Baby Boomer

1. It did concern me, but what really concerns me is that we lost in ONLY four games to D.C. in the first round. What happened??????
2. Well, my original was going to be Seattle, but now I guess I have to go with D.C.
3. Yes, if a team wins two Cups with the same core, we can call it a dynasty. So, if we win a Cup next season we can call it a dynasty. 
4. I really don't know, but if I have to take a guess, I will go with Steve Lattimer.
5. The beginning, so between S1 and like S10-15. 
6. I am really not gaming a lot, but when I play, I am playing at NHL 24.

There were some shocking payouts this week with the VHL Virtual Bookie.  The biggest impact on this was because it is playoffs and the odds were applied to all the games.  Now that the round is over, here are some highlights.
 
The New York Seattle series ended with more goals per game than predicted, costing the Bookie 515 in wages.  The Bookie bounced back by counting on Wwwwwwwwwwww Wwwwwwwwwwww @rory to make over 35.5 saves, which he did 3 out of the 4 games, increasing the Bookie’s pockets by 990.  FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ split the shots on goal, by going over 5.5 twice, and under twice.  The biggest loss for the Bookie was placing a wager of 1000 on Daryl Dixon, @Ricer13to score over 2.5 points.  Unfortunately, Dixon was flat the entire series.
 
On the Toronto/DC series, the Bookie picked up 500 on Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer, only to lose 100 hoping for The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath , to get the first star.  The Bookie managed to add 200 from a wager on the puck line.
 
The Malmo/Moscow series was lucrative for the bookie, thanks to Gregger McKeggegger @TheNeonShaman getting over 4.5 shots per game.  The Bookie got 3500 out of that wager.  Adding a 400 money line wager made up for the 100 wasted on hoping for Reese McFleury @Spaz to get second star.  The Bookie should have placed a wager on Grimgor Ironhide, @FrostBeard getting the third star, as that payout was 12000.
 
The big payout came from the London/Prague series.  The Bookie placed a 500 wager on John Jameson @Frank to win 45000, and it paid off.  Jackpot!!  Thank you John Jameson.  And the biggest disappointment goes to Rip Wheeler, @ScottyP.  A 1000 wager was placed by @Tetricide to win 250000.  Go big or go home, and tetricide went home sad.
 
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Yes, its true… The approval for the VHL Virtual Bookie has been made final and begins now.  After many months of dealing with Tulalip Tribal Gaming, the Resort has given me permission to run the operation as the VHL Virtual Bookie.  To start the bookie operation, I have selected the next four VHL games of the playoffs.  But wait!  There’s more…. As an introductory offer, games 4 and 6(if necessary) are included with your wager of game 3 in each series.  3 chances to win on 1 wager!  VHLE and VHLM games will be added in the future.
 
Betting is simple, all you need to do is look at the game #s below, and make your wagers by submitting a reply with the game #, which bet, and the wager.  You do not have to bet on every game, or every prop.  And its preferable that wagers are made before the game begins!    From there, its on you!  All wagers are in increments of 100, or in the amount to make a whole number depending on the odds, ie. if the odds were -125, then the wager  would be in increments of 125.  And because I’m such a nice bookie, you might see game time notes to help with your decision making.
 
Remember, gambling can be an addictive habit.  If you feel you need help with your addiction, seek assistance.  The VHL Bookie is not responsible for your addiction.
 
To begin the virtual booking with a variety of choices, plus to increase the number of words for maximum TPE out of this, here is a list of betting choices:
 
Puck Line -  The point spread of the winner
Total Score - The number total goals between both teams that are scored
Money Line - The winner of the game
 
But wait, there’s more.  Individual props include:
 
Shots on goal - the over/under of shots on goal by a player
Points - the over/under of points by a player
 
No, the virtual bookie has not forgotten the goalie prop.
 
Saves - the over/under of saves made by a goalie
 
And to make things even more exciting, there is the awards prop
 
Third Star - Second Star - First Star
 
Unfortunately, there are no parlay bets or teaser bets at this time.
 
 
 
Let the virtual betting begin!
 
 
 
Game #49(#53 & #61included) - Seattle Bears vs New York Americans
 
New York is coming off an easy series against the Chicago Phoenix, while the Seattle Bears are well rested.  Even though New York had little difficulty scoring against Chicago, Seattle traded for Fuukka Rask, @jubis, and Rask went 21-2-3 with Seattle. Seattle is currently up 2 games to 0.
 
Puck Line - New York Americans +1.5  (+160) Bet 100 to win 160
Seattle Bears -1.5   (-190) Bet 190 to win 100
 
Total Goals - Over 6.5 (-115) Bet 115 to win 100
  Under 6.5 (-105) Bet 105 to win 100
 
Money Line - New York Americans (+160) Bet 100 to win 160
    Seattle Bears (-192) Bet 192 to win 100
 
Shots on Goal - FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ
      Over 5.5 (-125) Bet 125 to win 100
      Under 5.5 (-110) Bet 110 to win 100
 
      Oreo McFleury @JB123
      Over 6.5 (-140) Bet 140 to win 100
      Under 6.5 (+105) Bet 100 to win 105
 
Points - Tord Yvel @Trazan
    Over 1.5 (+130) Bet 100 to win 130
    Under 1.5 (-125) Bet 125 to win 100
 
    Daryl Dixon @Ricer13
    Over 2.5 (+140) Bet 100 to win 140
    Under 2.5 (+105) Bet 100 to win 105
 
Saves - Wwwwwwwwwwww Wwwwwwwwwwww @rory
    Over 35.5 (+110) Bet 100 to win 110
    Under 35.5 (-105) Bet 105 to win 100
 
    Fuukka Rask @Jubis
    Over 22.5 (-110) Bet 110 to win 100
    Under 22.5 (+135) Bet 100 to win 135
       
Stars of the Game - First Star - Gustav Mattias @Berocka (+2300) Bet 100 to win 2300.   
    Second Star - Jasper Davis @Josh (+4500) Bet 100 to win 4500.
    Third Star - Fuukka Rask @Jubis (+1400) Bet 100 to win 1400.
 
 
 
Game #50 (#54 & #62 included) - Toronto Legion vs DC Dragons
 
The Dragons are definitely a playoff hockey team, going into Toronto and taking the first two games.  They now come back home and have a chance of sweeping the Legion in front of their home fans.  DC’s offensive prowess has been incredible thus far, causing oddsmakers to struggle with predicting the results.
 
Puck Line - Toronto Legion +1.5 (-130) Bet 130 to win 100
DC Dragons -1.5 (+145) Bet 100 to win 145
 
Total Goals - Over 5.5 (-125) Bet 125 to win 100
  Under 5.5 (+120) Bet 100 to win 120
 
Money Line - Toronto Legion (+110) Bet 100 to win 110
    DC Dragons (-105) Bet 105 to win 100
 
Shots on Goal - Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer
      Over 2.5 (+110) Bet 100 to win 110
      Under 2.5 (-105) Bet 105 to win 100
 
      The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath
      Over 6.5 (-105) Bet 105 to win 100
      Under 6.5 (+130) Bet 100 to win 130
 
Points - Diego Machado @Dadam30
    Over 1.5 (+150) Bet 100 to win 150
    Under 1.5 (-105) Bet 105 to win 100
 
    Theo Allard @InstantRockstar
    Over 1.5 (+165) Bet 100 to win 165
    Under 1.5 (-105) Bet 105 to win 100
   
Saves - Joel Castle @animal74
    Over 35.5 (+110) Bet 100 to win 110
    Under 35.5 (-105) Bet 105 to win 100
    Henry Tucker Jr @NSG
    Over 34.5 (-105) Bet 100 to win 105
    Under 34.5 (+115) Bet 100 to win 115
 
Stars of the Game - First Star - The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath  (+1500) Bet 100 to win 1500
    Second Star - Jimi Jaks @ke1vi (+3200) Bet 100 to win 3200
    Third Star - Joel Castle @animal74 (+2900) Bet 100 to win 2900
 
 
 
 
Game #51 (#55 & #63 included) Malmo Nighthawks vs Moscow Menace
 
Moscow went to Malmo and took the first to games, now they are home and are up 2-0.  Can the Menace live up to their name and sweep Malmo, or are the Nighthawks ready to play some hockey.
 
Puck Line - Malmo Nighthawks -1.5 (+140) Bet 100 to win 140
Moscow Menace +1.5 (-155) Bet 155 to win 100
 
Total Goals - Over 6.5 (+160) Bet 100 to win 160
  Under 6.5 (+105) Bet 100 to win 105
 
Money Line - Malmo Nighthawks (-110) Bet 110 to win 100
    Moscow Menace (+125) Bet 100 to win 125
 
Shots on Goal - Gregger Mckeggegger @TheNeonShaman
        Over 4.5 (+175) Bet 100 to win 175
        Under 4.5 (-105) Bet 105 to win 100
 
        George Richmond @badcolethetitan
        Over 4.5 (-110) Bet 110 to win 100
        Under 4.5 (+160) Bet 100 to win 160
 
Points - Viktor Jensen @Advantage
    Over 1.5 (+135) Bet 100 to win 135
    Under 1.5 (-110) Bet 110 to win 100
 
    Axle Gunner @Steve
    Over 1.5 (+120) Bet 100 to win 120
    Under 1.5 (-105) Bet 105 to win 100
 
Saves - Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro
    Over 31.5 (+140) Bet 100 to win 140
    Under 31.5 (-105) Bet 105 to win 100
 
    Olober Syko @Spartan
    Over 32.5 (+175) Bet 100 to win 175
    Under 32.5 (-110) Bet 110 to win 100
 
Stars of the game - First Star - Jacob Stone @scoop (+5000) Bet 100 to win 5000
    Second Star - Reese McFleury @Spaz(+9000) Bet 100 to win 9000
    Third Star - Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard (+12000) Bet 100 to win 12000
 
 
 
Game #52 (#56 & #64 included) London United vs Prague Phantoms
 
This series is tied at 1-1.  Both teams are deep in talent and it is making for an exciting series.  The oddsmakers are being generous with these odds, but remember, anything could happen!
 
Puck Line - London United -1.5 (+220) Bet 100 to win 220
Prague Phantoms +1.5 (-150) Bet 150 to win 100
 
Total Goals - Over 5.5 (+135) Bet 100 to win 135
  Under 5.5 (+180) Bet 100 to win 180
 
Money Line - London United (-105) Bet 105 to win 100
    Prague Phantoms (+120) Bet 100 to win 120
 
Shots on Goal - Leonard Triller @Triller
      Over 6.5 (+140) Bet 100 to win 140
      Under 6.5 (-105) Bet 105 to win 100
 
      Rip Wheeler @ScottyP
      Over 2.5 (-110) Bet 110 to win 100
      Under 2.5 (+210) Bet 100 to win 210
     
Points - Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ
    Over 1.5 (-125) Bet 125 to win 100
    Under 1.5 (+130) Bet 100 to win 130
 
    Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide
    Over 1.5 (+150) Bet 100 to win 150
    Under 1.5 (-110) Bet 110 to win 100
 
Saves - Jesse Teno @aimkin
  Over 35.5 (+140) Bet 100 to win 140
  Under 35.5 (-105) Bet 105 to win 100
 
  Matt Murdock @Acydburn
  Over 36.5 (+190) Bet 100 to win 190
  Under 36.5 (-110) Bet 110 to win 100
 
Stars of the Game - First Star - Rip Wheeler @ScottyP (+25000) Bet 100 to win 25000
    Second Star - Matt Murdock @Acydburn (+20000) Bet 100 to win 20000
    Third Star - John Jameson @Frank (+9000) Bet 100 to win 9000
 
 
 
Bookies Wagers
 
Game #49
Bookie likes this one because Fuukka Rask @Jubis has been a monster in goal and will keep New York scoreless.  Total Goals Under 6.5 (-105) Wagering 515 to win 500.
 
Bookie likes this one also because there’s a good chance Rory is going to face a lot of shots from Seattle.  Saves - Wwwwwwwwwwww Wwwwwwwwwwww @roryOver 35.5 (+110). Wagering 300 to win 330.
 
Bookie is taking a chance on this one, but has a good feeling about how much impact Daryl Dixon has on Seattle’s scoring.  Points Daryl Dixon @Ricer13 Over 2.5 (+140)  wagering 1000 to win 1400.
 
 
Game #50
 
Bookie feels this one is a lock because Toronto has got to get back in the series and Bookie says the veterans will be stepping up. Shots on Goal - Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer Over 2.5 (+110) Wagering 500 to win 550.
 
Bookie really likes the chances of this one as The Frenchman has been nothing short of a superstar all season.  Stars of the Game - First Star - The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath (+1500).  Wagering 100 to win 1500.
 
Bookie is taking a risk with this one as the payout isn’t the best, but Bookie thinks Toronto will come back in game #50, and even if Toronto loses, the score will be within the odds.  Puck Line - Toronto Legion +1.5 (-130) Wagering 260 to win 200.
 
 
Game #51
 
Bookie sees this as a straight up winner as Moscow surprised Malmo at home, and Malmo wants revenge.  This one might be a double winner for Bookie as there’s a good chance Malmo evens the series.  Money Line - Malmo Nighthawks (-110). Wagering 440 to win 400.
 
Bookie’s got a feeling about this one.  There’s just something about the name!  Stars of the game - Second Star - Reese McFleury @Spaz (+9000).  Wagering 100 to win 9000.
 
Bookie really likes this one and feels the oddsmakers screwed up when they decided to put this prop on the table.  Bookie thinks Mckeggegger will be shooting at least 7 shots in the first game.  Shots on Goal - Gregger Mckeggegger @TheNeonShaman Over 4.5 (+175)  Wagering 1000 to win 1750.
 
 
Game #52
 
Bookie doesn’t want to touch the money line, puck line, or total goals with this series.  Bookie thinks the teams are too closely matched and have outstanding goalies, making everything unpredictable.  At any rate, Bookie feels this one has a really good chance of winning.  Points - Nikolas Kauppi @TetricideOver 1.5 (+150) Wager 500 to win 550.
 
Bookie has a good feeling about this one because he’s looking to Toronto to put the brakes on Prague, especially on Rip Wheeler, @ScottyP.  Bookie feels Prague won’t even shoot enough shots at Teno to meet the over, so Bookie feels the under is the safer bet.   Saves - Jesse Teno @aimkin Under 35.5 (-105) Wagering 525 to win 500.
 
Bookie has mixed feelings about this bet, not because he doesn’t think Jameson won’t get a star, but feels that Jameson has a better chance of picking up first star or second star of the game, and given the two free games, it makes it even more enticing to place a wager, even though its for the third star.  Bookie feels the reward is worth the risk.  Stars of the game -   Third Star - John Jameson @Frank (+9000) Wagering 500 to win 45000.
 
 
I wouldnt do Rip Wheeler any justice if I didnt tell him how much it pained me to include him in any kind of accolade, or even mention him as a chance to do anything other than getting his face smashed in by Logan Ninefingers, @Scurvy.  Scottyp, I hope you lose your ass!!
 
Everyone else, good luck!!
 
One last thing, you may ask if there is any free TPE handed out, but I cannot guarantee that.  I can only say there is the same likelihood of getting free TPE as getting TPE wishing @Victor a happy birthday!!
 
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Welcome everyone,
 
The regular season ended a couple of days ago, so it means that it is now PLAYOFFS TIME!! Indeed, the playoffs started Friday and this post-season will be really exciting as only four points separated the top three teams during the regular season.
 
