Alex

Thanks, 20 uncapped per week right?

Can I have JST commish pay?

Yukon.

EXPAND TO WHERE? (VHLM THEME WEEK)
 
Welcome to my theme week submission! While I have something special planned for the next few weeks, I thought I would take a break from working on that (spoiler: some fun Hall of Fame discussion) and talk about the VHLM just this once, as I rarely do bring it up in anything I write.  I have expansion on my mind and while it may be a bit of a pipedream to some, I like to think of some of the cities I would like to see come to the VHLM (or even in some cases…return).  Therefore, here is my top five picks (in no particular order) if we were to expand in the VHLM:
 
Minnesota - Listen….they were an absolute staple for quite some time in the VHLM.  Minnesota (who was previously both Gothenburg and Oslo in their weird franchise lineage) has represented from S2 to S80 in one capacity or the other.  Since this an entirely North American based league now, Minnesota makes the most sense to return.  Add in that they are a hockey market and I think this is a no-brainer and my ONLY return (yes, sorry Yukon and Brampton fans…I can think of better Canadian markets!).  Admittedly, I am a traditionalist and like the good hockey markets so that tilts it in my favour.
 
Montreal - So there is a bit of a weird history in this league when it comes to Quebec, but it's one of the biggest hockey markets in the world and absolutely deserves to be represented in the VHLM if it isn’t going to be at the VHL level.  While the Canadiens may be the only team in town for some, I could see this franchise blossoming and racking up their own history if the same faith was shown for them coming into the minor leagues.  Quebec City didn’t work out and some (from what I remember) really didn’t want to play for a french based team (at least based on discussions that were had in the BOG back in the day) but I think that is nonsense and we should see a return to “La belle province”.
 
Boston - I hate the Bruins but this is a winning market and one that, regardless of how controversial they can be, would support any brand of hockey played.  There is a few major American markets that should be represented that aren’t and Boston is definitely near the top of my list (alongside Minnesota).  A lot of great franchises in town but I can see a place in the VHLM for them as well.
 
Pittsburgh - The rivalry is already there alongside Philadelphia! I would say the same if Boston and Montreal were to find their way in.  While there may be challenges getting their Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh is a great hockey town and was once voted on some random website called “wallethub” as the second best hockey city (behind Boston btw) in the US.  What does that mean? I have no idea but they would be a great team with a built in rivalry that would be awesome to actually see take shape.
 
Colorado - A city that has shown support for both NHL and NCAA hockey in recent time.  There is a lot to like about this city and they would be a worthy add alongside Minnesota in the Western Conference.  You could just make this Denver ala the NBA, but either way, they would be my other final addition if I were looking at cities we should expand on for the VHLM.
 

Welcome to Davos @Sen!
 
 @Rjdixon01 best of luck in Moscow!
 
 @Spartan  thanks for the talks, did you know that rookies that are also in the last season of their career are 1/1 on winning cups!?

There's one main issue with your numbers here, specifically that they include seasons where starting goalies weren't in their prime, while ONLY including Sparks' prime seasons. While this is in part due to getting buried in Seattle prior to the Malmo trade, it only paints a small part of the picture.
 
Also, BASED OFF OF TPE, WHICH IS HOW THE PREDICTIONS HAVE TO BE MADE, SPARKS IS STILL ONLY THE 9TH BEST GOALIE IN THE LEAGUE! While they typically do over perform their ranking, as a unbiased source that makes their rankings strictly from roster composition it's nearly impossible to put much weight behind them. Given how unpredictable STHS really is, could Sparks have a great season? yes. Do the underlying numbers lead towards that, conclusion? no. Malmo's roster for the most part is built to shelter Sparks, they have always had a top defensive group, and are typically one of the better offensive teams.
 
While, there is not much to go off of for goalies, SV% is really all we can use, which does help Sparks' case as a top goalie in the league. However, they have never truly been in the conversation of elite goalies/franchise players from a completely objective standpoint.

HC Davos Dynamo Press Conference

You ONLY have to answer 6 of the 8 questions
Week Of June 9th 2024 - June 16th 2024
 
1. On Monday, Theme Week begins! Any guesses as to what this season’s theme could be?
 
2. With the TDL also coming up, are there any additions you would like to see Davos making at this point in the season?
 
3. What goals do you hope to achieve by the time your current player’s career is over?
 
4. How long have you been a member of the VHL?
 
5. As of right now, which VHL team do you think is Davos’ biggest rival?
 
6. Oilers or Panthers to win the Stanley Cup?
 
7.  Who do you believe will go 1st overall in this year’s NHL draft?
 
8. Do you prefer traveling by car or by plane?
 
 

Cue @KaleebtheMighty starting his backup 20 times to actively avoid winning the victory Cup.

Davos, Switzerland -- Entering the VHL for the first time, rookie Antonia Bucatini knew there would be some growing pains. But there was one in particular that she didn't exactly expect: a war-loving teammate that has a taste for beer, screaming, and being distinctly terrifying to most people. Especially uncertain young rookies.
 
