Advantage

Viktor Jensen: A First Person’s Reflection of My Career So Far
 
 
Viktor Jensen here. It hasn’t been an easy start to my career, but I can honestly say that I wouldn’t change a single choice I ever made. Now, I am here to reflect on my career thus far and give you my thoughts on the beginning of the season for myself. 
 
Starting my career with Mississauga was honestly not the easiest start to my career. After a slow start with just 3 points in 16 games, I played horrible in my first ever playoff run and was booed off the ice after a late turnover cost the team a win.  But Houston was truly where I would find my footing.  It was such a fun year with a great group of guys and obviously my production was far better as I was able to fit in on a great team with some strong players.  While we ultimately didn’t reach our expected goal of doing more damage in the Founders Cup Playoffs, I can’t say enough about how that year helped me develop into the player that I have become today. 
 
Ultimately, after being selected 1st Overall by the Malmo Nighthawks, I chose to skip the VHLE and go straight to the VHL.  Part of me wonders if that was the best decision as playing a huge role on a VHLE team could have been really fun for one year, but ultimately I would play out a seventy-two game season in Malmo.  
 
My first season was challenging despite a decent start. I recorded 33 points in 72 games and was terrible in the defensive zone and the faceoff circle throughout the year, as the team struggled to reach the expectations they had going into the season. 
 
Last year though is where I felt I took a massive leap. I really worked hard on my skating, defensive play and my overall strength and I saw a pretty large impact on my performance.  42 assists and 60 points was really exciting considering this was my first chance to really adjust to my strengths and weaknesses at the highest level. I also felt I took strides in my own end, filling passing lanes more effectively and in the dot, where I won more than I lost over the course of the season. However, as a team we were definitely expecting to be a strong team, but fell short of the playoffs and sadly had to surrender up a top pick after we had moved it a couple seasons prior. 
Coming into this season, I was really hoping to take another step offensively and play effectively in every situation. We also really wanted to rebound and reach the playoffs at the bare minimum, but hopefully be good enough to make some noise. 
 
So far, I have recorded 5 goals and 11 points over 10 games but I feel like I have been fairly inconsistent in performance and effort over the course of the season so far.  I haven’t been nearly good enough and the whole team knows this already, but I am doing everything I can to improve on my own level of play so I can lead by example. 

Hello VHL, this little two-pointer is coming from my own experiences as of late.  I’ve honestly felt really good during this players career, pretty much right up until the end of our disappointing season last year.
 
Since last season, I have sadly felt pretty tired and a bit distant from the league.  This is mainly due to real life rearing it’s sadly complicated and very poverty-inducing ways.  At the same time, I haven’t had the same interest in writing articles consistently.  I have debated going back to the podcast route or maybe just try and cook a long ass article to only have to write once every three or four weeks.  Honestly though, I’m not sure what I’ll do but for now, I have been just trying to get my TPE in as much as possible before hopefully stumbling on some inspiration again. 
 
By no means will I stop earning though.  I’ve still enjoyed this run so far and want it to be ultimately as strong as possible, in hopes to building to potentially an even better next time around (if I decide to go that route of course).  But now that y’all have listened to me ramble, feel free to give me some ideas if you have any for different media spot ideas as I can’t seem to keep one that I like. 

Update on Me, Jensen This Off-Season
 
Hey everyone, this week I kinda wanted to keep it a bit low key and just give everyone an update on me and what is next for Viktor Jensen, after he finished his second season in the VHL.  
 
First off, I have been a bit quiet lately as I took a couple of weeks off this off-season to just refocus as we were going through some tough stuff at home.  Just wanted to use this part of this article to say that I am certainly back and I am definitely feeling good again to kick off Viktor Jensen’s third campaign in the Victory Hockey League.
 
Jensen showed tremendous improvement from his first to his second year, going from an okay underaged season with 12 goals and 33 points to a much-improved playmaking version with 18 goals and 42 assists for 60 points in his sophomore 72 game season.  It was an interesting improvement but one that I had originally planned for as I wanted Jensen to be more playmaking oriented, but I haven’t necessarily worked on improving his passing to shooting ratio, so I was expecting him to score a lot more than he would assist on.
 
This off-season has been all about the finer details as I am focusing his development on skating, defense and faceoffs.  While Jensen will be an offensive contributor, I want him to be able to cover for some of our high-scoring young wingers by being as sound defensively as possible and giving them as many faceoff wins as possible to control possession of the puck.  
At the same time though, I do recognize several areas of weakness in his game that his development will focus on as we move on in the future.  As of now he shows exceptional strength, is a good skater and can handle the puck at a high level.  He has been solid on faceoffs throughout his career but hasn’t really taken that next step as an offensive threat, only scoring one special teams goal all last season, and going through multiple inconsistent stretches that saw the young Norwegian go silent on the scoreboard.  I even read one article that suggested that Jensen, “get used to being an accomplice among stars if he ever wants to be successful, as he doesn’t possess the scoring chops to truly drive a line.”  This is why I really will look towards the offensive side of things once I get the finer details mentioned above, to a point that I am happy with.  That being said, I don’t expect Jensen to ever develop on a physical side of the game.  He isn’t going to be going out there trying to take people’s heads off, and will likely be more a positional defensive player as opposed to a brute force option.
 
So I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the development of their own players! I think Jensen is off to a strong start and I really hope he can take that next step this year with some proper development on the right attributes.  More importantly, I am hopeful that we will see the Nighthawks get some results after a disappointing year that saw them miss the playoffs entirely.
 

Update on Me, Jensen This Off-Season
 
Hey everyone, this week I kinda wanted to keep it a bit low key and just give everyone an update on me and what is next for Viktor Jensen, after he finished his second season in the VHL.  
 
First off, I have been a bit quiet lately as I took a couple of weeks off this off-season to just refocus as we were going through some tough stuff at home.  Just wanted to use this part of this article to say that I am certainly back and I am definitely feeling good again to kick off Viktor Jensen’s third campaign in the Victory Hockey League.
 
Jensen showed tremendous improvement from his first to his second year, going from an okay underaged season with 12 goals and 33 points to a much-improved playmaking version with 18 goals and 42 assists for 60 points in his sophomore 72 game season.  It was an interesting improvement but one that I had originally planned for as I wanted Jensen to be more playmaking oriented, but I haven’t necessarily worked on improving his passing to shooting ratio, so I was expecting him to score a lot more than he would assist on.
 
