Kairi

1: With the season starting this week, how do you see the Reapers shaping up against the rest of the league? I think we're looking pretty solid. Of course there are some holes like an open slot for another defenseman and goalie, giving us a little disadvantage in terms of depth, but it looks like the team's going to perform well. Only time will tell though. 2: Do you have a team you wish to play for in the VHLE/VHL in the future? If so what team and why? A little biased, but I'd like to play for Geneva and Prague in the VHLE and VHL respectively since they drafted me. 3: Which team has the best logo in the VHLM and why is it the Reapers? It's a tie between the Reapers and Marauders. The way they get their point across through being rather simple but having enough intricacies to make them intriguing is what makes them the best. 5: Do you like the new addition of being able to review games as a supplemental point task? Yes or No? I think it's pretty cool. Especially since it gives more opportunity to make narratives between players and teams. 6: How do you think your player will do in the first couple of games for the Reapers? Do you have any goals you wish to reach in the first few games? I'd like to hit the floor running. Some points and a good showing on the defensive end is what I'm hopeful for. 7: What is your favorite NHL team and how did they come to be your favorite? The Ducks. I grew up in Japan so I didn't really have a way of watching hockey often, but my dad lived in the States and had a gorgeous Paul Kariya jersey he'd bring out from time to time.

With the VHL drafts for S82 finished, Bobby Rockwell finds himself in new territory as he gets drafted in all three leagues. While he most likely won’t be playing for the Prague Phantoms in the VHL just yet, there are rumours around his potential home in either the VHLE or VHLM. In the VHLE draft, Rockwell was selected 39th overall by the Geneva Rush, being reunited with former teammates defenseman Nagy AL from his time in Halifax and ex-Las Vegas Aces goaltender Thomas Price. Seeing as the Rush only have five defensemen on their roster currently, there is a chance Bobby Rockwell could sneak into that final spot. It’ll be a new level of competition for him, but he’s shown he can play in new environments with last season’s rookie campaign in the VHLM going well with Halifax and Vegas. On the other hand, Rockwell was also drafted by the Philadelphia Reapers 9th overall. This was a team he faced off against regularly last season and did push him and the Las Vegas Aces to a six-game series in the Founder’s Cup semi-finals where the Aces eventually came out on top. In Philadelphia, there are plenty of familiar faces. Curtis Crumb was a member of the Halifax 21st last season when Rockwell was on the team, both Budnik McDangle and Orr were teammates with Rockwell in Vegas, and Siyan Yasilievich played on the Yukon Steel with him during the Junior Showcase Tournament. His performance last season in the VHLM was solid and if he were to remain in the league for another season, there is no doubt he will have an exceptional season ahead. Only time will tell where Bobby Rockwell will end up, but wherever he goes, it’ll be an exciting season. 293 words

1. From 1 to 10! How did you find this year's draft? Well, I was drafted so I'd give it a 10! Of course, having the first overall pick helps a lot too! 2. Do you agree with the position you were drafted to? If so, why? I'd say being drafted in the fifth round is right around where I was expecting. Everyone in the round was in the same ballpark in terms of TPE and I didn't have the greatest season in the VHLM so it makes a lot of sense. 3. Are you happy that you were selected by our team? Feels fantastic! There are a few familiar faces on the team and a lot of potential in each player! 4. If you had an improvement to make in relation to the VHLE draft! What would you do? I haven't been around long enough to have changes in mind. 5. What is your goal as a player for Geneva Rush? The goal is to grow into a dependable defenseman teams can rely on. It might take a season or two, but I'll get there! 6. Following the official retirement of Willie O'Ree! Who is your favorite NHL player? In terms of past players, it's Paul Kariya. Among active players, I'm a fan of Kris Letang, though Makar and McDavid are probably two of the most entertaining players to watch.

It was an honor to be a part of such a great team! Everyone performed amazingly and I couldn't have asked for a better place to call home!

