Scurvy

As a defensive defenseman I sometimes look at other Defensive players in the league and wonder if I should change my TPE attributes. There are some serious stud Defense here like Bo Johannson @Shindigs, Aurelien Moreau @Frank, Hard Markinson @STZ, Max Torq @Steve, and Battre Sandstrom @Acydburn(retired)to just name a few. They get massive amounts of points, and some still play an aggressive style of hockey. Forwards for sure get an advantage in the grit department and can put up some amazing numbers in hits and still get points. For defense it’s a bit more of a struggle to get in the top numbers. I do like the defensive defenseman build as those have typically been my most favorite real hockey players to watch. I loved watching Chris Pronger, Scott Stevens, and Darian Hatcher type players growing up. They were the unsung blue collar type players who would get in the nasty areas and lay out some punishment. Now, the NHL has changed and that type of player is less of an asset in the fast pace NHL. Is it the same for VHL??? As an old school hockey lover, I enjoyed the grittier nasty NHL where fights were commonplace. I am not saying like the 70s and early 80s where pack fighting and shitty skaters could play, but the mid to late 90s where you still have good hockey and some nastiness. I grew up playing hockey and came from a hockey family. As a player I would never want that role of an enforcer but I do miss the days of Bob Probert, Domi, Rob Ray, Brad May (because he’s a southpaw), and others. Are they true enforcers in the VHL??? Well, I look no further than Vinny Detroit @dasboot. He’s amassed 779 PIMS and 1360 hits in just 4 short seasons. He also scores making him more than just an aggressive Prescence on the ice. Next, probably the greatest player in the league, Duncan Idaho @OrbitingDeath . 1037 PIMS in 7 seasons and 2366 hits along with his 50-goal average I race to the scorecard box score every time we play him to see the stats. I was lucky enough to fight him this year which was a huge honor. Then we have Druss Deathwalker @animal74who by name alone would scare many opposing players. Another player who can do it all. 1219 PIMs and 2478 hits in 7 seasons with Malmo. Even during a rough S83 he still added 36 goals. But all these players have one thing in common, there all forwards. No defensive players were in the top 10 in hits and 4 of the top 10 in PIMS were defensive players. Is it beneficial to make a gritty DMan or is it costly for team with PIMS? I am not sure. Possession stats and turnovers could be a benchmark but again, I don’t know. Anyway I am just maybe rambling a bit to get this week’s much needed TPE to help my club win some games this year. Best of luck to everyone In the coming season and congrats to all the new players coming to the VHL this season. 518

As the 84th season approaches many players are just starting to get some workouts in and prepare for the grind of another VHL season. Not the Warsaw Predators defensive core. Right after the end of the playoffs the defensive core consisting of D leader Hari Singh Nalwa @Dil, Brian Payne, and Tavish DeGroot @rory jumped into the ProAM and then immediately following they got together to continue off season workouts. After being eliminated in the first round by Riga the shorthanded D core decided some extra workouts and staying together would keep their chemistry and help the team this season. Despite one hiccup where the defensive trio were involved in (another) small altercation at a smoothie bar in downtown Warsaw the players pleased their team GM Dlamb. Dlamb @dlamb was asked about another fight at the smoothie bar in town and he said the following. “Well, I’ve been informed that DeGroot and Payne are no longer allowed to frequent the smoothie bar as it’s the second time those two were involved in a fight. I won’t comment on what exactly occurred, but I will deal with their punishment internally.” Neither Payne nor DeGroot would comment.

I am IN!!!!

Review: This is by far the best draft preview I have seen to date. Great color changes, emblems, and spacing makes it easy to read. Also, what makes this so great is just the amount of research and knowledge you have for the league. Even that doesn't speak to the well thought out and detailed evaluations of each draft pick in association with the team needs to needs related to losses. Excellent job! Now for the downside..... Nowhere in this article is they're mention of the biggest steal in VHL history.....Brian Payne!!!! (kidding of course). Great article 10'/10

The Warsaw Predators improved their stock greatly yesterday by adding New York Americans forward Vasile Lamb @dlamb. The Season82 #1 pick overall and scoring beast has had two amazing years in the VHL since his draft. With 49 Goals last year and 43 the year before he has shown he has the ability to score with ease. But what makes Vasile Lamb so special is his ability to do it all. On a struggling team he amazed at whopping 577 shots last year, 116 PIM, 72 SB, and 344 hits. It just shows that Lamb is willing to do whatever it takes to win. He’s also young and gifted joining a team with a mix of young and gifted and very, very gifted veterans. Hopefully the Warsaw Preds can sign free agent Brendan Marner in the coming days but either way things are looking great for the Predators for Season 84.

