JCarson

Happy Birthday VHL, love the TPE

Molly the Cat, thanks for sitting with us again this week. I want to start out by asking, you were promoted to the top line this week, how is it going? It has been a great experience being on the top line, my linemates are fantastic. Phoebe Bridger and Dogwood Maple make playing hockey easy; they are wonderful players who know how to position themselves on the ice and have fantastic passing skills. My first couple games did not go as planned but as the week went on, I was able to get comfortable with them and was able to put a couple goals in the new. I hope I can spend a little more time playing on the first line and continue to offer up some great plays. Molly the Cat, Vasteras is now sitting 3rd in the VHLE holding a solid playoff position. What do you expect from the team and management down the stretch to prepare for what may be an inevitable series with either Istanbul Red Wolves or Bratislava Watchmen? First, I want to note that Istanbul and Bratislava are fantastic teams. They both are going to be tough opponents in the playoffs. However, I also want to note that just because a team did well in the regular season it does not mean they will excel in the playoffs. We are a resilient team that is going to fight hard until the end. Between now and the playoffs beginning we are going to be pushing for the best from everyone, and we know that management will be looking for any options to improve. As players we recognize that there may be trades, not something any of us are looking forward to but we also know it is a reality. Molly the Cat, your VHL team the London United currently sit outside the playoff race and are having a sub 500 year. How are you feeling about things? It is never an ideal position to be outside the playoff race in a league, but we all know that some teams make it and others do not. I am in contact with my teammates there and I know they are doing everything they can to improve. The VHL is the top Hockey league in the world, pulling in the best talent from around the world. Every year there are teams that fall short filled with exceptional talent. However, my focus is not on how they do this year, I am looking to make sure I am able to make them better. When I join them either next year or in the future, they will be a better team. My plan is to bring them the best of myself and help to raise London to new heights. Over the next few years, I plan to bring London United fans something to cheer about. Molly the Cat, one last question, Rookie of the year race in the VHL, do you have any opinion on who you expect to see win? Rookie of the year is an important milestone for any first year VHL player. It takes skill, determination, and a strong supporting team to achieve that milestone. At this point in the season, I am not sure there is a clear candidate. Sogaard and Bouchard do look like the clear favorites but the tandem in Calgary of Wolanin and Goncalves cannot be underestimated. Time will tell but I expect it to be a race until the end.

Molly the Cat, the VHLE is about 1/3 of the way through the season. Give us an update on how you are doing, how your progress towards your goals is progressing and what if anything you are looking to change? So, we are 26 games into the season, and I am currently sitting with 6 goals and 14 assists. That is a little behind the pace I had set for myself but is very reasonable. Last year I did put up more points in the second half of the season and I expect that this year may be similar. I am putting in a lot of training, and I am seeing the results of that. Now the hope is that it will reflect on the scoreboard. As for looking for changes, not anything right now. It is more a strategy of continuing the hard work I have been doing. Molly the Cat, is there anyone on Vasteras who you have been watching, that you are trying to emulate? I have really been impressed by Christopher Young and Maxwell Mathias. Both these players are having exceptional years, but both are doing it in a very quiet and humble way. They are both exceptional players. Maxwell Mathias specifically has been able to manage 32 points so far as a defenseman, posting a +4 rating have 50 hits and 54 Shots blocked. All I can say is I am glad he is a part of my team, that man hits like a truck. Molly the Cat, I have heard it said many times that goaltending makes an enormous difference in that ability to win a championship. Do your current goaltenders have what it takes to win the VHLE championship? I agree that goaltending has a huge impact on the ability of a team to win a championship and I will admit before everyone that I think that Balileus Jute is a top goaltender in this league. Every night he comes out to play hard, focused on winning. He is the backbone of the Vasteras Iron Eagles. We have every opportunity to win with him in net. Molly the Cat, we have heard rumor that you have been spotted having dinner with members of the NHL community. Is there any truth to the rumors that you plan to leave the VHL league to pursue the NHL? I will not deny the rumors, I had a wonderful lunch with two NHL players, one past, one current that both happen to be Vasteras citizens. We had an amazing lunch at Frank and talked about hockey. What I will deny is the rumor that I am looking to leave the VHL. I am a student of the sport of hockey and so when I was approached by these two individuals to go out for lunch, I took the opportunity. They are great athletes who have had amazing careers within the game of hockey, I took the opportunity to ask them questions and learn from them. Nowhere in the conversation was there anything about me changing leagues. I am committed to the VHLE and to the VHL. I look forward to playing out my career here.

