Dom

Captain of the Vancouver Wolves
After a season where Vancouver Wolves decided not to name a single captain but ran with a rotating system of alternate Captains instead; Vancouver is set to name a new leadership group as the team looks to make the playoff again this season.
“We have a young core of players that have joined the roster this season and we felt that it would be hugely beneficial to the younger players to have a veteran presence and leadership group this season.” Stated AGM Gaikoku-hito.
“The Team voted and we have a clear direction that as team that we agree will provide a solid group for the younger players to learn from. And no, It isn`t like a Survivor voting!!” continued Gaikoku-hito.
“So, without delaying this announcement any further here are our Captains for S93!!”
 
 
Assistant Captains:


 
 
 
 
Captain:


 
Congrats to our New Leadership group!!

@Frank@RileyL@JetsGoalie101@Smarch@Scurvy@Dom@Girts@okochastar@Cwalker@Minebro@Tipskid97@Subject056@wcats@KaleebtheMighty@Gaikoku-hito

Credits to @Dom for putting me on to this song!
 
Don't look (away) now, but Moscow is enjoying a strong start to the season. Depth has been the key to success this season, as 7 players are at or over a PPG pace (rip Leif Reingaard 1 point shy). The Menace sit 4th in GF and 4th in GA as well which is really nice to see, both sides of the ice are playing as top 5 units in the league. I'm not sure if Moscow can still be called a "young" team considering how many players are off their ELCs now, but with the amount of TPA still yet to be added to builds before the depreciation begins to loom, I think there's still a fair amount of growth to be seen in the future. Adding Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard has given us an immediate injection of physicality that Moscow had been lacking behind Jarmo Ruutu @jRuutu, and the team is starting to feel more like the older Moscow teams I ran in the S80's - dominant centers and strong defensemen with excellent complimentary wingers. The main area for improvement seems to be special teams, where Moscow ranks dead last in PK% and 6th in PP%. Will definitely be an area to focus on and try to improve on for the future.
 
Overall EU thoughts - WAR and PRG surprising with strong starts, most expected WAR to replicate their middling performance from last season considering they basically tried the same approach. Lachlan Summers definitely putting in work as usual. Prague running a 5-3-1 pulling an LA from a few seasons ago, curious to see how long that lasts. LDN/MAL/HSK all underperforming by a bit, but EU is always competitive so things can change at a moment's notice. HSK is especially concerning due to depth, running 4 forwards at/under 600 TPA. Curious to see if they take advantage of the seller's market depending on how sims go over the next week or so. They've got some fantastic assets that should both fetch a good price, and be eagerly snapped up.
 
League wide news is a bit lacking, not too much change appears to be on the horizon. Goalie changes were the main topic in the past and results are going to be re-evaluated at the end of the season. Frankly I think scoring went up but goalies are simming even better than before, which is pretty opposite of how our admittedly limited test sims went. With a large class of goalies facing retirement soon, it might be an opportune time to revisit adjusting the goalie update scale. I feel like goalies can hit around 1.1k TPA and max out their core attributes and get secondaries in a really good spot and just bank, which is pretty counter to how skaters operate right now. 1.1k TPA seems like the threshold for a superstar, with 1.2/1.3k being a true max earner's peak.
 
What else should be discussed in the BoG? Feel like we haven't opened up any channels for suggestions recently. Willing to take stuff into the back rooms if anyone has suggestions!

1. It really felt longer than usual, probably because I found the 2 seasons before VHL too long.
2. Not really to be honest
3. I just want to be a solid dman for the team
4. I forgot to vote 😛
5. No vote, no curse!
6. I haven't looked much at the awards for last season but as long as she wear the wolves jersey I'll cheer for her to get it again

The season has begun, and Vancouver’s young rookie Logan Ninefingers has struggled to say the least. In six games the powerful youngster has only tallied two goals and is a -5 as the young team tries to battle nightly.  
 
So what is the problem?  We caught up with Logan and here is what he had to say. 
 
Reporter: “Hey Logan.  It’s been a tough start to the season for you and the Vancouver Wolves thus far.  What do you think is the problem.” 
 
Logan: “Well for me it’s just nerves, I think.  I am playing against tougher talent and maybe I am gripping the stick just too tight right now.  I need to be better defensively first and let the offense come.  As for the team, I think its just a matter of playing with each other a bit and figuring out what works.   Were a young team and nobody really has played together yet.”  
 