Transaction ID: 6EJ97630T22907705 $1 Mil Cash 5 Uncapped TPE Doubles Week

1. First welcome new AGM. My player is a defensive dman with some grit. This is my second year so trying to dial in the new attributes. 2. my player had a great season stat wise. Felt good to contribute some points. 3. Yeah the EU conference was heavy with skill. Seattle was the true powerhouse in NA. I think a few pieces and we’re there. 4. Trying to max out TPE so I can help the club win the Cup! And trying to enjoy summer time. 5. Tampa. I think over 7 games they will grind Colorado down. 6. Tell us about yourself and what you’d like to bring to the club?

In anticipation for next year the Warsaw Predators have some questions leading into next year and their hope to win the Continental Cup. First, re-signing Brendan Marner @MetalToday is a top priority and hope for the rising franchise. Several post by Marner show he is taking offers from other teams and why not? He is an amazing player with grit and scoring touch that many teams would covet. As for the existing Predators they have some amazing players. Bogdan Trunov @qripll– Trunov had a down year compared to the season before but he still is a formidable scorer. 64 points in 72 games I am sure we will see him turn it around in S84 and get back to his 50 goal season. Girts Galvins @Girts- 7G 20A- 27PTS. Another player who fell victim to a down year. Girts has amazing scoring talent as seen in the E and the M. A gifted scorer who will be dominant in his career. Some power play time and less penalties by teammate Brian Payne and look for Galvins to be a threat for years to come. Zach Kisslingler @Kisslinger- 38G 48A 86PTS 568 shots and 345 hits. This dude is a stud, say no more! About 40 points shy of where he was last year look for Kisslingler to tear it up again next year. Omi Aberg @osens- 24G 50A 74PTs- Only 13PIM. Great pass first Center who can win faceoffs and shoot the puck. Robert Wilk @Tomat0- 21G 33A 54Pts. Another outstanding 20 goal scorer who had 40 goals in Season 82. Another victim of the reboot attributes maybe. Still a formidable scorer and great teammate. DEFENSE: Hari Singh Nalwa @Dil- 23G 60A 83PTS. A legendary power play quarterback who came over from Vancouver. Great teammate and amazing Dman on both ends of the ice. Look for him to lead the D again and with a year of chemistry built in look for better numbers next year. Tavish Degroot @rory - 14G 31A 45PTS 145 PIM 169Hits. DeGroot does it all. Hits, fights, scores, and makes some hilarious comments in LR. Solid TPE earner so I look for him to have a breakout season in his 3rdyear in the league. Brian Payne- 16G 36A 52PTS 207PIM 235 Hits. Great numbers for the rookie and had some memorable fights against greats Vinny Detroit and Duncan Idaho. Payne plays with a chip but can sometimes cost the team with penalties. Look for more discipline out of #9 next year (Maybe). GOAL: WUMBO @Fire Fletcher- 39W 20L .092 save percentage and 2.61 GAA. Wumbo kept Warsaw competitive all year in close games. What an amazing goalie I just his rookie year. Its exciting to see who great he can be throughout his career. Prospects: Sock Monkey @chikn- VHLE 17G 31A 48PTS Sock Monkey had a great season and won a championship with Bratislava. At 350 TPE so looking for her to start next season in the VHL and bring that championship luck with her. GM Dlamb @dlamb- Made some awesome moves last season to get some great players for a playoff run. I look for him to always be on the lookout for talent to improve th

Congrats to Seattle for a great series and winning it all. I would have liked to see Warsaw in that spot I have to say congrats to a great season to both Moscow and Seattle. As the offseason begins (my least favorite time) I prepare for the beginning of next season. There are a few things I look forward to in the offseason which mainly is the draft. I never thought I’d be sitting at my house on twitch watching a draft for a simulation league, but I have found it to be extremely fun. So, a huge thank you to those who take the time to put such a good show on. I am looking forward to the ProAm and trying to reach 600 TPE by the start of next season so I can help Warsaw go deep in the playoffs. We have some free agents I hope come back to play with us again next season (fingers crossed). Anyway, just some random thoughts for 2 TPE!! Happy weekend everyone.

NOOOOOOO!!

