JCarson

1. would have been nice to get Ironhide 100 points 2. Lets say Riga, just because i think the EU is the better conference 3. Us losing to Moscow, we should have won that 4. Within the ability to control, I would like to see additional stats gathered 5. Felicia Hardy of course 6. Winter, much better sports 7. Yes, the half time show sucked 8. I will say Popcorn

Definitely agree that we lack a number of stats that would help in defining a defensive minded defender. Anything that picks up the ability of a player to get the puck back when their team doesn't have it, along with any stat that links to the ability to get the puck out of your defensive zone would be great additions. Hits and blocks only provide minimal context to what is a much larger set of skills. Would like to see how an expanded data set could provide contest to proving a hall of fame career for a defensively minded player. It is my opinion that we overweight points attained in looking at hall of fame induction. I give this article a 9 out of 10.

Gustav again doesn't disappoint. Long, stats driven, well written. I am starting to get concerned that Gustav may need a different form of entertainment. Running statistical models to prove or disprove anything within a fake hockey world and apparently enjoying it, well lets just say that isn't normal. Yet weirdly I enjoy reading it and all the varying comments, which tells me others also enjoy it. I give this article a 10 out of 10.

An experiment in player building. With my first player, London United forward, Molly the Cat, I relied heavily on the advice of my son who recruited me into the league on how to build a good player. I will admit that his advice was sound, and Molly the Cat had a wonderful career. With Felicia Hardy I have taken what I have learned, through my first player and through reading several communications that have been published (Thanks Gustav) and have put in some of my own time and research. I also decided that I didn’t want to stick with the goa focused player and have built with a skating/passing mindset. Again, I think the career of Felicia Hardy has gone well so far, in three seasons they have accumulated 225 points which is slightly higher than a point per game pace. Most of which have been assists. Now I have found myself with a fairly solid stat base with primary stats of Defense at 96, skating at 92, Puck handling at 91 and Passing at 92. Without focusing on scoring that provides a good base to player productivity. So I am now looking at where the remainder of my TPE goes prior to me starting to bank to cover depreciation. I have decided I am going to experiment and start putting into leadership and discipline to see how it impacts my players penalty minutes and impact on the ice with other players. Again, as those TPE really aren’t assisting in building anything it won’t be a drastic loss if the allocation amounts to nothing. So let the experiment begin.

I have been thinking about a comment I made on a media spot that came out earlier this month. The main media spot had to do with how teams have entered and managed the rebuild process and how the actions of their GM’s lead to problems. It was a good article and if you haven’t read it, you should. Especially if you are thinking about becoming a GM any time in the future. Find link below: https://vhlforum.com/topic/154595-when-to-rebuild-a-cautionary-tale-ft-la-prague-dc-helsinki-london-and-warsaw-and-maybe-you-next/ The comments although relevant to the topic overall did stray from the original article and it is where those comments landed that I want to focus on. Particularly the topic of should we have an evaluation process for VHL GM to help maintain competitiveness and player engagement. I am going to take the stance that there should be an evaluation process and discuss the methodology that I think could be used. Any evaluation of a GM needs to look at several different factors and not purely look at end of season outcomes. I would expect that this evaluation be done by multiple individuals and would include input from the commissioners, the other GM’s and a representation of the team’s players (potentially the team captain). Evaluation Point 1 – adherence and support of League rules, measured by Commissioners and potentially moderators (pertaining to impact on Discord). GM’s should be leading the way on adhering to the rules of the league and supporting others to do the same. Violations here should be grounds for warning once (depending on the rule) and termination if violated multiple times. Evaluation Point 2 – engaging in GM specific activities like Trading, Free Agency and Drafting. I am not suggesting we should evaluate how well someone did as that can be subjective, what I am discussing is how engaged in the process. Are they actively looking to improve their team, trying to make deals, seek out players and doing the work to position themselves for the draft. This would be evaluated by the Commissioners and other GM. Evaluation Point 3 – impact on player engagement. This would be measured by looking at locker room activity and player support on discord. One of the main goals of the GM is to engage their players, to assist them when they have questions and to remind them of things they may have forgotten. This assist in keeping players engaged and active. I think this is where I would have the team captain provide input on behalf of the player Evaluation Point 4 – engaging with others involved in the VHL process. Mainly this includes working with the Simmers to ensure that the process runs smoothly. Making sure line changes are completed in a timely manner, particularly at season beginning and with backup goalie requirements. But also includes making sure trades are communicated so that those line adjustments can be made within the sim engine. Simmer, GM and commissioners would provide input here Evaluation Point 5 – Competitive performance, although this should never be the sole reason for removing a GM from their position. it must be considered in the overall performance, as it is in reality. You can have an engaged, hard-working, player focused GM who is liked by their peers and is compliant with all rules but there comes a point where they can’t produce a competitive team then they aren’t fit for the job. There you have it, my system for evaluating GM on their role with the goal of maintaining a competitive and engaged VHL experience. I know it is not perfect, but I think it is better than doing nothing like we do now.

