Scurvy

haha. forgot to invite him

Once again were here to report on Warsaw defensemen Brian Payne, Tavish DeGroot, and Hari Singh Nalwa. It appears that winning a Championship can sometimes lead to a night in a Seattle jail house. So, what happened? The three defensemen enjoyed a team party and decided to hit the town’s bar district along Pike Street Market. This being Payne’s hometown he knew some fun spots. However, Some unruly Seattle Bear’s fans recognized them and some words were exchanged. The next thing we know there are 8 Seattle fans lying on the ground, Payne with a broken left hand, a missing tooth for DeGroot, and a large swollen knot on Nalwa’s head from a vicious head butt. The Seattle fans and defensemen were all thrown in the same drunk tank and quickly became friends. After an early morning release the inmates decided to have some breakfast and continued their debauchery until receiving yet another call from GM Dlamb. That is where the fun ended……….

Well, the S84 playoffs are over, and the Warsaw Predators couldn’t be happier. After some early struggles in the season with some scoring troubles and almost losing to Helsinki in the first round of the playoffs the young Predators pulled it out in six games against a ferocious Seattle Bears club. As with any team sport come playoffs you need to have other people step up and win those close games. The playoffs is where a third pair Dman could instantly become a hero by blocking some key shots, a struggling forward can score the game winner, and a veteran scorer can win a timely fight just to push his or her team over the hump. This playoff was no exception. Let’s first chat briefly about where the Predators were at the beginning of S84. General Manager Dlamb @dlambwas able to secure the tough scoring winger, Brendan Marner for another season. Sophomore Dman Brian Payne, Girts Galvins, and Goalie Wumbo all had attacked point tasks with fervor to improve on their TPE so that the Predators could be competitive again and make themselves more valuable. Trade deadline pickup of gritty forward Vasile Lamb filled out the offensive side of the house and made the predators deadly no matter which line hit the ice. Just prior to the playoffs the Predators lost their first place spot to a surging Moscow team which probably had one of the most talented lineups seen in the Euro division. After almost losing to Helsinki the Predators battled through the tough EU to face Seattle in the cup finals, ultimately winning in 6 games. As stated, before no club can get those much needed 20 wins without everyone buying in. So, lets chat about a few of the heroes of the S84 playoff Preds. Girts Galvins- @Girts This offensive animal came out swinging in his sophomore season. Racked up points all season and come playoffs was ready to shine. 11G 14A 25 PTS and NO PIMS!!!!!! Ended the playoffs #4 in points and #2 in goals behind teammate Kisslinger. There many early playoff game wins that can be attributed to Galvins play. Hari Singh Nalwa D- @Dilok Nalwa is a STUD. There is no surprise that he led the playoffs in points 29Pts but he is currently icing his body down after an amazing 73 shots blocked. He left nothing on the ice in those 20 games proving points and selflessness for his club. On another note Warsaw’s three defenseman were all top 3 in blocked shots -DeGroot 51 and Payne 42. Bogdan Trunov- @qripllBogdan is such a great teammate he has taken his offensive struggles with ease. The former 50 goal scorer has been handcuffed for two seasons and has been anxious to get back to form. Well, this playoff he did it. #7 in points, he had 5 goals and 16 assist, a shorthanded goal, and even timely fight showing he will do anything to help the club win. Team scorers Vasile Lamb,Zach Kisslinger II @Kisslinger, and Bredan Marner @MetalTodaywere there normal awesome selves all ending up in the top 10 in scoring. Kisslinger had an amazing 4 game winning goals showing he is clutch when it is on the line. Defensman Tavish DeGroot @rory ended up #4 in defenseman scoring and #2 in blocked shots. Finally, WUMBO @Fire Fletcher No team is complete without an amazing net minder. Wumbo has been solid all year and this playoff was no exception. Many nights, even on losses he deserved to be the first star by facing so many shots. 811 shots against in the playoffs was almost 200 over the next goalie. Great job Wumbo! Thank you to all Team Warsaw for a great season and a fun locker room. Also, congrats to the Seattle Bears for making it to the finals and wish y’all the best of luck next year as well. Payne

Gonna do y'alls press conference (as a former Watchman) 1. In the finals so I am coping well. However, my least favorite part of VHL is offseason. It takes forever! 2. Warsaw wins. just saying!! 3\. The Pro-Am is fun but I feel that 10 TPE a week should be rewarded in off season with no requirements for media spot of articles. 4. I vote FrostBeard as MVP for everything 5. World Cup 6. I can't watch soccer. Way too boring IMO~. but wherever he ends up he will make ridiculous money Good luck next year Watchman!!!!

