badcolethetitan

VHL All-Star Selection Idea Location To start us off, we'd have to find a place to hold this years all-star game, and what better place than to hold it in Los Angeles! The Stars currently hold the best record in the league, at 29-7-2, making them the host for the upcoming all-star game. I feel like if there were to be an event, the top seeded team in the entire league would always host the event, so this year it would be the stars. If there were a tiebreaker between the top seeded teams at the time decided for the location, you could just go based off of the usual tiebreaker rules to figure out who would be the host. Format Now, to get into the format. We would basically have the NA Conference vs the EU Conference, as that's the easiest way to divide up the teams in my eyes. Each roster would have 6 forwards, 4 defenseman, and 2 goalies. You would end up playing two games, one with each goalie so that the goalies both get to play in a game. The way rosters would be decided is each team sends a single player at 1st, which would then be 8 skaters for each conference. That would then leave 4 extra players for each conference, where I believe the top 2 seeded teams in each conference should get a 2nd player. This would then make it so each roster now has 10 players out of the required 12, so in this instance, the Los Angeles Stars and Calgary Wranglers get two players instead of one, same with the Malmo Nighthawks and Moscow Menace. The remaining 2 players for each conference would be decided on a fan vote, where the fans would elect who they would want to send to the all-star game. Again, it would cap out at 6 forwards, 4 defenseman, and 2 goalies, so you couldn't send for example 3 goalies or 7 forwards to make the roster ineligible. I feel like this is a great way to reward the top teams, as they get to send another player, while on top of that the community gets to feel involved as they get to send their favorite player potentially to the all-star game. Selections Now the best part, the selections. I will actually try my best to come up with some sort of mock all-star game rosters, but again, at this point, some teams have 39 games played while others have 40. For the fan vote, I'll just throw in whoever I would end up voting for. Without further adieu, lets get underway: NA Conference All-Star Selections C - Todd Cooke - 28G 25A 53P +22 - 39GP - @KRZY Todd Cooke is having an impressive season, having easily over a point-per-game for the best team in the league. A superstar centerman for Los Angeles and a big part of why they're winning, it would be an obvious choice to send Cooke to the all-star game. They are 5th in points and 2nd in goals, a great shooter than can leave the fans stunned, it would be a fantastic addition to Team NA. LW - Larry Abass Jr - 12G 32A 44P +26 - 39GP - @RileyL The second player I decided to go with is Larry Abass Jr. They are currently second on their team in points only behind Todd Cooke and seem to the playmaker for Todd Cooke. They have 32 assists and the best +/- on the team, with an impressive 124 hits. Abass Jr seems to be a physical playmaker that goes into the corners to help dig the puck out, to only then find Cooke for the finish. A great all around addition for Team NA at the end of the day. G - Merome Dilson - 25-10-4 .937 2.14, 5 shutouts - 39GP - @MexicanCow123 Merome Dilson is one of the top goaltenders in the entire league, not just NA. They've helped turn Calgary around, as last season was not the best season for Calgary fans. An impressive goaltender who is having a career high and doesn't seem to be stopping would be a huge addition between the pipes for Team NA. D - Skor McFleury - 12G 27A 39P +16 - 40GP - @Alex As both Calgary and Los Angeles get a second player, adding a solid defenseman in Skor McFleury is a no brainer. They currently are almost a point-per-game for Calgary and are 7th in scoring this season. An impressive skater with an accurate shot and just an all-around complete player will help solidify the blue line for Team NA. C - The Frenchman - 16G 40A 56P +12 - 39GP - @OrbitingDeath The Frenchman is almost a perfect no-brainer. They're an elite playmaker who can set up any goal scorer in the league, with the most assists in the league. They would fit perfectly with Todd Cooke, who can fire the puck from almost anywhere and find a way to score. A dynamic duo would get huge for Team NA and these two might just be it. G - WWWWWWW (not typing whole name) - 18-17-4 .940 1.91, 2 shutouts - 39GP - @rory The second goalie on this list is Rory's player. WWWWWWW has had an absolute crazy season, where he's single handedly helping the New York Americans get to a playoff spot. This guy is literally like prime Hasek, trying to carry his team to the playoffs, and he easily deserves a spot on Team NA. D - Bobby Bob - 7G 27A 34P -1 - 40GP - @Baby Boomer This is when things are going to get a little hard to decide players, but I decided with Bobby Bob. Toronto has been struggling this season, and it's either between