I may be biased but I am going to start by giving this article a 10 out of 10. Not because I like the content but more from the fact that I think it is the healthy response. How many times do we hear about the burnout of individuals and they step back and just disappear. I expect it is because they held out too long, feeling guilty for stepping back and so when they do finally let go, or are forced by life to let go it is completely. If we could only recognize that taking a step like this early can allow us to stay connected and mentally healthy while still giving us the time we need to get through life, it allows a balance. Change isn't easy, take the time you need.

This is a great article, purely opinion so it doesn't define anything, but it does give a perspective on the teams and how taking a different course of action might have ended with a different result. I like the fact that it kept to a hockey analysis and wasn't a direct attack on the GM's as individuals. The comments tend to lead to the question of GM quality and should that indicate a reason to fire, similar to a real hockey franchise. I have suggested before that GM's should be evaluated, based on all aspects of their job (retention, locker room activity, trading, drafting, free agency, etc. However I do believe there is one area where immediate termination should exist, ability to follow rules. With rule following we shouldn't be seeing repeated offenses (even on use of back up goalies) and team punishments (reduced draft odds, loss of picks) season after season. There comes a point where this has to stop. Article gets a 9 out of 10, again just my opinion so it doesn't mean anything.

1. I believe special teams will be key to us winning 2. I expect Vancouver will be the NA champion 3. I think it is fine as it is. 4. I am competitive, I can't let Jacob do better than I do. 5. Last one was named after a comic character 6. Sorry have no idea what this is about. I know you are referring to Basketball but I don't pay attention 7. The Niagara Ice Dogs of the OHL has Bones, a white dog as a mascot 8. Players nickname is Black Cat. I bring teams bad luck.

In every player’s life there are games that define them, games where they step up and produce at a level, they never knew they could. Sometimes it is not a game but an entire season or even a playoff series. For one VHL player that time is now. Game 7 of any series naturally becomes one of those time to step up and shine and the players on Moscow and Davos, Riga and Malmo, and Seattle and Vancouver are facing that right now. Game 7, the time to shine, the time to become the team hero, the fan favorite and potentially the Most Valuable player in the league. This article will look at some potential options for each of the game 7 teams: Moscow- with many excellent options to choose from which could be easily justified I am going to pick someone who tend to be just outside of the top performers. A potential game maker to note is Jillian Woods. Davos, again another team with players who can step up when needed, but in this instance, I am going to suggest the game maker will be perpetual team production leader Antonia Bucatini. Riga, as the European conferences underdog, the fact that they are this far into a series against Malmo means that many have already stepped up in this series. The only game maker that can bring Riga to a winning position is Rad Panda. Malmo, like Moscow, this team is loaded with strong performers day in and day out. Any one could step up to secure game 7 and the series. As such I expect the game maker to be superstar Lucy Leitner. Seattle, the North American Play in winner is faced playing a strong Vancouver team. A team approach has allowed them to hold on so far, but they will need their stars to step up. The Game maker I am choosing is Eric White Jr. Vancouver, North America’s top team in the regular season had players who put up amazing seasons. To close this series off they will need that to continue. The player who has the best ability to step up and steal this is their Goalie, Soju.