Claiming for Jan 30th

With the VHL and its affiliated leagues have concluded for this season, we got to watch teams and players grow. While some grew to unexpected highs, others faltered and got left behind. One of those players that rose to the top was a fresh face in the VHLM not too long ago. We got to speak with Irish defenseman Bobby Rockwell at the beginning of the season and after a taxing 72 games, he’s shown he has what it takes to play. There were a few offers for him when he stepped onto North American soil for the first time. San Diego, Houston, Saskatoon, and the team he ended up going to, the Halifax 21st, were interested in his services. He took some time to make his decision, but before long, he was dressed in the blue and white. Hailing from across the pond, Rockwell took some time to get accustomed to the league and get his feet under him. The play was faster than he was used to and while he claimed he wasn’t too nervous back then, he admitted that it was mainly a façade. “Yeah. To be completely honest, I was terrified. I was sweating buckets and my stomach was in knots. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and while I knew my play on the ice would be the main thing keeping me here, I was horrified by the idea of falling to the wayside. I just wanted to play hockey, but my mind was fighting me.” Eventually though, it was clear that there were no worries whenever he stepped onto the ice. While the team did have its struggles, Bobby Rockwell kept pushing himself. He improved massively and it looked like he was getting more and more comfortable as the days went by. He started becoming a lot more productive on the defensive end and while his main focus wasn’t on the offensive side, he still put up a goal and two assists in 24 games. His position as the third line defenseman seemed to be secure and it was only a matter of time before he would be a certified marquee player in the VHLM. Though he wouldn’t be the star player of the team he had signed with at the beginning of the season. On December 6th 2021, Bobby Rockwell would be dished out to the Las Vegas Aces in a one for one trade and it would be another city he would have to get climatized to quickly. Luckly for him, he’s done this before and before long, he was out on the ice and comfortable in the black and green jerseys. While his defensive play was still strong, it was his ability to aid his teammates on the offensive end that seemed to improve when he arrived on the west coast. His eye for finding the open mark on the ice was crucial to his success on his new team since the Aces were already boasting a formidable defensive core. “Joining a new team was a little daunting at first, but we meshed well pretty quickly. The people in this organization are fantastic and opened up new doors for me as a player. I’ve never been much of a shooter, but being able to play quarterback on the opposing end of the ice wasn’t something I felt comfortable with until I swapped teams. In Halifax, it was all about getting my fundamentals down and becoming a defensive rock but here, I’m starting to branch out a little more. It’s been a really helpful experience.” Putting up six assists in 48 games doesn’t jump off the score sheets, but it was clear Bobby Rockwell was starting to find other ways to help the team out. The metamorphosis he was undergoing on his new team was a welcomed one and building on his play in Halifax with his 46 blocked shots and 92 hits, the Irishman joined his teammates to a ride into the post-season. The playoffs were something Rockwell was accustomed to, but it was an environment he was about to enter. Many players say the post-season is a whole different beast and for Rockwell, it was one he was ready to face. “Of course there’s pressure to perform at the top of your game once the playoffs start, but that’s the kind of environment I thrive in. It’s the perfect mix of fear and excitement.” Las Vegas dispatched their first series with a clean sweep against the Saskatoon Wild and snuck past the Philadelphia Reapers in a 4-2 series win but failed to beat the dominant Ottawa Lynx in a series that went six games. Through all of this, Bobby Rockwell found himself near the top of the statistic leaders among rookies in the playoffs, ranking first in plus-minus with a +21, second in hits averaging three hits a game, and fifth in shots blocked with 15 in 16 games. A lot of this had to do with the fact that the management in Las Vegas put faith in the Irishman and he was ultimately promoted to playing on the top paring as well as the penalty kill, boosting his ice time significantly. The production he had shown in the playoffs were head and shoulders above what he had done in the regular season, boasting eight assists in the 16 post-season games. The biggest downside of his game so far are the penalty minutes, which he averaged just over a penalty a game in the playoffs and 64 minutes in 48 games with Las Vegas during the regular season. Especially when he’s a member of the top group for penalty kills, the Aces had to find other pieces to put in for shorthanded situations and sometimes put them on the back foot. If he were to cut down on the time spent in the box and become more disciplined, his statistics will most certainly grow and future teams in the higher levels of the VHL would take interest. Overall though, Bobby Rockwell’s rookie season in the VHLM was a bright spot in the league and shows good potential going forward. His play on the defensive end is rather solid and his ability to aid teammates on the offensive end is starting to improve. Before long, the Irishman may become a force to be reckoned with in the coming years. With the upcoming drafts, we will be interested to see where he lands and where he will be spending next season. “There are a few teams I already have an eye out for and a handful who I’ve already spoken to before the draft. Everyone seems like a fantastic choice and I don’t think there’s a place I don’t mind going to. Of course, it would be nice to play in the VHLE next season, but I think that’s a decision teams will have to make, not me. No matter if I play for a team in the E or remain in the M, I know my play won’t change and I’ll continue to improve.” 1177 words (Claiming for Jan 23rd and 30th)