When the Dynamo acquired Grimgor Ironhide over the offseason, Bucatini knew it would be an adjustment playing alongside him on a line. "But I just didn't expect the screaming. WARRRGH this and ARRRGH that, I really don't know what he's screaming about half the time," Bucatini says now. "But it makes him happy, so I'm going to grin and bear it."
 
That mindset has paid dividends so far, with both Ironhide and Bucatini averaging over a point per game while playing together on the first line. In particular, it might have scared Bucatini into passing when she'd normally shoot, given that her assist rate is much higher than it was in the VHLE and VHLM.
 
Still, playing alongside a brute has its upsides, Bucatini admits. The other team seems to be equally scared, even opening up the ice and skating away in fear when Ironhide just wants to score another hit. The postgame parties also have a more dangerous - and fun - element than Bucatini has ever experienced before.
 
All in all, while some may have expected her to flinch when Davos announced a one-year (always only one-year) extension for Ironhide earlier today, Bucatini says she's warming to her linemate. "There's something... I don't know, cute about him?" Bucatini asked. "Ok, maybe not cute. But at least not soul-shaking anymore, and I'll settle for that for now."

Condition will not be met as Ironhide has signed with Davos for S95
 
 

Bucatini Prepares for First VHL Season
 
Davos, Switzerland -- Antonia Bucatini has hopped around during her professional hockey career. First, it was being drafted to the VHLM’s Halifax 21st. Then, midseason, she switched countries from Canada to the U.S. after she was traded to the Houston Bulls. The next year, she went back to Europe once more, landing in Scandinavia with the eventual champion Oslo Storm of the VHLE. Three countries, two continents, two seasons.
 
Coming into this year, Bucatini is moving once again. But this time, it’s different: This is likely to be her permanent home. As befitting the number one pick of the S93 Draft, Bucatini is set to make her debut for HC Davos Dynamo this season, and she’s beginning to settle into her Switzerland home.
 
“It’s nice, I like it here,” Bucatini told the Swiss press following a training camp practice. “It’s not my first time in Switzerland, you know, I’d visited before. But house hunting, meeting the neighbors, settling into a routine with practice and everything else – it’s a lot different feeling this time.”
 
Plus, there’s the weight of expectations. Davos is still emerging out of a rebuild, one that saw an additional three rookies join the prospect pool this past draft. But even so, there remain high expectations for Bucatini this upcoming season. She figures to slot into the team’s first line alongside touted veterans Grimgor Ironhide and Sadie St. Louis, both of whom have extensive VHL – and winning – experience.
 
Bucatini knows she will be counted on to hold her own from the drop of the first puck. But rather than shying away from the challenge, she says she actively embraces what’s coming ahead.
 
“I know it’s not easy to be a rookie. But even so, I think I have an opportunity to do something special here,” she added. “We have some winners here – hell, that even includes me coming up from Oslo, I suppose. Maybe we’ll be able to shock a few people this season.”
 
Could that shock include a Rookie of the Year run? It’s possible, given how much practice Bucatini has undertaken coming into the season. Still, it’s not something that she says is a priority.
 
“I told the coaching staff that I’m more focused on Grimgor and Sadie’s stats than my own, and I truly meant it,” she explained. “If they’re happy, I’m happy. I really think that’s how we’re going to grow not only this season, but into the future.”
 
Time will tell how well those proclamations play out. But for now, Bucatini is still adjusting. There’s a preseason ahead, followed by the first games against tougher competition than she has ever faced before. For better or worse, the attention will certainly be on the first player to be drafted first in all three of the VHLM, VHLE, and VHL.
 
“Sure, there are expectations, but I’m not afraid of that,” Bucatini said with a grin. “You’ve seen what I do with expectations before. And if I’m going to be great – and trust me, that’s the plan – it means people have to see greatness in you. Let’s see how well that plays out.”

(graphic maybe pending)
VSN Presents: S94 VHL Trade Analysis!

 
Hello and welcome to this edition of VSN where today we will be covering some of the biggest trades that have occurred in S94! As we start approaching the midway point of the VHL season, this season has already seen a great number of player and asset movements across the league, as teams aim to address issues early to bolster their rosters, address weaknesses, and give teams better means of impacting their place in the standings and playoff aspirations! Join us tonight as we break down some of the most notable trades so far in S94 and analyze their implications for the teams involved!

