atw2592

A quick update on Obi Adesanya: He is now playing for the Malmo Nighthawks in the pros and has played in 19 games so far this season, scoring 8 goals and recording 4 assists as a young Malmo team tries to get their guys some experience in the big leagues. Obi is probably slightly out of his element, but he is improving and should benefit from the playing time this season. He wants to develop into more of a scorer, but will probably work on being more of an all-around player due to the new development rules the league has adopted. It is now nearly impossible for a non max TPE earning player to become a good scorer, which kind of sucks but I understand the idea and it makes a lot of sense. If Obi can just be a solid 2nd or 3rd line contributor throughout his career and chip in 20-25 goals per season, he will be happy. 
 
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1. I have had a blast, we are really good and should win the cup.
2. I didn't have the regular season I wanted, but I'm stepping it up in the finals which is what matters.
3. Yeah I've won a few championships in the past, most recently in BHB last season, which was pretty cool. This one is sweet as well.
4. I usually just do a bunch of cocaine, that keeps me sharp.
5. I'm not a very superstitious guy, so no. Just working hard and showing up every day.
6. Thomas the Train, of course. Seems like a perfect fit.

Obi Adesanya has started the season in the pros, playing for the Malmo Nighthawks and playing on the 4th line. He is really at sort of a crossroads in his young career, as the Nighthawks are re-building and the entire league just went through a makeover with attributes and there is a lot of guys who have had to adopt a slightly different build than they were initially planning. Obi fits into this classification, as he was a pure scorer coming into the league and now has had to change into more of an all-around player because he does not have enough TPE to justify being a pure scorer anymore. This is slightly disappointing because Obi had just joined the league 2 seasons ago and had some momentum built up and it was stalled with the new attribute system. Obi will continue to try to get better in the areas he can, but may not make as big of an impact on the league than was anticipated.
 
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1. I was pretty shocked, I thought we had the series wrapped up.
2. Nope, that's just the luck of the sim unfortunately
3. I'm getting over it, I was pretty unmotivated to do the PT's this week though.
4. I think I'll be moving up to the VHL, I am getting close to the 400 TPE
5. I have no idea yet, hopefully will be figuring that out soon. Maybe focus more on defense.
6. I have just been watching basketball, really don't want to think about hockey right now

1. I have had a blast, we are really good and should win the cup.
2. I didn't have the regular season I wanted, but I'm stepping it up in the finals which is what matters.
3. Yeah I've won a few championships in the past, most recently in BHB last season, which was pretty cool. This one is sweet as well.
4. I usually just do a bunch of cocaine, that keeps me sharp.
5. I'm not a very superstitious guy, so no. Just working hard and showing up every day.
6. Thomas the Train, of course. Seems like a perfect fit.

Well the season is coming to an end and it is time to reflect a bit on the way Obi Adesanya has performed so far this season. I haven't been overly excited with his production, but we have been one of the best teams, if not the best team, in the league this season. He has been playing on the second line for most of the season, seeing decent minutes and getting up a lot of shots, averaging 4.5 shots per game. He has 31 goals and 25 assists on the year, seeing a lot of recent production and helping the Express to a solid end to the season. Obi has stayed out of the penalty box for the most part, with only 40 penalty minutes to go along with 102 hits and 13 blocked shots. His defense has really been a difference maker for Cologne, who have one of the best GAA's in the league.

1. I love the move. It's exactly what we needed. I think we have potential to win this thing and really needed another D-man to do it.
2. I think we will. Every team goes through rough patches and I think we hit ours a little bit. We will get it together.
3. It is very important, it's an aspect that not a lot of other teams have going for them.
4. I am modeling off of Alex DeBrincat with a little more defense. A high scoring build.
5. Blackhawks, although the last few seasons have been rough they really tore it up 8-10 years ago.
6. I played sports during my spring breaks so probably South Carolina?

VHLE power rankings:
1. Cologne Express
I'm probably a little bit biased here because I play for Cologne, but we have really surprised the league after losing some people early on in the season and not really knowing if we wanted to compete or not. I am glad we stuck to it because now we have the best record in the league.
 
2. Rome Gladiators
I believe the two best teams in the league should be in the top 2 spots. Rome has played well all season long and is well within striking distance of Cologne.
 
3. Bratislava Watchmen
There is a cluster in the middle of the standings, but I think the Watchmen have the talent to separate down the stretch.
 
4. Stockholm Vikings
Only a +8 goal differential, Stockholm could find themselves dropping with a rough week.
 
5. Geneva Rush
They have run into some bad luck but still have the potential to improve.
 
6. Istanbul Red Wolves
Although ahead of Geneva in the standings, they have a -18 goal differential and are a very streaky team.
 