Reporter: “How do you think the rest of the season plays out for you?  Its early and there is so much talent on this club, do you think you can turn it around in Vancouver?”
 
Logan: “Well… I think there is so much talent on this club that we will for sure turn it around.  Riley @Smarch, Guntis @Girts, and VVC @Dom are so damn good, added to the veteran talent on this club it will click, and we will be a menace for any team we play against.
 
Reporter: “Thank you Logan and best of luck this season.”
 
Logan: “Thank you.  And a huge shoutout to the fans in Vancouver for being patient.  We promise you better as we earn and learn to play together.  We all want to hoist a Cup at some point here.  Go Wolves!” 
 
 

I have left team USA to come to Europe after ending their reign last season so lets try and go for Gold once again! With this stacked team we should be solid and have a great chance.
 
Forwards
Adi Dassler @BOOM
Kimi Raikkonen @mattyIceman
Jussi Jokinenegg @HearnNation67
Nico Belique @Syzygy
Stefan Nikolaev @Is_thatok
Tom Dufour @Cookie
Dan jr @Danzo
Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica
Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn
 
Defensemen
Karol Lamb @dlamb
Vlad Von Carstein @Dom
Guntis Gavilrovs @Girts
kodie Curran @Battlepopcorn
 
Goalies
Giorgiy Costanzov @Mongoose87
Amir Redzic @Slav_Sloth
 
Assistant Manager
@Banackock
 
Players and Fans of Europe come join us in the fun and exciting atmosphere.

https://discord.gg/2PMa7cyNnz
 
Players please ping me (@mysterious_fish) when you join the server so I can give you the role!
 
Europe for Gold
 

The VHL Draft has come and gone

Many young hockey players have found out where their future home in the VHL will be and now can see what their future may hold. But these players still don't know where they'll be in the present, the VHLE draft takes place tomorrow and we wonder just how much will it's draft order look like the VHL draft. We were able to catch up to Annie Oaks who was selected 4th overall at the VHL draft by Vancouver and we were able to ask a few questions.
 
1. You were selected 4th overall by the Wolves how do you feel about this, and were you expecting it?
 
"I'm elated to be going to Vancouver, I played there in my youth and know how great of a city it is to play hockey in. I had a great interview with GM Frank @Frankand AGM Gaikokuhito @Gaikoku-hitoso was kind of expecting the call at 4th."
 
2. So you had an idea you would be going to Vancouver, do you have any idea where you'll wind up in the VHLE?
 
"Honestly I have no idea where I'll be playing this season, I've only had a pair of interviews with VHLE GMs and I don't even know the draft order to be honest. But where ever I land in Europe I'll do my best to bring success there while honing my game to prepare for the VHL."
 
3. Do you have any goals for the upcoming season if so what are they?
 
"My primary goal will be to win a cup where ever I end up playing, I want to score at least 30 goals with at least 80 points. I also want to be top 5 in rookie scoring, I'll do my best to achieve these goals before moving on to Vancouver.
 
4. Is there anything you're looking for in a European destination, what kind of team would you most like to play for?
 
"I'm not too picky I'll just be happy to play for the team that picks me, but to give a real answer I'd prefer to play for a team that is offensive minded. I love to score goals and am hoping to pile them up this year before going to Vancouver."
 
5. Lastly we'd like to talk about Vancouvers current roster and what about it you're most excited for?
 
"There's a lot to be excited for there, I'm super excited to see what the rookies can do there this year I can't wait to see how all the young talent performs. Also I love that the GM went out and acquired some veterans to surround them with to make their seasons as good as possible. I can't wait to get there and play with the likes of Logan Ninefingers @Scurvy, Riley Martin @Smarch, Vlad Von Carstein @Dom, and of course Guntis Gavilrovs @Girts."
 
The future of Vancouver does look bright, and so does Annies' as she looks to pack her bags and ship out for Europe with the hopes of winning a cup along with other accolades. We will have our answers as to where Annie and all the other young players will be playing once the VHLE draft concludes tomorrow.
 
Jim Hotdog for VHL.com

Can we hate on red pandas and love on fishes? 

Journalist: This is a big off-season for you this year. You just won the cup in the VHLE and you are starting your VHL career in just a few weeks. How do you plan to be ready while still being able to celebrate?
 