Well the S83 season is over and done for the Warsaw Predators after a first round loss to a very tough Riga team. The Preds played hard and despite a wonderful outing from goaltender Wumbo (.915 Save%) they just couldn’t hold up. Some costly penalties by team rookie Brian Payne had the team shorthanded a bunch in their final game. Special teams held the Riga PP off but still playing shorthanded all that time was not helpful. Some things for Payne to work on for next year. Still, there is excitement in the air for this club for next year. With some solid defenders and a talented front end the team has the makings of a championship club. A few key re-signings need to occur in the off season and team rookies Payne and Girts need to keep their development growing but things are definitely looking up for the Preds come S84.

DAMMIT!! forgot to ping people again.

As the season moves to the end, I’d like to look at the outstanding rookies in this VHL season. To start we need to look no further than the surprise team, the Chicago Phoenix. From last place a year ago to a potential playoff team is amazing. But if you look at the top ten scoring rookies Chicago has three amazing talents who certainly don’t play like rookies. So lets start with them: CHICAGO: The Board Game Clue on Skates (BGCOS)- BGCOS has 37G 45A 82PTS and a massive 497 shots on goal. Having played with this phenom in the M for the San Diego Marlins I know what a special player he is. Ignore the rumors of mythical performance enhancing substance called Glue Clue this 50-year-old center is all natural. Point leader for rookies and might just lead Chicago to a deep playoff run. Either way Chicago is a contender in a few short years. Bo Johansson- Defense- again another teammate of mine and I was so fortunate to benefit from his passion for the VHL SIM league. A pass first D-man he has soared to # 2 in rookie scoring with 10 goals 71 assists for 81. What makes BoJo so special is his ability to earn TPE at massive amounts but also his ability to mentor newer players to this league. Scotty Sundin- The first overall pick of the Phoenix has proved he is ready to make his mark on the league. Ranked #7 in rookie scoring he has a respectful 31G 32A for 63 points along with 127 hits. I hate to say this, but he even has a fight win against my player and fellow rookie Brian Payne. Payback is coming (hopefully). MALMO: Mason Jones (Malmo)- Another rookie with tremendous upside for the Nighthawks, Mason has put up 21G 53A-74pts and an AMAZING 2 penalty minutes. Lady Byng here we come!!! A small in stature left winger who thinks pass first but has the ability to finish. Great upside and I look for him to be a force with Malmo in the years to come. Igor Moltov- This whopping 608-foot-tall center has put up great number for the struggling Nighthawks with 29 goals 45 assist and 74 points. With Jones, Obi, and Molotov they have the beginnings of a real trio in the years to come. Obi Adesanya – Ok with 6 of the top 10 rookie scorers on two clubs I am truly scared for what is to come for Malmo and Chicago. Adasanya is another great scorer with 30G 36A 66 points and only 4 PIMS!!! How much are they paying the refs not to call penalties on this team!!!!!!!!!!!! Tremendous upside to this kid as well CALGARY/SEATTLE AirRig GoodBrandSun- DEFENSE-OK as a defensive player I need to shout out to the two defensemen on the top ten in rookie scoring. First the Big Rig for Calgary. At 605 and 220 he is imposing in front of the net and can have a nice touch as well. With 13G 45A- 58 points and 177 hits he is no stranger to proving points for Calgary and pain for opposing teams. Mikhail Kovalchuk- Seattle Defenseman- Ok maybe Kolvalchuk gets a little of a boost being on a team stacked with amazing talent but that by no means hides the talent this kid has. 11 G 55 A and 66 Points Kovachuk is a steady defensive talent and absolute sniper on the power play with 9 PP goals in 63 Games. There are many other great rookies to be mentioned in this but my 600+ words are done and its story time for my daughter. Great job rookie class and I wish you all success, except if you’re playing the Predators. 624 words for week ending June 5

1. I think we win in 5 games. We keep our mojo going and we make Riga pay for beating us in regular season 2. Hmmmm….I think Moscow is the team to beat. As for surprises, I think we are the surprise team nobody wants to play. 3. when the pressure is on we answer. 4. yes, I like it. something different for easy TPE is nice. 5. Purple 6. Edmonton vs Tampa

As the end of Season 83 begins and the playoffs is about to start, I would like to spotlight a special defenseman tearing up the VHLE this year. This year was a tough year for the Oslo Storm. With one defenseman it made it tough for the team to compete, but that one defenseman TORE the league up. Jake Thunder @Thunderjoined the VHL (at my urging) and from the inception has been a steal for any team he’s played for. This year, the 603 205lb DMan played ridiculous minutes and brought it every night. He ended the season with 22 G. 67A 89PTS, 302 shots, 116 PIMS, 197 Hits, and a league leading 216 blocked shots. I believe that defensive defensemen don’t get the credit they deserve but this year Thunder really worked hard at earning TPE and I truly feel that Davos got the steal of last year’s draft class. Look for Thunder’s name to go down with the TPE earning greats of the VHL.

