Deee.Geee

1) Which VHLE team are you most excited about?
Stockholm's logo is pretty fantastic so it gets my superficial vote
 
2) What are your thoughts on the VHLE expansion as a whole?
Looks like it should help fill an engagement gap for users between the VHLM and the VHL
 
3) Would you rather GM in the M, the E, or the VHL?
Probably in the M, to get my feet wet and see if it's something I'd continue
 
4) What is your biggest priority in a teammate? 
Knowing they're doing their best, like everybody else
 
5) Who do you think is the best player in the league right now?
Alex Letang is putting up monster numbers for a defenseman
 
6) Do you see yourself winning any awards any time soon?
Not likely...
 
7) What is your favorite soup? 
Ramen probably (not the instant stuff)
 

1) Who do you view as our biggest rival?
Hard to say as a rookie and this season the way it's going. Hopefully one develops next year, organically.
 
2) Are there any teams you'd want to play for, outside of Helsinki?
New York has a lot of history, would be interested in playing for them.
 
3) What do you think is the best part about a sports rivalry?
Nobody takes a night off during those game.
 
4) Would you prefer to have the league leading defense, or offense?
Offense - there's usually a bigger correlation between goals scored and points vs goals allowed.
 
5) Have you ever given a half time speech to your teammates (or, for hockey, period break)? How did it go? If not, have you ever gotten one?
I felt comfortable enough to start doing that last year in my second season in the VHL
 
6) Do you prefer Macs, Window's PCs, or Linux? 
Windows
 
7) What are your favorite non-hockey sports teams, if any?
Genoa F.C.

1) Do you prefer to listen to music to hype you up before a game, or calm you down? 
Definitely to hype me up!
 
2) What do you think is the strangest hockey tradition? 
I get why guys always eat the same meal before a match, but I don't. It would drive me crazy.
 
3) Have you grown up watching hockey, or are just recently getting into it? 
Been watching since I was a kid

4) What do you think is the easiest position in hockey?
Hockey analyst
 
5) Who do you think is your early prediction for the cup this season? 
HC Davos is a dark horse to win it
 
6) Describe your ideal way to score a goal!
Pointing at the best-looking fan through the glass
 
7) What is the worst holiday? 
Easter

1) Do you have any post game rituals? 
Light cardio, then dinner! 

2) What do you think the most important thing to having a successful career is?
Never cutting corners on your development and being positive and friendly with everyone in each organization in you're in. Your reputation always proceeds you, and teams want respectful and mature players.
 
3) How have you felt about your performance thus far in the season?
I recognize it's my first VHL season but I'd love to chip in more on the scoring

4) Have you been keeping up with your Career Tasks?
Yup
 
5) Long or short stick? What do you prefer?
Long stick helps with poke checking and defensive work.
 
6) What is your ideal cross-training activity?
D-men put in lots of minutes so cardio is critical
 
7) Favorite food that you used to hate?
Sardines

1) What is your ideal birthday?
Quiet evening with all the guilty pleasure foods I can ask for

2) How do you prefer to celebrate a goal?
Fist bumping the air, a classic

3) What is better? A shutout, or winning by 2 goals? 
A win is a win - they're equal!
 
4) What manner of flying would you choose, if you had to fly?
By plane. First class.
 
5) Rank your top 5 hats of choice? 
Tuque Baseball cap Flat cap Chef's hat Not fedoras 6) What is the most comforting shape of room to be in? 
Never ever though of this before, great question. It's got to have corners, round rooms give me anxiety.
 
7) What color of banana would disgust you the most and why? 
A brown banana would just look like it was an over-ripe, mushy banana

Team Europe celebrates their championship in the World Juniors after a 3rd place finish in the round robin
 
Team Europe came into the VHL World Junior Championships as a favorite to bring home a medal for sure since the team had the highest OV rating out of the 5 teams in the tournament although that can also be a little deceiving but the expectations were nothing lower than a bronze medal in the hopes of winning gold. 
 
Round Robin – Team Europe would finish in 3rd place overall with a 4-3-1 record which was good for 12 points, 6 points behind second place and 5 ahead of 4th.  Europe had the best defense in the tournament by giving up only 23 goals in the 8 games while having the 3rd best offense by scoring 27 goals.  They beat every team once and lost to every team once with the loss against Team USA being the overtime loss on their record.
 
Goaltending – Aike van Giesbergen and Papa Emeritus would split the 8 game round robin portion by playing 4 games each and each of them would win 2 games. Van Giesbergen would have a save percentage of .926 and a GAA of 2.93 while Emeritus would put up similar numbers with a .919 save percentage and a GAA of 2.75.
 
Defense – Team Europe would only have 4 defensemen for the tournament and they would log heavy minutes – JaredN Jr, Damien Salducci, David Tavau and Sven Reikkinen.  JaredN would lead the team in assists with 8 and tied for the most points on the team with 10.   Tavau would chip in with 6 points and Salducci with 5 and with both players, they would all be assists.  Reikkinen would have a goal and an assist for 2 points.
 
Forwards – Henri le Massif led the team in scoring with 5 goals and tied for the team lead in points with 10.  Team Europe had a well rounded effort when it came to offense from the forwards as Bonaparte and Lemieux each had 4 goals and 4 assists and Tessier had 2 goals and 6 assists.  Mikalavz, Tallinder, Khan, Wolf and Sunish each had at least a goal and 2 points or more during the 8 game round robin.
 
 vs 
 
Semifinals – 3rd place Team Europe would face off against 2nd place Team World with the winner going to the gold medal game.  Team World would crush Europe in shots by a count of 50 to 36, but it was two 3rd period goals by Sunish and Wolf that would give Team Europe a 4 to 3 come from behind win as the team was down 3 to 1 in the second period.  Also scoring for Team Europe were Lemieux and Tallinder.  Emeritus made 47 saves including 17 in the third period to secure the win.
 
 vs 
 
Gold Medal Game – Canada defeated Team Asia in the other semifinal and the Gold Medal Game will be Team Europe against Team Canada.  Europe would once again be outshot in the game by a count of 38 to 30, but Europe would jump out to a 3-0 lead in the first period behind goals from Tallinder, Sunish and Miklavz en route to a 4-2 win and the gold medal.  Tallinder’s goal came just 54 seconds into the game and he would score a power play goal about halfway through the third period to make the final score 4-2 as Canada cut the lead to just 3-2 earlier in the period.  Emeritus made 36 saves and backstopped the team to a 2-0 record in the medal round.
 
Word Count: 575

Hey VHL @Members!
 
