season, remain a legitimate threat to any team's playoff aspirations.  The Season 92 playoffs are shaping up to be a hotly contested affair with contenders throughout the bracket.  With less than one week left in the regular season, it's time to put the pedal through the floor.
 
"Get in the fast lane, Grandma! The bingo game is ready to roll!"
 
With the number of contenders in the VHLM, Mr. Lange's bingo analogy is a good one.  It really could come down to luck of the draw as teams fight for home ice advantage and favorable first round matchups.  In my view, there are no easy outs and each round promises to feature fantastic battles between the league's best.  Come Wednesday night, we'll know who the Bulls will draw in the first round.  The team is certainly rounding into form and is resembling the contender we were promised at the beginning of the season by Bulls brass.  I, for one, have the Bulls on my bingo card, so let's hope that this young core is ready to run come playoff puck-drop.  
 
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
Lauren Lambert for VHL.com
Claimed for 02/18/2024

Hello and welcome to one of my most unhinged projects yet. I have scoured through the VHL archives to identify every single instance of a repeated last name in history, the sole criterion being that the players made it to the VHL (i.e. VHLM and/or VHLE lifers are excluded). This also means that whilst the list includes all active VHL players as of S92, it doesn't include anyone who is about to come up to the big leagues or has announced their draft eligibility.
 
268 repeat last names were identified throughout VHL history and then sorted to identify the most common last name in the VHL's storied past. But since the work was done to identify each name, I will make it a countdown from names used twice all the way to the all-time leader at 12. Behold.
 
 
Names used 2x in VHL history
188 names have appeared twice in the past and whilst the list is copied in below, I won't dwell on it for too long. This section contains Hall of Famers and completely forgotten journeymen, it has brothers, fathers and sons, and even families separated by multiple generations. Most frequently, it contains completely random and coincidental repeats, separated by as many as 90 seasons. There are two facts of most interest in this category:
 
Two names have a 100% Hall of Fame success rate – Sterling (father) and Alexander (son) Labatte, as well as the Clegane brothers
There has twice been a pair of Mario and Luigi in the VHL – the Linguinis and the De Rossis
 

 
Names used 3x in VHL history
55 more names added to the list in this category which doesn't really have any fun tidbits to pull out – seems to be a higher proportion of recognisable names than in the first section. What this exercise has been actually helpful in is identifying some duplicates I had in the all-time stats spreadsheet from the 60s. Not sure how those happened but they're gone now.
 
Perhaps one other thing worth mentioning is that in addition to the two Ryans in the above 2x list, there was also a man simply named Ryan in the VHL at one point. Unfortunately that Ryan counts as someone with a last name so the Ryans do not manage to make the cut for the 3x list.
 

 
The Top 24
 
We are now in the top end of the ranking, as at 4 appearances each, the pool dwindles considerably. There are 13 names which show up exactly 4 times:
The Bakers (Abel, Joseph, Patrick, and Shane)
The Carters (Alex, Donny, Jared and Jared the 2st (sic))
The Clarkes (Daniel, Dean, Jon, and Will) – two of whom, Dean and Will, are unrelated but were both of the cup-winning S70 Moscow squad
The Downeys (Bahr, Jeff (both the S1 and much more successful S68 incarnation) and the original Jeff's brother Ryan)
The Eagles (two Gregs, Henry, and Tom) – brought to us exclusively by @Greg_Di. Greg Eagleowski sadly doesn't make the cut.
The Funks (brothers and Builders Dust'n and Raymond and decades later playoff hero Rayz and the less notable Frank Jr)
The Kings (Kevin, Markus, Roctrion, and Thomas)
The Komarovs (Evgeni, Pavel, Sergei, and Vladamir) – also the sole work of one man, @Gooningitup
The Matthews (Anthony, Luke, Mitchell, and Wesley)
The Millers (Alec, Jackson, MF Percy, and Nicholas)
The Syndergaards (two Aksels, Thomas, and Tomas)
The Williams (AJ, Justin, Robinson, and Tyrone)
and the Youngs (Alex, Christopher, Naomi, and Zachary)
 
5 names then, fittingly, show up 5 times over the years:
Davis (David, Finn, Jake, Jasper, and Roque) – almost entirely hauled up the list by @Josh's obsession with the name
Hamilton (brothers Phil, Jeff, and David (Phil and Jeff making the Hall) and also the lesser-known Drew and Josh)
Knight (Blake, David, Jordan, Ricky, Steven) – remarkably only once used by either @Phil or David @Knight – the actual Knight brothers choosing to be Hamilton brothers in the VHL instead
Reinhart (Asher, Jerome, Reylynn, Tobias, and Tyler all being prominent in the 80s)
Tremblay (Dan, Danny, Pierre-Marc, Steve and the man himself (not really), Simon Tremblay)