Jimi Jaks or Bobby Bob to make the team, but I went with Bobby Bob. Currently, the team already has two good centers, and they need another defenseman to help round out the first pairing, so I decided to go with Bobby Bob. He is quietly having a good season with Jimi Jaks, where they're really the only players getting anything done on the team at the moment. RW - Yaroslav Trunov - 24G 32A 56P +5 - 39GP - @qripll Just like WWWWWWW, this one is a no brainer. Trunov has been having an exceptional season for the Phoenix, finding himself tied for 2nd in points, only behind AK92 Wit Da Hoodie. He is an elite player all around and having him apart of the roster would be huge for Team NA. It seems that every season Chicago has one player that just decides to have an MVP-like season, and Trunov was the player this year. D - Liv Slater - 18G 22A 40P -22 - 39GP - @Subject056 Our third defenseman on our list, I believe Slater would be the choice for Vancouver. Slater is over a point-per-game on a rebuilding Vancouver roster that is struggling this season, but was expected. Despite the -22, they're a young defenseman who can be very solid on that second pairing, including 116 hits and 111 shot blocks. They might be able to bring that grit and physicality to Team NA for the all-star game. C - Severus Targaryen - 23G 27A 50P -12 - @Banackock Our last player to make the team before the "fan vote" would commence would be Severus Targaryen. There really isn't much to say about Seattle, as they're going through a rebuild, but it's fairly obvious that Targaryen is their best player, and is carrying them. The youngest player to this point added to the roster and they would get some great experience playing with and against the best players in the league. A potential future all-star in the making. Targaryen would be a great add for Team NAs forward depth. Team NA "fan vote" extras Normally, this is where the fans would vote for players, but for reasons, obviously the fans aren't "voting" here, so I'll be filling out the roster with who I think deserves the remaining spots. D - Mark Calaway - 14G 29A 43P +17 - 39GP - @Beketov The first player to get in would be Mark Calaway in my eyes. On multiple other teams, he would easily be the first choice, however, the Frenchman is currently overshadowing him and his fantastic season. Regardless, Calaway is one of the best defenseman in NA and is having a career year. It seems D.C. finally has a dynamic duo in Calaway and the Frenchman going this season, and they could finally be a contender for the playoffs. A great addition to help round out the D core and an easy choice. C - Jimi Jaks - 18G 24A 42P +10 - 40GP - @ke1vi A potential questionable addition in the last spot over the likes of Vincent Laroche-Gagnier, who is having a much better season. However, I'm going for Jimi Jaks as he's having an exceptional season on a team that is struggling all over the place. Not only is he a +10 on a team that is below .500, he is over a point per game, where the rest of his team is struggling to meet that mark. I feel like on a better team, Jimi Jaks would have much better stats, but I decided to slide him in as the last forward for Team NA. EU Conference All-Star Selections D - Jacob Stone - 14G 32A 46P +7 - 40GP - @scoop The first selection for the EU Team would be Jacob Stone. An obvious selection from Malmo, as they've been the best defenseman in the league up to this point, and a huge part of Malmo's success this season. Malmo's D core is exceptional this season and easily the best in the league, where his partner Reese McFleury might be joining him on this list as well. A great defenseman with passing ability and an all-around complete game would be a huge addition for Team EU as they'll look to have a strong first pairing. D - Reese McFleury - 12G 31A 43P +22 - 40GP - @Spaz Another obvious addition as we'll just be taking the first pairing from Malmo to be a pairing on Team EU. Just like Jacob Stone, they're basically an exact carbon copy of Stone, just slightly worse. However, that doesn't mean he isn't capable of being one of the best defenseman in the league, including his +22, which is very good for a defenseman at this point in the season. The D lineup for Team EU is already looking very strong and having two players that have played together on a team is great chemistry wise. C - Axle Gunner - 18G 30A 48P -3 - 40GP - @Steve For Moscow, we'll be sending a pair of forwards to join Team EU, with Axle Gunner being the first one. Gunner is the playmaker for Moscow, having 30 assists on the season and having over a point-per-game. Moscow has heavily overperformed this season, as not many people imagined them doing this well, but there's no complaints coming from Moscow, that's for sure. Gunner will be a fantastic addition as a young centerman who just like Targaryen, can gain some extra experience from the all-star game. LW - Left Alone - 23G 25A 48P -8 - 40GP - @okochastar As for the second player coming from Moscow, we'll be going with his partner, Left