1. Las Vegas lost in the Founder's Cup Finals in a 4-2 series. What is your review on this playoff run? No matter how we did, I'm still proud that we made it to the finals and almost pushed Ottawa to a 7 game series! They've been the team to beat so pushing them as far as we did deserves a job well done. 2. How did your player perform during these playoffs? I'm surprised with the point production with 8 assists in 16 games, but I think he could have played a little better on the defensive end and helped squeak out an extra win somewhere along the line. 3. What are the next steps of your player's career? Moving up to VHLE? Returning to the VHLM? It would be nice to get a shot in the VHLE, but staying in the VHLM wouldn't be bad either. Watching this team grow would be an enjoyable experience! 4. How was your time in Vegas this season? I personally had a blast with y'all. I only came in halfway through the season, but it was a great run! Happy to have met everyone on this team! 5. Are you watching the NFL wildcard series? Do you have a team you're routing for? I'm just glad my Eagles made it to the playoffs after struggling last season! 6. Tell me something that's on your bucket list. Norway is a place I'd love to travel to one day.

1. BIG SWEEP! First round resulted in a sweep against Saskatoon. What has been our success so far through these playoffs? The biggest factor is probably scoring. Our forward lines have turned it up to 11 this post season. 2. How has your player been performing? There are some good aspects and some bad. He's made a few too many visits to the box, but I'm liking the defensive stats and the 4 assists are nice to see as well. 3. We're 2-2 against Philadelphia this series, what can we do to win and move onto the finals? Just gotta step up on the defensive end. We haven't been able to support our goalies and the high scoring games are getting a little tight. 4. If you could, which NHL player would you choose to be your player in the VHL? I would choose Alex Ovechkin, 99 scoring attribute for sure. A guy I enjoyed watching in his prime was Letang, so I'd bring him into the VHL and make him a two way threat. And also bring that gorgeous flow with him. 5. What is your favourite sport besides hockey? I love football (American football). Also do love soccer. I played a lot of sports in high school, so I like everything. I played baseball my whole life so that's probably my favourite sport to play, not to watch though. For watching, I love volleyball since it's always fast and the athleticism the players show is fantastic. 6. Out of these three meats, you have to choose one to never eat again for the rest of your life: Chicken, Steak, Pork. I love all of them, but if I had to give one up, it'll probably end up being pork since it's the one I eat least out of the three.

1. Happy New Years Aces!! How was your New Years, what did you do? Ended up spending most of the night monitoring a concert so it was a little hectic but fun nonetheless. 2. With playoffs around the corner, how do you think the team will perform? With this team, we can definitely take it all the way to the top! 3. In our first series against the Saskatoon Wild, how will we do? Sweep? Get Swept? etc. At most, we might drop one game but there's a solid chance we're gonna sweep them! 4. Do you have any goals set for your player for playoffs? If I can keep the opposing teams under 2 goals per game, I'll be happy. 5. With Mubble taking over as GM, what is one piece of advice you could give him? You'll be fine! Just keep an eye out for any suspicious people lurking in the GM's office. They're friendly until you turn your back to them! 6. Tell me your favourite animal! Hamsters/guinea pigs don't count, they're gross. Red pandas. There is nothing else.

1. First and foremost, welcome back from the Christmas break! Did you have a good Christmas? Christmas was great! Got time to relax and spend time with family and friends! 2. Alex TheGreat has had a tremendous season for us thus far, with only two players in the VHLM being within 20 points of his 114 points scored to date. How do you rate his award chances heading into the final stretch of the season? Alex is a legend and has to be a front runner for many awards. No matter if they win or lose them, they'll be MVP in my heart! 3. Thomas Price has also been one of the best goalies in the league this season, sitting second in the league in save percentage and GAA. How much confidence does it give you heading into a game knowing that we have a goalie like Price between the sticks? It definitely makes my life a lot easier knowing Price is in the net. As someone who's looking to prevent as many goals as possible, I know he's got my back every game! 4. We've recently had to release a couple of players for reasons beyond our control, but if you could name one VHLM player you would have loved to replace them, which would it have been? Nagy AL's a teammate I had during my tenure in Halifax and is a fantastic guy and an even better player! He contributes in both ends and is a fun guy to have in the locker room! 5. What is your VHL New Years resolution? VHL New Years resolution will be to continue making media spots for that delicious weekly TPE! Gotta make Bobby Rockwell the greatest defenseman in the league! 6. What is your real New Years resolution? I haven't really thought of one, but the first thing that comes to mind is to rest a lot more. I've been getting next to no hours of sleep this whole year and it's an issue that's been plaguing me for quite some time due to the amount of work I put on myself on a weekly basis. I'd like to get more than five hours of sleep every week in 2022.

