dustywilson22

Wow! 😵

League's top offense piling up the W's

Well the season has been an absolute turn around when you consider just this past draft they were in the top of the draft and made trades this offseason to make pushes to being good. To be good this good already in our rebuild is amazing. Now we have had more losses come our way then we like, but Laas has finally hit double digits in points this season! super proud moment for Laas as his mission has been to make it to the VHL as quick as possible and GM Frost made that possible. Frost has said as well Ben has performed well for him being a lower tpe defenseman. Laas continues to put in work though as the goal Is playoffs this year In His mind. It's time to show the league the D.C Dragons mean business. and were open for action baby! Laas Next goal Is to hit double digit assist which he's only 1 away from It now. Of course let's get back on our win streak soon as losing does not feel good by any means. 

Well the season has been an absolute turn around when you consider just this past draft they were in the top of the draft and made trades this offseason to make pushes to being good. To be good this good already in our rebuild is amazing. Now we have had more losses come our way then we like, but Laas has finally hit double digits in points this season! super proud moment for Laas as his mission has been to make it to the VHL as quick as possible and GM Frost made that possible. Frost has said as well Ben has performed well for him being a lower tpe defenseman. Laas continues to put in work though as the goal Is playoffs this year In His mind. It's time to show the league the D.C Dragons mean business. and were open for action baby! Laas Next goal Is to hit double digit assist which he's only 1 away from It now. Of course let's get back on our win streak soon as losing does not feel good by any means. 

The D.C dragons continue to rise to the occasion, I'm not sure If we've played every team, but It's just hard to ignore when you see us winning. Ben Laas hasn't exactly astonished as of late as he hasn't found himself on the point list on the stat sheets, but the problem Is that shots blocked don't seem to be showing up out there which Is something Ben Laas takes pride in doing for his goalie and his teammates. Ben Laas has continued to work hard during practice though as he's continuing to try and get experience and be a better player for the future as well. which just recently Ben got his 2nd goal on the season, which Is a big thing for him to be honest. The biggest thing to him though Is the Victories, Every day he thinks about the Red Wolves and just one day wants to honor them by winning one in the VHL. One Day he will. For now Laas must keep getting stronger and more experienced. 

The D.C dragons continue to rise to the occasion, I'm not sure If we've played every team, but It's just hard to ignore when you see us winning. Ben Laas hasn't exactly astonished as of late as he hasn't found himself on the point list on the stat sheets, but the problem Is that shots blocked don't seem to be showing up out there which Is something Ben Laas takes pride in doing for his goalie and his teammates. Ben Laas has continued to work hard during practice though as he's continuing to try and get experience and be a better player for the future as well. which just recently Ben got his 2nd goal on the season, which Is a big thing for him to be honest. The biggest thing to him though Is the Victories, Every day he thinks about the Red Wolves and just one day wants to honor them by winning one in the VHL. One Day he will. For now Laas must keep getting stronger and more experienced. 

The VHL season has started and the D.C dragons are underway, Ben knew the adjustment was going to different again as it would be veterans and no skill level ceilings like the other leagues. It was time to play with the big boys and so far, The team did start off the season with 2 losses, but since then Frost has helped make changes to get us 4 wins! so we have definitely turned it around there, It's still early so won't get ahead of myself, but Ben has managed to rack up 3 assists so far! and he just got put on the 1st line to help split the defenseman talent which in his 2 games today he a had a positive +/- Which couldn't be happier about to be honest. Ben clearly the goat! I'm joking though as It's a team effort and I believe Frost our GM has brought in the right guys for the team and even added another goalie that will hopefully be able to fill bubbles shoes. being on the same ice as bubbles feels awesome, but in games is completely different. She makes great saves and shows us why she's been in the league so long. The VHL life is going good and Ben Is just happy to finally not be eating the same food over and over again like istanbul. He misses those guys, but In life changes occur and we must adjust. Laas will keep working and improving his game. 

Ryuji doing Ryuji things 

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.
 
