TheNeonShaman

1. Just gotta get the lines flowing, get some consistent wins, maybe go on a little streak and get some confidence back. 2. Scoring all around the lineup, we've got fantastic depth and almost the entire team is contributing. 3. Even though we have good depth scoring, we've had a lot of games that we lose because we just can't score. 4. I think it's been good to have contributions all over the lineup, however it would be nice to have someone emerge as a superstar. We kind of look like the Seattle Kraken in the NHL. We have 9 players with 16+ points, the next best teams have 7. What we don't have that those teams do are players that are really taking off and leading in scoring. 5. I can't say anything because I am the biggest jinx in the world and don't want to ruin it for my team. 6. Matty Beniers easy, it's his trophy to lose.

Game Recaps Game 209: LAS vs DCD Los Angeles really came out firing in this game, outshooting the Dragons 12 to 4 in the first, and even though both teams didn't score, you had the feeling the Stars were in control. That came true in the low shooting second period, only 11 shots between the two teams, however the Stars were able to capitalize on one of their 5 shots and take the lead. They come out firing again in the 3rd, but Bubbles Utonium stands on their head and allows DC a chance to equalize. Jason Coiner finally finds the net for the Dragons a little through the third, and the game is all tied up. Overtime doesn't yield a winner, so the game goes to the shootout, where Utonium continues to be a wall and backstop DC to a victory. Game 216: LAS vs NYA Another high flying game, this time for both teams. By the end of the game, both teams had over 30 shots. In the first, Phoebe Bridgers broke the scoreless tie about halfway through the first. While the Stars don't respond right away, Sunglasses Joyo puts home a short handed goal with under a minute and a half remaining in the first, a big momentum shift. However New York responded on the power play early in the middle frame, making the game 2-1. Then devastating pressure from LA helps Robert Wilk put a shot home and tie the game. The third period did nothing to change the scoreboard, despite the 3 power plays New York got. There was even a penalty that carried through into overtime, however that didn't matter because LA killed the penalty, then only a half a minute later Nezuko ended the game. Los Angeles comes out with a victory.

Third Claim

1. I think just overall scoring, we have a lot of games where we only score 1 or 2, that's gotta change. 2. It's been fun seeing my old Lynx teammates throughout the league! 3. Just gotta build some chemistry on offense. Once we get that I think this team will be a much bigger threat. 4. Well I was honestly very surprised to be named captain, but I really like the assistants and I think we are getting along great so far in the room. 5. Well I haven't done much watching of the VHLE, but just seeing what I have and going around Oslo, it's clear these defensemen made a big impact on the community, and they brought so many to this fairly new market. 6. I think Prague is a scary team, and probably the biggest threat. They've got games in hand on every team in front of them and are still almost at the top.

Second Claim

Game Recaps: Game 1 - New York vs Calgary The game started off nice and even. Both teams showing competitiveness. 11 minutes into the first, Daniel Janser nets one for Calgary, the first goal of this season. Unfortunately for Calgary it would light a fire under New York. The Americans started to pile on shots and tied the game under 2 minutes later. Then, Napoleon Dynamite and Alexandre Leduc both scored in the last 2 minutes of the period, making the game 3-1. To Calgary's credit they did try to get back into the game, outshooting New York 34-18 for the rest of the game. However, Augustus Kennedy shut the door after Janser scored again in the second (making it 4-2). Two more goals in the 3rd period, and New York put the first game of the season away 6-2. Game 8 - Seattle vs Los Angeles An absolute roller coaster of a game, it started with a goal a piece for the two teams. In the second however, Los Angeles took control with an impressive 4 shots. Even with this tiny shot count, it didn't stop two of them from going in the net and giving Los Angeles a 3-1 lead. Seattle was finally able to find the back of the net again in the 3rd period and in a show-stopping fashion as well. 2 goals in 10 seconds for the Bears, and the game is tied 3-3 at the end of the 3rd. Overtime wasn't able to end it so the game goes to a shootout. In the first round, Hulk Hogan 2 misses for Seattle, and Scoish Velociraptor Meloish scores for LA. Neither team gets a goal in the second round, but in the third, Seattle gets a goal from Yaroslav Bogatyrev to tie it. Unfortunately in the 4th round, Seattle was unable to score, and Sunglasses Joyo puts the game away 4-3.

