Eynhallow

To Canada....

I hope Abe does.....

@Abe Roque I can adjust this further if you send me suggestions...

Too many irons in the fire at the same time......i

Ya Abe, I followed your process through the "kerfuffle" and the like. I am truly glad that you hung in there!!! It won't be long before we will be playing against one another....that is unless I can persuade @hedgehog337 to make a deal that gets you to Riga. (JK, I don't have that kind of influence and I am too poor to offer bribes ) Nevertheless...have fun !!!

@jacobcarson877 Yup. I agree about always being a Reaper. What is that hack..................when your name is on the trophy you will never walk alone.. .

What a ride !!! Thanks for assembling such a great team !!

Isau DaMoose Media Spot (3) To refresh your memories. As mentioned in Moose Tracks (2), the DaMoose family had relocated from Fire River to the hamlet (ghost town) of Swords. Originally called Maple Lake Station. Swords began as a siding on the Canada Atlantic Railway. When the Long Lake Lumber Company began operations in the area, the community began to grow. John Sword built a hotel on Maple Lake that became a popular destination for American tourists who wished to experience an adventure in the “Canadian Wilderness”. Swords used to see as many as 20 trains go through daily. However, as the timber was consumed this number dropped dramatically until Swords became a ghost town. It was to this area that Isau moved and began playing organized hockey with the Swords Slashers. As will be mentioned in his biography, the Slashers were a particularly rough team at times prone to creative stick work. Isau, of course, wanted to fit in, but the notion of hacking and slashing was contrary to what he believed hockey was all about. He favoured a speed and finesse game. Fortunately, with the Slashers, there was room for him to excel. Isau’s sojourn in Swords marked a very important stage of his life. Firstly, it was on the frozen surface of Maple Lake that Isau was “discovered” by a hockey scout who was doing some late season ice fishing. Secondly, it was at this time that Nikki Starr entered his life. There are many stories about Nikki that you will be able to read about in Isau’s biography as well as in an interview that will be published later. Isau accepted an offer to play for the Mexico City Kings part way through the VHLM season (S74). Including playoffs, he amassed a total of 13 goals and 18 assists for a total of 31 points in 57 games. He was subsequently released by the Kings and in the ensuing draft (S75) was drafted 38th overall by the Riga Reign and 14th overall by the Philadelphia Reapers. His current season with the Reapers is somewhat lackluster by Isau’s standards. He has been playing second and third line minutes as well as being involved in many of the penalty kills. Having played 72 regular season games, Isau has racked up 50 points, 19 goals and 31 assists. Earlier in the season he was on pace for 25 goals and 44 assists, but a recent downturn in his production prevented him from reaching these totals. The Philadelphia Reapers made the playoffs in Season 75, ultimately, with his Reapers teammates, defeating the Mexico City kings in the Finals and winning the Founder’s Cup. Isau’s point production was somewhat better scoring 4 goals and 8 assists in the 15 playoff games in which he played. An awesome way to wind up his VHLM career. Given his rate of development, it appears that Isau will only spend one season in Philadelphia. So, he is trying to enjoy this fabled city as much as possible. Philadelphia is the first World Heritage City in the United States. In its Historic District , Isau visited Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were created. A few steps away he could see a dramatic view of the Liberty Bell and read about its history and significance to U.S. culture. Overall, a great city with great hockey fans. A Short Interview With Isau After the Founder’s Cup Victory Gail Force is one Isau’s trusted friends and the only reporter to whom he has given an interview. Gail: Congratulations on winning the Founder’s Cup. What are your thoughts after having the whole thing settle for a few days? Isau: I have to say it was quite a thrill. Definitely the highlight of my career this far. It was a tough final series against the Mexico City Kings. They had a great team, fought every puck battle and were competitive right until “The Eagle” potted the overtime winner in game 6. I consider myself privileged to have been able to play with so many great players and with such a class organization as the Reapers. My only regret was that, due to covid restrictions regarding travel, my parents, brother Charon and partner Nikki were unable to be part of this in person. They tell me though that they were able to get the games on TSN and were on the edge of their seats for 6 games !! Gail: So what’s next Isau ? Isau: Well, I am off to play in the World Juniors for Canada. Believe me when I tell you how much of an honour it is to wear the Maple Leaf. Gail: How do you think Team Canada will do ? Isau: The World Juniors is a really tough tournament. Each Nation was able to select the best of the best. So every team has a stacked line-up. Given the talent that Team Canada was able to assemble, I think we should do well. Hopefully bring home a gold. Gail: So what’s in the future after the World Juniors? Isau: Well, I will be saying farewell to the great city of Philadelphia and the excellent Philadelphia Reapers organization. Guys it's been a slice !! Then, I get on a plane to Riga. Gail: Any thoughts on moving to the VHL and joining the fabled Riga Reign ? Isau: I look forward to the challenge of playing in the bigs. It won’t be easy, though. Riga has 4 centres that will be showing up for camp. There will be some fierce competition for ice time !! Also, I think we will be putting a pretty good product on the ice next season. With Calvin Harvey backstopping us and a number of VHL veterans returning plus having 11 capped VHLM guys making their VHL debut. It could be a fun time. Gail: I understand, actually, Nikki told me that she would be joining you in Riga. Isau: Ya. I am pretty blessed to have such a good friend and partner as Nikki. I mean, think about it, she is going halfway around the world, to a foreign country in order to watch/support my hockey. Anyways, she has her passport in order and has been studying Fodor’s Guide To Latvia. It should be fun !! Gail: Well, thank-you Isau. And until we meet again...Be Safe!! Words 1066 01/17 01/24

Hey, your spiritual side is important too !!!

Hey Emi !! I f you are in Tokyo try this one. I have always wanted to go..............

