Scurvy

My bad. Keep punching in NA conference !!! LOL

Season 89 is over the halfway mark now and so now would be a good time to check out the fight leaders at this point of the season. There seems to be an uptick of number of fights this season which I LOVE!!! Lets take a look. Dabnaw Shaw @Dabnad -Defense- (LA). At 604 198 this bruiser has made life hell for opposing forwards and consistently gets over 200 hits a year. This season he has come out chucking fists. 7 total fights with (2) wins to go with 141 minutes in PIMS. Well done Shaw Alfred Champagne @Anthique- RW (DAV)- Ok this monster forward and former 11th overall pick in S85 has shown talent with his fists and on the scoreboard. A heavy hitter and a more disciplined PIM taker, he has 7 total fights (0 wins) this year and 97 min in PIMS. Brian Payne- Defense (VAN)- Payne chucked his way last year (Season 88) with 8 fights and 250 PIMS, almost breaking into the top 25 in PIMS for a season. This year he has committed to lower the PIMS for his new club and dropped some grit. But you can’t change Payne too much. So far Payne has 6 fights with 2 wins and 122 min in PIMS. Vasile Lamb @dlamb RW(RIG)- This former #1 overall pick and defensive forward specialist is ripping through the league again with lots of points and lots of PIMS. He has amassed 222 hits already in 48 games! Insane.. He also has 6 fights and 152 PIMS. Lamb will have well over 2500 hits in his career after this season and I’m sure a few more fights. 276

Crashing your PC 1. In the spirit of theme week, what is one thing you would do if you were the commish of the VHL for a day? I would give free TPE and make the off-season requirements to earn max much lower. 2. If you had to choose a topic for theme week, what would you pick? I would make it Rip on Rip Wheeler theme and give 20 TPE to best dis on a disappointing Wheeler. 3. The trade deadline is looming! Are there any moves that you think we should make, or are you content with our roster? You should trade Jake Thunder IMMEDIATELY!! @Thunder is a liability! LOL 4. If there was an emergency backup situation, how do you think your player would fare in the crease for Davos if called upon? Not well! 5. Have you ever attended an NHL game live before? Yes, several 6. How has NHL free agency gone for your favorite team so far? Not too bad. Oilers picked up Conor Brown but goaltending still scares me for Edmonton. 8. Out of the many upcoming video games set to release this year, which are you most excited for? If any? EA NHL (Although its the same game every year) and NCAA football.

Nice post Scottyp. Bout time you put the bourbon down and knocked out a media spot.

HAHAHA. That would work I think. Ive lost hope looking at his update page. Saddens me as had potential to be the next 4th line star and he squandered it

Q: From 11-11 to 22-12 I am pumped. I was scared that my player was ruining the club for a second. Glad we’re on track. Q I think the slow start. You look at the talent on this club and there is no rhyme or reason to the losses Q right now I think we’re clicking. Wouldn’t change much Q Biggest Suprise this season? Not surprising but Davos’s incredible start. There on fire Q. Biggest Strength? team offense for sure and great chemistry on this club. Payne is so happy to be here in Vancouver

As Commission of the VHL for a day (a job I would never really want) my changes wouldn’t be drastic. However my changes would impact the league’s dynamics somewhat. Let’s break my suggestions down and discuss implications: I would increase the number of fights over the course of a season. Last season I had 8 total which was an all-time high but would have liked to see more. By increasing the frequency of fights, I would be emphasizing the physical aspect of the game. Even in SIM hockey there is nothing better than to see a 2ndperiod box score of an all-out line brawl. Now in real life fighting has historically been part of the game, in today’s era the league has taken several steps to reduce the prevalence due to safety concerns, real or perceived. I know the NHL is trying to balance the entertainment value of fights with player safety and league image. HOWEVER, in a SIM league we don’t have ANY of those concerns. I would also create an Enforcer build style that had value to in game success. The enforcer role typically refers to a player specializing in physicality, toughness, and fighting. By making this build more relevant to in game success, I would encourage players to focus on physical attributes rather that overall skill development. This could impact the league’s competitiveness and shift focus away for some players who want to make a bruiser to combat opposing team’s bruiser. I also feel it balances out and can add to overall scoring due to power plays and certain matchups. Introducing an Intimidation attribute would also be added with the removal of penalty shot or leadership. Adding an intimidation attribute would enhance the role of physicality in Enforcers or even stay at home defensemen types such as Mo Probert and Phil Strasmore. The negative in this attribute is it may lead to imbalance in gameplay that maybe favors players who focus solely on intimidation rather than skill and defense. Next, I MIGHT consider removing the VHLE and offer players two seasons in VHLM to grow their player. Now players can earn and take their chance after one season in the VHL but adding the VHLE teams (or some) to the VHLM and making it two complete seasons would increase the competitive commitment required from players before making the jump to VHL. It creates a league where GMs can have two season (at least) to win a cup, make necessary trades, and draft better knowing they have two seasons to develop and mentor new talent. It could result in a higher skill level overall, as players gain more experience and development in the minors. The biggest negative in removing the VHLE is it could limit opportunities for players who enjoy that experience (as I did) or prefer that development path. Now don’t get me wrong. I need the TPE for this article and this seemed to be a good and often talked about topic in forum. I loved my time in the VHLE and would not change my player’s career path at all. It just seems like an interesting topic to throw out there. Oh and I’d bag skate Rip Wheeler @ScottyPtil he threw up! Commissioner Payne Will claim normal media spot on next weeks but theme this week.

