leandrofg

Answering three questions gets you 1 Capped TPE Answering six questions gets you 2 Capped TPE -- 1. As we edge closer to the end of the season, we've found ourselves improving our game. How good does that feel? 2. Can we keep it going for the foreseeable future? 3. What will it take for us to grab that wildcard opportunity? 4. Do you think a wildcard team can make a difference in the playoffs? 5. Talking of playoffs... are you supporting a playoff team in the Stanley Cup Playoffs? 6. If you could create a new rule for hockey, what would it be? -- Player Ping

Cologne, Germany - As the season progresses toward its end, teams outside of contention start to make their offseason plans clearer. This week's rumor involves Maverick Goncalves, the Express winger who ignored the opportunity to play his eligible season in the VHLM, instead choosing to move up to the VHLE, where he's facing harsher competition. His preference for playing in Europe came to light during the last off-season when he was interviewed during a Continental Cup Finals game. He then stated he wasn't leaving, creating a whirlwind of rumors regarding his future in the VHLM and a subsequent tour around Europe to visit different VHLE cities and teams. Some General Managers have already started working on this season's draft class, as some VHL teams are already out of playoff contention. There are rumors that HC Davos Dynamo was the first team to reach out to Maverick. Not only would this allow the Goncalves family story to continue, but it would also enable Maverick to play in his home country. After all, Davos was the first place Maverick saw after being born on the flight that took his father, Leandro, from Seattle to Davos. Given the rumors surrounding Maverick, this surely won't be the last piece it's written about this.

CHOO CHOO!

Answering three questions gets you 1 Capped TPE Answering six questions gets you 2 Capped TPE -- 1. This season has been challenging for us. Our goal is still to get to the playoffs and win. Can we do it? 2. What do you think has been happening? 3. Where does your player have to improve the most? 4. The trade deadline is right around the corner. What are your expectations? 5. Is there any better feeling than a "double dub day"? 6. What's the funniest question you've ever been asked? -- Player Ping

Ahahah! Imagine that being the actual theme. City rep jersey, though

With the intent of connecting the team to the city, without the need to have the name slated on the logo, this would be my approach: Since the outline of San Diego's skyline could be farfetched to recognizing the team, we could also have a lettering version, At first, I had a more laid-back font, using the arch on the side of the crest, but a simpler, cleaner version works best. @Mysterious_Fish, would you make take the switch?

Well… could have been Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland too

England

Sus

It was about time this came out! My apologies for the tardiness. (I mean... Ninefingers is already in the VHL ) Really glad you enjoy it!