Semi-final #1 – Oslo Storm (1)  vs Stockholm Vikings (4) 
 
Regular season series: OSL wins 9-3-0.
 
This series is probably the easiest to predict since there is clearly a better team on paper and on the ice. Indeed, Oslo finished the season with a record of 49 wins, 20 losses and 3 overtime losses for a total of 101 points in 72 games and Stockholm with 29 wins, 38 losses and 5 overtime losses for 63 points and 20 fewer wins than Oslo. Plus, Oslo will count on three of the four best players of the regular season in Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles, Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica and Jussi Jokinenegg @HearnNation67 who ended up with 89, 87 and 83 points respectively. They also have two of the six highest scoring defensemen in the league with Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee (75) and Swinsola @Swinsola(71). If Stockholm wants to have a chance in this series to win even a single game, they will need the help of the sixth highest scorer of the league and the best defenseman in the league, Marty Byrd @Marty B, to play on top of his head during the entire series. Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu will also be an important piece for the Sweden team in this series.
 
VSN Prediction: Oslo wins in 5 games.
 
 
Semi-final #2 – Cologne Express (2)  vs Vasteras Iron Eagles (3) 
 
Regular season series: COL wins 7-6-0.
 
The Cologne Express finished the regular season with a record of 48 wins, 20 losses and 4 losses in overtime for a total of 100 points in 72 games and the Vasteras Iron Eagles with 46 wins, 21 losses and 5 overtime losses for 97 points in 72 games. As you can see, both teams finished the regular season with really similar stats. The big difference between the two teams is that Cologne is more an offensive team and Vasteras is more a defensive team. Indeed, Cologne have three players with more than a point per game in BjorkaBjorn BjornaBjorkson @JardyB10, Alexandros Mograine @sliceruser and Tyrece the beast @beanhead420, against only one (Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor) for Vasteras. On the other hand, Vasteras have four players with more than a hundred hits and a hundred shots blocked (Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher, Winston Dixon jr @Rjdixon01, Sunseth Moth @McWolf and Hezeus Ohmontegue-Steinhardt X @Sisyphus) against only one for Cologne (Scrungle Bungle @Novanod). Finally, both teams can count on great goaltender in Clark @cl4rk for Cologne and Ondrej Vencko @Mutti for Vasteras. When you look at it, you can see two pretty different teams with similar record, so everything will be decided on the ice.
 
VSN Prediction: Cologne wins in 7 games.
 
 
Final – Oslo Storm (1)  vs Cologne Express (2) 
 
Regular season series: OSL wins 8-7-1.
 
This is going to be a really excting final, but it is also an almost impossible one to predict. Indeed, only one point is separating the two teams in the standings, Oslo (61) have a better goal differential of only two goals and both teams won eight games against each other in the regular season. You can see that it is really tight between the two teams, so everything can happen. However, even if it is really close, Oslo wins in every category, so this is why I give a little edge to Oslo.
 
VSN Prediction: Oslo wins in 7 games.
 
 
That’s all for me, thanks everyone for reading, I wish you all good playoffs and see you in another VSN article!

Welcome everyone,
 
The regular season ended a couple of days ago, so it means that it is now PLAYOFFS TIME!! Indeed, the playoffs started Friday and this post-season will be really exciting as only four points separated the top three teams during the regular season.
 
Semi-final #1 – Oslo Storm (1)  vs Stockholm Vikings (4) 
 
Regular season series: OSL wins 9-3-0.
 
This series is probably the easiest to predict since there is clearly a better team on paper and on the ice. Indeed, Oslo finished the season with a record of 49 wins, 20 losses and 3 overtime losses for a total of 101 points in 72 games and Stockholm with 29 wins, 38 losses and 5 overtime losses for 63 points and 20 fewer wins than Oslo. Plus, Oslo will count on three of the four best players of the regular season in Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles, Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica and Jussi Jokinenegg @HearnNation67 who ended up with 89, 87 and 83 points respectively. They also have two of the six highest scoring defensemen in the league with Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee (75) and Swinsola @Swinsola(71). If Stockholm wants to have a chance in this series to win even a single game, they will need the help of the sixth highest scorer of the league and the best defenseman in the league, Marty Byrd @Marty B, to play on top of his head during the entire series. Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu will also be an important piece for the Sweden team in this series.
 
VSN Prediction: Oslo wins in 5 games.
 
 
Semi-final #2 – Cologne Express (2)  vs Vasteras Iron Eagles (3) 
 
Regular season series: COL wins 7-6-0.
 
The Cologne Express finished the regular season with a record of 48 wins, 20 losses and 4 losses in overtime for a total of 100 points in 72 games and the Vasteras Iron Eagles with 46 wins, 21 losses and 5 overtime losses for 97 points in 72 games. As you can see, both teams finished the regular season with really similar stats. The big difference between the two teams is that Cologne is more an offensive team and Vasteras is more a defensive team. Indeed, Cologne have three players with more than a point per game in BjorkaBjorn BjornaBjorkson @JardyB10, Alexandros Mograine @sliceruser and Tyrece the beast @beanhead420, against only one (Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor) for Vasteras. On the other hand, Vasteras have four players with more than a hundred hits and a hundred shots blocked (Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher, Winston Dixon jr @Rjdixon01, Sunseth Moth @McWolf and Hezeus Ohmontegue-Steinhardt X @Sisyphus) against only one for Cologne (Scrungle Bungle @Novanod). Finally, both teams can count on great goaltender in Clark @cl4rk for Cologne and Ondrej Vencko @Mutti for Vasteras. When you look at it, you can see two pretty different teams with similar record, so everything will be decided on the ice.
 
VSN Prediction: Cologne wins in 7 games.
 
 
Final – Oslo Storm (1)  vs Cologne Express (2) 
 
Regular season series: OSL wins 8-7-1.
 
This is going to be a really excting final, but it is also an almost impossible one to predict. Indeed, only one point is separating the two teams in the standings, Oslo (61) have a better goal differential of only two goals and both teams won eight games against each other in the regular season. You can see that it is really tight between the two teams, so everything can happen. However, even if it is really close, Oslo wins in every category, so this is why I give a little edge to Oslo.
 
VSN Prediction: Oslo wins in 7 games.
 
 
That’s all for me, thanks everyone for reading, I wish you all good playoffs and see you in another VSN article!

Welcome to VSN’s VHL playoff preview and predictions, in this article we’ll break down each series and discuss what players could be key to turning the tide of the series and potentially pulling off an upset.This was truly an incredible season and we could be in for a few upsets in the playoffs. While you’re here be sure to check out some of the other recent VSN articles.
 
Grading Teams Prospects
 
Wildcard
 
 New York (4) vs. Chicago (5)
 
Kind of a tale of two very different seasons, New York came into the season expected to be a top team in the conference, and while they were in the playoffs all season, not being near the top of the conference is rough. Chicago on the other hand, didn’t make the playoffs until the last game of the season! With that in mind, this series could be a quick one and New York is stronger in just about every position. We can expect Jasper Davis @Josh, and FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ to take over this round for New York. Standing in their way is Ryan Artyomov @Enorama, who will be looking to shut down the high-powered New York offense.
 
Prediction: New York in 3
VSN Vote: NYA 8, CHI 0
 
 Moscow (4) vs. Warsaw (5) 
 
This series is very similar to the NA Wildcard round as it features one top offensive team in Moscow, who had a very strong season and continues to improve each and every season. Warsaw did well this season by making the playoffs by a considerable margin. Moscow does have a considerable edge here with strong players in just about every position. Also similarly to Chicago, Warsaw’s playoffs will come down to goaltending with Lachlan Summers @kirbithan primed to steal a series.
 
Prediction: Moscow in 4
VSN Vote: MOS 7 WAR 2
 
Conference Semi-Finals
 
 Toronto (2) vs. D.C. (3) 
 
It’s rare that the two previous Continental Cup Champions meet in the playoffs, we have that in the first round this season. Both teams are closing in on the end of their window as both teams have goalies that are retiring this season or next. This series likely comes down to them as well, with Joel Castle @animal74 who will be tasked with shutting down The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath and company, and Henry Tucker Jr @NSG, who will be looking to get D.C. to the repeat. We’ve got Toronto taking what could be a real nailbiter.
 
Prediction: Toronto in 4
VSN vote: TOR 8, DCD 1
 
 Seattle (1) vs. New York (4) 
 
Seattle entered this season as a fringe playoff team, however with a series of massive trades, Seattle shot to the top of the conference. The main reason why is Fuukka Rask @Jubis, who came in and posted a remarkable 21-2-3 record with a 0.933 SV%! New York will probably has a bit of an uphill battle here, but with their offense and solid defense core, there’s no reason they can’t get it done, however, we've got to give the edge to Seattle.
 
Prediction: Seattle in 6
VSN vote: SEA 6, NYA 1
 
 London (2) vs. Prague (3) 
 
I honestly don’t know what to think of this series, it could easily become either a high-scoring affair or a defensive battle as both teams have strong offenses with Prague having a slight edge with Jameson @Frank, Kauppi @Tetricide, and McFleury @Alex, whereas Jesse Teno @aimkin does take the slightest of edge in goal and has built a reputation for stealing playoff series. We have London taking this one!
 
Prediction: London in 5
VSN vote: LDN 6, PRG 2
 
 Malmo (1) vs. Moscow (4) 
 
Malmo is coming off of their 2nd consecutive Victory Cup, Malmo will be looking to finally have some postseason success with their current core having never made the finals since S79 when they won their only Continental Cup. Moscow on the other hand has nothing to lose here, they’ll be a top team in the VHL soon, and have a very young roster. This series could very well go the distance, and while on-paper Moscow does have a slight advantage, we’ve got Malmo coming out just ahead here.
 
Prediction: Malmo in 7
VSN vote: MAL 6, MOS 3
 
Conference Finals
 
 Seattle (1) vs. Toronto (2) 
 
Seattle has had a great season and exceeded expectations, their offense has stepped up in a big way with the additions of Henry Eagles @Greg_Di, and Daryl Dixon @Ricer13 both breaking the 100 point mark! Toronto on the other hand has always had one of the league's most complete rosters, led by Jimi Jaks @ke1vi, Mac Atlas @v.2 and Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer. this series should be a very good one. In the regular season it was all Seattle with them winning 4 of the 5 games between the NA’s top two teams. We have Toronto just edging them out here, thanks to their experience and edge on the blueline.
 
Prediction: Toronto in 7
VSN vote: TOR 6, SEA 2
  
 Malmo (1) vs. London (2) 
 
Almost feels like the European Conference has been leading to this all season, as the league's top two defensive teams clash, if you like goalscoring, this might not be the series for you. It’s safe to say that London has a massive edge in goal with Jesse Teno who elevates their game in the playoffs and Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ who led the league in scoring with 127 points. Malmo will likely go as far as Victor Jensen @Advantage and Jacob Stone @scoop can carry them as they’ll have to led the charge if Malmo is to come out on top. We’ve got London taking the European Conference.
 
Prediction: London in 7
VSN vote: LDN 5, MAL 3
 
Continental Cup Finals
 
 Toronto (2) vs. London (2) 
 
London and Toronto is a fairly interesting final as Toronto boasts the league’s top offense, and London has one of the best defenses. In the regular season Toronto won three of the four matchups, in part due to Joel Castle finding their game and Toronto’s great offensive depth. As we know with London, it is Teno’s team, if they shut down Toronto it starts and ends with them. This series could be a great final, but we’ve got Toronto coming out on top and winning their second cup in three seasons
 
Prediction: Toronto in 6
VSN vote: TOR 4, LDN 2
 
Thank you to everyone for reading and best of luck to each and every team in the playoffs! If you have any predictions of your own feel free to post them in the comments.

TEAM AWARDS

 
A lot of pressure followed the Legion into S92. They were now the defending Continental Cup champions and the target was squarely on them as they prepared for life without Dens Oden and Tomas Sogaard, two key members of their Cup run. The core remained the same with rookie Kobe Johnson and mid-season acquisition Steve Lattimer brought in to bolster the roster. Despite down years from Mac Atlas and Joel Castle, Toronto made the playoffs as the 4th seed in the North American Conference with continued solid production from Jimi Jaks and Bobby Bob and strong sophomore campaigns from Harry Callahan, Diego Machado and Walter Fitzroy Jr. After defeating New York in the first round, the Legion shocked the VHL by taking out top-seeded Calgary in six games to make their third straight Conference Final. Their luck ended there, however, as they lost in five games to the eventual Cup champs, the D.C. Dragons. 
 
Here are some of the individual highlights:
-        Jimi Jaks was T-10th in the VHL in goals with 38, T-2nd with 3 hat tricks, and 10th with 487 shots
-        Jaks was also 5th in playoff scoring with 5-16-21 in 15 games.
-        Bobby Bob’s career-high 71 points were T-6th among defensemen and his 56 assists were T-11th
-        Harry Callahan was T-2nd with 9 GWG and 9th with 489 shots
-        Mac Atlas set career-highs with 96 PIM and 207 hits
-        Jimmy MacElroy tied his career-high of 10 goals and set highs of 142 shots and 6 PPG in his final season
-        Evan Bihler set career-highs in games (14) and minutes played (648) and SV% (0.938) in his final season
-        Joel Castle co-led the league with 6 shutouts and was 8th with 32 wins and a 2.56 GAA
 
Statistical Leaders:
 
Goals: 
 Jimi Jaks
38
Assists:
 Bobby Bob
56
Points:
 Jimi Jaks
83
+/-:
 Jimi Jaks
30
PIM:
 Jimmy MacElroy
107
Hits:
 Mac Atlas
207
Shots:
 Harry Callahan
489
Shots Blocked:
 Walter Fitzroy Jr
146
PPG:
 Jimi Jaks, Steve Lattimer
7
GWG:
 Harry Callahan
9
Fights:
 Diego Machado
6
Wins:
 Joel Castle
32
GAA:
 Evan Bihler
2.04
SV%:
 Evan Bihler
0.938
SO:
 Joel Castle
6
 
 
 
Here are the S92 Team Awards as voted by the Toronto players and management:
 
Best Defenseman
Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer
For the second straight season, Bobby Bob lead the Legion in assists with 56 and also led Toronto defensemen with his career-highs in goals (15), points (71, tied for 6th among VHL defensemen), and shots (172) and led them in plus/minus (13). His continued excellence in all three zones was a reason why he was also a major contributor on special teams.
 
Rookie of the Year
Kobe Johnson @Vkobe-v
It’s been a long journey to the VHL for Ukrainian winger Kobe Johnson. Drafted with the first of Toronto’s three 2nd round picks in the S86 Draft, Johnson has continued developing throughout two seasons in the VHLM and five in the VHLE before making the cut in S92. The only rookie on the Legioni roster, he had a solid campaign scoring 9-13-22 showing skill and versatility. He potted 3 PPG, 2 GWG, and even scored on his only shootout attempt of the season.
 
Unsung Hero
Harry Callahan @dstevensonjr
Although only in his second season, Callahan quickly cemented himself as an integral part of the Legion’s offense. He was second in team scoring with 75 points and third in goals with 30. But he also showed how he was willing to sacrifice his body with 36 blocks and also shone in the clutch by leading Toronto with 9 game-winning goals.
 
