JCarson

Season 95 will begin in a few days, 2 of the 3 leagues have completed their drafts, which leave the sole focus of the league on the VHLM draft. The draft field is a mix of veteran and new players and is a mix of positions. This should allow the GM’s of the VHL to plan and strategize as they build their team. That said the field of available players is not deep enough that it will allow for random selection. The Mexico City Kings management has put together a plan to hopefully build a core group of players for the purpose of pushing for a playoff spot in Season 95. Luckily Mexico has a core group already from last season that will be a strong group to build off. So that said Mexico is looking to accomplish the following. First goal of this draft is to fill in a top forward prospect to establish a number one line. Building a top unit to push the teams scoring is a major goal. Second is to pick up a goaltender to provide a strong defensive position to build off. Goaltending is one of the key strengths needed to win a championship and so locking that position down will be important. Lastly will be filling in second line players. The goal of having a 6-4-1 structure for the season allows for a more dominant position in the league. Using later round picks to position for that will be important for Mexico’s overall success. Well, that is a look at Mexico and how they believe they will position themselves in this draft. They have the picks to accomplish this, but we will need to see how other teams draft to determine how Mexico succeeds.

Felicia Hardy needs to pick their jaw off the ice. Felicia Hardy during the offseason has taken part in the Pro-Am tournament. Being drafted to the Flora Vista Foxes was exciting to begin with and getting to play with some of the VHL hockey league’s top players was an extreme level of excitement. When Felicia Hardy showed up to the first practice, they learned that the team had also drafted 2 hockey legends in Landon Wolanin and Daniel Janser. Felicia Hardy had spent her childhood watching these two legends dominate on the ice. After the last set of games we had the chance to sit with Felicia Hardy to discuss the Pro-Am tournament. Felicia, thanks for sitting with us. Your team the Flora Vista Foxes currently sit first in the tournament. How would you describe the tournament so far? As a team it took a few games for us to come together. But after a few games and a few practices the lines started to connect. I think it helped us, that Landon Wolanin and Daniel Janser VHL legends were leading the top line. We rallied around them, and everything fell into place. Even though they are several seasons out of playing in the VHL their mastery on the ice is still there. I think that all the younger players are living a childhood dream, and we are doing everything to live that. Felicia, you mention your childhood love of watching Daniel Janser and Landon Wolanin play in the VHL. Can you elaborate on what playing with such talented players means for you as a rising star? Getting to play and practice with such accomplished players in a tournament like this is a dream come true. Being able to get on ice guidance from these legendary players has provided an opportunity to learn things that I would never have known. To be able to run drills with players of that caliber is amazing. I feel that i have grown so much during this tournament. To be able to take that into my first season of the VHL will be a big boost to my confidence. Felicia, you mentioned that this tournament has helped you grow and prepare for your first season in the VHL. Talk to us about what you are expecting? Once I finish the Pro-Am tournament, I will be heading directly to the World Juniors to take in that tournament. It has been a great honor to be named to the US roster and I look forward to playing for my nation. We have a great team this season and I look forward to spending time with them. Once that is done, I will be heading to Davos to join the remainder of the team in practice before the season begins. It is going to be a very busy off-season, but I am hoping to take everything in and use it in the coming season. Davos has made a significant jump over the last season and this offseason so far. We are looking to be a significant player in the European conference. The goal is to place in a position to make the playoffs and contend for the cup. Felicia, thanks again for sitting with us and discussing the offseason and your expectations going forward.

Week of Aug 4 2024 1) What is one thing you want to do this next season? 2) What is one thing you hope to avoid this coming season? 3)Which team logo is your favorite, why? 4) Which team has your least favorite logo? 5) Which VHL member has posted your favorite forum content why? 6) Are you or have you ever been involved in another Simulation league, which one and how was your experience?