Brian Payne, Class of Season 91 User: @Scurvy TPE: 1818 Position: Defenseman Nationality: American Height: 6'1" Weight: 225 lbs. VHL Drafted: 26th Overall, by the Warsaw Predators VHLE Drafted: 20th Overall, by the Bratislava Watchmen Played for: San Diego Marlins, Bratislava Watchmen, Warsaw Predators, Vancouver Wolves -- Career Awards Individual All-VHL First Team | S85 All-VHL Second Team (4x) | S86, S88, S89, S90 Jake Wylde Trophy | S86, S85 Sterling Labatte Trophy | S85 Team Continental Cup | S84 Terence Fong Trophy | S84 Victory Cup | S85 -- Before the VHL Some players are born with natural talent. Easy on the eye and easy to catch on. Brian Payne, like others, was brought up with relentless work ethic and determination. This story begins in Spokane, Washington, where Brian grew up and developed his passion for hockey. Payne faced numerous challenges during his early years in hockey. He might have had the wildest passion for the sport but didn't have the talent to match it. Despite the rejections, he never waivered and kept fighting for spots on his teams. That determination paid off when he was drafted by the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League. After four complete seasons in the WHL, Brian Payne became a pillar for the Everett Silvertips. He wasn't just the enforcer anymore, with his growth recognized enough by the coaching staff to be deemed worthy of 1st-Line duties on even-strength opportunities and Special Teams. He didn't, however, lose track of who he was and led the league in penalties and fighting majors during his last two amateur seasons. Despite leading the league in penalties and fighting majors, Payne's style caught the attention of scouts around the VHL. The Minor Leagues After so much progress, Payne hoped to see his name called in the upcoming VHLM draft, but that didn't happen. Instead, his legend as an underdog grew, and Payne signed a free-agent contract with the San Diego Marlins, a team then led by Nathan Powers, who went on to create the first dynasty in the VHLE. It was the moment of truth for Payne. As with most underdogs, they may crawl and fight for an opportunity, but it can vanish without notice. That season was of the utmost importance for Brian Payne, and he knew. During the regular season, it was evident Payne was still adjusting from his amateur enforcer role into a complete professional player. Although his scoring numbers weren't eye-catching, he was able to be the physical player the Marlins needed. During those playoffs, the world saw the first glimpse of what Brian Payne would eventually become. As he grew to a top VHLM player, Brian was paramount during the Marlins playoff run. As the 3rd seed in the West, the Marlins were considered an outsider but took down the Eastern Conference's 2nd-seeded Mississauga Hounds in six games. In the second round of the playoffs, they met the best team during the regular season and eventual champions, Ottawa Lynx - who they took to game seven! Even though their story ended there and the team had quality players, Payne's numbers were recognized as they should. This performance caused Brian's draft stock to rise. However, the VHL world remained skeptical. Drafted 20th in the VHLE and 26th in the VHL, Payne was shortly after those drafts considered a steal. How did management teams across the leagues make such a big mistake? Brian Payne didn't lose any sleep over this and got to work. Moving up to the VHLE meant the competition level would be higher again, but that never held him back. Quickly, he made connections with other players in the Watchmen roster, such as his counterpart, Bo Johansson. While both are defensemen, their style couldn't be any different. They did play off each other and led the Watchmen to the playoffs, but their story wasn't like the Marlins. Regular Season 82 (BRA), 72 Games Played, 12 Goals, 33 Assists, 45 Points, 2 Plus/Minus, 178 Hits, 109 Shots Blocked 81 (SDM), 72 Games Played, 11 Goals, 20 Assists, 31 Points, -21 Plus/Minus, 166 Hits, 76 Shots Blocked Playoffs 82 (BRA), 5 Games Played, 1 Goals, 1 Assists, 2 Points, 1 Plus/Minus, 8 Hits, 9 Shots Blocked 81 (SDM), 13 Games Played, 6 Goals, 11 Assists, 17 Points, -6 Plus/Minus, 43 Hits, 25 Shots Blocked Perseverance That was the word Brian Payne used to describe his time in the VHL. From Washington to Warsaw. From the Silvertips to the Predators. After being selected 26th overall, his goal was to become as valuable, if not more, than any of the 25 players taken before him - and make every team pay. As Payne got to the VHL, it seemed he was already the best version of himself. His presence on the ice was like no other, and his effect was undeniable. Coming up to a star-studded team in Warsaw, the expectation was for Payne to stand back and play second fiddle to the team's stars. Instead, he became one of them. Facing more difficult competition, Payne rose to the challenge admirably. Embracing his role as a physical defenseman, Payne quickly earned the respect of his teammates and opponents alike. With guidance from Dakota Lamb, Payne continued to improve his technique, culminating in a breakout season where he set personal records in multiple categories. Warsaw finished as the 3rd seed in the European Conference but couldn't get past the first-round matchup with the Riga Reign, who showed they were the better team in six games. Season 84 saw Payne's continued growth and success. Despite