Scurvy

Gold!!!

Another week has gone by and for this week’s Around the League in 500 words I’d like to talk about some VHL, VHLE, And VHLM Tough Guys and killers and maybe some other random stuff before I head off to Phoenix and enjoy some sun after endless freezing temps and non-stop rain of late. So Here weeeeee GOOOOOO! VHL TOUGH GUYS Make no mistake; I love checking my box scores and seeing my player has gotten into a fight. It adds a little spice to the box score, and I know some people could care less but I enjoy it. I think it adds to rivalries and wish there was more of it. In the VHL there are currently some bruisers, but I think the overall beast of the league is Prague’s John Jameson @Frank. JJ does just about everything a team could ask for, hits, fights, and scores. 4 straight seasons with over 40 goals and despite ageing he maintains a physical game and has dropped the mitts 5 times already this season, which leads the league. JJ also leads the league in hits with 148 and PIMS with 131 (in just 35 games). JJ could be on pace for a 300 hit and 260 PIM season. Other VHL Beasts: Fradin McGryer @Fradin99(RIG) – 4 fighting majors – 96 PIM – 108 hits Callum Gary Yannick Janser- @Daniel Janser- 3 fighting majors- 101 PIM- 121 hits. Phil Strasmore @PhilPhil- 101 PIM- 109 hits (1449 Career PIMS) Alfred Champagne @Anthique- 81 PIM – 141 hits (2 straight season with over 200 PM) Diego Machado @Dadam30- 4 fighting majors 48 PIM Mason Rice @Sawyer13- 4 fighting majors (2 wins) – 60 PIM – 101 hits. VHLE TOUGHS In the E I’d have to say the tough guy award must go to Stockholm’s behemoth defenseman, Guntis Gavilrovs @Girts. This towering player is not only over a point per game but he’s leading the league in hits (165) and PIMS (98). Guntis and Oslo’s forward, Logan Ninefinger has a huge rivalry going but have yet to drop the mitts. Every time they match up it’s an exciting sight to watch. Other VHLE tough guys Adi Dassler @BOOM- 3 fighting majors- 37 PIM- 77 hits Logan Ninefingers- 2 fighting majors- 50 PIM- 105 hits Jussi Jokinenegg @HearnNation67- 4 fighting majors (leads league) VHLM TOUGHS In the minor leagues I would have to give the tough guy tribute to San Diego Marlin’s big defenseman, Billy Joel @The goat of hockey. 605 and 235 pounds he is patrolling the blue line and crushing opposing players with 100 hits in 34 games. 62 minutes in the sin bin and has 2 fighting majors, tied for the league lead. Notable other toughs: Cody Toland @ctoland102- 65 PIM -106 hits WWumbo @Fire Tortorella. -62 PIM 101 hits Dustin Moore @Maxx. – 57 PIM 106 hits Well, there you have it. It will be interesting to see where these players end up at the end of the season and who will continue with an aggressive build. I would like to pose a question??? Do you think there should be a tough guy trophy of some kind in each league? What would it be called? Also, does anyone see the benefit of creating an enforcer in the league? Does it benefit a team in anyway? Or only hurt them? Have a good weekend. 550

Love dobermans. We currently have a 5 year old Doberman male and a female German Shepherd mutt. I've owned 4 dobermans and they are the best family dogs ever.

The Oslo Storm have had a very inconsistent start and while they have shown glimpses of brilliance, they have been unable to battle out of the bottom of the VHLE standings. While they were not picked to be a dominant as Cologne or Bratislava, they have been competitive against the best teams at times. A quick look at the perils that are keeping this club from being dominant. First, must be goal production. They work hard every night and often lose games by one goal which shows a few tweaks, and they could be sitting pretty but goal production is the second lowest in the league. Just 81 goals in 32 games are not going to get it done against such good talent. Next, would have to be team defense. The Storm have allowed 109 goals, the most in the league this is with two goalies that have been great for the club. So, what can the Storm do going forward into the second half of the season? Well, the team has talent for sure and with wins of Cologne, Bratislava, and Stockholm this season its simply a matter of finding the right momentum to keep the club consistent. There is only 5 points separating third place Stockholm from last place Oslo so if they can get hot, they will make a move into playoff contention, where anything can happen. #GOSTORM

That is SICK! nice work

Bad ass!!!!! Thanks

I tried to get through them last year and made it to book 6 before having to take a break. I enjoyed them but they are a slow burn for sure. Written at a time when slower longer series were popular I think. Still on my bucket list to finish. I finished the Malazan main series (10 books) last year and those are Tombs! A dense series but overall pretty good.