Anyone who has been around the VHL for awhile will surely know, or at least be vaguely aware, that July 18th, specifically July 18th, 2007, is the VHL's birthday! That means today marks the day that our community turns an incredible 14 years old. As an old fart that has been around since that day I can say that is stuns me every year when this post goes up that we're still going when you consider that leagues back in 2007 rarely made it to 3 years, let alone 14. As always though, we aren't just putting some gifs up and calling it a day, we aren't stupid. We know you clicked on this for the TPE and intend on delivering.
 
To commemorate the league's 14th birthday, we are giving all members a Triples Week, which adds 12 Uncapped TPE to any 6-TPE Point Task (Welfare/Pension/Affiliate PT are not included but as usual if your pay covers your PT that counts), as well as 2 Uncapped TPE. To claim these perks, which naturally add up to 14 Uncapped TPE, all you need to do is post in this thread and then link to that post in your update; that's it. We aren't even making you come up with a memory or anything this year, just a post.
 

 
Not only are we giving TPE away this year but we're also giving away some bonus items as well because really, what's a birthday without presents? Anyone who comments on this thread, thus getting the bonus mentioned above, will be entered into a draw that contains three copies of NHL 21 (for your console of choice) and an NHL Jersey of your choice. We'll have a live draw for these prizes sometime after the post closes in a week so stay tuned for that.
 
So, to summarize quickly, that's a max of 14 uncapped TPE just for commenting and 4 winners will receive some gifts curtesy of the VHL. All you have to do is post in here and you're good to go.


 
Notes:
• This thread will remain open until 11:59PM PST on Sunday, July 25th.
• Birthday perks may only be claimed on one player per member.
• Birthday perks must be claimed before the S79 Trade Deadline.
• If you win a copy of NHL 21 and own it already you may swap it for a game of equal or lesser value.
• No prizes can be exchanged for cash value or any form of digital currency (yes, that includes TPE).

Honoured to be selected, thanks!

Hi friends!
 
After Beaviss stepped down from his role as Commissioner, @Beketov and I made the decision to maintain our 2-person team, with the understanding that we would eventually add a third member, when the time was right. As some of you may have noticed, the past two weeks have seen a wane in activity from myself, as I've had an opportunity to grow in my career, which resulted in less time in the interim for the league.
 
With that in mind, Bek and I believe now is the right time to add a third member to the team. So, without further adieu, please welcome your newest Commissioner, @bigAL ! We feel he has shown more than capable of being a steady hand at the wheel, and what he may lack in longevity he more than makes up for in integrity, composure, and exuberance. Al is a fantastic representative for what this league is and can be, and we cannot put into words how happy we are to bring him aboard!

1. Play-offs are underway! Who do you think is going home with the Trophy?
Marlins!!!
 
2. Are you excited or nervous now that we beat Philly and on our way to the next round?
A mix of both, it's what fuels me
 
3. At what stage of rareness should a steak be cooked to?
All answers are valid except for well done, which is the choice of people who like to ruin steak
 
4. Why is the Sky blue?
I am not qualified enough to be the Sky's therapist
 
5. @thadthrasher and @Juice's duet will be made soon. Excited?
I'd like to request "Islands In The Stream" please
 
6. What did you think of the nail biter first round of our play-offs?
I would have loved us to dispatch Philly sooner, but adversity breeds greatness!
 

1. How are you feeling coming towards the end of our regular season?
Pretty darn great, happy with our numbers but now the important part comes up, playoffs!!!
 
2. We tied with Yukon 4-4 this season... What do you think should be a tie breaker? 
Duuuuueettt 👨‍❤️‍👨
 
3. What is your plans for an "End of the Season" extravaganza?
No idea but I am open to suggestions!
 
4. Who is excited for the Play-Offs?
This guy!
 
5. Nicholas Mariani @Mistxh J ended the season as our highest scorer, who is surprised?
With his kind of pedigree and the team around him? No surprise here
 
6. Did you find Waldo?
Can I please borrow the Marlins satellite, just for a minute

1. How are you feeling coming towards the end of our regular season?
Pretty darn great, happy with our numbers but now the important part comes up, playoffs!!!
 
2. We tied with Yukon 4-4 this season... What do you think should be a tie breaker? 
Duuuuueettt 👨‍❤️‍👨
 
3. What is your plans for an "End of the Season" extravaganza?
No idea but I am open to suggestions!
 
4. Who is excited for the Play-Offs?
This guy!
 
5. Nicholas Mariani @Mistxh J ended the season as our highest scorer, who is surprised?
With his kind of pedigree and the team around him? No surprise here
 
6. Did you find Waldo?
Can I please borrow the Marlins satellite, just for a minute

@Deee.Geee bro your answers are killing me 

I like the singular focus of black and orange/red, builds a fantastic image that leaves no doubt what kind of mood you're trying to set. Cool logo too! 9/10

Damien Salducci
Defenseman
 
VHLM Experience:
An import from the mountainous north of Italy, Damien Salducci has shown great comfort in the adaptation of his game to North American rink size and game speed.
 
A fourth round pick by the Miami Marauders ahead of the 77th season of the VHLM, Damien found himself joining the Florida-based team for opening night when prior expectations were that he’d be helming the defensive corps for the Junior Marauders. A strong training camp and demonstration of chemistry with his teammates were the early show of talent and drive seen across that season and beyond.
 
The Marauders knew exactly how to develop their junior talent as Damien put together 18 points and a plus/minus of 16 while taking up bottom 4 minutes and penalty kill responsibilities. Not bad for a first year.
 
Season 77 was capped in the best way possible; a championship against the number 1 seeded team, the Mississauga Hounds. Damien rewarded his coaching staff with an increased point per game ratio of 0.40 during the playoffs - a nice tick above his season’s ppg of 0.25.
 
He begins season 78 with the San Diego Marlins, having been acquired in trade in the off-season, and was a first round draft pick by the Helsinki Titans.
 
 
Strengths
Damien has often mentioned players like Drew Doughty and Duncan Keith as his idols growing up, and the influence is becoming more apparent with time as Damien gains confidence and takes bigger chances.
· His offensive game has an edge over his defensive game;  he is especially strong at starting plays in his zone, whether that means quarterbacking the puck himself or initiating the breakout pass to his forwards.
· His breakout skating out of his zone is particularly explosive. His acceleration is probably stronger than his top speed which we don’t expect to reach additional heights, however.
· With the top 4 minutes he’s eating as a Marlin we’re beginning to see a new skill at creating tipping. opportunities with careful shots from the point, especially on power plays. Needs the right players in front of the net.
· Equally strong defensive game; adept at interrupting plays in his zone and stripping pucks.
 
Weaknesses
While he’s expected to fill out a little more in the next few years, there’s no expectation that Damien will be a physical specimen on his own blue line. This could be a concern for a long-term tenure in the VHL.
· Lower ceiling to his defensive game compared to his offensive game.
· Is sometimes prone to taking bad penalties, expectation is that this reduces as his mental maturity settles in.
· Average slap shot strength, may impact his scoring upside from the point.
· It’s likely to improve but his shot blocking attempts are sometimes premature or he over-commits. Will have to improve his penalty kill game.

