pugsood

Recruitment.
 
People associate recruitment with what a coach, a GM, a franchise needs to do in order to gain a commitment from a player. Following that line of thinking, recruitment ends when that person signs on the dotted line.
 
I'd challenge that notion. Recruitment is an always on activity, especially for coaches and general managers in this kind of league, where member engagement leads to earning which leads to success on the rink. The front office cannot lapse in its engagement with its team members, because:
 
- an engaged member will earn, will contribute, can be built around
- an unengaged member is always at risk. At risk of leaving the team in free agency, demanding a trade, or leaving the enter VHL universe in general
 
Recruiting doesn't take extraordinary effort. What it takes is above-average communication, a skill lost on most front offices in any number of simulation leagues. Frankly being a strong communicator is lost on most of America and most of its work force. In Lattimer's particular situation, I've experienced the good and the bad of the communication spectrum.
 
The good: Janser and company took an unmolded piece of clay in myself and shaped it into a productive member of the league. That wasn't by accident. It was by intention, their intention to maximize a player whom was not much of a self-starter but certainly willing to put effort in when asked and when guided. 
 
Most recently, Lattimer's current team is getting a free ride on Janser still being communicative and maximizing Lattimer for the good of the league, given I no longer play for Calgary. But he wants VHL to thrive and so, despite Lattimer not having heard at all from his teammates or GM, Lattimer continues to earn and be a relatively productive member of the league.
 
This should not be the case, being successful in spite of shitty management.
 
ABR.
Always
Be
Recruiting
 
Even the very act of writing this post is a testament to what good, sound, consistent recruiting looks like. It is the kind of communication and effort that has made Lattimer outright hope and request that he goes back to Calgary. It is the kind of effort that is illustrated when Lattimer does press conferences for his old team instead of his new team. It is illustrated in that his former teammates and GMs are telling Lattimer how he's performing in the league, despite the fact that Lattimer is now their opponent.
 
And it's the absence of continued recruitment that puts Lattimer's future in the VHL at tremendous risk. Steve has said on the record that he does not think he will continue in the league much past this point, especially given his owner's retirement from the SBA. Right now, the only thing keeping him engaged in VHL is Janser, to be honest. Someone who is willing to earn, but will only do so if prompted, is completely dependent on one or few people to maximize his skills and attention. His current front office is not doing that. 
 
Will Lattimer just disappear soon? The possibility is strong, if not likely.
 
Unless he's recruited.
 
 

1. We have hired two AGMs in Daniel Janser and Leandro! Thoughts on the hirings and how are they fitting into the job so far? I can only speak to Janser but I am all but certain he is excellent.
2. Massive changes have happened to Calgary this off-season. Which move was the biggest? Well for me, personally, it was Calgary shipping my unsuspecting ass out the door. 
3. Which player is going to have the most improvement from last season? Hopefully it's Lattimer, just with another team.
4. Which rookie has the best chance at RoTY? Tuomenin, Goncalves, Block or Elgar? None of them if they are in my division because I'll help another rookie on another team win it. 
Snide remarks aside, very sad to have been shipped out of Calgary, and then another franchise within a day of that happening. My time in VHL is certainly coming to a rapid close.
 
5. You have won a free vacation to Bali, but there is a catch! You must wake up at 6am for the first 4 days to attend a seminar on why chicken wings are better than chicken nuggets. The seminar lasts 5 hours each day and you’ll have 3 days of vacation time after all of the seminars are done. Do you still go? yes of course. no brainer. 11AM - 12AM free everyday plus 3 free days on top of that, easy
6. You wake up in Bali on day 7 and are leaving after breakfast. What are you eating for breakfast in Bali before flying back home?  something very light so i don't have to take a shit in the lavatory 

FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY.
 
I won't lie, that was one of the first words that came to my mind on draft night, all those years ago. But here's the thing. It wasn't just a snub. It was snub. After snub. After snub.
Listen, I was under now allusions that I was going to be the top pick in the draft when I was first entering the league. I knew that in the eyes of many of the coaches and GMs in the league, that there were question marks about not only my ceiling in this ecosystem, but questions about my floor given my stated lack of enthusiasm for the sport. But I thought I had answered those questions. To the GMs who had reached out to me, I thought the dialogue was productive, positive even.
 
And then draft night arrived on the eve of Season 87. Player, after player, after player got drafted. My cell phone didn't ring. It was as if the phone was on do not disturb. A couple of times I hit the phone just to wake it up, certain I must have just missed a notification, missed a call. Nope. Every GM was passing on me. First round over. Second round, picks still coming off the board. 
 
Finally, I was drafted. I'd love to tell you a wave of euphoria washed over me; but I'd be lying. It was more a feeling of relief, with the twinge of bitterness that's all too familiar to those who think potentially more highly of themselves than those around them. But the experience wasn't over. Not by a stretch. I just received a text from my agent. "You're traded to Calgary."
 
The team that had drafted me didn't even want me. I found myself shipped off north of the border to enter Calgary's program. To be certain, I was welcome with open arms by that program, and I did feel that they actually 'wanted' me. But my mind and heart weren't allowing me to embrace the moment in a positive way; I became fueled by the anger, the resentment, the confusion of how so many GMs could have overlooked me.
 
And that fuel has led me to more success than perhaps even I could have originally imaged. From being a top player in the VHLE to having earned 30 points so far in my rookie season with the Wranglers, that fuel has been topping off my tank as I continue to work and prove my previous naysayers wrong. It reminds me of what Am'Ron St. Brown did after he was drafted after I believe 12 or 18 different receivers were taken before him in the NFL Draft. He wrote all those names down, and made it a point to outperform them all.
 
I haven't gone to those lengths, but I've been hell bent on making Ricer, Janser and the executive leadership of the Wranglers justified in trading for me, and making them proud of all that I'm achieving but more importantly, all we're achieving as a team. 