I am entering my third season as GM of the Mexico City Kings and during both my previous seasons I have not had an AGM. I am not sure as to why, but I never sought one out. I have been thinking about the topic some and here is what has crossed my mind. First, I spend a lot of my time trying to teach my players how to navigate the league, well at least the first gen players. I am not sure I want to also teach somebody the art or science that is GM’ing. That could be seen as selfish, but I do have limited time and I am protective of it. Second, I have the complete opposite thought, if I had an AGM that was familiar with things they could be a large help in the locker room in keeping players organized, earning and focused. I potentially could be causing the issue that I am concerned about in my first thought. Third, what if I get someone I don’t mesh with? Personality conflict is not something I deal well with. I tend to get frustrated and get kind of rude. Which is not something that would go well in a VHLM locker room. I promise there are a lot more thoughts mulling within my mind on this topic, but I also don’t need to write a novel to get the TPE for a VHL.com article so in the name of efficiency I am going to limit my musings to those three points. Anyone who has been a GM before, how have you found the AGM experience. Was it good, was it bad. Help me decide, should I get an AGM.

Offseason is in full swing; the offseason tournaments are proceeding, and the individual leagues have announced their draft dates. With the drafts spanning almost an entire week that leaves keen players the opportunity to gain some much-needed TPE prior to the season starting. As another season approaches, I am going to do my regular installment of what should I do my media spots on. For those of you who have been paying attention over the last number of seasons (since at least season 84) I have done a media spot to VHL.com article during the offseason to provide some framework for my writing for the next season. With the need to produce more media spots and vl.com articles this season, to gather TPE to build Felicia Hardy, I am going to piece together some thoughts for what I might do. First some thoughts for my VHL.com article. For these articles I would like to do something quick and easy, potentially something that I have a base structure that I can use to analyze from week to week. Generally, when you are doing an analytical piece, you need to measure against some goal. Here are some options: 1) Felicia Hardy quest for point per game 2) Mexico City Kings Quest for 80 points From a perspective on a media spot the article needs to be larger and more in depth. Several people mentioned that my previous media spot series on my thoughts as a first year GM was interesting and so I am pondering if doing repeat topic might be interesting now that I have more experience being a GM. I also have the option of doing a larger topic related to my experiment building a defensively minded Defense person. Those may be more expected topics and there is some fun in going off the board ever once in a while. So here are some weird and potentially whacky options: 1) I could do an expose of the cities in the European Conference, focusing on the teams outside Davos that Felicia Hardy would be travelling to. 2) I could also do a series on the top rookie players of season 95 looking to predict the outcome of the Rookie of the Year award. 3) And just to make everything be extremely weird, I could go off hockey all together and do a series related to foods that Felicia Hardy enjoys on game days. Who knows maybe by the end I will have a completed work and can publish a cookbook. There are so many options for both media spots and VHL.com articles that it is always fun to choose. Hopefully, I will be able to decide before the season starts, and I need to publish my first article. Part of me wish I knew how to do graphics so that I could include some of my own pictures in the process. Doing a series that included both written and graphical components would be so much more interesting. Only time will tell what i decide, stay tuned to find out.

Transaction ID: 61V921310P2400217 5 uncapped Doubles week 1 mil player cash

I'd get rid of the VHLM waiver system and have new players assigned based on team need at each position with ties broken by reverse standings. That should help all VHLM teams be more competitive and leave the GM's to focus on player development.

someone need to write an article on how this is the worst trade ever. Houston won this by a landslide. Not sure how the league approved this there is obviously some level of collusion going on here.