Lol. Yes We all know each other and all live close

Really? You can say this with a straight face? You have two of the best players ever to don a Calgary uniform on your club son and your to put it mildly, a liability. Keep plugging tho buddy, happy to see you write something for some points and hope it keeps up. @Thunder said hes gonna smash your face (if you get playing time that is). Just saying. See ya at work on Wednesday

For this week’s Around the League in 500 words I want to talk about the standings race, some amazing teams, and some statistical beasts in both points and PIMS. As the halfway mark of the season approaches, the race in the standings is heating up, with Davos and Seattle teams leading the way with some impressive play. Both squads have been consistently dominant on the ice. Davos, known for their strong defensive system with Jake Thunder @Thunder at the help has been a force in the EU conference. Led by Alexandre Leduc @Lemorse7, Jake Thunder, and Pete Mitchell @Crstats23they have showcased their ability to shut down opponents while also finding ways to light up the scoreboard. Could this be their year? Meanwhile, in Seattle, the local fans are witnessing a remarkable season so far. Randy Bobandy @AJWand Hulk Hogan 2 @Hogan, two offensive dynamos, have been the driving force behind the team’s potent attack. Bobandy’s ability to set up teammates to find the back of the net with consistency has placed him in the league lead in assists. Seattle truly is an offensive powerhouse. POINT and PIM LEADERS When it comes to points, both Daniel Janser and Perry Laperriere have been standouts. Sitting atop the league leaderboard with an astonishing 50 points (Laperriere) and 49 points (Janser) they have been catalysts for their teams’ success. Their ability to score on a nightly basis has propelled Calgary and Prague to their current standings. Now, while Janser and Laperrierre dominate on the score sheet, another duo has making headlines for entirely different reasons. Riga forward Vasile Lamb @dlamb and Calgary defenseman, Phil Strasmore @Philhave become known for their physicality and willingness to drop the gloves, which always warms my heart. The two players have amassed 110 PIM (Strasmore) and 103 PIMS (Lamb). Their aggressive style of play has given their teams an edge in physical battles on the ice and added an extra layer of excitement to the game. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how the league’s top contenders respond to the challengers that lie ahead. Can Davos maintain their defensive prowess and keep opponents like Moscow at bay? Will Seattle’s offensive firepower continue to light it up? Or will they fall to hungry and talented teams in Calgary or Vancouver? While the performances of individual players are impressive, hockey, ultimately is a team sport. The chemistry within a squad will be crucial as they vie for the rights to hoist the Continental Cup. Time will tell if these top teams can hold on. With the race in the standings tightening, every game becomes crucial, and teams must bring their A game every night. Fans across the league eagerly away SIMS as the halfway point approaches and games matter more and more. There is a lot of excitement in the league right now as teams jockey for position and players like Daniel Janser continue to add value to his legacy and almost certain Hall of Fame nomination. Until next week

In a remarkable display of hockey history and the circle of mentorship, Vancouver defenseman Brian Payne achieved a huge milestone by scoring his 500th career point in a game against Riga. What makes this achievement even more extraordinary is that the goal was assisted by none other than his first General Manager, Oreo McFlurry @JB123. The story of Payne’s journey from undrafted San Diego Marlin to this remarkable feat is one filled with determination and guidance. As a young rookie, Payne found himself under the tutelage of a veteran GM in JB123, who took the talented player under his wing. JB123’s mentorship proved invaluable to Payne’s development along the way, giving him motivation to earn TPE and get better, eventually shaping him into the accomplished player he is today. Fast forward to the present day, as the puck slid over the net, marking Payne’s 500th career point with an assist on Oreo McFlurry’s goal. The assistance from his original GM serves as a testament to the lasting impact of mentorship early on in the VHL but also the enduring camaraderie within the Vancouver Wolves’ hockey family.

NO! Trading Bouch makes zero sense !! Payne will slow and Bouch will take off. Just hoping we can not take off and start tearing it up !