Current Vasteras Iron Eagle right winger, Molly the Cat, had the opportunity to sit and have lunch with Hockey legends and Vasteras citizens Nicklas Lidstrom and Mikael Backlund. Having had the pleasure of accompanying Molly the Cat on this excursion I am hoping to provide fans of the Vasteras Iron Eagles a glimpse into an off-game day. Taking in Lunch at the fantastic Restaurant Frank, Molly the Cat enjoyed the Frank Rules Dining menu, a fantastic four course sampler menu. Molly the Cat chose to follow the seafood option and remarked a few times about the fantastic dishes the Chef had created. At Molly the Cat’s, request I am noting specifically in this article that Frank’s is Molly the Cat approved, they highly recommend that fans of Vasteras Iron Eagles take the opportunity to go and enjoy the fantastic dishes. Conversation at the table began light and friendly while the food was being enjoyed. During the desert, the conversation became more interesting and, in some ways, more animated. Molly the Cat had the opportunity to ask several questions to both hockey legends about their careers, working in sports after retiring from playing and some of the decisions they made along the way. Nicklas Lidstrom, a 20-year hockey veteran defenceman and current Vice President of Hockey operations for the Detroit Red Wings spent a lot of his time discussing his daily habits while he played. Focus was spent on discussing nutrition, workout methods, timing of workouts and post workout recovery. Considerable time was also spent discussing on and off ice training. Molly the Cat took notes on all the details that Nicklas offered with the hopes of self-improving . Mikael Backlund, Alternate Capitan, and current Calgary Flames Center spent a lot of time discussing the role of leadership, especially player leadership on a hockey team. Mikael discussed several challenges and issues that arise in leading a professional hockey team. Molly the Cat, recently named alternate captain for the Vasteras Iron Eagles was grateful for the discussion and is hoping to apply a number of strategies to their time in Vasteras.

1) I am hoping to get at least 50 points, at least 20 being goals 2) No vacation plans yet, will be going away for my anniversary. 3) I enjoy interacting with my son, although my wife is getting tired of hockey conversations 4) First impressions, the entire VHLE structure seems like an afterthought, and is not cohesive with the VHLM/VHL structure 5) Go to food would be anything containing large amounts of meat. 6) Favourite logo is Seattle Bears. Least favourite is London United.

On June 17 2022, right after the Season 84 Draft Spartan wrote the following concerning the draft choice of Molly the Cat. London United - 12th Overall RW - Molly The Cat Molly The Cat rose up the draft boards quickly over the course of this season, especially since she's been training extensively with fellow young VHLer, Landon Wolanin. The development has been excellent, and London sorely needed a winger to replace Nils Godlander for the future. With only Zaza Colors remaining on the roster as a legitimate first line winger, and Ablar and Avens serving as solid second line wingers, London will hope that The Cat can eventually fill that role. While it's certainly doable, it's a large ask for someone who just joined the VHL system this past season, so there's a healthy dose of skepticism. Prove me wrong though! Draft Grade: B+ The Vasteras Iron Eagles and London United are posting this joint update. In a joint interview with the GM of both London and Vasteras they have expressed that they are very happy with their selection in the Season 84 draft. Molly the Cat has continued to develop within our combined systems, and we believe that their career is looking bright. We still expect that Molly the Cat will develop into a strong scoring winger that will be able to help Vasteras this season and London in future seasons. Molly the Cat has also been working on some of the secondary skills that will make them an excellent all-around player who will make their mark in the VHL. At this point everyone expects that Spartan will be proven wrong.

Molly the Cat, you are 13 games into the VHLE season, can you give me your initial impressions on your team? Well, we have a talented group here in Vasteras. The Vasteras Iron Eagle’s management did an excellent job in building a talented group of players. We have a group that can get the job done at both ends of the rink. It starts with our goaltending, Basileus Jute, currently sitting with a .92% save percentage and a 2.34 GAA. At this level of play those are great statistics. As a result, we get the chance every night to win. If we look at our Defense, we have an extraordinarily strong defensive core but prove every night that they can help keep the puck out of the net. But what is more amazing is that they have been heavily involved in putting the puck in the net as well. With players like Maxwell Mathias and Faith Hope Love, it makes the entire team function better. Then we get to our offense. The trio of Pheobe Bridgers, Christopher Young and Dogwood Maple have started strong, all point per game players. Expectations are high with this group Molly the Cat, during this offseason you were named Alternative Capitan for the Vasteras Iron Eagles tell us your thoughts? First, I am not sure I deserve this honor, we have so many talented leaders on the team. I have had some conversations with the GM, and they have encouraged me to really get into the roll and to be a leader on and off the ice. They have been extremely impressed with my work ethic and practice regiment. They are hoping that I can spark some of the other players into pushing harder in their training. They have asked me to lead by example, so I have been doing that. Giving everything, I have on and off the ice each week. Molly the Cat, how are you feeling about your start to the season, how that is lining you up for your goals for the season and what that may mean for your future? Everyone hopes they can get off to a great start. Right now, I have 4 goals and 4 assists in 13 games. If I keep up this pace, I will fall just short of my points target for the year, but I feel confident that as the season continues that my points pace will pick up. I feel confident that the training I am putting in will end in results. I am not looking to change anything yet. I will keep pushing and we will see where things go from here. Molly the Cat one last question, Vasteras Iron Eagles what are their chances for a championship this year? I am not one to make bold predictions, the reality is there are a lot of good teams in this league, all of which are fighting for the same goal. Any one of them could succeed. What I can say is that Vasteras will be one of the teams in contention, we are too good not to be. We will have to wait for the playoffs to see exactly what happens but we will be there.