Lachlan Summers - G @samx

Napoleon Dynamite - F @Banackock

Today I will be looking at a breakout candidate from every single team in the VHL. A player from S85 or earlier on every team who has the potential to step up into a higher role and prove themselves as established players. Spoiler alert, there are some teams that had only one option under the criteria, even if the player has already sort of broken out or is not in a prime position to break out. Anyway, if you are on one of these teams and thought your player was in a better position to break out, I apologize as this is fully my opinion. I did try to name some honorable mentions when applicable. Without further ado, let’s get into it. Calgary Wranglers Vincent Laroche-Gagnier @vincentlg2007 (S86) VLG had a slightly different path to the VHL than some others. He spent two full seasons in the VHLM before jumping straight to the VHL. Obviously the competition in the M is the lowest of any of the three leagues, and a sharp learning curve was to be expected for VLG. His rookie season was decent, with 14 goals and 30 points total. However this season I’m expecting a breakout year of at least 55 points, and at a ceiling pushing point per game. Something that would help his point total would be splitting up the 2 elite centers Calgary has in Goncalves and Janser, and putting VLG on one of their lines. On a strong Calgary team, he should be able to get some minutes with top players to help boost point totals. Chicago Phoenix Alexander Minion @UnknownMinion (S85) Minion never really got a chance early in their career. In their first season they were a backup in Los Angeles. However looking at the stats, Minion has some real talent. In 10 games, they went 4-4. Not anything spectacular, except a save percentage of 0.929 and GAA of 2.91. Not top numbers among backups, however on a team like Chicago, who can definitely make some waves, Minion should have an opportunity to have a good first season as a starter. DC Dragons Lucas Grey @emidas (S86) Can Mark Calaway break into the VHL yet? This season has pain written all over it. The team is aging, with only one player on the team S86 or younger. It’s a year for rebuilding and getting more draft capital, and with almost no young players, there’s not really many opportunities for breakout seasons. If I had to choose, Lucas Grey is the single S86 player, so maybe they can break out into a bigger role this year. HC Davos Dynamo Lachlan Summers @kirbithan (S86) Another established contender, another backup turned starter. Summers put up some very good numbers in the games, and she was undefeated in regulation. With Jake Thunder holding down the back end, and the high powered offense, Summers should have a great opportunity to become a certified starter in the league. Helsinki Titans Daryl Dixon @Ricer13 (S86) After a very solid rookie season, Dixon looks to improve this year on a team that is in transition. With veterans Nils Godlander and Matty Fire on his line, he should be able to break out into stardom. Dixon will be a key piece to the future of the Titans, and this season should prove that. I’m expecting a point per game year for Dixon, and if the Titans end up pushing for a playoff spot, he will be the reason why. London United Leonard Triller @Triller (S86) This rookie already looks poised for a great freshman campaign. He exploded for 89 points in 72 VHLE games last season, and was stellar for Team Canada in the World Juniors. Triller will also have one of Igor Molotov or Ivan Retoslav as his centers, both players being proven talents in the league. Triller has shown some great offensive talent, and has some great grit in his game that will make him a tough player to come up against. On a London team that looks to be pushing for a playoff run, Triller should be able to find his step and have a great rookie year. Los Angeles Stars Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101 (S85) The center is really the only player on the Stars who hasn’t broken out yet. Joyo is stuck behind three other centers on the depth chart, but that means they will most likely get a chance to play on the wing of an established center in the league. As the only player who has yet to break out on the Stars, I’m not sure how good Joyo could be, but a solid 38 point year last year makes me think anything 55 points plus can be counted as a win. Malmo Nighthawks Yaroslav Trunov @qripll (S87) The first S87 player