The DUMMY

For this week’s Around the League in 500 words I’d like to chat about some upcoming rookies and the impact they are having with their clubs. ROOKIE RACE It’s always exciting to see the top rookies as they join the league either from the VHLE or directly from the M. This year is no exception. There seems to be some great talent that is helping clubs reach playoff contention. So lets take a look a at a few: Jasper Davis @Josh- This behemoth Center is 605 and a wispy 210 but should fill out in New York. The 4th overall selection in S88 he brings impressive size, faceoff ability, and plays a 200-foot game. So far he has 7 goals 12 Assists for 19 points in 23 games. He doesn’t hurt his club in defensive situations and keeps the PIMs low. Now make no mistake, this dude can score. In the M for the San Diego Marlins he notched 35 goals in a season and one season in the E he notched 43 goals and 66 assists for 109 points. When this kid finds his scoring groove…..look out! Victor Jensen @Advantage- Another Center-man, Jensen plays with some size at 601 192 at only 20 years old. So far in 22 games he has 6 goals 8 assists for 14 points. Victor is the #1 overall pick in the S89 draft so his numbers will be a little tougher as heh as one less season of seasoning but I wouldn’t count him out of putting up numbers. In one season of the VHLM in Houston he scored 40 goals 38 assists for 78 points and even tallied 125 hits to go with it. Mark Calaway D- @Beketov- Ok I am happy to have a Dman to chat about in the top 10 of rookie scorers. I remember my first year in the VHL with Payne and I was NEVER in any talks as a good rookie. It took a bit. Anyway, Calaway is a MONSTER at 608 250lbs. Went first overall in S88 which makes me proud as a defenseman. Playing on a good DC team he has 14 points in 23 games, 58 PIMS which is no surprise with his size, 66 hits, and 55 blocked shots. Mark my words right now…..This is a future legend defensemen in the league. I am really excited to see this career progress. Eric Queefson D- @twists- Another high pick playing for DC (#2 in S89) which shows the teams commitment to building a tough nasty D core to keep them competitive for a long time. Eric has 3 goals and 11 assists for 14 points. What really shows Eric’s commitment to the game is the 50 blocked shots he already has. Nothing says team player like blocked shots. Also, Eric is another player who shined offensively in the VHLM for Philadelphia. He had 26 goals 54 assists and 80 points for them while having 121 hits and 125 BS. DC is going to be very proud to have Calaway and Queefson for years to come. 512 words

Over the last 4 games the Vancouver Wolves have climbed back into the top three in the NA with Seattle and Calgary battling for the top spot. The Wolves made a few adjustments and had some high goal scoring games that have re-energized some confidence with the club. Both Seattle and Vancouver have won 4 straight. The Wolves take on New York and DC Dragons today who are neck in neck standing wise with Vancouver. The Wolves need these wins in division to try and gain some ground in such a tough division. On some team notes, Nico Pearce, Henry Eagles, and Wann Kerr have been good lately, all putting up decent numbers paired together. Team defense is looking better as well with Pierre Emile Bouchard heating up and even getting into a much needed scrap against Riga and Payne getting a nice fight against his old club, Warsaw, showing where his loyalties lay now. And, in goal Brandt Fuhr has been great as usual keeping the Wolves’ competitive every game.

Rip is going to be known as the biggest 1st round bust of ALL TIME!!!!!!!!!!! "Excited to keep adding more consistent weekly TPE and watch Rip blah blah blah". As you click the welfare button! @Thunder you seen this drivel? I am proud you have finally done a point task even though I hound you weekly at work ....

Hello. Crashing your PC 1. Godsmack 2. Hmmm....Scrubs 3. Die Hard 1, Rocky 1-4, Rambo 4. favorite book is probably Term Limits by Vince Flynn, Book series Mitch Rapp (Vince Flynn), Malayan by Stephen Erickson 5. EA- NHL, Skyrim 6. No and NO

Rip sucks! Welfare every week. I’m giving up! He only works 2 days a week or seems so no excuse. He’s afraid!!!

Great tribute !

Brian Payne Grit 59 - 49 thanks

F-Vasile Lamb @leafsman

D- Pierre Emile Bouchard G- Brandt Fuhr @leafsman

Crashing your PC 29. Seattle is off to a great start (as expected). Were nipping at your heals tho and I am excited for our games today. 30. Payne started off with a bang this season. Pretty lucky really since he usually shits the bed for the first 20 games or so. 31. Lots of practice...or he's paying opposing goalies?? LOL 33. A team wants to leave???? This is news to me. I think that would be stupid really 34. Las Vegas Aces because IRL Vegas just won a cup. And they have cool uniforms 35. Grit 99, CHK 99, Fighting 85 with all other points in SCR. Could work when he's not in penalty box??

As teams battling for the top spots. After 5 games, The Wolves of Vancouver are in 2nd place with Calgary in first having played two more games. The Wolves are firing too, scoring 21 goals in those 5 games and only allowing 13. This speaks to a commitment to team defense and a brick wall of a goalie in Brant Fuhr. Now I get its early in the season and a lot can change. There are some deadly clubs in the NA with Calgary, LA, and Seattle and some beasts in the EU as well in Davos, Moscow (the team always battling for the top it seems), Riga, and Prague. But early on this Vancouver club Is looking solid and built to win. The Wolves move in today with a 4 game win streak that they want to keep going. Vancouver plays a back to back with a very tough and 1st place Seattle club today so we will get an early sense as to how this rivalry will play out.

Sorry. F- Landon Wolanin @leafsman