RileyL

The Season 95 VHLM Draft is approaching... at some point, so I thought it would be fun to do a mini-deep dive (a shallow dive?) into some of the top prospects, by position. Today I'm going to highlight the top three defensive prospects, ranked solely by TPE, as of May 6th.
 
1 - Ahsoka Tano - 138 TPE. Tano is @aimkin's new player, a 31 year old 6'3" 165 pounder. So far, the build has a nice, balanced spread across Deking, Poke Checking, Defensive Coverage, and Speed, each of which are at 32. In 15 games with Mexico City as a free agent, Tano had a goal an 10 assists, a -7 rating, and 14 minutes in the sin bin.
 
2 - Alphonse Desjardins - 121 TPE. This 6'4" French defenseman from @Anthique is a big boy, at 215 pounds at age 18. With Deking, Stick Handling, Poke Checking, Defensive Coverage, Offensive Vision, and Slap Shot all at 20 points, he is a well-balanced specimen, as further evidenced by his 13 points in 13 games with the San Diego Marlins.
 
3 - Boris Bone-Breaker - 121 TPE. At 6'6" and 238 pounds, this 29 year old from Russia is a beast. With 42 points in Body Checking (Bone Crushing, perhaps?), 17 in Poke Checking, and 59 in Defensive Coverage,  @RileyL is clearly making a physical, shutdown defender, a move for which I personally approve of, alliteration not withstanding. 

1. Well Boris wasn't on the team at that point in time but be coming a strong defensive team will help.
 
2. Yes, Ricer will find a way.
 
3. To Become a physical defensive defensemen.
 
4. Just being active in the LR.
 
5. sherwood.
 
6. Boris doesn't have any superstitions, he just focuses on how he will break the opposing team.

Player Information
Username: RileyL
Player Name: Boris Bone-Breaker
Recruited From: Returning
Age: 29
Position: D
Height: 78 in.
Weight: 238 lbs.
Birthplace: Russia

Player Page
@VHLM GM

Player Information
Username: RileyL
Player Name: Boris Bone-Breaker
Recruited From: Returning
Age: 29
Position: D
Height: 78 in.
Weight: 238 lbs.
Birthplace: Russia

Player Page
@VHLM GM

Player Information
Username: RileyL
Player Name: Boris Bone-Breaker
Recruited From: Returning
Age: 29
Position: D
Height: 78 in.
Weight: 238 lbs.
Birthplace: Russia

Player Page
@VHLM GM

Player Information
Username: RileyL
Player Name: Boris Bone-Breaker
Recruited From: Returning
Age: 29
Position: D
Height: 78 in.
Weight: 238 lbs.
Birthplace: Russia

Player Page
@VHLM GM

Player Information
Username: RileyL
Player Name: Boris Bone-Breaker
Recruited From: Returning
Age: 29
Position: D
Height: 78 in.
Weight: 238 lbs.
Birthplace: Russia

Player Page
@VHLM GM

Player Information
Username: RileyL
Player Name: Boris Bone-Breaker
Recruited From: Returning
Age: 29
Position: D
Height: 78 in.
Weight: 238 lbs.
Birthplace: Russia

Player Page
@VHLM GM

Player Information
Username: RileyL
Player Name: Boris Bone-Breaker
Recruited From: Returning
Age: 29
Position: D
Height: 78 in.
Weight: 238 lbs.
Birthplace: Russia

Player Page
@VHLM GM

Per @JCarson's request during the VHL Draft stream last night, I'm back with another post-draft/offseason recap/grading article! I could only find the S90 article for the last time I did this, so I've missed a few seasons and am due to write another behemoth on the forums #forumcontent. For some context, I used to just grade the first round, but I'm going to grade on a team by team basis this season so that I can look at a team's moves and picks as a whole and shout out more folks who were selected this draft. I will also try and keep it concise with less emphasis on formatting and making it look pretty.
 
Also as a disclaimer, I'm usually pretty pessimistic vs being optimistic. So if you want to feel better about your grades, bump it up a sign I guess. Like B+ to A-, or C- to C. Take it with a grain of salt though I'm just writing some shit for fun. I'm not an expert, clearly. Nothing here is personal. You're all lovely people for the most part and I wish you all the best (unless you play against Moscow).
 
Edit: Turns out that this will just be part 1 of 2, as I don't want to cover both NA and EU in a single sitting. See you later in the week for the EU Conference coverage!
 
North American Conference

Calgary Wranglers - @leandrofg 
 
Calgary entered this offseason as the only team facing both cap and roster issues, and had to find ways to navigate around this. They began by sending out Sadie St. Louis @sadie to Seattle as a cap dump, then proceeded to also ship out Oreo McFleury @JB123 in another trade to Seattle. Seems like the Seattle - Calgary pipeline will be continuing even without Ricer at the helm of the Wranglers, as CGY made a whopping 3 trades with Seattle in a single offseason (although the third trade was just a pick upgrade/swap). While Calgary is cap compliant now, they roster only 4 forwards and 3 defensemen with just 6.5 million in cap space. It'll be interesting to see how CGY will fill out their roster, or if they'll choose to just retool/rebuild their roster and ship out players to other teams with cap and roster space. In the draft though, CGY brings home a familiar user in @Rhynex Entertainment and Miner Vhler, along with Carson Tripp @Cartripp14, Oliver Loo @Peiffy, Wladyslaw Mintus @mintusaurus and some other folks in the 4th round, including recently MIA user @jake and Trimiskez Artav. Miner Vhler was a player expected to slip in the draft due to a very odd build, while the other prospects will be projects that Calgary will need to significantly invest in to see development. There's certainly potential for steals in Carson Tripp and Wladyslaw Mintus who have been around discord/forum/draft stream, but the earning will need to match the activity to see proper value. Overall, I'm confused about Calgary's direction this offseason - shipping out strong players but going for draft pick quantity over quality, and whether they'll ice a decent enough roster for next season. With just about a week left in the offseason, they will have to be praying for a free agent pickup or for trades to go their way.
 