on this list, Trunov had an underwhelming rookie season, but the 6th overall pick definitely has a ton of talent to show off. Coming into the VHL after just one year in the minors became more of a transition season than just a few games. However this year, on a Malmo team that is retooling, Trunov should find himself getting great ice time. This should be a great season for the young winger. Moscow Menace Left Alone @okochastar (S86) Moscow is similar to DC in the way that there really aren’t any players primed for a breakout. However the similarities stop there. Moscow is a contender with strong players all over the roster. So like LA, there’s only really one player left who can break out at this point in their career. Left Alone is a winger who definitely has potential, but after a struggle of a first year in Seattle, they were traded to Moscow hoping for a new start. I think Alone should be able to put up better numbers, though how big the break out could be or if it really happens at all is yet to be seen. New York Americans Babay Shrimp @Blazzer (S85) After a few seasons in the VHLM and VHLE, Shrimp had a pretty respectable rookie year last year, putting up 17 goals and 41 points. I’m expecting her to leap forward in production this year and hit at least the 60 point mark on a New York team with quite a bit of firepower. Prague Phantoms Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide (S85) Some would argue Kauppi has already broken out. I would agree with you. However on a team with no players left to break out, I circle back to Kauppi, who had a great 54 point effort in his rookie season. Now heading into his sophomore year with two elite centers down the middle, I’m expecting Kauppi to have a fantastic year, probably getting close to point per game and being a great piece of depth for this Phantoms team. Riga Reign Skor McFleury @Alex (S87) Riga has a team full of great young players already. Those of the likes of Daniel Weaver, Sadie St. Louis, and The Frenchman. However those three have already established themselves early into their careers. Honestly McFleury has as well, with a fantastic 42 point rookie season as a defenseman. But I think McFleury will hit the point per game mark at some point in his career, and this season will probably be a big step in that direction. Seattle Bears Yaroslav Bogatyrev @Bojovnik (S86) Funnily enough, the second Yaroslav on this list. While Randy Bobandy is a prime candidate as well, he has arguably broken out more than Bogatyrev. So this season gives Bogatyrev a great opportunity to take advantage of the depth on the Seattle roster and really bump up the point totals. I have him as my most improved player in my predictions, and I think he’ll break 70 points at least. Toronto Legion Jimi Jaks @kelvi (S87) With an honorable mention to fellow S87 draftee Mac Atlas, though Atlas has already had a solid rookie season for the Legion so I believe he is already broken out and will just continue to grow this season. Jaks is coming into the league after putting up fantastic numbers in the VHLM and VHLE, so I’m expecting nothing different in the VHL. Vancouver Wolves Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ (S86) It’s difficult not to look at Vancouver and pick Oreo McFleury or FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist, however I believe these two talented wingers will be big pieces contributing to Kerr’s breakout season. Kerr had a solid rookie year; 44 points in 72 games is nothing to scoff at. However I believe with McFleury and Analfist on his wings, Kerr will have the offensive help to put up some great numbers as the 2nd line center for a contender in Vancouver. Warsaw Predators Tim Riggins @Jayhawk (S87)* Riggins is coming into the VHL pretty early in their development, hoping to make a splash on a Warsaw roster that is very solid and just looking for some depth. Riggins decided to play two VHLM seasons and skip the VHLE, so there could be some worry for inexperience against tougher competition. However Riggins will have some experienced VHL players on their line, so hopefully that will balance it out. Time will tell if Riggins was rushed to the VHL or not, and if a VHLE season would have been beneficial or not. Good luck this season, let’s see if any of these predictions come true! *I'm pretty sure Riggins is playing in the VHL this year, but if in any case I'm wrong, whoops. For Weeks of: 4/9, 4/16, 4/23