1. We are sitting in a nice spot and will likely grab a top 5 pick in this draft. Are you a believer in drafting best player available or positional need?
2. Things are rather quiet in Calgary right now. A lot of inactives mixed with a few active players. What is a good way to boost activity in a locker room?
3. Does your player shoot right or left? What type of stick are they rocking?
4. Calgary wants to have a 50/50 night with the proceeds going towards a foundation. What foundation do you think we should support?
 
5. You’ve taken a puck to the head and wake up at the hospital, having amnesia!! Over time you realize you’re horrible at hockey but are somehow amazing at another sport!?!? What sport is it?
6. Have you ever done a race similar to a Spartan Race or ever ran for a cause? Tell me about that experience. 
 
1. I actually sit in between. Drafting for need, best available, but also culture fit. Someone who is committed to the journey and is communicative. Ultimately speaking reliability may be the most important attribute in my opinion.
2. Get those inactive MFers off the team. Well actually, depends on how you define inactive. I'm not crazy active in the LR but am active in doing what I can to help my team win and continuing to earn. And engaging when engaged in the LR. So hopefully that's palatable to my teammates.
3. Righty. He only jerks off with his left.
4. Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. There are a dearth of male volunteers for this program as well and hopefully it would inspire more men to participate.
5. Baseball. I was awesome at baseball.
6. I've never done stuff like that, my competitive juices were with 'real' sports and now that my body is too broken down to participate in those IRL, I am relegated to online simulation leagues. Life comes at you fast.

FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY.
 
I won't lie, that was one of the first words that came to my mind on draft night, all those years ago. But here's the thing. It wasn't just a snub. It was snub. After snub. After snub.
Listen, I was under now allusions that I was going to be the top pick in the draft when I was first entering the league. I knew that in the eyes of many of the coaches and GMs in the league, that there were question marks about not only my ceiling in this ecosystem, but questions about my floor given my stated lack of enthusiasm for the sport. But I thought I had answered those questions. To the GMs who had reached out to me, I thought the dialogue was productive, positive even.
 
And then draft night arrived on the eve of Season 87. Player, after player, after player got drafted. My cell phone didn't ring. It was as if the phone was on do not disturb. A couple of times I hit the phone just to wake it up, certain I must have just missed a notification, missed a call. Nope. Every GM was passing on me. First round over. Second round, picks still coming off the board. 
 
Finally, I was drafted. I'd love to tell you a wave of euphoria washed over me; but I'd be lying. It was more a feeling of relief, with the twinge of bitterness that's all too familiar to those who think potentially more highly of themselves than those around them. But the experience wasn't over. Not by a stretch. I just received a text from my agent. "You're traded to Calgary."
 
The team that had drafted me didn't even want me. I found myself shipped off north of the border to enter Calgary's program. To be certain, I was welcome with open arms by that program, and I did feel that they actually 'wanted' me. But my mind and heart weren't allowing me to embrace the moment in a positive way; I became fueled by the anger, the resentment, the confusion of how so many GMs could have overlooked me.
 
And that fuel has led me to more success than perhaps even I could have originally imaged. From being a top player in the VHLE to having earned 30 points so far in my rookie season with the Wranglers, that fuel has been topping off my tank as I continue to work and prove my previous naysayers wrong. It reminds me of what Am'Ron St. Brown did after he was drafted after I believe 12 or 18 different receivers were taken before him in the NFL Draft. He wrote all those names down, and made it a point to outperform them all.
 
I haven't gone to those lengths, but I've been hell bent on making Ricer, Janser and the executive leadership of the Wranglers justified in trading for me, and making them proud of all that I'm achieving but more importantly, all we're achieving as a team. 

@Jason kranz
 
Hi everyone! Today we’ll be taking a look at the biggest active draft steals. For the most part all of these players were selected outside of the first round, and some of which have had hall-of-fame careers! All of the players selected would go earlier than their initial draft position by a significant margin, and likely would make the largest jump in their respective draft class. Without further to do, let’s dive right in starting with the biggest steal of the S82 draft!
 
Season 82
Pick: 26th
Team: Warsaw Predators
GM: @dlamb
Player: Brian Payne @Scurvy
 
The Season 82 VHL draft did feature a fairly strong draft class, that was fairly goaltender heavy early on with 5 teams selecting what they thought was their franchise goaltender. However, in the middle of the 2nd round, the Warsaw Predators found one of the best players in the draft with Brian Payne. Payne would make the roster in S83, and would go onto to forge a hall of fame career with Warsaw, and Vancouver. Of note are seasons 84 to 86, where Payne would pick up significant hardware, including 2 Jake Wylde Trophies, a Sterling Labatte Trophy, and a Continental Cup while with Warsaw. In their career Payne has played 550 games and has 143 goals, and 458 assists for a total of 601 points! They are also third in their draft class for TPE!
 
Season 83
Pick:19th
Team: HC Davos Dynamo
GM: @Alex
Player: Jake Thunder @Thunder
 
In recent history the season 83 draft stands out as one of the strongest with superstars being found throughout the first round. Early in the second round, Davos would strike gold as they would draft a franchise defensemen in Jake Thunder! Who much like Payne, will be in the Hall of fame as they have racked up the accolades to do so with a Dustin Funk Trophy, Alexander Beketov Trophy, Daisuke Kanou Trophy, and a Continental Cup! To date Thunder has been outstanding with a total of 99 goals, and 433 assists for a total of 532 points! Jake Thunder also has the most playoff points out of every Davos player ever with 97!
 