From the desk of Peter Elliott Nes, Private Investigator. This report is being released while I am undercover on assignment in the city of Moscow. With the playoffs in full swing the allegations regarding game tampering are at an all time high. For some reason the number of allegations and rumors surrounding this one series have comes in at an alarming rate, one I must take seriously. As such I am in the city of Moscow to watch the final game in the Moscow and Davos series. Because this report is going to be forward looking it will be vague, as I can’t give away what I am particularly looking for, but rest assured I will be watching. What I want to discuss is the preparation work that I have been allowed to do in preparation for this game and that which the league has done at my request. The league, myself, and my staff are taking all allegations seriously and are doing everything we can to ensure this game goes off without issue. First, I have been given permission be the VHL to set up video surveillance equipment in the halls of the arena, just outside of the locker rooms of both teams. Anyone moving within 50 feet of either locker room from any of the entrances will be recorded and identified. The goal of this is to keep track of all individuals who enter these rooms to ensure that only approved individuals enter. Second, I have hired additional security to monitor the player entry points to the arena. We have also arranged group transportation for each team to control and coordinate the arrival of both teams in a safe and secure manner. Additionally, the league has arranged specific hotel accommodations which have been kept secret. The goal of this is to ensure that nothing stops both teams from arriving at the arena on time and in peak condition. Third, the game equipment provided by the league has been in a secure and guarded room waiting for the game. The pucks, the nets and referee equipment has been secured so that nothing can impact these items for game time. The Zambonis have been inspected to ensure no tampering has occurred. Fourth, all video equipment that will monitor the game has been inspected and tested. Goal line cameras, blue line cameras, overhead cameras, referee tablets and team bench tablets have all been inspected and tested. All have been found to be in prime condition and ready for the game. Lastly the league has not announced the officials for this game to ensure that no undue influence can be put on the officials. Enough evidence exists to conclude it is more than rumor, but it appears that in a prior season one of the linesmen in a key game got notified that his family had been abducted and that they would only be returned if his calls favored one of the teams. It was later identified that nobody had been abducted but that was only determined after the game had been completed. Similar precautions are being taken across the league with all the remaining games but as I have noted the number of rumors pertaining this game are at an all time high and so I will be here to ensure everything runs smoothly. I wish both teams good luck and promise that I will do everything in my power to provide a fair game.

I find the premise of this article interesting. By looking at number of leaving players and amount of TPE remaining it gives a sense of the strength or lack of that a team will have. It appears this is the final push for Miami as they have significant assets walking out the door and not much staying behind. A rebuild will need to start shortly. Would be interesting to see this extended to the remainder of the VHLM and use it to predict how the league may shake out next season. I give this article a 9 out of 10, thanks for a new view at looking at team transitions between seasons

Reading this article I get a good sense of how Miami is structured and who they will need to rely on to make a deep playoff push. Having a new player, especially one so aptly named being part of it should be a fun experience. I wish Miami luck in the season 97 payoffs, there are a number of good teams out there and well there is Simon, sometimes a strong team structure just doesn't matter when it comes to our Sim engine. I give this article a 9 out of 10/

1. I haven't been paying attention so no they don't stand out 2. hoping to go an assist a game 3. I didn't make a new years resolution, as i never keep them 4. I will be transitioning to banking part way through next season, I am close to my final build 5. I don't make friends 6. it was a horrible trade 7. Both have their place 8. I am not fun, so there are no fun facts

Season 97 has come to an end. It was an interesting season with many surprises. It was an interesting season with some things being as predicted. It was an interesting season for sure. With that said I want to focus on one specific topic, one particular outcome. Since my player came into the league in season 95 they have been in all three seasons of playoffs. During that time HC Davos Dynamo and the Moscow Menace have had to face each other in every playoff. In the first two contests between these teams Davos has gotten the upper hand eliminating Moscow twice. So, what can we expect in the third installment of the Davos/Moscow playoff battle. As in prior years the on-paper analysis would suggest that Moscow is the stronger team. Yet if you look at season 95 and 96 the same would have been said. Looking at this season, Moscow and Davos played 5 games, Moscow took 4 of those in regulation and one in shoot out. Moscow took all 5 games. Does that mean they have the advantage this season. It could mean that, but we will need to see for sure. All I know is that Davos has been the underdog against Moscow the last two seasons and found some way to rally and take the series. Season 97 may be no different. The players are ready for another fight and are focused on proving they have what it takes to win another series and move on towards another championship appearance.

