youloser1337

In my opinion he was a steal in the VHLM draft. I hope that his success translates well in the VHL too!

1. I think we are doing very well as a team this season! 2. It's gotta be my line mate John Callahan Jr. That guy is a beast. 3. At the start of the season I wasn't. Obviously the move to the 2nd line was a great move and really boosted my performance and can be happy again. 4. Heck yeah! Let's keep the ball rolling! 5. As a former player for the Reapers, I will say they have a great team over there. I think we have the edge though. 6. I think I would take us to a local spot in my hometown. It's an Italian cuisine restaurant so you know it's good.

After being sent down to the second line for the Mexico City Kings, we got a statement from Justin Lose. This was a few hours after the news hit the media. "Obviously being sent down to the second line after starting the season on the first line is tough on you mentally. I was told that I wasn't producing as they hoped and they wanted to do something new. Luckily my new line mate is John Callahan Jr who I played with on the Philadelphia Reapers. Hopefully this revived chemistry will prove to the Kings organization that I do belong here and also to the Riga Reign that they didn't waste a draft pick on me. There is a lot of pressure for me to produce, but I have a feeling that things will work out in due time." At the time of this recording, Lose has found his groove again and is now a point a game pace with 5 goals - 9 assists for 14 points in 14 games. This has created a spark for Lose and I think the gamble payed off for the Kings.

Transaction ID: 20434568126973438 Doubles Week: Week of 11/22 5 Uncapped TPE: Week of 11/22 $1m for Player Store: Week of 11/22

Can I make a suggestion? Can you just space the links out at least?

G - Jaxx Hextall @Mr_Hatter

@DoktorFunk ?

F - Owen Nolan @DoktorFunk Sorry I was asleep.

D - Guy Sasakamoose @Mr_Hatter

F - Ola Vikingstad @DoktorFunk

Review: I love the simplistic design. It looks very clean. I love the colors and the font you used. The logo replacement is really well done too. Bonus for the replacement on the helmet. Overall I think this looks great! As a former teammate on the Reapers with Grapes, I'm glad he got drafted. Can't wait to see him play. Rating 10/10.

Review: I think the lettering and the logo replacement was great. My only concern is the background and the player resolution. It seems a bit grainy in some areas to me. I don't know if that was intentional or not. Overall it's a great graphic! Nice job. 8/10.

D - Roque Davis @Mr_Hatter

The draft is behind us and the season is up next. Justin Lose was drafted in both the VHLM draft and the VHL draft. At this time, Justin Lose has decided to commit to the VHLM and spend the whole season with the Mexico City Kings. It was not an easy decision though. Lose talks more in depth about this decision in his article here: [Article]. It was a crazy 3 days last week with both drafts and the first (non-waiver) contract for Lose being signed. - He got drafted by the Mexico City Kings in the second round. - He got drafted by the Riga Reign in the second round. - He signed a 3 season contract with Riga worth $5.5 Million. Things are moving rather quickly for this rookie. We wanted to get a quick statement on what was going through his head during this crazy time. First we talked about both drafts: "Oh man the VHLM draft was crazy. Hearing my name be called in the second round is a dream come true. The best part? I did it all over the next day at the VHL draft. Hearing my name again in the second round just pushed me over the moon. I couldn't believe it. I've worked so hard and I felt that it finally payed off. I feel the need to prove myself to Riga and Mexico City now." - Justin Lose After that discussion the time came to contract negotiations: "The contract negotiation was straight forward. I was approached by Riga to sign a 3 season deal. I felt the terms were good and we agreed. Obviously with my first contract I didn't want to mess with anything or get on the bad side with Riga. In the future I hope it's easy like this. Signing the contract was incredible though. I finally made it to the VHL. I can finally say I proved all of my doubters wrong!"- JL We also went over how his offseason was going: "My offseason is going great! I feel great and ready to go for the season. We just wrapped up training camp in Riga and I feel as motivated as ever. I'm only getting stronger from here. I've worked on a lot during the offseason too. I worked with the Reapers before the draft to get some training in and after the draft I finally got to meet the Kings staff. They were super helpful and laid out a nice plan for me for this offseason. In a different angle, they also helped me with the media too. They have a great speech coach that worked with me to improve my confidence in interviews and press conferences. Right now I feel comfortable instead of dreading every word! As the offseason draws to a close my decision had to be made about the VHL. Obviously the goal was VHL, but that will have to wait and I'm putting 1000% with the Mexico City Kings." - JL Lose will play with his VHLM squad, the Mexico City Kings, for the full season. We are unsure where in the lines he will be, but we are sure he will make a huge impact in his first season after being drafted. Be sure to catch him live this season in Mexico City!