This off-season has been all about the finer details as I am focusing his development on skating, defense and faceoffs.  While Jensen will be an offensive contributor, I want him to be able to cover for some of our high-scoring young wingers by being as sound defensively as possible and giving them as many faceoff wins as possible to control possession of the puck.  
At the same time though, I do recognize several areas of weakness in his game that his development will focus on as we move on in the future.  As of now he shows exceptional strength, is a good skater and can handle the puck at a high level.  He has been solid on faceoffs throughout his career but hasn’t really taken that next step as an offensive threat, only scoring one special teams goal all last season, and going through multiple inconsistent stretches that saw the young Norwegian go silent on the scoreboard.  I even read one article that suggested that Jensen, “get used to being an accomplice among stars if he ever wants to be successful, as he doesn’t possess the scoring chops to truly drive a line.”  This is why I really will look towards the offensive side of things once I get the finer details mentioned above, to a point that I am happy with.  That being said, I don’t expect Jensen to ever develop on a physical side of the game.  He isn’t going to be going out there trying to take people’s heads off, and will likely be more a positional defensive player as opposed to a brute force option.
 
So I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the development of their own players! I think Jensen is off to a strong start and I really hope he can take that next step this year with some proper development on the right attributes.  More importantly, I am hopeful that we will see the Nighthawks get some results after a disappointing year that saw them miss the playoffs entirely.
 

Update on Me, Jensen This Off-Season
 
Hey everyone, this week I kinda wanted to keep it a bit low key and just give everyone an update on me and what is next for Viktor Jensen, after he finished his second season in the VHL.  
 
First off, I have been a bit quiet lately as I took a couple of weeks off this off-season to just refocus as we were going through some tough stuff at home.  Just wanted to use this part of this article to say that I am certainly back and I am definitely feeling good again to kick off Viktor Jensen’s third campaign in the Victory Hockey League.
 
Jensen showed tremendous improvement from his first to his second year, going from an okay underaged season with 12 goals and 33 points to a much-improved playmaking version with 18 goals and 42 assists for 60 points in his sophomore 72 game season.  It was an interesting improvement but one that I had originally planned for as I wanted Jensen to be more playmaking oriented, but I haven’t necessarily worked on improving his passing to shooting ratio, so I was expecting him to score a lot more than he would assist on.
 
This off-season has been all about the finer details as I am focusing his development on skating, defense and faceoffs.  While Jensen will be an offensive contributor, I want him to be able to cover for some of our high-scoring young wingers by being as sound defensively as possible and giving them as many faceoff wins as possible to control possession of the puck.  
At the same time though, I do recognize several areas of weakness in his game that his development will focus on as we move on in the future.  As of now he shows exceptional strength, is a good skater and can handle the puck at a high level.  He has been solid on faceoffs throughout his career but hasn’t really taken that next step as an offensive threat, only scoring one special teams goal all last season, and going through multiple inconsistent stretches that saw the young Norwegian go silent on the scoreboard.  I even read one article that suggested that Jensen, “get used to being an accomplice among stars if he ever wants to be successful, as he doesn’t possess the scoring chops to truly drive a line.”  This is why I really will look towards the offensive side of things once I get the finer details mentioned above, to a point that I am happy with.  That being said, I don’t expect Jensen to ever develop on a physical side of the game.  He isn’t going to be going out there trying to take people’s heads off, and will likely be more a positional defensive player as opposed to a brute force option.
 
So I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the development of their own players! I think Jensen is off to a strong start and I really hope he can take that next step this year with some proper development on the right attributes.  More importantly, I am hopeful that we will see the Nighthawks get some results after a disappointing year that saw them miss the playoffs entirely.
 

Thank you both! I had a great time and experience in Malmo. Looking forward to the next chapter in Calgary. 

Credit: @leandrofg
 
 
What makes a great season? Well, I would think a great season would be one of interesting stories made up of multiple teams rather than singular team running away with the Victory Cup. While we have a short break between the end of the season and the start of the playoff; let’s look back on what made this a season to remember.
 
Let review the North American Conference first before taking a look at European Conference and how the defending Continental Cup Champions HC Davos Dynamo fared.
 

North America Conference
 
 
 
1.      Toronto Legion           
Record:     45 – 14 – 13; 103pts
Preseason Ranking:     2nd Conference & 2nd League
Season End Ranking:   1st Conference & 2nd League
 
Preseason Forwards:             1st                                            Season End Rank:         6th             
Preseason Defensive:            6th                                           Season End Rank:         2nd
Preseason Goaltending:        7th                                           Season End Rank:       t-2nd
 
Summary: With one of the best offensive teams in the league; it was a bit surprising to see the team finish with the 6th best offensive numbers but it would seem this was more down to commitment to play defense. The team was led offensively by Ronan Lavelle @Arce (40g – 50a -95pts(7th)) and Mac Atlas @v.2 (43g(8th) – 41a – 84pts) but overall had a balanced offensive attack with five players reaching the point per game mark. Toronto commitment to defensive side of the puck was led by Siyan Yasilievich @badcolethetitan (18g – 60a(t-8th) – 78pts); 10th amongst defensemen; helping the Legion to end the season with the second lowest goals allowed in the league. Aided by the strong Sophomore season of Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer (13g – 53a – 66pts).  Strong goaltending from Joel Castle @animal74 (2.29 GAA (2nd), 0.927% (4th) and 4 SO(t-7th)) was good enough for tied 2nd in the league of all goaltender playing over 36 games. They will hope strong commitment to defense will lead them deep into the playoffs.
 
 
 
2.       D.C. Dragons
Record:     47 – 19 – 6; 100pts
Preseason Ranking:        5th Conference & 11th League
Season End Ranking:      2nd Conference & 3rd League
 
Preseason Forwards:             11th                                           Season End Rank:        1st
Preseason Defensive:            9th                                            Season End Rank:          9th
Preseason Goaltending:        12th                                          Season End Rank:         6th      
 
Summary: Unexpectedly led the league in offense this season led by Jason @Jason kranz (55g(2nd) – 60a(t-8th) – 115pts(2nd)); Vincent Laroche-Gagnier @vincentlg2007 (45g(5th) – 55a – 100pts(4th)) and Ryuji Sakamoto @der meister (16g – 77a(t-1st) – 93pts(8th & 2nd Def)). While team dominated on the offensive side, they have to be concerned slightly with the average goals against but if they can continue to outscore their problems then I don`t think they are worried that much heading into the playoffs. D.C. also finished where they were expected too in the way of goals against. With better-than-expected goaltending from Bubbles Utonium @fishy ( 0.927%(t-3rd), 2.60 GAA (7th) and 4 SO(t-7th). The Dragons hope that the better than expected goaltending and hot offense continues into the playoff after a strong regular season.
 