Grade: C
 
 
Chicago Phoenix - @badcolethetitan 
 
My last article in S90 called Chicago's situation "one of the worst ever involving GM transitions" and that Cole would have his work cut out for him. Chicago has surprised, flashing potential off of the back of Scotty Sundin in S91, but also playing their way out of lottery picks that they desperately needed. Chicago's roster looks better on paper now, but is still very young and needs time to develop. Chicago was quiet this offseason, not making any trades pre-draft despite rumors circling of various offers and discussions in the works. In the draft though, Chicago landed UghSike @UghSike at 5th overall, bringing home a very solid forward prospect who should be VHL ready within a season. With their 2nd round pick, they decided to take a gamble on Jean-Pierre Devote @eagle_3450, a projected top 3 player who had his draft stock tank in the weeks leading up to the draft due to inactivity concerns. It'll be a risk for Chicago, but with UghSike's selection in the first, they decided that the risk might be worth the gamble. Interestingly enough, it seems like their real target all along was Vanuza Kolesinska @chikn, a player and user with close ties to defenseman Karol Lamb @dlamb, as CHI traded two future 2nds to PRG for the player. Also drafting Micah Cederbaum @MicahC and Kevin OConnor @Luke033, Chicago has seemingly replenished their prospect pool - for their forwards at least, which was already their strongest group on paper. With only 3 defensemen contracted for S93 and 5 forwards, Chicago is also in a position where they're lacking a complete roster. Without any trades to fill holes and free agency seemingly not going their way so far, they're left to play the waiting game and see what limited opportunities are left.
 
Grade: B-
 
 
D.C. Dragons - @FrostBeard 
 
A team coming off of a Continental Cup win simply can't be criticized, right? WRONG, according to members of the VHL peanut gallery. GM John FrostBeard invited the wrath of the public when he made a curious draft day trade with Moscow, acquiring 19th overall from Moscow in exchange for their S94 DCD 1st round pick. What was he thinking?? Was there collusion?? Does Euron Leonidas have nude pics of GMs around the league??? Speculation was rampant, but DC quickly put concerns to rest with the selection of goalie Herald Benson @Benson at 19th overall during the draft. D.C. sorely needs a goalie prospect for the future with Henry Tucker @NSG facing retirement, and they entered the draft knowing they couldn't risk missing out in another goalie rich draft. D.C. otherwise is bringing back most, if not all of their cup winning roster, setting the stage for another strong season for the Dragons. With Brash Candicoot @TrinityMonk (name of the draft candidate??) and potential future backup goalie Connor Hellebuyck @HockeyFan4Life joining the organization via the draft as well, the Dragons are comfortable with their prospect pool as they look to expand upon their current success.
 
Grade: A- (gave Moscow another 1st so it drops from an A )
 
 
Los Angeles Stars - @InstantRockstar 
 
S90: "Simply put, the Stars are stuck in the mud." We can probably keep that leading sentence for LA as they enter an era without any of their top players. LA decided to take the route of Chicago back in the late 70's and attempt to compete all the way through the retirement of their top stars including Art Vandelay @Gustav  and Todd Cooke @KRZY. Now they're in a spot with minimal roster players, a shallow prospect pool, but a deceent collection of future draft picks from trading away Eric Queefson @twists, Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101 and Larry Abass Jr @RileyL. This draft, LA decided to take the best players they could get their hands on at each pick - as their position need was everything. WWumbo @Fire Tortorella, Taylor Swift @lilchrist, Connor Simard @Alex99 and Marc-Andre Fleury @ElementStyx9 won't move the needle for LA anytime soon, but some may turn out to be solid foundation pieces in LA's rags to riches rebuild. LA's biggest worry is meeting minimum roster requirements, which is probably the first time a VHL team has had that issue in recent memory. They've got a long road to success ahead, and this offseason just didn't really move the needle for them. There's still time to get roster compliant, but they sorely need young players to start some path out of the rebuild.
 
Grade: F
 
 
New York Americans - @STZ
 
Another team with a new GM since my last offseason recap! NYA got an F for their roster management and sketchy draft picks last go around. This season though, NYA made just one trade with Malmo to acquire Jebediah Big Ol Doinks in Amish @hylands  while trading down just a few picks in the 1st round of the draft. With their sole S93 selection at 11th overall, New York took Chris Reynolds Jr @Crstats23 who is quickly becoming very well known around the league for churning out extremely solid pension players while remaining very loyal to a franchise. Most of New York's roster stuck around, with Callum Gary Yannick Janser @Daniel Janser signing a long-term extension as well with the American team. Between Jasper Davis @Josh and FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ leading the forwards, a strong trio of young defensemen and the top rookie goalie from last season @rory, New York will certainly be considered one of the favorites to make a deep playoff run in the NA this season.

Grade: A
 
 
Seattle Bears - @Banackock 
 
Might be best to just skip over Seattle, otherwise I risk facing Bana's wrath regardless of what I say. But I'm a sucker for punishment so lets cover em anyways! Seattle entered the offseason with controversy, taking a mild lottery odds punishment from the VHL Commissioner's Office for illegal backup goalie management. That punishment ended up with Seattle losing out on the 1st overall pick to Davos, but instead securing 2nd overall due to lottery rules on dropping spots. Gianfranco Del Rocco @Victor was an easy pick for Seattle who will hope that Victor can go back to his HoF player ways. Seattle was also active in the middle of the 1st round, trading a S94 WAR 1st round pick to Moscow along with pick 31 to Moscow in exchange for 10th overall and 34th overall, where they selected Nathan Ecker @Nathan_8 and Marek Nowaczyk @Chillybro. Add in Cole Stermer @Bazeus, Filip Zinek @FiZi and Enn Jinn @jhatty8, Seattle has added a lot of youth to their once depleted prospect pool. Outside of the draft though, Seattle was very involved in trades with Calgary, acquiring the aforementioned Sadie St. Louis and Oreo McFleury for cheap as they enter retirement. Add in Henry Eagles @Greg_Di who oddly passed over multiple FA offers from presumed cup contenders, and Seattle seems to be attempting a speedrun out of a rebuild. Whether their forward trio acquisitions will be enough to move the needle is yet to be seen, but Seattle still lacks a quality goalie starter and talent on defense. If Seattle crashes and burns this season, they may regret the picks spent to bail Calgary out of cap hell, as they didn't add any strong defense or goalie talent - instead choosing to add Ecker to an already young forward group. I'm mostly curious to see if Bana convinces someone on the roster to position swap to defense. Severyus Targaryen anyone?