Well.....forgot to update. It seems the trade was nullified and Ninefingers remained in Olso. Still Gavilrovs better keep his head up in Stockholm because no matter where Ninefingers plays, he's hunting.

Perfect line!! and True! However, just keep your head up next game!!

1. I think so. Since my inception into the league, Moscow has always seemed to have a winning pedigree and looking at your roster, now and in the future, I feel y'all will be great for some time. 2. Not sure. There is some youth on d and in net but it seems to be working overall. 3. Humor never hurts. Maybe some rivalry stuff to add some spice 4. 6. I think 5. Winning is so much better than losing. I am not on your club but am currently in E and in second to last. I would rather win games and be competitive than win any kind of individual trophy. 6. Hmmmm. I think the most important change is whenever you play Vancouver next year, you pull all the defense and let Ninefingers score at will!! LOL. I am excited for the Wolves vs Moscow rivalry. Some great young talent coming and hopefully we can make these games nasty and fun. Thanks for letting me crash the PC this week.

Beauty graphic! What program do you use to make them? I'm looking to try and learn how

Were just trying to make our time in the E worth while

You got me for sure. goon!

Congrats

Another week and another installment of Around the League in 500 words (or so). No real plan to discuss anything in particular but wanted to cover some rookie of the year thoughts in the VHL, my recruit Rip Wheeler’s success and any other random stuff that gets me that delicious 6 TPE. ROOKIE OF THE YEAR TALK: This VHL season has a plethora of rookies that could compete for the coveted rookie of the year for S92. As I was going through the stats, teams, and accomplishments I find this to be a very stacked year of epic rookies. It’s always difficult to choose just what deserves the rookie of the year; is it points? Hits? Overall Defense? Intangibles? It’s just too hard to choose really but let’s try. GRIMGOR IRONHIDE-LW HELSINKI TITANS @FrostBeard The 7th overall selection in the S91 draft, Ironhide is the current leader in points for a rookie skater. 9g 13a- 22 points, Ironhide is grinding in the toughest division in the league. Ironhide hits, scores and grinds for his club and has scored heavy in every league he has played in while covering defensively as well. The guy just knows how to win. A founders cup and multiple trophies already line his trophy case so rookie of the year is not a far flung conclusion. WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW- G NEW YORK @rory The New York Americans are a team I constantly root for, but they always seem to fall short of expectations. However, I am really excited for the future with their roster. Not to be dismissed in the rookie of the year category is goalie, WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW (however many). It’s always tough to rate a rookie goalie since they usually don’t get the starts or games that most skaters get but WWWWWWWWWWWWWW can’t be overlooked by his work capacity. He's played 21 games and is 11-7-3 and has been ABSOLUTE BEAST in net with a 1.98 GAA, 2 shutouts and a .935 GAA. He’s certainly not been intimidated this season and If he keeps up his pace, he will no doubt be in consideration. LEIF REINGAARD- D MOSCOW MENACE @Zetterberg Drafted 3rd overall in S91, LR continues to show why he could be the perfect defensive build. Almost a point per game and defensive game that stuffs opposing players. Tough to show how amazing that good defenders are to the success of the club simply by looking at offensive stats but LR has and will be a pivotal key to Moscow’s success for years to come and a true challenger for Rookie of the Year honors. THOR REINGAARD- RW WARSAW @N0HBDY Warsaw has struggled the past few season but a player like the # 2 pick in last year draft, Thor Reingaard can easily turn that fortune around, Big and strong he has tallied 8 g 8a for 16pts in 20 games. Considering the strength of schedule and roster, Thor Reingaard should be in consideration for the ROTY trophy. NOTE: We are only 20 games into the season and this list could change dramatically in the next 20 or so games. More to follow…. RIP WHEELER Its not often that I am completely impressed with my recruit and current Calgary forward, Rip Wheeler @ScottyP. BUT……I have to say I am presently surprised by Rip’s season thus far. 9 g 18 a for 27pts in 21 games. If you don’t know, I work with Rip and I can constantly get on him about clicking welfare instead of taking two minutes to type something. However, this season he is in top 10 in scoring and is killing it. I hope he continues his success until my player Ninefingers makes it to the show to stop him………Violently