Love this post!! I'll do better with the fight records next year hopefully!! Payne

TALE OF THE TAPE WARSAW VS MOSCOW S84 The European conference is loaded with some amazing talent, without a doubt. Throughout the season we have seen Warsaw, Moscow, Riga, Helsinki, and Davos battle for supremacy. Every game between these clubs have all been nasty and it is clear the level of HATE is strong in this division. Which in my humble opinion……. makes for great playoff hockey. Now that we’ve reached the conference final it seems the two best teams in the Euro will finally decide who is the best. All year, Moscow and Warsaw traded for the top spot with Moscow going on an epic run to dominate the league for the top spot. So, let’s see what makes them the most formidable team in the league: First, they have been here before. This team competes just about every year (that ive been in league) for the top spot. There playoff experience is amazing, and they know to be pros and know how to win those close tough games. Let’s just look at some of these beasts. Hard Markinson- What can’t you say about this dman. 1127 TPE and to puts up amazing offensive numbers. It’s almost like this due was made in a lab to possibly be one of the best defensemen to play the game. Don’t believe me? just check out his career stats: 504 Games 168G 447A 615 pts 1050 PIM 1570 hits Playoffs: 79 games 31G 73 A 104 pts Warsaw Must find an answer to contain Markinson because not team can completely stop him. Henri Le Massif- This dude is tough, skilled, and huge (6-8 250). He hits, fights, and punishes goalies. In 6 playoff games he has 5 goals and 36 hits. He is a lot to handle for defense just due to his grit and size. Also, look for Massif and Warsaw’s Brian Payne to mix it up. They had two nasty bouts this season with each taking a win. Look for the rubber match fight come this series. Papa Emeritus- Ok being a great team is one thing. But being a great team with an all star goalie is a completely different animal. Papa had 48 wins this year with a 1.97 GAA and 6 shutouts. In 6 playoff games this year he kept that standard with 1.91 GAA and 2 shutouts. Warsaw’s forwards have their hands full and need to get Papa off his game somehow. Now let’s look at THE PREDATORS!! Vasile Lamb- a great trade deadline player who could be the person to get Papa Emirtus worried. Lamb had 34goals this season and had a slow start to the playoffs. He has since started knocking pucks in with 5G in 9 games. Girts Galvins- After a rough rookie season, Girts has come into his game. Near the top in playoff scoring, he has come out FIRING with 6 goals and 13 pts in 9 games. Girts is an offensive stud and could cause problems for Moscow if they leave him some ice to work with. Brendan Marner, Bogdan Trunov, and Zach Kisslinger- This trio of beasts can dismantle opposing teams when they are hot. Trunov has had a frustrating season and playoff going from 50 goal scorer to a few struggles. If Trunov can find his touch, look out! He is a fearsome offensive talent that could cause Moscow some problems. On Defense, the Predators run 3. Brian Payne, Tavish DeGroot, and Hari Singh Nalwa. Nalwa and DeGroot have been on fire with Nalwa leading the team in scoring. Payne has struggled after an amazing regular season. No goals for the 2nd year dman and he’s a -3, the only minus player on the team in the playoffs. Payne will need to pick his game up against Moscow. Hoping that his rivalry with Moscow forward, Massif will get him going. Prediction: Warsaw in 7

Here WE GO! The European league conference finals starts today, and everyone is excited to see Moscow battle the Warsaw Predators. Almost every game this year has had a high amount of PIMS as these two teams truly hate each other. Moscow has been steamrolling teams all year and surely are a cast of amazing players. So, what does Warsaw need to do to beat Goliath. First, Warsaw defense will have to stop Moscow’s offensive dyamos in Hard Markinson and Henri le Massif. Both are playing out of this world and just containing them will be a challenge for the 3 defenders Warsaw has suited up. Next, Brian Payne will have to play better. 19G 50A in regular season the sophomore only has 5A in 9 games and is -3. He desperately needs to get his game to form to help his club get those much needed 4 wins. His fellow defenders Degroot and Nalwa have been picking up his slack and are playing great. The first two games of the playoff ended up 1-1 with plenty of roughing minors to go around. Expect this series to go 7 hard fought games.