Happy Birthday VHL

It has been a while since I have done a Media Spot titled Random thoughts so given it is the offseason and I have nothing coherent to discuss that sounds like a good plan. Random thought 1 – What does the head moderator do. I just read the announcement that we have a new head moderator. That got me thinking, I don’t think I ever interacted with the old head moderator or at least not in any official capacity so what does a head moderator do. Can someone please tell me. I’d like to know. Random thought 2 – Do we have more GM changes this season or is it just some strange perception thing. It could just be the fact they seem to be announced sooner but it feels like we have more changes than usual. Either way I expect the new GM’s will do well. Or they will be taken advantage of by the old GM’s. Either way we have done this before as a league, it will work out. Random thought 3 – Does Simon have a mind of its’ own. It seems that every time we get a situation where there should be no statistical way something is going to happen Simon finds a way. Take for example the VHLM finals, now no offense to Saskatoon, they had a very good team, but Halifax had an almost flawless season and yet folded in the playoffs to a team they should have walked over. Random thought 4 – Now I don’t know where everyone lives but around my house, we have had a lot of rain recently. I mean a lot of rain. In fact, it is currently raining. Something about the result of a passing tropical storm (once hurricane). Anyway, it is wet outside and not very conducive for hockey. Either ice or street hockey. Guess people will need to wait and play hockey later. Random Thought 5 – Entering the VHL this season. My player Felicia Hardy will be moving from the VHLE to the VL this season. I will be joining HC Davos. Honestly, I am not sure how I feel about that. After playing my first players career with only one team it feels a little odd thinking about routing for another team. I will get over these feelings but until then it may be a little uneasy. Regardless of the team however I am looking forward to being back in the VHL and staying with a group of other players for a period of time. This one season here, one season there concept of the minors doesn’t suit me very well. I don’t feel it gives someone the chance to build chemistry with other players and progress together. Well, those are some random thoughts for this week. I expect that you have either had similar thoughts or you think I am completely unhinged. Either way it doesn’t really matter as your random thoughts have no bearing on my overall life. So go have your thoughts, even communicate your thoughts. Maybe someone will connect with them, or they might dismiss them. Until next time where I will probably write something a little more coherent, have a great week.

Press Conference week of July 21 2024 This is the Why conference 1) Why did you join the VHL? 2) Why did you pick the player position you did? 3) Why did you pick your player's name? 4) Why did you pick your players country of origin? 5) Why do you think Mexico is the greatest VHLM team? 6) Why are you going to do well next season?

For the Mexico City Kings season 94 has come to a close. Unfortunately, they fell short of the goal of achieving the Founders Cup after losing to the championship favorite Halifax 21st. It was a well fought series by both sides. The management of the Mexico City Kings would like to extend our congratulations to the Halifax 21st players and management. It is not common that a tough fought series such as the one that just occurred is done with the utmost class and respect. Your sportsmanship and respect for the traditions of the game were notes and appreciated. We wish you well in your upcoming series. To the fans of the Mexico City Kings, we would like to thank you for your support this season. It is fans like you that make playing this wonderful game in this great city a joy. Your passion for the game provides encouragement to the players, the management, and the trainers. It helps to keep us motivated to provide the best hockey experience we can within this VHLM. We do not take you for granted, we work tirelessly to provide a top-notch sports experience, one dedicated to bringing a championship back to Mexico City. We encourage you to monitor our website over the offseason as we will be having many events, including a player meet and great with our returning players, a draft party, and an off-season contest for a chance to win 2 seasons passes. More details we be announced on the web site over the next few days but please don’t miss out. To our players who will be moving on to the VHLE this next season. We want to wish you well in your career, you will be missed but you will not be forgotten. As alumni of the organization, you are always welcome to come back and visit. Our doors are open to you. Continue to be dedicated to your craft, continue training, and you will have a great career. We will continue to watch you develop and wish only the greatest success for you. To our players who will be returning next season. We will be ramping up our activities shortly, including sending many of you off to the VHL associated tournaments that will be going on. Keep up with the training schedules we have been working on. Know that the staff and management are still around to help with anything. You have our contact information so please use it if you need us. In the meantime, visit with your family and loved ones, get some rest, and enjoy a well-deserved break. Season 95 is looking to be another wonderful season for the Mexico City Kings. To our future, the draftees, the waivers, the free agents. We look forward to welcoming you into the Mexico City Kings franchise. You will have the chance of joining a bright future, one that will be the starting point of your career. We welcome you to revel in the excitement that is the VHL experience.

Press conference week of July 14 2024 With out season now complete, please answer the following questions: 1) What was your favorite part of season 94? 2) What was the worst part of season 94? 3) If you had to pick an MVP for the team who would it be? 4) What is one thing you are looking forward to in season 95? 5) Are you planning of taking part in the offseason tournaments, why, why not? 6) What are your expectations for next season?

