JCarson

Opinion pieces are always a great read. You can't take them seriously much like the commentary of TSN. If you dig deep enough there may be some aspect of truth but then this is opinion so maybe not. Either way it was well written, easy to read and had its' funny moments so what more can you really ask for. This is also a fun article as it breaks out of the mold of the theme weeks articles that are currently filling the media spot page. Expected but not overly original. As this is my opinion and i don't have to justify it, I am giving this article an 8 out of 10 on my imaginary scale. Well done.

Personally I am working on my second player so to be able to do a comparison of this nature would be impossible. I find it very intriguing that you can't even do the comparison on all your players as some of them the stats are so old that they are no longer on the system. For a self serving theme week article this is pretty good, i say take the extra TPE and in honor of the theme week add a little toughness to your current player. I give this article a 9 out of 10.

1. I think it will be an easy topic to discuss so is some easy TPE 2. Felicia doesn't take concern over April Fools day 3. Black on the blade, white everywhere else 4. no-one in particular 5. i joined in season 84 6. Obviously Davos 7. My lucky number is 11 8 Favorite movie is tough, there are so many good movies that have been done over the years. I will suggest the Lord of the Rings Trilogy,

There is still about 1/3 of the season left to play but for the most part the playoff teams have already been decided. The North American Conference for the most part is decided. 5 teams hold dominant positions that unless something drastic happens they will hold the playoff spots come the end of the season. As of the publication of this article those teams are: Toronto with 68 points in 49 games Seattle with 65 points in 50 games Calgary with 61 points in 49 games New York with 58 points in 49 games Vancouver with 56 points in 49 games Then there is a 9 point difference before you get to Los Angeles, creating a wide margin for any team to catch up at this point The European Conference is also very much decided except for the 5th and final spot which could potentially be up for grabs. The European conference looks as follows: Moscow with 73 points in 49 games Davos with 71 points in 49 games Helsinki with 70 points in 49 games Riga with 68 points in 49 games Nobody is going to argue that these 4 teams have their playoff spots locked up. London with 47 points and Prague with 45 points with Prague having a game at hand is the only playoff position that is in question. With Malmo 15 points behind Prague there isn’t an opportunity that this will be a 3 team race. So there it is. 1/3 of the season remains and only the 5th and final playoff spot in the European conference is up for grabs. This may end up being a very boring end of the season push.

Well, we are at that point of the season again, trade deadline and theme week. The geniuses in the league offices have decided that this season’s theme week topic should be tough “guys”. Their thought is they will try to give some love to the non-offensively minded players. Being slightly non-cooperative I am going to take some liberties with the topic and discuss some of the tough positions within the VHL. I am not going to address these in any sort of order so please do not try and argue that any of these positions are tougher than any other. To start my list, only because I saw a recent dispute related to the activities of someone in this position, I am going to make the argument that the Moderators are among the tough guys of the league. Anyone who takes on the responsibility of policing the general discussions of several individuals to try and keep it within an acceptable framework is at some point going to face some adversity. Reality is that this position is set up to be a whipping post. Nobody will see the line the same way and so you are stuck being seen as oppressive or too lenient. You will always be wrong and take the brunt of the community's frustration. One must be tough to take this on. Second people I am going to mention are the updaters. We have all been in a situation where we submit something for TPE, and we wait for it to be approved. In most instances those responsible for approving the TPE are doing a wonderful job, but the general population of players are just a little too impatient. We want to press the button to submit and have it approved right away. And so, these individuals take a torrent of criticism for just doing their job. These people need to be tough, some of the toughest guys in the league. The third group of individuals on my list of tough guys is the simmers. Similar to the updaters these individuals take on a perpetual onslaught of abuse. If it is not the argument that sims aren’t done soon enough, God forbid a day gets skipped because they have a life. Even if sims are done consistently there is the argument about how poorly a team or player is doing, as if the simmers have any impact on that. To put yourself in that situation every season can only mean they are tough guys. Fourth is the recruitment team, this one is probably one of the most obvious. For a group that is either doing too little or too much, who is doing it on the wrong platform or with poor quality methods. This group will never be given any love by the community and will always get a constant barrage of criticism no matter what happens. Those that make up this group are definitely tough guys. Well, that is my discussion of the tough guys of the league. I will admit it is not a complete list as I could easily add GM’s, Commissioners, the BOG as they too take the frustration of the league repeatedly while trying to make the VHL the best it can be.