Claiming week of Dec 26th.

1. If you got a Christmas present of getting an automatic upgrade of one of your VHL attributes to 99, which one would you want and why? I'd upgrade defense to 99 immediately. Gotta be as solid as possible on the blue line to bring home the win! 2. We're almost in the final quarter of the regular season now, what are your thoughts on how the Aces have done as a whole this season? The team is looking mighty! We beat Mississauga twice in a row now and they've been a nagging pain in our sides so I feel like we aren't going to be losing to anyone now! 3. What are your thoughts on your players performance this season? It's the first season for Bobby Rockwell and I didn't get off to a great start, I'm happy to have put up a handful of points! It's only looking up from here! 4. Name a player on the Aces who maybe doesn't get much attention on the forums but who you think does a lot of good work for the team, either in TPE earning or performance in the sim. I'm pretty new to the forums so I'm not really sure how active they are, but Girts is up to 146 TPE and averaging 10.4 TPE per week so that's pretty mad. The nearly point per game is also amazing! 5. If you were to make a player in the VHL with a Christmas-themed name, what would you call them? 'Hole'y Night (in reference to Silent Night) and they'd be a goalie. An absolute sieve in the net and would be better if you put a pylon in net. Unless that pylon is Dion Phaneuf in which case they'd be equal. Maybe if you put in Double Dion the net might be a little safer. 6. Since this press conference is (depending on when you do it), either the last one before Christmas or the first one after it: i) (If you're answering these before Christmas) - What are you hoping to get for Christmas? There's nothing I'm really wanting for Christmas tbh. Though I have finished my Christmas shopping pretty early since I wanted to get it over with asap so I guess my wish for Christmas was to get the shopping done quick and it came true.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Claiming week of Dec 19th.

1. Theme Week is upon us this week, which allows you to double a Media/GFX/Podcast if it fits the theme selected by the league Since I have already written a media spot that I will be claiming from for the next two weeks, it would be nice to be able to use it for double TPE. If it doesn't it would be nice to make the theme around Christmas. 2. The Christmas Charity Auction Drive is live this week, which of these do you think is the most interesting items up for auction? I'm probably most interested in getting a graphic done for myself since I'm rather new to the forum and don't really have anything that differentiates myself from others. That and the fact that I don't have any skill with Photoshop and other programs like that. 3. As for Vegas, we're currently tied on points for first place in our conference, which player do you think has been the MVP for the Aces this season? It's a tight race between Alex and Twist, but it's Patric Twist in my books. Putting up the second most points on the team and being a solid defenseman is a big plus to me. 4. Who would you say your favourite member or player outside of the Aces is and why? The recently traded Nagy AL is just such a character and I got the chance to play with him in Halifax. He got moved to Philly and while they aren't a powerhouse or anything, seeing him on the top defensive paring is nice. 5. What would you say is the best thing about being a member of the Las Vegas Aces? It's gotta be the shenanigans that go on in the locker room. I don't speak much in there, but it's fun to see what goes on every minute of the day in there. 6. They aren't doing this, but if the league were to offer you one of the Player Store items for free this Christmas, which one would you want? I would like another First Gen Doubles since I've got two weeks worth of capped TPE sitting in the waiting and I could definitely use another Doubles so I can gain some more TPE faster.

I'm existing

+10 Bobby Rockwell

Um... Am i allowed to ask where you get Clue Glue™ from?