Honored to be named captain! Hyped to try and bring the Storm back to glory with this great team we've got!

Molly the Cat - F @samx

Nico Pearce - F @Banackock

There's a Storm brewing in the E! The other teams gotta watch out.

Gregger McKeggegger now has a chip on his shoulder. Hopefully if this draft is regraded after my career, this pick will be looked at as an A-. Good luck to all in the draft however, looks like a stacked class!

1. I'm super hyped! Being one of the picks obviously I'm excited, but we got two talented wingers alongside myself to play this year, and some great goalies for the future. A great draft all in all. 2. I'm the most excited to play with Swinsola and Tazzo. They were alongside me as scoring leaders in the VHLM last season and it would be really fun to play with one of them on the other wing. 3. As long as water is free then that might actually be good. The free vending machines have not helped my soda habit. 4. He'll add some great grit to the lineup, having a guy to win board battles down low and not let the other teams get away with physicality is important. 5. Championship run. No less. We've got a great team and a lot of players that should be able to have some fantastic seasons. 6. It hasn't been super difficult as I lived in Ottawa this last season. Definitely colder though.

Jake Thunder - D @samx

D - Brian Payne @Banackock

Review: I love the detailed recaps you do. As someone with multiple trade trees in the works, I'll definitely take a lot from these breakdowns and hopefully enter it into some of my works. I also really like the format of this, and showing even the exact IRL date of them and not just what season they happened in is very cool. It also highlights how long Hedge has been GMing Riga, unreal tenure there. Some very interesting trades here, and I can't wait for the next one.

The most anticipated day of the year. Gregger McKeggegger just didn’t eat that day, he was too nervous. He liked the way his interviews went. There were a bunch of teams he thought were interested. Reading the mock draft he kind of disagreed. Maybe it’s his ego, but Gregger thinks he’s higher than the 9th best player in the draft. As draft day came along, the teams started to make picks. After the 9th pick came and went, Gregger was sweating. He knew he should be picked soon; he just didn’t know when, and the anticipation was frustrating. Finally, with pick number 11, the LA Stars took Gregger McKeggegger. He breathed a sigh of relief. It was kinda funny to think about the fact that he never had an interview with the Stars. They took a blind swing on him and now it’s up to him to prove that they made the right choice. *show’s main theme song plays; the screen fades in to show Joe Smith sitting at a desk and Gregger McKeggegger sitting across from him* Joe Smith : Hi folks, today we’ve got newly drafted VHL forward Gregger McKeggegger. How are you doing? Gregger McKeggegger : I’m doing pretty good, been a whirlwind the last few days. Smith : I bet. How are you feeling about the pick? Too high? Too low? And as for the team, are you happy to go to Los Angeles? McKeggegger : Lot to break down there, first off, I do think I could have gone a bit earlier. I know my skillset and I know I have a lot to bring to the table, so going outside the top ten is kind of frustrating. However, I could not be happier going to LA. It’s a much different scene than I’ve ever been in, but I’m very excited to be a part of the team’s future. By the time I’m in the majors, it looks to me like the team will be in transition, and I am ready to headline some young talent that will carry the Stars to playoff success! Smith : Sounds like you’re a man on a mission! Should be exciting to see you suiting up in the LA black and silver. Now do you think you have a chip on your shoulder after being drafted outside the top ten? Any teams' names you’ve written down? McKeggegger : I can think I should have gone higher all I want, I still went in the first round, and I’m pretty happy about that. No hard feelings towards any teams that skipped me, though I’m sorry you’ll have to play against me. Smith : Someone put that behind an edit! *silence* Anyway, with the VHLE draft tonight, what’s going through your mind? McKeggegger : I am looking to go to a contender. Winning a championship in the VHLM has now given me an opportunity to win in all three leagues. I want to make that happen. It will be tough, but I think I can really push myself to greatness. Smith : Any teams in specific or are you just looking for any team that can go on a run. McKeggegger : Yeah pretty much any team that has a shot to win. I know I can be a key piece in any roster, even though I’m young. Smith : Well good luck in the draft, and we’ll be covering it here on *generic hockey show name*! That’s all for today, see you next time! *show’s theme song plays and the screen fades to black* Word Count : 583 For Week of 4/2/23

1. Well, writing this after the sims, it didn't go great. I'm not sure why, it kind of sucks, we do have three sims left to try and fight back into it. 2. Passing! More assists than goals now, and still 3rd in scoring. Loving the growth from Gregger. 3. Well, won't be starting in the VHLM, but I'm hyped to make my way back to the VHLE for my second player. 4. For the VHLE draft tomorrow, nobody's reached out yet, but I would love to go to Bratislava, my experience there with my last player was phenomenal. 5. I'm a Bruins fan, so this is self explanatory. I just want the power play to get back to form. 6. Twizzlers easy, the pull apart ones are so good.