From the Desk of Peter Elliott Nes, Private Investigator With the trade deadline conspiracy well behind us I am now able to move my attentions back to some in depth investigation. Before I start to reveal some of the new things I have been working on I want to provide an update on the Case: Sepulcher. As noted previously there is rumor that human genetic experimentation may have created a being capable of using powers outside normal human abilities, and that this being now exists within the VHL. I have been watching game tape trying to find activities within games that may be outside of expected physics. Looking for evidence of a force that is manipulating games. The issue is that I don’t know exactly what I am looking for and whether it is a player, coach or team staff that may be the center of the manipulation. Even though I don’t know what I am looking for I believe I have found something and as a result I will be spending time focusing on one team. This next week I hope to finally have an answer as on this case. Now for something new. This last week I was informed that there is some evidence of equipment tampering going on in the VHL. Statistical evidence would suggest that some teams are experiencing higher rates of stick failures than should be occurring. HC Davos Dynamo player Grimgor Ironhide has experienced 1.2 broken sticks per game while taking shots on net where the league average is 0.6 broken sticks per game on shots taken. At a rate double the league average some investigation needed to be conducted. We first investigated Grimgor himself, his orcish strength could account for the difference. However, after additional investigation that has been ruled out as the full cause of the differential. Next, I investigated the manufacturer itself. After reviewing their process, quality control and material sourcing methods, I have concluded that if it was a manufacturing defect we would be seeing the increased breakage rates evenly across the league and not impacting a small group of players. That brought the investigation to looking at methods of post-production tampering. Luckily Grimgor Ironhide game sticks, broken or not, are collector's items and so whenever Grimgor finishes with a stick it is gathered by the HC Davos equipment team to be signed and given to young fans. Having a collection of stick both broken and not I was able to do an in-depth investigation looking for any differences in the sticks themselves. This has given me my big brake. The investigation has identified that many of the broken sticks have evidence of being altered, a small horizontal cut about 1 foot above the blade on the underside of the shaft, right in line with the natural flex point of the composite shaft. This small cut weakens the shaft causing a place for it to break during the flexing process of a shot. This investigation will continue with the hopes of identifying who is responsible for this illegal tampering. P.E.Nes is on the case.

Rambling articles can be fun reads. It is even more fun when the ramblings come from someone on the inside who has at least some perspective on what happened. The article is well written but only provides a little insight, wish you would have went a little deeper on trade talks and how bad some of the return offers were. Is there a link between the value for players and the salary cap. If the salary cap goes down will the required payments go down as well. Would be interesting to see. And based on the note below, I am in full agreement, Spartan just needs to manage Moscow's remaining cap better. I give this article a 8 out of 10

I said it in a prior review, any time I see an article by Gustav I know a few things are going to be true. First it will be a well written article, not going to hide it I am giving this a 10 out of 10. Second it will be long, not sure Gustav knows how to limit things to about 500 words, why not use 1500 when 500 will do. Third and lastly, there will be some sort of analytics behind the article. This article again meets all three criteria and doesn't disappoint. Would love to see a similar article but rating first gen players drafted in the 80's to see which ones panned out the best. Well done, looking forward to the next article.

An interview with Felicia Hardy Felicia thanks for meeting with us today. The trade deadline is now complete, Davos made very little movement and so it is now a push until the end of the season. At this point is looks like Davos should expect to end third in the conference and will play Malmo unless something changes. How are you feeling about the remainder of the season? I am feeling pretty good. We are playing well as a team but are still working on a few things over the remaining few games. The hope is that we enter the playoffs at our best. Having UghSike join us take a little pressure off the top offensive players from a defensive standpoint and they get to focus on putting the puck in the net. Antonia Bucatini and Grimgor Ironhide and having great seasons and both have the chance of hitting that 100 point target. Speaking of points earned, there is some talk about your lack of goals this season, how is that impacting your play? Honestly it isn’t. I have never been a goal heavy player. My first day in this league I told the team management that they shouldn’t expect me to be a goal scorer or for that to change. I pride myself on my defensive play and my ability to get the puck to my teammates. That can be getting the puck out of our defensive end or to another player in a scoring position in the offensive end. It will get there cleanly and safely. Thanks for spending some time with us, good luck with the rest of the season and into the playoffs