Season 84
Pick: 39th
Team: Prague Phantoms
GM: @Acydburn
Player: Jason @Jason kranz
 
The season 84 draft was a interesting one to say the least with a few players who could be considered the biggest steal, namely Jason and Todd Cooke, however, being selected in the mid-3rd round and making it over 1000 TPE is just ridiculous! Jason would make Prague’s roster in season 86 and would go onto have a very good rookie season with 49 points. Following 3 successful seasons with Prague, Jason would be traded to Moscow, and would then be traded to DC one seasons later. Currently, Jason is looking like they could pick up their first piece of individual hardware this season as they currently lead the league in goals with 33! Jason has 337 points in 334 career games.
 
Season 85
Pick: 17th
Team: Prague Phantoms
GM: @Acydburn
Player: Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide
 
The season 85 draft wasn’t as strong early on as other drafts, but that did not stop Prague from drafting an elite talent with the 17th overall pick as they selected Nikolas Kauppi! Kauppi made the VHL 2 seasons after their draft where they had a solid first season with over 50 points, however they would take a step back in season 2 before bursting on the scene in S89 with 87 points! Kauppi has not looked back since then and is over a point per game this season as well. While Kauppi has yet to win any major awards, their career is still young and we should be looking for them to contend for awards soon!
 
Season 86
Pick: 55th
Team: D.C. Dragons
GM: @Enorama
Player: Lucas Grey @emidas
 
Out of all the players previously discussed the S86 draft had by far the biggest steal with Lucas Grey, the 55th overall pick. Grey would take a few seasons to make it to the VHL, but has since developed into a great secondary scoring option for the upstart DC Dragons. Currently they have 104 points in 190 career games. Grey will be looking to continue their great play and potentially forge a successful career.
 
Season 87
Pick: 20th
Team: Helsinki Titans
GM: @Rayzor_7
Player: Steve Lattimer @pugsood
 
The season 87 draft was an interesting one as the draft really fell off quickly following the first round. However that did not stop a few teams from drafting solid players, of those Steve Lattimer stands out above the rest with a total of 571 TPE and 30 points so far in their first VHL season! Lattimer was traded to Calgary following the draft and by the looks of it that move is paying off for Ricer!
 
Season 88
Pick: 25th
Team: Malmo Nighthawks
GM: @KaleebtheMighty
Player: Justin Williams @JCV
 
Here’s the point where things get difficult with players still being super young and just starting their VHL journey. With that being said, we can safely say that Malmo hit this one out of the park with their selection of Justin Williams at 25th overall. While Williams hasn’t had the best rookie season with only 7 points in 47 games, they have developed well and will be looking to take a larger role in the near future.
 
Season 89
Pick: 10th
Team: Moscow Menace
GM: @Spartan
Player: Jeff Lewis @nerji
 
I made the decision to bend my own rule here, just due to how big of a steal this was despite being selected 10th overall. Jeff Lewis has quickly improved over the season since his draft and is now the 3rd ranked player in the S89 draft class. Lewis also currently leads all rookies in scoring with 43 points and by all means should be taking home top rookie honours following this season.
 
Season 90
Pick: 17th
Team: Helsinki Titans
GM: @samx
Player: Alexandre Crosby @hockeyis66
 
This one was really tough given that the S90 draft was only a few weeks ago, to date several players have outperformed their draft position. Of those Alexandre Crosby stands out as they are now the 12th ranked player in their draft class. Crosby will likely be a considerable piece for Helsinki moving forward as they will look to remain competitive with an aging core. Crosby is set to make their VHL debut next season and we are excited to see the impact that they can make.
 
Thank you all for reading, stay tuned for more content coming out in the near future!

S89 Calgary Wranglers award
 
 
Here we are... this legendary core that represented Calgary for so long is gone. With this big chapter of the team's history closing with the departure of legends such as Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877, Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg , AirRig GoodBrandSon @Rhynex Entertainment and the notorious Daniel Janser @Daniel Janser to name a few, let's end this era in style with an award ceremony. It has been an honor for me to be a member of this team from the day I was drafted to the day I was traded, and I want to thank everyone on the team for welcoming me and for having faith in me ( Edit: Take this GWG as my thank you letter Calgary). 
 
 
Most Valuable Wrangler 
Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg
 
Leandro's impact on the wrangler has always been felt whether it was on the ice or the locker room. How many players around the league have a fan club in their lr ? To focus on his work on the ice in S89, Leandro lead the wranglers in points with 94 and was only 1 goal behind the team leader in that domain with 39. 1/3 of the Wranglers golden 3, it's the first time Leandro manages to beat the other 2 and lead the team in points which just shows how good all 3 of them are when we know the talent Leandro has. S89 was his career high season, with 7 more points then his previous career high in S88. It's safe to say that Leandro will be missed in Calgary and that he deserves this award a lot. 
 

 Sheriff's badge Daniel Janser Trophy
Daniel Janser @Daniel Janser
 
If Ianyone in the league thought about Calgary for the last few seasons,Daniel Janser would be their first thought, If I asked a first-gen about Calgary, they would've told me about Daniel Janser. The truth is, the Wranglers were Daniel Janser and Daniel Janser was the Wranglers. So you could say that the sheriff was in fact always Janser. Because yes, the sheriff's badge has been renamed to be the Daniel Janser Trophy. The Daniel Janser trophy is given to the player who has shown the most leadership. Who better to describe leadership then this guy ? After hanging his skates this past season, his impact is undeniable
 
 
Top Shelf Award
Vincent Laroche-Gagnier @vincentlg2007
 
"In S89, it's 30 goals or nothing for VLG."-Vincent Laroche-Gagnier, He made a promise last season... After 2 not bad but underwhelming seasons, it was time for VLG to take a step up.  With a 40 goal season, VLG lead the Wranglers in goal thus winning the Top Shelf award. In those 40 goals, only 6 of them were on the Power play which is as much as he had in 88 when he scored 21 goals. VLG also had 10 game winning goal making himself a clutch player for Calgary. 
 