1. Vasile Lamb will score the first goal. 2. probably DeGroot. He’s always watching me while I shower. It’s strange. 3. Golf, Bourbon, and lots of Netflix 4. Nalwa for sure. His blunt to the point way of speaking motivates the team when down. 5. he is an accomplished Thriller novel writer. 6. I think short term Florida won the trade. Long term I think Tchachuks game will lead to more injures as his contract more troubling.

Great career Deathwalker. I look forward to your next build!!!

Playoff hockey is un-predictable and fun for all (except those teams watching and not playing). But such is life. With the wild card round over I was surprised to see Riga fall to Davos. Riga had amazing scorers that scored 233 goals in the regular season to Davos 184. However, I think Davos came with a defensive mindset and showed their off-season pickups of Vinny Detroit and big Zeedayno Chara paid off. Davos has a deadly team that shouldn’t be overlooked as we move on to the next round. Great goalie in Davis and a very tough defensive corps to include rookies Jake Thunder, Siyan Yasileievich, and vet David Tavau. Davos plays a tough in your face type of hockey so matchup against Warsaw or Moscow should prove to be entertaining from the PIM department for sure. I am excited to see how Davos competes next and wish them the best of luck (Except against Warsaw). Payne

I am going to check of Hockey Nations

1. My player exceeded expectations for sure. For a defensive dman he out up some decent numbers. Probably cuz if teammates more so than my skill. 2. Sure. Might slice up the playoffs 3. hmmmm…probably eating the same meal, taking the same route to the rink, and eating a Hershey candy bar with almonds before the game. 4. Godsmack “take it to the edge” 5. good amount of PT, massages, and film. 6. Davos for sure. Payne needs to fight Thunder.

@Yahtzee @Strider @jaredc7 @Kairi Sorry forgot to ping ya in narrative. Enjoy!

Everyone knows I love highlighting the tough guys and gals of the league. Some player’s like to make their builds with a little more grit and a little less offensive vision. I have written some articles emphasizing many of the VHL’s nastiest players but today I thought I’d cover the VHLE’ more prominent toughies. While researching this I found that there were two nasties who were at the top of the list in both hits and PIMS. Jared Carter the 2nd and Jeff Buffy. Jeff Buffy (Geneva Rush)- @strider- the 43rd overall pick in the S82 draft, Buffy has been a solidly producing Dman. At 605 235lbs the 37 year old still plays an old school game every night. He leads the VHLE in PIMs with 233 in 70 games to go along with 317 hits. Last year for Geneva he had 238 PIMs and 303 hits. He will be in the VHL next year most likely and will be a handful for attacking forwards. Stats: 84GEN- 15G 34A 49PTS. 233 PIM 317 Hits 83GEN- 12G 37A 49PTS. 238 PIM 303 Hits Jared Carter the 2st (Istanbul Red Wolves)- Carter is in his third year in the E, the massive 23-year-old defenseman was drafted #27 overall in the S82 draft. In three years with the club he has amassed over 200 PIMs and 300 hits every season. He is already over 1000 hits! So far this year in 69 games he has 223 PIM and 362 hits. I hope to see Carter in the VHL next season. Stats: 84IST- 17G 28A 45 PTS. 223 PIM 362 Hits 83IST- 11G 25A 36 PTS. 248 PIM 353 Hits 82IST- 7 G. 19A 26 PTS. 284 PIM 305 Hits Bobby Rockwell (GENEVA RUSH)- The next guy on the list went 35th overall in the S82 draft and has played two seasons with the Geneva Rush. Another defenseman, he plays a stay at home style and delivers hits and pain to opposing forwards. So far in 70 games this season he has amassed 201 PIM and 229 hits. Not one to light the lamp often Rockwell focuses his play on Defense and stopping pucks from entering his net. Standing at just 511 171lbs Rockwell doesn’t let his size stop him from being formidable. Based on TPE and possibly IA he will probably remain in the E for another year. Stats: 84GEN- 5G 6A 11PTS 201PIM 229 Hits 83GEN- 5G 17A 22PTS.184PIM 305 Hits Mo Probert (Bratislava Watchman)- No list would be complete without our next player. He is in the top ten in PIMs and plays the type of game you would expect from his name. Probie is in his second year in the VHLE and along with his grit, he has a scoring touch and can punish other teams with his fists, body, or on the scoring sheet. His team is currently in second place and should be scary come playoff time. The best part is we get to potentially see Probert vs Jared Carter the 2st in a brutal playoff series. Probert has 111 PIM and 173 hits to go with 53 points. Probert spent 3 years in the VHLM where every year he had over 100 PIM and 200 Hits. Can’t wait for to see him in the VHL. Stats: 84BRA. 12G 41A 53PTS 111PIM 173 Hits VHLM: 83HFX- 21G 41A 62PTS 119PIM 201 Hits 82HFX- 2G 32A. 34PTS 174PIM 249 Hits 81MIA- 4G 21A. 25PTS. 190PIM 271 Hits There you have it. A showcase of some up and coming tough guys tearing up the VHLE. There are many others I could have covered In this article and by no way is this list set in stone. Others like The Loch Ness Monster, creed, Faith Hope Love, Trevor Wallace, Nicholas Blue, and Cobalt Burns all deserve their place in here as well. Best of luck y’all and hope to see you in banging heads in the VHL soon. Payne