his defensive-first mentality, Payne's offensive contributions were starting not to be overlooked, and he played a pivotal support role for the Predators' offense. Repeating their previous season's feat, they finished the regular season as the 3rd seed in their conference. They did not repeat their previous performance during the playoffs and embarked on a championship-run playoff journey culminating in winning the Continental Cup. They beat the Helsinki Titans in the first round, the league favorites Moscow Menace in the second, and incumbent champions Seattle Bears in the Finals. This playoff run set the tone for the remainder of Payne's career, and his contributions would be for any team he'd play for. By Season 85, Payne had silenced his doubters and emerged as one of the VHL's premier defensemen. This season marked the start of his six straight 80-point season, and his all-around prowess was more prominent than ever. The Predators team improved throughout the season and became the top team in the league, winning the Victory Cup - but unlike the previous season, there was no Cinderella story in the making, and the Moscow Menace were feeling vengeful. The Predators were swept in the first round of the playoffs, giving life to the tale of the Victory Cup curse. Individually, Payne's dedication and perseverance had finally paid off, winning both the Sterling Labatte Trophy and Jake Wylde Trophy, awarded to the Top Defenseman and Top Defensive Defenseman in the VHL, respectively. From S86 to S88, Payne, already a leader in the Predators Locker Room, tried to galvanize the team towards the Continental Cup again but couldn't. In Season 86, the Predators couldn't get past the first round of the playoffs. In Season 87, the Wildcard round, and in Season 88, they didn't make the playoffs. Brian Payne maintained his elite status, anchoring the Predators' defense with skill and determination. His play and leadership propelled the team to success in the regular season, although they faced playoff disappointment. His level of play rewarded him with a deserved second Jake Wylde Trophy. Brian Payne found himself traded to the S86 champions, Vancouver Wolves. The move marked a significant shift in his career as he transitioned from a rebuilding phase with the Predators to a Vancouver Wolves team poised for a new championship run. His leadership and defensive prowess made an immediate impact, which propelled the team to the Continental Cup Finals. Brian found himself with the opportunity to do something unique and become part of a short list of players who led two different teams to a Continental Cup. The Wolves fought bravely but fell to the HC Davos Dynamo, a team that broke their decade-long cup-winning drought. As Payne entered his final season, the Wolves were poised to make another run at the playoffs, but the team wasn't as strong as the previous year, which amounted to an early playoff exit. It was unfortunate. The trade revitalized Payne as he pursued championship glory one last time. Payne's presence and skill were instrumental in guiding the Warsaw Predators and Vancouver Wolves in the VHL. Before Payne, only one previous Hall of Famer had combined more than 1.300 blocked shots with the point-per-game stat he had held for six seasons. Adding his more than 2.000 hits, and Payne stands alone. Regular Season 90 (VAN), 72 Games Played, 24 Goals, 58 Assists, 82 Points, 24 Plus/Minus, 245 Hits, 133 Shots Blocked 89 (VAN), 72 Games Played, 16 Goals, 68 Assists, 84 Points, 22 Plus/Minus, 261 Hits, 159 Shots Blocked 88 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 15 Goals, 69 Assists, 84 Points, 7 Plus/Minus, 272 Hits, 169 Shots Blocked 87 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 19 Goals, 65 Assists, 84 Points, 2 Plus/Minus, 303 Hits, 195 Shots Blocked 86 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 17 Goals, 63 Assists, 80 Points, 38 Plus/Minus, 246 Hits, 148 Shots Blocked 85 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 21 Goals, 67 Assists, 88 Points, 44 Plus/Minus, 241 Hits, 200 Shots Blocked 84 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 19 Goals, 50 Assists, 69 Points, 14 Plus/Minus, 261 Hits, 190 Shots Blocked 83 (WAR), 72 Games Played, 16 Goals, 36 Assists, 52 Points, 33 Plus/Minus, 235 Hits, 132 Shots Blocked Playoffs 90 (VAN), 11 Games Played, 4 Goals, 6 Assists, 10 Points, -7 Plus/Minus, 26 Hits, 19 Shots Blocked 89 (VAN), 16 Games Played, 3 Goals, 8 Assists, 11 Points, 6 Plus/Minus, 62 Hits, 46 Shots Blocked 87 (WAR), 3 Games Played, 0 Goals, 3 Assists, 3 Points, -1 Plus/Minus, 9 Hits, 8 Shots Blocked 86 (WAR), 7 Games Played, 2 Goals, 4 Assists, 6 Points, -1 Plus/Minus, 37 Hits, 31 Shots Blocked 85 (WAR), 9 Games Played, 4 Goals, 10 Assists, 14 Points, 5 Plus/Minus, 30 Hits, 23 Shots Blocked 84 (WAR), 20 Games Played, 4 Goals, 12 Assists, 16 Points, 1 Plus/Minus, 73 Hits, 42 Shots Blocked 83 (WAR), 6 Games Played, 0 Goals, 3 Assists, 3 Points, -5 Plus/Minus, 23 Hits, 15 Shots Blocked This induction pays tribute to a player who was often overlooked but was able to grow into his unique place in the VHL Hall of Fame. Congratulations on an incredible career, @Scurvy! -- Regular Season Career Stats 576 Games Played, 147 Goals, 476 Assists, 623 Points, +184 Plus/Minus, 2064 Hits, 1326 Shots Blocked Playoff Career Stats 72 Games Played, 17 Goals, 46 Assists, 63 Points, -2 Plus/Minus, 260 Hits, 184 Shots Blocked