 

GM John Frostbeard steps up to the podium near the DC Dragons home arena on a rainy summer morning with a Red, Gold and Black umbrella above his head

"Season 90, the season when the new look D.C. Dragons will be at the centre stage to prove to every doubter, every GM who said that "We are not ready!" and every powerranking that said we are not there yet that we are not only there yet, but that we are fully commited to see the future of D.C. Dragons be now! These amazing players have put a ton of work in to prove to everyone that they can bring our team back into Playoffs! Our young core is taking the lead!"

Here are the Captains for S90 D.C. Dragons

Assistant captain and a player that only recently joined us through a trade and has taken our centre stage in every sense of the word, our 1st Line Powerhouse - Jason @Jason kranz
Assistant captain and young leader that has proven to have the D.C. Dragons mindset, a huge part of our future Defensive squad - Ben Laas @dustywilson22
Captain and a person who joined our team after a trade, a player that our squad has a ton of faith in, our juggernaut on the wing, our master of fancy moves and skillful shots, D.C. Dragons new star forward - Vincent Laroche-Gagnier @vincentlg2007

Congratulations to our Captaincy squad - lets get the job done!

1. Actually trying to win, imagine having to trade to lose. Yeah the dragons are good like that. 
2.Well It's for sure to not look dumb out there. I'll be on the 2nd line and hopefully i provide great defensive effort out there! 
3. It's true, we know were up and coming and these few moves will come with chemistry issues. Gotta get on the same boat and get to practicing. GM frost isn't wrong, but I will see we are figuring out the puzzle
4. Well I also had the media ask me, but since its just you and me. Keegan was out gambling In D.C don't even know why. And He took so of my money! Yeah dude's a thief. It will leave a mark on his reputation, but my mission is to win here, the Prospect better have won some money with It and If he did he isnt sharing! Wait there he is right there, KEEGAN! 

5. Los Angeles Stars. Why? cause pope francis name is tied to them. I don't think he's called up yet, but boy I will be making sure to hurt the other team in disrespect to him!
6. I think it helps greatly. We need positives after last year and we know the draft didnt fall our way, so any kind of recognition to give the team more hope adds onto it. Plus It's hard to be up there for rookie of the year. Massive props to Calaway! 

1. Actually trying to win, imagine having to trade to lose. Yeah the dragons are good like that. 
2.Well It's for sure to not look dumb out there. I'll be on the 2nd line and hopefully i provide great defensive effort out there! 
3. It's true, we know were up and coming and these few moves will come with chemistry issues. Gotta get on the same boat and get to practicing. GM frost isn't wrong, but I will see we are figuring out the puzzle
4. Well I also had the media ask me, but since its just you and me. Keegan was out gambling In D.C don't even know why. And He took so of my money! Yeah dude's a thief. It will leave a mark on his reputation, but my mission is to win here, the Prospect better have won some money with It and If he did he isnt sharing! Wait there he is right there, KEEGAN! 

5. Los Angeles Stars. Why? cause pope francis name is tied to them. I don't think he's called up yet, but boy I will be making sure to hurt the other team in disrespect to him!
6. I think it helps greatly. We need positives after last year and we know the draft didnt fall our way, so any kind of recognition to give the team more hope adds onto it. Plus It's hard to be up there for rookie of the year. Massive props to Calaway! 

1. I expect big things man, I'm a rookie so i can't wait to see the talent the VHL offers.
2. **raises eyebrow** probably just trying to trash us, but dragons good end of story
3. I would say that's the goal? get the talent here and as younger guys grow we get experience and then when were prime were extending our competing window
4. Well I would say It's about keeping on and things will get better just as the Dragons are. We are growing just as all of us must do. 
5. I mean she's going to be huge. We need one last good year out of her. We need her showing that glove out there!
6. It's super important. These trades are huge and I trust frost It's amazing to have your gm be word for word with you about what's happening with the team. 

