Bulduray_1

Review: It's great looking back at how Maple's VHLM journey went. The start of the article, "With the fourth pick in the VHLM Draft, the Las Vegas Aces select Dogwood Maple...." immediately got myself hooked into what you're writing and what gave this article a spark. I love the in depth analysis about your stay with Las Vegas throughout this season. Not only that, the piece seems to be well written and was easy to read. Overall well done on the media spot, and I look forward to how Dogwood Maple does moving forward! 9/10

There’s Always Next Year - Moscow Menace Moscow - The Moscow Menace had high hopes coming into this season. With bright upcoming stars looking for a breakout season, and all star veterans that look to dominate the league once again. On paper, the Moscow Menace had always been a powerhouse in countless aspects of the sport in recent history. But it seemed like this was the year that the city of Moscow would taste the Continental Cup in over thirteen years. It seemed like the stars aligned with the Menace, they had all their ducks in a row. Sadly, this wasn’t the case. Moscow once again stuck to the same narrative that they’ve shown for over four seasons. Losing in the Cup Finals. “I feel terrible,” spoke Preobrazhensky, the young centerman of the Menace. “Especially for the guys who’ve stuck with this team much longer than I was around. I felt like we did everything we possibly could out on the ice that series. We played with fire and energy, but in the end, I guess it just wasn’t enough” He said with a depleted tone in his voice. The locker room was dangerously awkward after the game, it felt like the room was full of ghosts. No one, not even coaches or executives wanted to speak to the team after such a gloomy loss. The whole team wanted this win so incredibly bad, it was like their life depended on the result of the game. Some undressed and packed up quietly while others just couldn’t handle the mounting stress and anger, letting it all out after the game. Although the players were visibly disappointed by the result of the series, the fans were the ones who were left with pain and agony. It was a full packed arena in the heart of Moscow for that game, which came with a sea of Menace fans hoping to bring the cup back home. After the game clock struck 00:00 of the third period. The crowd was in disarray once again, coming back to their senses that Moscow was once again, going to leave empty handed. But then, numerous chunks of fans were seen to be throwing trash on the ice and screaming obscured insults. It got to the point that the players were to be escorted out of the stadium with security. This isn’t the end of the Menace though. The management had already made plans to make Moscow more of a powerhouse than before. Take for example the trade to bring in Flynn Remy and the option pickups between Leroy Johnson and Papa Emeritus. This is just a preview of what is to come in a competitive and interesting off-season. Not only that, the Moscow Menace will still be keeping their top offensive player, Duncan Idaho and their most valuable defenceman, Hard Markinson. Without worrying about expiring contracts coming into the offseason. As many would like to say after an unsuccessful season. There is always next year. And this saying isn’t more applicable to none other than the Moscow Menace. As the journey to win the Continental Cup continues for them.

Review: Once again, another mindbogglingly amazing graphic! The colors and highlights mesh together well and represent the work in an amazing way. I love the signature of Hulk Hogan, very well done and adds a ton to the graphic. The fabric and jersey like Seattle Bear background gives it more character and realism to the graphic. Lastly the jersey swap is incredibly well done, I find that I don't have anything but good to say about this graphic! What an amazing job you have accomplished! 9.5/10

Saskatoon Wild Press Conference Answer these 6 questions for 2 TPE! 1. Looking ahead at the draft, which VHLE/VHL team do you have in mind that you would like to be selected by? 2. Let's hop over to the VHL, who do you have winning? Moscow or Seattle? 3. Players always find an opportunity to improve their game, what's one thing your player is looking to improve on for next year? 4. Are you a big fan of the NHL? If so, what's your favorite team and what do you think about the playoffs so far? 5. What's the hardest aspect of hockey to get a grasp of? 6. What's the best type of cheese in your opinion? @Matt thunder