 
June 3rd:

 
HC Davos receives: 
Marek Nowaczyk @Chillybro
Stefan Nikolaev @Is_thatok
S95 RIG 1st Round Pick
 
Riga receives:
Sadie St-Louis @sadie
S95 RIG 2nd Round Pick
S96 TOR 2nd Round Pick

 
The 4th overall pick from S86 is going back to Riga in a deal with Davos! Having previously played for Riga from S87 to S90, Sadie St-Louis has had a difficult time finding a permanent home in the VHL since being traded to Calgary in the offseason following S90. Having played 2 seasons with the Wranglers, a season in Seattle and then starting this season on the Dynamo, St-Louis looks to reignite the production and success of their early career in the VHL with a team that knows them well! Being likely slotted in as the top line LW, Sadie has managed to put up 7 points in 13 games! Riga also made out with their own 2nd round pick from this season, as well as Toronto’s 2nd from next season, so an overall very decent haul! Let’s take a look at the other side of the trade, and we’ll grade how well each team pulled away from this trade!
 
HC Davos Dynamo is in the midst of a tough season so far to put it fairly. As of writing this article, they’re 7-16-1, very much on the outside looking in in terms of playoff competitiveness. Being able to offload a player that you won’t be able to carry into the mid to long term future for a first round pick is a great return, but they didn’t stop there! Bringing in Marek Nowaczyk & Stefan Nikolaev, they’re hoping both of these guys become good depth earning players in the future. Marek Nowaczyk is a S93 3rd round pick from Seattle, currently playing their rookie season in the VHLE on Oslo. Stefan Nikolaev is a S90 3rd round pick as well, currently in the VHL during their rookie season as well. In 26 games, they’ve put up 4 points. While not the biggest point production, having a player on the roster to immediately replace the departing player is useful, and they still have a fair amount of room to grow to become an excellent player with. 
 
With all being said, I’d say the immediate winner of this trade is obviously the team that pulled away with the big piece of this trade. Riga walking away with two second round picks as well definitely helps the blow of losing their first round pick. A very strong case can and probably should be made that Davos will win this trade down the line however as they walked away from this trade with three potential roster players to build with in the future!

 
VSN Grades: 
 
HC Davos: 8/10
 
Riga: 9/10
 
----------------------------------------------------------
 
Riga receives:
Annie Oaks @Noodle Enjoyer
The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath
S95 CGY 2nd
 
Vancouver receives:
Martin Kemp @leafsman
Pierre Marc Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito
S96 RIG Conditional 3rd 

 
Riga stayed busy on the 3rd, as they made another big deal, this time with Vancouver! Riga got Annie Oaks, a former 4th overall pick from S93, currently playing their rookie season in the VHL, and producing respectable numbers! The crazy part about this acquisition is that Annie Oaks isn’t even the biggest piece of this trade, as VHL veteran The Frenchman was also traded to Riga in this deal. A 3 time 100+ point player, The Frenchman has solidified himself as a VHL great, and now gets to ride out the rest of his career with the team that originally drafted him 1st overall in S86! A proven player performer, The Frenchman is going to bolster Riga significantly in their quest for a Cup this season!
 
With Vancouver giving up significant pieces, you’d expect them to get big pieces back, and get big pieces back they did! In this trade, Vancouver received Pierre Marc Bouchard, the former 3rd overall pick from S94 & Martin Kemp, the 10th overall pick from S90! Pierre Marc Bouchard is having a remarkable season with Bratislava this season, having put up 40 points in 24 contests so far. With their skill already greatly exceeding that of the average VHLE player, Bouchard is expected to make an immediate and major impact in the VHL in S95! The main roster piece coming back from Riga was Martin Kemp, who so far this season is having a career year, having put up 26 points in 25 games between Vancouver and Riga! They also received a conditional 3rd rounder, which will become a 2nd if Kemp does not re-sign with Vancouver prior to free agency this offseason. 

 
This is a blockbuster of blockbusters as every player moved in this deal has the potential to make this trade a steal for the team who acquired them! It’s very hard to gauge a winner, but again I have to lean on who gets the most right now, and considering Bouchard is still in the E and unable to contribute to Vancouver’s playoff hopes this season, I have to give the slight edge to Riga! Long term though I definitely give this to Vancouver, as pulling away with two former first round picks and a second rounder will definitely help them build a powerhouse of a team in a few seasons!

 
VSN Grades:
 
Riga: 9/10
 
Vancouver: 9/10
 
----------------------------------------------------------

 
May 16th:

 
Toronto receives:
Nils Andersson @Viper
S94 HSK 2nd
S94 RIG 3rd
 
Moscow receives:
Steve Lattimer @pugsood
S94 TOR 2nd

 
Toronto made a big splash prior to season start as they acquired Nils Andersson and two picks from Moscow for Steve Lattimer and a pick! Nils Andersson, a S88 1st round pick has been a defensive juggernaut with Moscow over the last 5 seasons, with some of his best numbers coming from S90 & 91 where he put up well over 100 hits in both seasons, and was even a power play point producer with 14 PPG’s in those two seasons as well! With being traded to Toronto in the offseason, Nils is on pace to exceed previous career highs, and is reaching new heights in both defensive and offensive metrics! With two more seasons after this one on contract for Andersson, Toronto has an excellent top 4 defenseman they can lean on for future pushes that doesn’t require much cap space to utilize!
 