Sorry forgot to tag y'all.

As this is my first player, and first season in the VHL my theme week post is going to cover those members who have helped me navigate my time her as I climbed the ranks from the M to the E, and now the show. I know, or at least I suspect I know just how much goes into making this league run on the day to day and to those who do all the behind the scenes I would like to give a huge THANK YOU! I know a lot of times personalities (who have never met) can clash with ease over any online platform so to all the management, I sympathize. No that being said let’s break down my “those who have shaped Brian Payne’s career” theme. So, I hemmed and hawed after discovering the VHL on YouTube one night. I probably read every review, explored the site, and eventually hit the button to create a player. I was utterly confused about how to navigate the system and really didn’t know what to do next. Then came along my first free agent request offering me third pair defensive minutes and maybe some penalty kill time. JB123 was GM of the San Diego Marlins at the time and despite my total NOOBNess he took me under his wing and guided me to some max TPE earnings. He was always available for a chat on how to find certain things and what to put my TPE in to make me better. Huge thank you to JB123 for all the help and to really start my love for being a part of the VHL. Next, I was drafted by the Bratislava Watchman with rival Bo Johansson. BOJO became a quick friend and his passion for this SIM game is second to none. He really kept me motivated to stay on top of max TPE earnings and I truly would have missed some TPE earning options had I not constantly bugged him about how I could catch him in TPE. Again on the Watchman I was also blessed with a funny and helpful GM Frostbeard. Having great GMs that are patient with noobs is so helpful and FB never shied away from helping me grow and get to the VHL. Thank you BoJo and FB! Finally, my first year in the show as been amazing. Not only are we in the playoffs but I’ve continued to grow as a player and have career high numbers. I need to spend a special thanks to DLAMB for drafting me and I will continue to work my butt off to prove that Payne was a steal in the draft. Again, I have been blessed with a good locker room of players to keep the fun in the game and some good trash talk always helps. This is just a small sample of those who have been so great to me during my time here. Thank you to all who make this ship sail as smooth as possible, and I hope to be a part of this for a long time. 515

1. Helsinki 2. win the Cup!!!! 3. I am not in any other leagues. This one is perfect for me. Any more leagues and I’d really have no time avail. 4. Chicago. Three rookies in top 10 in rookie scoring and battling for playoff spot. Not too shabby. 5. oilers vs Flames. Good old battle for Alberta is exciting. 6. Sex

On Monday the Warsaw Predators and Seattle Bears faced off in one of the nastiest games of the VHL season. Fans in attendance were fortunate enough to see two gritty teams battle in a penalty filled game. Oddly enough we also got to see a young rookie fight one of his idols. Growing up in Washington State and playing his junior hockey in Everett WA, just north of Seattle. Brian Payne watched Seattle forward Vinny Detroit when he was signed in Seattle and tried to model his play as a gritty, nasty player who can perform his role and help the team win. In the second period the VHL’s two most penalized players, Seattle’s Vinny Detroit and Warsaw’s Brian Payne dropped the gloves. At the 8:43 mark of the period Detroit went right at Payne and the two dropped the gloves in an epic battle that rivals the 2-minute McSorley vs Bob Probert fight almost two decades ago. The two traded punch after punch, both bleeding, and refusing to let refs jump in. In the end the southpaw Payne got the decision, but it could have gone either way. Detroit picked up the instigator penalty and was ejected which probably stopped a third period rematch. After the game we caught up with Payne who was sporting several cuts and bruises. We asked what he thought about fighting a player he had once watched near his hometown just three years ago before his VHLM signing. “Well, it’s not every day you get to share the ice with such a good player and team. Vinny will do anything for his team and wants to win. We had a good tilt for sure and I am sure he will come looking for a rematch. He’s fearless.” Everyone mark your calendar for the next installment between these two.