 
Then in joint fifth place...
6 Hunters (Alyksander, Blade, Braxton, JaKobe, Jeff, and Kurtis)
6 Jokinens (Alvaro, David, Diego, Erlantz, Fabio, and Fernando) – courtesy of the Finnish fiends @Ahma and @jRuutu
6 Smiths (Cody, Jacob, Josh, Lucas, Steve, and Trevor) – all extremely forgettable just like the name

 
In joint third place we have the Wilsons (Aaron, Al, Connor, Dusty, Jesse, Josh, and Wade), 7 completely unrelated and largely irrelevant players, and the Gow brothers (@Fire Tortorella and @eaglesfan036) who have brought 7 Gows (Austin, Bernie, Jeff, Jim, Robert III, Robin, and Shayne) to the VHL before branching off into more creative names.

 
Jones is the second most popular last name in VHL history with 9 players (Bob, Casey, Dallas, Dan, Davey, Jay, Kered, Mason, and Ty) over the years. Davey Jones as part of the 30s Dynamo and Casey Jones who had a Labatte-winning rookie season in S57 and then was part of the USA's most prolific World Cup years are easily the most successful of the Joneses.

 
Clear at the top it's the Johnsons though – 12 of them specifically. We've had Bossman, Brent, Gabrial, Gabriel, Kobe, Leroy, Michael, Miles, Phil “The Rock”, Regie, Reid, and Ricky. Yes I was also hoping for a more impressive list but Michael and Phil have definitely elevated the Johnsons' profile in more recent season and Kobe is active in the VHL as we speak. Will anyone catch them? Only time will tell.

1.  We aren't as good as we used to be, at least in the past 10 games played. 3-6-1 through our last 10 games, what do we need to do as a team to get back on the winning track?
These things come and go based on the schedule, but a 10 game stretch is a while. Particularly with a young team (and some additions!) this will turn around soon as people get better, I think time will help.
 
2. With our roster now set we do not need to add any new players to the team this season. What is the best feeling about being part of a full 12-6-2 roster? Are there any negatives you find?
It's wild honestly, not something I've ever been a part of. Some people may complain about ice time, but I'm excited to feel refreshed and give my all on every shift.
 
3. Trade Deadline is here and Houston has two new faces joining us to complete our roster. @CowboyinAmerica was traded from Halifax and @KRZY signed from waivers, these two are fresh meat in the locker room. What is something these players should know about Houston and our team? Are there any cool spots in Houston you want them to know about?
I'm excited to explore! I'm used to Italian cuisine, then Halifax was a lot of fish, but that's too healthy for me. Give me some good ole fashioned BBQ please.
 
4. Playoffs are always in the back of my mind. Since drafting, trading, and signing each player this season, my goal is always to get to the playoffs. Looks like we got a good shot this season to make it! What is the one team you DO NOT want to go up against in the 1st round? VHLM playoffs take the top 8/10 teams in the league.
Honestly, I'm fine taking on everybody right now. We're going to have to face the top teams eventually, if we end up the four seed and have to face someone like Vegas first round - well, let's just show them what we're about.
 
5. I have always loved Taco Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, Freaky Fridays, etc... Which day of the week is your go to "event day"? Is there a day of the week where you have a routine meal or event?
First, I'm a bit worried coming in and seeing that the team has a Freaky Friday. May sit that one out. But I'm a fan of Thirsty Thursdays, everybody likes a good drink after a long practice. (Ignore that I'm not old enough for that in the U.S. please.)
 
6. It's GM day! I literally just made that up. For GM day you are required to give me something. This "something" can be anything! A unicycle? Sure! Some baby turtles and a tank for them to live in? Thank you very much! What is one thing you would like to give to me, your GM, if you could give me anything? 
Well, you're the GM of the Bulls. We live in Houston. So here's your very own livestock, a young longhorn to own! What, you don't have space for it? Too bad, it's your problem now.

Houston -- Antonia Bucatini expected the trade deadline to pass without care. Cooped up at home the day after a recent Halifax win over Mississauga, she was cooped up with a protein shake and some Netflix, ready for some potential R&R. However, the rest was short-lived when she received an out-of-the-blue call from Halifax management.
 
"Hey there. So, we've decided to sell before the deadline. We're sending you to Houston."
 