Moscow Redemption Arc? Moscow- More than a week has passed for the VHL in regards to its annual playoffs between ten bloodthirsty teams. These teams have gone through the unimaginable throughout their 72 game Regular Season. And now they are all in it, to win it for the sole possession of the Continental Cup. The Moscow Menace were remarkably determined to finally defeat the narrative of seasons past. The locker room come playoff time was incredibly lively and fired up. Both the players and the fans' expectations were set in stone. Win the Continental Cup. ---------------- S83 European Conference Semifinal The Semi Finals stage had been set, with the Prague Phantoms, who had won against London to move onto the next stage. Would go on to face the number one seed, the feared Moscow Menace. Many fans and analysts wanted to point out that Moscow might’ve been unprepared for the crucial playoff stages. As many would know by now, the first seed has not been an easy task throughout the history of hockey. But these theories about the Menace team had been debunked in an instant. Right when this team stepped out on the ice, they knew that they couldn’t be stopped. Although there were some setbacks against Prague, such as lack of offensive production in games two and three. Moscow was able to advance into the Conference Finals against the Riga Reign, beating the Prague Phantoms in six. S83 European Conference Finals Next up we’re the fairly young, but talented Riga Reign. Who had been a thorn in the side especially for the Moscow team. Many anticipated this to be an action packed series, with both sides taking shots at one another. But after taking game one from Moscow, the Reign had been unable to gain traction afterwards. Losing four in a row to knock them out of the playoffs for good. Both the offense and the defense had been clicking for Moscow. And it showed on the ice against one of the most feared teams in the VHL. ---------------- Now it’s time to look at individual stats, most importantly for none other than Sergey Preobrazhensky. Who has been tearing it up in the playoffs as of late. Being able to contribute towards fourteen points for the Menace in just eleven games. There are plenty of things to come for this young center, stay tuned. In the end, it’s been a surprisingly successful journey so far for the Moscow Menace in the VHL playoffs. After dazzling teams one after the other, the most Menace are just inches away from tasting the Continental Cup. The final thing they need to do now, is to get rid of the big bad wolf standing in their way, the Seattle Bears. That’s right, the Moscow Menace will have one last showdown against the league’s number one seed from the North American Conference. One will be able to guarantee that this series will be filled with astonishment and heartbreak for both sides. Only time will tell which side will prevail…

Review: Very limited graphic in terms of detail and effort, the font to me doesn't seem to add any value into the graphic. While the Menace logo just seems to be there for the sake of it. I would've liked to see something more in terms of the player as well, maybe a nice color and logo swap with the player. Overall, I felt like you didn't give your full effort and I would've liked to see more detail and meaningfulness in this graphic. 4/10

Review: Overall, you've added some great touches onto a simple graphic. I like the swirl type effect on the outline of the player, the placing was done well and immediately stood out to me once I laid my eyes on the work. Logo swap seemed to fit in well, but I do feel like it was tilted a tad too much in contrast to the player. Little things like the NHL patch on the player are some of the small things I would change as well, but overall it was a simple graphic that and some great affects to make the piece stand out. 8/10

Saskatoon Wild Press Conference Answer these 6 questions for 2 TPE! 1. Regular Season has came to an end, looking back on the season, how has your player done? 2. How has this season shaped your player up for success next year? 3. It was a rough season for Saskatoon, but great players make something out of nothing. What did you enjoy about being apart of the Wild? 4. What is the most underrated sport in your opinion? 5. Everyone likes dogs! If you could pick, what would you pick as your dog's breed? 6. What's one random fact that you know for absolutely no reason?

Theme Week: Gratitude It’s been over seven months since I first joined the VHL, I’ve had some great experiences with a variety of different people. I was instantly hooked on the idea of joining a hockey sim league, but what I didn’t expect was the overwhelming help and friendliness I was met with right from the get go. I’ve compiled up a few members I’ve thought long and hard about to be included into my list, they’ve contributed a lot for not only myself, but for the whole entire VHL community all together. I always seem to find myself coming back to the forums and the discord server to see what’s new. Never in a million years did I think I would be this hooked to come back and check in on the league everyday. I want to give a special thanks to BrutalBoost for being my mentor and my upbringing as the Saskatoon Wild GM. It was especially fun and engaging learning the ropes on managing lines, trade talks and draft scouting. If I were to go back, I would change a thing when applying for the Assistant General Manager spot you were looking for. That opportunity you gave me led to much greater opportunities down the road, and I’m still looking forward to what the future holds in my general management career. Not only that, JB123 had played a vital role in getting me to stick around in the VHL as the former San Diego Marlins GM. Like all VHLM GM’s they’re tasked with giving a welcoming and enjoyable experience for first generation players coming onto the scene. JB did a fantastic job in getting VHLM players ready for the big stage. Not only did he help myself and others with their questions and concerns with how the VHL actually worked. He made the Marlins locker room full of life while holding fun social events such as trivia night. JB had done wonders for the first gen of the VHLM not that long ago, and I’d thought I would shed some light on that. Last but not least, we have the big boy Spartan acting as Moscow's General Manager. He has been a crucial member of the VHL community for quite some time. He’s been able to give me more clarity on how the new attribute points work - and where to allocate them for my player. On top of that, Spartan has been able to build countless meaningful relationships with a variety of people. And I appreciate the effort he puts to make Moscow such an amazing team to be a part of. Well there you have it, those were just some of the many positive relationships I’ve had with members across the world in the VHL community. Although a relatively small community of members. Commissioners and staff have been able to keep the league going for over fourteen years and are showing no signs of slowing down. The environment we’ve built for others is like no other and I’m glad I’m a part of a group like no other.

