Kairi

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.

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!

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)

S81 Las Vegas Aces Awards
 
Hello and welcome to the Las Vegas Aces team awards of S81. Myself and @MubbleFubbles would like to congratulate the amazing players on our team for a fun and successful season. Even though the team did not manage to win the Founder’s Cup, we would still like to acknowledge the talents of these players through our own made up awards. Without further adieu, we present to you the S81 Las Vegas Aces awards!
 
MVP
 
MVP is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ most valuable player throughout the regular season. This player destroyed the league in statistics, leading in points and assists among all VHLM players. This player was a main part of our success and Conference Championship. The winner of MVP is:
 
Alex TheGreat @Alex Thegreat
 
Playoffs MVP
 
Playoffs MVP is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ most valuable player throughout the playoffs. This player helped lead the charge and brought the team to a deep playoff run and Founder’s Cup appearance. This player was second in playoff goals among all VHLM players and was the league leader in game winning goals in the playoffs with 6 game winners. The winner of Playoffs MVP is:
 
Adeline Delle Donne @Dtayl
 
Top Forward
 
Top Forward is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ top forward throughout the regular season. This player has already been mentioned and won’t need a detailed description. Alex TheGreat destroyed the competition all season and was the only skater to reach over 100 points, he accomplished 138. The winner is:
 
Alex TheGreat @Alex Thegreat
 
Top Offensive Defenseman
 
Top Offensive Defenseman is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ top defenseman offensively throughout the regular season. This player was ranked among the top 5 in the league’s points by defenseman. There is no doubt that this defenseman was our biggest offensive threat on the blueline. The player is an S79 veteran, they have been with Vegas longer than anyone, even the management. The winner is:
 
Patric Twist @Patty
 
Top Defensive Defenseman
 
Top Defensive Defenseman is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ top defenseman defensively throughout the season. This player was among the top ranked on our team in hits and shot blocks. You could say he was Thomas Price’s best friend all season. This player was not with us the entire season, but made their mark in the games they played while earning a wild amount of TPE for a first line pairing spot. The winner is:
 
Bobby Rockwell @Kairi
 
Best Bottom 6 Forward 
 
Best Bottom 6 Forward is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ best forward while playing on the 3rd or 4th line. This player was a big part of our team all season, bringing talent to our weaker lines and eventually finding themself on our second line for all of their efforts. This player will be back again next season for us and I am excited to see them move up the depth chart to see some top line minutes. The winner is:
 
Ben Svenska @BenTheViking64
 
Best Bottom 4 Defenseman

 
Best Bottom 4 Defenseman is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ best defenseman while playing on the 3rd or 4th pairing. This player was drafted to our organization this season and was definitely an amazing addition. This player brought talent to our weaker lines while playing smaller amounts of ice time but still found success while doing it. This player put up a solid amount of points, shots blocked, and hits this season. This winner is:
 
Star @Da Trifecta
 
SHNIPEEEE
 
SHNIPEEEE is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ best goal scorer throughout the regular season. This player was the only one on the team with 10+ points this season to achieve more goals than assists, a true goal scorer. With 45 goals this season, the winner is:
 
Adeline Delle Donne @Dtayl
 
Have An Apple
 
Have An Apple is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ best playmaker throughout the regular season. This player led our team and the league in assists, almost reaching 100! With 92 assists this season, the winner is:
 
Alex TheGreat @Alex Thegreat
 
Brick Wall
 
Brick Wall is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ best goaltender throughout the regular season. This goalie was arguably the best goalie in the league with a 75% win percentage (42 wins in 56 games). This goalie was among the top 3 in wins, GAA, and SV% as well. The winner is:
 
Thomas Price @Thunderidge
 
Reinforcement
 
Reinforcement is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ best backup goaltender throughout the regular season. This player only saw 15 starts, but when they played they found success for our teams. With 8 wins on the season, the winner is:
 
Travis Clark @ClarkClanT
 
Get Wrecked
 
Get Wrecked is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ biggest hitter throughout the regular season. This player could throw the body around and make opponents uncomfortable. With 163 hits, the most on the team and an average of over 2 hits a game, the winner is:
 
CDS Leb @CDS_Leb 
 
Tough As Nails
 
Tough As Nails is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ biggest punching bag throughout the regular season. This player took the most hits this season and was a main reason our enforcers had a chance to fight. With 256 hits received, the winner is:
 
Alex TheGreat @Alex Thegreat
 
Advantage Specialist
 
Advantage Specialist is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ top performer on the power play throughout the regular season. This player found great success on the power play, leading the team in power play points. With 39 power play points, the winner is:
 
Alex TheGreat @Alex Thegreat
 
MAN DOWN 
 
MAN DOWN is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ best penalty killer throughout the regular season. This player saw the most time on our penalty kill and helped our goaltenders keep the puck out of the net while down a man. With 311 penalty kill minutes, the winner is:
 