 
 
3.      Los Angeles Stars
Record:     48 – 21 – 3; 99pts
Preseason Ranking:        4th Conference & 9th League
Season End Ranking:      3rd Conference & 5th League
 
Preseason Forwards:             9th                                              Season End Rank:       5th
Preseason Defensive:            11th                                            Season End Rank:        5th
Preseason Goaltending:        6th                                             Season End Rank:        5th
 
Summary: Stronger than expected season but at the end of the day Los Angeles Stars must feel a bit cheated as they finished with the second most wins in the league; only behind HC Davos; the Victory Cup Champions. The better-than-expected offense was led by Todd Cooke @KRZY (41g(t-10th) – 77a(t-1st) - 118pts(1st)) aided by new comers Napoleon Dynamite @thadthrasher (40g – 49a – 89pts(t-10th)) and Svatopluk Puk @Otaznik (45g(t-4th)- 42a -87pts). While the defense was anchored by another new comer in Elias Lampi @Pifferfish (17g – 56a – 73pts) and top five goaltending from Art Vandelay @Gustav (0.925%(t-7th), 2.37 GAA(3rd) and 5 SO(t-4th). Let not also mention that they were leading the North American Conference at the trade deadline before falling off and sliding down the standings.
 
 
 
4.      Vancouver Wolves
Record:     45 – 21 – 6; 96pts  
Preseason Ranking:        1st Conference & 1st League
Season End Ranking:      4th Conference & 6th League
 
Preseason Forwards:                 3rd                                              Season End Rank:       3rd
Preseason Defensive:             1st                                               Season End Rank:         7th
Preseason Goaltending:         9th                                              Season End Rank:       12th
 
Summary: Slow starts for the Vancouver Wolves are starting to become a trend and this season was no different as they struggled to play decent defensive hockey; which was supposed to be the team’s bread and butter with two all-star defenders in Brian Payne @Scurvy (24g – 58a(10th) – 82pts (5th Def)) and Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito (15g – 64a(7th) – 79pts (9th def)) . Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ (41g(t-10th) – 48a – 89pts(t-10th)) would show last year’s playoff success was no flash in the pants leading the Wolves offense. The big noticeable difference from Preseason Ranking to Season End Rank was the below average goaltending the team received through the season as Brandt Fuhr @Tate (0.917%, 2.65 GAA(10th) and 6 SO(t-2nd)) compared to the rest of the league. Vancouver will need better goaltending if they have any chance at returning to the Continental Cup finals again this season.
 
 
 
5.     Seattle Bears
Record:       40 – 27 – 5; 85pts
Preseason Ranking:          3rd Conference & 4th League
Season End Ranking:        5th Conference & 8th League
 
Preseason Forwards:               7th                                              Season End Rank:       9th
Preseason Defensive:              4th                                             Season End Rank:        4th
Preseason Goaltending:            4th                                             Season End Rank:        4th
 
Summary: The Bears struggled chemistry to start the season and had a slow start but managed to make up ground during the second half of the season. The team overall struggled offensively which they tried to address at the trade deadline the added more offense in Babay Shrimp @Blazzer (5g – 14a – 19pts) since coming over from Moscow in the mid-season trade; (31g – 54a – 85pts) overall on the season.  The Bears were led by Yaroslav Bogatyrev @Bojovnik (46g(2nd) – 42a – 88pts), Randy Bobandy @AJW (31g – 53a – 84pts) and Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg (42g(9th) – 40a – 82pts) but lacked any offensive push from the back-end with Rex Wolffe Gregor @oilmandan (15g – 42a – 57pts) as the teams to leading defenseman. Solid top five goaltending from Clueless Wallob @DMaximus (0.927%(t-4th), 2.41 GAA (5th) and 5 SO (t-4th). The Bears will hope that they can find a more balanced offensive attack as the head to the wildcard round against rivals Vancouver Wolves.
 
 
 
6.       Chicago Phoenix
Record:         34 – 34 – 4; 72pts
Preseason Ranking:          7th Conference & 14th League
Season End Ranking:        6th Conference & 11th League
 
Preseason Forwards:                13th                                           Season End Rank:       12th
Preseason Defensive:               14th                                          Season End Rank:        13th
Preseason Goaltending:           13th                                          Season End Rank:         11th
 
Summary: The team played tough hockey most of the season and just seemed to be consistent around the five hundred mark. The team was led by the usual suspects in Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside (44g(6th) – 46a- 90pts(9th)), and Bo Johansson @Shindigs (10g – 71a(t-4th) – 81pts(6th Def)) as the team starts into a rebuilding situation and the final seasons of the two veteran players. They also stayed respectable through serviceable goaltending from Karl Pedersen @JeffD (0.924%, 2.74 GAA and 5 SO(t-4th). As the team will focus on the off-season to rebuild to once again raise from the ashes. It was a better-than-expected season for the Phoenix but it feels like it wasn`t what they really needed.
 
 
 
7.      Calgary Wranglers
Record:           22 – 44 – 6; 50pts
Preseason Ranking:            6th Conference & 13th League
Season End Ranking:          7th Conference & 13th League
 
Preseason Forwards:                 15th                                         Season End Rank:         15th
Preseason Defensive:                9th                                          Season End Rank:          12th
Preseason Goaltending:            12th                                        Season End Rank:         t-7th
 
Summary: Good old fashion roundup!! This was always going to be a tough season for Calgary as the team in the middle of rebuild with a huge youth movement underway. The team was very active this season completing twelve trades bring in a combination of eighteen draft picks or prospects. The team was led this season by the highest paid player in the league Phil Strasmore @Phil (13g – 47a – 60pts), Rookie Steve Lattimer @pugsood (24g – 27a – 51pts (2nd ROTY)) and sophomore goaltender Merome Dilson @MexicanCow123 (0.928% (3rd), 2.70 GAA and 3 SO(10th)). With more youth coming and a stead presence of Phil Strasmore; Calgary has a bright future in the next few season.
 