From the files of Peter Elliott Nes, Private investigator. With the VHL trade deadline now in the past I can finally release my investigation for this week. Most would think that something as normal as the VHL trade deadline would be without controversy but unfortunately, I know otherwise. Rumors have been swirling for weeks about the potential big trade. The top teams in the league, Vancouver, Moscow and Malmo are said to be looking for the one last piece that will take them to the championship. Playoff bound contenders like Calgary, Riga and Davos, if rumors are true are looking for that piece that will allow them to upset the league’s top teams. Then there are those hoping to secure a place in the playoffs, New York, Toronto, Seattle, Chicago and Prague, hoping that the right piece will push them enough. Lastly there are those at the bottom DC, Los Angeles, London, Helsinki and Warsaw, hoping that a last-minute move can position themselves for a better outcome in season 98. It is amusing that the trade rumors are always positioned in a manner that has teams vying for inevitable glory that comes with winning a championship. Don’t believe that lie. Now don’t get me wrong the players work hard every day to try and attain the glory of a playoff championship but those in place to make trade decisions are in it for something else. Yes, winning a championship is good for them as well, but only because you have to play games to win and playing games means more money. It shouldn’t be a surprise that the VHL is a business and games make money, lots of money. So, if the whole basis of the business of VHL is about making money for a small group of owners then how does the management and sometimes even manipulation of trades work into that. Trades that occur are about two factors; the first factor is about evening up team’s power and skill levels so that series can be pushed to the most games possible.7 game series maximize profit. The second factor is just as simple, player trades are about maximizing merchandise sales. Top players moving around the league is good for jersey sale. Let’s be honest if Maverick Goncalves the league’s top point scorer suddenly found themselves on Helsinki, we know that there would be a rush on Helsinki jerseys with Goncalves on the back. I know that I haven’t put out anything shocking out there, OMG the owners are trying to make money. So, this is where I am going to let you in on a little secret. The league owners aren’t always on the same page and sometimes in order to force the league management to make specific decisions the league owners take it upon themselves to manipulate the situation until the league co-operates and does as they are told. It appears that the league owners and GM have had enough regarding the poor management of Los Angeles. GM Instant Rockstar has been targeted to be eliminated from league management. This year’s trade deadline is a continuing effort to keep LA at the bottom of the North American standings, to push the league to finally pull the trigger and eliminate Instant Rockstar from his position. We will see where this goes, but the reality is there is a controversy brewing and the trade deadline was part of it.

1. Who cares the topic, give me the TPE 2. TDL was a bust for everyone 3. Definitely not to take things seriously 4. I don't use stick tape, I dip me stick blade in Epoxy and have special foam grips made. 5. Felicia is pretty quiet and focusses, fun fact, I'm a kleptomaniac. 6. Figuring 100 is a possibility 7. A Black Cat of course, if you haven't figured out why you haven't tried too hard. 8. Generally RPG, generally single person.

I give you props for writing a media spot when you have already completed a PT for the week. I always love articles where they are a series that progresses over time. This one was especially fun for me as I recognize that it is only valid for the day it was written. Oddly enough number 2 and 3 on this list have been ejected and replaced by 2 others. It looks like the top of the leaderboard is going to be a battle between Moscow and Davos, we will only see how this one ends up over the remainder of the season. Good luck to all involved. I give this article a 9/10. Looking forward to where you go next.

I always love an honest but not necessarily well organized media spot. The off the cuff straight from the brain to the page media spots have something that the polished and edited pieces just don't have. Maybe it is the fact that they show a little more of the individuals personality of sometime just end up being more funny, I don't know exactly what it is but i can just wrap it up as my opinion. I give this a 9/10. Keep writing.

