tcookie

7 minutes ago, chatfan036 said:

That last sentence was amazing - made the article!

 

tcookie this was awesome great writing!

I had to get it in somewhere haha

 

Thanks!

This was super fun to make, yes, the post-it notes cutting off some of a couple letters is intentional, you can figure out what they mean... text-only version is below if you want it.

 

 

-- text only version --

 

Player Profile
Height: 5-foot-7
Weight: 155 lbs.
Jersey Number: 9
Born: Minneapolis, MN, USA
Favourite Player: Theo Fleury
VHLM Team: Miami Marauders
Latest VHCS Ranking: 35

 

A 19-year-old left winger prospect with high upside. Not well known in VHL circles, but has impressed thus far in his career with his work ethic off the ice, and with his intensity and scoring ability on the ice. Not a particularly flashy player with the puck, but isn’t afraid to go to high traffic areas of the ice. High-end athleticism: a two-sport athlete, hockey and football, until choosing to focus on hockey after recovering from a torn ACL suffered in a high school football game. Played at Eden Prairie, four-year contributor on the hockey team and one of the team’s most relied upon players in his final two seasons. Lead the team to a State Championship and was runner-up for Minnesota High School Player of the Year in the 2018-19 season.

 

McLaren committed to the University of Minnesota and played his way up to a bigger role with the team late in his freshman season, before leaving the team to declare himself eligible for the S75 VHL Draft. Has not looked out of place in a first-line role with the Marauders, displaying trademark physicality and skill, however his production has not been quite as expected. McLaren will look to remedy questions about long-term offensive upside in the second half of the VHLM season.

 

A late addition to the draft class that comes to the VHL with some uncertainty. He’s not a known name and he played against pretty weak competition for a long time, though he did dominate that competition in his junior and senior seasons. Small, feisty, talented kid - someone we will have to keep an eye on leading up to the draft for sure.

 

Strengths
-- Kid’s got a lethal shot on him. Needs to work on finding open ice to unleash it, but that should come. Not hard to see him scoring 30, 40 goals in the VHL one day.
-- Not afraid of anything. He protects himself and his teammates, he goes to dirty areas and he throws his weight around.
-- Surprisingly reliable two-way player, given his size deficiency. Works hard backchecking, gets in guys’ faces, and can use his strong skating to regain positioning if he loses his man.

 

Weaknesses
-- 5’7 155 is tiny and for a guy who’s only played a season past the high school level, he’s going to face more size as he moves up. How will he fare against bigger opponents? Right now he’s a bit too easily knocked off the puck, and he’ll always have a small frame.
-- No sugar-coating it, he’s dirty. He’ll hack and slash and get under an opponent’s skin but crosses the line sometimes, takes selfish penalties & spends a lot of time in the box.
-- He gets tunnel vision sometimes and will work himself into tight situations without any real options and it leads to turnovers. Not a terribly effective passer at this stage of his career.

 

- Brandon Janzen, VHL Scouting Service

Hopefully that's good, based it on some of the other ones posted in here. Let me know if anything needs fixing...

 

Thanks to everyone who puts in the effort of keeping all those historical spreadsheets updated... they were a huge help. Being new here this took a considerable amount of research, but it was surprisingly easy to find everything I needed

Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen - Class of S73

Position: D
Birthplace: United State of America
Height: 6-ft-3
Weight: 200 lbs.
Drafted: S65 - 2nd overall (HC Davos Dynamo)
Username: @flyersfan1453

Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen was a consensus top-2 prospect all the way leading up to the S65 VHL Draft, and he more than lived up to the billing. Playing eight seasons in the VHL, Werbenjagermanjensen was a two-way force on the back end, and certainly ended up the best player from the S65 draft class. He was a big defenseman that wasn't afraid to use his body, was an effortless skater with a dangerous shot from the back end, and was a true shut-down defenseman to boot. Werbenjagermanjensen would go on to become one of just seven players to capture the Sterling Labatte Trophy on three or more occasions (at the time of winning his third, in S70, he was the first player in 30 seasons to do so), and is also one of just two multiple-time winners of the Alexander Valiq Trophy. He was an effective contributor from the moment he was drafted, jumping straight into the VHL in S65 and from his breakout year in S67 through to his retirement in S72, Smitty was perennially one of the VHL's best players.