I hate April Fools.

THIS IS NOT A PAYOUT THREAD. DO NOT CLAIM THIS FOR TPE - IT WILL REDUCE YOUR SEASON PAYOUT. -- -- -- -- Final Results Direct Link Fantasy Calculation Direct Link User Ranking Direct Link

@rory, 9+7+6+8+6+7=43

@cLoWn, @Ktoms22

@cLoWn takes G - Merome Dilson and we wrap this group

@rory skipped for a second time with 2 Forwards to select. F - Leonard Triller F - Vincent Laroche-Gagnier @Jubis can select a Goalie. (cLoWn and Mubbles after) @mattyIceman can select a Defenseman. @animal74 can select a Forward.

Uno reverse card on the technicality that while I did plagiarize... those words fall outside the 400-word count.

"Almost heaven, West Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River Life is old there, older than the trees Younger than the mountains, growin' like a breeze Country roads, take me home To the place I belong West Virginia, Mountain Mama Take me home, country roads" How can a player, born twenty thousand feet up in the air, possibly a holder of four different nationalities, be so tied to one specific place? As we witnessed during game 6 of the VHL Finals, Maverick's feelings were already showing when, during a short interview, he shared he wasn't thinking of leaving Europe. Not only did this raise questions amongst different management teams, but it also created rumors as to what Maverick was thinking. During the off-season, Maverick was caught among EFL fans at an EFL International Game in Munich, which only made the questions louder. He was feverously singing along to John Denver's classic, "Take Me Home, Country Roads." This prompted Maverick's own Euro trip. After leaving Munich, Maverick returned home to the Swiss Alps, where he spent a week away from the world of hockey. Several requests regarding his availability had already been made. From the VHLM to the VHLE, from Saskatoon to Oslo, teams were eager to talk with Maverick and discuss his upcoming season. Maverick entertained every team that wanted to speak with him. But ultimately, people started to see a trend in his enthusiasm, and the VHLE became the clear favorite to have Maverick's talents for the new season. From Switzerland, Maverick visited a few cities around Europe, starting in beautiful Rome, where we spent some warm days, before traveling north to the Scandinavian Peninsula to visit Stockholm and Oslo. We freeze our story here, alongside the cold temperatures Maverick felt in the North, for a trail was being blazed. While Maverick had time to appreciate the natural beauty and culture of these two incredible places, it seemed like he was searching for something else. A new home. His next stop? Cologne. Ultimately known for the creation of "Eau de Cologne," the city is home to a long-lasting dynasty in the VHLE with record Playoff appearances, record Finals appearances, and record titles. His visit to the hard-working, white-collar city of Cologne may not have been the most spectacular of his journey, but the one with the most impact on the player. The place where VHLE legends, such as BjorkaBjorn BjornaBjorkson, started their career seemed like the place to be. Maverick couldn't say "Hello, Europe" because he was from a neighboring country. But he could feel something else. During a visit to Cologne's imposing cathedral, the third-tallest in the world, Maverick was able to oversee the city from the church's pinnacle and proffered two words. "I'm home."

@Knight skipped. May select at any point. @CowboyinAmerica can pick.