Moscow Takeover Moscow- With a few days left in the VHL season, fans from all fan bases have been met with both excitement and disappointment with their respective teams. After 68 games have already passed for most of the teams. It's clear which franchises will be serious contenders for the prestigious Continental Cup. And one of those teams had been the Moscow Menace. The Menace have been around this game for a long time. Achieving league-shattering win to loss ratios and ridiculous point totals throughout the seasons. While being fortunate enough to appear in the Continental Cup three years in a row. It’s safe to say this Moscow team is no stranger to success, infact, one might say that success is in their blood. This season has been no different for the Moscow Menace regarding their success around the league. Moscow places first overall in the EU Conference with 105 points and finishes just behind the Seattle Bears for the best record in the VHL. Although it’ll surely be a tough battle for the Menace coming into the playoffs once again, they are listed by many fans around the globe as “favorites” to win the Continental Cup. Even some of Moscow’s own players have taken notice of their overwhelming success throughout the regular season. Our very own Sergey Preobrazhensky had some things to say about his team’s recent success. “You know, I’m incredibly proud of how this team picked up right where we left off from last season. Although the end result wasn’t what we wanted. We have to remind ourselves that we were a breathtaking team last year, capable of both elite offensive and defensive play. And looking at this team right now, I would say not only have we picked up right where we left off from last season, but we’ve actually improved from last season.” Preobrazhensky expressed in a media podcast. Moscow continues to be an offensive threat to all of the VHL. Having an absolute lethal first line full of All Star veterans such as Duncan Idaho and The Seabasstard. While possessing a heavily underrated second line. That's composed of mainly underrated second or third year players that many haven’t paid attention to, such as Harkat Mulds and Sergey Preobrazhensky. This rare combination provides the Moscow Menace with an endless and unlimited offensive attack on the ice. But an offense would be nothing without a defense right? Although many headlines and news focused mainly on the Menace offense, we cannot forget about an amazing defensive brigade. Leading the way on the first line is All Star defenseman Hard Markinson, Markinson who is no stranger to the hockey spotlight has had another tremendous season with the team. Pairing up with Watson Power, also Watson Power has yet still been unable to find his full footing in the VHL. He’s matured and has become a more knowledgeable player on the ice, one is hoping for a strong playoff appearance from him. Moving onto the second line, we’d have Jan Hlozek and George Sanderson rounding out the defensive unit. Both have been able to hold down the position very well, and they’ve been able to make this defense a living nightmare for some teams. Rounding out the Menace would be great big Papa Emeritus who is the glue that molds the team together. He’s been able to have another one of his amazing seasons in the regular season. But the real test for him is the playoffs. Will he be able to not crumble under the immense pressure his team and the fans put on him? There are so many questions coming into playoff time with very few answers. One thing’s for sure though, these playoffs will be another wild ride for many - especially for Moscow fans.