 
 Rybak Trophy 
Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg
 
As mentionned before, Leandro was the Wrangler with the post points which means he wins the Rybak Trophy! Leanfrog had 8 more points then the 2nd in points for the Wranglers establishing himself as the man when it came to put up points in S89. Those 94 points made him 8th in the entire league. 
 
 
 Last Line Award 
AirRig GoodBrandSun @Rhynex Entertainment
 
Yes, it's him who wins it yet again. Which means our back to back to back to back to back Last Line Award winner given to the Wranglers top defenseman is AirRig GoodBrandSun. In his final season in Calgary, he had a pretty good 60 points rally along with only 58 penalty minutes and a pretty impressive 116 hits and 140 shots blocked record. The 6'5 d-man is a terror for whoever dares to try and approach the net. Now a Seattle Bear player, Calgary's management will see what it's like to try to play against this excellent defenseman. 
 
 
Jubis Memorial Trophy
Vincent Laroche-Gagnier @vincentlg2007
 
With Daniel Janser, Landon Wolanin and Leandro Goncalves all closer to hanging their skates then to lace them on for their rookie lap, Vincent Laroche-Gagnier was seen by most as the one that would step up and be that dominant forward for seasons to come in Calgary. But how can a guy putting up 43 points replace the likes of Daniel Janser ? While no one expected VLG to play at the level that the big 3 did, he was seen as a possible 30/40 goals scorer. Well, after 2 underwhelming seasons Vincent finally showed his potential having more points this season then he had in his entire career going from close to undesirable to undeniable. A 40 goals, 80 points guy is what he became in his 3rd season in the league.  That made him a hot target to acquire for other teams and the rebuilding Wranglers needed assets. While his destiny ultimately wasn't to be the one to lead the post-big 3 Calgary, the new DC Dragons captain managed to help Calgary strongly leaving behind some big big picks and after this, it's safe to say that the future is looking bright for VLG, but also for the Wranglers. And so, the Jubis Memorial trophy given to the member of the organization who demonstrates the most potential for long-term success has been given to Vincent Laroche-Gagnier
 
 
 Young Buck Award
Steve Lattimer @pugsood
 
It's not the first time Lattimer wins the Young Buck award given to the Wrangler's top prospect ! Last time, he was about to enter the E after an excellent M career, well it's safe to say his dominance carried on to Europe. In 88, he had 85 points and 36 goals in his VHLE rookie season. A very amazing mark but it's nothing compared to this season's stats. Lattimer ended the season 4th in points and 1st in goals. When I said dominating, I meant dominating. We're talking 104 points in 72 games and 49 goals!! He also had 8 points in 8 games in the playoff showing that he isn't a regular season only player.  Legends even says that he didn't graduate to the VHL... He was simply expelled and banned from the E because everyone was scared of him. He didn't only terrorize the world in Europe... he also terrorize the world FOR Europe. Lattimer played for Team Europe at the World Juniors in 88 and 89. His 88 campaign was good totalizing 7 points in 10 games, but as he did in the VHLE, he exploded in 89 with an astonishing 23 points and 11 goals in 10 world junior games. His VHL career is starting of well too with 3 points in 4 games. Lattimer is a true star in the making. You still have time to jump on the Lattimer band-wagon !
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

So good.
That's how I'd describe both my VHLE and European experience with Steve Lattimer. I'll be the first to admit, I didn't know what to expect with either of them. I was sort of wandering aimlessly, my only hope of success and contribution being the guidance Janser and a couple others may have been willing to provide. Fortunately for me, they were ready, able, and willing to support someone who was so green when it came to all of these matters.
And what happened?
Success.
And heartbreak.
Success in Lattimer becoming one of the VHLE's best players, ranking among the top 5 in a handful of important league categories. Racking up points, assists, goals scored, while also managing to stay out of the penalty box and staying on the ice, a skill in and of itself. You can't contribute if you're riding pine. And Lattimer avoided the pine. 
Heartbreak certainly struck, though. I convinced myself that the Red Wolves were a team of destiny, poised to go all the way, hoisting the fabled cup and celebrating a monumental franchise achievement by winning a title. Those plans, those fantasies were derailed. Blown up over the course of 3 games when we simply chose the worst time to play our worst hockey. Lattimer let the team down. I let myself down. And I had to watch as a season of destiny transformed into a season of what ifs. 
Still, it was a success by most measures, and it earned me a spot in the European competition. Where, as I'm told, Lattimer shined throughout the tournament. The same rigor, hard work, passion, and enthusiasm that led to Lattimer's success in VHLE translated overseas, and even though I'm not as close to the details, I'm aware that this was a positive experience for Lattimer and his team, and that this may indeed springboard Lattimer into more success as I enter my first full season with the Calgary Wranglers. I have nothing but hope and optimism, mainly because I have leadership who seems as though they are willing to continue guiding me every step of the way, navigating around speed bumps and overcoming obstacles, all in the name of contribution and winning hockey. I look forward to the next chapter of Lattimer's career, however long that chapter will last, and hope that it brings with it that title that so narrowly avoided me in my last chapter.

1. Change has come in CGY, Thoughts on the VLG trade to DC? I didnt have the pleasure of working with VLG but wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
2. Leandro was traded to Seattle, thoughts on that deal? Sad to see players move on but understand if it's for the good of the team.
3. A few more names are rumoured to be on the move, who’s next?! Who are these names???? Am I on that list?
4. Rookies are taking over the team for S90, with SOME veteran presence. Who’s going to have a breakout rookie season? I certainly hope I can step up and fill the big, vacated shoes left behind.
5. Have you ever flown in a plane? If not, would you? Any scary flying moments? Countless times, a few scary moments but it's a good way to travel.
6. Who should the Wranglers select with their recently acquired S90 8th OA pick? I couldn't tell you. Someone who will earn.