Two young guns of the VHLM have been swapped, giving the Las Vegas Aces and the Halifax 21st a new look on the ice for the rest of the season. 24 games into the VHLM regular season, the Halifax 21st and the Las Vegas Aces have come to terms with a trade that swaps two bright young guns that can hopefully propel each team to the top of the standings. While the Aces will be receiving the physical defenseman of the future in Bobby Rockwell, Halifax will be getting a young, brooding centerman in john your door. From the outside, it looks like each team got what they were looking for in this trade. Let’s break it all down and see what this trade will mean for each team now, and in the future. First, the Las Vegas Aces will be acquiring the services of Irishman Bobby Rockwell, an undersized but physical defenseman who has looked good at times, but shaky in others. Rockwell prioritizes the defensive end far more than the offensive end and has made his game look rather one dimensional at times. With 24 games under his belt so far in his career, the Irishman has put up three points and a –12 while switching between second and third line minutes which, while doesn’t look too pretty on the scoresheet, does look a little nicer when considering the 4-19-1 record of his previous team. His 31 hits and 10 blocked shots is the cherry on top for an up-and-coming defenseman who is trying to make a name for himself in the VHLM as the physical sparkplug teams seek to raise their club to the next level. Seeing as Rockwell is still young, the main thing he will need to do is improve his ability to shut down opposing attackers more effectively. Losses resulting from tight games have been a staple of the Halifax 21st's recent games and the Las Vegas Aces are no stranger to them either. Though many of their games have been blow-outs one way or another, there have been a handful of games that have come down to the wire and Rockwell will need to step up and prove himself as the reliable defenseman who will keep opponents off the scoreboard. This was something the Irishman was tasked with during his stint in Halifax and while he was able to do them often, wasn’t able to produce enough to bring them more than 4 wins this season. Still, adding a young defenseman with high potential does look like it will help the Aces pull in those tougher matchups and keep games close when needed. "Before the trade even happened, my AGM Mubble had been doing research on VHLM players’ development habits throughout the season,” Las Vegas GM AJ explained in the press conference after the trade, “He let me know that Bobby has been improving well over the average player and thought would be a good add to the team if we could get him. Halifax’s GM had an interest in John and was looking for a trade, so I took this opportunity to grab Bobby.” “It’s an exciting time,” Rockwell said when he was met with media as he got off his flight from Halifax, “I loved Halifax and everyone there, but I think it’s a good thing I’ve been traded. They needed some more firepower in the offensive end and I wasn’t producing the offense they needed to win games. With this trade, they got what they were looking for and as much as I didn’t want to leave, the staff there do what they have to do.” The biggest question will be how the Aces will utilize Rockwell in their lineups going forward. The team’s defense depth has a good number of rookies who have already proven themselves worthy of a spot. Defensively, Rockwell has put up solid numbers with Halifax, but does not bring much to the table in terms of offense. This might hinder his minutes and may see him coming in and out of the lineup, skimming third line defensive paring minutes every few games. While Vegas doesn’t need an offensive defenseman with their current firepower on their forward lines, it will be a positive if Rockwell is able to help produce some points and may end up being what decides how many minutes he is given. Rockwell was used to playing night in and night out during his tenure in Halifax and it will be interesting to see how he fares with the new environment and the competitiveness it brings when it comes to ice time. “I don’t really know yet,” Rockwell replied when he was asked about his new role in Vegas, “It’s not really for me to say. The Aces are a strong team and there are a lot of solid defensemen in the lineup. I know that first-hand after facing off with them a handful of times already. What I do know though, is that I’m going to continue to work hard and do what I do best and that’s play solid defense. I’ve heard the coaching staff is great here and I think my development will be accelerated once I get used to the place. As long as I continue to improve, playing time will come.” On the other side of the trade are the Halifax 21st and the acquisition of forward john your door, the 6’8 center coming from the United Kingdom. Known by his teammates in Vegas as JYD, john your door is a well-rounded forward that has looked promising so far in the VHLM season. After 18 games played in the western conference, he has a solid 2 points and has been a great depth option on his previous team, often picking up fourth line minutes. Halifax’s recent run of many one goal games may be coming to an end with this new addition, seeing as this offensive-oriented centerman can be a sparkplug they were looking for to bolster their offensive end. While he has looked a little shaky in his start in the VHLM, there is no doubt he is a future star in the league. Regular spectators of the VHLM have seen flashes of brilliance in JYD’s playmaking and finishing ability and given more minutes, Halifax will find a dependable offensive threat in the young UK native. What the 21st will be looking for from JYD is immediate impact though. Since he is still relatively new to the league, fans have not seen his full potential just yet and the young forward will need to show his mettle as the missing link Halifax was looking for. Fans of the 21st will most likely be seeing JYD slotting into either the third or fourth line trio. Halifax has been in a tough rut lately and will be needing JYD to step up as fast as possible. Moreover, the trade will also make some room for the other depth forwards in the Las Vegas system to play more minutes and bring some consistency to their forward lines while Halifax will be looking to add another defenseman in Rockwell’s absence to slot into their third line defensive paring. Who they choose to add may decide which team has come out on top after this trade. Since two games have passed since this trade was announced, we can already see some early returns as well. For the Las Vegas Aces, they have come out 2-0 with a tight 4-3 win against Halifax and a dominant 6-2 win against the second place Mississauga Hounds. Against his old team, Bobby Rockwell logged just under 12 minutes and didn’t look as effective as Vegas fans were hoping, only putting up a single shot and a –1. In his second game, it was no different, laying the body once and other than that, a clean score sheet full of goose eggs. When asked about how it felt to play against his former team, Rockwell laughed. “You know, it was fun. Got to see familiar faces and I have a pretty good understanding of how they like to play. The game was a little tight, but that’s how it goes for them. I’m just glad we came through with the victory.” In the case of john your door, while the team still dealt with the narrow defeats fans were used to after a 4-3 loss against the Aces and a 3-2 loss against the Mexico City Kings, JYD found the back of the net for the first time this year in his second game as a member of the 21st. Finding himself as the third string centerman on the ice, it looks like he has found his footing rather quickly on his new team. There is no doubt 21st fans are enjoying the immediate returns the UK native is bringing. “Despite the losses, we’re very happy that John was able to get that monkey off his back early with the team,” Halifax assistant GM JardyB10 commented in their press conference after the game against the Kings, “He’s a talented player with lots of potential and we’re hoping there’s more to come for the rest of the season.” We tried to reach out to JYD for comment as well, but he fled the press conference early along with a bunch of his teammates, most likely to celebrate getting that “monkey of his back” as JardyB10 would put it. All in all, it looks like a good trade. While short term gains were bigger for the Halifax 21st, both parties have gotten what they were looking for and both john your door and Bobby Rockwell will most likely play a key role in their respective teams' future successes. Thank you's to @JardyB10 and @ajwllmsn for the comments! Wouldn't have been able to hit that 1.5k words without you! 1616 words Claiming for weeks ending on Dec 12th, 19th, and 26th