Alone. Left Alone seems to be the goal scorer for this team, as they lead the team in goals with 23 on the season. They also can pass the puck, with 25 assists, so they seem to be able to do it all. The only thing they really lack is physicality, but they have great discipline, only taking a single penalty on the season. Another duo that will be joining Team EU as their chemistry is already looking better than Team NA. RW - Leonard Triller - 23G 32A 55P +18 - 39GP - @Triller Leonard Triller is an easy addition to the forward core, as they are currently 4th in the league in points, with great stats all around. London quietly has been a very good team this season, and Triller is a big part of it with the season they are having. Just an all-around complete player will be joining Team EU and they are looking deadly across the board so far. C - Daryl Dixon - 22G 29A 51P +9 - 40GP - @Ricer13 Dixon is currently on pace for another great season, trying to follow up his career high last season of 93 points. Regardless, Dixon is the heart of the Helsinki offense, where they seem to be involved in everything offensively. The next closest forward on the team in points is Grimgor Ironhide with 39, as he already has a 11 point lead on his forward group. Regardless, Dixon is a great add to Team EU as they look to stack their team even more. C - John Jameson - 20G 31A 51P +19 - 40GP - @Frank The more and more we go down the list, the more and more you realize that EU is stacked with talent. Jameson is an amazing forward who like the rest on this list, are just a complete player showing no holes. All these players unlike with Team NA can fit into any scenario and thrive, which I feel like is very important for an all-star game event. The only downside for Jameson could be the fact that he somehow has 144 penalty minutes, so this guy is going to go out there and probably drop the gloves at the event. LW - AK92 Wit da Hoodie - 30G 32A 62P +7 - 39GP - @hedgehog337 A current front runner for multiple awards is AK92 Wit da Hoodie, Team EUs best player. Riga this season has been alright, but they probably would've liked to have a better season, but regardless, AK92 is steamrolling the competition. Only 39 games in, he's 10 points away from being a point-per-game, and also has a 6 point lead on the 2nd place in points. An obvious add and someone who is head and shoulders above everyone else will be a difficult task for Team NA to handle. D - Rex Wolffe Gregor - 13G 23A 36P -14 - 40GP - @oilmandan Maybe not the most ideal defenseman on the list, but a defenseman who is just below a point-per-game is still a solid add for Team EU. They currently have a strong first pairing who can play top minutes, so a bit of a weaker D core isn't the end of the world, especially since their forward core is stacked. Gregor has been having a decent season for Warsaw who has struggled offensively, being second on the team in points as a defenseman. Nevertheless, a solid add for Team EU on the backend. D - David Jokinen - 15G 24A 39P -14 - 40GP - @Ahma There's really not much to say for Davos, as they are tanking for first overall to most likely pick @CowboyinAmerica. Jokinen has been having a great season on a team that sucks, so they for sure deserve a spot in the all-star game. Team EU "fan vote" extras G - Matt Murdock - 15-14-3 .935 2.17, 2 shutouts - 32GP - @Acydburn The first goaltender on this list, we'll be going with Matt Murdock. Murdock has been having a great season for Prague, dropping a .935 and a 2.17, impressive numbers for a goaltender. They are looking to have a career high this season currently, as their highest sv% in previous years was a .931 in S87 with Moscow. A great add for Team EU as they'll need solid goaltending. G - Fuuka Rask - 17-13-6 .933 2.31, 1 shutout - 37GP - @Jubis Another very solid goaltender and the second on the list is Fuuka Rask. Just like Murdock, Rask has been having a great season and is looking to have a career year, where his previous best was a .925 sv% last season with Helsinki. Both these goalies are having career years and it would make sense to have them on the team to help backstop the crease for Team EU. Final Rosters: Team North America: C - Todd Cooke LW - Larry Abass Jr C - The Frenchman RW - Yaroslav Trunov C - Severus Targaryen C - Jimi Jaks D - Skor McFleury D - Bobby Bob D - Liv Slater D - Mark Calaway G - Merome Dilson G - WWWWWWW Team Europe: C - Axle Gunner LW - Left Alone RW - Leonard Triller C - Daryl Dixon C - John Jameson LW - AK92 Wit da Hoodie D - Jacob Stone D - Reese McFleury D - Rex Wolffe Gregor D - David Jokinen G - Matt Murdock G - Fuuka Rask Conclusion Well that rounds up the article! This took a while to make, but pretty happy with the result and the theme week as it's always fun to write a huge article. Do you guys like the format for choosing the teams? Who would you vote in if you had the choice for EU or NA as the final two? Regardless, was a bunch of fun to write and had a blast doing so. 2000+ words, around 2500 without duplicate names