7. Vasteras Iron Eagles
Not much hope for Vasteras this season.
 
8. Oslo Storm
These guys were bad back in S50 too, the last time I was in this league. Some things never change.

Before I get into it, here's a little bit of my thought process behind my VHL Dream Team. I really wanted to pick a team of current players who I thought would be a dream to play with when I graduate to the VHL. It might be another season or two before I am up there and some of these guys might be gone, but as of now, here is who I'd love to share the ice with.
 
Center:
Taro Tsujimoto - Seattle Bears
This guy is a scoring machine. He is second in the league in points scored with 89, and is having the best season of his career so far. The move from Davos to Seattle has really paid off and it would be an honor to be on the wing with this guy manning the face-off dot.
 
Left Wing:
Jerome Reinhart - Vancouver Wolves
I drafted this guy with the first pick in my VHL Fantasy Draft, and it has been awesome watching him tear it up all season long. He is the staple of the offense and our main scorer while Taro wins face-offs and distributes out the assists. Jerome can do it all, but would be mainly relied on for his scoring. Although he has more assists than goals this season, his 99 scoring should be taken advantage of much more than it is currently.
 
Right Wing:
Obi Adesanya - Riga Reign
While I am not a VHL player as of yet, I couldn't not be a part of my own dream team. I am a nature Left Wing, but would switch over to the right side so Reinhart would be able to excel at his natural position. I would love to share a line with these other guys and help dominate the rest of the league. Once my scoring and defensive attributes are maxed out, I will be able to contribute in those areas and take some of the burden off Tsujimoto and Reinhart. These are also two guys of whom I will be building my player up to be, as I love the builds of both Jerome and Taro.
 
Left Defense:
Robin Galante Nilsson - Vancouver Wolves
The second Vancouver player on this dream team, I think Robin's knowledge of the game will be key to this team having success. He knows how to work with Jerome as well. We have to have a leader on defense who can keep the puck moving, and Nilsson will do just that.
 
Right Defense:
Battre Sandstrom - Riga Reign
I am getting a chubby just thinking about this defensive pairing. Sandstrom can bring the pain, racking up over 1000 hits in his career to go along with 384 assists playing for a Riga squad who is glued together with the sand man. Battre stands 6'8 and will protect the forwards when some asshole inevitably tries to take out our knees. I'd like to see someone try to mess with him, it would not end well.
 
Goaltender:
Tater Tot: - Warsaw Predators
Man, can this guy save some pucks. He hasn't had the luxury of playing on a good team, but he should have a lot more relaxation time with these guys playing in front of him. Tot has had a lot of experience saving a ton of shots and deserves to be given a break. He has a 4.02 GGA for his career, which would drop severely if he were to play with these studs for a season.

1. I think we can. We are only getting better and should be able to ride this hot streak into the playoffs.
2. We should keep doing exactly what we've been doing because it is working. Maybe add another solid D-man for the stretch run?
3. It's been great, I really didn't expect to have this much success as a team this year. It has kept my interest in the league for sure.
4. I think the hardest shot is the best event. Really just a measure of brute strength. Everyone should want to win the hardest shot.
5. I would put more time into balancing the league. There is a VHL team who only has 3 wins so far this season. They are like almost 50 games into the season. That's ridiculous
6. It's a tie between hockey and football. I do think hockey is more enjoyable to watch live, especially minor league hockey. Nothing beats $12 seats and cheap beer.

1. I thought I would have more goals by now but I am starting to look at builds and such and I know what to work on so it should improve.
2. He seems like he's going to be a monster, which would make it a great pick up.
3. I think we can. This team definitely has the talent to go all the way this year especially if the goaltending can hold up.
4. I would say probably Jerome Reinhart and Matty Fire. Those are the two names that come to my mind.
5. I think it would have to be Vasteras because I have no idea where it is and would like to find out.
6. Oh I am definitely going to Disney Land. Makes sense because the Super Bowl just ended and everyone was saying it.

1. I am very surprised at where we are at, in a good way! I thought we would start off slow after losing so many guys but we are right there at the top.
2. I think we could get some defensive help, but all around I love the look of our locker room.
3. What always works for me is called a slump buster. You know, like a really ugly chick who needs some D, just turn the lights off and go to town. Guaranteed goal the next game.
4. I haven't been hazed yet, but it might be coming. I really hope it's not sexual, although we aren't the Blackhawks so I should be fine.
5. That's pretty cool, I would add that Obi was part of the French Junior Leagues and gave the team its first ever berth in the European National Junior tournament.
6. I thought I'd be scoring more goals, but overall I think it's been as expected. I am not sure what else I can do to boost scoring, since its already at 94.