 
 
8.       New York Americans
Record:            16 – 46 – 10; 42pts
Preseason Ranking:             8th Conference & 16th League
Season End Ranking:            8th Conference & 15th League
 
Preseason Forwards:                 16th                                         Season End Rank:          15th
Preseason Defensive:                13th                                         Season End Rank:           15th
Preseason Goaltending:            16th                                         Season End Rank:        t-14th
 
Summary: "Bad by Accident" is how it was worded in the S90 VHL Season Preview and long season it must have been for the New York Americans. Where there is darkness, there is always hope!! This is no difference in New York as youth was served this year with Jasper Davis @Josh (24g – 29a – 53pts), Francesco Mancini @GioSivo (20g – 19a – 39pts), Tord Yvel @Trazan (6g -44a – 50pts(3rd ROTY)) and Zyn Westwood  @Sullvino (16g – 21a – 37pts(8th ROTY)). Not to mention older sophomore Lorenzo Cobberson @Hendrix Cobberson (33g – 30a – 63pts). The team looks to the future with more prospects coming next season but it might take a few seasons before they are knocking on the playoff door.
 
 
 
 

European Conference
 
 
 
1.      HC Davos Dynamo
Record:           51 – 17 – 4; 106pts
Preseason Ranking:         2nd Conference & 2nd League
Season End Ranking:        1st Conference & 1st League
 
Preseason Forwards:                    8th                                             Season End Rank:        4th
Preseason Defensive:                   3rd                                            Season End Rank:         1st
Preseason Goaltending:               3rd                                            Season End Rank:         1st
 
Summary: Defending Champions show how they won the Championship last season. Coming from behind with amazing goaltending and timely scoring. Also helped by the fact that they went 8-1-1 in the final week to rip the Victory Cup from Toronto and Prague fingers. Last season was Skor McFleury @Alex(25g – 71a(t-4th) – 96pts(6th & 1st DEF)) coming out party and this season he hasn`t cooled leading HC Davos offensively. McFleury makes up a strong two headed defensive core with Jake Thunder @Thunder (14g – 72a(3rd) – 86pts(3rd Def); add in top forward James Teekirque @Mongoose87 (43g(t-7th) - 45a - 88pts) and Pete Mitchell @Crstats23 (24g – 53a – 77pts) for one of the more balanced offensive team in the league. HC Davos also has the best goalie in the VHL at the moment with Lachlan Summers @kirbithan (0.938%(1st), 2.06 GAA (1st) and 7 SO(1st); who just posted the 8th best sav% ever and the first goalie to lead all categories since S74. Only one questions remains; Can they repeat?
 
 
 
2.      Prague Phantoms
Record:               47 – 19 – 6, 100pts
Preseason Ranking:            1st Conference & 3rd League
Season End Ranking:            2nd Conference & 4th League
 
Preseason Forwards:                   2nd                                              Season End Rank:          2nd
Preseason Defensive:                  8th                                              Season End Rank:           3rd
Preseason Goaltending:              2nd                                             Season End Rank:         t-2nd
 
Summary: Can Phantoms choke? In the case of the Prague Phantoms the answer would be rather resounding yes!! 3-6-1 in the final week seen them not only lose the handle on the Victory Cup but also first in European Conference. Prague has a potent offensive forward core of John Jameson @Frank (45g(t-3rd) – 56a – 101pts(3rd)), Fred Hampton @TownBizness (40g – 58a(t-10th) – 98pts(5th)), Perry Laperriere  @KaleebtheMighty(39g – 49a – 88pts)  and Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide (39g – 43a – 82pts); while lacking true offensive defenseman rather scoring by committee from the back-end. Matt Murdock @Acydburn (0.930%(2nd), 2.37 GAA(4th) and 3 SO(t-10th)) showed that he is a top goaltender in the league. Can Prague make a run at the Continental Cup and knock off HC Davos Dynamo?
 
 
 
3.    Riga Reign
Record:                 39 – 25 – 8, 86pts
Preseason Ranking:          6th Conference & 10th League
Season End Ranking:         3rd Conference & 7th League
 
Preseason Forwards:                   4th                                               Season End Rank:         8th
Preseason Defensive:                 15th                                              Season End Rank:         10th
Preseason Goaltending:              8th                                               Season End Rank:          9th
 
Summary: Roar!! Look what the Lion brought in!! Huge move to secure a third defender at the deadline have improved the overall defense. Impressively Riga has a very balanced attack with seven of the nine players on the roster at a point per game; lead by Sadie St-Louis @sadie (41g(10th) – 46a – 87pt) and their two defenseman Brian Kowalski @Wheaties (31g – 49a – 80pts(t-7th Def)) and James Marino @Adrest245 (13g – 67a(6th) – 80pts(t-7th)). While Riga will need to tighten up defensively in the playoffs if they have any chance of going far and they will need strong goaltending from Henry Tucker Jr @NSG (0.925%(t-7th), 2.57 GAA(8th) and 1 SO). Have they improved enough to make a deep playoff run?    
 
 
 
4.     Helsinki Titans
Record:                     35 – 29 – 8, 78pts
Preseason Ranking:           5th Conference & 8th League
Season End Ranking:         4th Conference & 9th League
 
Preseason Forwards:                   6th                                                 Season End Rank:        7th
Preseason Defensive:                 12th                                                Season End Rank:        11th
Preseason Goaltending:              5th                                                 Season End Rank:        13th
 
Summary: The raise of the Titans? Weakness all year was the team defense but that was fixed when they traded for Hammar Voss @BOOM (31g – 53a – 84pts(4th Def); and (17g – 32a – 49pts) since joining Helsinki.  It finally gave them an offensive defenseman that could move the puck to high flying forwards of Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877 (40g – 41a – 81pts) and Daryl Dixon @Ricer13(33g – 45a – 78pts). Helsinki could be that team that upsets during the playoffs but they will need Fuukka Rask @Jubis (0.918%(12th), 2.81 GAA(13th) & 4 SO(t-7th)) to be better than he has most of the season. Helsinki will be an interesting team to watch as they are also one of the hottest teams entering the playoffs with 8-1-1 record; matching that of Riga & Davos in the final week.
 
 
 
5.     London United
Record:                  35 – 33 – 4, 74pts
Preseason Ranking:              4th Conference & 7th League
Season End Ranking:          5th Conference & 10th League
 
Preseason Forwards:                   10th                                                  Season End Rank:        11th
Preseason Defensive:                   5th                                                  Season End Rank:          6th
Preseason Goaltending:               1st                                                   Season End Rank:       t-7th 
 
Summary: Are they United? Overall, the team struggled to score this season and put a ton of pressure on the defense and goaltending. Which was somewhat expected but they have snuck into the playoff and will let the dice roll. The United were led this season by Leonard Triller @Triller (35g -47a – 82pts) and Molly the Cat @JCarson (39g -38a – 77pts). London success was heavily dependent on Jesse Teno @aimkin (0.925%(t-7th), 2.49 GAA(7th) and 6 SO(t-2nd)), he cracked but didn`t break. Can Teno carry this team deep into the playoffs?
 