And like that, Antonia Bucatini was off to her third VHLM franchise in just over a season - and one that suddenly would place on her higher expectations, to boot.
 
Bucatini joins a crowded Houston team that has championship aspirations this season, but one that was desperately looking for a talented center. Houston management have already told her that she'll be a first line center from day one, teaming up with fellow S93 draftees Chris Reynolds Jr. and Trimiskez Artav in what instantly becomes one of the most talented lines in the VHLM. But if going from a fringe playoff team to a squad with championship aspirations would be intimidating for some people, Bucatini didn't show it.
 
"You might forget, I was already in the finals once. I know what it takes to get there, and I know I have it," Bucatini said, referring to Philadelphia's finals run last year. "Having played Houston a few times, I know the players in this locker room have what it takes too. Now, we get a few weeks to gel and figure things out."
 
Indeed, the assimilation process has already started, with Houston going 1-1 in Bucatini's first two games. She's also begun introducing herself to a boisterous locker room as well, making friends early. Overall, she said she feels good about the move.
 
"I think I'm going to like it here. I enjoyed Halifax too, but there's just so many new faces - more faces than I'm used to," Bucatini said. "And I hope I'm the winning piece that really helps us accomplish something this year. Go Bulls!"

Houston -- Antonia Bucatini expected the trade deadline to pass without care. Cooped up at home the day after a recent Halifax win over Mississauga, she was cooped up with a protein shake and some Netflix, ready for some potential R&R. However, the rest was short-lived when she received an out-of-the-blue call from Halifax management.
 
"Hey there. So, we've decided to sell before the deadline. We're sending you to Houston."
 
And like that, Antonia Bucatini was off to her third VHLM franchise in just over a season - and one that suddenly would place on her higher expectations, to boot.
 
Bucatini joins a crowded Houston team that has championship aspirations this season, but one that was desperately looking for a talented center. Houston management have already told her that she'll be a first line center from day one, teaming up with fellow S93 draftees Chris Reynolds Jr. and Trimiskez Artav in what instantly becomes one of the most talented lines in the VHLM. But if going from a fringe playoff team to a squad with championship aspirations would be intimidating for some people, Bucatini didn't show it.
 
"You might forget, I was already in the finals once. I know what it takes to get there, and I know I have it," Bucatini said, referring to Philadelphia's finals run last year. "Having played Houston a few times, I know the players in this locker room have what it takes too. Now, we get a few weeks to gel and figure things out."
 
Indeed, the assimilation process has already started, with Houston going 1-1 in Bucatini's first two games. She's also begun introducing herself to a boisterous locker room as well, making friends early. Overall, she said she feels good about the move.
 
"I think I'm going to like it here. I enjoyed Halifax too, but there's just so many new faces - more faces than I'm used to," Bucatini said. "And I hope I'm the winning piece that really helps us accomplish something this year. Go Bulls!"

Houston -- Antonia Bucatini expected the trade deadline to pass without care. Cooped up at home the day after a recent Halifax win over Mississauga, she was cooped up with a protein shake and some Netflix, ready for some potential R&R. However, the rest was short-lived when she received an out-of-the-blue call from Halifax management.
 
"Hey there. So, we've decided to sell before the deadline. We're sending you to Houston."
 
And like that, Antonia Bucatini was off to her third VHLM franchise in just over a season - and one that suddenly would place on her higher expectations, to boot.
 
Bucatini joins a crowded Houston team that has championship aspirations this season, but one that was desperately looking for a talented center. Houston management have already told her that she'll be a first line center from day one, teaming up with fellow S93 draftees Chris Reynolds Jr. and Trimiskez Artav in what instantly becomes one of the most talented lines in the VHLM. But if going from a fringe playoff team to a squad with championship aspirations would be intimidating for some people, Bucatini didn't show it.
 
"You might forget, I was already in the finals once. I know what it takes to get there, and I know I have it," Bucatini said, referring to Philadelphia's finals run last year. "Having played Houston a few times, I know the players in this locker room have what it takes too. Now, we get a few weeks to gel and figure things out."
 
Indeed, the assimilation process has already started, with Houston going 1-1 in Bucatini's first two games. She's also begun introducing herself to a boisterous locker room as well, making friends early. Overall, she said she feels good about the move.
 
"I think I'm going to like it here. I enjoyed Halifax too, but there's just so many new faces - more faces than I'm used to," Bucatini said. "And I hope I'm the winning piece that really helps us accomplish something this year. Go Bulls!"