Most Energetic
Harry Callahan @dstevensonjr
Someone would see Callahan’s team-leading shot totals (489) from S92 and assume he was all over the ice and they’d be right. A seemingly endless motor helped him to improve on his rookie campaign by 20 points and 70 hits (180, 4th on the team). His increased performance and energy was even more evident in the locker room as he became one of the Legion’s most vocal players. This is his second consecutive Most Energetic award.
 
Most Gentlemanly
Joel Castle @animal74
Although a fierce competitor, Toronto’s veteran goaltender is known also for his sportsmanship and gentlemanly demeanor on and off the ice. Never one to let a milestone go by without kudos, Castle keeps spirits high and encourages dedication and buy in. This is Castle’s fourth Most Gentlemanly award.
 
Most Valuable Player
Jimi Jaks @ke1vi
On a team that finished in the bottom half of the league in scoring, Jaks’ 38 goals was very significant for the Legion and was tied for 10th in the VHL. Not only did he lead the team in scoring for the second time in his career with his 2nd straight 80+ point campaign (a career-high 83), he also lead Toronto in plus/minus with +30 which was 11 more than the next player. He was tied for 1st with 7 PPG and second in shots (487, also a career-high). His commitment to detail has allowed him to improve his point total for the fourth straight season and his all-around game helped keep Toronto in the playoff hunt.
 
Legionary of the Year
Harry Callahan @dstevensonjr
As mentioned previously, Callahan burst onto the Toronto scene not only on the ice but also off of it. He quickly cemented himself in the Legion culture and his strong leadership, strong work ethic, and outgoing personality endeared him to his teammates, management and the fans. He was also selected as an alternate captain in only his second season thus making an easy vote for his second straight Legionary of the Year award.
 
3-Stars Award
Jimi Jaks @ke1vi
Jaks contributed on the scoresheet most nights and when he didn’t, he did the little things that win hockey games. The Legion’s most valuable player led the team in goals, points, and plus/minus and that led to also leading the team in total 3-Star selections and points. He also led the team in 2nd-Star selections with 11.
 
Full 3-Star standings below:
 

 
Congratulations to all the award winners!
 
 

https://imgur.com/0abbrjRhttps://imgur.com/0abbrjR
 
When I first started this project, I started out with the idea of rating every teams’ prospects and then grading the team on the selections that they made but the more I dove head first into collecting data the harder it was for me to justify grading only the Prospect Pool list on the team page since a majority of the teams had a failing grade due to some teams draft heavily in some drafts and not at all in other drafts. I then decided that a Prospect should be a player that is still in the prospect pool but also still on a rookie contract. While this moved some of the team into a positive position, I am still not complete sure that this is an accurate show case of a team’s prospect pool but rather more a show where a team currently stands or will stand in the next few seasons as it is only a small three season snap shot. Team in a competitive window of win now will not be drafting near the first round or at least not often enough to affect their score in a hugely positive manner. While a team rebuilding the past two or three seasons will show positive since they have collected or should have collected a good number of prospects and lastly a team just starting into a rebuild will have a hugely negative ranking since none of the prospect have either joined the team yet or been drafted yet.
 
Take the ranking at face value is what I am trying to say but could be a good indicator of what teams might be up and coming in the next few seasons while it could also indicate, which teams might be falling off slightly.
 
Either way let’s take a look at each teams’ prospects:
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  10 1st Round Picks:  0 2nd Round Picks:  3 3rd Round Picks:  4 4th Round Pick:  3 Prospect in the VHL:  0 VHL Ready Prospects:  1 Inactive Prospects:  5  
Calgary Wranglers Prospects      (S93) LW - Miner vHLer (OSL)  @Rhynex Entertainment 17th (2nd Round) (S93) RW - Oliver Loo (SSK) (COL)  @Misty 23rd (2nd Round)  (S93) D - Wladyslaw Mintus (HOU) (OSL)  @mintusaurus 37th (3rd round)  (S93) D - Carson Tripp (SSK) (STO)  @Cartripp14 29th (2nd Round) (S93) LW - Hunter s (SDM)  @Hunter S 59th (4th Round) (S91) D - Hezeus Ohmontegue-Steinhardt X (VAS)  @Sisyphus 35th (3rd Round)  (S93) RW - Trimiskez Artav (STO)  @jake 60th (4th Round) (S93) D - Vanman Stein (COL)  @Vanman 55th (4th Round) (S91) C - Hershey McFleury  @YaBoiDuggie 44th (3rd Round)  (S91) D - Thickums Mcgillacutty  @Jer_Lefebvre 46th (3rd Round)   
 
 
Grade: F (score: 29.00)    
Calgary Wranglers prospect pool is rather shallow due to draft location in the past three season with only three 2nd round picks with (S93) LW - Miner vHLer (OSL) @Rhynex Entertainment the teams current best prospect ready to join the roster next season. (S93) RW - Oliver Loo (SSK) (COL) @Misty is still another season away and should join in season 96; with two other S93 Draft picks ready the season after in (S93) D - Wladyslaw Mintus (HOU) (OSL) @mintusaurus and (S93) D - Carson Tripp (SSK) (STO) @Cartripp14. So, how does Calgary have an F grade with four players joining their roster from their prospect pool in the next three seasons? This is due to the inactive players and the fact that the team doesn`t have a need for top prospects being VHL ready in the past three season this season or next thus the grading system hurts them more than other teams.
 
Calgary Wranglers have two player retiring at the end of the season in (S85) D - Phil Strasmore @Phil and (S85) LW - Larry Abass Jr @RileyL; (S93) LW - Miner vHLer (OSL)  should replace the retiring Abass Jr @RileyL nicely while Calgary will need to look for a temporary defender or two as the team waits on their top two defending prospects in (S93) D - Wladyslaw Mintus (HOU) (OSL) @mintusaurusand (S93) D - Carson Tripp (SSK) (STO) @Cartripp14; who won`t be ready until S97. Timing is also prefect for (S93) RW - Oliver Loo (SSK) (COL) @Misty as they should also replace the retiring (S86) RW - Adam Rage @MrMom at the end of next season should he resign this off season.
 
Overall, Calgary Wranglers are in an interesting position as they should be in a compete now situation but as if writing Calgary are tied for the final Wildcard spot and will hope that they can force their way into the playoffs. The team will need to re-tool or enter a rebuild in the next three or four season so should become larger players in future drafts and see their prospect pool become stronger.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  9 1st Round Picks:  4 2nd Round Picks:  3 3rd Round Picks:  1 4th Round Pick:  1 Prospect in the VHL:  4 VHL Ready Prospects:  2 Inactive Prospects:  0  
Chicago Phoenix Prospects     (S91) RW - Bryce Woodworth  @SirRupertBarnes 22nd (2nd Round)  (S91) LW - Joshua Schwarzer  @Velevra 6th (1st Round)  (S91) D - Lionel Collberg @Masu Chan 11th (1st Round)  (S92) D - Karol Lamb  @dlamb 8th (1st Round) (S93) LW - UghSike (OSL)  @UghSike 5th (1st Round)  (S93) LW - Jean-Pierre Devote (COL)  @eagle_3450 20th (2nd Round)  (S93) C - Vanuza Kolesinska (ROM)  @chikn 18th (2nd Round)  (S93) LW - Kevin OConnor (OTT) (VAS)  @Luke033 52nd (4th Round)  (S93) C - Micah Cederbaum (SSK) (COL)  @MicahC 46th (3rd Round)  
 
Grade: B +   (score: 78.33)    
Chicago Phoenix has rather impressive depth in their prospect pool aided by the fact that four of the prospects from the past three season have already made the jump to the VHL for the team. More impress is the fact that they took a risk on (S93) LW - Jean-Pierre Devote (COL) @eagle_3450; who if I remember correctly had shown signs of inactivity just before the draft and seen his draft stock fall to the second round; in which now looks like a rather smart pick; as he is ready for the VHL next season along with last season 5th overall selection (S93) LW - UghSike (OSL) @UghSike. Mean while (S93) C - Vanuza Kolesinska (ROM) @chikn is still another full season away but means we will see three of the five players in the Chicago prospect pool making VHL debut in the next two seasons.
 
Chicago forward core might look a lot different next season with (S85) RW - Babay Shrimp @Blazzer as the only player set to retire but both (S93) LW - UghSike (OSL) @UghSike and (S93) LW - Jean-Pierre Devote (COL) @eagle_3450 set to join the roster; something will need give!! Luckily for Chicago they have a single forward signed at the moment for next season so should easily have room for the two forward prospects and (S93) C - Vanuza Kolesinska (ROM) @chikn the season after.
 
Overall, Chicago Phoenix look like a team moving in the right direction but will need to follow last season strong draft by adding more VHL ready prospects to an already deep prospect pool.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  6 1st Round Picks:  1 2nd Round Picks:  2 3rd Round Picks:  2 4th Round Pick:  1 Prospect in the VHL:  1 VHL Ready Prospects:  1 Inactive Prospects:  2  
D.C. Dragons Prospects     (S91) C - Theo Allard  @InstantRockstar 10th (1st Round)  (S91) RW - Tom Dufour (VAS)  @Cookie 29th (2nd Round)  (S89) LW - Justin Chen  @Jchin1604 33rd (3rd Round)  (S93) G - Herald Benson (HOU)  @Benson 19th (2nd Round)  (S93) G - Connor Hellebuyck (MEX)  @HockeyFan4Life 48th (3rd Round) (S93) RW - Brash Candicoot  @TrinityMonk 64th (4th Round)   
Grade: E (score: 41.67)  
D.C. Dragons are the defending Continental Cup champions and it shouldn`t be a huge surprise that the Dragons have one of the small prospect pools of all the team in the league but have some very key prospects starting with (S93) G - Herald Benson (HOU) @Benson, who like it or not is going to be the goaltender of the future for the Dragons. But there is a problem; (S85) G - Henry Tucker Jr @NSG retires at the end of this season and Benson is still a season away so D.C. has a huge problem and question mark around what they will do in the off season; to get a goaltender until Benson is ready. (S91) RW - Tom Dufour (VAS) @Cookie is ready to make the jump to the VHL next season but doesn`t seem to have a place within the current roster structure in D.C. so could be moved during the off season in either a deal to bring in another defender or a stop gap goaltender.
 
D.C. Dragons are still in contend now mode but will need to find a goaltender to cover off the development gap while they wait for goaltender of the future Benson to be ready and with an aging forward core could look to retool in the off season or the following off season as majority of the forward core will retire.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  18 1st Round Picks:  4 2nd Round Picks:  5 3rd Round Picks:  4 4th Round Pick:  3 Prospect in the VHL:  0 VHL Ready Prospects:  3 Inactive Prospects:  1  
HC Davos Dynamo Prospects      (S93) C - Antonia Bucatini (OSL)  @CowboyinAmerica 1st (1st Round)  (S91) D - Sunset Moth (PHI) (VAS)  @McWolf 13th (1st Round)  (S93) LW - Forum Content (BRA)  @frescoelmo 6th (1st Round)  (S91) G - David Slezak  @ShawnGlade 20th (2nd Round)  (S91) RW - Ivan Ivanov (VAS)  @KmaddFPS 32nd (2nd Round)  (S93) G - Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen  @Snussu 12th (1st Round)  (S93) RW - Steve French (ROM)  @Seabass 21st (2nd Round)  (S91) C - Piston Maicupp (ROM)  @MandyManiac 43rd (3rd Round)  (S92) LW - Dwight shcrute (STO)  @Jamomayo 17th (2nd Round)  (S93) D - Billy Joel (HOU) (ROM)  @The goat of hockey 27th (2nd Round)  (S93) G - Kendra Cavill (LVA)  @Firekiss 42nd (3rd Round)  (S93) D - Masa Akimoto (LVA) (STO)  @Hokikeijot 47th (3rd Round)  (S93) RW - Armas Jortikka (MIA) (OSL)  @Kavadar 50th (4th Round)  (S93) G - Da TypThond (SSK)  @Erik Undrafted  (S93) D - Russell Sprout (MIA) (ROM)  @betta57 45th (3rd Round)  (S93) G - Austin Goulet lll (SSK)  @Tuchy Undrafted  (S93) D - Blaze Thunderstrike (LVA)  @eaglesfan036 56th (4th Round)  (S93) D - Magni Jinn (PHI) (VAS)  @DontCallMeCarson 49th (4th Round)   
 
 
Grade: E (score: 40.56)  
HC Davos went with the quantity over quality aspect when it comes to their team’s overall prospect pool but that doesn`t mean that they don`t have quality within their prospect pool as Davos has three prospect ready to join the VHL next season in (S93) C - Antonia Bucatini (OSL) @CowboyinAmerica, (S91) D - Sunset Moth (PHI) (VAS) @McWolf and (S93) LW - Forum Content (BRA) @frescoelmo. Whom should be followed rather quickly by three more prospect the following season in goaltender of the future (S93) G - Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu, (S93) RW - Steve French (ROM) @Seabass and (S93) D - Billy Joel (HOU) (ROM) @The goat of hockey. So, six prospect in the next two season joining your roster should sound great right? Not when you have nothing on your roster in the first place. These six players are the starting blocks of foundation of a building and will need to hold it together for another season or two. Expect to see Davos at the bottom of the league for at least another season or two unless they start to move prospect for veteran player to build a competitive team.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  13 1st Round Picks:  2 2nd Round Picks:  5 3rd Round Picks:  3 4th Round Pick:  2 Prospect in the VHL:  2 VHL Ready Prospects:  0 Inactive Prospects:  5  
Helsinki Titans Prospects      (S92) LW - Adi Dassler  @BOOM 3rd (1st Round)  (S91) LW - Isaac mclflopper  @sportexperts show 19th (2nd Round)  (S92) LW - Matthew Highmore (VAS)  @NineIQ v2 19th (2nd Round)  (S93) C - Tyler Lawson (ROM)  @Nyx 14th (1st Round)  (S90) RW - Barry McOckiner (COL)  @LanerDUST 33rd (3rd Round)  (S93) RW - Anthony Simmons II (MIS) (COL)  @Starchychaff 35th (3rd Round)  (S92) D - Dustin Moore (HFX)  @Maxx 24th (2nd Round)  (S93) G - Samuel Wazinski  @samthemancub 30th (2nd Round)  (S91) C - Keegan Vos (ROM)  @DDZ_44 39th (3rd Round)  (S93) D - Landon Flatt (OTT) (BRA)  @Lando10 62nd (4th Round)  (S93) C - Aiden Paige (MIA)  @Apaige131 Undrafted (S93) RW - Cole Stermer (HOU) (BRA)  @Bazeus 57th (4th Round)  (S93) LW - Filip Zinek (HOU) (BRA)  @FiZi 32nd (2nd Round)   
 
Grade: F (score: 30.77)  
With one of your best prospect being a player that you just traded for in (S92) LW - Adi Dassler @BOOM; who came over via a trade with Moscow Menace shows that the team might be heading in the wrong direction. No VHL ready prospect for a team that is outside of the playoff looking in and traded away their starting goaltender without having a goalie of the future in place means Helsinki looks to be in a tight spot, needing to either trade for a starting goaltender or draft a starting goaltender this off season but likely means if the team cannot get a starter next season; will once again be watching the playoff next season.
 