1. The Wranglers have been eliminated from the playoffs. Do you agree with GM Rice’s move to take this team into a new direction? I'm not sure what direction we're going in because I'm new, but whatever our GM wants to do, I'm in for it!!
2. Of the four teams remaining, who would you like to see win the cup? None of them. If it ain't us, it ain't no one.
3. Daniel Janser has retired. First ballot hall of famer?!? First ballot Hall of Famer and first class dude at that. Big fan.
4. Which prospect in the Wranglers system has the brightest future? I'd hope Steve Lattimer! I want to make the Wranglers proud and honor my old VHLE team at the same time, Istanbul.
5. What’s scarier, being in a plane crash but surviving or being stranded in the middle of the ocean for 2 weeks before being found?! Depends on where the plane crashed?
6. Cats or dogs? Why? Both. Living Together. But I have 3 dogs so maybe my actions say one thing, words say another.

We have a special edition of the interview series with Steve Lattimer, forward in the Victory Hockey League. The Sun Gazzette is doing a special sit down with the enigmatic forward to not only celebrate the league's birthday but also given Lattimer has achieved over 400 TPE for his career and is set to graduate from the ranks of the VHLE.
 
Beat reporter Michael J. Smith is sitting down with Lattimer in his hometown of Mooselookmeguntic, Maine. 
 
Smith: What do you think about VHL's birthday?
Lattimer: I think it's tremendous. Shows that the league has staying power. Shows that enough people like hockey for this league to have renewed interest over this period of time. May hat is off to the league leadership. So much better than any other league I've seen.
 
Smith: Is that a dig at the SBA?
Lattimer: It's not a dig, it's just a fact from where I sit. For someone who doesn't lean into VHL, it's amazing how great of a partnership I've had with folks in this league and again, that's just a nod to league leadership and the caliber of folks who are part of the clubs here.
 
Smith: Do you do anything for your birthday?
Lattimer: I don't like to make a big deal about my birthday at all other than maybe treating myself or getting treated to a nice meal or  some good craft beers. I don't like to be the center of attention.
 
Smith: How does it feel to have hit a threshold like 400 TPE and readying for the next chapter of your VHL playing career?
Lattimer: Admittedly I didn't even know about the threshold until I got some weird notification that I had to start banking. One of my coaches messaged me and let me know what was going on. I felt proud that I was able to be of service to many teammates and coaches throughout my career thus far and that I've showed up for them when perhaps people would have least expected it. Just goes to show you what great coaches and general managers can do for a young player like myself and what a great partnership can look like. I imagine lots of GMs and coaches in lots of leagues could learn from these guys I've had the pleasure of working with.
 
Smith: You're going to close out your career soon with Lattimer in the SBA though, right?
Lattimer: I am. It's been well documented when that will happen.
 
Smith: So your time here will come to a close, in the VHL, won't it?
Lattimer: Presumably, yes. But given my partnership with Janser, Ricer and folks, if they want me to do what I've been doing for them, I'd likely be amenable to continuing with those things until Lattimer's VHL career expires, so to speak.
 
Smith: That seems like a change of tune for you.
Lattimer: Maybe it is ,but I've now gotten a flavor for what's expected of me, how to perform those things efficiently and expediently, and hell, I like doing good things for good people so if it helps them, it's hardly a minor inconvenience for me so long as they're pointing me in the right direction.
 
Smith: Do you think anyone in the SBA is going to miss you?
Lattimer: I can't imagine anyone will. Especially if I award my player to someone who can still grow him, so someone's going to get a max guy.

1. Looks like Calgary will lock up a playoff spot! Would you call this regular season a success?! A success certainly but no one remembers what you do in the regular season, the only banners that matter are the ones earned in the postseason. Time to go to work.
2. Three points behind Vancouver for 2nd place. Can we catch them?!  We absolutely can. We're fucking good and peaking at the right time. Watch out.
3. Looking back on your players season, would you call it a success?!  Highlight you success or failures. Definitely. Keep growing keep building keep grinding out wins and points. All have led to success.
4. If Calgary were to be relocated, which NA city and EU city would be your top choices for relocation? Asheville, North Carolina. Cincinnati, Ohio. Madison, Wisconsin.
5. Tell me a riddle! Riddle me this riddle me that who's afraid of the big bad bat
6. What is your favourite genre of video game and your favourite game from that genre? Sports but i like some RPG, the Walking Dead storytellling game was really fucking good too.