1. What has been your most memorable moment since joining the league?
Winning the Founder's Cup in my first year
 
2. What is your favorite thing to do after a win?
Big team dinner with the boys! 
 
3. What do you do to reflect after a loss?
Watch tape and consult with the coaches on parts of that game that I can improve on.
 
4. Are you happy about the selection of Nicholas Mariani ( @Mistxh J) as team captain?
He deserves it! 
 
5. How do you feel about the 0-2 record we have with Yukon?
We're not far enough into the season yet to worry about our win-loss record against specific teams, I think. Lots of runway to season 78 left.
 
6. Inside the Fish Tank is back after a small hiatus! Have you had the chance to listen to the latest podcast yet?
Not yet!

Damien Salducci
Defenseman
 
VHLM Experience:
An import from the mountainous north of Italy, Damien Salducci has shown great comfort in the adaptation of his game to North American rink size and game speed.
 
A fourth round pick by the Miami Marauders ahead of the 77th season of the VHLM, Damien found himself joining the Florida-based team for opening night when prior expectations were that he’d be helming the defensive corps for the Junior Marauders. A strong training camp and demonstration of chemistry with his teammates were the early show of talent and drive seen across that season and beyond.
 
The Marauders knew exactly how to develop their junior talent as Damien put together 18 points and a plus/minus of 16 while taking up bottom 4 minutes and penalty kill responsibilities. Not bad for a first year.
 
Season 77 was capped in the best way possible; a championship against the number 1 seeded team, the Mississauga Hounds. Damien rewarded his coaching staff with an increased point per game ratio of 0.40 during the playoffs - a nice tick above his season’s ppg of 0.25.
 
He begins season 78 with the San Diego Marlins, having been acquired in trade in the off-season, and was a first round draft pick by the Helsinki Titans.
 
 
Strengths
Damien has often mentioned players like Drew Doughty and Duncan Keith as his idols growing up, and the influence is becoming more apparent with time as Damien gains confidence and takes bigger chances.
· His offensive game has an edge over his defensive game;  he is especially strong at starting plays in his zone, whether that means quarterbacking the puck himself or initiating the breakout pass to his forwards.
· His breakout skating out of his zone is particularly explosive. His acceleration is probably stronger than his top speed which we don’t expect to reach additional heights, however.
· With the top 4 minutes he’s eating as a Marlin we’re beginning to see a new skill at creating tipping. opportunities with careful shots from the point, especially on power plays. Needs the right players in front of the net.
· Equally strong defensive game; adept at interrupting plays in his zone and stripping pucks.
 
Weaknesses
While he’s expected to fill out a little more in the next few years, there’s no expectation that Damien will be a physical specimen on his own blue line. This could be a concern for a long-term tenure in the VHL.
· Lower ceiling to his defensive game compared to his offensive game.
· Is sometimes prone to taking bad penalties, expectation is that this reduces as his mental maturity settles in.
· Average slap shot strength, may impact his scoring upside from the point.
· It’s likely to improve but his shot blocking attempts are sometimes premature or he over-commits. Will have to improve his penalty kill game.

1. What has been your most memorable moment since joining the league?
Winning the Founder's Cup in my first year
 
2. What is your favorite thing to do after a win?
Big team dinner with the boys! 
 
3. What do you do to reflect after a loss?
Watch tape and consult with the coaches on parts of that game that I can improve on.
 
4. Are you happy about the selection of Nicholas Mariani ( @Mistxh J) as team captain?
He deserves it! 
 
5. How do you feel about the 0-2 record we have with Yukon?
We're not far enough into the season yet to worry about our win-loss record against specific teams, I think. Lots of runway to season 78 left.
 
6. Inside the Fish Tank is back after a small hiatus! Have you had the chance to listen to the latest podcast yet?
Not yet!

I love the "trippiness" of the background, first of all. Rare type of texture. Also after seeing this post I am realizing we don't see the colour purple enough in the submitted images, so very unique there too. I didn't think I'd like the name in 2 different fonts, but it works really well! 9/10

Since I just went through my first VHLM Draft as an AGM I’ve been wondering if a player is a top pick (first overall) in the VHLM draft do they typically have success in the VHL once their M career is over. The answer to this question is relatively complicated as there have been several recent players to find a great deal of success in the VHL, and some who have not following their final season in the VHLM. In this article we will try to make a reasonable decision to answer this question looking back on the first overall selections dating back to the S69 VHLM draft where the Saskatoon selected David O’Quinn first overall, and up until the most recent selection of Alex Johnston by the Philadelphia Reapers last offseason.
 
 
S69 – David O’Quinn ( @David O'Quinn )
Individual Accolades:
S69- Vladimir Boomchenko Trophy
S69- Founder’s Cup
S71- Victory Cup
Career Statistics:
League
GP
G
A
P
+/-
SHT
PIM
HIT
SB
VHL
360
33
190
223
-17
405
417
642
643
VHLM
144
21
162
183
56
187
176
286
200
 
The Season 69 VHLM first overall pick defenseman David O’Quinn had a very promising season in the VHLM after being drafted putting up 15 goals and a remarkable 99 assists for 114 points in 72 games. O’Quinn was selected by the New York Americans 12th overall in the S69 VHL draft. After spending S69 with Saskatoon, O’Quinn was called up to New York for 1 season before being traded to Vancouver mid-season 71. During the off-season following S71 O’Quinn would be traded again to Davos where he would retire after 3 seasons. O’Quinn had a relatively short VHL career before retiring in which he never put up more than 11 goals and 59 points. O’Quinn retired following S74.
 
 
S70 – Erik Killinger ( @Peace )
Individual Accolades:
S69 - Founder’s Cup
S77 - Sterling Labatte Trophy
S77 - Jake Wylde Trophy
Career Statistics:
League
GP
G
A
P
+/-
SHT
PIM
HIT
SB
VHL
526
152
402
554
32
1829
1012
1468
964
VHLM
96
64
68
132
68
444
36
70
23
 
The season 70 VHLM first overall pick has come a long way since his draft season, being selected by the Houston Bulls and scoring an impressive 62 goals, and 62 assists for 124 points in 72 games during S70. Following S70 Killinger would enter the VHL draft and be selected 11th overall by the Toronto Legion Where he would spend the first 4 seasons of his career putting up a career high of 90 points in his final season with the team. Following this Killinger was traded to London where he would continue to produce for the 3 seasons he was there scoring on a pace that was just above a point per game. After spending S77 in London, Killinger was traded back to Toronto where he has continued to produce at an impressive pace.
 