DAMN! That is FIRE

Oslo Tribune Interview with Logan Ninefingers #32 Reporter: “Good evening, Logan, were happy to have you with us. Were at the 20 game mark in the European season and Oslo is 8-10-2, in second to last. The Storm have shown glimpses of greatness. What does Oslo need to do to be more consistent?” Logan: “We have had some trouble putting the puck in the net on a consistent basis. Were the lowest scoring club and that falls on me too. We’re working out the kinks and I think the next 20 games you will see a more potent offense.” Reporter: “Often times rivalries get overlooked in the competitive VHLE. Who would you say your biggest team and player rivals are?” Logan: “That’s easy. Cologne and Stockholm for sure.” Each game with Cologne is intense and there is tension just under the surface. Their rink is nasty to play in and there are very good. I really look forward to playing them.” Biggest player rival, well, that has to be my nemesis, Guntis Gavilrovs @Girts. He is a monster sized dman who is difficult to play against on both ends of the ice. We battled hard in the minors against each other, and that hate has just spilled over to the E now. We’re both big, strong, mean, and want to win so each game is a war. Next year we will be on the same team but for now, we battle. Reporter: “Well Logan, we appreciate the time and we wish you and Oslo the very best for the rest of the season.” Logan: “Thank you. And if you run into Guntis, let him know I am coming”

Wow! Great article and impressive feat. Congrats

Your a beast !!

Crashing PC - 1. Im in Oslo and we're about .500 right now. Lots of in actives but were hanging in there. I am hoping Ninefingers can pick up the offense soon and we can win some games. 2. I think London is in the toughest conference and there are some legit defenses in the EU. But looking at your roster I expect the goals to flow soon. 3. Only 14 goals against is huge testament to team defense and Teno is an absolute stud. 4. Hmm....I think so. Simply because London is too talented offensively to stay in this slump. I expect some huge goal increases in the next 5-10 games so I vote yes he will. Predict 7 assists. 5. 4 a game is my prediction. With Kerr, Triller, and Molly the Cat getting hot there is no doubt the goals will increase. 6. Yes, Hall of famer goalie with a good amount of team defense in front of him. No doubt he will be under 2. Best of luck

MVP - And next weeks topic!

