Tate

Completely get you, man.  I get that there's context and I have no real clue what it is), and seems like anything can get flagged for AI.  Well, that's why I don't type anymore.  I also get that even if this slid through whatever seriousness or sarcasm, you (and me both) dislike having anything hanging over our heads or being looked over our shoulders... this is supposed to be fun and engaging.  I like earning just enough but I ain't typing reports or articles anymore, maybe that works for just me.
 
I will hit you up someway soon, I have before, because we've been through this before.  Until then, take care of the family and look after yourself.  Btw, your podcast back in the day was good.

So, when I got rejected for my scouting report, they were talking about banning me, and suggested I should plead my case with Fong. Life's too short, you know? I've got better things to do than go through that ordeal again. This hobby is supposed to be fun, and honestly, if I were to chat with Fong on Discord right now, he'd probably be pleasant. But here's the thing: I don't trust him to make a decision that won't mess up my life. I mean, let's focus on the word 'affect' here, because Fong is partly why I left in the first place. Sure, he's a nice guy, easy to talk to, smart, and funny. Those are all great qualities, but after our clash over his Mod Mentality, I just couldn't wrap my head around why the league kept him around. Maybe that sounds a bit dramatic, but if you go back and really digest what he said and then look at the impact he and his crew have had since the COC revision in Nov 2021, you might see where I'm coming from. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, right? To be fair, things did improve after I left (which is why I felt okay about coming back), but the thought of dealing with Fong's whims again? Nah, not for me. I'm not up for that.
 
So, after I got the rejection, I started writing a response to the league in the comments of my scouting report. But before I could finish, I noticed Fong had left a comment (the first one), and I wondered what it could be. I thought maybe the post had been locked for investigation, but nope, it was still open, and Fong's comment? Total sarcasm, taking a jab at me. For those curious, Fong would've known my PT was denied for AI. His comment praised my "originality," which is why I'm saying it was sarcastic. By the time he left that comment, my report was nearly a week old and buried under other posts. So, he specifically sought out my post just to drop that comment after finding out what happened. Fong isn't known for being active on the forum, so him leaving a comment like that was out of character, and it's pretty obvious he wasn't sincere. Given our history, context is key here. That comment told me everything I needed to know about how fair the process with him would be going forward. This is where the league falls short because, while Fong has his good points and is buddies with a lot of folks, he's just not suited for his role.
 
It's frustrating being told you didn't do something you know you did. So, while the updaters and all will insist AI wrote my report, I can't just accept that and move on. I was chatting with a friend in the league (who's equally awesome, by the way), and he pointed out parts of my report that seemed totally AI-generated, with the sentence structures and all. But the whole time, I'm thinking, "Nope, I wrote that paragraph." Sure, I use software at work to help with grammar and synonyms, but the words and ideas are mine. I was the one sitting there typing out those sentences, and I've been using that software for my whole time here, five years. After our chat, I started thinking, what if I hadn't retired and stuck around? I could stop using those tools when I create stuff, skip the spell check, but would that stop the paranoia when I submit? What if I get flagged again? What if it means dealing with someone like Fong? How much stress do I really need in my life? My scouting report came back as 97% AI-generated. That means I supposedly had almost nothing to do with it, aside from the title. When I read that, my mind was blown. I didn't know whether to laugh or what, but the person telling me was dead serious. And I should say, I respect both the people I dealt with on the updaters' side. The first person who flagged me (I know they've got nothing against me), and the second who denied me is a real asset to the league. But I don't want to rewrite something I put a lot of effort into. I had a blast writing my report and genuinely thought it was some of my best work. Next time I'm on a roll, is it gonna look like AI again? Will it test as AI? What if it's 98%?
 
To all the awesome folks here (including you), who've welcomed me and worked hard to make this place great - you all rock. If you ever wanna chat, hit me up on Discord or over at the SHL. I wish this league a bright and happy future, just don't forget to weed out the bad apples every now and then. Oh, and that nasty bush in the corner? It's killing the grass - get rid of it.