1) I have to root for London, give Jacob one last cup before stepping down. 2) I am looking forward to coming up to Davos and playing in the VHL again 3) Kind of a rhetorical question, a 93 point rookie obviously had a significant positive impact on the Team. 4) No I am fine with them as they are. 5) From what I have been told the leadership attribute has some impact but only if the trait is on the captains and the captains are loaded into the STHS system. Since most teams don't load their captains they see 0 impact. 6) I'm not fun, so no fun facts. 7) The other 30 teams in the league won this trade. Might as well be discussing the trading of practice pucks. 8 ) Sporting event, but only hockey.

A lot of good analysis in this article. Yet I think it fails to take Simon into account. No way Halifax is running a perfect 12-0 through the playoffs. They have a really good chance at winning (they are an excellent team) but my prediction is that they lose at least 1.

Felicia Hardy Rookie Experience It seems like only yesterday that Felicia Hardy sat in her living room, a live stream of the season 94 VHL draft streaming on the television. The league had sent a camera crew to film her as she watched the draft as it was expected that she would go near the top. It was a strong draft class with many top prospects. Finally with the sixth overall pick Davos announced the selection of Felicia Hardy. With that the journey to the VHL began. As expected, Felicia Hardy put in her time learning, strengthening to prepare. First the VHLM and then the VHLE. There were many good things that happened during those seasons and unfortunately some disappointments as well. Through it all Felicia never lost sight of the goal, to reach the VHL and to one day be a star, to be a champion and potentially to reach the Hall of Fame. It is a lofty goal, most defensive minded defenders can have great careers, can be well respected by their teammates but it is generally hard for them to piece together enough accolades to be named to the Hall of Fame. Felicia’s goal is to change that. Felicia Hardy for as long as they can remember has lived by ne motto “Veni, Vidi, Vici”. I came, I saw, I conquered. For Felicia it is a driving force. Wherever they go, they will take in and understand the challenge and defeat it. And now the focus in the VHL. So, what will it mean for Felicia Hardy to Conquer. Personal Awards – Felicia is looking to take home at least one personal award during their time in the VHL. It would be great to get that out of the way with Rookie of the Year but would be just as happy with a Sterling Labatte or Jake Wilde Trophy. Be in the top ten for defensive statistics, looking at building so they can maintain a predominant position in checking, shots blocked and hits. It would be nice to position within the offensive stats like assists, but it is not a primary goal Continental Cup – may people don’t even get the chance to play for the Continental Cup but Felicia has their eyes set on hoisting it. So, there you have it, Felicia has come to the VHL, will be joining the HC Davos Dynamo’s for season 95 and will be looking to take over.

With the regular season coming to an end and the Stockholm Vikings narrowly missing the playoffs, Felicia Hardy begins the move from Sweden to Switzerland. Mixed thoughts and emotions swirl within them as they clean out their locker and pack up for the move. The season in Stockholm was a great one, playing with many talented individuals, working with the training staff to refine skills, and learning new systems of play. This VHLE season was beneficial in preparing Felicia Hardy for the next step, for the VHL. This season also had its disappointments, missing the playoffs was the greatest of those. This season also introduced Felicia Hardy to two teammates that would also be joining them on the journey to Davos. Johnny Tsunami a rugged two way forward and Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen a nimble, positional goalie. Over the last season both these individuals have become good friends, and a source of support through the tough grind of a long season, especially one that doesn’t end the way one had hoped it would. Having some familiar faces during the transition should help alleviate some stress that comes with facing new things. Felicia looked around the locker room, there would be several individuals leaving the team going on to the VHL in search of the ultimate prize, the Continental Cup. Felicia Hardy didn’t look forward to having to face some of her old teammates next season in the VHL but also knew it was inevitable. Jacob Smith Jr a quick offensively minded forward was a great teammate to run drills with but will make a tough forward to defend against. Lazlo Holmes, a tough, defender with great hands made a great pairing partner on the power play but definitely will make for trouble in an oppositions power play. But there is one thing for certain, Felicia Hardy was not going to let individuals like these to stop them from getting to the playoffs in future seasons. Outside of their team there are two others that Felicia Hardy has been keeping an eye on, most would say for good reason. Rome Gladiator defender Jillian Woods was a longtime friend of Felicia Hardy but also a talented player who has always been known for quickly picking up new skills. An offense first defender they will be a scoring threat wherever they go. Second is Maverick Goncalves the Cologne Express forward known for his offensive vision and quick shot. If history repeats itself Maverick will find a way to be among the top scoring payers on their team. The fact that Jillian Woods and Maverick Goncalves were selected as the first two picks in the draft and will both be playing for the Moscow Menace in season 95 only added a greater urgency to the task of knowing these two individuals. Alone they were tough, together they could become unstoppable. However, Felicia Hardy felt up to the task. Felicia Hardy stopped, shaking their head, and refocusing on the task of clearing their locker. Season 95 will be different, but the excitement was building. Picking up their hockey bag and sticks Felicia Hardy took one last look around the Stockholm Vikings locker room. Felicia could tell that the familiar faces around the room, each with a somewhat blank expression, were going through the same thoughts that Felicia had just processed. Change is inevitable, you had to learn from it, or it would soon overwhelm you. As Felicia came to the door she stopped and took one last look back, this had been home for this last season, but it was time to move on to bigger things. In a few hours Felicia’s flight left for Davos and a new chapter would soon begin. A single thought echoed inside Felicia’s head, “VHL here I come”