Career Awards
S68 - Sterling Labatte Trophy (Top Defenseman)
S68 - Alexander Valiq Trophy (Top Offensive Defenseman)
S68 - All-VHL First Team
S69 - Sterling Labatte Trophy (Top Defenseman)
S69 - Jake Wylde Trophy (Top Defensive Defenseman)
S69 - All-VHL First Team
S70 - Sterling Labatte Trophy (Top Defenseman)
S70 - Alexander Valiq Trophy (Top Offensive Defenseman)
S70 - Brett Slobodzian Trophy (Most Outstanding Player)
S70 - Continental Cup Champion (Moscow)
S70 - Alexander Beketov Trophy (Most Assists)
S70 - All-VHL First Team

S63 (VHLM - Ottawa)
13 GP | 0 G - 3 A - 3 P | +4 | 16 PIM | 26 HIT | 9 SB
Playoffs: 13 GP | 0 G - 4 A - 4 P | -2 | 14 PIM | 24 HIT | 10 SB

Werbenjagermanjensen signed with the Ottawa Lynx to begin his VHLM career. A highly touted young prospect from the beginning, he still took some time to adapt to the league, putting up 3 points in 13 games. Featuring two of the VHLM's top three scorers in Elias Dahlberg and Chance Matthews, the Lynx were a high powered offense, but ended up falling in a six-game series with the Saskatoon Wild. Werbenjagermanjensen's production may not have jumped off the page during his 13-game VHLM trial, but his poise and puck moving ability did, prompting the Lynx to retain his rights and make him the 5th overall pick in the VHLM Draft.

S64 (VHLM - Ottawa)
72 GP | 8 G - 60 A - 68 P | +5 | 140 PIM | 260 HIT | 98 SB
Playoffs: 6 GP | 0 G - 10 A - 10 P | -2 | 30 PIM | 34 HIT | 12 SB

Smitty helped make the Lynx' decision a good one. Alongside fellow top S65 propects Gritty and Carles Puigdemont (they'd go on to be three of the top four picks), he finished as the fourth highest scoring defenseman in the VHLM, while also racking up 260 hits. The Lynx finished third in the league, but not far behind Las Vegas and Halifax. Despite the best efforts of Werbenjagermanjensen, who had himself a dominant 6-game series with 10 points and 34 hits, the Lynx were unable to get past Halifax in the playoffs.

S65 (VHL - Davos)
72 GP | 3 G - 44 A - 47 P | -1 | 164 PIM | 275 HIT | 131 SB
Playoffs: Did Not Qualify

Werbenjagermanjensen ended up the 2nd overall pick behind only VHLM teammate Puigdemot, going to the HC Davos Dynamo, where he'd play alongside former Lynx teammates Elias Dahlberg and Pat Svoboda. Jumping straight to the VHL after his draft year, Smitty's rookie season saw him tally 3 goals and 44 assists in 72 games, while also finishing 8th in the entire league with 275 hits. After a last-place finish in S64, Davos jumped up the standings, finishing with a 35-32-5 record this time around, but falling just short of the playoffs.