Commissioner For The Day

Schedule for Monday, July 3rd
6:00-6:20 - Wake up, walk dogs, feed dogs, start coffee
6:20-6:45 - Shower, get ready
6:45 - 7:15 - say goodbye to family, pour coffee in thermos, get on Union Square subway up to midtown to VHL headquarters
7:30 - 8:00 - Clear unread emails, take a shit in the bathroom thanks to the coffee I just drank
8:00 - 8:30 AM - Sync with Chief of Staff to discuss day/week meetings, priorities, delegating responsibilities to top authorities
8:30 - 9:00 - Clear more emails, prep for morning calls
9:00 - 10:00 - Call with VHL broadcaster to discuss upcoming rights renewal and renegotiation on streaming services 
10:00 - 10:30 - Call with VHL referees association to discuss implementation of postgame reporting readout
10:30 - 11:00 - emails, break
11:00 - 12:00 - weekly round the horn with executive leadership to discuss comings and goings
12:00 - 12:30 - lunch at desk and second cup of coffee (on keto so not doing much food other than coffee and a few homemade snacks)
12:30 - 1:30 - distribute and discuss new proposal for points system in VHL for earning, which includes spot-bonuses per year drawn in a random lottery for players at each year and level; the goal of this system is to incorporate more dynamism in the league, less of a linear function in terms of player and team growth, while giving everyone equitable opportunity to benefit from new system. Discuss , collect feedback
1:30 - 2:00 - review feedback with Chief of Staff and discuss/outline next steps
2:00 - 2:30 - call with GMs to discuss league state of affairs and any outstanding issues pertaining to player conduct and misconduct, newly handed out suspension, other league items
2:30 - 3:00 - break
3:00 - 4:00 - League assistant coaches monthly call to discuss new initiatives regarding cultivation of next generation of great coaches and GMs in the league. Review new recommendations for trainings and exercises that new crop of coaches can participate in, in order to build skillset
4:00 - 5:00 - 1 on 1s with direct reports to go through mid-year reviews and deliver feedback (positive, constructive, etc)
5:00 - 5:30 - emails
5:30 - 6:00 - call with league production team in LA to discuss upcoming coverage and future integration of sports betting into broadcasts including graphics, partnership with Tagboard and Genius sports 
6:00 - 6:45 - any last minute in office business, exit the building and take the train home
6:45 - 7:00 - change clothes, turn on TV
7:00 - 8:00 - sit down to dinner, phone off and away from view
8:00 - 9:00 - personal time at computer (review personal emails, respond to text messages, fuck around on the laptop)
9:00 - 9:30 - play with dogs, take them on neighborhood walk
9:30 - 10:00 - dessert, check emails on phone, watch TV
10:00 - 11:00 - get ready for bed, get into bed with partner, watch TV, be on laptop, catch up on any home business that needs to be taken care of 
11:00 - 12:00 - check any games that I'm interested in, bang my partner, wait for her to go to sleep, keep checking phone and watching TV
12:00 - attempt to sleep (maybe)
 

1: It’s Theme Week! If you were Commish of the VHL for a day, what changes would you make to the league?! I'd make a lottery system per class/year each season that automatically spot-bonuses players so that linear progression isn't the only way for people to grow in the league, which isn't how it is IRL. Some rookies should blow up, 2nd, 3rd years, etc. Make these percentages low and also not required so there could be seasons when no player 'blows up'
2: What job would you like to have in this league?! (ie. GM, Commie, Updater, Moderator, etc.) None of the above (except maybe Moderator)
 3. Your player is looking for a change of scenery! What team in your current league would you want to be traded too? London? I honestly don't know many of the teams here TBH other than the ones I'm on and try to do well on.
4. Which point tasks do you find is too difficult to do?! Is it worth the amount of tpe offered to do it? None, they're all pretty straightforward given I don't do most of them. 

5. It was a busy week in the NHL with the draft, free agency, etc. Overall, how would you say your favourite team did? Highlight some key moments. Caps seemingly did fine, interesting stuff happened at the top, good on secondary leagues like NHL and MLB to put a little more 'oomph' in their drafts.
6. Nutella or PB & J!? PB&J.

1. Draft day has come and gone, How did Calgary do with their 4 picks in the top 18? We obviously hit home runs. Our front office is better than anyone else's in the entire league. We set benchmarks everyone has to meet.
 
2. The new prospects are fitting in well with the group so far. How do you find the overall experience in Calgarys LR? A little too active for my liking since i get a lot of notifications haha, but it's cool. Good chemistry. 
 
3. What is a way that Calgary could improve the locker room experience? Less notifications but that's just for me specifically. I'm fat. 
 
4. What is your favourite number and what’s the story behind why it is your fave? Used to love 7 just because, 55 because I was a big man in high school basketball, don't know that I have a favorite number. 
 
5. Calgary is down a forward after moving Sax Justice for a whopping 1st rounder, where should we look to fill this hole? just rely on the team to become really good. Next man up.
 
6. East coast or West coast? And why? East coast because it's way more connected. Have lived on both coasts though. West coast is fine. 

1. The draft is right around the corner! How do you like to enjoy draft season? Are you drafting, watching or just letting the cards fall? Letting the cards fall. I have full faith that the team leadership knows what it's doing, they don't need me over their shoulder inserting stupid opinions.
 
2. What is one thing that you would want to know about a potential prospect before drafting them to your team? How committed they are to earning. Period. Earning rights many wrongs.
 
3. How important do you think the offseason tournaments are to a player's legacy? Very. I think? I think any chance to gain accolades against your peers is something to put on the ledger.
 
4. This will unfortunately be the last season we have with Daniel Janser. How important has he been to the identity, success and legacy of this franchise? He's been everything to me, personally. Wouldn't be here with him, literally. 
 
5. I am off camping for most of this week! Do you enjoy camping/glamping? What are some luxuries you can't live without? Hate camping, never been glamping. This is ironic for someone who has a home in the mountains.
 
6. I assume we will be on the hunt for a new AGM soon. What are some qualities that you think make a great AGM? Communication, communication, communication. 

1. The draft is right around the corner! How do you like to enjoy draft season? Are you drafting, watching or just letting the cards fall? Letting the cards fall. I have full faith that the team leadership knows what it's doing, they don't need me over their shoulder inserting stupid opinions.
 
2. What is one thing that you would want to know about a potential prospect before drafting them to your team? How committed they are to earning. Period. Earning rights many wrongs.
 
3. How important do you think the offseason tournaments are to a player's legacy? Very. I think? I think any chance to gain accolades against your peers is something to put on the ledger.
 
4. This will unfortunately be the last season we have with Daniel Janser. How important has he been to the identity, success and legacy of this franchise? He's been everything to me, personally. Wouldn't be here with him, literally. 
 
5. I am off camping for most of this week! Do you enjoy camping/glamping? What are some luxuries you can't live without? Hate camping, never been glamping. This is ironic for someone who has a home in the mountains.
 
6. I assume we will be on the hunt for a new AGM soon. What are some qualities that you think make a great AGM? Communication, communication, communication. 

1. Tough call, but I'm going to say Lundqvist. A phenomenal goaltender who never got what he deserved. Made me develop the love for goalies I have to this day.
2. I don't know if I hate any hockey team just because of the city. There are definitely hometown rugby league teams I hate for the city. Sydney Roosters is a good shot for that.
3. I've got the battlepass for TFT if that counts. I don't really commit to any IRL loyalty programs otherwise.
 