Von Carstein: Well, I did celebrate quite a lot, this was the only season I could win that trophy and I'm really much happy that we did but I'll tell you honestly, I,m already past the celebrations. I can't afford to take a break before my rookie season and my main focus right now is to improve my defensive game the most I can.
 
Journalist: A lot of fans in Vancouver will be happy to hear that. Will you be watching the draft next week?
 
Von Carstein: Oh for sure! we have a great choice in Vancouver and I'm pretty excited to get to know who will be joining us.

Journalist: This is a big off-season for you this year. You just won the cup in the VHLE and you are starting your VHL career in just a few weeks. How do you plan to be ready while still being able to celebrate?
 
Von Carstein: Well, I did celebrate quite a lot, this was the only season I could win that trophy and I'm really much happy that we did but I'll tell you honestly, I,m already past the celebrations. I can't afford to take a break before my rookie season and my main focus right now is to improve my defensive game the most I can.
 
Journalist: A lot of fans in Vancouver will be happy to hear that. Will you be watching the draft next week?
 
Von Carstein: Oh for sure! we have a great choice in Vancouver and I'm pretty excited to get to know who will be joining us.

Wow, the only point scored by a bot in this game was an assist by CGY D1 in the 1st period, that's an interesting fact everyone should know!

On the first day of the off-season Vancouver signed their goaltender of the future Dalkr Vidarsson @KaleebtheMighty to a long term contract. Some Wolves players namely Riley Martin @Smarch thought that Vidarsson gave in too easily during negotiations and left significant money on the table. A fact that the VHLPA is sure to investigate. The second move of the day came in acquiring star forward Left Alone @okochastar from the Moscow Menace. Alone has spent 5 of his 6 seasons with the Menace and now will spend the final two of his career in Vancouver where he will look to lead a young Wolves squad make the leap into contention. After putting up back to back 90 point seasons, Vancouver is banking on a strong finish to Left Alone's career, hoping for team and individual success in their final two seasons. 
Also worth noting Vancouver will be icing 6 rookies this season as all of Logan Ninefingers @Scurvy, Riley Martin @Smarch, Guntis Gavilrovs @Girts, Vlad Von Carstein @Dom, Mikko Borisyuk @Minebro and DB IV @wcats will battle it out cage match style for the Stolzy (rookie of the season).  Ninefingers, Carstein and Borisyuk are all coming off a Renaissance Cup win with Bratislava this season and they'll have a ton of swagger at training camp. 
As GM of this team I'm very excited for what this upcoming season holds as well as the future of the team. More moves to come? 👀 

@ColeMrtz @handfullofbubba @Nykonax @Enraged @Scurvy @Minebro @AColdCanadian @axtron @dlamb @Dom @npuBeT @rory 
 

1. I already thought we would be a solid contender in a few season so this just adds up to it 😏
2. What happen at the cup celebrations stay at the cup celebrations.
3. We'll make that up with a continental cup together buddy!
4. I always prefer playing against someone I know, it kind of add this friendly challenge of being the better one.
5. Keep your head up!
6. YES!!! That would be Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard. Vlad and Grimgor has been at war for years now, a good old 1v1 would be the one thing that could shut down those pesky greenskins for good.

1. I already thought we would be a solid contender in a few season so this just adds up to it 😏
2. What happen at the cup celebrations stay at the cup celebrations.
3. We'll make that up with a continental cup together buddy!
4. I always prefer playing against someone I know, it kind of add this friendly challenge of being the better one.
5. Keep your head up!
6. YES!!! That would be Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard. Vlad and Grimgor has been at war for years now, a good old 1v1 would be the one thing that could shut down those pesky greenskins for good.

Well, its officially the off-season for some while others still hunt for Cup glory.  The VHLE season is over, the Pro-am is gearing up, and I try and slog my way through another Around the League in 500 words segment.  
 
NINEFINGERS WINS A CUP
My player, Logan Ninefingers finally was able to hoist a Cup in the VHLE for the Bratislava Watchmen.  Logan has been in three straight cup finals starting with his re-create season (S90) with the Miami Maurauders where he lost the Cup in game 7.  
 
His next full season in the VHLM was with the Philadelphia Phantoms where he not only enjoyed a 64 goal season but his club made it to the Cup finals once again, only to lose again.
 
Finally, this season despite only decent offensive output he was able to fill a role and win the Renaissance Cup!  He will take it!  Ninefingers had a great time with Bratislava with an active LR and some fun players.  He learned one fact in Bratislava too…. That he wants to win more cups!!   
 