 
 
6.     Malmo Nighthawks
Record:                    28 – 33 – 11; 67pts
Preseason Ranking:               3rd Conference & 6th League
Season End Ranking:           6th Conference & 12th League
 
Preseason Forwards:                     5th                                                    Season End Rank:       13th
Preseason Defensive:                    2nd                                                   Season End Rank:        8th
Preseason Goaltending:                11th                                                   Season End Rank:       10th
 
Summary: For every dark night; the day is brighter!! When the season started, I projected a strong Nighthawks team would contend for playoff and maybe even push Prague and HC Davos but in the end the team lacked Chemistry, goal scoring, an offensive defenseman and a goaltender that could hold the fort. Henry Eagles @Greg_Di (28g – 30a -58pts) and Daniel Weaver @ThePerfectNut (29g – 30a – 59pts) will look for bounce back season while Viktor Jensen @Advantage(18g -42a – 60pts) will try to continue to improve on career highs on the offensive side for the Nighthawks. Jacob Stone @scoop (11g -32a – 43pts) will try to develop into that offensive defenseman.  Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro (0.921% (11th), 2.48 GAA (6th) and 2 SO) needs to make another step to help hold down the crease. Expect Malmo to bounce back next season with motivated players after what has been a disappointing season.
 
 
 
7.    Moscow Menace
Record:                     29 – 40 – 3; 61pts
Preseason Ranking:              7th Conference & 12th League
Season End Ranking:            7th Conference & 13th League
 
Preseason Forwards:                     12th                                                  Season End Rank:       10th
Preseason Defensive:                     7th                                                   Season End Rank:       14th
Preseason Goaltending:                15th                                                  Season End Rank:        16th
 
Summary: Once a Menace; always a Menace!! Rebuild has begun and the league will likely enjoy kicking the Menace as they are down after being a dominate team for most of the 80`s. They continued to add prospects and picks at the trade deadline with trading away Hammar Voss @BOOM and Babay Shrimp @Blazzer leaving the offense to be carried by Left Alone @okochastar (27g – 45a – 72pts) and Fraser Wallace @Hoopydog (23g – 44a – 67pts) while the youth is being served by Jeff Lewis @nerji (27g – 39a – 67pts (3rd ROTY)). Sam Tombstone @samthemancub (0.914%(16th), 3.19 GAA(16th) and 3 SO) was thrown to the VHL (wolves) but proved to be a serviceable tender for a team rebuilding. Moscow Menace are two or three years away as they have just started the rebuild process but they will be back being a Menace sooner than later!!
 
 
 
8.     Warsaw Predators
Record:                      15 – 49 – 8; 38pts
Preseason Ranking:               8th Conference & 16th League
Season End Ranking:             8th Conference & 16th League
 
Preseason Forwards:                      16th                                                   Season End Rank:        16th
Preseason Defensive:                     13th                                                   Season End Rank:        16th
Preseason Goaltending:                 16th                                                   Season End Rank:        15th
 
Summary: Prospect Predators are coming!! Warsaw has a ton of prospect on the way next season lead by Maxim Anisimov (STO) @McLovin, and King Kisslinger (ROM) @Kisslinger with the other prospect still a year or two away. Warsaw also holds seven picks in this year’s draft and will hope that they win the draft lottery. Warsaw was led this season by Tater Tottingham @Trunkxolotl (22g – 26a – 48pts) and Doug Britton @Doug Britton (12g – 35a -47pts); both of whom should be return next season for the Predators. Lifelong Warsaw Predator Wumbo @Fire Fletcher (0.918%(t-12th), 3.40 GAA(16th) & 0 SO) hung his skates up at the end of the season and will be remember for the large role he played in the S84 Continental Cup and S85 Victory Cup; also leaving as the franchise leader in GP, Wins, Losses, OTL, and Saves.
 
 
 
Overall, View of the season:
It was season of a lot of movement with teams trading position right up until the last day of the regular season. In the end HC Davos Dynamo wins their first Victory Cup since S37; which I might add they lost in the finals. Crazy good season from a bunch of players like Todd Cooke leading the league points, Jason leading the high-flying D.C. Dragons and the league with 55 goals, even a defenseman in Hammar Voss scored 31 goals this season (not a career high might I add) and crazy Dustin Funk worthy season from Ryuji Sakamoto. Not to forget Lachlan Summers great season with 8th best sav% ever and the first goalie to lead all categories since S74.
 
 
 
Now we turn our attention to the VHL Playoff and Continental Cup. Who will win? Anyone guesses at this point.

"What in the wide world of sports is going on here?" says @GoodLeftUndone, the SBA household name who's the last elected MAYOR of Salem. He catches @rory, undoes the noose, and dies. Since stepping down from office, he's been moonlighting as a BODYGUARD, and not a particularly good one either. He's saved only one life this time around, and it's the POTION MASTER.
 
There will be no lynching tonight, but we'll very likely be down to either zero or one Town, all of Coven, and an incredibly suspicious SOUL COLLECTOR. Ptyrell will transform tonight if he targets GLU, but Coven has the majority and knows who to kill. So, we get together and agree that there's no point in continuing.
 
 
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS, THE COVEN!
 
 
I'm going to come out and tell those of you still alive that the dead chat consensus is that this wasn't a good game, and I agree. But that's just what happens sometimes. I'd still like to run ToS2 again at some point in the future, because I'm unconvinced that this was a bad game because it was ToS2--there's a mix of things that I'll talk about on Discord if you're curious.
 
But, even though you might not have had the greatest time on earth this time around, thank you as always for being part of it. I don't regret trying--it gave me something to do this weekend (one more negative tomorrow morning, and Covidstav can officially no longer be Covidstav!) and I hope all of you learned a thing or two about the rules and can get excited for a replay at some point in the future.
 
 
Until next time!
 
 
@Adrest245 - RETRIBUTIONIST
@Advantage - SEER
@Alex - PSYCHIC
@Berocka - ILLUSIONIST
@Doomsday - POISONER
@eaglesfan036 - SHROUD
@GoodLeftUndone - BODYGUARD
@jhatty8 - PROSECUTOR
@Lemorse7 - COVEN LEADER
@omgitshim - VIGILANTE
@Ptyrell - SOUL COLLECTOR
@Ricer13 - ADMIRER
@rory - POTION MASTER
@Subject056 - TRAPPER
@vincentlg2007 - SHERIFF

Advantage is dead soooo ?

RIP Town, one of @Advantage, @Doomsday, or @rory is evil! Can all of you claim please?