Reviewing: I think it takes a special person to succeed in sim leagues. Being a 29-year-old and a father, I don't have as much of the free time as I used to, but I know how to carve it out of my day in order to improve my player. A new person joining is less likely to take that time when they understand they have to take that time to improve their player. I don't know what the solution is, but your article brought up a lot of good points, but I think it boils down to the fact that a lot of people don't want to waste time doing this. Which can't be solved. 10/10

Twas the night before 82, and all through the E, not a GM was trading, not even Thad or Me! My second year at the reigns was about to begin, after a disappointing season where we thought we might win. But not all is lost, the wait isn't much longer, because some old friends are returning, and they'll make our team stronger. With Protagonist in goal, and Zeljko, Trenton, and Pistol Pete on the blue line, our returning defense looks mighty fine. Then up front we return MVP Kyo and Mats Zucarello, who are used to throwing pucks into the net while keeping calm and mellow.
 
I'd be remised of course to not mention the new, for we have prospects coming up, JohnnyX and Komaryk too! They spent a year in the M, honing their skill, and now we can test their power of will! Through trade we were able to bring in Simeoni, who will play this year, hopefully the hometown crowd can pronounce his name to cheer! Then of course there are the new players from season eighty-two, where Kovy, Obi, and Dusty find themselves in a place very new. One forward, one defense, and also one goalie, our team looks solid, and not very hole-y!
 
So this was our offseason, and as 82 draws near, we scream from the rooftops: COLOGNE, THIS IS OUR YEAR!

Credit to @atw2592for this idea.
 
Another season, another fantasy draft.  Always love doing these as it gives you more of a reason to follow some more players stat lines outside of your own VHL teams.  Here's who I grabbed this year:
 
1. D-Tui Sova: Had to go with my own player for my first pick since @ajwllmsndecided to steal him from me last season.  I'm hoping with LA only having 3 defenders to start the season Sova can see more ice time and produce a little more.  Also had a decent season last year but hope to break 100 pts this season, and I am pretty happy with where my build is at.
 
2. D-Aurelien Moreau:  Rounded out my D core with@Frankwho had a great season last year and his player is well into his prime.  Hoping for repeat success on a minimally changed Moscow roster.
 
3. F-Jerome Reinhart: Won my group last year with @MexicanCow123who once again dominated on the Meta Wolves and took home some hardware.  Expecting much of the same from Jerome again this season.
 
4. F-Reylynn Reinhart: Doubling up on Reinharts payed off last season, so I chose to do it again.  @WranglersSuckrecently acquired his own player from Davos and quickly hit the position switch from D to F.  A fresh start in a new position for a prime player seems almost like a guaranteed payoff.
 
5. F-Pistil Stamen: Homer pick here, but @DMaximus is in his final season as captain of the Stars.  Expecting big things again from Stamen who maxed regression fighters for one final all out kick at winning a cup.
 
6. G-Rara Rasputin: Most goalies were taken by the time I got to pick, so of course I homer'd again and went with @Victor.  Hope this doesn't jinx LA, but Rara is looking for redemption in his final season and with LA's blue line looking slightly more thin than last season, he should have lots of opportunity to prove himself.

So I did a fantasy draft this past week without any real knowledge of the VHL, and I have to say, it went pretty well from what people have been saying about it. I will break down the selections below:
1. Jerome Reinhart - A playoff star last season, he was there for my pick at number 5. I could have went defense, but I couldn't pass up the star scoring upside in Jerome.
2. Robin Galante Nilsson - I really wanted another D-man here, but he got taken at the 6-7 turn, so I went with who I thought was just as good. Turns out Nilsson was a very high upside pick and I'm glad to get him as my number 1 D-man.
3. Tui Sova - Another solid D-man, rounding out the two that I need for my lineup.
4. Artem Tretiak - He had solid stats last year so I rolled with it.
5. Justin Lose - Steal of the draft, my LR couldn't believe he was still available in the 5th round.
6. Phoenix Dawson - This one I had no idea with, saw a couple of others drafted him in other drafts so I went with it. Turns out I thought his name was actually Dawson Phoenix, and he's a free agent. Win some, lose some. Hopefully doesn't ruin my whole team.