 
S71 – Joe Proto ( @proto ) 
Individual Accolades:
S70 – Founder’s Cup
Career Statistics
League
GP
G
A
P
+/-
SHT
PIM
HIT
SB
VHL
361
76
72
148
-10
708
101
425
132
VHLM
138
72
77
149
46
589
98
168
40
 
Joe Proto was selected first overall in the S71 VHLM draft by the Las Vegas Aces. Prior to the S71 draft Proto won a Founder’s cup with Minnesota where he signed as a free agent. During S71 Proto would be very productive for the Aces recording 54 goals and 57 assists for 111 points in 72 games as a winger. Proto was selected 8th overall in the S71 VHL draft by the Vancouver Wolves where he would play for S72 putting up 30 points in their rookie season before being traded to Calgary 12 games into S73. Following S73 Proto was traded yet again to Davos where he would play 35 games and score 12 goals, before being traded yet again, this time to New York. Proto would play for both London and Toronto prior to being released before the start of S77. Proto had a career that is pretty mush the definition of being a journey-man playing for 6 different VHL teams over a 5 season VHL career. Proto is currently unsigned and is a free agent in the VHL.
 
 
S72 – Chris Hylands ( @hylands ) 
Individual Accolades:
S73 Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy
S75 Daisuke Kanou Trophy
S75 Continental Cup
S77 Victory Cup
Career Statistics:
League
GP
G
A
P
+/-
SHT
PIM
HIT
SB
VHL
383
202
281
483
38
2348
439
917
247
VHLM
144
68
73
141
10
571
98
295
46
 
The Season 72 VHLM first overall pick has had one of the better careers when compared to the other former VHLM first overall picks in this article. Selected first overall in the S72 VHLM draft by Mexico City, Hylands would go onto having a dominant season following his VHLM draft, recording 52 goals, and 55 assists for a total of 107 points. Hylands was also selected 14th overall in the S72 by the Malmo Nighthawks where Hylands would spend his entire career up until  waiving his no trade clause to go to Warsaw where they play today. During Hylands’ time in Malmo they became a household name continuously being well above a point per game and winning a Continental Cup in S75.
 
 
S73 – John Merrick ( @Steve ) 
Individual Accolades:
S75 Mike Szatkowski Trophy
Career Statistics:
League
GP
G
A
P
+/-
SHT
PIM
HIT
SB
VHL
310
159
209
368
46
1769
181
275
139
VHLM
98
60
65
125
53
512
42
113
21
 
The S73 first overall pick John Merrick was selected by the San Diego Marlins where he would go onto have an excellent season scoring 54 goals and adding 55 assists for 109 points during a full 72 game season. Merrick was also drafted in the S73 VHL draft, 5th overall by the Toronto Legion where he would go onto have a solid 2 seasons highlighted by winning the S75 Mike Szatkowski Trophy. 6 games into S76 Merrick was traded to Los Angeles where he would continue to produce at a rate just above a point per game. Early in S78 it appears that Merrick’s production has begun to decrease as for the first time in their career they are producing at a rate below a point per game.
 
 
S74 – Wolf Weiss ( @Matmenzinger ) 
Individual Accolades:
None
Career Statistics:
League
GP
G
A
P
+/-
SHT
PIM
HIT
SB
VHL
239
51
79
130
-19
585
130
326
45
VHLM
142
64
76
140
53
493
76
260
47
 
The S74 first overall selection, Weiss has had a consistent career since his draft. Weiss had an average season for Halifax following the draft, recording 25 goals and 32 assists for 57 points in 72 games, a step back from the previous season with Ottawa where he had a total of 83 points. Weiss was also selected 25th overall by Toronto in the S74 VHL draft and would be productive early in his career putting up their career high for goals and assists in their rookie season with 22 goals and 25 assists for 47 points. After spending their first 2 full seasons in Toronto Weiss was traded to Vancouver 23 games into S77. Since being traded Weiss has remained as consistent as ever and has 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points in 22 games so far this season with the Vancouver Wolves.
 
 
S75 – Cowboy Prout ( @Prout ) 
Individual Accolades:
None
Career Statistics:
League
GP
G
A
P
+/-
SHT
PIM
HIT
SB
VHL
166
32
102
134
30
448
252
330
404
VHLM
112
35
90
125
-1
295
144
240
203
 
One of three defenseman drafted first overall in the last ten seasons, Prout’s career has taken off in a very different direction than that of S69 selection David O’Quinn. Prout was drafted by San Diego first overall in the S75 draft and proceeded to have a very good S75 with San Diego scoring 22 goals and adding 69 (nice) assists for a total of 91 points in 72 games. Prout was also selected 20th by the New York Americans, during his rookie season Prout proceeded to be a valuable member of New York’s defensive core before being traded near the deadline to Calgary where he remains today. During his stint with New York Prout scored 10 goals and had 37 assists for 47 points in 58 games. Since then Prout has been a leader on the blueline in Calgary and was recently named an alternate captain for the team.
 
 
S76 – Paul Atreides ( @Mr_Hatter ) 
Individual Accolades:
None
Career Statistics:
League
GP
G
A
P
+/-
SHT
PIM
HIT
SB
VHL
97
47
47
94
6
413
16
40
41
VHLM
85
42
65
107
44
339
16
33
10
 
Atreides, the only player included in this article that was a first overall pick in both the VHL and VHLM drafts. Selected first overall in the S76 VHLM draft by the Houston Bulls, Atreides took off to an incredible season in the VHLM scoring 42 goals and 64 assists for 106 points in 72 games. Following that dominant season in the VHLM Atreides was selected first overall in the S77 VHL draft by the Moscow Menace . Since joining Moscow Atreides has become a valuable member of the team, breaking the 30 goal mark in their rookie season and is off to a great start this season, already having 32 points in 25 games.
 
 
S77 – The Loch Ness Monster ( @LuluSalesAway ) 
Individual Accolades:
None
Career Statistics:
League
GP
G
A
P
+/-
SHT
PIM
HIT
SB
VHL
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
VHLM
167
21
120
141
-55
249
236
417
263
 
The season 77 VHLM first overall pick The Loch Ness Monster was selected by the San Diego Marlins. They are also the only player included in this article to play in the VHLM for 2 seasons following their VHLM draft. During their time with San Diego they have become a valuable part of the team and are currently a top 2 defenceman for San Diego. Given their current growth rate they will be joining the New York Americans next season, New York acquired The Loch Ness Monster from Malmo who selected them with the 17th overall selection in the S77 VHL draft.
 
 
S78 – Alex Johnston ( @Alex_J32 ) 
Individual Accolades:
None
Career Statistics:
League
GP
G
A
P
+/-
SHT
PIM
HIT
SB
VHL
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
VHLM
79
44
52
96
-11
304
66
125
35
 
The season 78 first overall selection in the VHLM draft is off to a good start with his new team, the Philadelphia Reapers. Johnston has recorded 20 goals and 26 assists for 46 points since joining the Reapers and hopes to continue his play for the remainder of the season. Johnston will be joining the Calgary Wranglers of the VHL next season who selected him 8th overall in the VHL draft last season.
 