S66 (VHL - Davos)
72 GP | 16 G - 32 A - 48 P | +23 | 124 PIM | 167 HIT | 137 SB
Playoffs: 9 GP | 0 G - 3 A - 3 P | +3 | 14 PIM | 12 HIT | 16 SB

Davos was an improved team again in S66, a squad with plenty of offensive talent. Werbenjagermanjensen's game showed growth. His point totals remained relatively the same, but he improved his defensive game and began evolving a lethal shot from the point that would be a key weapon in his arsenal going forward. Smitty's goal output improved from 3 goals to 16 and the Dynamo wound up with a playoff berth after a 37-27-8 season. They made surprisingly easy work of the favoured Riga Reign in the playoffs, outscoring them 12-4 in a 4-0 series sweep, but they were overmatched in the European Conference Finals against Helsinki and bowed out in 5 games. Werbenjagermanjensen tallied just 3 points in 9 playoff games with 12 hits and 16 blocked shots, but the playoff run gave the Dynamo some hope for the future.

S67 (VHL - Davos)
72 GP | 19 G - 44 A - 63 P | +15 | 104 PIM | 133 HIT | 131 SB
Playoffs: Did Not Qualify

Unfortunately for Werbenjagermanjensen, Davos regressed in S67 after trading Dahlberg, Svoboda, and Rylan Peace for draft picks in the off-season, and they finished well behind Riga for the final playoff spot in the European Conference, despite Smitty himself taking a step forward in his third year. He established or matched career highs across the board offensively with 19 goals, 44 assists, and 63 points while posting a +15 rating on a losing team.

S68 (VHL - Davos)
72 GP | 27 G - 59 A - 86 P | +36 | 104 PIM | 168 HIT | 118 SB
Playoffs: 7 GP | 0 G - 4 A - 4 P | -1 | 14 PIM | 14 HIT | 21 SB

Smitty truly arrived in S68, exploding for 27 goals, 59 assists, and 86 points. He finished 10 points ahead of the next highest-scoring defenseman in the league (9th in league scoring overall) and top-10 in the league in +/-, as well. For his efforts, Werbenjagermanjensen captured his first VHL hardware - a Sterling Labatte Trophy as Top Defenseman and an Alexander Valiq Trophy as Top Offensive Defenseman - as well as being named to the All-VHL First Team. The league had expanded to 12 teams and Davos claimed the fourth playoff spot in a tightly-contested European Conference, but they were eliminated in round one in a seven-game series against Malmo. With the Dynamo making minimal noise in the post-season and Smitty's contract up, he found himself testing Free Agency ahead of S69.

S69 (VHL - Moscow)
72 GP | 17 G - 66 A - 83 P | +41 | 160 PIM | 264 HIT | 117 SB
Playoffs: 11 GP | 2 G - 7 A - 9 P | -3 | 18 PIM | 17 HIT | 16 SB

The Dynamo pursued bringing back Werbenjagermanjensen in Free Agency, while he also received interest from Moscow, Toronto, and Calgary. Ultimately, he chose to sign a two-year deal with the Moscow Menace, and his dominant play from the season prior carried over. Werbenjagermanjensen finished the season with 17 goals and 83 points while endearing himself to his new team by stepping his physical game up once again, delivering 264 hits, a total that would end up the second highest single-season of his career. He finished second in the league in defenseman scoring, two points back of Vancouver's Dilijodh Starload, and while he didn't defend his Valiq from S68, he instead captured the Jake Wylde Trophy as the league's best defensive defenseman, a second-straight spot on the All-VHL First Team, and a second-straight Labatte Trophy. In the playoffs, the Menace knocked off Helsinki in round one before losing in 5 games to Riga in the second round. Werbenjagermanjensen had 9 points in 11 games with a -3 rating and 17 hits, a solid performance, but perhaps a tad disappointing coming from the best defenseman in the VHL.