As our season comes to a close, I am extremely happy to see two defenseman in the top 5 in scoring. Hard Markinson and Tui Sova have shown just how valuable they are to their clubs with some outstanding effort. I personally love to see Defensive players highlighted and these two are impressive. Markinson @STZhas been at the top or close all season. Playing for a powerhouse Moscow team he has some insane numbers. 32 goals 73 assists 105 pts to go with 250 hits and 163 PIMS showing that scoring isn’t his only skill. Sova @v.2 is playing on another powerhouse in DC with #2 overall scoring Duncan Idaho. He has 29 goals 72 assist for 101 points, 70 PIM, and 124 hits. I am excited for Tova as he was briefly picked up by my club (Warsaw) but tested free agency instead. I would have loved to play with such a stud but I am happy for his success on DC. Anyway, I don’t think anyone can catch Nico Pearce for the scoring title but I am so happy to see a couple of defenders climbing the scoring ranks this season. Congrats to both of you! Payne

There is one word to describe Brian Payne’s rise to Veteran status in the VHL………. Perseverance. It seems like just yesterday the Washington State Native was racking up PIMS playing for the WHL’s Everett Silvertips. Undrafted in the VHLM he was signed as a free agent with the San Diego Marlins, offered third pairing defense minutes and penalty kill time. He finished the season on the first D pairing and was maxed out in TPE. But his was not good enough for Payne…he wanted more from himself. A solid TPE earner, after one season, he found himself drafted 26th overall by the Warsaw Predators and 20thoverall by the Bratislava Watchman. A year of seasoning in the E was good for Payne. He buddied up with current Chicago Phoenix defensive star, Bo Johansson. Payne credits Johansson from turning Payne from just a bruising defenseman to a more fine-tuned all-around player who can do more than just crush opposing players. Working on the finer points of the game and eventually the new attribute system Payne poured his heart and soul into training (TPE Earning) and focused on becoming better with the sole goal of proving he was just as valuable as the 25 draft picks chosen before him., and to maybe make those teams that passed him pay if possible. Joining the Warsaw Predators seemed like a dream come true for the young defenseman. A welcoming club, great leadership, and a fun locker room made the kid feel right at home. His first year was stellar by comparison to his VHLM and E days. Payne notched 16 goals 36 assist- 52 points, +33, 207 PIMs, and 235 hits. Payne found his stride and became a physical beast ending up #2 overall in PIMS and #1 overall in total fights. Going into his sophomore season and finally feeling like an early veteran he continues to play the game with a bag of knuckles. His attitude has shifted from his rookie season where he just wanted to perform well for the club to now being laser focused on winning for his teammates. Payne was named assistant Captain on a club with some absolute studs, and he doesn’t take his role lightly. The Preds are in a WIN Now mode and Payne finds he is sliding into his role nicely. He is still TPE hungry and still very, very determined to make those teams pay for passing him in the draft.