After being drafted in the second round in the VHL draft by the Riga Reign, Justin Lose had to make a decision. In a press release by his agent he has committed to the Mexico City Kings for the full VHLM season. "Obviously you want to play in the VHL as soon as you can. I don't want to rush into it though. I think Riga is in a good spot and I don't think they need my services right now. The winger depth chart is a crowded spot too. I'm hoping that there is a spot for me when I'm ready. If I want to stand out in the VHL I have to improve to an elite level. Right now I don't feel confident. This is something I will work on with the training staff with the Kings. This is what the VHLM was built for. I hope the GM of Riga understands my decision. Next season looks great for Riga. I can't wait to see how far we have grown. Right now my sights are set on making playoffs with the Kings. I wish all of my future teammates good luck this season in Riga. I can't wait to start the season!" - Justin Lose The second rounder is on pace to be ineligible to play in the VHLM next season. Lose hopes by then he will have a permanent home with Riga. He also spoke about the winger depth on Riga. Right now this is a concern for Lose. In the RW chart alone he is 4th best player and considering all winger positions he is 10th. In the fast pace VHL level, will there ever be a need for Justin Lose on Riga? Only time will tell.

F - Benny Graves @DoktorFunk you're up

1. I'm pumped. I can't wait to finally do some damage in the league. 2. I want to be a good team player but also a reliable goal scorer. 3. I think we have a shot at being the top team in the league. 4. I've been working with some of the Reapers since I was on their team last season. 5. I don't really watch tv. When I was younger I used to watch a lot of MythBusters though. 6. Easy choice. Taumatawhakatangi­hangakoauauotamatea­turipukakapikimaunga­horonukupokaiwhen­uakitanatahu in New Zealand. (Imagine the commentary for that)

The rant is just amazing. I feel like now you have to prove to the other GMs that you were the right choice. The TPE you are earning is great. I'm sure if you keep up the Capped earning you will get to 250. I wouldn't say this was informative, more comedy / rant. I feel like the steals could be an article on its own. Congrats on getting drafted by the way. Overall I'd say this is a 9/10 rating. Keep up that fire in your future articles too!

As much as I think this is a great idea, I think this influx of new players will not hold up enough to sustain more teams. I'm also a first generation player and I think players will lose interest or forget about the league. I love your analysis though. Very clean and concise. I'm also surprised that Boston wasn't a team in the VHL. Boston vs New York is such a classic rivalry that it could work in the VHL. I'd give this a solid 10/10 rating. Good job!

Last night was one of the most exciting nights in the league with the VHLM draft. The future of the VHL looks bright with over 12 rounds of players being taken! We caught up with the newest player of the Mexico City Kings, Justin Lose! Interviewer: Thanks for doing this Justin. I know you are busy getting ready for the VHL draft tonight too. Lose: No problem. I'm just so excited and can't wait for next season to start. The best part? All the excitement about the VHLM draft is now doubled with the VHL draft! I'm still getting interviews and getting ready for the big night. I'm glad you came though. I really want to share my thoughts. I: Excellent! After that first round did you feel like you were dropping in stock? L: Honestly I knew I wasn't going in the first round. Defensemen was the name of the game this draft and there were exceptional defensemen in the first round. The talent was so deep this year though! I: When it came time for the second round, did you have a feeling you were getting picked? L: Nope. I was talking with my friends from the Reapers and I kept saying I was a 3rd or maybe even 4th round pick. There was so much talent that I felt out of place. I: So when your name was called by the Mexico City Kings, that must have been a surprise. L: It was! As soon as my name was called I got a message from the AGM of the Kings welcoming me and putting me in the group chat with the other Kings. It was surreal. I: What was the reaction in the Reaper locker room? L: Obviously they were all excited. DMaximus even reached out to me congratulating me and wishing me luck in the future. He is a real class act. I didn't expect it and I felt honored to play for Philly. I: I see here you took out a small ad thanking the Reaper organization? [Link: L: Yes. I felt the need to since I got that message from DM. I wanted to personally thank everyone who helped me get to where I am now. I: Your line mate John Callahan Jr got drafted by the Kings as well. Did you hear from him at all? L: I was super pumped when his name was called. He immediately texted me and we got on a plane together from Philly to Mexico. It feels amazing to get a friend in this new home. I: Let's shift gears for tonight. Where do you see yourself going to? L: Oh man this is a tough one. I've been contacted by so many GMs in the VHL. I'm nervous about where I end up but I feel like I will be welcomed anywhere. I don't have any preferences. I just want to hear my name called. I: I'm sure that will happen. It looks like we are out of time. I believe you need to get ready for the draft tonight! L: You wouldn't believe how much prep I need to do still. Thank you so much for the interview. I look forward to tonight and hopefully we get another chance to talk after the draft! There you have it. A young prospect eager to get to hear his name called tonight isn't even ready! We will give him a break and let him get ready. Tonight is the main event though! Tune in at 8pm EST for the VHL Draft!