S70 (VHL - Moscow)
72 GP | 18 G - 68 A - 86 P | +13 | 136 PIM | 194 HIT | 123 SB
Playoffs: 15 GP | 5 G - 16 A - 21 P | +14 | 24 PIM | 34 HIT | 18 SB

The core of the S69 Moscow Menace remained almost entirely intact for S70, and as the players developed, the Menace became a powerhouse, finishing with the league's best record at 50-17-5. Werbenjagermanjensen put together what may have been the finest season of his career, matching his career high with 86 points, racking up 194 hits and blocking 123 shots. He lead the league in assists and finished 4th in VHL scoring, easily tops among defensemen. He became the first player in 30 seasons to capture three Labatte Trophies, also earning a third-straight All-VHL First Team selection, the second Valiq Trophy of his career, and his first Brett Slobodzian Trophy as the league's Most Outstanding Player. And this year, that success would finally translate into the post-season. The Menace made quick work of Prague in the first round and Riga in the second, marching to the finals on an 8-1 record. They fell behind 1-0 and 2-1 in the Continental Cup Finals, before winning three straight to win the series in 6. Werbenjagermanjensen was finally a Continental Cup Champion. He finished tied for the playoff lead in scoring with 21 points in 15 games, and lead the post-season with his +14 rating.

S71 (VHL - Moscow)
72 GP | 6 G - 51 A - 57 P | +5 | 126 PIM | 155 HIT | 140 SB
Playoffs: 15 GP | 2 G - 15 A - 17 P | +2 | 34 PIM | 31 HIT | 27 SB

Expectations were high for the defending champs in S71, but the Menace were not the dominant force they were a year prior, and some of the core was getting older, including Werbenjagermanjensen, whose offensive prodution dipped to 57 points. For the first time since S67, there were no new additions to the trophy case. But the Menace did finish atop a weak European Conference with a 37-27-8 record, and they began to flex their experience in the post-season. The Menace swept Malmo in the opening round and beat Riga in six games to advance to their second straight Continental Cup finals. However, the Seattle Bears proved to be too much, capturing the cup in a five-game series. It was still a strong post-season for Smitty, piling up 17 points in 15 games to go along with 31 hits and 27 blocked shots, but a repeat was not in the cards.

S72 (VHL - Calgary)
72 GP | 13 G - 50 A - 63 P | +21 | 103 PIM | 115 HIT | 135 SB
Playoffs: 19 GP | 0 G - 10 A - 10 P | -1 | 28 PIM | 38 HIT | 40 SB

After not being re-signed by Moscow, Smitty tested Free Agency ahead of Free Agency, where he ended up with the Vancouver Wolves after considering offers from Toronto and Prague. The Wolves had the best record in the league in S71 and seemed poised to make another playoff run. After a slow start, however, the Wolves made an unexpected decision to enter a rebuild, starting with the trade of future Hall of Famer Julius Freeman to New York. The move caused some friction between Smitty and his new team after signing there expecting to contend, and he found himself traded to the Calgary Wranglers ahead of the trade deadline. Werbenjagermanjensen finished the season with a solid 63 points in 72 games, though his post-season production dipped to 10 points in 21 games (he did post strong defensive numbers with 38 hits and 40 blocked shots). In the playoffs, the Wranglers played tight seven-game series' against Toronto and then New York en route to the finals, but after winning game one against Riga, they lost the next four games, and the legendary career of Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen came to a close.

 

Career Stats
576 GP | 119 G - 414 A - 533 P | + 153 | 1021 PIM | 1471 HIT | 1032 SB
Playoffs: 76 GP | 9 G - 55 A - 64 P | +14 | 132 PIM | 146 HIT | 138 SB

Although Werbenjagermanjensen retired falling short of capturing a second Continental Cup in S72, he retired a certain Hall of Famer, with career totals of 119 goals, 414 assists, and 533 points in 576 games. He was a positive +/- player in all but his rookie season (he was -1 that year), threw 1471 hits and blocked 1032 shots during his illustrious career, and he lined his trophy case with tons of year-end hardware. He may have been picked #2 in the S65 draft, but we all know that Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen was number one - and a well deserved first-ballot inductee into the VHL Hall of Fame.