Moscow acquired a very strong winger in Steve Lattimer with this trade as well! Having come off a career high 92 point season in S93, Lattimer is maintaining a strong offensive presence with Moscow. Already having a whopping 202 shots on goal this season, he is a player you can definitely lean on to create offensive chances, and create chances he has! In the 25 contests he’s played, Lattimer has managed to be a point per game player, and while he isn’t on pace to be a 92 point man again, a strong 60-70 point season would be an excellent addition to Moscow’s offense!
 
All said, it’s hard to gauge who won this trade as both players are excellent at what they do for their teams! If I had to give a team the edge, it’d have to be Toronto, solely for being able to retain Nils longer and acquiring two picks on top of that! That is most certainly not discounting the pieces made by Moscow however, as the season is still young, and Steve Lattimer has the pieces needed to seriously take off in offensive production! Time will tell who truly won this trade though!

 
VSN Grades:
 
Toronto: 9/10
 
Moscow: 8/10
 
----------------------------------------------------------

 
May 15th:

 
HC Davos receives:
Reginald the Dodo @Esso2264
S95 RIG 2nd
S96 RIG 1st
 
Riga receives:
Skor McFleury @Alex

 
Leaning heavily into the rebuild this season, Davos made a trade prior to season start to offload Skor McFleury for picks and a depth defenseman. With the previously mentioned season they are having, acquiring picks for a player they won’t be able to properly utilize for the remaining seasons of his career was the best play they could make, though the loss of McFleury has definitely been felt as he’s having a remarkably strong season in Riga this season. Taking into consideration Riga’s place in the standings this season, they’re likely looking at a mid round 1st round pick in S96, and similarly for the 2nd rounder they acquired from this season. Reginald the Dodo is a very serviceable player, but was flipped prior to season start, and is having a strong season thus far, having put up 17 points in 24 games with New York. 
 
Riga walked away with a single asset this trade, that being the elite offensive defenseman in Skor McFleury. He’s having a remarkably strong season this go around, as in 25 games he’s put up 29 points, 20 of those being assists. Having a physical and defensive presence as well, with 62 hits and 53 shots blocked, McFleury is utilizing his experience to help Riga pursue his second Continental Cup win in his career. Giving up the pieces they did, they’re definitely going all in this season, and are making out pretty decently in these trades. Though they are setting themselves up for a BIG rebuild in a few seasons, so we’ll see if Riga pulls through and wins it all by season's end!
 
All in all, these major asset trades provide very clear short and long term winners and losers. Obviously it hurts Davos to give up Skor, but building for the future will help them more than going for a deep run at this point in the season. Riga bolstering their roster shows they are very much all in, and are definitely the short term winners of this trade. Davos wins in the longer term though, especially if Riga isn’t able to retain some of their players and forces themselves into a rebuild, then Davos will definitely be the clear winner!

 
VSN Grades:
 
Davos: 8/10
 
Riga 8/10
 
----------------------------------------------------------

 
May 13th:

 
Moscow receives:
S96 WAR 1st
 
Warsaw receives:
Kronchy Kardashian @Garsh
S94 LDN 2nd

 
Moscow received a first round pick from Warsaw, who are notorious for trading first rounders away for players to help now! Little can be said about the pick acquired as it is two seasons out from being utilized, but Warsaw will have multiple aging players by then, so this is definitely a calculated risk to be selling picks that far into the future. With Warsaw currently in 5th place in league standings, if they can maintain that pace until the S96 draft, and they can win a Cup in that time, this trade will look very good for Warsaw!
 
Warsaw on the other hand acquired a very strong veteran offensive defenseman in Kronchky Kardashian, who is putting up a very strong season so far for the Predators! In 24 games, Kronchky has managed to put up 28 points, while also being nearly an assist per game pace type of player. Kronchy Kardashian is on pace at the moment to break career highs, and should Warsaw keep winning with the strong roster they have now, it is very possible that Kardashian will win their first Continental Cup with the Predators! Time will tell however if this dream becomes a reality for them and the Predators as a whole!

 
VSN Grades: 
 
Moscow: 7/10
 
Warsaw: 9/10
 
----------------------------------------------------------
 
That will do it for this edition of VSN’s trade reviews! With how young the season still is, and the TDL fast approaching, I expect that the best is yet to come, but it’s always nice to see big deals happen this early on in the season! For VSN, I’m Marcus Svedberg, signing off!

Player Information
Username: Arce
Player Name: Seto Kaiba
Recruited From: Returning
Age: 18
Position: LW
Height: 72 in.
Weight: 175 lbs.
Birthplace: Japan

Player Page
@VHLM GM

- Added user profiles 
- New quick link and all usernames on the Portal now link to Portal profiles rather than the forum

View full release

Thank you for reminding me how mid my first player was…

May 24, 2024 - Houston, Texas
The drumming of a downpour drowns out the faint pulse of the radio as I pull to a stop at a darkened 4-way.  A flash of lightning floods the night with a flicker of white light before the darkness falls again.  The rain-battered road glistens and gleams in the glow of headlights as I creep forward and clear the intersection.  One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three-- a clap of thunder interrupts the count like a drunk percussionist pounding a timpani.  A clumsy decrescendo into a gurgle-grumble and the rain carries the tune like an out of time drum line playing the world's longest snare roll.  I reach over to the console and turn up the radio just as the chorus kicks in, a syncopated beat and a vocal melody cutting through the cacaphony... 
 
