Scurvy

Another week closer to the playoffs and there is a lot to talk about in the league. Trade deadline is here so curious to see if what teams will make some moves for those elusive Founders, Renaissance, or Continental cups. Not sure what I want to chat about but might touch on the upcoming draft and throw out a Tough Guy Tribute. DRAFT Just checking the standings, it looks like most likely LA could get that coveted first overall selection. The Stars have some talent in their prospect pool with players like The Phantom of the VHL @Hogan, Wally Lose @youloser1337, Pombo @samx, and Erik Thorvaldsson @Tetricide. But they are in desperate need of a goalie to go with some of these great players. Could they take a goalie at #1? Enter Roger Eagles @Greg_Di. Currently the highest TPE player eligible in the draft and a proven name in the VHL. Eagles is big and even more impressive is he skipped his VHLM season to face better competition. Eagles is currently 16-16-7 with 1 shutout on a struggling team. With the trade deadline looming I wonder if Eagles will be re-located for the playoff push. Now for the upcoming draft I think if LA gets the #1 pick, grabbing a max earning goalie could be game changing for the franchise. TOUGH GUY TRIBUTE Many times, the role of the physical player gets a bit overshadowed in the VHL. Players who hit, fight, and take long minutes in the penalty box don’t get the fanfare of the goal scorers or playmaking geniuses. This season a few players have separated themselves. Tord Yvel-NY @Trazan- This first gen defenseman has a league leading 9 fights this season with only 95 PIMS. Shows you that Yvel doesn’t hurt his club with overwhelming minor penalties but will drop the gloves at the drop of a hat to help his club. The fact that he is putting up decent numbers 8-37-45 doesn’t hurt as well. Kronchy Kardashian @Garsh- This Warsaw defenseman is #2 in the league with 7 fights and #3 in league with 162 PIMS. Added to this he is over a point per game and a big reason for Warsaw’s success this season. 7 PP goals, 146 hits, 95 SB KK can do it all. Guntis Gavilrovs @Girts- Vancouver’s massive Dman has 5 fights on the season and is #2 in PIMS with 179 and #7 in hits with 185. Girts will fight anyone! Teammates in practice, opposing team’s mascots,his GM, and personal friends like Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ. He loves it and I look for him to set PIM records in the VHL for his career. Tommy Sleeves @dasboot– Another dman who has 5 fights and leads the league in PIMS (235) and hits (291). Guaranteed to get 300 hits this season which is super impressive for a defensive player. With 21 games in the season Sleeves has a chance to break the top 25 PIMS all-time. Da’Brickashaw O’Neal is in the 25th spot with 265 PIMS in Season 12 so Sleeves needs just 20 PIMS to tie. Callum Gary Yanick Janser @Daniel JanserDaniel -NY- Another dman who can hurt his opponents physically or on the score sheet. #4 in PIMS (147) and has 5 fights on the season (2 fight wins). 65 points in 53 games along with 101 SB and 168 hits CGY shows why he was drafted first overall by NY in S91. Honorable mention: Fradin McGryer- @Fradin99 Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ

The Vancouver Wolves have enjoyed some nice wins of late against some of the very top teams in the league. The Wolves have relied on team defense and grit to punish opposing teams and the strategy has worked. Right now, the Wolves have 4 players with over 20 goals and 2 dmen with 14 goals. But what is more impressive is that the Wolves have 8 players with over 100 hits so far. Guntis Gavilrovs 185 Riley Martin 113 Liv Slater 132 Logan Ninefingers 131 Rip Wheeler 113 Owen Lazaro. 126 Martin Kemp. 104 (Rig/Van) Keita Kourou. 157 (DC/Van) That’s 959 hits from these 8 beasts and the physical game has paid dividends. The Wolves have to get some secondary scoring to be a complete team but this physical style of hockey could play well come playoff time when the game gets a little smaller and the stakes increase.

Let’s hope !!!! Rip to the VHLm

This kid is underrated. watched him play and kid is relentless. 50 goals too. If he falls to Calgary Id be surprised. I think Ottawa or Seattle will take him and Iginla will go to Flames Great post. Excited to see how it pans out

1. I don't mind it. It has to be tough to come up with themes to post. 2. I remember putting all my little TPE in dumb shit and had to have them re-set it 3. All star game 4. Don't feel too bad. We are doing pretty well. 5. RIP WHEELER ---- GONE. LOL. For future considerations and a 14th round pick in the SBA 6. Maybe a depth forward. Defense is sharp, goalie is sharp, just think were down one forward 7. We are going to make the playoffs, I think with our club we can do some damage. We seem to beat the good teams but have tough losses to teams like Davos or LA. A lot of games are pretty close when we lose, like one goal. I think we'd be a dark horse come playoff time to upset some of the tougher teams

Hmmm. Well that changes things . Looks red on here.