PRESS CONFERENCE Answer these 6 questions for 2 TPE! 1. The standings are almost all but locked for the playoffs, are there any dark horse candidates that could surprise us? 2. Whose your favourite to win the VHL and VHLE playoffs respectively? 3. Is there any player you look forward to play with or against in the future? 4. Would you rather snowboard or ski? 5. In your opinion, what classifies a "good" team? 6. Favourite fast food place? @Matt thunder @NathanM2983

Review: Very well done! I love the blend of colors in the graphic, it meshes together well. The different tones and colors are just eye candy for me. The logo swap is exceptionally well done and the font text fits in well with the work, it really is something I've never seen before. On top of that, I like the blue color to make it stand out from all the yellow on the background. Overall well done, it was a great effort. 9/10

Trade Deadline Shenanigans Ah yes, the trade deadline. A period of time full of aggressive buying, marketing and trading. Today in the VHLM, the trade deadline slowly fades away into the darkness. Leaving teams to finally fight for themselves until the end of the season. That’s right folks, there will be no more blockbusters or surprise trades coming anytime soon. As teams have to duke it out with the roster they have up to this point. The trade deadline is a tough time for many GMs and AGMs alike. Debating if they are going to be buyers or sellers in the upcoming trades is one of the most frequent topics of discussions between GMs and themselves. Teams like the Houston 21st, San Diego Marlins and the Miami Marauders all became heavy buyers when trade deadline week came around. While teams like the Houston Bulls, Mexico City Kings and your very own Saskatoon Wild, became a marketplace for contending teams trying to make a final push for the Founders Cup. It all seemed inevitable for a team like the Saskatoon Wild, a team that had hardly any success in the regular season. Tallying up ten measly wins in over fifty two games, it was obvious that this team wasn’t cut out for making a competitive run at the Founders Cup. Leaving with just one and only option for the Saskatoon Wild. Either they stick with their current group of guys and hope for the best, or they could invest in the future by trading their star players. In the end, the Saskatoon Wild chose to stack up in draft picks to shape up the organization's future. It all started a little more than two weeks ago. When news broke out that their top left winger, Boston would be headed to San Diego for an exchange of a second and third rounder, both for season 84 respectively. This was no surprise for many. As I mentioned above, the Saskatoon Wild was absolutely horrendous on the ice, Boston was one of the few bright spots on the team. It was only fair for him to move onto a more competitive team in the San Diego Marlins, while the Saskatoon Wild got some much needed second and third round picks for next year. Next up for the Saskatoon Wild was young defensemen Jack the Ripper. Ripper, who was a waiver acquisition in the middle of the season, was on a tear for the limited amount of games he had started. This peaked interest in one particular buyer, and that buyer was the Miami Marauders. Saskatoon saw the opportunity to ship him elsewhere for more picks for the future and that’s exactly what they did. Lastly we’ve had the massive, underrated forward of Ronaldono Ronaldono being dealt to none other than the Miami Marauders once again. A key offensive threat to other teams, Ronaldono was the leading point scorer for the Wild, with sixty nine points in fifty one games. Miami saw the chance to pick up the young forward and gave up a second and fifth rounder while at it. Although it is a pretty boring season for the Saskatoon Wild on the ice. The management has been busy with some big moves to shape up Saskatoon’s future. But we’ll have to see how Saskatoon will utilize these picks down the road. Until then, see you next week!

Saskatoon Wild Press Conference Answer these 6 questions for 2 TPE! 1. Season has flown past, looking at VHLM rosters respectively, which team in your opinion is the favourite in win the Founders Cup? 2. What is one thing your player has improved on throughout the season? 3. Which player in the VHLM has surprised you with their performance so far. Why so? 4. First rounder of NHL playoffs is over, any big surprises or upsets? 5. What would be your dream car? 6. The warm weather is upon us once again! What’s once thing you look forward to doing? @Matt thunder @NathanM2983