HALL OF FAME SNUBBERY OVER THE YEARS
 
Hello Victory Hockey League, I really had no idea what I wanted to do with this theme week.  The first thing that admittedly came to mind was the one Aidan Shaw Trophy that I felt Brick Wahl should have won, which was due to a GM actually admitting that he didn’t pay attention when casting his vote.  But honestly, I didn’t really want to go on for 500 words on something like that and quickly transitioned to my position on the Board of Governors.  I witness a lot of “snubs” in that forum due to us being the ones who vote on VHL Awards and what I will be talking about today, the VHL Hall of Fame. 
 
One of the parts I take the most pride in as a member of the Board of Governors is the VHL Hall of Fame.  Over the years we have made many inductions that were pretty obvious and really were inevitable when you consider the magnitude of their careers.  Thomas O’Malley…..Aidan Shaw……Brick Wahl…..okay the last one was pretty arguable and hardly inevitable but you knew I was going to get that flex in somewhere.  There have been a few players I really have pushed for that took a little more time to get inducted or were receiving next to no attention at one point, and there have also been players that I didn’t really consider until others dropped in with the cold hard facts supporting a deserved and frankly far overdue induction.  That’s what I will be focusing on with this article, so let’s get into it.
 
Alexander Sauve was a player that was inducted just after I became a member of the Board of Governors and I remember being fairly involved in pushing for him to be inducted.  Sauve was drafted 1st overall in Season 13 and retired after Season 19.  However, it wasn’t until the Class of Season 34 that we saw Sauve get inducted.  This one sadly was partially a complete overlook where Sauve was never put on the ballot in years prior to be being part of the BOG and then once he was on it, seemed to get overlooked due to a different era resulting in a pretty contrasting style to the now high-scoring VHL.  Sauve finished his career with 607 points in 506 games and fell just 9 blocked shots short of the 1000-1000 club with 1080 hits and 991 blocked shots.  Sauve’s only individual success was a Sterling Labatte Trophy in Season 15, but he was on several strong teams as their number one defense, winning Continental Cups in both S18 and S19. 
 
Of course, I can’t speak about this topic and not mention the most prolific long-time snub to eventually get in the Hall of Fame.  Mathias Chouinard was a player drafted in the famed Season 18 Draft and went on to have an incredible career that was sadly cut short a little early.  In 434 career games, Mathias Chouinard recorded a remarkable 624 points and while that puts him well outside the top-100 all-time in points, one cannot ignore the legendary status of his offensive accomplishments given the limited amount of games.  The lack of games was the whole reason he found himself off the ballot, but finally in Season 68, the BOG not only had taken another look but had decided that it was long overdue to see Chouinard get recognized.  Finishing a three-time Continental Cup winner in Season 24 and Season 25, Chouinard led the league in points in Season 24, was an All-Star in every season except for his rookie one and most importantly won the Gordie Howe Trophy (since renamed Daisuke Kanou Trophy, for Playoff MVP) during Calgary’s Season 23 Championship run. 

True.  
 
Vote @Advantage!

True.  
 
Vote @Advantage!

True.  
 
Vote @Advantage!

1. I don't really think so but I do think it having an effect on how your player plays would be fair.  I kinda enjoy that it doesnt seem to though as it allows our members to be really creative with how they build their players.
 
2. Probably Kimmel although admittedly I'm not a big late night guy and most of the podcasts I listen to are not really hockey related.
 
3. I try to a bit.  I admittedly have always been more of an observer in discord LRs typically, but thats just cause I'm not often able to be on so it can be hard to have a conversation when I am only occasionally on for a few minutes at a time.  But I still contribute most days and its usually related to the sims.
 
---
 
1. If you could choose the theme week for this year's deadline, what would you choose to do?
 
2. Your VHL player has a chance to join a major movie franchise.  What one is he hoping to do the most?
 
3. Give a shoutout to one person in the league that you like a lot in this league? I will start it off by shouting out @BOOM who I have known for a number of years and have enjoyed speaking to you on forum and off about the VHL, football leagues but more importantly life.  He's an awesome dude and has always been incredibly likable.  Hope to one day visit him and meet the man in the flesh.

1. I would probably go with "VHL mascots" as I think that'd be fun to discuss.
2. Raimo Tuominen would love to be a part of the Jurassic series. He'd enjoy seeing real life dinosaurs... until things go wrong.
3. I'm gonna have to go with @ROOKIE745, one of my favourite teammates and rivals. I hope to see his player in the big leagues soon, either on my team or as an opponent.
 
1. Speaking of VHL mascots, name a team and what mascot you'd give them (feel free to give the mascot a name!)
2. Name one of your favourite VHL memories to date.
3. On a scale of 1-10 how likely would your player miss an open net? (1 being not likely at all, 10 being Patrik Stefan)

JENSEN EXCELLING DESPITE NIGHTHAWKS' STRUGGLES
The Malmo Nighthawks currently sit tied for fifth in the European Conference Standings, despite being hyped throughout the off-season for the significant moves they made to improve their squad (especially up front).  While their goaltender, Ash Sparks, has once again been excellent for the Swedish club, sporting a .928 SV% and 2.29 GAA, it has been their offense that has unfortunately held the team back.  Malmo sits sixth in the European Conference for Goals Scored and tenth overall in the entire Victory Hockey League.
 
Despite Malmo's early struggles at times offensively, Viktor Jensen has certainly not shown any sophomore slump whatsoever.  The Norweigan forward has recorded 5 goals and 21 points in 16 games while also sporting a faceoff percentage above 55%.  Jensen looks poised to easily surpass his numbers last year, where he finished with just 12 goals and 33 points in the 72 game campaign.  However, a lot of criticism has come from his play that it is likely unsustainable, and one anonymous VHL Management member had this to say about his improvement:
 
"I don't buy it this quickly.  He could get there one day but I think once that top line gets going again, Jensen probably falls back and finishes around 50 or so points.  Nothing wrong with that but he hasn't a 80+ point guy yet...not even close."

JENSEN EXCELLING DESPITE NIGHTHAWKS' STRUGGLES
The Malmo Nighthawks currently sit tied for fifth in the European Conference Standings, despite being hyped throughout the off-season for the significant moves they made to improve their squad (especially up front).  While their goaltender, Ash Sparks, has once again been excellent for the Swedish club, sporting a .928 SV% and 2.29 GAA, it has been their offense that has unfortunately held the team back.  Malmo sits sixth in the European Conference for Goals Scored and tenth overall in the entire Victory Hockey League.
 