Yeah knowing now what it means it is pretty cool. I shoulda researched better I guess

It does. Thanks for the info!

crashing your pc 1. Defense- Defense wins games 2. probably a stick. 3. Probably Teddy Roosevelt's The Man in the Arena 4. Prob experience draft 5. Reading, working out 6. Id like to say Brad Pitt or someone cool but pretty much anyone with shaved head

With the trade deadline looming I am happy to see Theme week back so that I can earn that precious TPE. Especially since all I’ve put points in lately is faceoffs so a little extra can’t hurt improve Ninefinger’s abysmal faceoff success. For this weeks theme (VHLM) I wanted to discuss a few things. First, the M holds a special place in my VHL experience because like everyone it's where I started and got hooked on this league. Luckily, I had a great GM when I signed in San Diego in S81 @JB123). If not for JB123 and some fellow active teammates I might not have stayed through the learning curve, so thanks JB. My second player’s run through the M wasn’t as memorable but my player did make it to the finals in my short re-create and full season, losing both unfortunately. Second, I want to discuss the best team uniform in the VHLM and best/worst team names and offer some new suggestions. Best Uniform/Team name In the best uniform category, there are really only three that standout for me and luckily, I got to play for two of them. Miami Marauders- Red and Black always look great and a sick emblem that strikes fear into opponents. Obviously, I am bias but I think they have the best uniform in the league and one of the best team names as well. Philadelphia Reapers- Again, here a bad ass uniform to coincide with a great team name as well. For starters anything in Philly needs to be tough or at least look tough. And there is nothing tougher than a Reaper. Cool emblem and good colors to boot. It's my #2 pick for uniform and #1 for team name. Las Vegas Aces- I am pretty sure there is a WNBA team with the same name but this my #3 uniform pick and down the list for team name. Black and green the Aces have a storied history of putting together great teams and have won a decent number of championships. Great uniform, name meh. Honorable mention: Houston Bulls uniform. Ok so here is my list for the worst uniform in the VHLM: Halifax 21st -Not sure the significance of a 21? I am sure there is something but the uniform needs work. Blue and White isn’t bad but in the little research I did on Halifax I read that the waterfront district has historic properties from the days as a a hub for privateers. Interesting and I think that could be a good name change for Halifax. The Halifax Privateers would be a great division rival for the Marauders. Saskatoon Wild- The Wild is another team name that could use an update. A quick internet search showed some team names such as Rattlers, Blades. Roughriders, and the Berries (wtf). After searching I think the easy fit for a team name would be the Broncos, after the Humbolt Broncos hockey club that suffered tragedy in 2018 when 16 players/staff were killed in a terrible bus crash. So a perfect team name replacement to honor this team. BEST UNIFORM/TEAM NAME LIST IN ORDER Miami Marauders Philadelphia Reapers Las Vegas Aces Houston Bulls San Diego Marlins Ottawa Lynx Mexico City Kings Missasauga Hounds Saskatoon Wild Halifax 21st

At the mid-point through the season, it appears that Vancouver Wolves forward Rip Wheeler @ScottyP has finally peeked under his hockey pants and finally found a pair of stones. #3 in scoring for the surging Vancouver club he has 17 goals 24 assists for 41 points. Paired on the top line with their leading scorer Owen Lazaro @traphag, the two have bonded well and complement each other’s playing style. Rip has had an up and down career, but it seems his trade to Vancouver has revitalized him and he shows up early to practice, works hard, and will shed the mitts if necessary. All of these traits have led GM @Frank to trust Rip in crucial game situations on the power play and even key shootout opportunities. The Wolves are currently in third place in the division, just 3 points behind #2 Toronto. They will need Rip to stay hot and continue to earn this season to be deadly come playoff time. Great job Rip

Awesome.