 
During the process of writing this article I had the opportunity to discuss what it was like being a top selection in the VHLM draft and transitioning to the VHL with a recent VHLM first overall pick Cowboy Prout, the following is our exchange:
 
Me: What was your experience like being a first overall selection the VHLM?
 
Prout: It was a great experience I’ve told this story i don’t know how many times but as a first gen and my tpe at time I thought it wasn’t possible but with me being active and earning, and being social I feel made a difference and I loved the Marlins. Rockstar was great there for me personally and when he took me back as a “off board pick” was really just overall good move by him I’ve thanked him for it. The discord chat was one of my favourite VHL moments. The hype I had it made me feel good not gonna lie and I was damn happy haha.
 
Me: How has your career gone so far?
 
Prout: Not up to par like I hoped but I’m still fairly decent I’d say. The production this season has boosted finally, and I’ve seen just better games by myself which is a step in right direction.
 
Me: During your rookie season in the VHL you were traded, what was that experience like?
 
Prout: I’m pretty sure most knew I requested my trade. I liked the LR for most part in New York and they still have some of the guys that were there before that I really liked. Esso was good about it and there’s water under the bridge here. Obviously, something you don’t want to do especially first gen and all, but I felt it was best at the time and I’ve had a great chance in Calgary. My first season over was Jubis stepping down. He was great. I respect him a lot here. Then Ricer taking over was one of the best moves. Ricer is one hell of a gm and he’s amazing stand up guy. The team has a bright future in Calgary.
 
 
            Being a top pick in the VHLM draft is a great way to start your career, and is a really cool experience for the lucky few who get to enjoy it but, as of now the question of ‘Is Being a Top Pick in The VHLM Draft a good Indicator of Potential for Success in the VHL?’ will remain unanswered as yes there has been several players to experience success and potentially make it to the Hall of Fame following being a first overall selection in the VHLM draft, there has also been several players who have not found success, hopped from team to team, or just retired very early. The real answer to this question may come a few seasons down the road when the up and coming group of former VHLM first overall selections of; Cowboy Prout, Paul Atreides, The Loch Ness Monster, and Alex Johnston have played through their VHL careers.
 
Special thanks to @Prout for answering my interview questions.
 
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Claiming 1/4

1. How are you feeling about your current 9-4 record?
Very positive. Good to see the fruits of our labour and the team-building of our GM + AGM.
 
2. Do you think San Diego will get a shot at the Cup this season?
If we stay consistent and get into the playoffs, absolutely. What's important is to just get into the playoffs in the first place.
 
3. Would you be interested in joining our teams Podcast, Inside the Fish Tank?
Maybe? My microphone isn't great though
 
4. Do you have a favorite hockey team? 
Yup, the Chicago Blackhawks
 
5. What are you looking forward to the most this season?
Just seeing the potential of the Marlins; really seems like we're a great team that can achieve a lot.
 
6. Are you happy with how your player is doing so far?
Absolutely. It's been a huge improvement over last year, I am grateful he's getting top 4 minutes.

MIAMI (JP) - There's an old saying in hockey that goes thusly; "After the Cup, cometh the hangover."
 
And there's no more popular a place to be hungover than Miami, Florida.
 
The team was ravaged by VHLM graduations and waiver losses like no other. Gone were the historical conquerers Alexander the Great (@Shiny) and Napoleon Bonaparte (@CptSquall) to their respective VHL teams. The defence was gutted as S78 1st Rounder Damien Salducci (@Deee.Geee) and Jocke Jockesson (@ThomasSyster) returned to the VHLM draft to oppose the Maurauders in S78. Worst of all, Skyler Rift Trophy winner and starting goaltender @ClapbombsRus went on to make his VHL debut with the Calgary Wranglers.
 
Little enough was left behind. Most notably defenceman Vassily Grigorev (@Noxalpha), who was promptly dealt to the Philidelphia Reapers for a 1st and a 3rd in the S80 Dispersal Draft.
 
While competing for a playoff spot may seem bleak under these circumstances, it has allowed the new additions to the team to shine. Chief among them is team captain Mikey Markov (@JetsFan81), who has put up an incredible 13 goals and 20 points in just 11 games so far this season.
 
On a more earthly scale, we also see the likes of Roberts Stutzle (@Coldex) quietly making a name for himself. After putting up 14 points in 50 games in his inaugural VHLM season with the Las Vegas Aces, Stutzle slid all the way to Round 3 of the VHL Draft, being selected 44th overall by the Calgary Wranglers. Miami GM @InstantRockstar wouldn't wait quite as long in the Dispersal Draft, grabbing the big lanky Latvian winger 21st overall in the 2nd Round. Stutzle has been improving greatly under Miami management, already putting up 6 points in 11 games, matching his goal total from last season, and putting him on pace to shatter his production rates altogether.
 
Meanwhile, the new goaltending duties have fallen to early season waiver pickup Em Em Flex (@oilmandan). With only two mediocre defencemen remaining in front of him, the young goalie has been holding his own, facing an average of 25 shots per game. The amount of action he sees will give him plenty of opportunity to improve over the season, and his 2 assists so far put him on pace to finish the season with 13 points, which is nearly as many as Stutzle got last season as a forward.
 
Speaking of mediocre defencemen, Poopy Peepants is there as well.
 
It will be a challenging season for the Maurauders, but these new faces will be front and center of it all until more mid-season signings make their way to Florida!
 
- 435 words

The skates are sharpened, sticks newly-taped, playoff beards shaved, and the eating regime back to salmon over salty snacks. A new season is upon us! We check in with sophomore VHLM and VHL prospect Damien Salducci, who has begun season 78 with 2 new teams in his life with a trade that sent him from Miami and across the country to San Diego with the Marlins.
 
Let’s begin with the draft. You were slated to be a pick in the teens, and then it got very close to seeing you become a high 2nd round pick. Can you share what that felt like? Were you at all disappointed?
I am not gonna lie, there’s a part of you that wonders if maybe you did something wrong, but my agent and especially my parents have told me a lot beforehand that what matters is being picked and just getting into the league. I could have been a second or third round pick, what’s important is just having that ticket to the show and impressing the team and doing your best at camp and at the VHLM.
 
Did you think you’d be the pick when the draft got to number 16?
Yea I still held my breath. It was still amazing to be picked by Helsinki. The Titans were one of the teams I talked to ahead of the draft, seemed to have gone really well too. Eager to put that jersey one day, plus Finland seems like an amazing country!
 