(S92) LW - Matthew Highmore (VAS) @NineIQ v2 and (S93) C - Tyler Lawson (ROM) @Nyx are two season away and should replace retiring pair (S87) RW - Ellis Woolfenden @D3X and (S87) LW - Jarkko Laakkonen @Xdjk93 at that time. After that Helsinki will need to hope that they hit on majority of their twelve picks this coming draft as the rest of the prospect are rather slim picking at the moment; not helped by five inactive prospects. Helsinki seems to be throwing as many darts at the board and hoping a few of them will stick; not the best way of building a prospect pool in my opinion. If I am correct Helsinki with have twenty-four prospect by the end of this season draft. Luckily for Helsinki; they don`t have any major needs to build a roster next season other than a starting goaltender.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  8 1st Round Picks:  1 2nd Round Picks:  3 3rd Round Picks:  2 4th Round Pick:  2 Prospect in the VHL:  0 VHL Ready Prospects:  0 Inactive Prospects:  3  
London United Prospects    Drafted  (S90) D - Joseph Dubois (COL)  @Dubois 37th (3rd Round)  (S91) C - Alexandros Mograine (COL)  @sliceruser 42nd (3rd Round)  (S91) D - Scrungle Bungle (COL)  @Novanod 21st (2nd Round)  (S91) D - Arne Holmquist (BRA)  @axtron 25th (2nd Round)  (S92) D - Vanellope von Schweetz (COL)  @Arce 13th (1st Round)  (S92) G - Hugo Boss (OTT)  @Dil 22nd (2nd Round)  (S93) C - Jacob Longstreet (SSK) (COL)  @Dynamicmlb_42 51st (4th Round)  (S93) LW - Owen two (MEX) (BRA)  @do3bo1 63rd (4th Round)   
 
 
Grade: F (score: 12.50)  
By far the worse prospect pool in the VHL but should anyone be surprised when the team has been super competitive for the past six or seven season; if not longer. An aging roster in a season of either win or bust means that they have either traded away most of their future picks, prospects or selected late in the first round to be competitive. This team is set to enter a rebuild regardless of what happens during this season playoff and will look to see their prospect pool depth increase in the next few seasons.
 
Doesn`t help either when 40% of your prospect pool is also inactive and your top prospect in (S90) D - Joseph Dubois (COL) @Dubois is also inactive. (S91) C - Alexandros Mograine (COL) @sliceruser seems like a hidden gem grabbed in the 3rd round and could make the roster as early as next season; rather impressive from such a late pick. While (S91) D - Scrungle Bungle (COL) @Novanod is two season away at best still but could play a large role as part of the rebuild in London. It will be an interesting off-season in London to see how they start to retool or enter a complete rebuild like I think they are headed for.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  7 1st Round Picks:  1 2nd Round Picks:  3 3rd Round Picks:  1 4th Round Pick:  0 Prospect in the VHL:  0 VHL Ready Prospects:  1 Inactive Prospects:  2  
Los Angeles Stars Prospects      (S91) RW - Nico Belique (STO)  @Syzygy 24th (2nd Round)  (S92) LW - Joe Shmo (BRA)  @matt sovick 15th (1st Round)  (S93) D - WWumbo (STO)  @Fire Tortorella 22nd (2nd Round)  (S91) LW - Leo Neelson III (SSK)  @silentnyrf31 Undrafted  (S93) C - Taylor Swift (MIS) (ROM)  @lilchrist 26th (2nd Round)  (S93) LW - Connor simard (HFX) (BRA)  @Alex99 36th (3rd Round)  (S93) D - Connor Mclaughlin (LVA)  @Connor Mclaughling Undrafted   
 
 
Grade: F (score: 28.57)  
Considering Los Angeles Stars took majority of their roster straight into retirement; they have done a fairly good job at starting the process of rebuilding their prospect pool by adding picks; which I am not reviewing and (S91) RW - Nico Belique (STO) @Syzygy via a trade from Vancouver Wolves. The Stars will need to hit on every pick in the next two drafts with limited draft picks and the fact that they have already missed on (S93) D - WWumbo (STO) @Fire Tortorella with their 22nd overall pick last season as he seems to have gone inactive. The only 1st round prospect in (S92) LW - Joe Shmo (BRA) @matt sovick has also gone inactive since being traded to Los Angeles from Vancouver. (S93) C - Taylor Swift (MIS) (ROM) @lilchrist and (S93) LW - Connor simard (HFX) (BRA) @Alex99 are still a few season away from joining the VHL and the Stars but should be joining the roster just as it starts to turn the corner.
 
The Stars have a large shopping list and they should be shopping this off season when the draft starts in a few more weeks. It will be interesting to see who they draft at either 1st overall or 2nd overall depending the outcome of the draft Lotto but with a very strong draft they should come out with three or four really strong foundational pieces to build their team around.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  7 1st Round Picks:  2 2nd Round Picks:  2 3rd Round Picks:  3 4th Round Pick:  0 Prospect in the VHL:  1 VHL Ready Prospects:  1 Inactive Prospects:  2  
Malmo Nighthawks Prospects      (S91) C - Phillip Rave  @tcookie 17th (2nd Round)  (S93) G - Jorgen Lovstrom  @Pifferfish 7th (1st Round)  (S92) G - Olafur Gunnleifsson  @JartY 10th (1st Round)  (S93) RW - Ocean Codoller (OTT) (BRA)  @FreshOceanCod 39th (3rd Round)  (S91) G - Shaunca (MIS)  @shaun1979 48th (3rd Round)  (S93) C - Caleb Nowell (OTT) (ROM)  @PhoenixsPc 44th (3rd Round)  (S92) RW - Bjorn Ragnulf  @ng1291 26th (2nd Round)   
 
 
Grade: F (score: 37.86)  
S92 Draft was very unkind to the Malmo Nighthawks as the drafted two players in (S92) G - Olafur Gunnleifsson (10th overall) and (S92) RW - Bjorn Ragnulf (26th overall) @ng1291; both have since gone inactive meaning Malmo came away from the S92 draft with no prospects. This forced them to double down and select (S93) G - Jorgen Lovstrom (7th overall) @Pifferfish their only VHL ready prospect following season. (S93) G - Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish will join the team as the teams goaltender of the future just in time as (S86) G - Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro is set to retire of the second time in his career but with a season of transition means Malmo shouldn`t see any drop off in way of a team in the contention for the Continental Cup. With only one hole to fill due to surprise announcement that (S86) RW - Yaroslav Bogatyrev @Bojovnik was retiring a season early and no 1st round picks in the next two season; it looks like the prospect pool might remain rather slim pickings for at least a few more seasons. Not a huge concern since most of the team is still in the prime and a key piece already in place in (S93) G - Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  11 1st Round Picks:  6 2nd Round Picks:  5 3rd Round Picks:  0 4th Round Pick:  0 Prospect in the VHL:  4 VHL Ready Prospects:  2 Inactive Prospects:  4  
Prospects      (S91) LW - Grimgor Ironhide  @FrostBeard 7th (1st Round)  (S92) C - George Richmond  @badcolethetitan 2nd (1st Round)  (S91) D - Leif Reingaard  @Zetterberg 3rd (1st Round)  (S91) G - Olober Syko @Spartan 5th (1st Round)  (S93) D - Benjamin Abenduct (OSL)  @Schnee 9th (1st Round)  (S90) D - Didier Verhault (ROM)  @FTK 21st (2nd Round)  (S91) LW - Olumide Anderson (OSL)  @Theory 23rd (2nd Round)  (S92) D - Petit Hughie (LVA) (ROM)  @Sen 14th (1st Round)  (S92) D - Viktor Vyzovsky (STO)  @Vik 18th (2nd Round)  (S93) C - Walter Jinn (PHI) (VAS)  @Adrest245 31st (2nd Round)  (S92) C - Wernher von Braun (VAS)  @Prof. Zach Enron 20th (2nd Round)   
 
Grade: C (score: 59.54)  
Moscow has collected a lot of young talent over the past four or five season but I would have thought that they would have scored higher with four players already on the main roster in the likes of (S91) LW - Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard, (S92) C - George Richmond @badcolethetitan, (S91) D - Leif Reingaard @Zetterberg and (S91) G - Olober Syko @Spartan  but missing on four draft pick seems to have driven down the score; not to mention either rebuild really started in S90 and I am only going to S91 due to rookie contracts. This shows that Moscow really has transitioned or really should be transitioning into a win now situation. Scary to think not only does Moscow have (S93) D - Benjamin Abenduct (OSL) @Schnee and (S91) LW - Olumide Anderson (OSL) @Theory ready to join the roster as early as next season but they also currently hold two first round pick in this season strong first round draft. How likely are we to see some of these prospect trade to rebuilding teams?
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  5 1st Round Picks:  4 2nd Round Picks:  0 3rd Round Picks:  1 4th Round Pick:  0 Prospect in the VHL:  2 VHL Ready Prospects:  1 Inactive Prospects:  1  
Prospects      (S91) D - Callum Gary Yannick Janser  @Daniel Janser 1st (1st Round)  (S91) D - Rin Kagamine  @Rin 15th (1st Round)  (S92) C - Wayne Gretzky (OSL)  @MubbleFubbles 11th (1st Round)  (S93) LW - Chris Reynolds Jr (OSL)  @Crstats23 11th (1st Round)  (S91) LW - Luna Everdeen (STO)  @Dee 34th (3rd Round)   
 
Grade: B (score: 75.00)  
S91 Draft was the last draft ran by the old management @thadthrasher before handing over the management duties to current Manager @STZ but set the team up for the future with (S91) D - Callum Gary Yannick Janser (1st overall) @Daniel Janser and (S91) D - Rin Kagamine (15th overall) @Rin late in the first round. These two prospects joined an already young developing core and have no helped push the Americans to two consecutive playoff appearances; which should continue to be the norm with one of the better, but smallest prospect pools. Add in (S92) C - Wayne Gretzky (OSL) @MubbleFubbles; who should be VHL ready next season and (S93) LW - Chris Reynolds Jr (OSL) @Crstats23; who will be VHL the following season allowing a steady stream of young prospect to continue to flow onto the teams’ roster. New York Americans are in a good place right now as they continue to improve!!
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  6 1st Round Picks:  2 2nd Round Picks:  2 3rd Round Picks:  1 4th Round Pick:  0 Prospect in the VHL:  0 VHL Ready Prospects:  1 Inactive Prospects:  1  
 
Prospects      (S91) C - Spanish Moon Moth  @Renomitsu 4th (1st Round)  (S93) D - Chuck E Cheese (LVA) (VAS)  @a_Ferk 24th (2nd Round)  (S93) RW - Jack Dickins (MIS) (OSL)  @Mystery_boy98 28th (2nd Round)  (S91) RW - Elle Aura Ashe  @Lynersify Undrafted (S93) C - Charlie klepacki (HOU) (STO)  @chuck.hockey7 40th (3rd Round)  (S93) G - Ondrej Vencko  @Mutti 8th (1st Round)   
 
Grade: E (score: 45.83)  
Prague Phantoms look all but set to be heading into a rebuild with (S85) C - John Jameson @Frank, (S85) LW - Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide and (S85) G - Matt Murdock @Acydburn retiring at the end of the season. Prague prospect pool isn`t the deepest or strongest but do have some key prospect in place with (S93) G - Ondrej Vencko @Mutti being the most important as he takes over the starting role from Murdock likely next season. Prague will look to build through what should be a deep draft this off season with four picks in the first two rounds; but they will need to really hit on their selections or they could be looking at a long rebuild. Another key prospect already in the VHL for the Phantom will be (S91) C - Spanish Moon Moth @Renomitsu as likely a key piece to build around. Prague is in for an interesting off season and draft but have put in enough effort to keep them from getting an F so far!!
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  12 1st Round Picks:  5 2nd Round Picks:  1 3rd Round Picks:  5 4th Round Pick:  1 Prospect in the VHL:  2 VHL Ready Prospects:  1 Inactive Prospects:  1  
Prospects      (S92) LW - Kimi Raikkonen  @mattyIceman 9th (1st Round)  (S91) G - Red Panda @Lemorse7 8th (1st Round)  (S93) D - Lucy Leitner (VAS)  @LucyXpher 3rd (1st Round)  (S90) RW - Stefan Nikolaev (VAS) @Is_thatok 46th (3rd Round)  (S91) C - Dan jr (STO)  @Danzo 26th (2nd Round)  (S93) RW - Yermolai Nabokov (VAS)  @fonziGG 15th (1st Round)  (S91) D - Bric Sheithaus (COL)  @Oldhead91 38th (3rd Round)  (S91) C - Caesar Monterrey (BRA)  @CaptainGatsby 40th (3rd Round)  (S93) C - French Fries (SSK) (ROM)  @solyom 33rd (3rd Round)  (S93) D - Ray Stanton (HOU) (ROM)  @horoscope 16th (1st Round)  (S93) LW - Elf shoes (HOU) (COL)  @ELF_SH0ES 54th (4th Round)  (S93) C - Isaak Robinson (MIA) (ROM)  @isaak 38th (3rd Round)   
 
 
Grade: E (score: 47.08)  
End of an era in Riga as current GM @hedgehog337 will hand over the duties to a new manager at the end of the season; likely before this season draft. Hedge has done a good job collecting young roster just looking to breakout and collecting a steady stream of young talent that should give the new manager a few tools to help shape the team’s future. Three solid picks in the last three drafts (S91) G - Red Panda @Lemorse7, (S92) LW - Kimi Raikkonen @mattyIcemanand (S93) D - Lucy Leitner (VAS) @LucyXpher should make the team much better starting as soon as next season. All the other prospects are still another season or two away with eleven of the twelve prospects active tell you a lot about the scout effort put in by current so to be former management. Riga can afford to wait for these prospects to develop or use them to add pieces to improve the current roster moving forward since they have such a young roster. Add in two first round picks this season and they could really start to contend sooner than later; not to mention to see a strong prospect pool starting as soon as this season draft.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  10 1st Round Picks:  6 2nd Round Picks:  2 3rd Round Picks:  2 4th Round Pick:  0 Prospect in the VHL:  4 VHL Ready Prospects:  2 Inactive Prospects:  3  
Prospects      (S91) LW - Toby Kadachi  @ROOKIE745 14th (1st Round)  (S91) RW - Gustav Mattias  @Berocka 16th (1st Round)  (S91) D - Mina  @Baozi 12th (1st Round)  (S92) G - Giorgiy Costanzov @Mongoose87 5th (1st Round)  (S93) LW - Gianfranco Del Rocco (VAS)  @Victor 2nd (1st Round)  (S93) RW - Nathan Ecker (ROM)  @Nathan_8 10th (1st Round)  (S93) RW - Marek Nowaczyk (OTT) (OSL)  @Chillybro 34th (3rd Round)  (S92) LW - Alexis Laffayette (ROM) 
@DustyMclaren 21st (2nd round)  (S93) D - Enn Jinn (VAS)  @jhatty8 43rd (3rd Round)  (S92) C - Brent Pritchett  @Brent 30th (2nd Round)   
 