Hush now! I am hunting for answer to this week's trivia question

1. Edmonton. While McDavid hasn’t won at earlier levels it’s a team game. I think if the Oilers can stay good defensively they can beat Florida. (Despite FLA being stacked). 2. Probably not. But I think Zach Hyman wins 3. Ryan Smyth VHL captain canada/US would be Jasper Davis from NY. 6 GWG already this season 4. Hmm. red panda maybe or Slezak. Both still growing but have a good club in front 5. jimi jaks Nobody is really like McDavid tho. He’s in a league all his own. Maybe better would be compare him to VHL OGs 6 yeah I do. It’s an emotional game on the biggest stage. Helps if you’ve been there before to settle and play l

I very well could be. I am Miami alum a lost in finals there as re-create. Went heavy into my prediction.

Those are freaking sweet!! I look forward to Set #2!!

Another week as passed and It is so nice to have Sims after such a long off-season. For this week, Around the League, I want to chat about the VHLM standings and my prediction for the Cup. VHLM I’ll be the first to admit. I pay way more attention to the VHLM and VHLE when I my player is in that particular league, obviously. However, I have been better this go around in paying a lot more attention mainly because re-creates are in the league and I am familiar with more and more names. So far in the standings there are 5 teams in the mix with Mexico City and Halifax being the front runners. The others are Saskatoon Wild, Houston Bulls, and the Miami Marauders. Today, I will cover Mexico, Halfax, and Miami as they are my three favs to win the cup. Mexico City Mexico City is stacked with players and are led by Gavin Bebard @Gavin with 11g 19a 30pts. This is Gavin’s third year in the VHLM and he’s putting his experience on display. Behind him in scoring are two dmen in Samsayz-I-Smell @CaptainSB and Carl Earnardt @Elite Steel who can score and hit at high levels. In net they led by VHLM veteran Connor Hellebuyck @HockeyFan4Life who is 15-2-3 with 1 shutout. Mexico is a tough team to beat for sure and I am sure GM @JCarsonis on the prowl to trades that could make them unstoppable. Halifax 21st GM @LucyXpherhas put together a deadly and balanced club looking to take home that elusive Founders Cup. The name of the game for this club is DEFENSE. They have only allowed 34 goals this season which is the best in the league while scoring 95 which is also best in the league. Talk about a winning combo! In scoring there led by a few first Gens in Robin Sierra @ethanjaeda (22g 23a 4pts) and Ty Duke @TheDuke (16g 20a 36pts). In the back end they have bone crusher, Boris Bone-Breaker @RileyL (33 PIM 54hits) and Dustin Moore @Maxx (6g 24a 30pts – 36SB). In net, Jon Webber III @Webberjand backup Lane Ellis @Brewguy7 have been dynamite. 19-2-1 between them they are on fire every night. Webber has a 1.53 GAA and 5 shutouts already and backup, Lane Ellis is 4-0 with a 1.25 GAA and 1 shutout. If Halifax keeps this pace it would no surprise to see them hoisting the cup at season's end. Miami Marauders If Mexico and Halifax rely on team defense and scoring to define their clubs the Miami Marauders rely heavily on grit and physical punishment to win their games. @Ricer13has put together a physical club that works hard each night and loves to lay the body on opposing foes. They have three players in the top ten in hits in Toby Cook @KRZY (85), Armas Jortikka @Kavadar (63), and Aiden Paige @Apaige131 (60). Up front, they are led by three wingers in Tim Robinson @Tim Robinson @Tim Robinson(17-24-41), Phil Sakic @PhilPhil (19-18-37), and Elf Shoes @ELF_SH0ES(13-21-34). On defense look no further than Russell Sprout @betta57 (25 pts 49 hits) and Toby Cook. In net they have Spider Panda and Jeffrey Pines @dylanjj37. Combined they are 15-4-3 with Panda having a 2.28 GAA and Pines a 2.60. Looking at these three clubs I feel that Miami is the dark horse of the three that could spell trouble in the playoffs. They score on the same pace with Halifax and with some earning they could improve their team defense come playoff time. Prediction: MIAMI

The Vancouver Wolves have been hot lately, moving up the standings to a playoff spot. They have finally started clicking with Owen Lazaro @traphag catching fire as of late. Leading the Wolves in scoring, Lazaro has 9g 22a 31Pts. Also gaining some momentum has been defenseman, Mark Calaway @Beketov and Riley Martin @Smarch with 25 and 24 points. But what has really solidified the Wolves hot streak is their goalie, Dalkr Vidarsson @KaleebtheMighty. He’s now 12 and 7 after a slow start and already has 3 shutouts, a 2.6 GAA, and a .0920 save percentage. Dalkr and the team defense has kept the Wolves in almost every game this season where the losses are usually by one goal. They have flipped that now with big wins of NA conference leader, Calgary and some wins over a very tough Moscow club. With Dalkr and the team playing great let’s see if the Wolves can keep it up and solidify a playoff spot this season.