Adeline Delle Donne @Dtayl
 
Clutch
 
Clutch is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ most clutch player throughout the regular season, scoring the most game winning goals. This player won us a lot of games for putting the puck in the net when we need them to. With 11 game winning goals, the winner is:
 
Girt Galvins @Girts
 
That’s Gonna Leave a Mark
 
That’s Gonna Leave a Mark is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ best shot blocker throughout the regular season. This player put their body in front of the puck for the team the most without a second thought. With 70 shots blocked, the winner is:
 
Patric Twist @Patty
 
Addition/Subtraction 
 
Addition/Subtraction is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ best plus/minus rated player throughout the regular season. This player was on the ice the most when we scored and the least when we were scored on. With a +74 rating, the winner is:
 
Patric Twist @Patty
 
Goon
 
Goon is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ highest penalty taker throughout the regular season. This player loved to be in the penalty box no matter what. With 86 penalty minutes, the winner is:
 
Bobby Rockwell @Kairi
 
Eat My Fist
 
Eat My Fist is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ best fighter throughout the regular season. Although these players did not win a fight, they tied one, so that is good I guess. With 1 tied fight each, the winners are:
 
Adeline Delle Donne @Dtayl and Budnik McDangle @Budnik
 
Me and The Goalie
 
Me and The Goalie is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ best penalty shot taker throughout the regular season. This player has a talent when put in a 1-on-1 situation with the goaltender. With 3 penalty shot goals, the winner is:
 
Julien Bernier @Julien_Bernier
 
We Want You
 
We Want You is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ best traded player throughout the regular season. This player came to our team as an average player, but quickly sprouted to be the best player on our team. The winner is:
 
Alex TheGreat @Alex Thegreat
 
Roll The Dice
 
Roll The Dice is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ best waiver signing throughout the regular season. This player took a chance on us this season, feeling as if we were the best spot for them. This player has earned the most TPE and had the most points on the team as a waiver signing this season. The winner is:
 
Doug Matchett @jacobaa19
 
Underdog
 
Underdog is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ most surprising success story this season. This player was not expected to be good, but blew everyone away with their talents. This player joined our team with 70 TPE and has reached the 200 TPE cap by the end of the season, leading the league in playoff goals as well. The winner is:
 
Girt Galvins @Girts
 
STEAL
 
STEAL is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ best draft pick in the most recent draft. This player was mentioned one award ahead of this, and for their efforts this season, they have deserved our biggest steal award. For their impressive earning and hard work this season as well, the “STEAL” award will be renamed to “The Girts Galvins” award for future seasons to come. The winner is:
 
Girts Galvins @Girts
 
ChatterBox 
 
ChatterBox is awarded to the player deemed to be Las Vegas’ biggest talker in our discord locker room. This player showed their presence the most while on discord, keeping our locker room alive and active. The winner is:
 
Thomas Price @Thunderidge
 
Who Are You
 
Who Are You is the most meaningless award dedicated to someone who is a random person in our locker room that talks a lot. This award is given to the person that constantly raided our locker room and drove me and Mubble insane this season while not even being on our team. The winner is:
 
@Shindigs
 
 
Congratulations to all of the award winners! This was an extremely fun season that myself and Mubble were so happy to be a part of. Good luck to all of the Vegas players who got drafted to the VHLE and VHL! For the players who will be with us in S82, be ready to work and have fun! 

Happy Graduation Day Las Vegas!!!
 
With the most recent S82 VHLE and S82 VHL drafts wrapping up, myself and @MubbleFubbles would like to congratulate the many members on Las Vegas for being drafted! Being drafted is the first stepping stone to your player's VHL career and it should definitely not go unacknowledged. We hope that our help throughout this season has guided you well, and that you are excited to move up whether it be this upcoming season or in the future to come!
 
 
 VHLE DRAFT 
 
 12th overall - Girts Galvins @Girts 
 33rd overall - Doug Matchett @jacobaa19 
 39th overall - Bobby Rockwell @Kairi 
 41st overall - Budnik McDangle @Budnik 
 42nd overall - Star @Da Trifecta 
43rd overall - Matt Rooster @hcrooster96 
 55th overall - Orr @Zyrok 
 
 
 VHL DRAFT 
 
 17th overall - Girts Galvins @Girts 
 34th overall - Star @Da Trifecta 
 35th overall - Bobby Rockwell @Kairi 
 36th overall - Doug Matchett @jacobaa19 
 39th overall - Matt Rooster @hcrooster96 
 42nd overall - Budnik McDangle @Budnik 
 53rd overall - Orr @Zyrok 
71st overall - Ben Svenska @BenTheViking64 
 72nd overall - Travis Clark @ClarkClanT  

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)

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. 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. 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. 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.
 

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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. 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.