I'm writing this after being drafted to the Mexico City Kings in the second round. Even though I was drafted out of Philly I just wanted to say a brief thank you and a farewell before I go on the plane to Mexico. Side note, is it weird that a waiver pickup halfway through the season is making a thank you letter? Thank you to everyone in the Reaper organization. You all helped me a bunch to get to where I am now. Getting drafted in the second round wouldn't have been possible without your help. Thank you to the GM, DMaximus, for making that initial offer when I first joined the league. You were the only one to believe in me at the start and helping me with every question I had. Of course I have say thank you to my teammates who boosted my stats (kidding). I'm sorry we couldn't make the playoffs this season. You guys look great for next season! I'll try not to score against you guys. Lastly I wanted to thank the fans in Philly. Every single one cheering us on during the push to the playoffs really helped. You guys are amazing and I can't wait to come back during the regular season next season! Forever a Reaper, Justin Lose

1. I feel like we have a great shot at the cup! Our team is solid. Glad to be drafted by Mexico City. 2. My former team the Reapers really drafted well with a great core. I'd watch out for them. 3. Yes of course. I was patiently waiting for my name to be called. I'd say the biggest steal of the draft has to be Mexico City by selecting me. I feel like I have a lot to prove now. 4. Just need to build chemistry so that we can come out swinging at the start of the season. 5. Luckily I've been keeping in shape. I'm going to be doing some high intensity training closer to camp though. 6. I feel like I've had a great offseason. I grew a lot, improved my skating and puck handling. I feel great and ready to go!

This past season was my very first season in the VHLM. I was a waiver pickup after leaving juniors for better competition. This was my first pro level hockey and I'm surprised how well I did. From being contacted by the Reapers to being put on the second line. It has been a magical season. Of course the real work starts this weekend with the draft. I will get my first stable home and try to prove why I deserve to be in the VHL. I want to reflect on this season though. In only 34 games I definitely learned a lot. I want to talk about 3 takeaways from my first season. Rough transitions Number one has to be the fact that transitioning from juniors to VHLM isn't going to be easy. I was held off the score sheet for multiple games when I first joined. Being placed on the 2nd line is always a great achievement but you have to earn it. Once I found my groove I felt like I belonged here. That transition was a learning experience though. Defense Defense Defense Only being a +/- 1 is not great. I want to keep the puck out of my net more than scoring. If you want to win games you have to have a solid +/- in my opinion. To add onto this would be staying out of the box. Just staying level headed will decrease the amount of time in the penalty box. 20 pims in 34 games is not okay. This is a team game For my final takeaway, I need to realize this is a team game. Individual stats are great, but being a great teammate and having chemistry is what really matters. 19 points in 34 games is okay but the Reapers failed to make the playoffs by 3 points. Somehow I feel like I should have done more to get there. I know it's not okay to put all the stress on myself. We work as a team and go down as a team. Hopefully next season I will realize that. Those are some of my takeaways from the past season. I'd love to hear some of your thoughts on how you did or what your takeaways are. I'm super pumped for the draft, it is a nice clean start for me. I can't wait to finally hear my name called. At least I hope my name is called. Would be embarrassing to say hearing my name be called and then it doesn't...

I'll give it a go

With all the hype around this upcoming VHLM dispersal draft, I thought it would be great to share my experience and what I'm doing to prepare for it. Of course everyone has their own story to tell but I want to show you my struggles and accomplishments to help players who need some motivation. Training: With the offseason comes a lot of practice and workouts. This offseason I want to improve many things to be the best player I can be and possibly be upgraded to the first line next season. Obviously if I want top ice time I have to earn it. When I'm not at home watching the VHLM / VHL I'm at the gym. I have a strict diet too to keep in shape for the camp before the season starts. I don't want to make any wrong impressions. Interviews: I'll be honest, I'm a bit shy. I wasn't the popular one in school and I struggled in the first few games to communicate with my team. So when I have to push all of that aside and impress scouts or GMs... its a big deal. I've been working with a therapist and a interpersonal coach to guide me to smooth interviews. I needed that since I've bombed interviews for jobs in the past and if you want to make it to the VHLM or VHL you have to have perfect interviews. Relaxing: I can't have hockey on my mind 24/7. I need a break from time to time. I love video games and listening to audio books. I'm a big science fiction, dystopian future reader. Sometimes the best day is just relaxing playing a single player game on my computer while listening to a book or podcast or watching a video. I also enjoy bowling too. I bowl competitively when I get the chance. It's a great way to stay in shape and get some social time in with leagues. I recommend finding a sport where you can just relax and drink a beer with friends. Mental Health: In interviews I talked about getting coached by my therapist. When I was younger and bullied a lot it depressed me. I was broken and needed someone or something to help. My parents got me to go to therapy and I've been going ever since. Hockey is a mental game too. Some nights are great and really improve your mental health while some are bad and really get you down. Breathing exercises or meditations are key in those down points for me. Missing the playoffs really broke me mentally. I even refused interviews after the locker cleanout because I wasn't mentally ready. Talking to my therapist really brought me back up and got me to the point where I was comfortable to talk again. Just venting to someone for an hour is great. I think everyone should have a talk to a therapist at some point in their life. An example of meditating before a big game. I hope that you gained something from this. The draft day is coming and everyone is excited. This draft class is huge! I can't wait to be drafted and playing along side some great players. I hope to see you out on the ice. If you ever see me on the street, don't be shy to say hi! - Justin Lose