Press Conference for the week ending July 7 2024 Now that the regular season has ended I am going to try and make these more fun, maybe easier to complete so that more people stay connected. Remember to answer all questions with full sentences. 1) What is your players favorite pregame food? 2) What is your players favorite color? 3) On off game days, what is your players favorite cheat day food? 4) What is your players drink of choice during games? 5) What is your players least favorite day of the week? 6) What is one thing your player will do in the offseason?

Looks cool

Well, we are only a few games away from season end. By the time I write another media spot the season will be over. Currently, the VHLM standings for the most part are decided. We have a tight race for the final playoff spot in the Eastern conference where Ottawa and Philadelphia sit with a 2-point difference and 11 games remaining for both. It isn’t guaranteed but highly expected that both these teams are fighting to be the first-round losers to the league's top team, Halifax 21st. Yet we all know that STHS can be strange and so nothing is for certain. As GM of the Mexico City Kings what do I expect of the offseason. First, I expect that our first-round opponent will be the San Diego Marlins. I will admit that I have a soft spot for San Diego as it was the first team that I played with, with my first player Molly the Cat. So, I always hope they do well. But on the other hand, I don’t like losing. Mexico has been a dominant team this season and so I expect that will continue against San Diego in the first round. My prediction is that Mexico takes this series in 5 games. Second, I expect round two to be a fight regardless of the team we face. Houston and Saskatoon are both strong teams with some outstanding talent. I don’t underestimate either of them. Which is why I have a couple secrets that I am storing up for that series. That is correct I have something that I am keeping back in reserve to aid in helping us take that series. For details you will need to pay attention to the series to find out what happens. I am not giving away anything to my opponents. With my ace in the hole, I do expect we will move on and face the Eastern Conference champions. Which I expect will be the Halifax 21st. That brings me to my third thought about the post season. I want to thank all my players for their dedication this season. They have all been wonderful to spend time with and have on the team. It will be a pleasure watching them during the offseason and seeing them succeed. Do we have what it takes to win a Founder’s Cup. I believe we do. I also expect many of these individuals to move forward into the VHLE and VHL and have wonderful careers which I will watch and cheer for. This has been a great GM’ing experience that I am glad that I was able to have so early in my GM’ing career. However, things end up I will be proud of the Season 94 Mexico City Kings. Just in case anyone is getting the wrong idea, no I am not stepping down. I am planning on being around for at least one more season with the hopes of building another highly competitive team. This one is going to be a little more difficult to do as I won’t have as large of a returning player base, but I feel I am up for the challenge. Good luck to all teams in the playoffs.

Press Conference for the Week ending June 30 2024 By the time we have another press conference we will be in the playoffs so this one is going to be about how we will end the season? Remember to answer all questions with full sentences 1) What position in our conference do you expect us to be when the season ends? 2) What position in the league will we be at the end of the season? 3) Which Mexico Player will have the most points at seasons end? 4) Which player will have the most penalties at seasons end? 5) Do you expect that we will win our first round series? (would be very difficult at this point for us to not make the playoffs) 6) What do you expect our final number of team points (Win/Loss/tie record) at seasons end?