Despite Malmo's early struggles at times offensively, Viktor Jensen has certainly not shown any sophomore slump whatsoever.  The Norweigan forward has recorded 5 goals and 21 points in 16 games while also sporting a faceoff percentage above 55%.  Jensen looks poised to easily surpass his numbers last year, where he finished with just 12 goals and 33 points in the 72 game campaign.  However, a lot of criticism has come from his play that it is likely unsustainable, and one anonymous VHL Management member had this to say about his improvement:
 
"I don't buy it this quickly.  He could get there one day but I think once that top line gets going again, Jensen probably falls back and finishes around 50 or so points.  Nothing wrong with that but he hasn't a 80+ point guy yet...not even close."

As the Vhle season continues to show a lot of promise for the express team Savaisk Tzesar wanted to speak about the team's success and wins.
 
“So Tzesar being assistant captain of the Express, what do you think of your team at this moment?”
 
“Well first I feel like that we have shown to be slightly better than the eagles which is no disrespect its a talented team but I think our goalie situation Didn’t cause a big problem as it shows we have won more and are staying on top for the most part.”
 
“You also have been getting some thoughts about how well you have been doing?” 
 
“Well like i’ve said I wanted to be more of a useful player and not just scoring and it shows my hits have gone up and I’m quite proud of the fact I’m hitting more defense wise offense wise I’m just a better player from last season”
 
“Well it was nice talking to you about this, we can’t wait to see more games!”
 
156 words: 

Reviewing the S89 VHL Draft's 1st Round Using TPE
 
As a member of the Season 89 VHL Draft Class, I have specifically been keeping an eye on how some of the other members have been doing since being selected.  Part of that is to see where I stand compared to my peers and also part of it is due to having two other teammates who were selected in the 1st Round alongside me.  So I have a special interest, to be sure, when it comes to how our draft's prospects are developing.
 
Therefore, I decided to specifically look at the players that had been selected in the 1st Round of the Season 89 Draft.  Now this was a draft that received some criticism for not having a lot of elite talent and also for not necessarily being particularly deep.  In fact, at the time of the draft it seemed to be all about Jensen and Queefson with everyone else falling a bit further behind them.  However, as this list below will show, this narrative as not necessarily continued on, and while one player does seem to be staying fairly ahead of the rest of the pack (okay, so obviously I have a bit of bias here..) there were definitely some real gems that ended up coming out of the first round.
 
1st Round of Season 89 (Organized by TPE)
1 -- Viktor Jensen (578 TPE - +230 Since Draft, Selected 1st @Advantage)
2 -- Montgomery Burns (501 TPE - +201 Since Draft, Selected 3rd @LastOneUp)
3 -- Jeff Lewis (489 TPE - +235 Since Draft, Selected 10th @nerji)
4 -- Zyn Westwood (446 TPE - +174 Since Draft, Selected 5th @Sullvino)
5 -- Eric Queefson (441 TPE - +104 Since Draft, Selected 2nd @twists)
6 -- Shubham Anand (440 TPE - +217 Since Draft, Selected 13th @Will3)
7 -- Fradin McGryer (435 TPE - +204 Since Draft, Selected 4th @Fradin99)
9 -- Ronald Johnson MacWallace III (420 TPE - +196 Since Draft, Selected 7th @RJMW)
9 -- Keegan Gamble (408 TPE - +217 Since Draft, Selected 11th @Keegan Gamble)
10 -- Pope Francis (402 TPE - +105 Since Draft, Selected 8th @nurx)
11 -- Savaisk Tzesar (401 TPE - +194 Since Draft, Selected 12th @comrade cat)
12 -- Ben Laas (389 TPE - +169 Since Draft, Selected 6th @dustywilson22)
13 -- Otis Boudreaux Jr (383 TPE - +153 Since Draft, Selected 9th @Otis Boudreaux Jr)
14 -- Dominik Kopecky (272 TPE - +86 Since Draft, Selected 15th @DustyMclaren)
15 -- Marty Byrd (260 TPE - +106 Since Draft, Selected 16th @Marty B)
16 -- Tobias Weiss (258 TPE - +44 Since Draft, Selected 14th @jfaly)
 
Best Pick: Jeff Lewis (10th - Moscow) - Pretty hard to argue with this one.  Jeff Lewis has developed the most since the Draft, even more so than Viktor Jensen, who has gained on the rest of the pack when it comes to development.  Lewis, who is making his VHL debut this season, is coming off a season with Cologne that saw the young Canadian record 30 goals and 79 points over the course of the 72 game season.  A real gem here for Moscow and this sturdy short king seems to have the stuff to keep finding success at the professional level.
 
Honourable Mention: Shubham Anand (13th - Calgary) - This Indian-born winger has had the third best development track since the draft and is returning for his second, and likely final, season in the VHLE.  Last year saw Anand have a bit of an up-and-down year as he was involved in a trade that saw Geneva send the young winger to Vasteras, who had been struggling greatly as a team.  Anand would finish the season with 17 goals, 40 points and 106 hits over the 71 game season, which was a respectable though unspectacular total compared to someone like Lewis who was picked just three picks before.  With that being said, we are betting on a bit of an improvement this season for Anand and while the results have not necessarily been there, his overall game has noticeabley improved with Anand showing the ability to round into an all-around player.
 
 

Reviewing the S89 VHL Draft's 1st Round Using TPE
 
As a member of the Season 89 VHL Draft Class, I have specifically been keeping an eye on how some of the other members have been doing since being selected.  Part of that is to see where I stand compared to my peers and also part of it is due to having two other teammates who were selected in the 1st Round alongside me.  So I have a special interest, to be sure, when it comes to how our draft's prospects are developing.
 
Therefore, I decided to specifically look at the players that had been selected in the 1st Round of the Season 89 Draft.  Now this was a draft that received some criticism for not having a lot of elite talent and also for not necessarily being particularly deep.  In fact, at the time of the draft it seemed to be all about Jensen and Queefson with everyone else falling a bit further behind them.  However, as this list below will show, this narrative as not necessarily continued on, and while one player does seem to be staying fairly ahead of the rest of the pack (okay, so obviously I have a bit of bias here..) there were definitely some real gems that ended up coming out of the first round.
 