Marauders In Crucial Stretch For Playoff Push

At season's halfway point, time for moral victories has passed

 

The Miami Marauders are currently sitting 11 points back of the Philadelphia Reapers for the final playoff spot in the VHLM Eastern Conference, a significant gap to make up as we cross the halfway point of the season, but the team feels it has been playing better lately and is hoping their play starts to translate into wins soon. They've played a few close, one-goal games against top VHLM teams in Saskatoon and Mississauga as of late, but have not quite been able to seal the deal.

 

Currently in the midst of a 14-game stretch where they manage to avoid the top half of the VHLM, it's now or never for the Marauders if they are going to make a playoff push. The team has recently seen an influx of new talent, having added Addison McLaren, Sheldon Juniper, Wooshi Cat, Cabe McJake, and Mie Dickinson in the last week.

 

"It's definitely a good group of new players and so far we are excited about the direction of the team, about making a playoff push and putting into the work to improve. I've enjoyed the locker room atmosphere so far and the other new guys coming in are making an impression too, so I think we're going in the right direction," says McLaren.

 

For his part, McLaren has 2 goals and 5 points so far, to go along with 16 PIM through 10 games. His trademark physicality has come with him too, as he's dished out 37 hits. "There's a bit of a transition period any time you get into a new league, for sure, and I would say my offense hasn't quite been where I want it to be, but I think I've been able to contribute to the team in other ways and hopefully the offense will come."

2 hours ago, Ricer13 said:

Press Conference questions for week end Oct 11 2020

 

1. It’s been a crazy few days with the vhl recruitment drive, how do you feel about all the new additions to the team?

2. How much TPE do you plan to earn each week? Give me a quick breakdown.

3. Miami sits 11 points back of 8th place with half a season to go. Can they make up ground and push for that 8th spot?

4. Do you think Miami should make any moves before the trade deadline?

 

Get to know ya questions:

 

5. We have a ton of new faces and I love to know where everyone’s allegiances lie when it comes to the NHL. Who is your favourite hockey team?

 

6. Piggy backing off the last question which team or teams in the NHL do you despise?

 

1. It's been crazy how many new players have signed up for the VHL are are looking for a VHLM team. Cabe McJake has been putting in some good work and we've seen a few other new players around the locker room which is great to see! I think we've got some good new players that can definitely help the playoff push here.

 

2. I plan to do everything I can. I'll be at practice every week and putting in the maximum amount of work I can to earn TPE (hit the 12 cap every week). I'm looking for other opportunities to earn TPE where I can too.

 

3. It's going to be tough but we're in a good spot in our schedule right now, we have some good new additions, and I'm committed to putting in the work and doing what I can to get us there. Hopefully we can go on a bit of a run.

 

4. I don't think we need to. We have a group where we can try to make a playoff push and it wouldn't make sense to sacrifice futures for an addition as competing with the elite VHLM teams is unrealistic this year, but I think keeping the group we have in place to give us a chance to fight for the playoff spot is good.

 

5. I'm a Jets fan. When the Jets left Winnipeg I became a Canucks fan because the Moose had sent so many players up there and they were doing really well, so I still have a bit of a soft spot for them when the Jets are out.

 

6. Chicago. I don't much like Toronto, Boston, LA, or Vegas either, but despise? The team I hate with an absolute passion is Chicago.

This seems like the kind of thing I'd enjoy doing, can I take Smitty?

McLaren Makes Decision, Signs With Marauders

VHLM prospect joined new team late last night, expected to make debut today

 

For the first time in his hockey career, Addison McLaren is leaving the state of Minnesota to play.

 

The Minnesota Storm were one of several VHLM teams who expressed interest in signing the 19-year-old winger, and given McLaren stayed in-state to play high school hockey instead of going the USHL or USNTDP route earlier in his career, and then committed to play college hockey with the Golden Gophers, it was widely expected that they would be his landing spot.

 

McLaren, however, has opted to spend the next season of his career in Florida, signing with the Miami Marauders.

 

"It was not an easy decision for me - there was a lot of interest from VHLM teams and they all made good pitches and they all would've made great homes for the rest of S74, I think," says McLaren. "And it was especially tough for me to choose to leave Minnesota - this is my home."