The pre-season to Season 78 saw a flurry of activity in the VHLM. Trades as part of rebuilds, trades as part of a cup run; they were in force. You were one piece of that as Miami moved you to San Diego for a pile of picks. Was there any doubt you would stay a Marauder for season 78?
Well I knew that several Marauders were going to finally join their VHL teams so it wasn’t going to be an exact replica of last year’s lineup, but when my agent called me to say I was shipped to San Diego it did take me by surprise. I was probably too naïve cause I thought I would stay with Miami until I’d get that VHL call.
 
Was San Diego on your list of places to go?
Well I didn’t choose my destination but I was super pumped to hear it was them. Great locker room, the rebuild by the GM has been awesome, and yea it seemed like a spot where they could let me have a bigger role on the ice.
 
Four games in and you already have three assists on the board with half as many shots as you had in total last year. Clearly this is going to be a bigger year for you. Have you changed your game now that you’re in the special teams lineup?
Yea that’s the biggest adjustment, probably. Being the newbie last year I spent a little time on the PK line, so I am drawing on that, but the power play work has been my focus with the coaching staff. I want to be as strong as possible for the team on the power play.
 
We couldn’t talk to a new San Diego implant without asking about their favourite tacos. What are you ordering each time?
[Laughs] Any kind of seafood taco. White fish, fried shrimp, grilled squid, you name it, I am eating it!
 
Thanks Damien.
 
 
Words: 574

The skates are sharpened, sticks newly-taped, playoff beards shaved, and the eating regime back to salmon over salty snacks. A new season is upon us! We check in with sophomore VHLM and VHL prospect Damien Salducci, who has begun season 78 with 2 new teams in his life with a trade that sent him from Miami and across the country to San Diego with the Marlins.
 
Let’s begin with the draft. You were slated to be a pick in the teens, and then it got very close to seeing you become a high 2nd round pick. Can you share what that felt like? Were you at all disappointed?
I am not gonna lie, there’s a part of you that wonders if maybe you did something wrong, but my agent and especially my parents have told me a lot beforehand that what matters is being picked and just getting into the league. I could have been a second or third round pick, what’s important is just having that ticket to the show and impressing the team and doing your best at camp and at the VHLM.
 
Did you think you’d be the pick when the draft got to number 16?
Yea I still held my breath. It was still amazing to be picked by Helsinki. The Titans were one of the teams I talked to ahead of the draft, seemed to have gone really well too. Eager to put that jersey one day, plus Finland seems like an amazing country!
 
The pre-season to Season 78 saw a flurry of activity in the VHLM. Trades as part of rebuilds, trades as part of a cup run; they were in force. You were one piece of that as Miami moved you to San Diego for a pile of picks. Was there any doubt you would stay a Marauder for season 78?
Well I knew that several Marauders were going to finally join their VHL teams so it wasn’t going to be an exact replica of last year’s lineup, but when my agent called me to say I was shipped to San Diego it did take me by surprise. I was probably too naïve cause I thought I would stay with Miami until I’d get that VHL call.
 
Was San Diego on your list of places to go?
Well I didn’t choose my destination but I was super pumped to hear it was them. Great locker room, the rebuild by the GM has been awesome, and yea it seemed like a spot where they could let me have a bigger role on the ice.
 
Four games in and you already have three assists on the board with half as many shots as you had in total last year. Clearly this is going to be a bigger year for you. Have you changed your game now that you’re in the special teams lineup?
Yea that’s the biggest adjustment, probably. Being the newbie last year I spent a little time on the PK line, so I am drawing on that, but the power play work has been my focus with the coaching staff. I want to be as strong as possible for the team on the power play.
 
We couldn’t talk to a new San Diego implant without asking about their favourite tacos. What are you ordering each time?
[Laughs] Any kind of seafood taco. White fish, fried shrimp, grilled squid, you name it, I am eating it!
 
Thanks Damien.
 
 
Words: 574

Welcome back for another season of the VHLM Power Rankings, brought to you by your good friends at Victory Sports News! Today marks the first day of the new season and there's a ton of excitement in the air as we prepare to kick off our 78th season of VHLM hockey. As noted in our VHLM Playoffs Review, the Miami Marauders pulled off another Founder's Cup stunner and upset the Mississauga Hounds in a four game sweep of the finals. The Hounds were the perennial favourites to go the distance all season, but in true Miami fashion, the Marauders came out of nowhere to stun the entire league, and the hockey gods denied the Hounds of the title. After a lengthy offseason, we held our VHLM Dispersal Draft this past Sunday night. In traditional VHLM fashion, new teams have emerged as contenders for this season while others are back to the drawing board and starting to rebuild from the ground-up again. With all that in mind, let's get right down to business. I present to you, the first edition of the S78 VHLM Power Rankings!
 

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To put things into perspective a bit, the last time the Marlins found themselves in the upper echelon of the Power Rankings was all the way back in Season 75 when they had a season where they went all-in. Two long seasons have passed, and GM @thadthrasher has endured some hard times, but heading into Season 78, this could finally be the Marlins time to shine. Thad picked up the pieces of a franchise that had next to no assets and slowly and methodically planned his rebuild. The Marlins went from a crawl to a limp, and then from a limp to a walk. Now in Season 78, the Marlins will be in full sprint. Building off of a fantastic Season 77 that saw San Diego breakthrough with their young core and make the playoffs, the Marlins have bolstered their lineup even further heading into this season. San Diego owned the seventh pick in the draft on Sunday, and when it was time for them to draft, they announced a blockbuster trade. They opted to ship off their seventh overall pick, as well as their first and third round picks in next season's draft off to Miami in exchange for defenseman @Deee.Geee Damien Salducci and forward @MrShark Declan Wolf. Both these players just celebrated winning the Founder's Cup just last season, so bringing in two high-end TPE players with playoff experience is a massive boost to a team that was already looking dangerous. The Marlins will also be welcoming back top Prague prospect @Mistxh J Nicholas Mariani, as well as the reigning Matt Bentz Trophy winner @Eldredman Aldwin Craig. They are also solid in between the pipes this season as they acquired top-tier goaltender @Erik Morgan Karlsson in the offseason in a trade with Las Vegas. To summarize, the Marlins are elite in all areas of the ice this season, and look to be a major threat to any teams vying to contend for the Founder's Cup. 
 