Baby Bob F

Spartan, D - AirRig GoodBrandSun is a Defense but is listed as a forward on DaaD listing. If this is corrected I am not the only person picking a F, I will wait for your guidance.

I will admit up front that a a player just starting their second season ever I lack a lot of credibility. Yet as an intelligent person I can quickly see that the VHLE was a stop gap measure and does not have any long-term viability. Based on what I have been able to find out, the VHLE was introduced to handle an influx of players during Covid. So many new players joined that there was not enough room on teams in the VHL for people. As such the VHLE was introduced to handle the overflow for the lower TPA players that did not have the TPA criteria to hold a position within a VHL roster. Whoever produced this idea, I will admit, came up with a very intelligent and creative option. However, with enrollment now dropping off the VHLM is struggling to have teams large enough to fill positions. For example, the San Diego Marlins currently, and this is being written one day before the season is to begin, has 5 players. 2 forwards, 2 defense and a goalie. The ability to field a full lineup is now declining which leads to the league having less credibility. The natural solution to this issue would be to abolish the VHLE at some point in the future and then increase the TPE CAP in the VHLM such that the expectation would be that players would spend 2 seasons in the VHLM. They would then graduate to the VHL and play the remainder of their career. Now I will admit there is a second option. That option would be to find a way to flood the VHLM with new players making it a sturdy base for supporting the VHLE and VHL for future seasons. This recruitment would need to be maintained such that the process could continue. Without this happening, the collapse of the VHLE will be required. Just my opinion.

Jonathan Ori F Zeedayno Chara F @JardyB10

Molly the cat, we are just a few days away from the first games of the VHLE Season 84. As you look forward to this season, tell me what goals do you have? Outside of the basic goal every professional hockey player has of hoisting a cup, I have set myself some personal goals as well. First, I would like to continue my points production with a target of 50 points in this season, and more specifically with at least 20 goals. Next, I would like to take the season to continue my development with focus on my shooting. I spent much of the offseason working on my slap shot so the goal of this season is to work on my wrist shot as well. The hope is that these two focuses will assist with the points accumulation goal. However, as much as I am an offensive forward, I do recognize that strong defensive play is an asset to the organization. As such I also plan to focus on some defensive skills like poke checking. If I can do these things, I expect to be able to move from the VHLE to the VHL next season. Molly the Cat, the Vasteras Iron Eagles, tell me about your thoughts on the team. Who are you looking forward to playing with? The Vasteras Iron Eagles are an excellent group of players, I am proud to play with all of them. However, I am looking forward to teaming back up with my fellow San Diego Marlin’s teammates in Faith Hope Love and Svatopluk Puk. Outside of that I have been watching Dogwood Maple, such a well-rounded player. Definitely, has the potential to grow into an amazing player. I could not finish without mentioning Basileus Juke, I have always been impressed with goalies. They have a tough job being the last defense. The good ones make it look easy. Molly the cat, there is rumor that the Vasteras Iron Eagles are cursed, what are your thoughts on that? I have never been a superstitious individual. I do not believe in curses. So, my job every day is to go out and give my best. Prove to the other players, the league, and the fans that the Vasteras Iron Eagles are the team to beat. Our plan is to push for a championship this season and the mood in the locker room is great. We are a formidable team and are only getting stronger. We expect to have a chance to do some player bonding and then get some extended practice time with our lines that will really help us become a cohesive unit. Molly the Cat, one last question, which team other than Vasteras do you think will be the team to beat and why? That is an easy one, the Istanbul Red Wolves are a well put together team. With players like Noodles Marconi on forward and AK92 Wit da Hoodie on Defense, they are going to be a tough team. Not only do they have star players they have depth, I know what Tyler Busser can do, I watched him all last season. That is not a player you take lightly. That being said, I truly expect that Vasteras will succeed and bring home the championship this year.

@Beketov12 hour wait is up, that makes you next.

1) If I had to describe my feelings right now it is impatient and bored. Lets get started! 2) My pregame ritual is tossing at least 3 pucks to fans during pre game warm up 3) Has to be AC DC You shook me all night long 4) Offensive vision to improve scoring 5) Good old fashion Wooden Sher-wood, 6) Rough and Ready, California, or Climax, Saskatchewan are tied for me.