Grade: B
 
 
Toronto Legion - @Moon 
 
Did Toronto even show up to the offseason? With just 2 picks in the S93 draft and 0 trades made, Toronto seemed to be content to sit tight and bring back their entire roster from last season. Toronto added defensemen Gul Dukat @MSouthworth and Phil Taylor @Legacy in the draft to replenish their very shallow defense room, but they still only have 2 defensemen on the roster right now. Toronto also has just 2.5 million in cap space, so it'll be extremely tough for them to add more than just a single cheap defenseman. Are they really this confident in their forwards and goaltending? And what moves will they make to get a defenseman, as half the league seems to be actively looking for cheap defensemen to fill their roster out with. Toronto will need to wake up and make a move, or risk just gambling away another season of Jimi Jaks @ke1vi and Mac Atlas @v.2  who are still hot commodities around the VHL trade market.
 
Grade: D
 
 
Vancouver Wolves - @Frank 
 
Despite being fairly deep into a rebuild, Vancouver surprisingly had just a single pick in the S93 Draft, and that was to select Annie Oaks @Noodle Enjoyer at 4th overall. Oaks was considered one of the top first gen prospects in the class, considered somewhat interchangeable with UghSike and Nathan Ecker for forwards. The Wolves got to take their pick of the litter and came out with a very strong forward pick to join the team in S94. Vancouver was surprisingly active with trades, moving 19th overall for Left Alone @okochastar from Moscow, and a small package of picks for veterans Sunglasses Joyo and Larry Abass Jr from LA's fire sale. Some might speculate if this is an attempt to have a rebound season and keep Liv Slater @Subject056 happy, as the rest of the roster still does not have a single player over 700 TPE. Could VAN be tanking their chances for a high draft pick next season with these moves? Or is Frank being shrewd and holding onto 3 veteran players who will likely fetch some interest at the deadline? However, I still believe that Slater still being on the roster after Analfist was traded last offseason is a criminal offense, and that Slater has effectively been put in VHL jail. While she had a fantastic individual season in S92, she's not getting any younger - and the trade offers that VAN once would have received for Slater are starting to dry up.
 
Grade: B-
 
See you later in the week for European Conference coverage!
(2,237 words)

VHL All-Star Selection Idea
 

 
Location
 
To start us off, we'd have to find a place to hold this years all-star game, and what better place than to hold it in Los Angeles! The Stars currently hold the best record in the league, at 29-7-2, making them the host for the upcoming all-star game. I feel like if there were to be an event, the top seeded team in the entire league would always host the event, so this year it would be the stars. If there were a tiebreaker between the top seeded teams at the time decided for the location, you could just go based off of the usual tiebreaker rules to figure out who would be the host. 
 
Format
 
Now, to get into the format. We would basically have the NA Conference vs the EU Conference, as that's the easiest way to divide up the teams in my eyes. Each roster would have 6 forwards, 4 defenseman, and 2 goalies. You would end up playing two games, one with each goalie so that the goalies both get to play in a game. The way rosters would be decided is each team sends a single player at 1st, which would then be 8 skaters for each conference. That would then leave 4 extra players for each conference, where I believe the top 2 seeded teams in each conference should get a 2nd player. This would then make it so each roster now has 10 players out of the required 12, so in this instance, the Los Angeles Stars and Calgary Wranglers get two players instead of one, same with the Malmo Nighthawks and Moscow Menace. The remaining 2 players for each conference would be decided on a fan vote, where the fans would elect who they would want to send to the all-star game. Again, it would cap out at 6 forwards, 4 defenseman, and 2 goalies, so you couldn't send for example 3 goalies or 7 forwards to make the roster ineligible. I feel like this is a great way to reward the top teams, as they get to send another player, while on top of that the community gets to feel involved as they get to send their favorite player potentially to the all-star game.
 
Selections
 
Now the best part, the selections. I will actually try my best to come up with some sort of mock all-star game rosters, but again, at this point, some teams have 39 games played while others have 40. For the fan vote, I'll just throw in whoever I would end up voting for. Without further adieu, lets get underway:
 
NA Conference All-Star Selections
 

 
C - Todd Cooke - 28G 25A 53P +22 - 39GP - @KRZY
 
Todd Cooke is having an impressive season, having easily over a point-per-game for the best team in the league. A superstar centerman for Los Angeles and a big part of why they're winning, it would be an obvious choice to send Cooke to the all-star game. They are 5th in points and 2nd in goals, a great shooter than can leave the fans stunned, it would be a fantastic addition to Team NA.
 
LW - Larry Abass Jr - 12G 32A 44P +26 - 39GP - @RileyL
 
The second player I decided to go with is Larry Abass Jr. They are currently second on their team in points only behind Todd Cooke and seem to the playmaker for Todd Cooke. They have 32 assists and the best +/- on the team, with an impressive 124 hits. Abass Jr seems to be a physical playmaker that goes into the corners to help dig the puck out, to only then find Cooke for the finish. A great all around addition for Team NA at the end of the day.
 

 
G - Merome Dilson - 25-10-4 .937 2.14, 5 shutouts - 39GP - @MexicanCow123
 
Merome Dilson is one of the top goaltenders in the entire league, not just NA. They've helped turn Calgary around, as last season was not the best season for Calgary fans. An impressive goaltender who is having a career high and doesn't seem to be stopping would be a huge addition between the pipes for Team NA.
 
 D - Skor McFleury - 12G 27A 39P +16 - 40GP - @Alex
 
As both Calgary and Los Angeles get a second player, adding a solid defenseman in Skor McFleury is a no brainer. They currently are almost a point-per-game for Calgary and are 7th in scoring this season. An impressive skater with an accurate shot and just an all-around complete player will help solidify the blue line for Team NA.
 