Grade: C (score: 61.50)  
The Seattle Bears are back after a strong S91 Draft that seen them select (S91) LW - Toby Kadachi @ROOKIE745, (S91) RW - Gustav Mattias @Berocka and acquiring (S91) D – Mina @Baoziin a trade; all playing in the VHL for the Bears. Mix in a few veteran players; acquired via UFA and at this season trade deadline; and the Bears won the North American Conference after starting the season as surprise team even fighting for a wildcard spot. With only one retiring player in (S85) RW - Henry Eagles @Greg_Di and two prospect ready to make their debut in the VHL next season in (S93) LW - Gianfranco Del Rocco (VAS) @Victorand (S93) RW - Nathan Ecker (ROM) @Nathan_8; the Bears will need to make a few rosters decision this off season to make room but that is always a nice situation to be in considering that Seattle should still be a contender next season. I haven`t even mentioed (S92) G - Giorgiy Costanzov @Mongoose87, the team goalie of the future who made his debut this season but could move into a back-up role to develop a bit longer behind (S86) G - Fuukka Rask @Jubis allowing the team to continue to contend without seeing a huge drop off. The VHL was hoping for a few season without being mauled by the Bears; yeah that won`t happen now!!
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  6 1st Round Picks:  2 2nd Round Picks:  1 3rd Round Picks:  1 4th Round Pick:  2 Prospect in the VHL:  1 VHL Ready Prospects:  1 Inactive Prospects:  2  
Prospects      (S91) G - Toddly Bobbly @ToddlyBobbly 30th (2nd Round)  (S93) D - Gul Dukat (COL)  @MSouthworth 13th (1st Round)  (S92) LW - Wayne Shotzky (STO)  @Kenamatic 16th (1st Round)  (S93) D - Phil Taylor (OTT) (STO)  @Legacy 61st (4th Round)  (S91) RW - Kel Varnsen (OSL)  @JayF 36th (3rd Round)  (S91) C - Rory Sullivan  @Odette.Boudreaux 45th (4th Round)   
 
 
Grade: E (score: 40.00)  
Toronto Legion have been contender for the past few seasons now after winning the Continental Cup in S91 so it shouldn`t come as much of surprise that Toronto doesn`t have the deepest prospect pool in the league but they have some very key prospect with (S91) G - Toddly Bobbly @ToddlyBobbly learning this season as back-up to soon to retire (S86) G - Joel Castle @animal74 and Toronto will hope he is ready to take over the net in the next season or two. Bobbly has looked good in his fifteen starts this season with an 7-3-1 record 2.84ga and 0.910sav%. (S93) D - Gul Dukat (COL) @MSouthworth should add some nice youth to the blueline next season and strength the team backend. (S92) LW - Wayne Shotzky (STO) @Kenamaticand (S93) D - Phil Taylor (OTT) (STO) @Legacy are still a few season away from joining the big club. Toronto still look to be competive for a few more season but that will depend on Bobbly transition to the starting role.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  9 1st Round Picks:  7 2nd Round Picks:  1 3rd Round Picks:  1 4th Round Pick:  0 Prospect in the VHL:  6 VHL Ready Prospects:  1 Inactive Prospects:  2  
Prospects      (S92) RW - Logan Ninefingers  @Scurvy 1st (1st Round)  (S92) RW - Riley Martin  @Smarch 4th (1st Round)  (S92) D - Guntis Gavilrovs  @Girts 7th (1st Round)  (S92) D - Vlad Von Carstein  @Dom 6th (1st Round)  (S92) D - DB IV  @wcats 12th (1st Round)  (S91) G - Dalkr Vidarsson @KaleebtheMighty 9th (1st Round)  (S93) RW - Annie Oaks (COL)  @Noodle Enjoyer 4th (1st Round)  (S92) LW - Loic Trepagoat (ROM)  @Trepagoat 23rd (2nd Round)  (S91) RW - Demko (ROM)  @Demko 41st (3rd Round)   
 
Grade: B +  (score: 76.67)  
Vancouver Wolves have no problem selecting in the first round with seven of the nine prospects being selected in the first round of the past three drafts, with S92 Draft being a huge turning point in the teams rebuild; where they selected five players in the first round. All seven first round picks should be in the VHL as of next season when (S93) RW - Annie Oaks (COL) @Noodle Enjoyer joins the roster. Overall score for the Wolves was hurt by later round picks both as both are currently inactive otherwise this would have been the only team with an A grade. Luckily for Vancouver they have a chance to increase their overall prospect pool and prove that they can draft in later rounds with three 3rds round picks in this season draft; not to mention adding two more highly rated players as Vancouver will select twice in the top 6 again!! Ugh!! This team should be an interesting team to watch as they have the talent to contend sooner rather than later.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Number of Prospects:  14 1st Round Picks:  1 2nd Round Picks:  9 3rd Round Picks:  3 4th Round Pick:  1 Prospect in the VHL:  3 VHL Ready Prospects:  0 Inactive Prospects:  6  
Prospects      (S91) RW - Thor Reingaard  @N0HBDY 2nd (1st Round)  (S91) LW - Behrens Minion  @UnknownMinion 18th (2nd Round)  (S91) G - Pipo Popa @npuBeT 31st (2nd Round)  (S91) C - Jacob Smith Jr (VAS)  @jacobaa19 27th (2nd Round)  (S90) C - Aeschylus Jigglejawns CXXXVII II (BRA)  @.sniffuM 34th (3rd Round)  (S90) RW - Joseph Jec (STO)  @Joseph Jec 32nd (2nd Round)  (S90) LW - Jorji Costova  @Hybrid1486 31st (2nd Round)  (S93) D - Cody Toland (OTT) (COL)  @ctoland102 25th (2nd Round) (S91) RW - Dietrich Reingaard (ROM)  @JigglyGumballs 28th (2nd Round)  (S93) RW - Leon Bruhmaninho (SSK) (OSL)  @BigBruhman 41st (3rd Round)  (S91) LW - Aanarsi Reingaard (HFX) (VAS)  @Laine 33rd (3rd Round)  (S93) C - Gavin Bebard (MEX) (STO)  @Gavin Bebard 53rd (4th Round) (S92) LW - Commander Doom (LVA)  @Mech hi 29th (2nd Round)  (S92) D - John Season (HFX) (ROM)  @dylanjj37 28th (2nd Round)   
 
 
Grade: F (score: 30.36)  
With only one first round draft pick in the past three season in their current prospect pool you would think Warsaw has been a contender but sometimes things just don`t work out as planned; no matter how good they actually look on paper. Also, when I look at Warsaw this shows the state of the prospect pool and the league ability to generate top end talent more than Warsaw’s ability to draft. With nine second round picks you would think Warsaw has a decent prospect pool but it has been rather hit or miss. Four of the nine second round prospect have gone inactive, retired or have large stretches of inactivity. Warsaw actually has been rather unlucky. Warsaw is still a young and developing team; that really needs (S91) G - Pipo Popa @npuBeT to take over the starting role in a season or two from newly acquired (S86) G - Lachlan Summers @kirbithan. Warsaw will also look for (S91) LW - Behrens Minion @UnknownMinion to take a larger step forward along with the other prospects; who are still a few seasons away. (S91) C - Jacob Smith Jr (VAS) @jacobaa19 at the moment is the next prospect to likely make the Predators roster but that won`t be until S95 unless fast tracked.
 
 
Overall Ranking of Teams Prospect Pools:
Team name  Score  International  Grade Chicago Phoenix 78.33 B + Vancouver Wolves 76.67 B + New York Americans 75.00 B   Seattle Bears 61.50 C Moscow Menace 59.54 C Riga Reign  47.08 E Prague Phantoms 45.83 E D.C. Dragons 41.67 E HC Davos Dynamo  40.56 E Toronto Legion  40.00 E Malmo Nighthawks 37.86 F Helsinki Titans  30.77 F Warsaw Predators 30.36 F Calgary Wranglers 29.00 F Los Angeles Stars 28.57 F London United 12.50 F

1. I think we can do it, but the real objective is to end the season with a win and the Renaissance Cup.
2. It will be very tough to score more than 279 goals this season, but it would be really nice to reach 280 goals.
3. I believe we are going to have to wait a long time before seeing either of them, but we are going to wee a 100-assist scorer before.
4. White or black, I don't see any other color that would look good on the jersey.
5. He will have to have a really good end of the season, but I think he can end up with 50 goals flush.
6. Boston vs Toronto is going to be a really fun matchup and even if I will watch the game anyway I think that the Rangers will eat the Capitals alive.

*A note ahead of the article. This is primarily about the current roster, which means that transactions of players who weren't in Toronto for long, or aren't on now won't get much of a mention. Doesn't mean that they weren't part of the turnaround*
 
Stop me if you've heard this before: a Toronto team has once again been a disappointment in the playoffs. As a die hard Leafs fan, I've heard that story all too much in my life.
 
The Toronto Legion had told a similar story for a long time. One of the original franchises in the VHL back in S1, the Legion saw 9 Continental Cup wins in the first 65 seasons (an average of one Cup in just more than every seven seasons). The longest Cup drought for the Legion in that span was 13 seasons. The Legion also appeared in the Cup Final 17 times in that 65 season stretch, getting there roughly once every four seasons. That Cup win in S65 kicked off a drought lasting 25 seasons that would not see Toronto make a Cup Final appearance, let alone win another Continental Cup. In fact, in that 25 season stretch the Legion would post just 3 Conference Final appearances, as well as only 10 playoff appearances. It was this run of futility that would leave the Toronto Legion branded as a Perennial Disappointment, and one that would require the team to address the issues and forge a better path.
 
S85 Off-Season
Off-Ice Changes Begin
 
The changes in the off-season needed to come off of the ice. Toronto was in need of a fresh voice at the top, and a new direction on the ice. That change came before the draft, as Moon was named the GM of the Legion following an interim stint by Agito, who had succeeded Doomsday. Moon headed into the S86 Entry Draft with a long-term plan to re-make the Toronto Legion into a team that could bowl over the competition, and went to work on crafting a team through the draft, free agency, and trades.
S86
The Changing of the Guard
 
The current roster for the Legion can be traced all the way back to S86. With a team in desperate need of new life, the Legion made a flurry of trades to acquire draft picks in the S86 draft. Their first draft pick in the S86 draft (13th overall) was used to take a young goaltender from Las Vegas in the VHLM. Coming off of a 41-14-4 season with the Aces, posting a .911 save percentage and 2.34 goals against average with 6 shutouts, Joel Castle was the third goalie off the board in the draft. By S87, Castle had already entrenched himself as the Legion starting goaltender, starting a run of six straight seasons with more than 60 starts in Toronto (with a seventh on the way this season). The Legion didn't only add a goaltender from this draft, as the 22nd overall pick was used on a right winger who has found a spot in the lineup for the last two seasons. Kobe Johnson was taken after playing for Las Vegas as well in the VHLM, and followed up his draft with a 94 point sophomore season in the M. Johnson made his way into the S92 forward group for the Legion, and has posted back to back seasons over 20 points for Toronto.
 
S87
The Franchise Forward Building Blocks
 
There is absolutely no doubt that the S87 Entry Draft was the most important draft in recent franchise history for the Toronto Legion. The Legion held the first overall pick in the draft after finishing second last and winning the draft lottery heading into the draft. Toronto was also fortunate with another pick that they had acquired previously in a deal with Seattle, one that would net them the third overall pick. With two of the first three picks in the draft, it was absolutely imperative that the Legion hit on both picks, and the hits ended up being home runs. The first of the two picks was used to draft a Centre out of Ottawa who had just piled up 128 points in his draft year. The second of the two picks was used on another Centre, this time out of Halifax, who had 129 points in his draft year. The players? Long time Legion Captain Mac Atlas, and multi-season scoring leader Jimi Jaks. Both of these players have been mainstays on the Legion roster, Atlas joining the team and playing in S87, and Jaks making the jump the following year in S88. There is no question that this draft has had the largest combined impact on the current team with what Atlas and Jaks have meant to Toronto.
 
S88
The Blueline Finds its Leader
 
Two drafts in, and the first round focus for the Legion had been in net and up front. There was a clear, growing need to ensure that the back end of the roster wasn't being ignored. Toronto headed into the S88 draft with the third overall pick, and had their sights set on a young defender coming off of a monstrous offensive season in Houston. The Bulls had a defender who led the VHLM in assists, and points by defenders, and that was too much for the Legion to pass up at three. Bobby Bob was added to the Toronto mix, and made his Toronto debut in S89. Since then he's been the offensive leader of the Legion blueline, and is well on pace to lead the blueline in scoring again for the third straight season.
 
S89
The Hidden Gems
The Legion had used first round picks three seasons in a row to build up what has now become the core of the team, and it was important to add to that group in order to ensure long term success. Toronto held the third pick again in the S89 draft, but it's not that pick that has ended up being the hits of the draft. Back in S87, Toronto had made a deal with D.C. to receive current and future draft picks. Two seasons out from that deal was the S89 D.C. 2nd Round pick that Toronto received, which ended up being the first pick of the second round (17th overall). The Legion used that pick on a right winger who had 65 points for Ottawa in the VHLM. Toronto held their own pick in the third round (34th overall) as well, and selected a Centre playing for Saskatoon that was coming off of a 67 point season. Those second and third round picks respectively ended up being Harry Callahan and Diego Machado, who both came up together to join the Legion in S91. Both first gen players, they have blossomed into big roles for Toronto, and are currently tied for the lead in points on the team. In addition to the draft picks that would help the Legion later on, Toronto also traded for defender Jimmy MacElroy from Vancouver. MacElroy would be a key member of the blueline for the Legion until his retirement following S92.
 
S90
The Final Piece, and the First Step
 
With players across the board in the forward group drafted, the Legion needed to focus on adding to the blueline. Holding the second overall pick in the draft, Toronto was hoping to make a pick to help round out a group that would ensure that they weren't going to be picking near the top of the draft again. To that end, the Legion had their eyes on one of their own, as Player/GM Walter Fitzroy Jr. was available to select at two in an effort to strengthen the defense portion of the prospect pool. Fitzroy Jr. was coming off of a season in the VHLM that was split between Houston and Las Vegas, one that saw a combined 39 points including 14 goals. The off-season was a hectic, and ultimately very productive one for the Legion. A blockbuster trade with Vancouver saw the additions of Ronan Lavelle and Tomas Sogaard in the forward group, while the Legion inked Siyan Yasilievich to a one year contract to bolster the blueline prior to his retirement. The additions immediately helped propel the Legion out of the depths of the North American Conference and into first place. The season resulted in Toronto's first Conference Final appearance since S83, and only the fourth since their Cup win in S65.
 
S91
The Ultimate Success
 
The Legion had a roster in place, one which had primarily been built through the draft and supplemented through trades. Added during this draft was back-up goaltender Toddly Bobbly out of Saskatoon, who was about to complete a season for the Wild that finished 56-11-5 with a .926 save percentage and 1.76 goals against average. It also ended in a Founder's Cup for Bobbly. Coming off of the monumental jump from last in the North American Conference in S89 to first in the Conference in S90, the Legion were cautiously optimistic that they were a contender again in S91, and set out to prove that their leap forward wasn't a fluke. The team saw three rookies (Callahan, Fitzroy Jr., Machado) all come up to the main roster and contribute. Those rookies helped fill the gaps that were left behind by the one year additions from the previous season. The core players continued to flourish, with Atlas, Bob, Castle, and Jaks all making major contributions to the team success. The rookies grew into their roles. Everything added up to the culmination of the Legion re-brand with a Conference Final berth, a Continental Cup Final berth, and finally a Continental Cup Championship. Gone were the days of the "Perennial Disappointment". The Toronto Legion were "Champions Again", for the first time in 26 seasons. 
 