Sergey and The Moscow Menace Plow Their Way to Victory Moscow- After almost half of the VHL Regular Season has passed us, the Moscow Menace has shown some exceptional strides since the start of the season. Becoming a known offensive threat while also having a reliable defensive core. Turning to the standings, the Moscow Menace are in a comfortable playoff spot, holding second place in the European Conference. Just behind the Riga Reign for top spot in the conference. They’ve had their fair share of quiet lengthy winning streaks, resulting in a lopsided thirty wins to nine losses on the year so far. Duncan Idaho, the long-time veteran for the Moscow Menace led and paved the way for their team. Leading the Menace numerous offensive categories, the right winger has made a name for himself in the VHL Community. Being also announced to participate in the annual VHL All Star Game. He’s been a key contributor for the team, without him, the Menace wouldn’t be in the position they are right now. Another player that has performed well under the management of the Moscow Menace was none other than Hard Markinson. This shouldn’t be a surprise to many though, Markinson has been putting out unreal numbers since he first got onto the scene in Season 78. He has been a vital defender for the team, while having amazing play making abilities, tallying a whopping forty five assists so far this season. Beating out any other player playing for Moscow. Last but not least, it was big Papa Emeritus, who has played a great game behind the net. So far, Emeritus has shattered his career high’s in Save Percentage and in Goals-Against Average. He has been the strong backbone of the team, one can only hope he keeps up such spectacular numbers. Our very own Sergey Preobrazhensky has also been in on the action as well. He’s been seeing improvements in all aspects of his game since his rookie season, such as his offensive production. With forty nine points in just 39 games, Sergey is on pace to exceed his rookie season offensive numbers. As one might’ve recalled, Preobrazhensky scored fifty five points in Season 82. “It’s refreshing and a sigh of relief that comes over me after seeing how all my work in the off-season has paid off for this season. I still know that my offensive numbers can be much better though, I’ll be pushing myself harder to become an even better offensive player” Sergey said on a nightly interview. So far, Sergey and his Moscow Menace have seen some unprecedented winning streaks and mind boggling improvement from last year. Their players are playing the same, if not better, than last year. The chemistry of this tight knit team is close, they know deep down in their hearts this year is the year where they win it all. Not even the Vancouver Wolves will stop them now. Fans are pumped up again by this team, but they hope that this team doesn’t let them down once again. Only time will tell what the Moscow Menace’s fate will become…

WEEKLY PRESSER Answer these 6 questions for 2 TPE! 1. How physically and mentally demanding is the game of hockey in your opinion? 2. It's been a rough season so far, it's clear that the Saskatoon Organization is rebuilding. How do you feel about it? 3. What keeps your player in a positive mindset after such disappointing results on paper? 4. What's the hardest sport to learn and play? 5. Tell me something random about yourself 6. Which is better: The Winter or Summer Olympics? @NathanM2983 @Camodude06 @Matt thunder @ThomasSyster

Splendid! I'll send you a contract and a link to our Discord Locker Room very shortly!

Howdy @NathanM2983! Welcome to the VHL! I'm Bulduray, the General Manager for the reigning Founders Cup Champions, the Saskatoon Wild. We're interested in picking you and your player up to play for our team! Although being a rebuilding team and a bottom feeder in the standings, we can offer you First Minutes. To accept our offer, please quote this message and write "#GetWild". After that, I'll send you a contract offer and an invite to our discord locker room. Then we'll go from there and teach you the ropes on how to become a successful player!

Review: Overall, I don't mind this graphic at all. The graphic seems to be pretty decent for me, it isn't anything spectacular, but it isn't particularly bad either. The logo swap was done well and the jersey swap was done great as well. The background seems fine to me, but didn't really add anything too much to the graphic itself. Same thing happened with the text - it just seems to be there. I do like the implementation of the Nighthawks logo behind the player though, that was a nice touch. But overall, I find myself thinking that there was something missing in the graphic, but overall this wasn't a bad attempt at all. I would give this a 7.5/10

Review: This graphic has really stood out for all the right reasons. I really enjoy the color balance and how you decided to have a dark black/gray background to contrast the bright red conflicting colors on the foreground. That was a really nice implementation in my eyes. The jersey swap was done perfectly as always. And the text font was very clever and placed very well on the graphic. Overall, the graphic was done well and I would give this a 9.5/10