Well folks as you know Ben had been leaving Istanbul for D.C which he was very happy to do, but It felt weird being around people as he hadn't left the ice too often of course being their home ice. So all he knew over there was takeout of food that everyone said was good food so Ben joined in on ordering It. Then of course practice, games, practice, games.. meetings sometimes. It was a boring routine, but he did call back home to his family at times. So He got his apartment set up with the team in D.C as his contract didn't quite afford him a home just yet, but that would change later on  . For now Ben got unpacked put his stuff in his new home. Went to the arena and shook hands with Frostbeard as he welcomed to D.C officially. Told him you better be ready work "I'm bringing In talented guys. Be ready." "I will." Ben then decided to just walk in D.C and see things. Finally Ben took a seat on a park bench as people walked by and he just looked into the sky. "Yeah I'm back home." 

Well folks as you know Ben had been leaving Istanbul for D.C which he was very happy to do, but It felt weird being around people as he hadn't left the ice too often of course being their home ice. So all he knew over there was takeout of food that everyone said was good food so Ben joined in on ordering It. Then of course practice, games, practice, games.. meetings sometimes. It was a boring routine, but he did call back home to his family at times. So He got his apartment set up with the team in D.C as his contract didn't quite afford him a home just yet, but that would change later on  . For now Ben got unpacked put his stuff in his new home. Went to the arena and shook hands with Frostbeard as he welcomed to D.C officially. Told him you better be ready work "I'm bringing In talented guys. Be ready." "I will." Ben then decided to just walk in D.C and see things. Finally Ben took a seat on a park bench as people walked by and he just looked into the sky. "Yeah I'm back home." 

1. Right now It's getting Myself settled in D.C Istanbul was so boring so now being in a familiar place. You best believe im going out and enjoying myself and doing things that wont get me injured of course.
2. I mean yeah they should know the goals, Do your mock drafts or just read them. Enjoy being a D.C fan! 
3. It's gotta be Dvorak. I just think Queefson does It too clumsy he goes too fast and you can see the errors
4. I mean Just getting some scoring fwds maybe? I know we have a young defenseman core that is earning well, so we may need a GK, but would definitely look for a young one to grow with us.
5. I mean It would have to be getting young fwds in the draft along with a young goalie. Then you can sign vets in both those spots as you can use them as fillers for a few seasons till our guys are ready! 
6. I mean she means a lot, her giving the effort even when she knows that the team isnt trying to win. She gives fans hope in D.C really. Im here after her time so her leadership is where she gives the most. The experience as well as it allows us to train on a goalie who has faced so many shots in her career. She will be missed so ill be cherishing my rookie season. 

Ben Laas knew this day would come. The Practices would stop with the Red Wolves, The Games would stop with the Red Wolves, the Moments would stop with the Red Wolves. The won't be forgotten though. Ben never thought he'd be so sad to leave Istanbul as the news of them obviously being disbanded in the wake of the VHLE going down to 6 teams. It's understood league wise, but for the players why their team? why!!!! They have their reasons, but the Red Wolves idea was to hopefully leave the team with a cup to be remembered by. We did not accomplish that though and that's said with great sadness all around. I feel Ben gave his heart out there, but D.C Is calling and he's ready. The team is ready for him when training camp starts. Ben Is ready for them whenever. Ben said his goodbyes to the team and looks forward to hopefully see his former red wolves by his side or against him in the VHL. As were all trying to live our dreams here. This Finals loss may hurt, but You have to take the good with the bad. This Is the bad to an extent as It can be seen as good. It's a stepping stone in our careers. It shows VHL rosters we have what It takes to be good. Now allow us to show you. Ben won't let this chance pass him up as he looks to play with the big boys. Can he stand among the Wolves, or will they eat him up? We will see him in D.C very soon. to my teammates I love you so much genuinely. You made for a great VHLE experience. Thank you! Go Dragons and always remembered Go Red Wolves! till we see you again. 