2 ½ Moose Tracks I wanted to take a break from writing about statistical stuff and write about the more humanistic side of things. So, after being with the Reapers for a full season and playing in the playoffs, eventually winning the Founder’s Cup I was able to ponder things during the short respite between my sojourn with the Reapers and participating in the World Juniors representing Canada. What a ride !! There was something happening daily, not just in the Locker Rooms, but in the league generally. There was a bit of drama to keep things spicy. A minimal amount of whining and complaining. But this was to be expected. By the way, I don’t in any way knock those folks who had complaints and aired them. They were in all cases completely justified. I was also impressed with our group as a caring community. We empathized with those experiencing health issues and the amount of money we were able to raise and contribute to food banks was beyond awesome. Kudos to the organizers of the various charity initiatives. Great work! I look forward to my continued involvement in the VHL, presumably with the Riga Reign. Let the ride continue !! Word Count 200

I'm in.

Let me add my congrats to Mexico City for fielding a great team that had the best of us over the course of the regular season. And thanks and congrats to all my teammates and GM who came together at the right time to win !!!

Ya, I wasn't going to mention that. Sorta like not talking about a potential no-hitter in baseball.

1: THE REAPERS HAVE MADE THE FINALS AGAINST MEXICO CITY. GOING INTO THE SERIES, HOW IS YOUR PLAYER HOLDING UP? WHAT HAS HE BEEN UP TO? Isau has been holding up OK. His mediocre season has extended into the playoffs. He is contributing, but not at the level that he expects. Hopefully he will break out during the series with Mexico City. 2: RECENTLY, FORMER SAN DIEGO GM ROCKSTAR HAS RESIGNED FROM HIS POSITION THERE. IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE, WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO BECOME THE NEW MARLINS GM? Firstly, I am sorry to see Rockstar go. Hopefully he will find a GM position in the VHL. I have no interest in becoming a GM in San Diego, or anywhere else at this time. Perhaps my thinking will change in the future. 3: WOULD YOU WANT TO RECORD A PODCAST, IF SO, WHY? IF NOT, THEN ALSO, WHY? WHAT WOULD THE NAME OF THE PODCAST BE? I am not particularly interested in creating a podcast. It would be pretty difficult as I am a person of few words, so rambling for 5 minutes or so would be excruciatingly painful. However, if I were to undertake a podcast it would likely be called “Listen to the Moose Tracks.” 4: IF YOU HAD TO DECIDE, WHAT VHL TEAM WOULD YOU WANT TO BE DRAFTED TO AND WHY? I have already been drafted to the Riga Reign. I am happy to be part of that storied organization. Their future looks bright. 5: WHAT'S YOUR DREAM VACATION SPOT, AND WHY CHOOSE THAT PLACE OVER OTHERS? St. Lucia. The country has/had a 1% unemployment rate and there is a very low crime rate. Food is great. And English is spoken. 6: IF YOU COULD PICK ANY CITY TO EXPAND TO IN THE VHL(M), WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY? Andorra La Vella, in Andorra. This city is conveniently located between France and Spain and a short(ish) distance from Italy and Portugal. None of these counties have a VHL team.

Thanks for selecting Isau. He feels privileged to be able to wear the Leaf !!

I gotta admit that it is an unusual twist of events that lines me up against my inaugural VHLM team. And, ya, I was sorry to leave Mexico, but now a Reaper !!!

@hedgehog337 Thanks for the shout out. I was happy to be able to participate in the LR even though I wasn't min fact playing for Riga. Lets kick some a$$ next season!

Nice graphic. I like the overall vibrancy that the predominant yellow theme brings. You have also captured the intensity of the player as evident in his expression. The graphic has nice balance with the player on one side and the text on the other. The text is easily enough read, but could use a little work to make it stand out a bit more. Good work !! 8.5/10

Despite your own review which as @gorlab pointed out was needlessly harsh, I like the overall feel to this graphic. The "old time" photo, the crushed paper look and the torn edges really go together. I like your choice of font, but perhaps it could be larger for increased legibility. Or maybe just increase the size of the whole graphic. Nice work. 8.5/10

1) The Reapers swept Yukon in the opening round of the playoffs. How do you think the series went? I think that series went pretty much as expected. Our big boys stepped up and made a real difference. I thought that after the first game that it could be a close series, but, then, we seemed to find another gear and wound it up quickly. 2) Everyone agrees that playoff hockey is at another level. What is your favorite part of playoff hockey? The intensity of the game picks up. Every mistake is emphasized and could make the difference between winning and losing. Also, the crowd becomes a lot more rabid. That serves to energize players a lot at this time of the season. 3) The Reapers will face the San Diego Marlins in the next round. How do you think it will go? I think it will be a close, tough series. Both teams are talented, but the Reapers get the nod because of their depth. But this is playoff hocket so anything can occur. 4) The Marlins are led by their top defensive pair, Scotty Kaberle and Cowboy Prout, along with center Nero Endrizzi and forwards Red Lite and Maksim Yakolevsky. Anything you want to say to them or any other Marlin? I have a great deal of respect for these players. They are certainly talented and have led their team to “The Promised Land” (playoffs) this season. I would like to remind them though to keep their heads up during the series with us. 5) The Reaper fan club left a Christmas gift for you at your locker. What was it? I could say a brand new “Eleanor” model Mustang, but our fan club doesn’t have pockets that are that deep. So they gave me a brand new carbon fibre stick. The fact that it was a right-handed stick and I shoot left was inconsequential. It is the thought that counts. 6) Our organist is looking for new songs to play on the organ. What is your suggestion? Why? I don’t really have any suggestions. Anything that is selected, though, should be upbeat in order to get the adrenalin levels up and contemporary in order to excite and entertain the fans.