Not knowing a lot about this situation I will only note that the author has written a article about something that must be important to them. I personally don't understand the need to control ones destiny by requiring a NTC or threatening to retire if one doesn't get what they want. Maybe I am a little more laid back and think of this more like a game, I try to have fun and will settle for whatever happens. I have too much in reality to worry about to get worked up about being traded. I give this article a 8 out of 10

Although it is hard to argue with the content of this article I don't think it takes into consideration one very important factor. Simon is sometimes the great unknown. Teams can be built in a manner that you think is going to act a certain way and them Simon comes along. It appears that Prague is getting Analfisted by Simon. Hopefully Simon turns it's attention elsewhere but who knows. I wish Prague well but as long as Simon is focused elsewhere I am fine with it. I give this article a 8 out of 10

Travel is an inevitable thing in hockey especially when you are doing a cross-conference set of games. Recently Davos played in Davos, then Moscow, then did a trip to Los Angeles and then back to Davos. That is a lot of time sitting in airplanes waiting to get to the next game. Finding something to do during that time is important. There is only so much game tape that can be reviewed. To help take up some of that time Felicia decided that they would take up a hobby. Felicia has recently taken up doing some reading and decided to do a longer series and picked the Wheel of Time. They are enjoying it so far, having now finished the prequal and the first 6 books there is still a lot to go. Not wanting to give away any of the story Felicia did note that they are really enjoying the story. the author has woven the lives of the characters in such a way that they have depth. Knowing that near the end of the story the original author passes away and the authors son and another well-known author take over it is intriguing to see how the writing changes. Still a few books before that happens but something to look forward to. If anyone is looking for something to read, who enjoys fantasy stories with well written characters who are developed and built over time, that has a unique take on world building, then this may be a series you should investigate. Felicia would recommend this series to you.

With my last media spot, I looked at games 7-16 for Felicia Hardy and looked at how they were doing in relation to their goal of 100 points on the season. This media spot will look at games 17 through 30. At the end of game 16 reviewed in the last publication Felicia had 2 goals and 21 assists for 23 total points. 16 games in someone looking for a 100-point pace would need to have 22.24 points. Game 134 Davos versus Chicago – target 23.63 points The seventeenth game of the season saw another one-sided affair. Davos put up five goals and held Chicago scoreless to take the game. Felicia put up a solid defensive game but didn’t contribute on the scoreboard. At the end of this game Felicia still had 2 goals and 21 assists. Game 143 Davos versus Calgary – target 25.02 points The eighteenth game of the season saw Calgary storm out early and never look back. The game ended with Calgary winning 5-2. Felicia had one assist on the night to bring their season totals to 2 goals and 22 assists. Game 151 Davos versus Las Angeles – target 26.41 points After losing against Calgary, Davos played a more inspired game nineteen. Keeping Las Angeles off the scoreboard Davos was able to win 2-0. Felicia once again was held off the scoreboard and ending the game with 2 goals and 22 assists on the season. Game 160 Davos versus New York – target 27.80 points Game Twenty saw Davos played a strong game in this one putting up 44 shots while keeping the other team to only 21. However, this one came down to goaltending with New York winning the battle. The game ended 5-3 for New York. Again, Felicia was held off the scoresheet and maintained their 2 goal 22 assists on the season. Game 167 Davos versus Chicago – target 29.19 points Game Twenty-One saw a familiar outcome with Davos shutting down Chicago’s offense, finally winning this game 4-1. Davos second line went all out in this one and secured the scoreboard for themselves. Felicia still holds 2 goals 22 assists. Game 173 Davos versus Vancouver – target 30.58 points Game Twenty-Two is turning out to be a repetitive story. Davos wins, in this instance 2-1 in Shoot out. Felicia once again held off the scoresheet. Again, Felicia sits at 2 goals and 22 assists. Game 183 Davos versus Malmo – target 31.97 points Game Twenty-Two saw another game where Davos outshot their opponents by a fair margin. Davos put up 44 while Malmo only put up 22, yet Malmo was able to squeak out a win 4-3. Felicia put up a goal in this game to bring their season totals to 3 goals and 22 assists. Game 191 Davos versus Calgary – target 33.36 points Game Twenty-Three can only be described as a stumble by Davos. Shooting was way down and an offensive push was lacking. Calgary took an easy game 4-2. Felicia was non-existent in this one and maintains a 3 goal 22 assist pace on the season. Game 198 Davos versus Moscow – Target 35.75 points Game Twenty-Four saw Davos effort rebound. It was a close game, but Davos was able to take the win in Shoot out 4-3. Felicia put up an assist on the third goal of the game in the third period. This put Felicia with 3 goals and 23 assists. Game 207 Davos versus DC – Target 37.14 points Game Twenty-Five saw Davos build on the momentum in the Moscow Game. Putting up 7 goals to win 7-1. Felicia put up a multi-point game adding 2 assists to their total. Bring the season total to 3 goals and 25 assists. Game 214 Davos versus London – Target 38.53 points Game Twenty –Six was another game against a lower ranked team. Davos put up 4 goals to take the game 4-2. Unfortunately, Felicia didn’t help on the offensive side of the game which has been commonplace recently. This leaves Felicia at 3 goals and 25 assists. Game 224 Davos versus Helsinki –Target 39.92 Points Game Twenty-Seven saw both teams put in a low energy game. Shots were minimal and offense was lacking. Davos took the game 2-1 Felicia put up one assist bringing season totals to 3 goals and 26 assists. Game 231 Davos versus Calgary – Target 41.31 points Game Twenty-Eight saw Thor Reingard carry the Calgary team on their back. Putting up 4 points to bring Calgary to a 4-2 win. Felicia wasn’t involved much in this one and carried their 3 goals and 26 assists forward on the season. Game 239 Davos versus London – Target 42.70 points Game Twenty-Nine should have been London’s game as they put up 51 shots, luckily for Davos their goalie was on their game and brought them to a 3-2 win. Felicia had one assist on the night bring the season total to 3 goals and 27 assists. Game 247 Davos versus Chicago – Target 44.09 points Game Thirty was the Gianfranco Del Rocco show, putting up a hat trick and four points on the night. Felicia put up an assist on one of those adding to their season totals. At the end of the game, they had 3 goals and 28 assists After thirty games Felicia has fallen behind 100 points a season pace. If this is going to be the year Felicia is going to need to pick up the pace with several multi-point games.