Another week has gone by and I am happy to say the start of the S92 season is here! Whether you’re in the VHL, E, or just starting in the VHLM it is without a doubt the best feeling when the scores come in after the off-season. It also makes it easier to chat about the happenings and stuff going on Around the League. Today I wanted to talk and compare the two top teams in both divisions. North American League (VHL). The season has started off hot and the LA Stars have topped the North American league with a record of 7-1. This team looks like it has the tools to go deep into the post season with studs like Todd Cooke @KRZY who the Stars got with the 27th overall pick in S84. Talk about a steal! Also up front, are Larry Abass Jr @RileyL(13 pts), veteran Napoleon Dynamite @thadthrasher (9 pts), Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101, and Adam Rage (6 pts). On defense the Stars are going with only 3 which could be their greatest weakness, but maybe not. Leading the blue-line is Jens Lekman @Bobcat who is 3rd on the team in scoring. A proven two-way defender he can lead the power play, block shots, and crush opposing players. Also on the backed is Elias Lampi @Pifferfish. EL can put up big numbers too (24 goals in S89) and QB the power play with ease. He likes to shoot the puck and when he gets hot, look out. Rounding out their back end is Eric Queefson @twists. Last season, on a struggling Moscow team EQ was a ray of sunshine. He put up 14 goals and 130 hits. Look for those numbers to increase on this talented LA roster. Now, the LA Stars biggest advantage is their net-minder, Art Vandelay @Gustav . Now this Mr. Vandelay I simply not just a fictious character rolling in the mind of the great George Costanza but a true Hall of Fame caliber goalie who has spent his entire career with the Stars. Through the good times and bad he has stuck with his club and it has payed off. 7—1 this season, 1 shutout, and a 1.82 GAA he is the brick wall in LA and will only add to his LA career records of wins and shutouts. Prediction: 1st in division EUROPEAN CONFERENCE. Right now, three teams are all close to the top spot but after 9 games, the Helsinki Titans are holding it down with a 7-1-1 record. A quick look at this roster and they are deadly. Up front, they have team scoring leader, Daryl Dixon @Ricer13. The former 3rd overall pick of the Titans is almost a goal a game pace right now and can sizzle passes to teammates just as easy, having an amazing 63 assists last season. He shoots hard and often and plays with grit (320 hits in S89). Following Dixon on the front end is potential rookie of the year candidate, Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard. With a name like that you’d expect him to be raiding the coast of England in a wooden ship pillaging villages along the way to fortune and fame. He hasn’t done any raiding (I don't think) but he is averaging over a point per game with 5g 7a 12pts. Alongside other contributors, Owen Lazaro @traphag, Rick Grimes @tinafrombobsburgers, Jarko Laakkonen @Xdjk93, and Chip Stone @DoktorFunk the Titans are formidable. Highlighting the defense for the Titans I can easily start with the only Kardashian I can stand, Kronchy Kardashian @Garsh. Krochy is an absolute gem on defense. Grit, speed, and skills Kronchy can punish teams anywhere on the rink. 13 points so far in 8 games this former 7thoverall pick amassed 31 goals last season so if he gets hot, look out. Next to him former Vancouver stud, Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito. Always in the running for off season trophies he is the consummate professional defenseman. Deadly offensively while never compromising defense he does what it takes to win and an excellent locker room presence. Finishing up with defense is third year phenom Yaboi Oven @Doomsday. A steady giant of a defensemen I see similarities to former Davos great, Jake Thunder. Almost a point per game I look for this to be his breakout season. Helsinki has another goalie that has stayed with the club his entire career so far in Fuukka Rask @Jubis. Drafted 14th overall in S87 he has been steady his whole career, even during the dark times. 7-1-1 this season is a 2.29 GAA he shows that even when his formidable defense makes a mistake, he is more likely than not to stop it. Prediction: 2nd overall in EU Have a great week everyone

A quick look inside the Oslo Storm who are currently in third place in the VHLE, sitting behind Cologne and Bratislava. On paper the Storm don’t quite have the thoroughbreds of the above listed, but they come out hot with a mix of team defense and amazing goaltending. Currently leading the team in scoring is their rookie right winger, Logan NInefingers with 4 goals 5 assists 9pts. Defenseman kodie Curran @Battlepopcornis next with 3 goals 4 assists for 7 points. Defensively they have had to be great by blocking shots and giving the goalie a chance at making saves. Defensman, Vladimir Koslov and Jean Marc Lemieux have a amazing 66 blocked shots between them in 8 games. In net, David Slezak @ShawnGladehas been rock solid despite already having faced 361 shots in 8 games. He has 1 shutout and gives up less than 3 goals a game. Looking forward the Storm need to find a way to score to stay competitive. Despite being in 3rdplace they have only scored 18 goals which is worst in the league. If the storm can continue their hot defense and goalie and get hot offensively, they have a real chance at making a shot to contend.

Can I request one? Player: Logan Ninefingers Render: Stu Grimson Team : Oslo Storm

Just book 1. It’s on my list to get to.