1. Another week ending with the Aces on top of the conference, do you think we can remain there until the end of the season? It'll definitely be tough, but we've got to do whatever it takes to protect that crown! 2. Our nearest rivals Houston made a big trade this week, bringing in Juha Jarvinen to provide an upgrade at the goalie position. How do you think they will fare after that trade? Houston is already a pretty scary team so the addition of Jarvinen is only going to make them stronger. Still, any team can be beaten and we can definitely exploit those gaps them when we go against them next. 3. We've had a number of very good wins this season, which was your favourite of them? Since I'm rather new to the team, I've only been a part of four games, but I got to say my favourite win so far with this team was against Halifax, of course. It feels great to beat the team you were a part of. 4. The next step after the VHLM for your player is the VHLE. If you have a VHLE team already, are you looking forward to the promotion to the VHLE? If you don't, what VHLE teams would you be most interested in joining? I'm not too knowledgable on the VHLE teams, but I think if I were to choose a team to join today, it would be Oslo. Of course, Istanbul is the top dog in the league, but joining a team closer to the bottom who is missing a few defensemen would be a good fit for me. It'll give me some playing time, experience, and I can see how much impact I can have in the league. 5. Which attribute would you say is the first one you want to max out and why? It's going to be defence. Bobby Rockwell is a defense-oriented player and that's the main goal. 6. We'll play our first game against the pre-season favorites Ottawa Lynx in the next few days, how do you think we'll get on in that game? Ottawa is a tough team, but I think we have the players to defeat them. Though honestly, I'd be happy with a tight game.