Reviewing: I think it takes a special person to succeed in sim leagues. Being a 29-year-old and a father, I don't have as much of the free time as I used to, but I know how to carve it out of my day in order to improve my player. A new person joining is less likely to take that time when they understand they have to take that time to improve their player. I don't know what the solution is, but your article brought up a lot of good points, but I think it boils down to the fact that a lot of people don't want to waste time doing this. Which can't be solved. 10/10

Reviewing: I think it takes a special person to succeed in sim leagues. Being a 29-year-old and a father, I don't have as much of the free time as I used to, but I know how to carve it out of my day in order to improve my player. A new person joining is less likely to take that time when they understand they have to take that time to improve their player. I don't know what the solution is, but your article brought up a lot of good points, but I think it boils down to the fact that a lot of people don't want to waste time doing this. Which can't be solved. 10/10

Reviewing: This was a great article because I loved the team names you came up with. I don't know how close we are to an expansion, but I think the league should give these some thought. The Madrid Masters just rolls off the tongue. Classic name. Great reasoning as well because hockey really hasn't made it to this part of the world yet, so the newness factor would definitely sell tickets. Shanghai City Snipers is also badass. A Chinese team would be sick. 10/10

that's such an easy and smart .com idea

So I did a fantasy draft this past week without any real knowledge of the VHL, and I have to say, it went pretty well from what people have been saying about it. I will break down the selections below:
1. Jerome Reinhart - A playoff star last season, he was there for my pick at number 5. I could have went defense, but I couldn't pass up the star scoring upside in Jerome.
2. Robin Galante Nilsson - I really wanted another D-man here, but he got taken at the 6-7 turn, so I went with who I thought was just as good. Turns out Nilsson was a very high upside pick and I'm glad to get him as my number 1 D-man.
3. Tui Sova - Another solid D-man, rounding out the two that I need for my lineup.
4. Artem Tretiak - He had solid stats last year so I rolled with it.
5. Justin Lose - Steal of the draft, my LR couldn't believe he was still available in the 5th round.
6. Phoenix Dawson - This one I had no idea with, saw a couple of others drafted him in other drafts so I went with it. Turns out I thought his name was actually Dawson Phoenix, and he's a free agent. Win some, lose some. Hopefully doesn't ruin my whole team.

Reviewing: Oh here we go, another Florida Man article. Although to my extreme surprise, this was an actual VHL article about a player named Florida Man. Didn't expect that one. He was drafted 42nd overall to Stockholm, which makes me think that this was a huge steal because of how well written this article was. Of course, he was the all around stats leader for Stockholm last year, which is something I did not know. You better find that cup, Florida Man! 9.9/10

Reviewing: Holy hell, what a piece of writing! I put myself in Sakamoto's body while I was reading this and I really felt like I was there. Congrats on getting drafted as well, it really is a rush of emotion as I was drafted last year at the back end of the draft because I was a late joiner so I didn't really get the full experience. This helps make up for that though with this amazing piece of writing. 10/10 would give it an 11 if I could.

I thought I'd take this VHL.com medium to talk a little bit about the upcoming draft and the teams I am looking at possibly getting drafted by. While I have no idea exactly how it will shake out, I have a pretty decent idea of where I will be going. Let's dive in:
 
22 overall: Riga Reign
I've been getting some good vibes about Riga. I think this might be a little early for someone to take a chance on me, but I believe in myself, so I will be ambitious.
 
23 overall: Toronto Legion
I could really see Toronto taking me with this pick. We would be a solid fit and I could sit in the minors for a bit and develop.
 
28 overall: Chicago Phoenix
This is where I really think I'm going to end up, if the rest of the league is dumb enough to let me slide this far. Obi loves Chicago and he could be producer almost immediately. While I do think I have the talent to be drafted in the early 2nd round, this seems like the right spot if I were to bet on it. 

I thought I'd take this VHL.com medium to talk a little bit about the upcoming draft and the teams I am looking at possibly getting drafted by. While I have no idea exactly how it will shake out, I have a pretty decent idea of where I will be going. Let's dive in:
 
22 overall: Riga Reign
I've been getting some good vibes about Riga. I think this might be a little early for someone to take a chance on me, but I believe in myself, so I will be ambitious.
 
23 overall: Toronto Legion
I could really see Toronto taking me with this pick. We would be a solid fit and I could sit in the minors for a bit and develop.
 
28 overall: Chicago Phoenix
This is where I really think I'm going to end up, if the rest of the league is dumb enough to let me slide this far. Obi loves Chicago and he could be producer almost immediately. While I do think I have the talent to be drafted in the early 2nd round, this seems like the right spot if I were to bet on it.