 

"This is a chance to spend a little more than half a season learning the ropes of the VHL system and to me that was the priority ahead of jumping into a situation where I'd get a lot of ice time or jumping onto a top team in the middle of a season. And I really appreciated the interest and helpfulness shown by Miami and also the experience in the organization."

 

Spending four years at Eden Prairie High School, McLaren established himself as a notable prospect in the hockey world by compiling 71 goals and 40 assists for 111 points in 74 games, though he also picked up 199 penalty minutes. He missed significant time as a sophomore with an ACL injury suffered with the football team, before returning and dedicating himself exclusively to hockey. After returning, McLaren thrived in his junior and senior years to become one of the best high school hockey players in the country.

 

But questions about his size, durability, and the fact that he hadn't played at any level above high school nagged scouts, preventing him from becoming a true marquee prospect. When he turned some heads late in his first season with the Golden Gophers, though, the VHL came calling. Although still a bit of an unknown in VHL circles, McLaren's work ethic early on has impressed teams - including the GM of his new squad. "What I like about McLaren so far is that he doesn't seem to be afraid of hard work," Marauders GM Ricer told media when discussing the signing. "Even before joining a VHLM team he had already been training to improve his player. Who wouldn't want someone like that on their roster?"

 

26 games into S74, the Marauders are 8-18-0 and sit ten points out of the playoffs. There is some hope, however, that they can battle up into a playoff spot as the year goes on lead by S74's 30th overall pick, defenseman Eoin Byrne, and potential top S75 prospects, goaltender Rara Rasputin and defenseman Chicken Wing (ranked 17th and 13th, respectively, in the most recently-published VHCS rankings).

 

McLaren will join a forward group that has some potential, though perhaps not any standouts like those three - but if he can acclimatize quickly to the VHLM, he could provide a spark that helps the Marauders go on a bit of a run as the season goes on. "McLaren is going to fill a role on the wing here in Miami, a position we are lacking in depth. He's going to get every chance to succeed and I am hoping that the energy he puts into training will run off on some of his other teammates," says Ricer.

 

McLaren is expected to make his debut with the Marauders later today. "I'm really looking forward to getting down to Florida and getting to work," said McLaren. "Playing professional hockey is my dream, to be one step closer now, it's amazing. I'm so excited to meet my teammates, to get into some games, and hopefully to help this team move up in the standings."

 

 

 

664 words, claiming this week only

On 9/28/2020 at 6:55 PM, Ricer13 said:

Press Conferences week ending October 4th 2020

 

1. Miami just had its toughest stretch of games of the season playing against many of the top teams. Do you think they will make the playoffs?
2. What can GM Ricer do to improve Miami's team this season while also setting the team up for the future?
3. Which VHLM team logo do you like the best and why?
4. Blob was just traded away to Mississauga so Miami could replenish their draft picks. Was this a good move?

Get to know ya questions

5. What is your favorite game day meal?
6. Which holiday is your favorite holiday of the year?

 

1) I think there is a bit of a gap in the standings that we'll have to make up so making the playoffs will definitely be a challenge. But as a new player coming in I'm determined to do my best to provide a spark and hoping we can put together a solid rest of the season and sneak in!

 

2) In my short time here I think the GM is doing a great job. I was impressed with the team's pitch and helpfulness, which was a big factor in my decision to sign here. I think he's just got to keep doing what he's doing and the team has a bright future!

 

3) I love the Marauders' logo. I'm a fan of the Aces and Reapers as well, but I think ours is awesome. I don't really know why - just think it looks pretty cool.

 

4) Blob is a solid VHLM defenseman but it is obvious that Miami needs to focus on the future ahead of the current season, so it's definitely a move that makes sense for the team.

 

5) For me, nothing beats chicken parmesan on game day.

 

6) Little cliché but I have to go with Christmas here.