With about ten games left the European conference is heating up. With Moscow heating up at the right time it appears they will take the #1 seed. With an amazing 235 Goals and a mind-boggling low of 133 goas against they are the team to beat for sure. The #2 spot is a battle. Warsaw was entrenched at 1 or 2 for most the season and an insane run by Helskini now has them in second place. Riga has also gone on an insane run with seven straight proving the Euro League is full of killer teams vying for good playoff position. Davos as well has been inconsistent at times but has a very good club capable of stringing together some wins to make the final ten games interesting. I am excited to see the battles in the Euro as we inch closer to playoffs. Go WARSAW

1. Hmmm not sure. We’ve been pretty solid lately so I’ll leave that to smarter people than me. 2. Defense coverage. So expensive now to upgrade. 3. the people and leadership. 4. Payne ices and massages his knuckles (or face) depending on how the week went. And has a few bourbons. 5. Nashville indoor. Amazing City 6. Godsmack -Take it to the Edge

In preparation of my theme week article, I searched the archives and leaderboards for players throughout the years who have played with some extra sandpaper in their game. It was a bit of a daunting process as there are some absolute bruisers who have punished opposing players in the 84 seasons of the VHL. While this list is by no way inclusive to all the nasty tough guys who have played in the league, I will do my best to honor the ones I’ve chosen. The following list is the top ten in single season PIMS. It appears the early year players had to endure some rough games. 1. Da’Brickashaw O’Neal (Davos)- S13 356 PIM 2. Da’Brickashaw O’Neal ( Davos)– S11 320 PIM 3. Scott Boulet (Calgary) - S6 313 PIM 4. Noah Lefevre (Helsinki). S11 313 PIM 5. Evgeni Komarov (Moscow). S66 310 PIM 6. Noah Lefebre. (Toronto ). S14 306 PIM 7. Guntis Petenis (Riga). S54 305 PIM 8. Luc Pierre L-L (Toronto). S64 294 PIM (NOTEABLE RECENT PLAYER) #17 Randy Marsh (Malmo)- S77 274 PIM S78 260 PIM #1- Da Brickashaw O’Neal (DAVOS)- S11, S12, S13- All time season PIM leader with 356 PIM in S13. He also holds the #2 spot with 320 PIM in a season, and the #22 spot with 265 PIM in S11. Ok, so it was very difficult to find info about this dude with so many seasons past. I could only find him playing for the 3 seasons in Davos and was a Continental Cup winner in S11 and S13. I would have to say that O’Neal probably played a big role in opening space for his team and instilling massive fear in the other teams. If he played for another club post S13 I apologize but my computer illiterate ass couldn’t find anything. If anything, O’Neal showed he could score and put up massive penalties in a few short years. O’Neal career stats in Davos- 288 GP 93G 147A- 240 PTS 1152 PIM 1118 Hits #17 Randy Marsh- Defenseman S72-S78- 504 GP 85 G 260A- 345 Pts 1450 PIM 1702 Hits. This S78 Jake Wylde Trophy winner paid tribute to the tough guys of old by playing a heavy old school Defensive Dman game which is dear to my heart. Playing at the same time as other tough forwards like Druss Deathwalker and Duncan Idaho, Marsh had his hands full night and night out. His play also earned him a Victory Cup and Continental Cuyp in S73. @oilmandan Druss Deathwalker- (Malmo). 551 GP 217G 279A- 496 Pts 1337 PIM 2747 Hits. No list could be complete without the Deathwalker. By name alone he must rank as one of the great tough guys. Already at 1337 PIMS and based on this season it seems he will add a few hundred to the total. @animal74 Now for this article I tried to take an old school tough guy, a recently retired, and an active player. This is by no way a list of who is the toughest as that is subjective. I just wanted to honor some of the gritty players from old-school and now. I did find it was tough to find some stuff on the super early seasons. There are many notable tough guys still in the league and are a huge part of their teams. Duncan Idaho @OrbitingDeath , Henri le Massif @Garsh, Jake Thunder @Thunder, Vinny Detroit @dasboot, and on and on. So, I hope people continue to make those nasty players and I will try to continue to honor them. Payne #9. (theme week media sport for 07/31)