1. I obviously agree It sucks losing, but It's whats best for our future and the direction of the team. 
2. let them watch us tank lol, It just shows our coach is talented and just puts a team out there with success.
3. I believe it was all the guys we traded lol. After we traded them we were asking for developing guys to try and win. just hard to do. The thing that sticks out is our effort for the later part of our season to tank! 
4. It's me so I'm pretty high on myself, I've got some growing pains, but I don't feel theres any more need to let me develop on the Red Wolves as I'm already almost developed basically and just ready to show some talent in the VHL
5. It should be a FWD or a Goalie As Bubbles is getting older. Seasons pass by quick and while we are tanking and developing, the turn around to competing needs to be quick. so whoever frost feels is best im following his lead
6. Well It's been talked about we need a goalie to develop, but I feel we could sign one that's regressing and giving some quality minutes. Along with new forwards that are entering their prime soon as we want our young guys to be upcoming stars as the The guys in their prime are performing amazingly. 

1. well I'll say we tanked perfectly now, as we were winning but the identity of the team is going young and rebuilding so. I'm happy with the team as It means an open spot for me.
2. I mean definitely not lol, just tank at this point as why else did you make those trades?
3. as said above, It gives me new teammates and It means more talent on the roster for the future baby!
4. Oh absolutely we get guys signed to compete right away and have players that are developing. It's coming together trust in the Beard
5. I mean I would say It's elite. I mean we had 2 guys play on the VHL roster as rookies! Then of course myself im looking to come up this year. I'm trying so hard.
6. for me I can't say much as been In Istanbul all season, but Bubbles was awesome during training camp. 

2. Well what we know now is that he did trade some older guys to give them better opportunities as right now D.C is tanking for pics. I mean they surprised me I expected the team to be automatically, but It was nice to see some winning for a little. Draft wise eh. 

3. No way, I think someone just dropped rumors just to get Bubbles in trouble. Maybe a goalie trying to make a name for themself? lol but no bubbles would not be doing something like that. 

6. Well as a person not actually there In D.C I read about It in Istanbul and couldn't believe It, but also after seeing a trade was made. It's clear he wanted to win and GM frost wanted that for him as well.

8. I would say It hurts as we just drafted those guys along with myself and It feels like thats our defense core and losing those guys just wouldn't be It to me and would basically go away from our ambitions of getting young and growing.

10. I would say maybe people are wondering why were trading when D.C is competing. Would think we would want to win, but fans want to be in the seats when you're winning. So I expect that would be the reason. 

12. I mean there's no hero per say, maybe Bubbles by constantly giving it all out there on the ice. 

1. I love to see It. You know when you're rebuilding and you're winning? Yeah that's a good sign of things to come. 
2. I mean who wouldn't be more motivated. Keep winning more beer and liquor. stay losing, just sadness in your heart. no one wants to be sad. Be happy
3. Well being In Turkey doesn't allow me to meet the guys too much, but during training camp I got to meet them for a little bit. As far as I could tell he was a more quiet kind of guy and just get his job done on the ice.
4. Absolutely, I mean I know the hate towards Seattle, but what team do you think of when you think who makes the moves and signings to build a roster. Seattle simple. He may not always be transparent, but It can be a team decision at times. Not saying It's right, but all respect to them. 
5. I love to see It. Compete make each other better. Cause If I'm slacking tell me. I'm wanting to be the best I can be, so are you right? Simple compete baby!
6. I mean all teams come back to reality, but with good coaching and just commitment, will keep us in the right idea. To be honest we don't need a top pick as If you find the right person in the draft at the right place. 

