BOOM

176: Cologne: The Model Franchise?

Apart from being expansion franchises, there are few similarities between the Quebec City Meute and Cologne Express. One started off its existence as a tanking team, the other tried to compete in every game. One signed three major free agents, the other none. And the Meute won a cup in their first five seasons of existence (only Vasteras, Calgary, and Seattle did so of the original eight), while the Express are looking less and less likely to do so with this core. However, it would be unfair to consider Quebec superior to Cologne simply because of more on-ice success. In actual fact, the Express may be the better franchise of the two.

Building a team from the pieces the expansion teams had was never going to be easy. It wasn't impossible obviously but it would require some good fortune. The Meute got quite a bit of that when the managed to land all the Valiq brothers and then sign both Yuri Grigorenko and Skylar Rift in the same off-season. That also set up the Wesley Kellinger trade and just like that, Quebec displaced New York and Calgary from the top of the North American standings. This is not meant to undermine the Meute's accomplishments as a lot of teams are built in just a few good and/or lucky transactions, but if the pieces had fallen differently, Quebec would probably now be either mired in mediocrity or lingering at the bottom of league standings. Nothing was as easy for Cologne yet at their peak they pushed the Helsinki Titans to six games in the European Conference finals.

This season the Express have pulled the plug on their attempts at cup contention. They could still make the playoffs but it's an end of an era and by all accounts of Joey Kendrick's GM tenure. A quick rebuild is required (and it should be quick based on the selling trades so far) and it will likely be led by David Collier aka RomanesEuntDomus who may go by the GM name Alexander Schneider. Despite some turbulence at the start of the season following the Davey Jones trade, the future looks bright in Cologne and if Collier follows in Kendrick's footsteps (and he appears a good student based on our trade negotiations), he will use the Express' past to his advantage too.

Cologne wasn't built up using high picks or big trades and free agent signings. Apart from Kameron Taylor, their highest selection was fourth overall (Evgeni Chekhov and Jones) and often times they didn't have first-round picks at all. Yet through later draft picks (third and even fourth round in some cases), shrewd trade pick-ups, and under-the-radar free agents, Kendrick assembled a cast including Gregory Glass, Cody Inko, Zach Cuff, Marcus Figgarowta-Nahimal, Lauris Prikulis, and even Collier himself. Some of these are inactive now but others are integral parts of the VHL and likely wouldn't have been if they didn't spend time on the Express. A top example is expansion draft pick Abraham Sander, then inactive and now top rookie favourite Conner Low. Ironically enough, despite not having the success of Quebec, Cologne has always been the more active team and locker room and without a doubt promoted activity across the VHL.

Like their fellow European expansion team in the VHLM, the Bratislava Watchmen, the Cologne Express have made a name on member retention, reclamation projects, and uncovered gems. Unlike the VHLM, sim success matters in the VHL, but the Express have never been terrible either. There is a strong foundation and philosophy and with them, the big wins will come sooner rather than later. Then, Cologne may truly be the model VHL franchise.

Unlike Laich
 

Free sig for Ashton Galbraith(Oslo Storm)
 
I know they are repetitive but it's not for a PT, just for a guy with no sig
 

 

Unlike Laich
 

No, but after googling him, it took me to a horse steroids page.

That's a rather unfortunate middle name.

Tordahl has these for sale:
 

Yep Kesler. Just headed back from the kangaroo farm and thought I'd take a selfie gif. Must say, I'm looking pretty good considering the circumstances.

I don't type STZ... can I do this instead
 

Vladimir Boomchenko at the Vasteras announcement.
 
Vasteras, Sweden.
 
Today the Vasteras IK J20 VHLM franchise, has announced the appointment of former VHL Defenseman, Vladimir Boomchenko as it's new Assistant GM. The popular but under achieving Russian blue-liner played for several VHL teams, including Riga, Calgary, Cologne and Vasteras and it is hoped he will bring this experience and leadership to the VHLM. He will seek to develop and help the Vasteras junior team in any way possible, and provide outstanding GM, Sterling Labatte help with the day to day duties of team management.
 
Boomchenko was thought to be looking for an opportunity to give something back to the VHL and it's associated minor league, when Labatte stepped in and offered the Assistant role. It was keenly accepted and will help provide Boomchenko with an opportunity to learn the management role and take another step towards an eventual GM role in the VHL whenever that opportunity should arise.
 
"I'd like to thank Sterling for this amazing opportunity and hope that I am able to gain the knowledge that he is able to impart. I'm very excited about the future and look forward to playing a role in the development of both the players in the VHLM and the league itself".
 

Possibly. I get so over-whelmed with affection from my VHL friends that it's easy to lose track.
 

Not much these days.

.......at a truck. Mom grants request.
 

If you do get moved, best of luck wherever Osborne ends up.

You can be my assistant brah

Ad dump updated and will find someone for the usual player pic.

Was an absolute blast to finally fly this bad boy.

Has my vote.....
 

Don't believe so. I might compile a list myself.
We good.

Yes, he'll probably be banned for this vile post. Thanks for the report.