Claiming 2/2 on the week ending Dec 5th

1. As of this writing, we are 12 games into the season and our team is off to a much rougher than expected start! What are some things the team or management can do to right this ship? Pun intended, obviously. I don't think there's too much to do other than everyone updating and getting better as players. The make-up of the team is solid and most games we're losing are close 1 or 2 point games. It's just really minor things we have to do to get better and win more games. 2. As a team we're performing below expectations, but looking at your individual stats, how do you feel you're performing personally? It's a little give and take from my perspective. While the defensive stops are there seeing as I'm only putting up a -10 in a tough season, I hope to perform even better and help the team eek out those 1 point games and put the offensive end in a better position by keeping the opponents off the scoreboard. 3. For those of you who are new to the VHL, how has your experience been in the first week or two so far? For those of you aren't new to the league, what WERE your first impressions of the league back in the day? The first few weeks are pretty great. The locker room is busy and while I haven't popped in too much, it looks like the atmosphere is looking great. The bots and personnel are doing a great job keeping everyone updated too. 4. Describe the type of player you are, or are striving to become! I've stated it before but I'm primarily a physical defenceman looking to become even more intimidating and dominant in the defensive end. Hopefully, one that can become a cornerstone on a team to help keep the opponents at bay and let the offence work their magic. 5. Today I was (and probably still am) suffering from some kind of stomach flu/bug/food poisoning/maybe I'm dying. What are some things you like to do to make life a little easier on yourself on a sick day? Sick days are the worst! For me, I usually sleep it off or get a little exercise in since I feel like sweating helps. Also, I'd appreciate it if you didn't die. 6. Do you watch/follow hockey in real life, and if so, who are your favourite teams and why? If not, then what sports (if any) do you prefer instead? Ever since I started following hockey, I've been a Ducks fan. It's been a tough few years, but this year is looking up for us! Though I wouldn't be surprised if things start going downhill from here. As for how I became a fan of Anaheim, I only knew of hockey through my dad who lived in Anaheim for a while and had a signed Paul Kariya jersey so it was basically all I knew. I wasn't really into hockey since I grew up in Japan and the only time I saw hockey was around the rink back when I was a figure skater. When I came to Canada and started getting interested in hockey, I was immediately drawn to Anaheim, even though those gorgeous Mighty Ducks jerseys were gone and replaced with the bland black and purple ones.

New Faces is a section of the Sparkplugs Skaters hockey magazine that looks at the newest additions to the VHL and its affiliated leagues. On today’s New Faces article, we will be looking at Bobby Rockwell, the young sixteen-year-old recently added to the VHLM’s Halifax 21st. Coming from across the pond, Bobby Rockwell is a stout defenseman standing in at 5’11”. While some may look at him and think he is undersized but worry not. This gritty sixteen-year-old hails from Ireland and knows what it takes to make the opponent fear him. He may stand at 5’11” but he plays like someone who is 6’11”. Rockwell wasn’t there for the S81 entry draft, but members of the Halifax 21st management took notice of the defenseman and signed him up. And after two games in the league, it seems the Irishman is already finding what he needs to do to help the team, racking up four hits and becoming the physical presence in front of the net and along the boards. Rockwell might not light up the scoreboard this season, but it looks like he’ll be preventing the opponent from doing so throughout the season. After the game against the Miami Marauders where Halifax came out victorious 4-3, we got a chance to sit down with Bobby Rockwell, ask a few questions, and get to know the Irishman a little better. Interviewer: Thank you for sitting down with me! It’s been great to see you on the ice! The first question has got to be how the first few games have been. Were there any jitters? Sick to your stomach? Anything like that? Rockwell: Thanks for having me. Um. The first few games were... a little up and down. Of course, the first game comes around and it’s probably my first actual game where things are competitive, you know? Ireland doesn’t really have much of a hockey scene so it’s mainly just pick up games and whatnot. Here though, we’re playing for something more than just who’s going to buy dinner after the game. There’s a championship we’re here to compete and win in. So yeah, I was feeling a little nervous before the first game, but as soon as the game started, all of that went out the window. The second game was much of the same thing really. Once you get on the ice and start thinking about what you’re going to do, all of those nerves are gone. Interviewer: Any teammates give you advice on pre-game nerves or anything like that? Rockwell: Not really, no. To be honest, I don’t really know the others too well yet. I’ve got a chance to talk to Sean, Sean Logue, since we’re defensive partners and he holds up pretty well. I asked him about the nerves and he was pretty nonchalant about it. He’s also a new face on the team so I was expecting him to be like me, but he’s as cool as a cucumber. Or maybe he’s just hiding it really well, I don’t know. But other than him, not really. I think it’s just something that’ll fade away as the season goes on. Interviewer: Mhm. Every player reacts differently to the new environment. And since you touched on it earlier about coming from Ireland, how did you get into hockey in the first place? Like you said, there isn’t a big hockey scene back in Ireland. Rockwell: Well, I started playing sports in general when I was a kid playing cricket with a few friends, but that was mainly a summer sport. During winters, I was always bored out of my mind and eventually, I got pushed into playing hockey. There are some similarities between the two too, so that helped quite a bit. Of course, there’s no bowler or wickets or anything like that, but there’s a paddle that you swing and that’s enough for me. I played a bit of drop-in hockey during a winter and I got hooked on it. And it's got me to where I am now sitting in front of you doing this interview. Life’s great. Interviewer: Life’s great indeed. So, hockey isn’t really a traditional Irish sport, so how was it learning the game in Ireland, and do you think it’s helped you get to where you are now? Rockwell: Honestly, yeah. Since we don’t really have many people to look up to for help, I spent a lot of time just watching the top VHL pros and learning the game through that. Scoring wasn’t really my strong suit though, I learned that a while back, so I really just focused on how to become a solid defensive player. There aren’t too many highlight reels of amazing defensive plays unlike goals and dangles, so watching full games and seeing how the best defensemen work was a big focus. Putting what I learned into practice was a little hard, but strength was always something I looked to improve in since it looked like the most effective way to stop a player from scoring is to literally stop them in their tracks. Interviewer: Yeah, that really shows in your game. Four solid hits in your first two games really shows you put that into effect. And speaking of effect, what effect to you want on your teammates going forward into your first season in the VHLM? Rockwell: The main thing is to become someone everyone can rely on. I won’t be much help to the team on the offensive end to be honest, but I want to give the team the reassurance that there won’t be anything to worry about on the defensive end while I’m on the ice. Interviewer: Those are some big words from a young player. And let’s take a look into the future. Skip forward three years. Where do you want to be in your career in three years? Rockwell: Man, three years into the future. Let’s see. I’d say the main thing I want to see is progression as a player. I want to be seen as a solid defenseman any team would want to pick up and maybe even get a few looks from the VHLE teams. That might be pushing it a little, but the main thing is going to be to see myself as a top defenseman of the VHLM. Interviewer: Well, I hope you can become what you set out to be and I hope that this season goes well for you and Halifax. It was great talking to you, Bobby. Bobby Rockwell is a young man with the potential to become a great defenseman in the league. The kid has the heart and determination to become great and we here at New Faces will be looking forward to seeing what he can do in the future. The Halifax 21st will be playing the 2-0 Ottawa Lynx tomorrow on Pro Day 3. 1146 words, claiming for Nov 28th and Dec 5th