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Coming in at number two, we have the Minnesota Storm who are in a very peculiar spot at the moment. At the start of the offseason a vacancy opened up in VHL management. Longtime VHLM General Manager @Rayzor_7 was given the nod to become the new GM of the Helsinki Titans. It was also announced that he would be bringing his Assistant GM @Mr_Hatter along with him in his new venture. First off, congrats to them, as both these users have been long time pillars in our community and are deserving of the promotion. With that being said though, there is now a vacancy in Minnesota that is yet to be filled. For the meantime, Rayz is pulling double duty, but when the position does in fact get filled, the new management will be coming into a great situation. The storm are coming off the heels of a disappointing first round exit at the hands of the Halifax 21st. While it surely wasn't the outcome the Storm had planned for, they still are in great shape as they brought back a number of returning players. The G+G connection of @Garrett Gary Tarantino II and @Garsh Henri le Massif are back together once again and will look to lead the way up front for the Storm. Meanwhile @stevo Ron World Peace III is back for his fourth season with Minnesota and will look to anchor their blueline. In addition, the Storm drafted @ROOKIE745 Jonathan Ori with the ninth overall pick in the draft. This could be a player to watch going forward and I could see him being the team's first line center sooner rather than later! Returning to the crease this season is controversial goaltender @Flames1Fan Dexter Vaughn. Being nearly at the maximum TPE cap, this will be the final season for alot of the Minnesota mainstays, so if they want to compete, this is the year for them to do it. On paper they can hang with the best of the best, but that's why we play the games!
 

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Taking the third spot to start the season are none other than the Philadelphia Reapers who are coming off a down year in Season 77. With Reaper alumni @glass Kjell Nilsson retired, it is a new chapter in the city of Brotherly Love. The Reapers hired @Alex_J32 to be the team's new Assistant General Manager, while @KaleebtheMighty was promoted to full-time GM. Things seemed to get off to a strong start in the offseason when the Reapers won the draft lottery. To nobody's surprise, they took their own AGM, Alex Johnston with their 1st overall pick. Johnston is a product of Yukon from last season and looked to be poised to have a dominant year in the M before moving up to Calgary for Season 79. Johnston will join carryovers @caltroit_red_flames Genghis Khan and @ColeMrtz Zeljko Ranogajec to form a very steady core for Philly. The area of interest to me however, seems to be in net as we have a developing story right at the time of writing this piece. In the second round of the draft, the Reapers selected @Spaz Tobias Reinhart and it appeared like they had locked up their goaltender for the season. Reinhart was one of the best goalies available in the draft and it seemed like slam dunk pick. Merely an hour or so ago, we have word that the Reapers have come to terms on a one year contract with goaltender @Lspinelli Luke Spinelli, the reigning Benoit Devereux trophy winner. Acquiring a near-max TPE goalie right before the puck drop on the opening season creates many questions. Could this be a platoon-type situation where the goalies were share time? Or perhaps this will give the Reapers a trade asset if they were to look for an upgrade at another position? Regardless it is a major signing and this move alone was enough for me to elevate Philly into the third spot of this installment of the Power Rankings.
 

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Yukon is coming off the heels of a strange season in Season 77. While they had a team that could definitely make the playoffs, they didn't really have enough balance in their roster to make a real run for a championship. Identifying that fairly early in the year, Yukon made a series of deals to prepare themselves for this upcoming season. On two different occasions last year the Rush opted to trade away a Top 3 scorer in the league for picks. Yukon had a busy offseason and has overhauled their roster significantly. Before the draft they dealt a package of picks to Mississauga for highly touted defenseman @diamond_ace  Tynan Sylvester.  The draft lottery then happened and confirmed that Yukon would pick third in the draft. With that pick the Rush wasted no time in drafting the explosive winger @Zetterberg Tyler Reinhart. The Rush weren't done there though as they had a second pick in the first round at 12. Instead of waiting for pick 12 though, they traded up in order to get the very next pick in the draft. With that selection, they took @Beketov Papa Emeritus, the ice cold Swedish goalie who will send shivers down your spine! The Rush went on to make six total picks in the Dispersal Draft. They weren't done there though. Right at midnight when waivers opened, they announced the signing of Tyler Reinhart's brother, @MexicanCow123 Jerome Reinhart. Jerome will look to play on the same line as his older brother and the two should bring some natural chemistry to Yukon. Still not content, the Rush pursued more players. After lengthy negotiations, Yukon came to terms with rookie @jRuutu Erlantz Jokinen, a feisty Finnish blueliner that will bolster the team's defense. Finally, the last move of their relentless team facelift came last night when they brought back @Pythonic Gaspar Yakrevsky, an ex-Rush player who spent a season and half in Yukon previously. He is back for a shot at the Founder's Cup and the management was over the moon to have him back on the squad.  All these players are joining an already strong core of players with the likes of @JB123 Nathan Powers and @hockeyis66 Jaromir Lemeiux. These ghastly ghouls might shock you this season, so be on the lookout for them! 👻
 

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The Bulls start off their season in the same spot they were at the end of last season's Power Rankings- in the fifth spot. Houston brought in @Mistxh J as the new acting Assistant General Manager late during last season, and he wasted no time in making his mark on the team. Just a few days before the draft, Houston traded down from the 2nd overall pick down to 8th. They were able to add some future draft stock. plus they still owned the 5th pick in the draft as well. With their two picks in the first round, they selected  right-winger @McKelvie Anze Miklavz and one of the top defenseman in the draft, @NerdyCowz Milk Jugs. These two players perfectly addressed the needs Houston had coming into Season 78. Miklavz should compliment returnees @AnthonyOuellet Cody Lachance and @Ryan Li nicely on the top line. Meanwhile, in goal the Bulls have perhaps the best tender in the league this season as @enigmatic Aike van Giersbergen has returned for one more season as he looks to refine his skills for just a little longer before heading up to the VHL and joining the Vancouver Wolves. With a steady core of players in place, the Bulls should most definitely compete for a playoff spot this season, and it will be interesting to see if they make any additions via trade to load up for a Cup run. 
 

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Halifax enjoyed a little taste of playoff success last season when they knocked out the Minnesota Storm in an exciting six game series. While they were outmatched against the Mississauga Hounds in the Semi-Finals, they still could hang their heads high for getting as far as they did. Many of the key players from last years team are back again for this season. Among them are a trio of high-TPE wingers that the 21st will rely heavily on for offense this season. @tylerwest Tyler Steel could see a boost in production this season as he should get more opportunities and better deployment for offensive chances. He finished last year with 40 points and I think if things go his way, he could double that total easily. I also expect @MikkoKoskinensMistress Kikko Moskinen and @GlowyGoat Baldur Paulsen to enjoy solid seasons as well as they will lead the young crop of up-and-comers around them. Back on the blueline, VHLM veteran Roger Jone will be the leader defensively. He will take in @Lefty_S Mr. Duk and @Lilith_Lunar under his wing and help them develop into a deep and reliable defensive core. In goal, the 21st have @williamirc Johnathan Bustard back in the saddle for another season. Interestingly, they also signed big-time recreate @Emi Emiko Spector as well, so they have a dual threat in net. I wonder if perhaps one of the goalies are traded in time or if they stick with both for the whole season. Regardless, Halifax boasts decent depth across the board that many other teams simply can't match. I can see them returning to the postseason again this year, and who knows, maybe they could make a run at the Founder's Cup!
 