My Weekly Media Spot VHL We are looming ahead to trade deadline, just passing the halfway mark in the season, with the Chicago Phoenix sitting at 16-19-2, 3 points out of a playoff spot with a game in hand. I will say, the beginning of our season was rough, as we basically had to play LA and DC every other game it felt like, so to have those out of the way is really nice. Regardless, I don't really have super high hopes for the playoffs, but it would be cool to play in the play in round and make some noise. Yarislav Trunov is having a crazy year, probably will finish with about 90 points I'd say, so really happy they're doing well as they were an off-season acquisition. I didn't really expect the team to be too good, so where we're at is basically where I expected to be in the standings. This off-season will be a busy one though, as I think it's almost time to start our push for playoffs and to make some noise. How that will be done, I don't know for sure yet, but we'll make it happen one way or another. VHLE In the VHLE, George Richmond has been having a very good season with the Cologne Express. He has quietly found himself in the top 10 in points, as most of the hype is around Baby Moo Moo, who leads the team with 54 points and a +27 on the season, helping lead Cologne to a 30-6-2 record and already favorites to win it all. Richmond has fallen off a bit recently, as one point he was contending towards the top of the table, but has taken more of a defensive role on the team to help them secure wins. Richmond has the highest hits on the team with 87, showing he's not afraid to take the body and do whatever it takes to secure the win day in and day out. He's also tied for the team lead in goals with 20, potentially being able to reach 40 on the season wouldn't be an unrealistic goal. However, coming into the season, he was more focused on team success than individual success, and obviously it seems it is going well. Moscow fans are pleased with his development as he'll be joining the team next season and is looking to make an impact on the roster right away. VHLM I don't really pay too much attention to the M, however, I have two friends who are currently playing down there in Zeal-Emiritus Fleming and Wayne Shotzky. Shotzky currently is having an amazing season, with 58 points, having 27 goals, 30 assists, and a +6 for the Ottawa Lynx. It seems the dynamic duo of Ivan Ivanov and Shotzky are taking the league by storm and Shotzky could maybe win some awards, which would be fantastic. Zeal-Emiritus Fleming is having a decent season for the Marauders, putting up 7 goals, 18 assists, good for 25 points and a +5. Those are solid numbers for someone in their first season with sub 100 TPE, so I'm glad both of my friends are doing well and hope they stick around for the long haul!