So, when I got rejected for my scouting report, they were talking about banning me, and suggested I should plead my case with Fong. Life's too short, you know? I've got better things to do than go through that ordeal again. This hobby is supposed to be fun, and honestly, if I were to chat with Fong on Discord right now, he'd probably be pleasant. But here's the thing: I don't trust him to make a decision that won't mess up my life. I mean, let's focus on the word 'affect' here, because Fong is partly why I left in the first place. Sure, he's a nice guy, easy to talk to, smart, and funny. Those are all great qualities, but after our clash over his Mod Mentality, I just couldn't wrap my head around why the league kept him around. Maybe that sounds a bit dramatic, but if you go back and really digest what he said and then look at the impact he and his crew have had since the COC revision in Nov 2021, you might see where I'm coming from. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, right? To be fair, things did improve after I left (which is why I felt okay about coming back), but the thought of dealing with Fong's whims again? Nah, not for me. I'm not up for that.
 
So, after I got the rejection, I started writing a response to the league in the comments of my scouting report. But before I could finish, I noticed Fong had left a comment (the first one), and I wondered what it could be. I thought maybe the post had been locked for investigation, but nope, it was still open, and Fong's comment? Total sarcasm, taking a jab at me. For those curious, Fong would've known my PT was denied for AI. His comment praised my "originality," which is why I'm saying it was sarcastic. By the time he left that comment, my report was nearly a week old and buried under other posts. So, he specifically sought out my post just to drop that comment after finding out what happened. Fong isn't known for being active on the forum, so him leaving a comment like that was out of character, and it's pretty obvious he wasn't sincere. Given our history, context is key here. That comment told me everything I needed to know about how fair the process with him would be going forward. This is where the league falls short because, while Fong has his good points and is buddies with a lot of folks, he's just not suited for his role.
 
It's frustrating being told you didn't do something you know you did. So, while the updaters and all will insist AI wrote my report, I can't just accept that and move on. I was chatting with a friend in the league (who's equally awesome, by the way), and he pointed out parts of my report that seemed totally AI-generated, with the sentence structures and all. But the whole time, I'm thinking, "Nope, I wrote that paragraph." Sure, I use software at work to help with grammar and synonyms, but the words and ideas are mine. I was the one sitting there typing out those sentences, and I've been using that software for my whole time here, five years. After our chat, I started thinking, what if I hadn't retired and stuck around? I could stop using those tools when I create stuff, skip the spell check, but would that stop the paranoia when I submit? What if I get flagged again? What if it means dealing with someone like Fong? How much stress do I really need in my life? My scouting report came back as 97% AI-generated. That means I supposedly had almost nothing to do with it, aside from the title. When I read that, my mind was blown. I didn't know whether to laugh or what, but the person telling me was dead serious. And I should say, I respect both the people I dealt with on the updaters' side. The first person who flagged me (I know they've got nothing against me), and the second who denied me is a real asset to the league. But I don't want to rewrite something I put a lot of effort into. I had a blast writing my report and genuinely thought it was some of my best work. Next time I'm on a roll, is it gonna look like AI again? Will it test as AI? What if it's 98%?
 
To all the awesome folks here (including you), who've welcomed me and worked hard to make this place great - you all rock. If you ever wanna chat, hit me up on Discord or over at the SHL. I wish this league a bright and happy future, just don't forget to weed out the bad apples every now and then. Oh, and that nasty bush in the corner? It's killing the grass - get rid of it.