1. Feeling extra good about McKeggegger's performance, leads the tournament in goals and tied for second in points. Definitely a good tourney for draft position. 2. Maybe more assists? Less penalties would be great. 3. Team Clue, I've got 1 assist in the three games we've played against them. Definitely a challenging team. 4. Very well, Gregger is tied for second overall in points with Malkovich, those two have been a dynamic duo. 5. Lightly cloudy, that sounds like a fantastic day to go outside and mess around. 6. Teal, it's so green it started to get blue.

Gregger McKeggegger had a good pregame meal. It was strange, fried mac and cheese balls with orange juice. He knew he had to take a risk that night though. In just a few hours, the Ottawa Lynx would get an opportunity to win the Founders Cup. For those who know, Kegger has never been able to be consistently good under one pregame meal. Instead of going back to one that has proven successful in the past however, he decided to try something completely new. Why? Because he wanted to do everything he could to play his best and win the game. If the Lynx lost game 5, then they still would have two more chances to close out the series, however Mexico City would have the momentum. Giving an extremely good team like the Kings momentum could spell disaster. McKeggegger pretty much took it upon his own shoulders to be the difference maker. If only he knew how right he would be. Game time. The fans are crazy, it’s in Mexico City, and you know they won’t go down without a fight. A battle between the top two teams in the league, the top scorers, top goalie, everything about these two teams screams elite. They were about to go head to head in a game that felt like a game 7. And Ottawa wanted to send a message. 26 seconds into the game, McKeggegger leads a 3 on 2 into the Mexico zone, he is pressured by a defender and flips the puck ahead to Winston Dixon Jr. Now it’s a 2 on 1, and Dixon Jr uses a textbook saucer pass right to Jagger Bomb for a tap in. 1-0 Ottawa. A huge goal, and instantly an air of concern came upon the hometown fans. The building’s energy had been seemingly stolen. 10 minutes later, McKeggegger rings a snapshot off the far post to double the Ottawa lead. However from then on, Mexico turned up the heat. After the first period, they had nearly twice the amount of shots that Ottawa did. It was devastating pressure that the Kings poured on, and finally it paid off with a powerplay goal midway through the second. They were still down a goal with only 20 minutes to play. Then, 35 seconds into the 3rd period, Grizz Tazzo levels the playing field. Mexico City turned the pressure up even higher, and just over two minutes later, the game was 3-2 Kings. What seemed like a night for the Lynx had been flipped on its head. After a timeout and a pep talk, the wakeup call was there. Finish the job tonight. Ottawa started to fight back. Then the power play finally came through on the third chance of the period. A massive goal. 3-3, and the score would not change in regulation. At the start of overtime, McKeggegger was exhausted. He had already played nearly half of the game. He had a calf cramp midway through the third. A hard hit had almost dislocated his left shoulder. It was a very tough game to play in. Both teams were playing their hearts out. After the first overtime period everyone in the building could tell the teams were exhausted. McKeggegger went back to the locker room and instead of sitting down, he immediately ran over to a cabinet in a side room and pulled out a Snack Pack pudding (chocolate). He went back to the locker room and started to devour it. The coach gave him a weird look but decided not to question it. After a rousing speech by the coach, the Lynx went back onto the bench. The puck dropped, and while the effort was still there, every player definitely looked sluggish. The Ottawa first line got back to the bench and sat down, already exhausted. McKeggegger leaned over to his linemates and said, “We’re done if the game goes on for much longer. We gotta end it next shift.” That next shift came quickly. Mexico City carried the puck through the neutral zone but before they could make progress, Jagger Bomb broke the play up and the puck squirted into the middle of the ice. He gets to it and then drops it back to Winston Dixon Jr, who collects and skates quickly through the neutral zone to get a clean entry. The Kings are on their heels and it’s a 2 on 2, McKeggegger and Dixon Jr moving quickly. Dixon Jr toe drags past his man, then flips a saucer pass to McKeggegger. Time slows down. The player guarding McKeggegger reaches to poke check, and Kegger just barely maneuvers it past him, bringing it to his backhand. The goalie starts to move to prepare for a high backhand shot, and for a split second the five hole opens up. McKeggegger takes his opportunity and slides the puck cleanly between the goalie’s legs. Ottawa had won the Founder’s Cup. Word Count: 819 For Week of: 3/26