S92
The Streak
It's difficult to follow up a Championship season, and it is surely impossible to match the success level. That was the task that faced the Legion in S92. Faced with filling another hole in the forward group following a retirement, Toronto made a mid-season trade to add Steve Lattimer from the Seattle Bears. Lattimer immediately stepped into a productive role with the Legion, and has since grown into a dominant two way player on one of the highest scoring lines in the VHL. The core group of Toronto players all stayed together, and the continued growth of the group resulted in another playoff berth, and enough playoff success to make it back to the North American Conference Finals for the third season in a row. It was the first time that the Legion had reached three straight since the run from S57-S59.
 
S93
The Drive Continues
Entering this season, the Legion look to continue the streak of Conference Final appearances. Prior to the start of the season, Toronto traded for forward Mason Rice from HC Davos, who immediately converted to defense to help with a positional shortage on the Legion roster. While there is still plenty of runway left in this season, the Legion currently sit at 37-10-1 and in first place in the North American Conference. The hope will be to continue to have a strong season and push into the playoffs as this core of players continues to grow together.
 
Summary
The Re-Brand Successfully Completed
Unlike some Toronto teams, this one knew how to do it right. Gone are the days of this organization being a punching bag or a joke. Gone are the days of being a "Perennial Disappointment". It's evident in the way that the Legion have been successful on the ice, whether it is in the standings as a team or on the individual statistical leaderboards for the players. It's even more evident off the ice in the way that the team has been able to get full buy-in from the players and a career long commitment from many as well. Contracts for Captain Mac Atlas, scoring ace Jimi Jaks, blueline stud Bobby Bob, and goaltending brick wall Joel Castle that were signed by each player to keep them in the blue and white for the entirety of their careers show just how far this team has come. The next wave is well on their way to signing extensions to remain with the Legion for their careers. That would never have been possible during the drought of success that had previously come for this team. There's something truly special about being able to have a group stay together for as long as possible, and it should be enjoyed for as long as it can be.
 
Thank you for reading.
 
Toronto Legion: Champions Again
 
 

LETS GO LEGION 🔥🔥🔥

LET'S GOO LEGION!!!

It is an honour to be an assistant captain again for the Legion! Looking forward to the rest of this season, and hopefully a long playoff run!

LET'S GOO LEGION!!!

S93 Toronto Legion
Assistant Captains
 
Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer
 
Entering his fifth season, the Legion's 3rd overall pick in the S88 Draft has quietly become Toronto's leader on the blueline and one of the league's more underrated all-around defensemen. He has led the team in assists the past two seasons and works extremely hard off the ice setting an example for all Legion players to follow. This is his first season as an alternate captain.
 
Harry Callahan @dstevensonjr
 
After a successful rookie campaign, Callahan took his game to a new level finishing last season second on the team in scoring with 75 points and leading the Legion with 9 game-winning goals. He's proving to be as valuable off the ice as well as he has found his voice in the Toronto locker room and has the ear of the other leaders and management. Therefore, he has been voted an alternate captain for the second straight season. 
 
Captain
Mac Atlas @v.2
 
Who else would it be? Altas will serve as Legion captain for the fifth consecutive season in S93. Already one of the most prominent players in franchise history, Altas' passion and desire to win is unmatched on the team and pushes the team to strive for greatness. He will do anything to achieve victory and is also climbing Toronto's all-time goal list. 
 
These three will lead the Toronto Legion in S93! 

Oh wow!  Thank you to Rome for letting me be apart of your team!  I look forward to helping out Cologne and enjoy some playoff hockey!

Welcome to Rome @lilchrist and @The goat of hockey and good luck in Cologne @MSouthworth, it was a pleasure having you in the locker room. Here is the link to to the locker room for the new Gladiators: https://discord.gg/MuSAKCzR

Over the past few weeks, I have created a few poll questions about different aspect going around the VHL from Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy, trades and Conference wins. This got me thinking that wouldn`t it be nice to allow the fans, players and managers of the VHL to actually have an opinion about different topics around the league. So here now lets take a look at what everyone thought of the last two polls. Also make sure to vote into days Your Say Polls about Goaltenders.
 
 
1.     Who will win the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy this season?
Over thirty members voted at the time of writing since I have a bad habit of not closing the polls by a date. From my understanding and the main reason that I posted the poll in the first place is the fact that I don`t think we have a clear cut rookie of the year winner at the start of the season.
 

 
Based on the voting most agree as Logan Ninefingers @Scurvy and George Richmond @badcolethetitan ended tied with seven votes each with 23.33% of the vote each or 46.66% voting for these two players to win the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy. Interesting current run away leader; Theo Allard @InstantRockstar with an amazing 47pts and on pace for 87pts by season end; only received two votes (most likely his mom & dad) for a 6.67% of the vote. Only one player didn`t even receive any votes (and seem to have no friends); which was Kimi Raikkonen @mattyIceman, who is currently 7th in rookie scoring so would be getting some consideration for the awards and if he has a strong second half of the season could even be a finalist. Made even sadder by the fact that we even received to write in votes, one for Bro? Karol Lamb @dlamb and James MacAvoy @Enraged.
 
Might be interesting to revisit the topic at the end of the season when it might become more clear who the finalist might be and who might actually win the trophy.
 
 
 
2.     Who wins the North American Conference?
Wasn`t complete surprised by how the voting played out for the next two questions since it is a case of recency bias as I think majority of the voters simple looked at the current league standing and said “them!!”
 

 
 Who was them in the North American Conference it was D.C. Dragons, who received an impressive 61.11% of the votes out of 18 voters. Currently the team leading the conference and who I think will end up as the top team, only received 3 votes for 16.67%. The Biggest surprise might have been the turn out of @Frank parents voting for the Vancouver Wolves as they received 2 votes for 11.11%, tied with New York Americans. If you are not aware Vancouver was 7th at the time I posted this poll and just completed a trade involving their top point scoring forward Larry Abass Jr @RileyL and a solid stay at home defender in Jens Lekman @Bobcat looking like they all but had given up on the season.
 
 
3.     Who wins the European Conference?
This one a 100% agree with but at the time I don`t think that was the way that I was thinking as Moscow Menace was about to play the toughest part of the season schedule in what would have been a make or break week. Fast forward a week and Moscow Menace have a small gap at the top of a very tight European Conference but at 61.11% of the voter claiming that Moscow Menace will maintain that lead until the end of the season.
 

 
Bit of a surprise with the drop off to the second placed London United and third placed Malmo Nighthawks considering the fact that both team have proven over the past season or two that they are top teams in the Conference. Surprised no one picked Prague Phantoms as they continue to stay within a few points of the conference lead despite missing a forward and a defender running with an 5-3-1 set-up; which shouldn`t hurt them that badly until the playoffs. I guess my tongue lashing swayed the vote against them. What the hell moment came when I seen HC Davos Dynamo actually received a vote as one of the worse teams in the league this season; not to mention the European Conference.
 
 
4.     Which team should be making a trade “Right” Now?
Bit surprised that most think Helsinki Titans are the team in the most danger at the moment but based on the current standing I 100% agree with the 8 voters or 44.44% as Helsinki clearly looks set to miss the playoff this season. Something must change or risk wasting last few season of Daryl Dixon @Ricer13 and Fuukka Rask @Jubis. Can they still make the playoffs? 10pts back at the halfway mark of the final wildcard rather suggest, No, not without making a major change to the line-up. Should be a team to watch with the trade deadline next week?
 

 
Not completely surprised by the fact that Warsaw Predator received some votes to make a trade as they have a weakness on the back-end and maybe could deal with another top end forward but with the younger forwards being set for the next few season; it was unlikely that they will be able to add at forward without giving up some of that youth. Defense would make more sense but with limited defensive options meanings a difficult time finding a better defender again also needing to trade in and out if they make the trade means I don`t agree with the 22.22% or 4 voters that stated Warsaw. This could change as teams fall out of the playoff and look to secure future assets but Warsaw Predators don`t have any first round draft picks to make a significant trade.
 
Pleasantly surprised that all four teams mentioned did receive votes with New York Americans at 11.11% or two votes. While no write in votes came across the comments.
 
 
So what did you think?
Do you agree with the rest of the voters? Either way make sure to leave a comment below and vote for your VHL Starting Goaltenders in todays poll. Also if you have anything that you would like me to create a poll to ask the league about; VHL related of course than comment below so that you have your Voice Heard and ........
 
Have Your Say!!
 

Welcome everyone,
 
After yesterday’s simulation, we are now halfway through the season, and I think it is a good time to look at the standings of the VHLE. We are going to take a look at the predictions made at the beginning of the season about the overall ranking and the rankings of the forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders of each team.
 
#1 Cologne Express  (Beginning of the season: 1st)
 
Current record: 36GP – 27W – 6L – 3OTL – 57PTS
Offense rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
Defense rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
Goalie rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 1st)
 
My predictions are starting well with Cologne at the top almost everywhere. With the help of forwards like BjorkaBjorn BjornaBjorkson @JardyB10 and Alexandros Mograine @sliceruser, that have 47 and 41 points respectively, Cologne’s offense is really good, but just a little less than Oslo’s. BjorkaBjorn is tied in third place for the number of points in the league and is also tied in first place for the number of goals. At the blue line, the Express are a little bit better than expected thanks to Joseph Dubois @Dubois and Scrungle Bungle. @Novanod In the net, Clark @cl4rk is still at the top of the league and is one of the reasons why Cologne has the best defense in the league this season.
 
#2 Vasteras Iron Eagles  (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
 
Current record: 36GP – 22W – 10L – 4OTL – 48PTS
Offense rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
Defense rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 1st)
Goalie rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
 
After only one season off, the Vasteras Iron Eagles are back at the top of the league, and they are even doing better than expected as they are currently second in the standings. When you look at their offense, you can’t compare it to the forwards core of Oslo or Cologne, but it is still a pretty good one, carried by the Italian player, Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor. Even if their defense is currently ranked second, they are really not far off Cologne’s defense. With the help of Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher and Sunset Moth @McWolf, they have the same number of goals against (77) as the Express Cologne. Finally, the two goalies, Ondrej Vencko @Mutti and Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish, have almost the same stats and are both doing pretty well.
 
#3 Oslo Storm  (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
 
Current record: 36GP – 20W – 15L – 1OTL – 51PTS
Offense rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 1st)
Defense rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
Goalie rank now: 5th (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
 
Just like predicted, Oslo’s offense is doing really well as Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles is leading the league in points with 50 points in 36 games and he is also third in the league for the number of goals (21) with his teammates Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica. Just like Vasteras offense, you can’t compare Oslo’s defence to the top two team in the league, but it is still very good. Swinsola @Swinsola and Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee are leading the team at this position. The only thing that is holding back the Oslo Storm from the top two teams is their goaltender. They are not doing bad, but with better stats, they could help the team reach the top two teams.
 
#4 Stockholm Vikings  (Beginning of the season: 5th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 14W – 17L – 5OTL – 33PTS
Offense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: T-4th)
Defense rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: 5th)
Goalie rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 5th)
 
The Stockholm Vikings had a really good start to the season but are having some difficulties recently. Indeed, their offense is really close to the offenses of the Rome Gladiators and the Bratislava Watchmen but is still ranked last in the league. Their best scorer is a defenseman, it is Marty Byrd @Marty B and he has a record of 13 goals and 30 assists for a total of 43 points in 36 games. The real star of the team is their goaltender, Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu. Indeed, Aleksanteri has the best save percentage in the league with 0.943%. The Vikings goalie is ranked 3rd in the league, but he is really not far behind the other ones.
 
#5 Rome Gladiators  (Beginning of the season: 4th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 12W – 17L – 7OTL – 31PTS
Offense rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: T-4th)
Defense rank now: 5th (Beginning of the season: 4th)
Goalie rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: 4th)
 
The Rome Gladiators are currently fifth in the league, but only two points behind the Stockholm Vikings. Led by Nathan Ecker @Nathan_8, who is second in the league for the number of points (48) and tied in first place for the number of goals (22), Rome’s offense is doing really good, and they are almost competing with the top teams in this category. Defensively, the three defensemen of the team are in the top ten of the league for the number of shots blocked. Gul Dukat @MSouthworthis also third in the league for the number of points (47) and is leading the league in the assists category with 36. Finally, Olafur Gunnleifson @JartY is doing good in the net without doing anything extraordinary.
 
#6 Bratislava Watchmen  (Beginning of the season: 6th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 13W – 22L – 1OTL – 28PTS
Offense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
Defense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
Goalie rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
 
The Bratislava Watchmen are exactly where they are supposed to be. The Watchmen lost a lot of players after their incredible playoffs run last season, so now they almost have an empty roster. However, the Bratislava can still count on good players like, Forum Content @frescoelmo, Luke Glendenning @ColeMrtz, Aeschylus Jigglejawns CXXXVII II @.sniffuM and Tobias Weiss @jfaly. In the net, Devon Giguere @omnisciusis doing pretty good, but with the lack of real players, it is really difficult to have good stats. It is a really difficult season for the Bratislava Watchmen, but it is a phase that every team has to go through after going all-in. I still believe that the team will bounce back and be competitive in a couple of seasons.
 
P.S. A lot of things can happen in half a season, so everything is still possible. All the team can still make the playoffs and with the trade deadline that will happen very soon. We are going to see a really interesting end of the season.
 
That’s all for me, thanks everyone for reading, I wish you all a good end of the season and see you in another VSN article for the S93 VHLE playoffs preview.

me and the owner of the Las Vegas Aces got into a gambling match legally I can't divulge much but lets just say i didn't lose

Welcome everyone,
 
After yesterday’s simulation, we are now halfway through the season, and I think it is a good time to look at the standings of the VHLE. We are going to take a look at the predictions made at the beginning of the season about the overall ranking and the rankings of the forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders of each team.
 
#1 Cologne Express  (Beginning of the season: 1st)
 
Current record: 36GP – 27W – 6L – 3OTL – 57PTS
Offense rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
Defense rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
Goalie rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 1st)
 
My predictions are starting well with Cologne at the top almost everywhere. With the help of forwards like BjorkaBjorn BjornaBjorkson @JardyB10 and Alexandros Mograine @sliceruser, that have 47 and 41 points respectively, Cologne’s offense is really good, but just a little less than Oslo’s. BjorkaBjorn is tied in third place for the number of points in the league and is also tied in first place for the number of goals. At the blue line, the Express are a little bit better than expected thanks to Joseph Dubois @Dubois and Scrungle Bungle. @Novanod In the net, Clark @cl4rk is still at the top of the league and is one of the reasons why Cologne has the best defense in the league this season.
 
#2 Vasteras Iron Eagles  (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
 
Current record: 36GP – 22W – 10L – 4OTL – 48PTS
Offense rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
Defense rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 1st)
Goalie rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
 
After only one season off, the Vasteras Iron Eagles are back at the top of the league, and they are even doing better than expected as they are currently second in the standings. When you look at their offense, you can’t compare it to the forwards core of Oslo or Cologne, but it is still a pretty good one, carried by the Italian player, Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor. Even if their defense is currently ranked second, they are really not far off Cologne’s defense. With the help of Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher and Sunset Moth @McWolf, they have the same number of goals against (77) as the Express Cologne. Finally, the two goalies, Ondrej Vencko @Mutti and Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish, have almost the same stats and are both doing pretty well.
 