So, when I got rejected for my scouting report, they were talking about banning me, and suggested I should plead my case with Fong. Life's too short, you know? I've got better things to do than go through that ordeal again. This hobby is supposed to be fun, and honestly, if I were to chat with Fong on Discord right now, he'd probably be pleasant. But here's the thing: I don't trust him to make a decision that won't mess up my life. I mean, let's focus on the word 'affect' here, because Fong is partly why I left in the first place. Sure, he's a nice guy, easy to talk to, smart, and funny. Those are all great qualities, but after our clash over his Mod Mentality, I just couldn't wrap my head around why the league kept him around. Maybe that sounds a bit dramatic, but if you go back and really digest what he said and then look at the impact he and his crew have had since the COC revision in Nov 2021, you might see where I'm coming from. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, right? To be fair, things did improve after I left (which is why I felt okay about coming back), but the thought of dealing with Fong's whims again? Nah, not for me. I'm not up for that.
 
So, after I got the rejection, I started writing a response to the league in the comments of my scouting report. But before I could finish, I noticed Fong had left a comment (the first one), and I wondered what it could be. I thought maybe the post had been locked for investigation, but nope, it was still open, and Fong's comment? Total sarcasm, taking a jab at me. For those curious, Fong would've known my PT was denied for AI. His comment praised my "originality," which is why I'm saying it was sarcastic. By the time he left that comment, my report was nearly a week old and buried under other posts. So, he specifically sought out my post just to drop that comment after finding out what happened. Fong isn't known for being active on the forum, so him leaving a comment like that was out of character, and it's pretty obvious he wasn't sincere. Given our history, context is key here. That comment told me everything I needed to know about how fair the process with him would be going forward. This is where the league falls short because, while Fong has his good points and is buddies with a lot of folks, he's just not suited for his role.
 
It's frustrating being told you didn't do something you know you did. So, while the updaters and all will insist AI wrote my report, I can't just accept that and move on. I was chatting with a friend in the league (who's equally awesome, by the way), and he pointed out parts of my report that seemed totally AI-generated, with the sentence structures and all. But the whole time, I'm thinking, "Nope, I wrote that paragraph." Sure, I use software at work to help with grammar and synonyms, but the words and ideas are mine. I was the one sitting there typing out those sentences, and I've been using that software for my whole time here, five years. After our chat, I started thinking, what if I hadn't retired and stuck around? I could stop using those tools when I create stuff, skip the spell check, but would that stop the paranoia when I submit? What if I get flagged again? What if it means dealing with someone like Fong? How much stress do I really need in my life? My scouting report came back as 97% AI-generated. That means I supposedly had almost nothing to do with it, aside from the title. When I read that, my mind was blown. I didn't know whether to laugh or what, but the person telling me was dead serious. And I should say, I respect both the people I dealt with on the updaters' side. The first person who flagged me (I know they've got nothing against me), and the second who denied me is a real asset to the league. But I don't want to rewrite something I put a lot of effort into. I had a blast writing my report and genuinely thought it was some of my best work. Next time I'm on a roll, is it gonna look like AI again? Will it test as AI? What if it's 98%?
 
To all the awesome folks here (including you), who've welcomed me and worked hard to make this place great - you all rock. If you ever wanna chat, hit me up on Discord or over at the SHL. I wish this league a bright and happy future, just don't forget to weed out the bad apples every now and then. Oh, and that nasty bush in the corner? It's killing the grass - get rid of it.

can someone run this through the AI checker

Name: Milo Fox
Age: 21
Nationality: Iceland
Position: D
 
The 21 year old prodigy hailing from Iceland, has swiftly emerged as a rising star in the world of professional hockey. Born amidst the frosty fjords, Milo's passion for hockey ignited at a young age when his natural talent and determination emerged the moment he stepped onto the ice. Since then, Milo's journey to and from the rink has been nothing short of remarkable, and his rise to extreme heights has been a pleasure to watch. Now that Milo has made the move to North America, it remains to be seen where he will land when it comes to both the VHLM and VHL draft. For now, his destination resides on the coast of Eastern Canada, Halifax. But Milo does not worry about the transition, he's used to the cold. 
 
Pros
 
Slapshot – Fox possesses a slapshot that strikes fear into opposing goalies. With explosive power, his shot blazes toward the net and can be both precise and unstoppable. Milo's slapshot is a weapon on the ice that leaves defenders trembling in their skates.
 