♫ Until the light... ♫
 
It's been four days now without power after a severe storm blew through Houston, knocking over trees and power lines and plunging nearly a million people into the modern misery that is candlelight and cold showers-- unless, of course, you're among those with the means and foresight to have a generator on hand.  I was not.  If I'm being honest, there is something quaint about writing by candlelight and I've actually rather enjoyed burning the midnight oil, scribbling sooth under the glow of a dancing flame.  See, we can romanticize this... situation, though there's nothing romantic about a freezing cold shower, let me assure you.  
 
Crawling up my street now, I signal and turn right into my driveway, the blacked out porch to the left of the driveway is decidedly less inviting than the usual yellow glow that illuminates the front stoop.  Cutting the engine, I wait in my car for a moment, letting skydiving water droplets berate the roof, hood, and windscreen, hoping for a moment of respite. A bolt of lightning flashes in the rearview followed closely by a crack and rumble from the heavens.  This isn't ending anytime soon.  Taking the keys out of the ignition, the car's interior lights come on and I unplug my phone-- 89%.  Opening the door, it's a scramble through rain and up the front steps.  Fumbling with the keys, I unlock the door and step over the threshold, instinctively reaching for the lightswitch.  Right... 
 
──•~❉᯽❉~•──
 
Spending the past season following the Vasteras Iron Eagles in the VHLE, I watched Lucy Leitner play her second full season of pro level hockey.  I've been following Leitner's hockey career, actually, since before she joined the Houston Bulls in Season 92.  Back when she was with her junior team, the Black Diamond Blades, Lucy was an exceptional skater and one of the top prospects in her age category.  With terrific edges and blinding speed, she'd leave opposing forecheckers grasping at air as she'd wheel the puck up ice, often creating opportunities for her team off the rush.  That was in junior.  
 
At the VHLM level, Leitner continued to show flashes of speed and promise and managed a cool 76 points in 72 games with her hometown Houston Bulls.  While her skating was less of a dominant attribute at the M level, the VHLE proved to be an even greater challenge for Leitner as the slight defender would at times look out of her depth.  Still managing a respectable 61 points in 72 games, the eye test wasn't always kind to her.
 
Speaking with scouts around the league, there were concerns that Leitner might continue to struggle with her smaller frame at 5'8".  Furthermore, there was some suggestion that her once dominant attribute-- skating-- might begin to look more average with the jump up to the VHL in S94.  While most scouts agreed that Leitner had the tools and determination to become a successful VHL player, there seemed to be greater skepticism about her ceiling and what heights she might reach. 
 
After a disappointing playoff loss with Vasteras, Lucy made her way back to Houston for the offseason where I was able to catch up with her once again. And while we've had this rendezvous now for the past two offseasons, there was something different meeting her this time around.  Maybe it was the fact that the power was out and we met by the faint splash of candlelight, or maybe it was the anticipation of her first VHL game-- all the nerves, excitement, and dread that comes with such a milestone.  
 
──•~❉᯽❉~•──
 
"Thanks for meeting me, Lucy, how are you?"
 
"Of course, I am doing good!"
 
"I hope you don't mind the candles!"
 
"No, haha, it's totally fine! Kind of a unique way to do an interview to be honest."
 
"So when did you get back to Houston?"
 
"Um, I got back I think 4 days-- no, sorry 5 days ago.  I stayed in Vasteras for a week or so after the season ended just to pack and say goodbye to teammates and friends."
 
"Not to dwell on this too much, but I'm sure it was a tough way to end the season-- losing in the finals against Oslo in 5 games."
 
"Yep, that was definitely not the way we had imagined it going.  I mean, there's obviously some disappointment to lose in 5 games, you know, like you feel like you maybe didn't leave it all on the ice.  But at the same time Oslo had a great team, they had our number all season long and they deserve full credit.  We were kinda close and it would've been amazing to have finished the season with a win, but I guess it wasn't meant to be."
 
"Well, Vasteras was one of the best all season, so congratulations on such a successful campaign, even if you didn't necessarily get the final result you were hoping for."
 
"Thanks, I appreciate it."
 
"I wanted to ask you about your personal performance this past season.  How do you think it went, considering it was your first season abroad and with the increase in competition?"
 