REVIEW: Great article. First, Moscow has a frightening team for sure with arguably some of the best players in the league. I really liked the change in fonts and use of underlines to highlight the players. Great job giving a shout out to Sergey as well on the team of amazing players as well. What I truly loved most is the use of a picture in the article. Many times I find that these stories are much improved with just the simple use of a graphic or picture. Overall I have to 8/10 and I hope that Moscow struggles against Warsaw for the rest of the season

Review: Overall a great article. The amount of research you did to provide such detailed stats is great. I really like how you broke down the comparisons to other teams in the league and showed how team defense is so important to winning in this league. As a defender (and former Marlin) I like how you emphasized their importance with statistical data. The only thing I would have liked to see is maybe a photo or some type of graphic added to add to such a great article. Overall 8/10

1. I think chemistry took a bit to develop. With the offensive tent this team has I wasn’t too concerned. 2. Nalwa in my eyes. He does everything and I always root for defense. Lol 3. Moscow. Because I’d love to spank the best right away. 4. Car, TB, EDM. I can’t stand Boston or Toronto. 5. I just got back from Arizona and it was misery hot. Planning a few trips to Tennessee and Virginia. 6. Orange Crush

As I reluctantly sit at my computer to earn my much-needed TPE I want to discuss if the Warsaw Predators are a real contender. As a player for the team, I think we are for sure. But let’s look at the players that may or may not lead them to the promised land as well as the competition standing in their way. First, the competition. The European division is the toughest of the two for sure and standing in first place is the much-feared Moscow Menace. Led by Duncan Idaho, Hard Markinson on Defense, and a formidable goalie, Papa Emeritus its clear to see why the menace are the team to beat. Moscow Record-39-8 Riga Reign- 34W-9L. Led by VHL point leader Alex Johnston, superstar Brandon Telker, and stud defenseman Battre Sandstrom this team is just as scary as Moscow. London United- 33W-11L. With Nils Godlander, That Dude, Defenseman dynamo Tom Eagles, and Cole Pearce in net London had some serious talent to contend at the end of the year. Maybe a timely move or two puts this team at the top of the division. I don’t feel that this team’s scorers have taken off yet so if they do this London crew could surge to the top and be unstoppable. THE WARSAW PREDATORS- 29W-15L. Ok Ok…I am biased and think my team has the tools to make it to the end and here is why. So far, the Predators have only scored 158 goals. That is third in the Euro division. Moscow has 189, Riga 187, London 155. 31 goals behind the leader is not a good sign but if you breakdown Warsaw’s players a few tweaks gets some of the more quiet players moving in the right direction. Similarly, to London once the scorers take off it could be a scary prospect for VHL goalies to face as we move over the halfway part of the season. Some of the Warsaw players I would look to explode come the second half of the season. GIRTS GALVINS- the 6’6 foot 240lb monster was drafted 17th overall by the Predators last year. A gifted goal scorer he led the Las Vegas Aces in S81 with 43 G- 48A- 91 points. Last year in Bratislava in the E he led all rookies on the team with 32G-23A= 55 points with 149 hits. So far, the puck luck hasn’t been with him and he’s sitting at 1 G. 13 A-14 points in 48 games. We know Girts is frustrated but those on the team that know him and see his work ethic every day are confident that he will find his game and pucks will start snapping twine in no time. ROBERT WILK- At 6’5 inches tall and 200 lbs this dude’s offensive upside is insane. He is slightly below his last year’s point pace but is still scoring with 17G-19A 36 points. This is another player I would look to see take off in the last 30 or so games. Many forget this player once scored 68 goals in the VHLM for the Marlins. A 40-goal campaign last year in his rookie season is another reason to opposing teams to fear if he gets hot. So, to all VHL goalies and defense you have been warned. Warsaw is coming! HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE

The Warsaw Predators are enjoying a nice string of wins and the team is starting to play as advertised. In game 339 the Predators took on the first place Moscow team that his stacked with amazing players. Despite being outshot 66 to 44 the Preds stood tall and came out with a nice 4-2 win at home. As in every hockey game there is the game within the game. From the drop of the puck these two teams played like heated rivals who truly hate each other. In the first period we saw generational all-star Duncan Idaho take on Warsaw rookie defenseman, Brian Payne. Payne got the win (luckily) and the hatred continued on for the remainder of the game. After the game Mr. Idaho was interviewed and he made it very clear that Payne and him would dance again. Payne was told this and responded with a curt, “no comment.”

Review: As per usual you are a very articulate and write very well written posts with proper grammar and attention to the details. I really like how you covered all the leagues you are involved in with thought out updates. The fonts are great to keep the players/teams separate and bolded. I wouldn't have minded a patented picture included in the post, preferably one of Brian Payne but nobody is perfect. As usual a fantastic post. 9/10