Decision Making – Fox's decision-making prowess on the ice is high, as he regularly displays a high IQ for the game. With the keen instincts of a seasoned veteran, he anticipates plays before they unfold, orchestrating plays with finesse. Whether it's choosing the perfect pass or seizing scoring opportunities, Milo's mind is consistently leading his team to victory.
 
Speed– Fox's powerful strides propel him effortlessly past skaters, leaving opponents in his wake. With his agility and explosive acceleration, Milo's speed makes him a force to be reckoned with.
 
Cons
 
Leadership – Fox's leadership skills are a work in progress. As he matures, fostering better communication and leading by example will enhance his effectiveness. By inspiring teammates and making decisive decisions under pressure, Milo can evolve into a formidable leader both on and off the ice.
 
Checking – Fox shows promise, yet refinement is needed. By mastering timing and positioning, he can deliver checks with a greater effect while minimizing any penalties he might take. Developing physical strength and honing his awareness will elevate his checking game, transforming him into a force on the ice.
 
Strength – Fox's journey to the highest level of competition faces a hurdle if his current lack of physical strength remains the same. Milo will need to dedicate himself to rigorous strength training and conditioning programs, so he can bridge the gap, and compete against the strongest opponents the VHL will have to offer.
 
 
(414 words)

They’ll probably reveal some of it, but listen, I spent more time on my scouting report than I did my bio because I had a vision for it. I spent probably two hours going over it and I was still editing it after I posted it. 
 
I was excited to be back. I want to believe the updaters are sincere because I like a lot of them, and I do trust their integrity. However, what can I do with 97%? I would have to galaxy brain my PTs to make sure I don’t do a good job. No thank you.
 
Also, Fong is straight up lying and is taking an opportunity to take a shot at me. First chance he had, he took it. That’s an angry person at their core. No ifs ands or buts about it. He can say what he wants to say, but I see who he is, and so have many who have left this league. Maybe one day the people upstairs will finally do something about it. 

And so here we are, my second week back, and things seem to be going quite well. I’m on Halifax because they had no defensemen when I recreated and so I thought, “Why the hell not?” I am pleased with how my player has been playing in that I seem to be racking up the assists, and I’d love to see that trend continue. I do want Milo to be an offensive contributor and I’m hoping I can achieve that consistently throughout his career.
 
I’ve been getting more into graphics lately and I have a debate in my mind on whether I should put work into another player card today. The reality is that I can spend about an hour trying to make a card for 6 TPE or just hit that welfare button and claim 5 TPE. Good lord, what shall I do? I’ve always been a TPE hungry player, but it is tempting to take the easy way out this week.
 
163 words

This is a way too early look at the S94 VHL Entry Draft.
 
This is the sort of draft that teams look for when it comes to planning their franchises. Looking at S92, it was very top-heavy, with some explosive forward talent, and a pretty wide range of defensive options. Vancouver started their new era here, and landed 4 pieces that should look to make up their star power for the next half a decade. S93 will be a lot tighter. There isn’t nearly as definitive of a top-10 group, and a lot of unknowns. This is a great draft to be stocking up for with some centers and defenders lined up already, as there is a wealth of winger talent here to choose from. With the S90 and S91 drafts bringing in a new wave of goaltenders, there has been slim pickings over the last few classes. S92 through S94 look to be tilted in the direction of the skaters, with S94 being highlighted by what could be a legendary class of defenders.

Forwards make up half of the top 10 positions right now in the S94 draft rankings, led by Maverick Goncalves, with players like Maple Dogwood, Pombo and Wally Lose projected to be in the mid to late first round. Later arrival Krupis has the potential to make a dent in the rankings down the stretch, but will have to push past some of the other wingers who have had a few more games to establish themselves. The Phantom of the VHL and Pierre Marc Bouchard are of particular interest so far here, both looking to be promising long time staple centermen. The faceoff element doesn’t usually make a huge difference in the draft rankings, but with so few options, does a team reach outside of the rankings to secure a positional need?  