 
C - The Frenchman - 16G 40A 56P +12 - 39GP - @OrbitingDeath
 
The Frenchman is almost a perfect no-brainer. They're an elite playmaker who can set up any goal scorer in the league, with the most assists in the league. They would fit perfectly with Todd Cooke, who can fire the puck from almost anywhere and find a way to score. A dynamic duo would get huge for Team NA and these two might just be it.
 

 
G - WWWWWWW (not typing whole name) - 18-17-4 .940 1.91, 2 shutouts - 39GP - @rory
 
The second goalie on this list is Rory's player. WWWWWWW has had an absolute crazy season, where he's single handedly helping the New York Americans get to a playoff spot. This guy is literally like prime Hasek, trying to carry his team to the playoffs, and he easily deserves a spot on Team NA.
 

 
D - Bobby Bob - 7G 27A 34P -1 - 40GP - @Baby Boomer
 
This is when things are going to get a little hard to decide players, but I decided with Bobby Bob. Toronto has been struggling this season, and it's either between Jimi Jaks or Bobby Bob to make the team, but I went with Bobby Bob. Currently, the team already has two good centers, and they need another defenseman to help round out the first pairing, so I decided to go with Bobby Bob. He is quietly having a good season with Jimi Jaks, where they're really the only players getting anything done on the team at the moment.
 

 
RW - Yaroslav Trunov - 24G 32A 56P +5 - 39GP - @qripll
 
Just like WWWWWWW, this one is a no brainer. Trunov has been having an exceptional season for the Phoenix, finding himself tied for 2nd in points, only behind AK92 Wit Da Hoodie. He is an elite player all around and having him apart of the roster would be huge for Team NA. It seems that every season Chicago has one player that just decides to have an MVP-like season, and Trunov was the player this year.
 

 
D - Liv Slater - 18G 22A 40P -22 - 39GP - @Subject056
 
Our third defenseman on our list, I believe Slater would be the choice for Vancouver. Slater is over a point-per-game on a rebuilding Vancouver roster that is struggling this season, but was expected. Despite the -22, they're a young defenseman who can be very solid on that second pairing, including 116 hits and 111 shot blocks. They might be able to bring that grit and physicality to Team NA for the all-star game.
 

 
C - Severus Targaryen - 23G 27A 50P -12 - @Banackock
 
Our last player to make the team before the "fan vote" would commence would be Severus Targaryen. There really isn't much to say about Seattle, as they're going through a rebuild, but it's fairly obvious that Targaryen is their best player, and is carrying them. The youngest player to this point added to the roster and they would get some great experience playing with and against the best players in the league. A potential future all-star in the making. Targaryen would be a great add for Team NAs forward depth.
 
Team NA "fan vote" extras
 
Normally, this is where the fans would vote for players, but for reasons, obviously the fans aren't "voting" here, so I'll be filling out the roster with who I think deserves the remaining spots.
 

 
D - Mark Calaway - 14G 29A 43P +17 - 39GP - @Beketov
 
The first player to get in would be Mark Calaway in my eyes. On multiple other teams, he would easily be the first choice, however, the Frenchman is currently overshadowing him and his fantastic season. Regardless, Calaway is one of the best defenseman in NA and is having a career year. It seems D.C. finally has a dynamic duo in Calaway and the Frenchman going this season, and they could finally be a contender for the playoffs. A great addition to help round out the D core and an easy choice.
 

 
C - Jimi Jaks - 18G 24A 42P +10 - 40GP - @ke1vi
 
A potential questionable addition in the last spot over the likes of Vincent Laroche-Gagnier, who is having a much better season. However, I'm going for Jimi Jaks as he's having an exceptional season on a team that is struggling all over the place. Not only is he a +10 on a team that is below .500, he is over a point per game, where the rest of his team is struggling to meet that mark. I feel like on a better team, Jimi Jaks would have much better stats, but I decided to slide him in as the last forward for Team NA.
 
EU Conference All-Star Selections
 

 
D - Jacob Stone  - 14G 32A 46P +7 - 40GP - @scoop
 
The first selection for the EU Team would be Jacob Stone. An obvious selection from Malmo, as they've been the best defenseman in the league up to this point, and a huge part of Malmo's success this season. Malmo's D core is exceptional this season and easily the best in the league, where his partner Reese McFleury might be joining him on this list as well. A great defenseman with passing ability and an all-around complete game would be a huge addition for Team EU as they'll look to have a strong first pairing.
 
D - Reese McFleury - 12G 31A 43P +22 - 40GP - @Spaz
 
Another obvious addition as we'll just be taking the first pairing from Malmo to be a pairing on Team EU. Just like Jacob Stone, they're basically an exact carbon copy of Stone, just slightly worse. However, that doesn't mean he isn't capable of being one of the best defenseman in the league, including his +22, which is very good for a defenseman at this point in the season. The D lineup for Team EU is already looking very strong and having two players that have played together on a team is great chemistry wise.
 

 
C - Axle Gunner - 18G 30A 48P -3 - 40GP - @Steve
 
For Moscow, we'll be sending a pair of forwards to join Team EU, with Axle Gunner being the first one. Gunner is the playmaker for Moscow, having 30 assists on the season and having over a point-per-game. Moscow has heavily overperformed this season, as not many people imagined them doing this well, but there's no complaints coming from Moscow, that's for sure. Gunner will be a fantastic addition as a young centerman who just like Targaryen, can gain some extra experience from the all-star game.
 
LW - Left Alone - 23G 25A 48P -8 - 40GP - @okochastar
 
As for the second player coming from Moscow, we'll be going with his partner, Left Alone. Left Alone seems to be the goal scorer for this team, as they lead the team in goals with 23 on the season. They also can pass the puck, with 25 assists, so they seem to be able to do it all. The only thing they really lack is physicality, but they have great discipline, only taking a single penalty on the season. Another duo that will be joining Team EU as their chemistry is already looking better than Team NA.
 

 
RW - Leonard Triller - 23G 32A 55P +18 - 39GP - @Triller
 
Leonard Triller is an easy addition to the forward core, as they are currently 4th in the league in points, with great stats all around. London quietly has been a very good team this season, and Triller is a big part of it with the season they are having. Just an all-around complete player will be joining Team EU and they are looking deadly across the board so far.
 