1: I don't have anyone specific I'd want to play aside, but being able to play with and meet new people is always my goal. 2: Hockey weather! There is a pond near me that freezes over and a bunch of my friends go skating on it. 3: I have one dog. Her name is Chelsea and she is a German Shepard. 4: As of right now, I feel like my player is a two-way forward, but they will eventually become a sniper. 5: I think when I started ice skating and watching hockey on TV, I wanted to get into it. 6: @Moon, it's got to be him. BEAVSSSSSSSSSSS

Around the Leagues I'm Involved in The VHL - Chicago Phoenix The Chicago Phoenix are off to a 8-13-1 start, not the best for the roster, however, it was expected. Coming into this season, the expectations were set low and the roster wasn't something that was going to be able to compete with. Management knew that this season would most likely be the last season of rebuilding, where they'd start to compete next season. However, there are many question marks with this roster heading into the off-season, as the Phoenix lack a number one center. They have some supporting pieces and a very young D core, but they'll ideally need a centerman to be able to play with Trunov, who is having a fantastic season for the Phoenix. A potential MVP candidate, Yaroslav Trunov has 36 points in 22 games played, with 15 goals and 21 assists, which is on pace to beat his career high by far. It seems that every season, the Phoenix produce one player that shatters expectations and plays way above their potential, as Trunov seems to be that player this season. It'll be interesting to see if he can keep this point production up, as in the past, Chicago has struggled to find consistency and score goals, which seems they can score this season. Keeping the puck out of the net though is difficult for the Phoenix, especially their second line, as they don't have the depth to match up against other teams. We'll see come trade deadline if Chicago has something in store, or if they'll wait until the off-season to make some moves. The VHLE - Cologne Express (George Richmond) Meanwhile in the E, Cologne has found themselves at the top of the table, already having a 9 point lead over the second place team. It's no doubt that Cologne right now is the best team in the league, but as it is a long season, anything could change. Cologne currently has a 17-3-2 record, with a +38 goal differential, and a league leading 80 goals for and 42 goals against. This team is stacked and they seem poised to bring home another trophy. Led by Anthony Simmons, the team seems to have the depth to stack up against any team, where Simmons has 35 points in 22 games played and looks to be a front runner for multiple awards. George Richmond is having a fantastic season, with 32 points in 22 games played and a +14, something Moscow fans are going to be very happy about. Another interesting statistic is that Richmond has 5 game winning goals, which is the most on the roster, despite not having the most goals on the team. It seems Richmond comes in clutch when he's needed, not scoring the most goals, but the most impactful ones. When we asked Richmond about his goal scoring, he replied saying that, "I do want to be able to finish more of my chances. I'm shooting just over 9% right now and I feel like it could be higher." The young superstar winger is still finding his place in the VHLE, where if he's able to finally get his footing, he could be in the race for MVP should he overtake Simmons. Regardless, Cologne is on fire currently and there's no signs of stopping. All aboard the hype train! Players mentioned: @qripll @Starchychaff

1: I'm happy with my performance so far in the E. I do wish I was scoring more, but being over a point-per-game is still good. 2: I will be focusing on my defensive game, as it's the most important in my eyes. 3: I enjoy the sport itself and spending time watching it with family and friends. 4: I think he will still win it. The others are a bit behind him still, so they have to catch up to him. 5: I put bacon on my pizza once, it was actually pretty good. 6: I would probably choose telekinesis or mind control, both seem cool.

Is that the Pittsburgh Pen- I mean Moscow Menace???

Celibrini is here!

I hope I’m not the issue, if I am, then sorry. There’s been way worse, you’re kinda just getting STHS’d rn where you’re underperforming this season and should be doing much better.