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Let me start off by saying how amazed I am that Ottawa is in the Top 8. At the end of last season, the Ottawa Lynx finally hit rock bottom. With two active players on their entire roster, the decision was finally made to find new management for this franchise. @dlamb was chosen to be the heir to the flaming shitpile that was the Lynx, and he quickly sought out the services of @JB123 to be his Assistant GM. What those two have accomplished in just a couple short weeks has been amazing. On draft night the management team furiously worked the phones trading up and down the board all over the place as they scratched and clawed to get every ounce of value they could get out of their assets. With a solid draft and a refreshed presence on the waiver wire, Ottawa looks to be back in the game in Season 78.  While they have some holes in their roster, they've made some incredible leaps and bounds to get to this point. They will be led be their Russian center @qripll Bogdan Trunov. In his rookie season with San Diego, he only saw limited playing time but I think in an expanded role with a new team, Trunov could be in for a massive season. They were able to nab @Shane Laz Shane Lazeski with their first pick of the draft, and the highly coveted right-winger should slot in nicely on the team's top line. On defense, third year player @PandaBearD25 Kirby Pandora will anchor the Lynx defense alongside @Edustava Julia Waffles. These two are highly capable defenders, but the Lynx will need to remain vigilant in signing more players so they can give some support to their blueline. In goal @BostonBruinsFan1806 Jacob Rask will have full reigns as he is the teams lone goalie. If Rask stays committed and develops himself into a reliable player, the Lynx have a shot a being a competitive team this year. A lot does ride on Rask though. With a thin blue line already, he will have to come up big.
 
 

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Coming in at number eight is none other than the defending Founder's Cup champs, the Miami Marauders. After a long summer of partying and celebration, it should be interesting how Miami performs in Season 78. Marauders fans might need their programs this season though, as a ton of the former roster was shipped out in the offseason in order to reset and prepare for their next title run down the road. I think that Miami did a great job in both stocking up on future draft assets, while still maintaining a competitive roster for this season. Up front, @Jurell Yurki Delving Mackey will  be leaned on for alot of the team's offense. The European winger is a veteran of the VHLM and the past two seasons has been around 60 points each year, so hopefully along with first round pick @JetsFan81 Mikey Markov, the two can find some chemistry . Like Ottawa, the Marauders don't quite have a full defensive unit quite yet, but the players they do have are solid. Back for his third season in Miami is @Noxalpha Vasiliy Grigorev, and the Russian defenseman could be in store for a big year. He is right up against the TPE cap and he will get a ton of minutes to boot. Meanwhile, there is a position battle in the crease for starting goaltender. The Marauders drafted @InfraRedlate in the draft, but early on in waivers this week they managed to land God's great gift to the VHL, 97 TPE goalie @oilmandan Em Em Flex! The two will duke it out for the starting gig, but both will need to improve their games to avoid being shelled.
 

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Well... it was a sudden end to a magnificent regular season for the Wild. After running away with the best record in the Western Conference last season, they suddenly met their swift demise with a five game defeat by the hands of the Las Vegas Aces. This was a tough pill to swallow for Saskatoon, but on the bright side they quietly still have a formidable team. This is one of the teams I could easily see rising through this list over time, but for now they are at number nine. @HoneyBadger25 Griff Mackenzie is back for another season and is touted to be one of the top centers in the league this season. Alongside him on the first line will be another returnee, @124715 Duncan Montana aka my boy "numbers". These two will provide a lethal 1-2 punch at the top of the Wild lineup, but after the first line there isn't much depth. One thing I will say about Saskatoon though, is that they know how to develop players. They have 5 prospects under 100 TPE this season, but I wouldn't be shocked if a couple of them blossom into steady players sooner rather than later. I really like what they did with their first round pick this season. Going out and drafting @Vkobe-v Leroy Johnson to be their starting goaltender was a great choice at pick 11, and he should fit in nicely as the franchise says goodbye to Andrew Bowman. The Wild are a tough team, and you should never count them out, but they will be in tough when they are matched up against some of the stronger teams in the West this season.
 
 
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The rebuild continues in Mexico City this season, but it's easy to see that things continue to trend in the right direction. While the Kings didn't make a ton of noise at the draft, I really liked the picks they did make. Taking @ThatsGreissy Bastian Greiss at number six was a great pick, as he already is looking to surpass the 200 TPE threshold. They will need a good goalie though as they currently are only rostering one defenseman. While defense is clearly a work in progress, Mexico took @Darth Kaprizov early in the second round and they will depend on him to lead the team's first line on offense. Along with @duckberg32 Watson Stonebridge, who they drafted in the third round, these two will be doing a lot of the heavy lifting this season. Depending on their development, they could both be back next season just under the TPE cap. This would give them a respectable duo for the next two seasons, and Kings fans should be hyped for that! For this year it will be another down year though, but I fully expect Mexico City to be back in playoff form by Season 79.
 

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From the penthouse to the dog house. It's been quite a fall from grace for the Mississauga Hounds in the past month or so. They went into the playoffs as heavy favourites to capture the Founder's Cup last season and then all of sudden they got Miami'd. Not only did they lose in the finals, but they got swept. It certainly wasn't the outcome many were expecting to say the least. For Mississauga management it was back to the drawing board to plan their next best course of action. It's pretty crazy to see the team go from eight active defensemen to zero in the blink of an eye, but here we are and that's a big part of how the Hounds are number 11 on the list. Winger @Anomalijs Miks Sunish returns from last years team and finds himself surrounded by a very new group of players. While they do boast a bit of offensive depth, their lack of any defense and their lower-end TPE goalies just doe not bode well for their immediate future. It's quite clear the tank is on for this season, but I imagine they will try to bounce back for a playoff run as early as next year.
 

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Coming in at the bottom of the barrel are the Las Vegas Aces. I can't remember a time since joining this league that the Aces have been in such bad shape. Much like the Hounds, the Aces have nobody on their blueline and are in dire shape. I put the Aces below Mississauga because I feel they made a series of bad decisions that really set their team back leaps and bounds. I'm sure Papa Spartan is looking at this mess and cringing to himself quietly. Shame on you Jiggs! It will be a long back to prominence for Las Vegas, and they aren't even loaded up on future picks. I think it could be until Season 80 until we see a "full house" back in Sin City.
 
And with the Power Rankings are done! If you made it to the end, thank you very much for reading. It is an interesting season we are embarking on and it's very different landscape then what we've been accustomed to seeing. I think we finally have gotten a full group of engaged general managers here in the M, so competition will be tighter than ever and that makes for a fun league!  Until next time, all the best!