"I think, personally, it was okay.  I mean, my first goal is always helping the team, doing whatever I can to help secure wins, but everyone wants to show well on the scoresheet too.  I feel like I started slow to be honest and kinda hit a tough point in the middle of the season where nothing was working for me, like I think I was shooing under 4% or something silly like that.  So, like, those stretches are tough for sure, but you kinda just keep your head down and keep working and eventually you work your way out of it.  I think I did that a bit by the end, but yeah, definitely some room for improvement still."
 
"Some people have had concerns about your size being an issue as you make your way up into the higher leagues, do you think that was a challenge for you in the VHLE? And do you change anything about your game to accomodate that as you move up to the VHL?"
 
"I mean, I don't really feel like it was an issue.  Like, sure, there's guys who are absolute monsters out there, but my game has always been about creating space for myself using my skating so I didn't find, you know, size to be much of a factor.  Obviously, as the skill level goes up, size can definitely be an advantage but it's not like I can change my size really so I'm just working at getting faster and stronger and trying to adapt my game so that I can be effective against any level of competition."
 
"To be fair, I think we observed you adapting as the last season went on-- like you alluded to earlier, you were looking more comfortable by the end of your season in the E. This season you'll be playing for Riga in the VHL's European Conference.  What do you think will be the biggest challenge? And what are you most excited for?"
 
"I think the speed of the VHL game is going to be the biggest challenge.  I've kinda always taken pride in my skating ability and playing the game fast, but I know that the VHL is the top level and everyone there is a serious player.  I can't really just rely on old habits and skills because that won't be enough to compete at this level.  I think that speed will definitely be the hardest challenge of moving up, you know, just getting used to that and improving the way I play to keep up at that level.  What I'm excited for?  I mean, everything, all of it!  I can't wait to play my first game, you know, score my first goal-- first point.  It's somthing you dream about and it's kinda surreal that it's happening, so yeah, I'm just super happy to have the opportunity."
 
"Do you have any personal expectations for your rookie season? Any personal goals or milestones?  And what do you think of the team in Riga?" 
 
"I've chatted with a few of the players there and they've all been so welcoming and they're a great group.  I also know Lemorse @Lemorse7 a bit from my time in the VHLM so I'm glad to see he got the GM job and I'm sure he'll be working hard to improve this team every day! My goals though, um, I mean, I expect alot of myself on the ice, but I also don't necessarily have any expectations for points or any statistical milestones.  I guess my main goal is to be an effective player for the team. I know already that there will be tons of opportunity for ice time, so my main goal is to make the most of that and to be a positive player for the team, not a liability."
 
"Do you think about possibly winning the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy for the top rookie? Is that something that crosses your mind?"
 
"I mean it'd be a huge honor for sure, but it's definitely not something I think about.  It's one of those things, you know, if it happens then it happens, but I'm not playing to win personal hardware.  Like I said, if I can be a positive player for Riga in my rookie season, then I'll be happy with that.  Besides, I think Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica is going to be tough to beat in the rookie scoring race this season."
 
"There have been some rumors around Riga acquiring Skor McFleury @Alex from Davos and maybe some other players to bolster the team for a run at the playoffs.  What do you think about potentially adding a player like that and the GM pushing for a playoff berth this season?"
 
"I'm all for it! Anything that makes this team better and gives us a better shot at playoffs it awesome!  We've got a great core group of players I think, but if you can bring in Skor McFleury, who was literally the best defender in the league last season, that's huge for the team.  I mean, personally, I'd be excited to play alongside a player like that, you know, just to watch how they play the game and learn from a real pro." 
 
"Have you made it out to Riga yet?"
 
"No, actually, I'm here in Houston for a few more days and then I'm heading straight there for training camp.  From the pictures I've seen, it seems like a beautiful city with a lot of history so I'll definitely be doing some exploring.  I've also heard alot of great things from teammates too so it's going to be exciting to finally get there and settle in." 
 
"Alright, a few more quick questions-- don't think too hard about these ones, just give me the first answer that comes to mind."
 
"Okay."
 
"How many points will you score this season?"
 
"Oh, gosh... 35."
 
"How many games does it take you to score your first VHL goal?"
 
"Wow, um, 3 maybe."
 
"How many goals will you score this season?"
 
"9-- that's my lucky number."
 
"Does Riga make the playoffs this season?"
 
"Yes."
 
"If you could play for any other VHL team, which would be your first choice?"
 
"Besides Riga?  Probably Malmo, I've always loved their aesthetic and I'd love to play in Sweden again.
 
"What is the best team in the VHL right now, in your opinion?"
 
"Moscow. They've got a fantastic team and some great prospects coming up like Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee."
 
"You're exploring a new city looking for a place to get drinks, who's the first former or current teammate you call?"
 
"Ondrej Vencko @Mutti-- that's a no brainer."
 
"You can have the career of any current VHL player, who would you choose?"
 
"Liv Slater @Subject056, one of my favorites and a great defender."
 
"Which VHL player are you most excited to play against?"
 
"I think Logan Ninefingers @Scurvy.  He was a great rookie last season and we were teammates on the WJC team in S92.  It should be a fun matchup!"
 