Q. 1: What has the offseason looked like for you so far?
Q. 2: How do you think your player looks going into the next season?
Q. 3: What's your opinion on the Apple Juice/Orange Juice debate?

1. What's up, Wranglers?! We've defeated Chicago in the semi-finals 4-1. As this post, we're tied with our current opponent Seattle 1-1 in the conference finals. Where is your player's confidence level compared to last week?
Did we? Damn I had no idea. Let's do this. My confidence went to irrelevant to sky high.
 
2. Oskar Lindbergh is currently leading playoff goalies with an incredible .961 save percentage, allowing only 9 goals with 2 shutouts. What is it like having a goalie of this caliber on the team?
When you have a backstop like Oskar, it gives you all the confidence in the world. Can skate more freely, aggressively, put more pressure on the opposition. This is the style we want to play but can only play with a guy like big dick Oscar.
3. Who would you rather see in the finals... London or a rematch against Davos?
rematch. Kill them.
4. Which of your teammates has given some inspiration to your player lately?
Janser. I don't know if he's actually a teammate or not but he's my guy.
5. Is it warm enough yet? It's been around 30C for us down here in Texas.
Too warm too fast. Love me some sweatshirt weather.
6. How do you like your eggs cooked?
Completely depends. On top of a burger? Fried, sunny side up. Bagel sandwich, give me scrambled. Never poached.

This is the May installment of our interview series with Steve Lattimer, forward in the VHL.  The Sun Gazzette is beginning a new monthly column that will cover the new playing career of Steve Lattimer, who has recently joined the VHL. Beat reporter Michael J. Smith will be sitting down with Lattimer every month in his hometown of Mooselookmeguntic, Maine. 
 
Smith: So how are you feeling about VHL right now?
Lattimer: Pretty good. Communicative GMs, trying to do a good job for them, think it's working out.
 
Smith: We hear you're quitting soon though?
Lattimer: Fake news. I'll quit when my time in the SBA is up which won't be for another 6 or so seasons (in SBA time) by my count.
 
Smith: SBA sounds lame.
Lattimer: You said it, not me.
 
Smith: Why would someone like me think it's lame?
Lattimer: Probably because of how ironic the league is and the changing of goalposts to fit the narratives of the elites there.
 
Smith: Isn't that typical though?
Lattimer: Probably. More power to them. 
 
Smith:  Are you having fun with Lattimer?
Lattimer: Yeah VHL's been good, heard I was 6th in the league in points or goals or something. Glad my GMs are pleased with my progress. I try to be a present, available player.
 
Smith: Will you have any regrets leaving VHL or SBA?
Lattimer: Only that I'll have to find other productive ways of wasting my time between other things in my life. 
 
Smith: What do you think of the NHL Playoffs?
Lattimer: Really sad that Toronto and Edmonton couldn't break through to the conference finals. Was hoping at least one of them would. The world needs to see more Connor McDavid.
 
This wraps up our next edition of our monthly column with Steve Lattimer, member of the VHL.

1. What's up, Wranglers?! Playoffs start this week! What's the vibe?
I have no idea, i thought we didn't make it. If that's true, then sad.
2. What is your player doing in their downtime until the first series starts?
ALways in the grind. That's what I do. That's what my coaches want out of me. Always getting better.
3. The staff have organized a charity event where one-of-a-kind player jerseys are being actioned off and the proceeds go to a non-profit! Which charity/non-profit organization would you see the team supporting most?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
4. What has your player been working on in the practice facility lately?
Poke Checking. That's what my coaches laid out for me in terms of my offseason regimen, and that's what I'll be much better at come next season. 
5. Are you allergic to bees?
Nope. I hate them though.
6. Would you rather fight a bee as big as a person or a bee as strong as a person?
Small person for agility? 

CAPTAIN UPDATE
S88  S88
C - Legacy Gaming @Gaming Ringleader
A - Steve Lattimer @pugsood
A - McDonalds Bigmac @ryf87

After trading away Mark Calaway and Reese McFleury, the Istanbul Redwolves must look to the future. That future is bright and I believe this team will be able to make an impact for seasons to come. Our future will be built with the help of these three players, they will leave behind a Legacy that will inspire Redwolves to come!

S87 Calgary Wranglers season awards 

Graphic made by the one and only @Triller
Another season is now in the books. After falling shorts time and time again the Wranglers finally managed to bring the greatest trophy of them all back in Calgary. This golden generation of the team finally managed to get their well anticipated recompense. Welcome everyone to the season 87 Calgary Wranglers awards! I am obviously not the legendary gm of the Wranglers @Ricer13 I am Calgary forward Vincent Laroche-Gagnier not the one who gets all the award, the portuguese one, the one who gets 99 points, the one who scored an hat-trick on his debut, the guy who had more penalty minutes in one playoff game then he had troughout the entire season, no i'm the other one. If you're happy about the results then I made the article you can congraluate me if not well Ricer choose the winners not me. Without further a do let's get started !
 
 Most Valuable Wrangler 
Oskar Lindbergh
 
I said like 2 sentences ago that Ricer decided all the winners well it's not really accurate. This one was voted by the players themselves. There were honestly a few solid contenders for the MVP this season. At the end of the day the Daisuke Kanou trophy winner and the brick wall infront of the net @Doomsday won it. Coming over to Calgary in a trade in the off-season from Toronto the impact he had for the team this season is undeniable. A proof of this is that the core despite remaining pretty similar managed to go from a 1st round exit all the way to a cup win. His statline include an amazing .925 save % and 4 shutouts. 
 