I am always interested in discussion on the Hall of Fame positioning, especially with players that I was on he cusp of. Knowing names but not really facing any of them as I was in the lower leagues with my first player. This article reminds me of one by Gustav as he talks about those just not good enough to make the Hall of fame. But looking at the perspective of regular season versus payoffs is an interesting perspective. I give this article a 9 out of 10. Fun ready, well written.

This is a great article, it proves again that base statistics don't always line up with the value we give them. Once you get past looking at the total number and start moving down to looking at value of each (Hit, Shot block, whatever stat you want to discuss) you get a much more rounded view. It would be interesting to see if the chart of top defender and top forwards would change if you measured based on your ratio of effective to ineffective hits, obviously you would need to look at players needing a minimum number of hits to be included. I think you may see some unique situations come out that may change how players are evaluated. I give this article a 10/10. Well done.

A case for most improved, yes I know we are only at game 22 of the season. But by the time you finish reading this you will understand what I am saying. Davos is having a great start to the season and the offensive output has been squarely focused on the second line. League wide currently the top three spots are held by Johnny Tsunami with 39 points and then David Pastanap and Mina with 35 points each. None of those names are ones that you would expect to see at the top of the points chart. They have come out of nowhere to be the best offensive line in the VHL so far. Hands down, no question. All of them are on pace for season best totals but one is standing out ahead of the rest. David Pastanap is in their 3rd season in the VHL. Over their first 2 seasons they have had the following stat line Season 96: 8G, 15A, 23P, 36+/-, 109 SHT, 8 PIM, 16HIT 4SB, 3GW, 1PPG Season 97: 18G, 25A, 43P, 15+/-, 216 SHT, 21PIM, 41HIT,10SB, 4GW, 6PPG Now let's look at where we are at game 22 of season 98. 13G, 22A, 35P, 10+/-, 6PIM, 18HIT, 4SB, 5GW, 3PPG Everyone this is after 22 games. I will repeat that, this is after only 22 games. This player has turned a corner and is having a breakout season. Right now, this is the player that the league needs to be watching. Who knows where this season will take David Pastanap but if this keeps up they should be an easy choice for most improved. (Potentially other awards on top of that.)