 
C - Daryl Dixon - 22G 29A 51P +9 - 40GP - @Ricer13
 
Dixon is currently on pace for another great season, trying to follow up his career high last season of 93 points. Regardless, Dixon is the heart of the Helsinki offense, where they seem to be involved in everything offensively. The next closest forward on the team in points is Grimgor Ironhide with 39, as he already has a 11 point lead on his forward group. Regardless, Dixon is a great add to Team EU as they look to stack their team even more.
 

 
C - John Jameson - 20G 31A 51P +19 - 40GP - @Frank
 
The more and more we go down the list, the more and more you realize that EU is stacked with talent. Jameson is an amazing forward who like the rest on this list, are just a complete player showing no holes. All these players unlike with Team NA can fit into any scenario and thrive, which I feel like is very important for an all-star game event. The only downside for Jameson could be the fact that he somehow has 144 penalty minutes, so this guy is going to go out there and probably drop the gloves at the event.
 

 
LW - AK92 Wit da Hoodie - 30G 32A 62P +7 - 39GP - @hedgehog337
 
A current front runner for multiple awards is AK92 Wit da Hoodie, Team EUs best player. Riga this season has been alright, but they probably would've liked to have a better season, but regardless, AK92 is steamrolling the competition. Only 39 games in, he's 10 points away from being a point-per-game, and also has a 6 point lead on the 2nd place in points. An obvious add and someone who is head and shoulders above everyone else will be a difficult task for Team NA to handle.
 

 
D - Rex Wolffe Gregor - 13G 23A 36P -14 - 40GP - @oilmandan
 
Maybe not the most ideal defenseman on the list, but a defenseman who is just below a point-per-game is still a solid add for Team EU. They currently have a strong first pairing who can play top minutes, so a bit of a weaker D core isn't the end of the world, especially since their forward core is stacked. Gregor has been having a decent season for Warsaw who has struggled offensively, being second on the team in points as a defenseman. Nevertheless, a solid add for Team EU on the backend.
 

 
D - David Jokinen - 15G 24A 39P -14 - 40GP - @Ahma
 
There's really not much to say for Davos, as they are tanking for first overall to most likely pick @CowboyinAmerica. Jokinen has been having a great season on a team that sucks, so they for sure deserve a spot in the all-star game.
 
Team EU "fan vote" extras
 

 
G - Matt Murdock - 15-14-3 .935 2.17, 2 shutouts - 32GP - @Acydburn
 
The first goaltender on this list, we'll be going with Matt Murdock. Murdock has been having a great season for Prague, dropping a .935 and a 2.17, impressive numbers for a goaltender. They are looking to have a career high this season currently, as their highest sv% in previous years was a .931 in S87 with Moscow. A great add for Team EU as they'll need solid goaltending.
 

 
G - Fuuka Rask - 17-13-6 .933 2.31, 1 shutout - 37GP - @Jubis
 
Another very solid goaltender and the second on the list is Fuuka Rask. Just like Murdock, Rask has been having a great season and is looking to have a career year, where his previous best was a .925 sv% last season with Helsinki. Both these goalies are having career years and it would make sense to have them on the team to help backstop the crease for Team EU.
 
Final Rosters:
 
Team North America:
 
C - Todd Cooke
LW - Larry Abass Jr
 C - The Frenchman
 RW - Yaroslav Trunov
 C - Severus Targaryen
 C - Jimi Jaks
 
 D - Skor McFleury
 D - Bobby Bob
 D - Liv Slater
 D - Mark Calaway
 
 G - Merome Dilson
 G - WWWWWWW
 
Team Europe:
 
C - Axle Gunner
LW - Left Alone
 RW - Leonard Triller
 C - Daryl Dixon
 C - John Jameson
 LW - AK92 Wit da Hoodie
 
D - Jacob Stone
D - Reese McFleury
 D - Rex Wolffe Gregor
 D - David Jokinen
 
 G - Matt Murdock
 G - Fuuka Rask
 
Conclusion
 
Well that rounds up the article! This took a while to make, but pretty happy with the result and the theme week as it's always fun to write a huge article. Do you guys like the format for choosing the teams? Who would you vote in if you had the choice for EU or NA as the final two? Regardless, was a bunch of fun to write and had a blast doing so.
 
2000+ words, around 2500 without duplicate names

Another week has gone by and I am happy to say the start of the S92 season is here!  Whether you’re in the VHL, E, or just starting in the VHLM it is without a doubt the best feeling when the scores come in after the off-season.  It also makes it easier to chat about the happenings and stuff going on Around the League.  Today I wanted to talk and compare the two top teams in both divisions.  
 
North American League (VHL).  
 The season has started off hot and the LA Stars have topped the North American league with a record of 7-1. This team looks like it has the tools to go deep into the post season with studs like Todd Cooke @KRZY who the Stars got with the 27th overall pick in S84.  Talk about a steal!  Also up front, are Larry Abass Jr @RileyL(13 pts), veteran Napoleon Dynamite @thadthrasher (9 pts), Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101, and Adam Rage (6 pts). 
 
On defense the Stars are going with only 3 which could be their greatest weakness, but maybe not.  Leading the blue-line is Jens Lekman @Bobcat who is 3rd on the team in scoring.   A proven two-way defender he can lead the power play, block shots, and crush opposing players.   Also on the backed is Elias Lampi @Pifferfish.  EL can put up big numbers too (24 goals in S89) and QB the power play with ease.  He likes to shoot the puck and when he gets hot, look out.  Rounding out their back end is Eric Queefson @twists.   Last season, on a struggling Moscow team EQ was a ray of sunshine.  He put up 14 goals and 130 hits.  Look for those numbers to increase on this talented LA roster. 
 
Now, the LA Stars biggest advantage is their net-minder, Art Vandelay @Gustav .  Now this Mr. Vandelay I simply not just a fictious character rolling in the mind of the great George Costanza but a true Hall of Fame caliber goalie who has spent his entire career with the Stars.  Through the good times and bad he has stuck with his club and it has payed off.  7—1 this season, 1 shutout, and a 1.82 GAA he is the brick wall in LA and will only add to his LA career records of wins and shutouts.  
 