Of course! Was great to have you on the show!

This interview is from a few weeks ago and I just forgot to do it, hope you enjoy and thanks to @Jack kidd for featuring! *Show’s theme song plays. Camera shows Joe Smith sitting at a desk, and Matthew McCagg sitting across from him.* Joe Smith : Well folks welcome back to the show, today I’m here with star Ottawa Lynx goaltender, Matthew McCagg! *McCagg gives a wave to the camera.* Now Matthew actually leads the VHLM in wins and GAA, and is second in save percentage. In your opinion, how does this stack up to your other two seasons? Matthew McCagg : Well that's an easy one. I really like the way I'm playing. I'm doing well and making saves, seeing the puck well and getting those rebounds and I think it really helps when I get the shutouts for the team. Smith : You definitely have been incredible. 7 shutouts this year, over double your career best. It’s definitely something to be proud of! You really can keep that rubber lump out of the net. *McCagg gives him a strange look* Anyways, with those numbers, do you think you would call yourself the MVP of Ottawa? I feel there is definitely an argument to be made there looking at your impact. McCagg : Well I think I pretty much am the MVP for Ottawa but there's some skaters who could be MVP for Ottawa. Smith : Ah yes I couldn’t agree more. You’ve got a very good team there in Ottawa. Speaking of that team Matty, can I call you that? I’d love to know some stories from the Lynx locker room, I haven’t been able to get any out of Kegger. McCagg : I wish I could have been in the locker room chatting more than I've been recently so I really don't have any stories but yes you can call me Matty. Smith : Dang nabbit. I never can get any locker room stories. Well, looking at the team you guys have, do you think you have what it takes to win it all? (again this interview was a few weeks ago) McCagg : Yes I think we do and I'm looking for redemption for last year's playoffs finals so I'm on a mission this year. Smith : That certainly would be an incredible story! I definitely have the Lynx at the top of my contenders list. Last thing, how does your future look? Is it finally off to the VHLE next season? McCagg : Oh yeah it's what I planned on making that jump when I reached 200 and I'm going to try my best and hopefully I don't go below a 900 SV%. Smith : Well that’s a good goal, if you go below a 900 SV% then you are instantly washed! *McCagg gives another look at Smith* Let’s see if you can continue your success in Europe next season, everyone is watching you. *Smith stares directly into McCagg’s eyes. McCagg starts to look around nervously as Smith continues to make eye contact. The camera cuts to black. After a few seconds it fades back in and McCagg is no longer there.* Smith : Well everyone, that was a great interview! Best of luck to Matty and the Lynx in the playoffs! We’ll see you next time! *Show’s outro plays and the screen fades to black again.* Word Count : 518 For Week of 3/19

1. Extremely excited! I'm excited to see how McKeggegger does against some of the League's top young talent! 2. Close and high scoring games is what I'm expecting. Hopefully we can put on a show! 3. Well looking at the VHLM finals matchup, McLirath and McKeggegger are on the same team in this tournament as 3 Mexico City players, so that should be interesting. 4. Fantastic! Just with this career I've enjoyed a ton of success already, and in my first career (Donny Carter) I was able to end it with a Championship. 5. Pepsi, no reason, just preference. Dr. Pepper trumps all. 6. Fridays are pretty unbeatable, I do like the fresh start of a Monday though.