6 hours ago, Banackock said:

@tcookie25

 

1. How is your player doing so far this season?

 

2. What kind of player are you trying to become? Sniper, playmaker, defensive... why?

 

3. If you had to compare your player to someone in the NHL, who would you choose?

 

4. How are you finding the league so far? What are some things you like? Is there anything you dislike or don’t care for?

 

5. Any VHL teams jump out at you that you would like to play for? 
 

BEST OF LUCK!!  

 

Thank you!

 

1) I've just signed with Miami so I haven't played yet, but I'm excited to play in my first games! Hopefully I can provide a spark to help them move up the standings a bit.

 

2) I'm a small but hyper-competitive player, love to score goals, not afraid of the dirty areas or to stand up for teammates. A fast, physical, goal scoring forward who won't back down.

 

3) I think I share a lot of strengths and weaknesses with a player like Evander Kane, as far as current NHLers go. I try to model my game after Theoren Fleury, who really blazed a trail for players around my size, so if we're going all time NHLers, that would be my comparison.

 

4) There's a lot to learn so I've been reading up a lot on how things work, reading some build guides, some stuff on what the ratings do, how to earn max TPE. Honestly, everything looks really good so far. The integration with the site is awesome, people seem eager to help, the amount of history available is really cool. I'm definitely looking forward to it.

 

5) I'm drawn to the history of some of the original teams, and if I had to say anything right now, maybe the Toronto Legion or Riga Reign. But truth be told, I'd be happy with wherever I'm drafted and will look forward to helping whatever team that may be become a winner.

On 9/28/2020 at 6:49 PM, Ricer13 said:

 

Welcome to the VHL @tcookie25!

I am the GM of the Miami Marauders and like many of these other GM's I am here to offer you a contract. We have a winger position open in our top 6 and we would love to have you fill that role. You would be getting the opportunity to get lots of ice time during your first season while also learning to the ropes of the league in an LR that has many knowledgeable players and alumni. We are currently just sitting outside of a playoff position but with your help I think the playoffs are definitely a possibility! 

I hope you consider all your options and if Miami is the place that you would love to start your career then quote this offer and "accept" and we will get you into the locker room and on to the roster right away. Also if you have any questions please do not hesitate to DM me. Good luck in your VHL journey, we hope to see you out on the ice!

Ricer13
Miami Marauders GM

 

accept

Thanks everyone for all the interest in signing my player. I did consider the offers from everyone here and looked into every team.

 

Ultimately I narrowed it down to three... Mississauga, Minnesota, and Miami... and I have decided to sign with Miami. Looking forward to getting into my first games!

It was nothing more than a footnote in sports news yesterday night when 19-year-old Addison McLaren announced on his social media accounts an intention to leave the University of Minnesota and join a VHLM team in preparation for the VHL Entry Draft, but our scouts think this player could be a sneakily good addition and late riser in the S75 draft class.

 

Born in Minneapolis, McLaren was a two-sport athlete until high school - an active, athletic kid that fell in love at an early age with both hockey and football. His natural talent and athleticism was apparent early on, but unfortunately, genetics were not on his side. McLaren was always very small - even today he's just 5'7, 155 - small for a hockey player, and even smaller for a football player.

 

McLaren went to Eden Prairie High School to play both hockey and football, but didn't make the football team as a freshman. He enjoyed a third-line role on the hockey team and established a reputation as a good skater, talented goal-scorer, and hard-working feisty forward. He played much bigger than his size, but this occasionally lead to injury issues, and he also developed a reputation for nasty stickwork as he struggled to defend himself against much bigger competition. He played in 24 games, scoring 8 goals and 14 points, but also compiling 71 penalty minutes.