"Which player on Riga are you most excited to play with?"
 
"Really? You're going to make me choose!  Gosh, maybe Kimi Raikkonen @mattyIceman since he's a player with a lot of high end skill and ice in his veins."
 
"Okay, favorite song right now?"
 
"That's a mean question... right now... My Delirium by Ladyhawke."
 
"Interesting choice.  Alright, final question: the last time we spoke you said you envisioned yourself lifting the Continental Cup with Riga in 5 seasons.  That's 4 seasons away now, has that vision changed?
 
"I feel like the timeline isn't all that important.  I'm going to Riga to win and that's always going to be the goal-- this season, next season, 4 seasons from now.  I want to help bring a Cup to Riga and be able to fulfill that dream, but the first step is that first game so for now I'm focussed on that."
 
"Love it, Lucy, thanks so much for taking the time to do this and best of luck with your first season in the VHL.  I know I can't wait to see how it goes!"
 
"Of course, anytime! And thanks!"
 
──•~❉᯽❉~•──

Riga, Latvia (above)
 
My phone battery is running low again after transcribing the interview in my notes app-- 9%.  The black screen of my laptop glares at me from across the room, lifeless.  Days ago I had vampirized its battery to charge my phone-- the laptop had died so that the phone might live, and yet here I am again with a phone on the verge of giving in to the consuming black.  The candle flickering on the coffee table is also in its dying stages, the flame shrinking and rounding into a tiny bead of light, floating above a puddle of wax. 
 
Lifting myself up off the couch, I stumble blindly through the dark living room, making my way back to the front door where I throw on my jacket and step into my shoes.  Peering through the window on the door I see the rain still coming down, but not much more than a light sprinkle.  Unlocking the deadbolt, car keys in hand, I duck out into the rain again, this time running out to my car.  Key in the ignition, I start the engine and plug in my phone.  Something like relief washes over me as I feel the familiar buzz indicating that the phone is charging.  
 
I lean back in the car seat now, the air conditioning blowing gently across my face, a reprieve from the suffocating humidity. In the rearview I see a cloud ignite with a flash of white lightning.  The thunder is too far off to hear as I click on the radio...
 
♫ Paradise on my right, hell on my left, the angel of death right behind me... ♫
 
──•~❉᯽❉~•──
Lauren Lambert for VHL.com
06/04/24 - 2600+ words
 
Notes: 
In 13 games, Lucy Leitner has started her VHL career strong with 12 points, scoring her first VHL goal against the Moscow Menace in her 6th game.   Riga has gone on to acquire Skor McFleury and Oreo McFleury @JB123, as well as bringing back former members of the Reign, Sadie St-Louis @sadie and The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath .  As part of those deals, new-- and busy!-- Riga GM Lemorse also brought another top prospect in Annie Oaks @Noodle Enjoyer while parting ways with Pierre-Marc Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito and Martin Kemp @leafsman.  Riga looks poised to make some noise during the regular season and potentially into the postseason if this team can come together quickly.  

Yes, let’s fire Hedge!

Yes, let’s fire Hedge!

Yes, let’s fire Hedge!

Davos, Switzerland -- In her first season in the main VHL, rookie forward Antonia Bucatini wasn't quite sure what to expect. Especially given the talent all across today's VHL, she and Davos management were prepared for some growing pains, taking a few weeks into the season to determine how to get the most out of her skills in a new setting.
 
But nobody, least of all Bucatini, expected her to come out of the gate quite like this.
 
Through her first 10 games, Bucatini has already racked up 14 points, good for the top point total among rookies by 3 points clear of Riga's Lucy Leitner. Her 10 assists also aren't too far outside of the league's Top 10. Coupled with Grimgor Ironhide's 8 goals and 16 points over that same span, it's clear that Davos' first line has gotten something going.
 
"It's a lot easier to really start off hot when I've got guys like Grimgor and Carson [Walker, Jr.] really helping me out," Bucatini said after a recent game against Toronto. "When your linemates make everything look easy, then well, maybe it's going to end up easy for me too."
 
Thus far that hot start hasn't necessarily translated to wins, as Davos sits at 3-7-0 and tied for sixth in the European Conference. But this year was expected to be a rebuilding year anyway, Bucatini notes, and she hopes it's the springboard to success in the future.
 
"Good habits need to start somewhere, and I think it's really taking off," she added. "Maybe it won't mean wins this year, but I can guarantee you: What we're doing here is really going to pay dividends a year, two years down the road. Get in on the ground floor Davos fans, because we're only going up from here."

Rookie Experience Report
Forum Content – LW
HC Davos Dynamo
 
About Being Drafted In The VHL
The entire process was very exciting.  It was unlike the VHLE, where you basically get buried on a team that doesn’t really care about you because they are starting lifers.  Multiple general managers reached out to me, asking me about how my hours practicing were going to be spent, what my career goals were and if their culture mirrored what I was looking for in a franchise.  It was quite refreshing, to be honest.  I personally was not at the actual draft or anywhere near a television; I was at a concert with friends when I got the call from Davos about them taking me sixth overall.  Personally, that was higher than I would have expected, so I am really grateful to be in this position. 
 