Well folks the Istanbul Red Wolves are looking mighty fine baby! A loss? I mean sure we take some, but how many? Not many thats for sure and 2 shutouts today? Man The Redwolves are playing immaculate. I'm loving my teammates as we continue to play our hearts out and we see Evan Bihler get 2 shutouts!! 3rd in goals for with 134 and 85 goals allowed which is the least amount in the league! The Red Wolves defense is bought into this team and were just putting It together. my favorite moment has been when I go into the penalty box which does happen. I can't understand most of the languages some of the fans speak, so I've asked around and learned how to say I don't speak you're language in their language. Just to piss them off haha. now some do speak english and I chirp with them back and forth. I also remind them were In 1st and point at the scoreboard. 
Ben Laas is pushing to make that DC roster as quick as possible we'll see If that ends up happening, but for now he's got his eyes set on a cup with this team till then. Peace out fellas. PS. Happy 4th of july! 

Well folks the Istanbul Red Wolves are looking mighty fine baby! A loss? I mean sure we take some, but how many? Not many thats for sure and 2 shutouts today? Man The Redwolves are playing immaculate. I'm loving my teammates as we continue to play our hearts out and we see Evan Bihler get 2 shutouts!! 3rd in goals for with 134 and 85 goals allowed which is the least amount in the league! The Red Wolves defense is bought into this team and were just putting It together. my favorite moment has been when I go into the penalty box which does happen. I can't understand most of the languages some of the fans speak, so I've asked around and learned how to say I don't speak you're language in their language. Just to piss them off haha. now some do speak english and I chirp with them back and forth. I also remind them were In 1st and point at the scoreboard. 
Ben Laas is pushing to make that DC roster as quick as possible we'll see If that ends up happening, but for now he's got his eyes set on a cup with this team till then. Peace out fellas. PS. Happy 4th of july! 

In Istanbul you can find a talented roster that has just been amazing together. The future defenseman of the DC Dragon Ben Laas can be found putting the work In each and every game. just as well as on the ice. Ben has been on a good pace this year as many people and fans alike have enjoyed watching his games. He has definitely improved in his game, but still has plenty of time to get better as a player. will he? I personally believe so as I'm his #1 supporter. I really am loving what im seeing this season through 26 games 3 Goals, 18 Assists, 21 points total, +\- +3 , 65 shots on net, 34 Penalty minutes, 70 Hits, and 58 Shots blocked. He is currently averaging 2 ppg!!!! Which I'd hope would be mostly assist. Ben doesn't care to score, but when he does he goes nuts. He loves to celebrate in crazy ways as in one of his goals I skate on the ice on his head. Which coaches obviously told him don't do it again. Which Ben says he won't as it hurt his neck haha. Regardless he has enjoyed his time in Istanbul to an extent as only time he goes out is with a translator. He has enjoyed trying different foods and well really this place keeps him focused on hockey which Is only helpful when your main goal In your career is the VHL! So Dusty has enjoyed his time with Istanbul, but his goals are to impress his GM of the DC dragons and show he's ready to help that team win as soon as possible. For now VHLE cup maybe? 

In Istanbul you can find a talented roster that has just been amazing together. The future defenseman of the DC Dragon Ben Laas can be found putting the work In each and every game. just as well as on the ice. Ben has been on a good pace this year as many people and fans alike have enjoyed watching his games. He has definitely improved in his game, but still has plenty of time to get better as a player. will he? I personally believe so as I'm his #1 supporter. I really am loving what im seeing this season through 26 games 3 Goals, 18 Assists, 21 points total, +\- +3 , 65 shots on net, 34 Penalty minutes, 70 Hits, and 58 Shots blocked. He is currently averaging 2 ppg!!!! Which I'd hope would be mostly assist. Ben doesn't care to score, but when he does he goes nuts. He loves to celebrate in crazy ways as in one of his goals I skate on the ice on his head. Which coaches obviously told him don't do it again. Which Ben says he won't as it hurt his neck haha. Regardless he has enjoyed his time in Istanbul to an extent as only time he goes out is with a translator. He has enjoyed trying different foods and well really this place keeps him focused on hockey which Is only helpful when your main goal In your career is the VHL! So Dusty has enjoyed his time with Istanbul, but his goals are to impress his GM of the DC dragons and show he's ready to help that team win as soon as possible. For now VHLE cup maybe?