Prediction:  1st in division
 
 
EUROPEAN CONFERENCE.   
 Right now, three teams are all close to the top spot but after 9 games, the Helsinki Titans are holding it down with a 7-1-1 record.  A quick look at this roster and they are deadly.  Up front, they have team scoring leader, Daryl Dixon @Ricer13. The former 3rd overall pick of the Titans is almost a goal a game pace right now and can sizzle passes to teammates just as easy, having an amazing 63 assists last season.  He shoots hard and often and plays with grit (320 hits in S89).  
 
Following Dixon on the front end is potential rookie of the year candidate, Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard.  With a name like that you’d expect him to be raiding the coast of England in a wooden ship pillaging villages along the way to fortune and fame.  He hasn’t done any raiding (I don't think) but he is averaging over a point per game with 5g 7a 12pts.  Alongside other contributors, Owen Lazaro @traphag, Rick Grimes @tinafrombobsburgers, Jarko Laakkonen @Xdjk93, and Chip Stone @DoktorFunk the Titans are formidable.  
 
Highlighting the defense for the Titans I can easily start with the only Kardashian I can stand, Kronchy Kardashian @Garsh.  Krochy is an absolute gem on defense.  Grit, speed, and skills Kronchy can punish teams anywhere on the rink.  13 points so far in 8 games this former 7thoverall pick amassed 31 goals last season so if he gets hot, look out.  
 
Next to him former Vancouver stud, Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito.   Always in the running for off season trophies he is the consummate professional defenseman. Deadly offensively while never compromising defense he does what it takes to win and an excellent locker room presence. 
 
Finishing up with defense is third year phenom Yaboi Oven @Doomsday.  A steady giant of a defensemen I see similarities to former Davos great, Jake Thunder.  Almost a point per game I look for this to be his breakout season.  
 
Helsinki has another goalie that has stayed with the club his entire career so far in Fuukka Rask @Jubis. Drafted 14th overall in S87 he has been steady his whole career, even during the dark times.   7-1-1 this season is a 2.29 GAA he shows that even when his formidable defense makes a mistake, he is more likely than not to stop it.  
 
Prediction: 2nd overall in EU 
 
Have a great week everyone  

Hello friends, 
 
   I am officially announcing my retirement as General Manager of the Calgary Wranglers. There are a few reasons as to why I have made this decision and now is the best time to take a step back from this role to better spend my time in other areas of the league and in my personal life.
 
    I hold a pretty high bar for myself when it comes to maintaining a certain level of activity for any locker room that I am in charge of. The day that became a chore is the day I knew it was time for a much needed break. I also live a super busy personal life and this has also made it harder to give the locker room my full attention.
 
    There is nothing to worry about in terms of my participation in the league. I still very much enjoy and love being apart of this league. I will have better focus on my player and the locker room I’m apart of there. I have my moderation gig that I’ll have more time to focus on and one day I do plan on stepping back into a GM role because it truly is a passion of mine.
 
    Lastly, thank you to all the GMs I have had a pleasure to work with since I’ve started, all the AGMs who have worked along side me over the seasons and the players who grinded it out and bought into the way I wanted things to run in Calgary. I am not going to ping everyone who’s been an important part of this journey, I think you all know who you are at this point. 
 
Ricer, out!! 🎤 ⬇️ 
 
**I do recommend that @leandrofg be considered to step in as replacement. He has been running the team behind the scenes this past season and has a really good handle on how things are going in Calgary. He also has a long history with the organization. I will respect whatever decision is made for my replacement.**

Still created by @leandrofg
 
Okay, here we are at the end of the regular season and one last time to look to see how I did at predicting where the teams would finish. What a finish did we have to the regular season with Helsinki Titans waiting until the very last game to know if they would be play-off bound or dusting off the golf clubs. In the end it was Prague Phantoms that seen the ghost and will be golfing instead. Oh, And HC Davos Dynamo killing Cinderella story of the season by finish ahead of the Riga Reign to win the European conference and another Victory cup!!
 
So, Predictions for last two weeks; how did I do?
 
North American
Standings                                                 Record              Points                            Last WK                                                        Predictions Last Wk                                                
1.     Los Angeles Stars                     46-19-7           99Pts                      (12-5-3)                                    🔺               2nd North American Conference
2.     Toronto Legion                         46-24-2           94pts                      (13-6-1)                                    🔻               1st North American  Conference
3.     Chicago Phoenix                     35-23-14          84pts                      (10-10-1)                                   🟰               3rd North American Conference
4.     D.C. Dragons                             36-28-8           80pts                      (12-5-3)                                    🟰               4th North American Conference
5.     Calgary Wranglers                   30-30-12          72pts                       (8-7-5)                                     🔺                7th North American Conference
6.     Seattle Bears                             27-34-11          65pts                       (7-9-4)                                     🟰                6th North American Conference
7.     New York Americans                29-38-5           63pts                       (7-11-1)                                     🔻                5th North American Conference
8.     Vancouver Wolves                    21-42-9           51pts                       (5-13-2)                                               8th North American Conference
 
Summary: Strong finish to the season by Los Angeles Stars; as I had stated I wasn`t confident in moving them out of the top spot and they proved that doubt correct as they managed to keep a five-point lead that they had heading into the final two weeks of the season over the Toronto Legion. Calgary sneaks into the play-off as it looked like no one really wanted the final wildcard spot and New York in my predictions were the biggest loser in this situation as they should have moved up in the past two weeks but ……..
 