Congrats @Tate well deserved

It was a let down for me as well. I am hit or miss on Stephen King. Love most of his books, especially The Green Mile and The Stand but the Summers book just didn't resonate with me.

bye @OrbitingDeath Great playing with you albeit for a short time. Best of luck in Riga!

1. None except Logan. 2. no I don’t think so yet. We’re starting to click a bit and have a ton of talent. 3. Man I can’t figure it out. Rookie goalie and rebuilding team, Calgary is on fire!! There is some strange sim magic happening for them. 4. I like it I guess. 5. I think we will finish with wild card playoff spot 6. Our goalie for sure. Had some close games and Kaleeb has kept us close.

oh damn. Not a Viking at ALL!! haha. Don't know Warhammer universe. Even more of a badass it seems !!

We are 9 games into the season and the Vancouver Wolves are just starting to get their stride with three straight wins, one over their hated rival the Seattle Bears. Their next goal is to topple the NA leading Calgary Wranglers. The Wranglers have been lights out to start the season despite having a rookie goalie. Calgary’s Catia Goncalves @cLoWnand Raimo Tuominen @SlapshotWrangler have been racking up points and the roster’s commitment to defense has allowed them to shine to start the season, only allowing 19 goals. The Wolves have a powerful offense that is starting to click and they want blood against their other division rival. GM @Frank was quoted last night saying, “I want my team to crush their spirit and take their will. We want to be the team nobody wants to play against. We plan to play a heavy game against them and try to capitalize on shots on net. Their goalie has been great so we need to get some bodies in front of him and make their night uncomfortable.” Puck drops tonight, best of luck both teams!

OK so last week I wrote about the best VHLM names, so I thought I’d try the best VHL and VHLE names this week, and there are some beauties to pick from for sure. Let’s start with the North American conference first: FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ- Succinct and to the point, this NY Americans forward gives the reader a perfect image in their respective heads when this name is conjured up. FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY brings all the intangibles to his club with consistent play, grit, and some scoring touch. I do think this NY club could be deadly this season and he might have to alter his first name after a championship run maybe? The last name stays forever! Jebediah Big Ol Doinks in Amish @hylands - This name says a lot about the very capable NY American Dman. Not sure the meaning or theme but I love the name and I’ll be looking for JB to be setting up Analfist on the box scores all season. Guntis Gavilrovs @Girts- Fellow teammate and massive convicted killer, GG is an absolute savage force on the Vancouver Wolves. I expect him to be the league PIM leader before too long and already has 32 PIMS in 7 games this season. At 250 lbs the name Guntis sparks an image about his appearance and as someone who practices with him daily I’d say….he’s even uglier. WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW @roryRory- The 18th overall pick in the S90 draft has quickly become a household name “letter” as he has catapulted a talented NY team to a dominant fixture in the NA conference. A few struggles early on but I expect the Ws to be at the top of the leaderboard for goalies by season end. Although since I missed drafting him for my VHL fantasy team I hope he doesn’t do too well….. European Conference Ben Dover @Zylen- Ok I have a juvenile sense of humor so as I searched, I had to add this in. First Gen player who has had some success winning a cup in the VHLM and in the VHLE. Grimgor Ironide @FrostBeard- Perfect name to sum up the gritty nasty type of game that Ironhide plays. He hits, fights, scores, and snorts steroids through his eyes. A true Viking Jarl looking to pillage and cleave opposing players. Fun to watch player and great responses in forum. Tullamore Dew @Spade18- Because Whiskey should always be included. VHLE BEAUTIES Quinndillus Whopper @Max77- This one reminds of a Kayne and Peele skit I saw once. Funny name I’d like to see in the box score. However, he has yet to score this season for Stockholm. Piston Maicupp @MandyManiac- funny and original this First Gen has been in the E for a second season so will be some time before we can see this name in the VHL. Soju @Frank- A clear colorless Korean distilled alcoholic drink that is supposed to taste like Vodka and wreck you with a hangover. Similarly, the 5th overall pick in last years draft is wrecking opposing offenses for Cologne. Last season in the M he played all 72 games and had 5 shutouts so it appears that this workhorse is not partaking in too much Soju, or who knows, maybe it’s the secret to his success.