 
About Playing for General Manager Alex
The agency I am involved with (frescoelmo) has known Alex for quite a while, so the discussions with regards to contracts and playing time was relatively seamless.  He (Alex) is always looking for an edge to get the roster into a better position, almost to the point where it is detrimental to his well-being.  He has been very up front about anything on his mind thus far, which I can appreciate.  I came in knowing what kind of ice time I was going to get and the opportunities tied to it.  Can’t ask for anything more.  He does right by his players.
 
About Setting Goals That Are Attainable
This has been a particularly difficult task to get a good grasp on.  I was very productive in the minor leagues (VHLM) with over 100 points in a season.  The VHLE was equally frustrating; I had asked to be traded to a team that allowed me to play more just so I could showcase my talents to VHL managers.  Albeit on a significantly worse roster, I was fortunately able to salvage somewhat of a career in the E (58 points in the same amount of games).  So you know what?  Let’s split the difference.  If I can get around 80 points this season I would be ecstatic, especially playing on the second line.  I am pacing about a point per game currently, so I am just below that goal with about 1/6th of the season over with.  If I can keep my shot percentage above 10%, that would be great as well.  I would love to see some efficiency and better decision-making. 
 
About Changing The Frescoelmo Agency Perception
I will be the fourth player in this iteration of the ‘elmo agency, and am very excited to see if we can shake the rust off and go win a championship.  There have been successful players here the last 15-20 seasons, but nothing really to show for it in the playoffs.
 

About Staying In Europe Long Term
Having moved from Chile to the States, the initial shock of living in another country took some time to get used to.  I was much better prepared when I moved to Cologne and subsequently Bratislava, but there was still quite the adjustment period.  So yes, I am very happy to be staying on this continent with Davos.  Switzerland is quite diverse and my Spanish-speaking will carry a little more weight, definitely more so than Slovakia.

R:We welcome you back to the long running interview series where we interview the players of the Eagles dynasty. We have had all the great Eagles here for interviews throughout each of their respective careers and we are now back with the next player in line to carry the Eagles name. We welcome Roger Eagles to our studio today.
RE: Glad to be here and excited to start off my first interview in the start of this new career.

R: How are you settling in Rome and why did you choose Rome out of all placed to start your VHLE career?
RE: Settling in has been going well, adjusting to the speed and skill of the game. I have been training well and have stepped in to two games as backup so far where I would say I played pretty damn well. Haven't allowed a goal in 66 minutes which is pretty great. As for why I chose Rome is because they offered the best opportunity for me to move up to starter position. I think with the way training has been going and my recent play in the two games I have stepped in to, I should get that starter call soon.

R: Were they any promises made before you signed with Rome about if you would get that starter role?
RE: I will keep those discussion private but myself and the GM know what was said. I believe if I continue to train as I have been and continue to play well when called upon as a backup that within the next little while you will see that changing of the guard.
 
R: What has been your favorite part of Rome so far?
RE: I think its great that I can step off the ice and right into a warm, vibrant city and just enjoy. I can relax in a cafe with some coffee or gelato or I can go out and party at night. The options are unlimited and it never gets cold here. It's great leaving the arena in a tshirt and shorts and not need to worry about bundling up for the winter.
 
R: We have seen you improving week by week, what is the biggest thing you are currently working on to get better as a goalie?
RE: I never stop working and always trying to improve all aspects of my game. Right now I am focusing more on rebound control and hand speed to match with the skill of the VHLE.
 
R: You are VHL draft eligible after this season...any preferred teams you would like to go to? 
RE: I will play for any team that drafts me and try to improve that squad. I do not have any specific preferences and will just be excited to get going in the VHL once that time comes.
 
R: Have you decided if you will stay another season in the E or will you go directly to the VHL after the draft
RE: It's undecided. I will do what the drafting team wants me to do as I am a team player. If they need me to go down for another season then I will be glad to get more games in the E. If they decide that they need me to step in and play in the VHL right away then that is what I will do.

R: Final question and I know we have been hinting at it all interview to try and get an answer but when do you think you will start your first VHLE game?
RE: That is up to the GM to decided, I know i'm ready and I know I can compete at this level. The GM just has to give me that opportunity and I can guarantee you he won't regret it.

Welcome to Davos @Chillybro and @Is_thatok! We’re very happy to have you joining us!
 
@sadie, thank you for your time in Davos! Best of luck in Riga!
 
@Lemorse7 thank you for the trade talks!

@Chillybro @Is_thatok Im sad to see you both go good luck in the future 
 
@sadie Welcome back to RIGAAA back with the team who drafted you 

 thanks for the trade talk @Alex