 
 
European Conference
Standings                                               Record             Points                             Last WK                                                         Predictions Last Wk                                      
1.    HC Davos Dynamo                   49-16-7           105pts                        (16-4-0)                                   🔺           3rd European Conference
2.     Riga Reign                                49-17-6           104pts                        (11-6-3)                                    🟰           2nd European Conference
3.     London United                         44-19-9           97pts                          (11-7-2)                                    🔺           4th European Conference
4.     Malmo Nighthawks                  45-22-5           95pts                         (10-9-0)                                   🔻           1st European Conference
5.     Helsinki Titans                         41-27-4           86pts                          (11-7-2)                                    🟰           5th European Conference
6.       Prague Phantoms                  39-26-7           85pts                          (15-4-1)                                    🟰           6th European Conference
7.     Moscow Menace                       19-43-10         48pts                          (5-13-3)                                   🟰            7th European Conference
8.     Warsaw Predators                    20-48-4          44pts                           (8-12-1)                                   🟰            8th European Conference
 
Summary: So I messed up how strong or weak the schedule for HC Davos was in the final two weeks of the season but I really didn`t miss that much as I had the team going 12-8 when they finished 16-4 so only a four game or eight point difference. Congrats on the late season run and the Victory cup. I also think HC Davos ended up being one of the biggest movers of the season going from 4th in the standings to first in last 20 games. New Champion will be crowned with HC Davos now entering as the favorites; let’s see if the Victory Cup curse stay true!!  
Now for the season review aspect of the article with a look at the expectations at the start of the season for each team and where they actually finished. It will be a bit different from last season since I also have the records from each week and we will also look at the positives and negative aspects if any for each team moving forward.
 
 
 
 
Season Review:
Positives & Negatives moving ahead
 
 
16.
Predicted Placements:
🟰     8th European Conference
🔻  13th League
 
Positives:
Maxim Anisimov @McLovin(24-33-57pts)  and King Kisslinger @Kisslinger(17-24-41pts) have given the fans in Warsaw some hope for the future; add in what could be a very talented player with a high overall pick and the building pieces are starting to fall in place.
 
Negative:
Prospects development just isn`t producing enough talent at the moment with no new prospects set to make the roster next season and only one first round pick this off season means the rebuild will continue to be ugly in Warsaw next season. Add in the fact that Maxim Anisimov @McLovin and King Kisslinger @Kisslinger will be looking for extensions this off season and only Tom Creeg @Creegan610(18-18-36pts) as the currently only signed player means GM @N0HBDY and AGM @Mysterious_Fish have busy off season ahead if they are looking to keep these two players long term and look to improve the roster.
 
 
 
15.
Predicted Placement:
🟰     7th European Conference
🔻   12th League
 
Positives:
Likely Rookie of the year winner in Axle Gunner @Steve(32-41-73pts), Jarmo Ruutu @jRuutu(9-30-39pts) and  Obuz Schneider Canet du Bocage @Grape(6-29-35pts) all having a solid rookie seasons. All of course led by veteran Left Alone @okochastar(38-55-93pts). Add in the prospects ready to make the jump next season in Ellis Woolfenden (VAS) @D3X(35-34-69pts), Leif Reingaard (VAS) @Zetterberg(20-53-73pts), Thor Reingaard (VAS) @N0HBDY(18-41-59pts) and Goaltender Olober Syko (STO) @Spartan (2.42GA, 0.938% & 7SO). Oh, I also almost missed the fact they should pick up two very good prospect during the draft; with a top pick in the first round and one later in the first.
 
Negative:  
Could this will leave Moscow in an interesting situation where they have too many prospects? Prospects also take time to develop so if they don`t add any further veterans to the roster next season; they will be looking at another long season but one filled with future and hope at least giving the fans something to cheer about.
 
 
 
14.
Predicted Placement:
🔻        7th North American Conference
🔺      15th League
 
Positives:
FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ(41-38-79pts) and Liv Slater @Subject056(10-52-62pts) had strong season as the new leaders of the team. They will be heavily relied upon to provide a veteran presence as the team starts the rebuilding process. Justin Lion @Emperor_Fun(3.88GA & 0.913%) was also a bright spot for the team after coming over from Malmo Nighthawks in a mid-season trade. Center Mikko Borisyuk (BRA) @Minebro(39-38-77pts) and goaltender Dalkr Vidarsson (ROM) @KaleebtheMighty(2.09GA, 0.942% & 5SO) should be joining the roster next season. Five first round picks with two of them mostly being in the top five. (it could be interesting to see if they flip or move some of these picks.) 
 
Negatives:
Similar situation as both other teams in the rebuilding stage as they have prospects but until they join the roster in a few seasons it will be ugly in Vancouver. Unless Vancouver Wolves bring in veteran or two to boost the roster performance. A few season away still as the rebuild has just started.
 
 
 
 
13.
Predicted Placement:
🔺     8th North American Conference
🔺     16th League
 
Positives:
Top five forward in Jasper Davis @Josh(39-66-105pts) and top ten forward in Francesco Mancini @GioSivo(47-54-101pts) add in strong defense defenseman in Tord Yvel @Trazan(13-47-60pts). Prospects joining the roster next season in goaltender  WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW @rory(2.55GA, 0.926% & 3SO) and a pair of defender in Callum Gary Yannick Janser (VAS) @Daniel Janser(12-36-48pts) and Rin Kagamine (OSL) @Rin(14-45-59pts).  Top five draft prospect to boost the teams offense and the fans have something to cheer about even if the team should take a step back next season.
 
Negatives:
Prospects pool is rather shallow and only having three picks this season means they will need to look elsewhere to improve the team as the young prospects continue to develop. Should take a step back next season and could be further set back if Jasper Davis @Josh decides to leave via UFA during the off season. Otis Boudreaux Jr @Otis Boudreaux Jr(4-10-14pts)and Zyn Westwood @Sullvino(16-18-34pts) will also be looking for extensions keeping the GM @thadthrasher busy this off season.
 
 
 
 
12.
Predicted Placement:
🔻       5th North American Conference
🔻     11th League
 
Positives:
Top 5 defenseman in scoring Rex Wolffe Gregor @oilmandan(27-52-79pts) and Strong rookie season from Severus Targaryen @Banackock(22-36-58pts), Toby Kadachi  @ROOKIE745(6-7-13pts) and Simons Worst Nightmare @zepheter(6-36-42pts). Prospect Spanish Moon Moth (STO) @Renomitsu(46-46-92pts) should be ready to join the roster next season.
 