This class will likely be remembered however for its defenders. Jillian Woods and Felecia Hardy man the blue line in San Diego for the next few weeks, and have put themselves for now in the #2 and #3 spot, trailing teammate Goncalves, who starts in the top position. Toby Cook, Milo Fox and Lazlo Holmes have all shown promise and could each be considered top 5 picks depending on who is making those selections. Expect lots of movement as teams with a defensive need will have to place themselves in the position to secure one of the top 5 names in the draft. And for those holding top 10 picks in the draft, knowing that you may be handed a player better than their ranking may suggest gives you a lot of flexibility to accept whatever the draft hands you.
 
We have not yet seen all who will register for the draft, and there are many here that will rise and fall in the rankings, but for now, it is looking like a draft that could be remembered for some time, and may be capable of shaping a new era in the VHL altogether.

I’ve just started to dabble and I’m desperate to learn more. I’m very interested in figuring out how some of you incredible artists do what you do!
 
 

Way too kind! lol but thank you and I look forward to more attempts. I like the idea of hockey cards for the site so I’m going to try and make them as often as I can.

At 50 years old, The Phantom is not the usual rookie in which the VHLM regularly sees enter their league. But at 50 years old, the Phantom has his mind set to be better than them all. 
 
       As a child, the Phantom was a circus act, not by his own choice. Touted as the “Devil Child”, his captors kept him in a small cage, allowing visitors to look at him and his deformed face in which he was hated. A face which earned not a mother’s love, but fear and hatred. 
       Luckily, after years of torment the Phantom escaped from his captivity, moving into the depths and cellars of a small hockey arena in France. It is here where he first crafted his mask and for the first time ever, was able to hide himself and his face from all the eyes which once laid upon him. The Phantom spent the vast majority of his life in the depths of the rink. He would watch as hundreds of fans sat themselves to watch the local hockey team. After years of watching, a young player began to feel the presence of the Phantom. This player's father had always told him about the Angel of Hockey, a spirit which could teach him everything he needed to know. He seeked out the Phantom and found him, following his teachings. He became one of the greatest players to ever play in that league and lead their team to many championships. 
       But tragedy struck, just months before the player had planned to move across the ocean to pursue hockey in the VHL he had suffered a terrible accident which had taken away his life and ripped away the soul and spirit of the team. At this same time, the fans and management discovered the Phantom and how he had been living in their arena for years. They felt certain he was at fault for the death and chased him out of the arena, casting him away, never to be seen again.
       In his absence, the Phantom hid. He hid from the world which he felt over and over again feared and hated him. In this time he had never forgotten his love of hockey but he suppressed it as it only caused even more hatred to the entire world. But he never forgot it, the final thing he was told before the player’s untimely passing was that he wanted him to always think of him before he moved away onto the VHL. And the Phantom did, he never forgot. 
       Five years after the tragedy, the team announced a ceremony unveiling a new statue and award to be named after the late teammate. Fans, former players, managers and many more packed the small rink. A beautiful ceremony was held which left no eyes dry. Right before the night came to a close, the lights went out. As they turned back on every person in the building noticed the same thing. In front of the impressive silver statue, a single rose was laid. A sign from the Phantom that he had never forgotten. He had always thought of him.
       From this point on the Phantom had a new dream, to honour the fallen player by completing his dream of competing in the VHL. The Phantom moved across the Ocean and settled himself in the arena of the Ottawa Lynx. He stayed there for several years, watching the games during the evenings and practicing for himself when nobody else was in the arena. Hockey was a sport the Phantom loved so much, a sport in which everyone wears a mask and nobody is able to see the players as they skate on by. 
       Eventually, people began to notice somebody high above them. A man in dark outfits wearing a mask which covered half of his face. People in Ottawa had heard of a story of a similar man years ago in France, but it was hard to believe it could be true. Quickly management tried to figure out what could possibly be going on in their arena. But this time the Phantom didn’t want to hide. He didn’t want to be hated and he was tired of how he had been treated for decades. This time, the Phantom was going to make his presence known. 
       A game was about to start when once again the lights flickered in the arena. Everyone looked around, confused as to what was going on when a few fans noticed something shimmering high above the ice. Two skates, followed by long legs and a body covered in black clothing. Descending from above the rink, the Phantom was slowly being lowered to the ice by cables. Everyone watched as he reached the ice and grabbed a stick from a nearby player. The Phantom quickly showcased his skills, skating around the multiple people as they tried to grab him to figure out what was going on. He evaded everyone, all while carrying a puck as he did laps of the ice. As quickly as he descended, he reached the cables and was carried back up into the rafters where he quickly disappeared. 
       Following this, the public’s perception of the Phantom shifted. Originally, he was thought to be evil and a myth. But now he was seen as a brilliant hockey player. The team's management were eventually able to reach him after numerous attempts and he was brought onto the team where he made his debut. 
 