Sergey’s New Young Athlete Program is Now Underway! Moscow - This week was an eventful week for Moscow’s Sergey Preobrazhensky. As the VHL Season became more hectic and his dreams of leading the youth athletes of Russia all came to fruition in just a week. If you hadn’t known already, Sergey came up with an idea back in the offseason to fund and create a young athlete program. For up and coming players that want to continue their hockey dreams into not only the VHL, but other hockey leagues around the globe. Having already set up a team under his new franchise just today, Sergey hopes to expand to branch out, making more teams in the near future. Sergey was quite uplifted and relieved to see the unexpected turnout of players trying to make the team. “It’s amazing seeing all the teens going out there to show their skills hoping to make it. Having just one team is not enough for the level of talent we have seen!” Sergey mentioned jokingly. Sergey can’t just run such a big project on his own though, he’s contacted many former coaches and friends of his to get in on the action. “We’ll be bringing in some of the greatest hockey minds in the country, several of whom have played in some of the highest levels of hockey. I really do hope that the young guys absorb and learn from the people we’ve brought to help the cause,” The franchise has already caught some major traction amongst European Teams. Sergey has already signed plans on the team traveling across Europe for showcase games. While playing in one of the most prestigious European Leagues out there for the regular season. Giving them more of a chance for them to get scouted by professional teams. Both practice and scrimmage games have already been underway for his team. While players can expect to see regular season games to be played in a week or two. “Both players and management look forward to seeing what this plan can do to the landscape of amateur and developmental hockey in the area,” Sergey said in an interview with the press. Sergey has been seeing overwhelming praise all over social media. Even receiving donations from others to continue to cover the costs of such an expensive plan. “I would like to take the time to thank everyone who made this dream come true for me. It’s been a plan of mine for many years, and I finally get to see it all unravel beneath my eyes,” Sergey voiced in a heartfelt statement. It has been an unprecedented week for Sergey and the youth of hockey. One of the most ambitious hockey projects has just been undertaken by the young Preobrazhensky. Although a ton of money has been dropped just to make accommodations for such a major franchise. Sergey hopes this all pays off in the long run as an investment for not only himself, but for the players now representing his new amateur team.

Confirmed.

PRESS CONFERENCE Answer these six questions for 2 TPE 1. Would you rather have team or individual success? 2. In your opinion, how do you think the VHLM season is going? 3. Any Early VHL Continental Cup predictions? 4. Would you rather travel by boat or by plane? 5. Biggest guilty pleasure? 6. What's the greatest thing you like about the VHLM? @Camodude06 @Ripper @ThomasSyster @Matt thunder

Review- This is a very well done graphic in my eyes. I love the background, it enhances the viewing experience like no other. Not only that, the text on the bottom right really fits well the the background, the theme is kept tightly knit together when viewing both the text and background. The small Watchmen logo is a nice touch. Overall, you've done a nice job making the graphic look presentable and your ability to use different elements and affects is wonderful - something I wish I had. 8.5/10

Regular Season Begins Moscow- It’s that time of the year again in Moscow! As the winter begins, it can only mean one thing. A new VHL season is upon us. Sergey Preobrazhensky will start year two of his journey in the VHL. He’s looking forward to progressing and beating his offensive records from last season. “I’m plenty confident in my capabilities, I feel like I’m the best player on the ice” said the young forward right before the season opener against the Prague Phantoms. "My playmaking abilities have gotten stronger as the offseason went by, I can identify what to do in a certain situation that’ll put myself in the greatest position to succeed.” announced Sergey confidently. The Menace also have high hopes going into the season. As you might have recalled, the Menace have lost in the Founder’s Cup Final three seasons in a row. Fans have shown to be increasingly irritated due to the inability to bring the cup back home to Moscow. While the international VHL community have made Moscow some sort of a joke after the humiliating series loss to the Vancouver Wolves last year. Both the management and the players know that they’re not just aiming for a competitive season. Their goal is to win the Founder Cup this year. “Moscow has been humiliated for the past 3 seasons, wouldn’t it be nice to finally bring the cup to its rightful owners?” said Sergey during a press conference. So far the Menace have had their guns blazing right off the bat, being the number one team in terms of points with twenty. Only losing one game in eleven contests. Not even the Vancouver Wolves can catch up to that! Sergey has started off the season in style for the Menace. Showing that he’s one of the most valuable players on the team. As he leads the Menace in points with fifteen in just ten games. He’s also had his fair share of some magical moments already this season, like a four point game against the Malmo Nighthawks. Or his game-winning shootout goal against the London United. “I’ve been working alone for a long time trying to hone out my shooting technique. I feel like this is the best I’ve felt with my shots in a significant amount of time. And after such amazing display's of performance this week, it’s like I can do nothing wrong” So far, Sergey and his team have had amazing success throughout the first eleven games of the season. Sergey has been exercising offensive expectations while the Moscow Menace are right on track to fight for the Founder’s Cup. Showing splendid skills on both the offensive and defensive sides of the puck. Moscow fans are both excited but also cautious at the same time. They know that this team is on a tear recently, but they hope they can keep such success going without burning out the players. But until then, we look forward to seeing how both Sergey and the Moscow Menace progress during another week’s worth of play.