Review: Great article!! I loved how you used humor mixed with a good review of the club and the players that are contributing. I really liked the different colors and most of the all the pictures that illustrate your story and break up the progression. I find I will read all the media spots that use pics for some reason and gloss over others that don't. So great job on that. Loved the sense of humor throughout this article. Great job! 9/10

For 15 years the VHL existed, and I am royally pissed off! That means for the last 14 years I have missed being a part of it. I found this league by accident while aimlessly surfing Youtube for old school hockey fights. So, in the midst of watching an old Probert vs Tie Domi fight I clicked the link and my world forever changed (for the better). My initial introduction into the forum was quite confusing but what makes this league so great is the people. I was helped along the way and became addicted to it. I waited daily to see my name in the box scores (although at first, I was rarely on there). I strived to max my TPE earnings and slowly got better as I navigated the VHLM, followed by the E, and then finally to the promised land. The VHL can’t be an easy league to manage with so many personalities and differences of opinion so hats off to all those who have stepped up either to be a General Manager, Assistant GM, Pro-am gm, or those behind the scenes putting fantasy points out each week and keeping the wheels on the league. I can’t imagine the work it takes on their free time to make this league so much fun. From live drafts on Twitch or Youtube to charity drives during Christmas this league does a lot. I feel that many great GMs and players get looked over sometimes, but they make a world of difference here. I was fortunate to have some great teammates and leaders during my journey to the VHL. I even attempted a graphic (just one) and earned the distinction of it being one of the shittiest attempts ever seen in VHL history. LOL. I think the point assessors felt bad for me and gave me the 6 TPE but told me that it would be the only time for such a terrible graphic. I must agree. While my player will never be at the level of a Duncan Idaho, Tui Sova, Hard Markinson, or Bo Johansson I have enjoyed creating a player who helps the team win games in any way possible. That is the beauty of this league. You can create any player type from role player, star winger, playmaker, or shut down hitting defenseman. Following your player’s progress is entertaining and addictive. And the best part is after a long and fun career you can start all over and create something the same or completely different. Since I have joined, I have recruited two players. One of which has caught the bug and has become a great addition to the league. Thank you, Jake Thunder! The other player is a career minor leaguer and still hasn’t responded to my recruitment TPE email. BOOOOOO! LOL In closing, I again would like to thank everyone in the league who make the league better. I’ve met some great people and new friends and truly love logging in to see the box scores hoping I don’t see someone beating Brian Payne up in a fight or losing to @shindigs Chicago Wolves! Payne

Sounds good!!! Go easy on my face @Garsh

At the halfway point of S84 the European league is heating up and developing a nice rivalry between the Warsaw Predators and the Moscow Menace. Both teams are sitting at the top of the standings with the Menace just 4 points ahead with 2 games up. Some real hatred has brewed in the last few games with Moscow veteran and penalty minute leader Henri Le Massif @Garshand Warsaw sophomore, Brian Payne (#2 in PIMS) dropped the gloves on two occasions. Fight one Henri le Massif beat the brakes off of Payne at center ice in a one-sided tilt. More recently, Payne attempted his revenge on the 6 foot 8 250lb forward. They had a spirited brawl that ended with both bloody in what would be considered a draw. Both teams have grit and love to play a nasty game. With such gritty play we can look forward to some ugly PIM filled games as the two teams battle for the top spot in the Euro league.

Happy birthday

1. Payne is doing way better than I expected. He is getting hit and points but lots of penalties. 2. hmmm…DeGroot and Nalwa. 3. Moscow for sure. I’ve had two fights against them and I feel a good rivalry playing against them. 4. well I feel their goalie played well against an onslaught of shots. We just need to find a way to get a few more past him. 5. oilers have done well. I would have liked to seen them get Connor Brown but can’t complain. 6. depends on work mostly. Usually mondays or Saturdays.