Quitter

It is that time of the week again where JCarson opens his mouth and probably says something to piss somebody off. If you haven’t figured it out by now, I am more often than not blunt about my opinions. This regularly gets me into trouble with others because most people do not like being told things in language that implies definitiveness. We tend to like things that leave room for the grey areas of life. The other side of things is that I don’t very often apologize for my opinion, I also don’t tend to care if you disagree, so go ahead. Anyway, that was a long intro to my next opinion. It is my opinion that everyone in the league should read the following media spot and think about what it says, provide feedback and or input to the overall conversation. Find the link attached to the media spot in question: https://vhlforum.com/topic/149091-jacobs-vhlmvhlejstwjc-manifesto-and-theme-week-entry/ Now before you even start, I am going to warn you that it is long and extremely detailed. Anyone who has limited experience in the league may get overwhelmed, never mind ignore that. If you are human and reading this, you should feel overwhelmed. There is a lot to unpack and some major implications to what is being discussed. I have been involved in several conversations where bits and pieces of the league's dynamics get discussed. Soe are specific situations, and some are broader theoretical topics but never have I been involved in a discussion that encompasses everything all at once. This article pulls up several areas of leagues “dirty laundry” and tries to address the stains that most of us just live with. Anyway, I don’t want to bias your thoughts but just encourage you to have them and share them. Good luck, it may take you a little while to get through this.

As Gm of the Mexico City Kings with the theme week topic of the VHLM I inevitably must do a discussion on how my team has been performing this season and what we are expecting for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs. First let’s talk about the current standings and how Mexico City Kings fit into things. Mexico City Kings have a record of 30 W 7 L and 5OT to have 65 points in 42 games. This puts the Mexico Cit Kings first in the Western Conference and tied for second overall with the Miami Marauders, trailing only the Halifax 21st. The strength of the Mexico City Kings’ season has been their strong discipline with the puck. That has resulted in them only giving up 82 goals so far on the season, which is the second best. They have only scored 132 goals which is only 6th best in the league but we all know in this game you only need to score more times than your opponents, so if they aren’t scoring that then means you can score less and still win. So, what are we expecting from the Mexico City Kings over the remainder of the regular season. Simply put I am expecting much of the same as we have seen so far. A strong defensively structured game where the team takes advantage of the opposition’s mistakes. Strong defense, decisive offense, good solid hockey. Now am I suggesting that we will be doing nothing to improve the situation in Mexico. Definitely not. Any team that is pushing for playoff contention with the target of competing for the championship is doing what they can before trade deadline to bolster their position. However, Mexico is in a great position and so I am not looking to jeopardize future success for the current year. As I have a tendency of discussing my thoughts when it comes to being a GM, I am going to give some insight into what I am thinking I may do before the trade deadline. The teams main target all season (and this shouldn’t come as a surprise) has been a fourth defender. Would I like to pick up a waiver who would be around for season 95, sure but that hasn’t happened. As such I am looking at a couple trade opportunities. What I don’t know is if I will go for a maxed player or for someone who still has some room to grow. Time will tell, it will more than likely depend on the associated costs between the options and if the other GMs are willing to trade those players. But those are my thoughts. Now outside that I will continue to push for some waivers, as the recreate class will be entering the pool that might also provide an opportunity for a defender to fill my fourth slot. The fact that waiver entries are coming into the league and will more than likely be targeting teams near the top of the leaderboard I do have the opportunity to grab a defender if the trade market doesn’t seem reasonable. Well, that is the summary of Mexico City Kings of the VHLM as of right now. Hopefully in a few weeks I will be posting the championship announcement for the team. Until then I wish my fellow GMs good luck.

Week of June 23 2024 1) It is theme week, what are your thoughts on the topic? 2) If you had to pick the theme week topic for next season, what would you choose? 3) With theme week ending Sunday it is also trade deadline, what position would you target if you were Mexico's GM and why? 4) Now that we are more than half way through the season how do you feel about your players performance? 5) Tell me about your VHL experience this season, has it lived up to your expectations 6) Tell me something about yourself that I don't know?