#3 Oslo Storm  (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
 
Current record: 36GP – 20W – 15L – 1OTL – 51PTS
Offense rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 1st)
Defense rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
Goalie rank now: 5th (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
 
Just like predicted, Oslo’s offense is doing really well as Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles is leading the league in points with 50 points in 36 games and he is also third in the league for the number of goals (21) with his teammates Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica. Just like Vasteras offense, you can’t compare Oslo’s defence to the top two team in the league, but it is still very good. Swinsola @Swinsola and Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee are leading the team at this position. The only thing that is holding back the Oslo Storm from the top two teams is their goaltender. They are not doing bad, but with better stats, they could help the team reach the top two teams.
 
#4 Stockholm Vikings  (Beginning of the season: 5th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 14W – 17L – 5OTL – 33PTS
Offense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: T-4th)
Defense rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: 5th)
Goalie rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 5th)
 
The Stockholm Vikings had a really good start to the season but are having some difficulties recently. Indeed, their offense is really close to the offenses of the Rome Gladiators and the Bratislava Watchmen but is still ranked last in the league. Their best scorer is a defenseman, it is Marty Byrd @Marty B and he has a record of 13 goals and 30 assists for a total of 43 points in 36 games. The real star of the team is their goaltender, Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu. Indeed, Aleksanteri has the best save percentage in the league with 0.943%. The Vikings goalie is ranked 3rd in the league, but he is really not far behind the other ones.
 
#5 Rome Gladiators  (Beginning of the season: 4th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 12W – 17L – 7OTL – 31PTS
Offense rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: T-4th)
Defense rank now: 5th (Beginning of the season: 4th)
Goalie rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: 4th)
 
The Rome Gladiators are currently fifth in the league, but only two points behind the Stockholm Vikings. Led by Nathan Ecker @Nathan_8, who is second in the league for the number of points (48) and tied in first place for the number of goals (22), Rome’s offense is doing really good, and they are almost competing with the top teams in this category. Defensively, the three defensemen of the team are in the top ten of the league for the number of shots blocked. Gul Dukat @MSouthworthis also third in the league for the number of points (47) and is leading the league in the assists category with 36. Finally, Olafur Gunnleifson @JartY is doing good in the net without doing anything extraordinary.
 
#6 Bratislava Watchmen  (Beginning of the season: 6th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 13W – 22L – 1OTL – 28PTS
Offense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
Defense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
Goalie rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
 
The Bratislava Watchmen are exactly where they are supposed to be. The Watchmen lost a lot of players after their incredible playoffs run last season, so now they almost have an empty roster. However, the Bratislava can still count on good players like, Forum Content @frescoelmo, Luke Glendenning @ColeMrtz, Aeschylus Jigglejawns CXXXVII II @.sniffuM and Tobias Weiss @jfaly. In the net, Devon Giguere @omnisciusis doing pretty good, but with the lack of real players, it is really difficult to have good stats. It is a really difficult season for the Bratislava Watchmen, but it is a phase that every team has to go through after going all-in. I still believe that the team will bounce back and be competitive in a couple of seasons.
 
P.S. A lot of things can happen in half a season, so everything is still possible. All the team can still make the playoffs and with the trade deadline that will happen very soon. We are going to see a really interesting end of the season.
 
That’s all for me, thanks everyone for reading, I wish you all a good end of the season and see you in another VSN article for the S93 VHLE playoffs preview.

Welcome everyone,
 
After yesterday’s simulation, we are now halfway through the season, and I think it is a good time to look at the standings of the VHLE. We are going to take a look at the predictions made at the beginning of the season about the overall ranking and the rankings of the forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders of each team.
 
#1 Cologne Express  (Beginning of the season: 1st)
 
Current record: 36GP – 27W – 6L – 3OTL – 57PTS
Offense rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
Defense rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
Goalie rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 1st)
 
My predictions are starting well with Cologne at the top almost everywhere. With the help of forwards like BjorkaBjorn BjornaBjorkson @JardyB10 and Alexandros Mograine @sliceruser, that have 47 and 41 points respectively, Cologne’s offense is really good, but just a little less than Oslo’s. BjorkaBjorn is tied in third place for the number of points in the league and is also tied in first place for the number of goals. At the blue line, the Express are a little bit better than expected thanks to Joseph Dubois @Dubois and Scrungle Bungle. @Novanod In the net, Clark @cl4rk is still at the top of the league and is one of the reasons why Cologne has the best defense in the league this season.
 
#2 Vasteras Iron Eagles  (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
 
Current record: 36GP – 22W – 10L – 4OTL – 48PTS
Offense rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
Defense rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 1st)
Goalie rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
 
After only one season off, the Vasteras Iron Eagles are back at the top of the league, and they are even doing better than expected as they are currently second in the standings. When you look at their offense, you can’t compare it to the forwards core of Oslo or Cologne, but it is still a pretty good one, carried by the Italian player, Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor. Even if their defense is currently ranked second, they are really not far off Cologne’s defense. With the help of Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher and Sunset Moth @McWolf, they have the same number of goals against (77) as the Express Cologne. Finally, the two goalies, Ondrej Vencko @Mutti and Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish, have almost the same stats and are both doing pretty well.
 
#3 Oslo Storm  (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
 
Current record: 36GP – 20W – 15L – 1OTL – 51PTS
Offense rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 1st)
Defense rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
Goalie rank now: 5th (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
 
Just like predicted, Oslo’s offense is doing really well as Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles is leading the league in points with 50 points in 36 games and he is also third in the league for the number of goals (21) with his teammates Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica. Just like Vasteras offense, you can’t compare Oslo’s defence to the top two team in the league, but it is still very good. Swinsola @Swinsola and Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee are leading the team at this position. The only thing that is holding back the Oslo Storm from the top two teams is their goaltender. They are not doing bad, but with better stats, they could help the team reach the top two teams.
 
#4 Stockholm Vikings  (Beginning of the season: 5th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 14W – 17L – 5OTL – 33PTS
Offense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: T-4th)
Defense rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: 5th)
Goalie rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 5th)
 
The Stockholm Vikings had a really good start to the season but are having some difficulties recently. Indeed, their offense is really close to the offenses of the Rome Gladiators and the Bratislava Watchmen but is still ranked last in the league. Their best scorer is a defenseman, it is Marty Byrd @Marty B and he has a record of 13 goals and 30 assists for a total of 43 points in 36 games. The real star of the team is their goaltender, Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu. Indeed, Aleksanteri has the best save percentage in the league with 0.943%. The Vikings goalie is ranked 3rd in the league, but he is really not far behind the other ones.
 
#5 Rome Gladiators  (Beginning of the season: 4th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 12W – 17L – 7OTL – 31PTS
Offense rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: T-4th)
Defense rank now: 5th (Beginning of the season: 4th)
Goalie rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: 4th)
 
The Rome Gladiators are currently fifth in the league, but only two points behind the Stockholm Vikings. Led by Nathan Ecker @Nathan_8, who is second in the league for the number of points (48) and tied in first place for the number of goals (22), Rome’s offense is doing really good, and they are almost competing with the top teams in this category. Defensively, the three defensemen of the team are in the top ten of the league for the number of shots blocked. Gul Dukat @MSouthworthis also third in the league for the number of points (47) and is leading the league in the assists category with 36. Finally, Olafur Gunnleifson @JartY is doing good in the net without doing anything extraordinary.
 
#6 Bratislava Watchmen  (Beginning of the season: 6th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 13W – 22L – 1OTL – 28PTS
Offense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
Defense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
Goalie rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
 
The Bratislava Watchmen are exactly where they are supposed to be. The Watchmen lost a lot of players after their incredible playoffs run last season, so now they almost have an empty roster. However, the Bratislava can still count on good players like, Forum Content @frescoelmo, Luke Glendenning @ColeMrtz, Aeschylus Jigglejawns CXXXVII II @.sniffuM and Tobias Weiss @jfaly. In the net, Devon Giguere @omnisciusis doing pretty good, but with the lack of real players, it is really difficult to have good stats. It is a really difficult season for the Bratislava Watchmen, but it is a phase that every team has to go through after going all-in. I still believe that the team will bounce back and be competitive in a couple of seasons.
 
P.S. A lot of things can happen in half a season, so everything is still possible. All the team can still make the playoffs and with the trade deadline that will happen very soon. We are going to see a really interesting end of the season.
 
That’s all for me, thanks everyone for reading, I wish you all a good end of the season and see you in another VSN article for the S93 VHLE playoffs preview.

Welcome everyone,
 
After yesterday’s simulation, we are now halfway through the season, and I think it is a good time to look at the standings of the VHLE. We are going to take a look at the predictions made at the beginning of the season about the overall ranking and the rankings of the forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders of each team.
 
#1 Cologne Express  (Beginning of the season: 1st)
 
Current record: 36GP – 27W – 6L – 3OTL – 57PTS
Offense rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
Defense rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
Goalie rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 1st)
 
My predictions are starting well with Cologne at the top almost everywhere. With the help of forwards like BjorkaBjorn BjornaBjorkson @JardyB10 and Alexandros Mograine @sliceruser, that have 47 and 41 points respectively, Cologne’s offense is really good, but just a little less than Oslo’s. BjorkaBjorn is tied in third place for the number of points in the league and is also tied in first place for the number of goals. At the blue line, the Express are a little bit better than expected thanks to Joseph Dubois @Dubois and Scrungle Bungle. @Novanod In the net, Clark @cl4rk is still at the top of the league and is one of the reasons why Cologne has the best defense in the league this season.
 
#2 Vasteras Iron Eagles  (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
 
Current record: 36GP – 22W – 10L – 4OTL – 48PTS
Offense rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
Defense rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 1st)
Goalie rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
 
After only one season off, the Vasteras Iron Eagles are back at the top of the league, and they are even doing better than expected as they are currently second in the standings. When you look at their offense, you can’t compare it to the forwards core of Oslo or Cologne, but it is still a pretty good one, carried by the Italian player, Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor. Even if their defense is currently ranked second, they are really not far off Cologne’s defense. With the help of Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher and Sunset Moth @McWolf, they have the same number of goals against (77) as the Express Cologne. Finally, the two goalies, Ondrej Vencko @Mutti and Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish, have almost the same stats and are both doing pretty well.
 
#3 Oslo Storm  (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
 
Current record: 36GP – 20W – 15L – 1OTL – 51PTS
Offense rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 1st)
Defense rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
Goalie rank now: 5th (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
 
Just like predicted, Oslo’s offense is doing really well as Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles is leading the league in points with 50 points in 36 games and he is also third in the league for the number of goals (21) with his teammates Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica. Just like Vasteras offense, you can’t compare Oslo’s defence to the top two team in the league, but it is still very good. Swinsola @Swinsola and Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee are leading the team at this position. The only thing that is holding back the Oslo Storm from the top two teams is their goaltender. They are not doing bad, but with better stats, they could help the team reach the top two teams.
 
#4 Stockholm Vikings  (Beginning of the season: 5th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 14W – 17L – 5OTL – 33PTS
Offense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: T-4th)
Defense rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: 5th)
Goalie rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 5th)
 
The Stockholm Vikings had a really good start to the season but are having some difficulties recently. Indeed, their offense is really close to the offenses of the Rome Gladiators and the Bratislava Watchmen but is still ranked last in the league. Their best scorer is a defenseman, it is Marty Byrd @Marty B and he has a record of 13 goals and 30 assists for a total of 43 points in 36 games. The real star of the team is their goaltender, Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu. Indeed, Aleksanteri has the best save percentage in the league with 0.943%. The Vikings goalie is ranked 3rd in the league, but he is really not far behind the other ones.
 
#5 Rome Gladiators  (Beginning of the season: 4th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 12W – 17L – 7OTL – 31PTS
Offense rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: T-4th)
Defense rank now: 5th (Beginning of the season: 4th)
Goalie rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: 4th)
 
The Rome Gladiators are currently fifth in the league, but only two points behind the Stockholm Vikings. Led by Nathan Ecker @Nathan_8, who is second in the league for the number of points (48) and tied in first place for the number of goals (22), Rome’s offense is doing really good, and they are almost competing with the top teams in this category. Defensively, the three defensemen of the team are in the top ten of the league for the number of shots blocked. Gul Dukat @MSouthworthis also third in the league for the number of points (47) and is leading the league in the assists category with 36. Finally, Olafur Gunnleifson @JartY is doing good in the net without doing anything extraordinary.
 
#6 Bratislava Watchmen  (Beginning of the season: 6th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 13W – 22L – 1OTL – 28PTS
Offense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
Defense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
Goalie rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
 
The Bratislava Watchmen are exactly where they are supposed to be. The Watchmen lost a lot of players after their incredible playoffs run last season, so now they almost have an empty roster. However, the Bratislava can still count on good players like, Forum Content @frescoelmo, Luke Glendenning @ColeMrtz, Aeschylus Jigglejawns CXXXVII II @.sniffuM and Tobias Weiss @jfaly. In the net, Devon Giguere @omnisciusis doing pretty good, but with the lack of real players, it is really difficult to have good stats. It is a really difficult season for the Bratislava Watchmen, but it is a phase that every team has to go through after going all-in. I still believe that the team will bounce back and be competitive in a couple of seasons.
 
P.S. A lot of things can happen in half a season, so everything is still possible. All the team can still make the playoffs and with the trade deadline that will happen very soon. We are going to see a really interesting end of the season.
 
That’s all for me, thanks everyone for reading, I wish you all a good end of the season and see you in another VSN article for the S93 VHLE playoffs preview.

Okay, I am finding the weeks are either getting shorter or we are really speeding through this season as we now reach the halfway mark of the season, school is just starting for most here in Japan and Spirng is in full bloom; is that same situation for everywhere else as I thought that I had seen Alberta managed to get some more snow. I really live in a bubble now that I am an expat!! Eitherway you didn`t come here from me to talk about the  weather but rather to see what I think of your teams chances and to rub some salt into the fact that I was most likely incorrect again!! Well, Lets get started since we didn`t have any think fake that I am aware of this week!!
 
 

 
Current Standings:
                    Standings                                        Record             Points                   Last Wk                          Prediction Last Wk                       
1.     Toronto Legion                                   29-8-1             59pts                 11-2-1             🟰       1st North American
2.     D.C. Dragons                                     27-10-1            55pts                  7-6-1             🟰      2nd North American  
3.     New York Americans                        21-11-6            48pts                  8-4-3             🔼      4th  North American   
4.     Seattle Bears                                    22-14-2           46pts                   8-5-1             🔼      5th North American
5.     Chicago Phoenix                               17-14-7           41pts                   6-3-5             🔼      6th North American 
6.     Vancouver Wolves                            15-19-3           34pts                   8-5-1             🔼      7th North American 
7.     Calgary Wranglers                             16-21-1           33pts                   4-9-1             🔻      3rd North American  
8.     Los Angeles Stars                              1-36-0             2pts                  0-13-0              8th North American  
 
 
Next Week Predictions:
 
🟰     1.    
After post back-to-back weeks with eleven wins; it is very hard to bet against the Toronto Legion at this moment. The Legion should once again be looking at their third week with eleven wins and should hold down the top spot in the North American conference for a second week. Scoring by committee with five different players with more than twenty goals (Diego Machado @Dadam30(28-36-64pts), Harry Callahan @dstevensonjr (21-40-61pts), Jimi Jaks @ke1vi(27-31-58pts), Mac Atlas @v.2 (24-28-52pts) and Steve Lattimer @pugsood(25-27-52pts) already on the season shows how well the offense is spread. Add in another strong season from Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer and you have a unstoppable Legion marching to their own beat.
 