What’s next?  Logan is preparing his bags for the long flight to his hometown of Seattle to see family and friends for a short time before making the 2-hour drive north to Vancouver.  Ninefingers told friends that he wants to get to Vancouver early along with Riley Martin @Smarch, Guntis Gavilrovs @Girts, and fellow Watchmen teammate Vlad Von Carstein @Dom to start hitting the gym to get ready for the show.  It is rumored that he has buried the hatchet with VHLE rival and monster of a Dman, Gavilrovs.  It was scary enough to see these two play against each other, we can only imagine how scary it will be now that they play together and like each other.
 
These four rookies join a Vancouver club with some hungry young talent and one of the best defensemen in the league in Liv Slater @Subject056 and a unshakable goalie in Dalkr Vidarsson @KaleebtheMighty.  
 
HELSINKI DEFENSIVE TRIBUTE
Helsinki has come out to a 3-1 lead over a very tough London club.  London has a scary as hell offense so the fact that the Titans have been able to stop them defensively is a remarkable achievement.  Must give tons of credit to their defensive core and most notably my former teammate, Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito.  PEB is 5th in scoring with 18 points and has blocked 28 shots.  This is PEB final season, and he’s had a great career.  Not only an award-winning player but a great locker room asset to any team.  Next in line is my favorite Kardashian, Kronchy @Garsh.  KK is shot blocking beast (34) and despite his small size he plays a mean game.  YaBoi Oven @Doomsday, the first overall pick in S90 can also do it all.  He’s been rock steady all season, hitting, fighting, and scoring.  He has shutdown talent that can lead the PP.  I anticipate lots of individual trophies in his future. 
 
Not to be overlooked on defense either is the bone crushing hitter Tommy Sleeves @dasboot.   Sleeves is a monster defensive defenseman that tips the scales at 250lbs.  He leads the playoff in hits (51) and has been great this playoff at shutting down opposing teams’ offense with little or no fanfare.  He shows up every night and plays a hard game for his team.  
 
Best of Luck Helsinki 

1. I already thought we would be a solid contender in a few season so this just adds up to it 😏
2. What happen at the cup celebrations stay at the cup celebrations.
3. We'll make that up with a continental cup together buddy!
4. I always prefer playing against someone I know, it kind of add this friendly challenge of being the better one.
5. Keep your head up!
6. YES!!! That would be Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard. Vlad and Grimgor has been at war for years now, a good old 1v1 would be the one thing that could shut down those pesky greenskins for good.

Apply 

By mistake...
 

So if the punishment is still just reduced odds but not a punishment to overall position, couldn't a team egregiously tank (perhaps doubling bot starts and losing a majority of those starts) and guarantee 2nd overall at worst in a class with 2 elite players? Almost like the situation this season?
 
We had the warning with WAR/CGY that further infractions would be punished more harshly since it was one of the first instances with the rule being broken and also punished, when do we hit the threshold of actively punishing teams that break these rules?
 
Seems like even Bana recognizes this tactic? Multiple "honest" mistakes this season for a very tenured GM....🤔

Yeah, I try to give hints to the riddle if I can!! But this one was a bit obvious!! LOL!!

@Dom

Reserved for the losers 

I'm looking forward to reading the remaining 480 words. 

After a disappointing start to the season, Obuz Schneider Canet du Bocage has demanded a trade on his NHL 24 Goalie Be A Pro save, in which the Toronto Maple Leafs are playing absolutely abysmally after sporting an all 82 overall and under defense. Bocage’s goalie, Brick Wahl, met with the Leafs GM and asked to be traded to a contender, so he was promptly moved to the Buffalo Sabres, who, to the surprise of nobody, also suck, but just a little less. While in NHL 24, Obuz cannot seem to catch a break, he can take solace in the fact that the Moscow Menace are off to a great start and while his stats haven’t necessarily been there, he is happy to be along for the ride.

“Last season was a rough one for sure, and winning definitely makes everyone feel better, but this is my home now. I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else.”

This statement comes from Obuz in the last season of his entry level contract while also being moved from the top pair to make room for rookie Leif Reingaard, and while no longer being the go-to guy for the Menace this season, OSCB still hopes that he can remain with the team for his entire career. So, while his Be A Pro may not be loyal, Bocage is more than happy to stick around through the thick and thin.

It would also give every VHL team (active or not, I believe?) at least 1 Continental Cup victory, which would be nice.