1. I would most like to visit London 2. No it was a horrible surprise, how dare we do well 3. I think the NA has more strong teams but i think the EU has the stronger teams 4. Outside my own player, I think I am watching the breakout season of Johnny Tsunami right now. 5. I have never paid attention to if they did or not 6. I have no idea at this point 7. No, I'm Scottish I don't wear green to celebrate the Irish 8. I would have to say pie.

To remind everyone Felicia Hardy’s goal for this season is to get 100 points and preferably 100 assists. This series is going to do a game by game recap of their progress towards that goal. The last entry in this series looked at games 1-6 where by the end Felicia has 12 points, 1 goal and 11 assists. To track against expectation Felicia should have 8.34 points to stay on pace for 100 by the end of the season. This entry will look at games 7 through 16. Game 57 Davos versus London – Target 9.73 points The seventh game of the season saw Davos had another strong offensive outing, winning 5-4 in regulation. Offensive output was spread evenly across both lines. Felicia put up 2 assists to bring them to 1 goal and 14 assists on the season. Game 66 Davos versus Malmo – Target 11.12 points The eighth game of the season was a close affair that went to overtime. Davos was able to be victorious with a 3-2 win. Davos second line put up a strong showing getting all the points. Felicia was held off the scoresheet, maintaining their 1 goal 14 assists. Game 72 Davos versus Warsaw – Target 12.51 points Game nine of the season was another close battle seeing Warsaw come out on top in a shoot out. Davos first loss of the season saw Felicia assist on the first goal of the game by Antonia Bucatini. This brings Felicia’s totals to 1 goal and 15 assists. Game 81 Davos versus Riga – Target 13.9 points Game ten was another close low scoring game. Davos edged Riga 2-1 in this defensive battle. Felicia assisted on the game winner by Gianfranco Del Rocco in the third period. This puts Felicia’s season totals at 1 goal and 16 assists. Game 85 Davos versus Helsinki – Target 15.29 points Game eleven saw a more open game compared to the last 3 with Davos accumulating 4 goals. Even though offense was up Felicia was held off the scoresheet. Season totals remain at 1 goal 16 assists. Game 93 Davos versus Prague – Target 16.68 points Game twelve resulted in a shootout loss for Davos, with the final score being 4-3 for Prague. Felicia opened the scoring at 0:30 into the first period on the power play. The play went as designed with Antonia Bucatini winning the faceoff back to the blue line, Felicia let off a slap shot, Gianfranco Del Rocco went to the net (expecting to tip it) but the puck sailed straight through catching the top left corner. This puts Felicia with 2 goal and 16 assists on the season. Game 104 Davos versus Calgary – Target 18.07 points Game thirteen ended as Davos first regulation loss of the season. Calgary came out strong putting up 5 goals to take the game 5-3. Felicia had 1 assist on the night. On the season that puts Feleica at 2 goals 17 assists. Game 113 Davos versus Malmo – target 19.46 points Games fourteen saw Davos rebound from their first regular season loss by putting up 5 points of their own in this 5-1 win. Malmo had a hard time keeping up with Davos on this night. Felicia put up 2 assists during this one to bring their season totals to 2 goal and 19 assists. Game 121 Davos versus Moscow – Target 20.85 points Game fifteen unfortunately saw Davos on the losing end. Moscow pushed ahead 4-2 to take the match. Felicia was able to get 1 assist on the night on Davos’ second goal. This brings Felicia’s season totals to 2 goals 20 assists. Game 127 Davos versus London – Target 22.24 points Game sixteen was another high scoring affair against London. Not anywhere near the 10-2 thumping earlier in the season but a 6-3 win is still impressive. Davos second line put up most of the offense with Johnny Tsunami putting up a 4 goal and 5 point game. Felicia did put up one assist to bring the season totals to 2 goals and 21 assists. With 2 goals and 21 assists, for a total of 23 points Felicia is right in line with the target of 22.24 points at this point in the season. it does seem that their early strong start added some buffer and that things are beginning to slow down. We will see if their line can push back and increase the offensive output to start putting some points on the scoresheet but for now things are on pace.

Articles and Media spots that expand the players life outside of the direct confines of the VHL are always fun. Positioning the story as a letter to a brother is a great way to keep it personal. Well done all around. It is very easy to build off of this as a series which will make doing media spots easy. I give this media spot a 9.5 out of 10, great work. Keep going, looking forward to the next installment.