The fans in France heard about this, finally realizing that the Phantom was not responsible for the player’s death, but was the Angel of Hockey he had always spoken of.



 

I’m just glad you’re back buddy!

So, I decided to come back and recreate for a number of reasons. I’ve debated whether or not to cover my thoughts on a podcast, but I am not sure yet when/if I’ll do one. I’m sure at some point it will happen, but I’ve gotten into trying to work on graphics, so this is a good way for me to practice and get better at it.
 
I saw the recent article Gustav wrote about how defense is not a high need and we’ve got a chance to fall in the draft. That is something I don’t mind as it’s always better to have intrigue heading into the draft rather than knowing already where everyone is going to land. I decided to go with defense on a whim and didn’t bother to scout the league on what position(s) were needed. I prefer the position overall and feel as though it will be a good fit for me, so time will tell if the league feels the same way. 😊

So, I decided to come back and recreate for a number of reasons. I’ve debated whether or not to cover my thoughts on a podcast, but I am not sure yet when/if I’ll do one. I’m sure at some point it will happen, but I’ve gotten into trying to work on graphics, so this is a good way for me to practice and get better at it.
 
I saw the recent article Gustav wrote about how defense is not a high need and we’ve got a chance to fall in the draft. That is something I don’t mind as it’s always better to have intrigue heading into the draft rather than knowing already where everyone is going to land. I decided to go with defense on a whim and didn’t bother to scout the league on what position(s) were needed. I prefer the position overall and feel as though it will be a good fit for me, so time will tell if the league feels the same way. 😊

Review time.
 
I had no idea you did graphics, so this is a pleasant surprise for me.  The layout of the card is pretty good, the black and white color choice is a cool idea since it matches the Wolves colors, the font choices are kinda ok, I like the font at the top.  Maybe two different fonts could have been used instead.  Not really liking the center part going across without a border.  The render kind of blends with the side borders, either darken the borders or add some contrast to the render, it looks too faint.
 
I'm gonna give this a solid 7.5/10

In a darkened pub in rural Iceland, an old and haggard man sits down alone. The bartender approaches him and as they make eye contact they exchange a head nod between them. (All spoken words in Icelandic) "What'll it be?" The bartender asks him.
 
"Anything heavy," the old man says, "I don't plan on eating today."
 
The bartender gives him an understanding nod before he turns and pours what appears to be black sludge like beer into a tall glass, "This will fill you up," the bartender tells him as he places the glass in front of the old man.
 
"Thank you," the old man says as he drinks long from the glass before he places it down and belches a deep and obnoxious burp. 
 
"Everything all right these days?" The bartender asks, doing his duty as the server and spending time with the only patron here. 
 
"All right?" The old man asks with a sarcastic tone, "Is life ever all right?"
 
"Sure it is," the bartender begins to say.
 