Thanks @Beketovdidn't know that was a thing. Just doing my second season, not up to speed on the finer details yet. Was just avoiding retired people.

Moreau is retired. @Beketovhow is this handled.

Tui Sova -D Poopy Peepants -D @JardyB10

Xavier Booberry (G) @JardyB10

I'm in

Well, it is Monday June 20 2022, 7:45 PM EST. Sitting in anticipation of the VHLE draft. Even though I completed a season with the San Diego Marlins I joined the league after the draft but before games started. So, this is technically my first ever VHLE draft. Couple things I want to discuss in relation to the draft. First, I have to say I was not at all happy about the length of time between the VHL draft and the VHLE draft. I am obviously clueless about all the things that I need to go on to make the league run but from a player's perspective it felt like an eternity. Good thing my new VHL team is an excellent group of people, and I was able to take the time to meet them and get connected. Secondly, I will admit that this is more a personal thing, but I was approached by only a few of the VHLE GM’s. If I look back, I had conversations with every one of the VHL GM’s, but the VHLE GM were noticeably quiet. It could be that they had a better sense of how they were going to build their teams, or it could be that I am new and so they did not know I even existed. Whatever it was I hope I am not overlooked and that I get picked up early. To all the VHLE draft hopefuls, good luck we should be starting the draft shortly. To my fellow San Diego Marlins, hopefully I will get to play with some of you again.

Molly the Cat, thanks for inviting me on this little tour you are taking of London. As most of your fans know you have been drafted by London United of the VHL. What do you think of the city so far? I only flew into Heathrow a few hours ago and I have to say I am quite tired. It is a long trip from San Diego to London. I am excited to be here. The plan is to settle into the Hotel this evening and then head out to see the town in the morning. I expect that I will do several the expected tourist spots tomorrow and then take the next couple of days after that to tour around the training facility and the arena to hopefully identify a few good places to eat. If any of the London fans have any suggestions, please feel free to post them on my Instagram feed. Cannot promise to visit them all but I will stop by a few. Molly the cat, you still have 1 more draft to go, the VHLE. The draft should be starting very shortly, do you have any predictions? I am not one for making predictions when it comes to drafts. Each team has specific things they are looking for which change how each team views a player. All I can hope is that I get picked up by a team where I can display my talent. I want to play every night and be productive. I think I can do that in most places in the VHLE if I am given a chance. I have had some good conversations with several of the GM’s, they all seem extremely excited about the prospects of their team in Season 84. Molly the Cat, I know at our last conversation we talked a fair amount about the offseason and your training regimen. How have things been going so far? Yeah, I am excited for what I have been able to do. I have put some tough time in at the gym, which has allowed me to build some muscle, in my legs. I have found that I have a little more power that I can put into the ice which has allowed me to increase my breakout speed. I recognize that the speed of the game is only going to increase with each league so I am putting in the effort now to build that. In addition to hitting the gym and working on my speed, I have spent a lot of time looking at game tape, analyzing my positioning in both the offensive and defensive zones. The GM staff in San Diego has been great in helping me look at how the last season went, where I was doing well and where I can improve. I hope that I can build that sort of relationship in London and with my VHLE team. I do get to meet up with the London staff later this week, we are going to do some initial reviews and I am going to get their input on what they would like me to work on over this next year. Molly the Cat, thanks for allowing us to join you on this trip to London, we look forward to talking with you later in the week and discussing how the VHLE draft went for you.

1) I was surprised by how far up in the draft I went. I am going to work hard to make London proud. 2) I am hoping to bring goal scoring depth to my team in S84 3) No, at this point I don't believe I have the time to be a GM or AGM 4) No I don't think that Tampa can come back, this may be 4 games and done. 5) My parental figure was a Step Father, the fact that he chose to be there is something I now Appreciate 6) I bring some funny jokes, camping trips need good laughs

I love this articles perspective, written by the team captain looking at a failed season but still expressing gratitude and hope. It is great to see the writer stay in context and the picture adds to the feel of the article. Great job Tui Sova in acknowledging your team and the work they did in S83. Good luck in S84. This article deserves a 9/10, a couple grammatical issues but got the point across. And who of us doesn't commit a few grammatical issues now and then.

Although many could say that this article is very expected from the GM of a winning team, I want to suggest that as a league we need more posts like this. I know we have all taken aim at something we didn't like, something that didn't go our way or something that just annoys us. But we need to equally take time to stop and be grateful for the things that go right, to acknowledge the good or just the good enough. So from a S83 Team Asia silver medalist, congratulations Team Europe on a great WJHC run, good luck to all the player in S84 and to the GM. AGM and everyone else keep up the good work. This article gets a 10/10 for just being positive and grateful.

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