 

As a sophomore, McLaren did make the Eden Prairie football team as a wide receiver. His dazzling speed and good hands made him a dangerous weapon on both offense and special teams. Four games into his high school football career, it looked like that may be his sport after all. McLaren had touchdowns of 40+ yards in each of his first four games; one receiving, one rushing, and two on kick returns. On the opening kickoff of his fifth game, McLaren was hit low on his way out of bounds after a 47-yard return and felt his knee pop. It was a catastrophic injury that kept him out the remainder of football season, and also the vast majority of the hockey season. Working hard to rehab his injury, McLaren managed to get back into game shape for the last two weeks of the hockey season, and he opted to end his football career there and focus on hockey for his final two years of high school. He got back in time to play in 4 games, scoring 3 goals.

 

Finally, it was his turn to catch a break, and when Eden Prairie's senior left winger was injured early in the 2017-18 season, McLaren was bumped up to the top line, where he immediately exploded. In the season's final 14 games, he scored 21 goals and 30 points, ending the year with totals of 25 goals, 39 points, and 62 PIM in 21 games. Then, in his senior year, McLaren was a finalist for Minnesota High School Player of the Year, while earning attention from many high-ranking NCAA programs and leading Eden Prairie to a State Championship. He lead the state with 35 goals and finished with 55 points in 25 games.

 

McLaren takes the puck to the net playing for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.

 

McLaren committed to the University of Minnesota after graduating. After starting with a small role and producing 5 goals and 8 points in his first 20 games, McLaren worked his way into a second-line role late in the season and doubled his production, with 6 more goals and 8 more points, in the final 11. Poised to move into a full-time top-six role for the 2020-21 season, McLaren started hearing the whispers of interest from the Victory Hockey League. Shortly thereafter, he announced that it was his intention to pursue a VHL career.

 

McLaren's strengths are obvious when you watch him play: he's athletically gifted and a good skater who possesses a lethal wrist shot and loves to use it. He's physical, feisty for his size and will not hesitate to stick up for his teammates. He's also a surprisingly good two-way player for his size. He has a high hockey IQ and knows how to get to scoring areas and find open space.

 

On the downside, McLaren can sometimes get tunnel vision and not use his linemates as well as he should. He has a bit of a reputation for dirty stickwork and crossing the line with his physical play, and tends to rack up high penalty minute totals, and while he is more than willing to engage in the physical side of the game, he can be muscled off the puck easily by bigger, stronger defenders. He has battled nagging injuries during his career, though he hasn't had any serious ones since tearing his ACL playing football in high school.

 

According to reports, McLaren has already been reached out to by several VHLM teams, and he plans to carefully consider his options and make a decision in the coming days.

Well, it seems player press conferences aren't super popular with how easy it is to answer 6 questions in the team threads and what not... but wanted to give people a chance to ask some questions to get to know Addison McLaren as a player/prospect. We'll see how this goes and I'll do the team one once I choose a team if I have to..

19-year-old left winger Addison McLaren, a promising sophomore for the University of Minnesota, announced today that he is opting to leave the team and turn professional, declaring for the VHL Entry Draft. He is now eligible to speak with VHLM teams to find a home for the remainder of S74 in preparation for the draft.

 

McLaren had 11 goals and 16 points in 31 games in his rookie campaign, starting as a fourth liner but moving into the team's top-six as the season went on. Half of his production - 6 goals and 8 points - came in the team's final 11 games.

 

He was expected to be a key player for the Golden Gophers this year before rumours of VHL interest picked up and encouraged him to consider turning pro. Despite being just 5'7" and 155 pounds, McLaren is known to be a feisty, physical winger with an above average shot and knack for scoring goals.

 

"I feel like this is the right decision for my hockey career at this time," McLaren said in a statement on his social media accounts. "This is a big step and a new beginning, and I'm looking for a place to start my VHL career where I will have a strong support group to help get used to everything."

Player Information

Username: tcookie25

Player Name: Addison McLaren

Recruited From: Reddit

Age: 19

Position: LW

Height: 67 in.

Weight: 155 lbs.

Birthplace: United States of America

Player Page

@VHLM GM