 
 The Sheriff's Badge 
Leandro Goncalves
 
The sheriff's badge is given to the player who has shown the most leadership. In a locker room full of leaders the one who ultimately receives the badge is @leandrofg. On top of having a leader's behavior in the locker room he never complains when he gets moved up and down in the lineup. Always putting the team over himself Leandro has gained a certain popularity in the locker room with his own Leandro cult forming. Maybe he doesn't have a letter on his jersey but this doesn't affect Leandro's positive and enthusiastic behavior by any means.
 
 
 Top Shelf Award 
  Landon Wolanin 
 
For the first time in his career @jacobcarson877 wins the Top Shelf Award given to the Wranglers player who scored the most goals in the season. With an amazing total of 49 goals Landon comes in at 2nd in the entire league. Landon wins this award by a very small margin of 1 goal with the last 2 season winner Daniel Janser. With another impressive yet ironic 99 points season Wolanin proved yet again that he was a dominant force in the league. We could also note that Wolanin also led the league for goals in the playoff with 12 goals with a 1 goal margin between him and the 2nd... Daniel Janser. Being also the player with the most points in said playoff Wolanin is very likely to finally hit the 100 point mark this following season.
 
 
 Rybak Trophy 
Daniel Janser
 
Certified first ballot hall of famer @Daniel Janser wins yet again the Rybak trophy given to the Wrangler with the most points this season. Following 2 historical Mike Szatkowski trophy seasons for the player in the entire VHL with the most points the swiss superstar recorded 109 which is even more than his first Mike Szatkowski winning season. Ending the season 3rd in goals and 2nd in points he is the only player featured in the top 3 for both stats this season. The offensive powerhouse continued yet again his dominant run and seeing Janser receive another Rybak trophy is no surprise.
 
 
 Last Line Award 
AirRig Gudbrandson
 
Threepeating the award this season we have @Rhynex Entertainment bringing home the award for top defenseman. As he quoted after last season's award show "AG also did not hit in s86 so definitely could win 3 straight with more hitting in s87😜". While there was 2 very strong choices the pick ultimately ended up being AirRig Gudbranson. With a total of 73 points he led all Calgary defenseman in points also getting 16 goals which is one more than last season. His other stats include 140 shots blockled, 117 hits which is almost double his S86 totals, 8 game winning goal which is as much as his last 2 season total multiplied by each other. The defenseman that won a Jake Wylde trophy in his rookie season is continuing his impressive career.
 
 
 Jubis Memorial Trophy 
  Vincent Laroche-Gagnier
 
Before all my haters call nepotism I repeat that I did not choose the winners. The Jubis memorial trophy is given to the member of the organization who demonstrates the most potential for long term success. The reason ( stated by Ricer) behind this pick is the activity level of @vincentlg2007 consistently growing trough TPE earning, job applying and pushing for them, dedicated AGM'ing, multiple GM'ing in off-season tournaments such as JST or Pro-AM ( with a win as GM in 87) and finally active in multiple different VHL related Discords.
 
 
 Young Buck Award 
Steve Lattimer 
 
The winner of the young buck award given to the wrangler's top prospect is @pugsood. Arriving to Calgary as a part of a trade for a 2nd round pick. He was mostly a clicker doing Practice, Welfare and Press conference. After the trade, he started doing trivia, fantasy, supplemental Vhl.com task and Fantasy zone. An overall activity increase that makes him more and more promising. A marlins legend, he played 20 games for them back in 85. He then spent 86 and 87 with Mississauga with 2 very flabergasting season ( If you want to fact check this statement well that was exactly my reaction when I looked at his stats for this article). In his waiver season he ended up with 4 points and 9 points exact same statline has last season Young buck award winner Vincent Laroche-Gagnier in his waiver season. Then in his first full season he delivered 41 goals for 94 points yet again the same point total as last season young buck award winner. But where last season winner fell in his 2nd full season Lattimer reached the stars with an extraordinary 102 points season. Entering his first VHLE season with a consistently rising TPE mark the promises for this Calgary prospect are extremely astonishing.
 
 
Here is the end of this season's award show. Congrats to every winner of this ceremony but also to every Calgary affiliated member. This season was a wonderful one for the team and we're looking forward to another wonderful season in 88.
 
 

1. Our off-season games are in full swing! Are you participating as a player or GM in any of these? If so, how are they going? I have no idea. Am I? Someone tell me.
 
2. Training Camp has also started! How's your player feeling getting back on that ice? Very fat. Oh wait that's me, not my player.
 
3. The S87 Awards have been announced. Oskar Lindbergh @Doomsday received the Daisuke Kanou Trophy, which is awarded to the Continental Cup Playoffs MVP! Phil Strasmore @Phil and Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877 were also nominees. Were there any surprises on any of the winners of the other categories? Why wasn't Lattimer recognized for anything? I smell conspiracy
 
4. What is your player working on during training camp and practices to up their game for the next season? DC and stickhandling i think? Ask Jansen
 
5. How is your NHL team looking as we near the end of the regular season? Alright I guess. More obsessed wtih McDavid even though he's not on my team
 
6. What house chore do you hate doing the most? Scrubbing pots and pans by far, and also changing the sheets
 
 

1- What's your preferred style of graphics? (Sigs, Milestones, Funny, Hockey Card etc...) - i don't think iv'e seen examples of any of these but at first blush, hockey cards sounds dope ass mug
2- What are you looking forward to for next season? for all i knew we were in season, so next season, i guess looking forward to winning? 
3- What should we look for in the draft? no idea. someone who complements what skills we're good at already. 
4- If you were a GM would you pick a High TPE Inactive or a Low TPE Active Player? Low TPE active since i would literally help that person earn better and more efficiently. 
5- Whats a PT that you always forget about, For me its Trivia or Game Reviews. i forget about them all but Janser reminds me and i do exactly what he says. exactly. 
6- What's your current favourite song? My Universe baby