 
🟰    2.    
Battle of the Legion and Dragons should heat up this week as the teams face off against each other to start the week. In the end I cannot see the Dragons over taking Toronto but should at least keep pace with the team from the North American hockey capital of the world. Ugh!! If the Dragons have any chance at taking the fight to the Legion they will need Mark Calaway @Beketov(17-39-56pts) to climb back on top of the defensive scoring leader board and The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath (27-42-69pts) needs to stay as hot as coq au vin!!  
 
 
🟰   3.    
Can New York prove that they are a contender in the North American conference? Well, if they have any chance it would be this week as they have a weak schedule and should actually pull away; and hopefully secure third in the conference. FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ(22-18-40pts) and Francesco Mancini @GioSivo(16-24-40pts) will need to be better if my prediction is going to come with fruits of my labor. 36W @rory(2.26ga & 0.933%) is still showing that you can never have enough W in one name. While I jest, will New York actually break the Longest cup droughts of all time or will this reach 40 seasons? Yes, I brought this up!! What!!
 
 
🟰    4.    
The Bears looks set to fall back slightly this week but I think they have locked themselves into a playoff spot; if asked at the start of the season would I have said the Bears make the playoffs? Double Hockey sticks no!! The Eagle finally learned how to fly in Henry Eagles @Greg_Di(23-34-57pts) and who knew ice cream and cookie could be so great in Oreo McFleury @JB123(23-30-53pts). Not to mention that the House Targaryen symbol was not that of Dragon but rather that of a bear making Severus Targaryen @Banackock(21-29-50pts) feel right at home in Seattle. Congrats on most likely proving this writer wrong and making the playoffs; now don`t mess it up!!
 
 
🟰    5.    
Chicago will try to raise this week but, in the end, I think they might be in tough just not to get burned by the ashes as the Phoenix are set for a European invasion. Chicago will either raise from the ashes this week or become ashes so will look to keep Yaroslav Trunov @qripll(30-25-55pts) hot!! Putting some shrimp on the bbq keeps them tasty as Babay Shrimp @Blazzer(13-34-47pts) has shown so far this season. Phoenix will need fan the flames of Ryan Artyomov @Enorama(3.53ga & 0.906%) and see if he catches fire and becomes a Phoenix reborn. Playoff are within reach if Chicago can just avoid being wrangled in or chased off by wolves!!
 
 
🟰    6.    
Hey, you know that trade? No not the fake one!! The one completed last week with Calgary; Well, Yeah, that seems to be working out just fine for the Wolves from Vancouver. As the Wolves seem more like a pack going 8-5-1 since that trade and announcement of a leadership group lead by Liv Slater @Subject056(16-23-39pts) or was it due to the bar fight with Calgary fans; in which fingers might have been gifted between players; bring the team closer together on and off the ice. More Seriously Logan Ninefingers @Scurvy(12-15-27pts) finally seems more comfortable and should help pack hunt down a playoff birth. It remains very close between Calgary, Chicago and Vancouver so I have no faith in this placement.
 
 
🟰    7.    
Last week I asked the question if Calgary was going to be contenders or pretenders. Well, With a resounding F bomb to my predictions; Calgary has proven that they cannot wrangle their way into a playoffs or higher up the standings. Calgary will need to wrangle up some wins and wrangle up some offense; which at this point of the season; I think we all know that is unlikely!! Phil Strasmore @Phil (9-26-35pts) has been a physical presence on the back end and is really wrangling up the defense for the Wranglers!! Calgary still has a chance at the playoff but they need to stop playing with the fire of the Phoenix and try to keep the wolves a bay!!
 
 
    8.    
Huge week for Los Angeles as they once again look to lose every single game for the third straight week. Makes me wonder if they have any fans or stars left coming to their games. Battle for last will provide some star light but it might not be that bright!! Dim season for Los Angeles but the future will look much brighter after this week. Fans will be wishing to continue to see a falling stars.
 
 
 
 

 
Current Standings:
                    Standings                                        Record             Points                   Last Wk                          Prediction Last Wk                       
1.     Moscow Menace                               26-9-3             55pts                 9-3-1              🟰      1st European Conference
2.     London United                                 24-10-4            52pts                 9-4-1              🟰      2nd European Conference
3.     Malmo Nighthawks                          24-9-4             52pts                 8-3-2              🟰      3rd European Conference
4.     Prague Phantoms                            24-10-4            52pts               10-3-0              🟰      4th European Conference
5.     Warsaw Predators                           22-13-2            46pts                 8-4-1              🟰       5th European Conference
6.     Helsinki Titans                                 19-18-0            38pts                 8-5-0              🟰       6th European Conference
7.     Riga Reign                                        11-23-4             26pts               1-10-2              🟰        7th European Conference
8.     HC Davos Dynamo                           4-32-2             10pts               3-10-1              🟰        8th European Conference
 
 
 
Next Week Predictions:
 
🟰     1.      
Moscow will continue to be a menace in the backsides of the European Conference as I once again have the club from Moscow finish a top of the conference as Axle Gunner @Steve(21-32-53pts) continue to gun down the league and Jeff Lewis @nerji(20-31-51pts) isn`t flipping out; just yet!! Moscow also has a grasp of that it is easier to be a menace as part of a gang with eight players at a point per game or higher. No I am not labeling them all here as these articles are long enough as they are. (that want she said!!) The Menace have the rest of the league looking at help self books on how to deal with a pain in the donkey as that is what the Menace are becoming!!
 
 
🟰    2.    
Tied for second, third and fourth isn`t that great is it? Actually if you are playing as united as the United are than you will be more than happy to looking at the playoffs. London is showing it is no Sjin @Sjin (21-29-50pts) to act like a Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ(29-39-68pts) as it is actually quite Leonard Triller @Triller(24-33-57pts). Was that a bit of reach? LOL!! Jesse Teno @aimkin(2.59ga & 0.923%) showing he still very much an artist like Jesse Reno!! London are banded together sing “Going to London” all the way to the playoffs.
 
 
🟰     3.    
The Nighthawks are trying to hawk everyone into believing that they are the best and are being down right hawkish!! Instead of using their obscurity to have the rest gawking come the playoffs. One of the peacocking hawks is Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro(2.61ga & 0.921%); who rightfully can be a bit hawkish but might want to watch sparking other teams!! Jacob Stone @scoop(12-36-48pts) will hope that Hawks don`t drop like a stone come playoff time once again. While Viktor Jensen @Advantage(21-29-50pts) will try to dictate a different outcome!! How Hawkish with the Nighthawks be come playoffs?
 
 
🟰    4.    
Last week I rather suggested that Prague should look at making a trade or two but I was rather ghosted on that one!! The Phantoms are proving a bit more than a hallucination after drinking too much John Jameson @Frank(29-43-72pts) and a kid with nightmares after eating too much Skor McFleury @Alex(13-47-60pts) while laying in bed looking at Spanish Moon Moth @Renomitsu (25-31-56pts) needing Matt Murdock @Acydburn (2.70ga & 0.934%) to solve a crime of how the Phantoms continue haunt the league with a limited roster. Prague will continue to haunt the league and have many concerned about the Phantoms wraith!!
 
 
🟰    5.    
Warsaw is still showing that they still have some teeth and are an animal of prey. Lachlan Summers @kirbithan(2.60ga & 0.934%) still looks like a lion on vacation that continue to be a man-eatting carnivore just devouring the league leading scorers. While Maxim Anisimov @McLovin(25-33-58pts) is proving that he is no fat cat like Vasily!! While Thor Reingaard @N0HBDY(26-27-53pts) might just be a god with more than amazing blond hair. None of that compares to the great defensive play of Rex Wolffe Gregor @oilmandan(11-29-40pts), but don`t look at this man being cloned. Can Warsaw continue to feast and prey to make the playoffs?
 
 
🟰    6.    
Helsinki has a behemoth of a task ahead of them just to try to get back in the playoff picture as the look more like a bulky monster of mammoth stranded on a mountain rather than a gods most associate with Titans. Daryl Dixon @Ricer13(20-26-46pts) must think he is back in the walking dead and might rather want to put his head into YaBoi Oven @Doomsday(11-32-43pts) and light a match. Helsinki season has been an Adi Dassler @BOOM(7-19-26pts) and will hope that it will stay Kronchy Kardashian @Garsh(12-26-38pts) rather than go soggy. Either way Fuukka Rask @Jubis(2.97ga & 0.918%) will need to be up to the task otherwise Helsinki will continue to flop around like a beached titan of a whale!!
 
 
🟰    7.    
The Monarch has fallen with the announcement of long-term GM @hedgehog337 tenure will come to a close ending a dynasty in Riga. Can he use his influence to rein it in for Riga to make the playoffs? Kimi Raikkonen @mattyIceman(11-17-28pts) on his day could rein in anyone in a formula one car but might not be able to sway things his way as the Reign are playing like they are wearing Elf shoes @ELF_SH0ES(1-1-2pts) while also playing like Reginald the Dodo @Esso2264(9-19-28pts) birds or a bit of a blockheads. Who will have the Eno Velvson @Nykonax(12-19-31pts) to turn these boobs into a new team of dynasty?
 
 
    8.    
Holly Davos!! The achieved something that I didn`t expect last week. Yup, the generated a few wins through hard work and being a spak plug kids. Does that mean that they will win more this week. Yup, say hello to the fallen Stars of Los Angeles so I can almost say dynamo might be a mover and shaker this week but will still be last by the end of the week. Say hello to second overall; all depending the outcome of the lotto of course!!
 
 
 
 
Final Thought:
68.75% this week or 11/16 and would have been much better if we didn`t find out that Calgary was a bunch of pretenders unable to wrangle in anyone in the North American conference. European Conference is where all the real action is taking place with top four teams all within reach the conference title but that also means overall the playoff teams are locked and loaded; only fighting for positions. While in the North American conference we have three polite guys all holding the door wide open for each other but no one has bothered to walk through; yet!! This might continue to a while and if it does it might become rather annoying rather than entertaining.
 
 
 

Welcome everyone,
 
After yesterday’s simulation, we are now halfway through the season, and I think it is a good time to look at the standings of the VHLE. We are going to take a look at the predictions made at the beginning of the season about the overall ranking and the rankings of the forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders of each team.
 
#1 Cologne Express  (Beginning of the season: 1st)
 
Current record: 36GP – 27W – 6L – 3OTL – 57PTS
Offense rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
Defense rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
Goalie rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 1st)
 
My predictions are starting well with Cologne at the top almost everywhere. With the help of forwards like BjorkaBjorn BjornaBjorkson @JardyB10 and Alexandros Mograine @sliceruser, that have 47 and 41 points respectively, Cologne’s offense is really good, but just a little less than Oslo’s. BjorkaBjorn is tied in third place for the number of points in the league and is also tied in first place for the number of goals. At the blue line, the Express are a little bit better than expected thanks to Joseph Dubois @Dubois and Scrungle Bungle. @Novanod In the net, Clark @cl4rk is still at the top of the league and is one of the reasons why Cologne has the best defense in the league this season.
 
#2 Vasteras Iron Eagles  (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
 
Current record: 36GP – 22W – 10L – 4OTL – 48PTS
Offense rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
Defense rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 1st)
Goalie rank now: 2nd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
 
After only one season off, the Vasteras Iron Eagles are back at the top of the league, and they are even doing better than expected as they are currently second in the standings. When you look at their offense, you can’t compare it to the forwards core of Oslo or Cologne, but it is still a pretty good one, carried by the Italian player, Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor. Even if their defense is currently ranked second, they are really not far off Cologne’s defense. With the help of Lucy Leitner @LucyXpher and Sunset Moth @McWolf, they have the same number of goals against (77) as the Express Cologne. Finally, the two goalies, Ondrej Vencko @Mutti and Jorgen Lovstrom @Pifferfish, have almost the same stats and are both doing pretty well.
 
#3 Oslo Storm  (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
 
Current record: 36GP – 20W – 15L – 1OTL – 51PTS
Offense rank now: 1st (Beginning of the season: 1st)
Defense rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 3rd)
Goalie rank now: 5th (Beginning of the season: 2nd)
 
Just like predicted, Oslo’s offense is doing really well as Wayne Gretzky @MubbleFubbles is leading the league in points with 50 points in 36 games and he is also third in the league for the number of goals (21) with his teammates Antonia Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica. Just like Vasteras offense, you can’t compare Oslo’s defence to the top two team in the league, but it is still very good. Swinsola @Swinsola and Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee are leading the team at this position. The only thing that is holding back the Oslo Storm from the top two teams is their goaltender. They are not doing bad, but with better stats, they could help the team reach the top two teams.
 
#4 Stockholm Vikings  (Beginning of the season: 5th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 14W – 17L – 5OTL – 33PTS
Offense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: T-4th)
Defense rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: 5th)
Goalie rank now: 3rd (Beginning of the season: 5th)
 
The Stockholm Vikings had a really good start to the season but are having some difficulties recently. Indeed, their offense is really close to the offenses of the Rome Gladiators and the Bratislava Watchmen but is still ranked last in the league. Their best scorer is a defenseman, it is Marty Byrd @Marty B and he has a record of 13 goals and 30 assists for a total of 43 points in 36 games. The real star of the team is their goaltender, Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussu. Indeed, Aleksanteri has the best save percentage in the league with 0.943%. The Vikings goalie is ranked 3rd in the league, but he is really not far behind the other ones.
 
#5 Rome Gladiators  (Beginning of the season: 4th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 12W – 17L – 7OTL – 31PTS
Offense rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: T-4th)
Defense rank now: 5th (Beginning of the season: 4th)
Goalie rank now: 4th (Beginning of the season: 4th)
 
The Rome Gladiators are currently fifth in the league, but only two points behind the Stockholm Vikings. Led by Nathan Ecker @Nathan_8, who is second in the league for the number of points (48) and tied in first place for the number of goals (22), Rome’s offense is doing really good, and they are almost competing with the top teams in this category. Defensively, the three defensemen of the team are in the top ten of the league for the number of shots blocked. Gul Dukat @MSouthworthis also third in the league for the number of points (47) and is leading the league in the assists category with 36. Finally, Olafur Gunnleifson @JartY is doing good in the net without doing anything extraordinary.
 
#6 Bratislava Watchmen  (Beginning of the season: 6th)
 
Current record: 36GP – 13W – 22L – 1OTL – 28PTS
Offense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
Defense rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
Goalie rank now: 6th (Beginning of the season: 6th)
 
The Bratislava Watchmen are exactly where they are supposed to be. The Watchmen lost a lot of players after their incredible playoffs run last season, so now they almost have an empty roster. However, the Bratislava can still count on good players like, Forum Content @frescoelmo, Luke Glendenning @ColeMrtz, Aeschylus Jigglejawns CXXXVII II @.sniffuM and Tobias Weiss @jfaly. In the net, Devon Giguere @omnisciusis doing pretty good, but with the lack of real players, it is really difficult to have good stats. It is a really difficult season for the Bratislava Watchmen, but it is a phase that every team has to go through after going all-in. I still believe that the team will bounce back and be competitive in a couple of seasons.
 
P.S. A lot of things can happen in half a season, so everything is still possible. All the team can still make the playoffs and with the trade deadline that will happen very soon. We are going to see a really interesting end of the season.
 
That’s all for me, thanks everyone for reading, I wish you all a good end of the season and see you in another VSN article for the S93 VHLE playoffs preview.