1st Round of Season 89 (Organized by TPE)
1 -- Viktor Jensen (578 TPE - +230 Since Draft, Selected 1st @Advantage)
2 -- Montgomery Burns (501 TPE - +201 Since Draft, Selected 3rd @LastOneUp)
3 -- Jeff Lewis (489 TPE - +235 Since Draft, Selected 10th @nerji)
4 -- Zyn Westwood (446 TPE - +174 Since Draft, Selected 5th @Sullvino)
5 -- Eric Queefson (441 TPE - +104 Since Draft, Selected 2nd @twists)
6 -- Shubham Anand (440 TPE - +217 Since Draft, Selected 13th @Will3)
7 -- Fradin McGryer (435 TPE - +204 Since Draft, Selected 4th @Fradin99)
9 -- Ronald Johnson MacWallace III (420 TPE - +196 Since Draft, Selected 7th @RJMW)
9 -- Keegan Gamble (408 TPE - +217 Since Draft, Selected 11th @Keegan Gamble)
10 -- Pope Francis (402 TPE - +105 Since Draft, Selected 8th @nurx)
11 -- Savaisk Tzesar (401 TPE - +194 Since Draft, Selected 12th @comrade cat)
12 -- Ben Laas (389 TPE - +169 Since Draft, Selected 6th @dustywilson22)
13 -- Otis Boudreaux Jr (383 TPE - +153 Since Draft, Selected 9th @Otis Boudreaux Jr)
14 -- Dominik Kopecky (272 TPE - +86 Since Draft, Selected 15th @DustyMclaren)
15 -- Marty Byrd (260 TPE - +106 Since Draft, Selected 16th @Marty B)
16 -- Tobias Weiss (258 TPE - +44 Since Draft, Selected 14th @jfaly)
 
Best Pick: Jeff Lewis (10th - Moscow) - Pretty hard to argue with this one.  Jeff Lewis has developed the most since the Draft, even more so than Viktor Jensen, who has gained on the rest of the pack when it comes to development.  Lewis, who is making his VHL debut this season, is coming off a season with Cologne that saw the young Canadian record 30 goals and 79 points over the course of the 72 game season.  A real gem here for Moscow and this sturdy short king seems to have the stuff to keep finding success at the professional level.
 
Honourable Mention: Shubham Anand (13th - Calgary) - This Indian-born winger has had the third best development track since the draft and is returning for his second, and likely final, season in the VHLE.  Last year saw Anand have a bit of an up-and-down year as he was involved in a trade that saw Geneva send the young winger to Vasteras, who had been struggling greatly as a team.  Anand would finish the season with 17 goals, 40 points and 106 hits over the 71 game season, which was a respectable though unspectacular total compared to someone like Lewis who was picked just three picks before.  With that being said, we are betting on a bit of an improvement this season for Anand and while the results have not necessarily been there, his overall game has noticeabley improved with Anand showing the ability to round into an all-around player.
 
 

Reviewing the S89 VHL Draft's 1st Round Using TPE
 
As a member of the Season 89 VHL Draft Class, I have specifically been keeping an eye on how some of the other members have been doing since being selected.  Part of that is to see where I stand compared to my peers and also part of it is due to having two other teammates who were selected in the 1st Round alongside me.  So I have a special interest, to be sure, when it comes to how our draft's prospects are developing.
 
Therefore, I decided to specifically look at the players that had been selected in the 1st Round of the Season 89 Draft.  Now this was a draft that received some criticism for not having a lot of elite talent and also for not necessarily being particularly deep.  In fact, at the time of the draft it seemed to be all about Jensen and Queefson with everyone else falling a bit further behind them.  However, as this list below will show, this narrative as not necessarily continued on, and while one player does seem to be staying fairly ahead of the rest of the pack (okay, so obviously I have a bit of bias here..) there were definitely some real gems that ended up coming out of the first round.
 
1st Round of Season 89 (Organized by TPE)
1 -- Viktor Jensen (578 TPE - +230 Since Draft, Selected 1st @Advantage)
2 -- Montgomery Burns (501 TPE - +201 Since Draft, Selected 3rd @LastOneUp)
3 -- Jeff Lewis (489 TPE - +235 Since Draft, Selected 10th @nerji)
4 -- Zyn Westwood (446 TPE - +174 Since Draft, Selected 5th @Sullvino)
5 -- Eric Queefson (441 TPE - +104 Since Draft, Selected 2nd @twists)
6 -- Shubham Anand (440 TPE - +217 Since Draft, Selected 13th @Will3)
7 -- Fradin McGryer (435 TPE - +204 Since Draft, Selected 4th @Fradin99)
9 -- Ronald Johnson MacWallace III (420 TPE - +196 Since Draft, Selected 7th @RJMW)
9 -- Keegan Gamble (408 TPE - +217 Since Draft, Selected 11th @Keegan Gamble)
10 -- Pope Francis (402 TPE - +105 Since Draft, Selected 8th @nurx)
11 -- Savaisk Tzesar (401 TPE - +194 Since Draft, Selected 12th @comrade cat)
12 -- Ben Laas (389 TPE - +169 Since Draft, Selected 6th @dustywilson22)
13 -- Otis Boudreaux Jr (383 TPE - +153 Since Draft, Selected 9th @Otis Boudreaux Jr)
14 -- Dominik Kopecky (272 TPE - +86 Since Draft, Selected 15th @DustyMclaren)
15 -- Marty Byrd (260 TPE - +106 Since Draft, Selected 16th @Marty B)
16 -- Tobias Weiss (258 TPE - +44 Since Draft, Selected 14th @jfaly)
 
Best Pick: Jeff Lewis (10th - Moscow) - Pretty hard to argue with this one.  Jeff Lewis has developed the most since the Draft, even more so than Viktor Jensen, who has gained on the rest of the pack when it comes to development.  Lewis, who is making his VHL debut this season, is coming off a season with Cologne that saw the young Canadian record 30 goals and 79 points over the course of the 72 game season.  A real gem here for Moscow and this sturdy short king seems to have the stuff to keep finding success at the professional level.
 
Honourable Mention: Shubham Anand (13th - Calgary) - This Indian-born winger has had the third best development track since the draft and is returning for his second, and likely final, season in the VHLE.  Last year saw Anand have a bit of an up-and-down year as he was involved in a trade that saw Geneva send the young winger to Vasteras, who had been struggling greatly as a team.  Anand would finish the season with 17 goals, 40 points and 106 hits over the 71 game season, which was a respectable though unspectacular total compared to someone like Lewis who was picked just three picks before.  With that being said, we are betting on a bit of an improvement this season for Anand and while the results have not necessarily been there, his overall game has noticeabley improved with Anand showing the ability to round into an all-around player.
 
 

It ain't about the size of the TPE in the fight, but about how hard you can get hit by sims and keep moving forwards!!

*Jeff Lewis fan club