I has been a while since I have written an edition of Simon WTF but after last night’s Sims, I think it is required. Now I am only going to reference one game, a single sided affair between HC Davos and Warsaw. The game ended with the score of Davos 8 and Warsaw 1. Oddly enough the score isn’t the item that has made me say WTF. Let’s start by looking at the box scores, for a full roster team playing against a team that has only 4 players skating on the ice (we will ignore the goalie) the fact that the end score was 8 to 1 is not unexpected, especially when 2 of those players currently hold positions in the top 5 offensive players in the league. What is interesting to note is the Shots on net. Davos has never been a high shooting team so putting up 62 shots in the game is a little unusual. Looking further at the breakdown of points for Davos it is not odd to see that the bulk of the offensive output centers around players like Gianfranco Del Rocco, Antonia Bucatini and Grimgor Ironhide. I will give special mention to rising star Johnny Tsunami on his 4 point night. It is not those on the list of players putting up significant numbers but who is not on the list that is confusing. Oddly enough the Defensive line of Alphonse Desjardins and Felicia Hardy are absent from any points. In an 8-point onslaught the third highest assist player in the league is kept off the board. I could go on about the strange oddities within the game such as 2 different bot fights and even stranger Davos only having 1 penalty but I think I have provided enough evidence that this game should go into the hall of WTF.

From the Desk of Peter Elliott Nes, Private investigator. Before I discuss my current case I would like to give an update on the progress of the Case: Selpuchre. I had the opportunity to meet with human scientist and geneticist Nathaniel Essex. Dr Essex was able to provide insight into the potential for human mutation and the ability to create the perfect human, both from a perspective of having perfect physical and intellectual form but also in potential enhancement into non-human abilities. It is Dr Essex’s theory that the potential of the human body is nearly limitless. However, at this point scientific ethics boards do not allow for the experimentation on humans, let alone unborn children so everything discussed is considered purely theoretical. Unfortunately, my investigation may suggest that there are scientists that do not follow the ethical standards set by the medical community and experimentation is going on anyway. I will continue to investigate in hopes of revealing the truth. This week’s case, code name Lost but not Forgotten is a pretty simple case with however it has long standing repercussions. Some people have made comment in the Discord General Chat regarding the unusual silence of the VHL commissioner Acydburn. It is my unfortunate responsibility to announce that the longtime silence has been the result of a kidnapping. That is correct Acydburn, Commissioner of the VHL has been kidnapped. The kidnapper has contacted the VHL general offer, and it appears they have some demand that must be met by Season 100 or Acydburn will not be returned. Here are the demands as they have been revealed to me. First demand: 50 new players must be recruited and go through the season 99 draft, this is to prepare for the second demand. Second Demand: The VHLE will be reinstated for Season 100, all teams will be fully equipped with players to have a competitive season. Third demand: The VHL salary cap must be increased by 10% per year until season 100, player salaries must also be increased 10% per season over that timeframe. Players deserve to be paid more. Fourth demand: Art Vandelay must be put into the VHL Hockey Hall of Fame at the next opportunity. Fifth Demand: Hot dogs will be served in all VHL arenas and be free to any fan below the age of 18. As a side note they have to be served with yellow mustard. Sixth and Last demand, VHLM Commissioners, Spartan and Gustav must record and post in VHL Discord Genral Chat a rendition of Meatloaf’s song “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights” This must be completed and posted by Jan 30 2025. The letter sent to the league offices has been noted that if these conditions aren’t met then Acydburn will be returned to the VHL in pieces. Many tiny excruciating pieces. At this point in time the league has not decided what they will do. The remaining commissioners and the Board of Governors has gathered to discuss the situation. Initial conversations suggest that they may not give into the demands of this “Madman”. One of the Board of Governors was noted as saying, “Is losing a Commissioner really that bad, honestly I am not sure exactly what they do. In the meantime as they remaining VHL staff decide what they are doing I will continue to follow up on leads to see if I can locate the individual responsible for kidnapping Acydburn. From the files of P.E.Nes, Private Dick

1. My hope is maintain top 5 is assists in the league 2. My experience hasn't been that different as I was still able to do the VHLM, VHLE and VHL with my current player. 3. I expect Maverick Goncalves to continue as #1 point leader 4. Let them all die, if a new team is needed it should be something new 5. I have not as of yet decided if I will have a next player 6. Criteria would be a leader in their position for an outstanding team. 7. Not sure I can answer that, first I'm not a huge music fan but I don't feel that you can only pick one based on the extensive variety out there. 8. I will more than likely go see the Marvel films that come out.