"Don't be so quick to say what is and what isn't, boy," the old man is not so much rude in his tone as he is cautionary, "Every confident man holds a foolish boy inside. This life is not meant for confidence, it's a sin you know?" The bartender remains silent as he listens to the man, and the old man takes it as a cue for him to continue, "I can tell you a story, one that will make your confidence disappear. It will take away and never give it back, but you wouldn't want that, would you?"
 
The bartender shakes his head, "No," and then smiles, "But I'm not sure such a story exists."
 
A slow smile creeps along the sides of the old man's face, "Well," he looks the bartender dead in the eye, "Let me oblige you if you are so sure."
 

 
 
"My story is of another confident and foolish boy, Milo Fox, a young lad from Iceland, who at just 21 years old left his homeland to travel south. People 'round here call him a prodigy, and no doubt, he had natural talent for the game, you know? He played with offensive instincts that'll leave you breathless, and that was for a defenseman. But, he had his flaws too. Wasn't much of a leader, and he was as skinny as a twig. Could've use some beefing up, if you ask me, especially before he took on the great unknown. 
 
But Milo, he was always been fascinated by the lore of our land. You should know it, Iceland's got tales as old as time, stories of gods and monsters, all wrapped up in the icy winds that blow across our home. Milo, he ate that stuff up like candy. Spent all of his free time outside of hockey reading about old sagas and listening to the whispers of the northern lights. And that - that's where there's a darker side to Milo's story. When he was just a wee boy, barely old enough to lace up his skates, he had a close call. Nearly died, he did. Something to do with the ice, they say. No one knows the full story, but it left its mark on him, that's for sure. Ever since then, he's had this... connection to the cold, like it's a part of him. 
 
But despite his near death experience, Milo never lost his love for the game. He spent hours out on the frozen ponds, practicing his shots until his fingers were numb. And let me tell you, it paid off for him as the kid had a shot like a cannon, and he wasn't afraid to use it. But, like I said, Milo's had his weaknesses too. He was too much of a loner, always kept to himself. Didn't have much to say, unless you got him talking about hockey or the old tales of Iceland. Despite his flaws, though, Milo had potential. With a bit of guidance and some time in the weight room, he could've been a force to reckon with. And who knows, maybe one day he could have fulfilled his dream of playing in the VHL. But that never happened, he let his ego get the best of him - he thought he knew what was right, and he didn't want to listen, and look where it got him."
 

 
 
The bartender replaces the old man's now empty glass with a freshly poured black brew, "So, where did it get him?"
 
"What?" the old man asks as his glass eyes look back toward the bartender, "Where did it get who?"
 
"The kid from your story," the bartender says, "Milo."
 
"Oh," the old man looks down and away, "Here," he tells the bartender mildly, "Right here."
 
"What do you mean?" the bartender asks him.
 
The old man looks up at him again, and somberly tells him, "Because I'm Milo," the old man looks away again, "I'm Milo Fox."
 

 
 
The bartender replaces the old and frail Milo Fox's drink for a third time, and it is with this drink that Milo has begun to sway - but he finds the glass and he touches it once again to his cracked and course lips. "What if you could change the past?" the bartender suddenly asks him. 
 
"You can't," Milo practically spits out the words, "You can't change the past, that's why they call it the past," Milo is drunk, "It's gone, boy."
 
"I am as much of a boy as you are," the bartender says as he leans into toward Milo, "Now answer my question, what would you change?"
 
Milo turns his head abruptly to face the bartender, "Everything," he says with honesty, "I'd change everything."
 
"How could you be sure?" the bartender smiles, "I thought confidence was a sin."
 
Milo smiles before he finishes his third glass, "Good point."
 
"What if I told you that you could have a second chance?" the bartender places a fourth glass down.
 
"What's the catch," Milo goes to reach for the glass and as he does the bartender places his hand on Milo's forearm, stopping him.
 
"No catch, so long as you're sure you'd change everything."
 
They held eye contact for what felt like a minute before Milo finally says, "I'm sure."
 
"Finish that glass, and when you wake up tomorrow, you'll be twenty one years old again," the bartender tells him with such confidence that at first Milo believes him. 
 