Reapers +1

S92 Chicago Phoenix Captains After a huge season by @fromtheinside, helping Chicago reach the playoffs for the first time under my reign, the young prospects are finally starting to make their way up. It should be an interesting season ahead of us and good luck to all the captains chosen! ALTERNATE CAPTAIN #1 - Joshua Schwarzer - @Velevra A young player who is making his season debut for the Phoenix. Schwarzer will be a big part of the leadership group leading in the new generation of talent that Chicago will have for many seasons to come! ALTERNATE CAPTAIN #2 - Reinhard Von Kongming - @Kylrad A mainstay of Chicago at this point, Kongming is entering his third season with the team and is looking to help usher in the new talent recently acquired by Chicago. CAPTAIN - Yaroslav Trunov - @qripll It was tough to name a captain after Scotty Sundin's departure, but we truly believe that Yaroslav Trunov can fill that role. Being old enough to help lead the older group, while also being able to help the young talent, we believe they are a perfect fit for Chicago and we are honored to call him our captain for this season!

1. I ended up getting a Bedard jersey (Home) and then a Vegas Golden Knights jersey (the grey one). 2. I would like to win an award, championship, or something in the E this season. 4. My player is a righty. I feel like all my players will be, but maybe I can have one be a lefty! 5. The Boys Are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy. 6. My favorite NHL skater is Tage Thompson (as you can tell by every sig I make for my player). 7. I am a diehard Sabres fan. I ended up choosing them because the first NHL game I ever watched was with Ryan Miller and he is one of my favorite players.

PETERRRRR

Kind words

Imagine thinking I’ll ever wear the “C” for Moscow. There’s too many good members on the team, doubt I would wear a letter.

My favorite team!!!

Don't worry, I'll be playing winger for a couple seasons! You guys won't be replaced!

Personally, I would like GMs to reach out to players more and create that personal bond. I’m not necessarily talking about myself, but I’ve heard stories where players get tossed around, (specifically clickers), that have been active and they just get launched from one team to another. I have two friends in the VHL that are clickers who literally look at every single game they’re in and post their scores, with stats to me every simulation. Their GMs barely have any communication with them at all and it really takes away from the experience. Just reach out to your players, even if it’s a simple “Hello.” Keep in touch with your players, especially if they are forum only and don’t have discord. Send them a message! It’s going to go a long way and I think GMs should actually be held accountable for doing their job. I know we are around the holidays and people are busy, but it shouldn’t take that much time to do so. At the end of the day, this is about the experience. We all have made up players that don’t exist, but behind every player is a real person. This isn’t some AI that doesn’t have emotions that you can ignore, or use as trade pieces. We should be getting to know the person behind the screen and ensure that they have a great experience, which then would help with retention overall. I am not saying that every GM doesn’t already do this, because some do. I’d just like a collective effort that should already be the standard. The community is what makes the VHL great, we should continue to welcome people into our community!

Lightning speed!

Also jumping in on the press conference: 1) I guess my players New Years resolution would to be to play in the VHL someday! 2) My player will be focusing on his defensive game. 3) My player will continue to score goals and feed his teammates. 4) @fromtheinside Thank you for carrying Chicago to the playoffs. 5) Eventually getting a job and hopefully one I enjoy! 6) The Buffalo Sabres losing every single game known to man.

VHL Draft Looming Only a day away The VHL draft is currently one day away, as the draft takes place on January 2nd, 2024, at 8 EST. Many players will finally get to hear their name called and get to join VHL teams, with George Richmond being one in particular. Richmond has been waiting to see where he's going to land, as he's a projected top pick in the upcoming draft. Many teams have expressed interest in Richmond, however, it will all come down to what happens on draft day, as anything can happen. In the M draft, Richmond saw himself projected as the 1st overall pick, only to slide all the way to 11th overall, sparking some concern about the player and potential issues that could arise. Richmond said these are all rumors, however, and he's looking forward to potentially going in the top 5. Regardless, he will be one of many joining a team and it should be a great draft!