1. S81 of the VHLM should begin on Wednesday! As a player, what are your goals for the upcoming season? As a rookie in the league, the goal is to really find my feet and start helping the team as much as possible. Whether it be some solid defence or a big hit, I want to do anything I can to shoot this team up the standings. 2. All told, we made SEVEN selections in the S81 Dispersal Draft on Saturday. What are your thoughts on acquisitions the team made? If you were one of the draftees, how did it feel to be drafted to Halifax? While I don't know too many people in the locker room and there aren't many familiar faces since I was picked up not too long ago, the locker room vibes are good and I think the team is in a good position, both on and off the ice. On the ice, I think we're a force to be reckoned with and off the ice, we've got a family who can push through anything. 3. Answering Press Conference questions is a form of training! What will you dedicate the points you earned from this task to? It has got to be defence and hitting. The goal is to be the most menacing body on the ice and beat the opponent mentally and physically. 4. Our team has had the privilege of attracting a solid amount of brand new members to the team. If you're a more veteran member, what's a piece of advice you can offer to your new teammates? If you're new to the league, what's something that could be done that might make your entry into the league a smoother or more enjoyable experience? I'm just a newbie to the place so any sort of help is appreciated. The main thing is going to be how to accumulate TPE so I can get better each day. 5. As a real person, what are some of your favourite hobbies? I'm an art student studying photography so that's a hobby that's really become something more. Other than that, I play a decent amount of video games, read a fair amount, and follow as many sports as I can. I've had interest in radio broadcasting since I've been told I have a good radio voice, but haven't really gotten around to it. (If anyone wants to do a podcast or need a newbie guest, lmk ) 6. The VHL is home to a bunch of pretty cool custom logos. Which are your favourites? (You don't have to answer "Halifax" ) The best logos from each league are the Dragons, the Red Wolves, and the Kings. Overall though, I think the best looking one is the D.C. Dragons one.

I think we should talk!