Milo laughs out loud before he grabs the glass and downs in one long gulp. He smacks the glass down on the bar before he stands up from his seat, "Well my boy, this was a good chat," Milo is dizzy and nearly falls over.
 
"I told you already," the bartender begins to say, and as Milo starts to drift into sleep he can hear the bartender tell him, "I'm about as old as you."
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
(1152 words)

Name: Milo Fox
Age: 21
Nationality: Iceland
Position: D
 
The 21 year old prodigy hailing from Iceland, has swiftly emerged as a rising star in the world of professional hockey. Born amidst the frosty fjords, Milo's passion for hockey ignited at a young age when his natural talent and determination emerged the moment he stepped onto the ice. Since then, Milo's journey to and from the rink has been nothing short of remarkable, and his rise to extreme heights has been a pleasure to watch. Now that Milo has made the move to North America, it remains to be seen where he will land when it comes to both the VHLM and VHL draft. For now, his destination resides on the coast of Eastern Canada, Halifax. But Milo does not worry about the transition, he's used to the cold. 
 
Pros
 
Slapshot – Fox possesses a slapshot that strikes fear into opposing goalies. With explosive power, his shot blazes toward the net and can be both precise and unstoppable. Milo's slapshot is a weapon on the ice that leaves defenders trembling in their skates.
 
Decision Making – Fox's decision-making prowess on the ice is high, as he regularly displays a high IQ for the game. With the keen instincts of a seasoned veteran, he anticipates plays before they unfold, orchestrating plays with finesse. Whether it's choosing the perfect pass or seizing scoring opportunities, Milo's mind is consistently leading his team to victory.
 
Speed– Fox's powerful strides propel him effortlessly past skaters, leaving opponents in his wake. With his agility and explosive acceleration, Milo's speed makes him a force to be reckoned with.
 
Cons
 
Leadership – Fox's leadership skills are a work in progress. As he matures, fostering better communication and leading by example will enhance his effectiveness. By inspiring teammates and making decisive decisions under pressure, Milo can evolve into a formidable leader both on and off the ice.
 
Checking – Fox shows promise, yet refinement is needed. By mastering timing and positioning, he can deliver checks with a greater effect while minimizing any penalties he might take. Developing physical strength and honing his awareness will elevate his checking game, transforming him into a force on the ice.
 
Strength – Fox's journey to the highest level of competition faces a hurdle if his current lack of physical strength remains the same. Milo will need to dedicate himself to rigorous strength training and conditioning programs, so he can bridge the gap, and compete against the strongest opponents the VHL will have to offer.
 
 
(414 words)

So, I decided to come back and recreate for a number of reasons. I’ve debated whether or not to cover my thoughts on a podcast, but I am not sure yet when/if I’ll do one. I’m sure at some point it will happen, but I’ve gotten into trying to work on graphics, so this is a good way for me to practice and get better at it.
 
I saw the recent article Gustav wrote about how defense is not a high need and we’ve got a chance to fall in the draft. That is something I don’t mind as it’s always better to have intrigue heading into the draft rather than knowing already where everyone is going to land. I decided to go with defense on a whim and didn’t bother to scout the league on what position(s) were needed. I prefer the position overall and feel as though it will be a good fit for me, so time will tell if the league feels the same way. 😊

So, I decided to come back and recreate for a number of reasons. I’ve debated whether or not to cover my thoughts on a podcast, but I am not sure yet when/if I’ll do one. I’m sure at some point it will happen, but I’ve gotten into trying to work on graphics, so this is a good way for me to practice and get better at it.
 
I saw the recent article Gustav wrote about how defense is not a high need and we’ve got a chance to fall in the draft. That is something I don’t mind as it’s always better to have intrigue heading into the draft rather than knowing already where everyone is going to land. I decided to go with defense on a whim and didn’t bother to scout the league on what position(s) were needed. I prefer the position overall and feel as though it will be a good fit for me, so time will tell if the league feels the same way. 😊