Negatives:
Aging players on the roster in goaltender Clueless Wallob @DMaximus (2.94GA & 0.926%) and defender Scoish Velociraptor Maloish @youloser1337(13-42-55pts) will need to be replaced sooner than later. Not to mention retirements to Calen McKay @Kendrick(2-17-19pts) and Svatopluk Puk @Otaznik(34-37-71pts) leave the team looking to UFA market and the draft to find replacements but they don`t have much draft stock. It could be an interesting off season as Seattle needs to decide to either start a full rebuild or retool with veteran players.
 
 
 
 
11.
Predicted Placement:
🔻        2nd North American Conference
🔻       7th League
 
Positives:
Most of the team returns next season and had solid goaltending from Merome Dilson @MexicanCow123(2.39GA 0.923% & 3SO). Managed to salvage the season by sneaking into the final wildcard spot in the North American conference and anything can happen as long as you make the play-offs. Still a young developing team so should only get better. Calgary has draft stock even if it is later in the three rounds and could be used to boost the future roster via trades.
 
Negatives:
Lack of scoring production almost cost them this season so they will look for improvement next season in the scoring department with most looking at Randy Bobandy @AJW(30-29-59pts), Sadie St-Louis @sadie(26-22-48pts) and Oreo McFleury @JB123(26-28-54pts) for these improvements but also expect them to look for help via trades. Calgary will also need to look at rebuilding the defense as they have a season or two left with Malum Maellard @frescoelmo(7-56-63pts) and Phil Strasmore @Phil(8-32-40pts). AirRig GoodBrandSun @Rhynex Entertainment(10-25-35pts)  is set to retire at the end of the season even further complicating the back-end.
 
 
 
10.
Predicted Placement:
🔻      3rd North American Conference
🔻     8th League
 
Positives:
Enter the play-off as one of the hotter teams in the final week and had a strong season from The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath (44-49-93pts) and Vincent Laroche-Gagnier @vincentlg2007(35-43-78pts); both returning for at least another season with the Dragons. Jason @Jason kranz(44-45-89pts) also had a strong season and places D.C. in a difficult situation to try to resign the star forward or let him walk as he enters his finals season. Solid young defensive core lead by Mark Calaway @Beketov(15-52-67pts). Prospect Theo Allard (COL) @InstantRockstar(14-29-43pts) should be ready for the VHL next season.
 
Negative:
Will need to add a veteran presence on the back-end next season as Ryuji Sakamoto @der meister(9-51-60pts) is set to retire at season end and will look to boost the goaltending as Geoff Bezos @Quik(2.55GA, 0.927% & 4SO)is also looking for an extension. While they have a ton of prospects, they will look for some of them to take large steps in the next few seasons.
 
 
 
9. 
Predicted Placement:
🔺          6th North American Conference
🔺         14th League
 
Positives:
Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside(49-63-112pts) had an amazing season for a team that really had no business being in a play-off position yet making the play-offs. Goaltender Ryan Artyomov @Enorama(2.78GA, 0.926% & 2SO) had an amazing rookie campaign and should have heavy consideration for Rookie of the Year honors. Dank Turtle @DankTurtle(13-29-42pts), Legacy Gaming @Gaming Ringleader(39-47-86pts) and Tullemore Dew @Spade18(8-19-27pts) all had strong sophomore seasons and should be part of the core moving forward with new prospects joining the roster next season in Joshua Schwarzer (COL) @Velevra(35-38-73pts) and Lionel Collberg (COL) @Masu Chan(17-46-63pts). Two first round picks in the up-coming draft should add more overall depth prospects to the roster in a few seasons.
 
Negative:
Retirement of Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside will have the biggest impact on the team as they look for someone else to replace the offensive numbers. Stronger than expected season also means expected disappointment next season when they take a step back but this could be softened if they retool with veterans during the off season.
 
 
 
8. 
Predicted Placement:
🔻     3rd European Conference
🔻     3rd League
 
Positives:
John Jameson @Frank(46-45-91pts) and Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide(32-53-85pts) had good season with Jameson top 10 in scoring. Goaltender Matt Murdock @Acydburn(2.48GA, 0.929% & 5SO) had strong second half of the season and almost led them into a wildcard spot. Kyle Toms (VAS) @Ktoms22(28-38-66pts)  looks ready to replace retiring zack martinez @Sam_19(10-20-30pts) and defender Conference Prince-de-Galles (ROM) @UnkemptCL4PTP(20-42-62pts) will give the team options when it comes to back-end next season and if they extend Faith Hope Love @MMFLEX(6-30-36pts). Full complement of draft picks so they should have a solid pick this season and continue to add to future or have resources to trade in a retool.
 
Negative:
With most of the roster returning it is hard to see this team missing the play-off again next season but a retool is not far away with all three of the forwards set to retire in the next season or two. Which is also the similar for the defensive core so the question is when do they start the rebuild or do they try to retool?
 
 
 
 
7. 
Predicted Placement:
🟰        5th European Conference
🔻       6th League
 
Positives:
Great offense led by the retiring Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877(53-48-101pts), Daryl Dixon @Ricer13(30-63-93pts) and Kronchy Kardashian @Garsh(31-45-76pts); the later showing that he is ready to lead the Titans as true number one defender making Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito(14-72-86pts) expendable? Fuukka Rask @Jubis(2.55GA, 0.925% & 5SO) took a step in the right direction in becoming a solid starting goaltender setting career best across all stats. Strong Sophomore season from YaBoi Oven @Doomsday(11-27-38pts) will see him looking for big role next season and a strong rookie season from Tommy Sleeves @dasboot(4-9-13pts); which Helsinki hopes continues develop into a solid depth defender in the near future. Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard(35-47-82pts) is more than ready to make the move to the VHL and the Titans next season (my early favorite for the ROY in S92)
 
Negative:
Snuck into the play-off otherwise it would have been a disaster of the season for the Blue & White team from Helsinki with Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877 set to retire; Helsinki will need to look for someone to replace his offense. Add in aging Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito and Chip Stone @DoktorFunk(26-40-66pts); this teams are looking at a bit of a re-tool in the off season.
 
 
 
 
6.
Predicted Placement:
🔻      1st North American Conference
🔻      5th League
 
Positives:
Goaltender Joel Castle @animal74(2.06GA, 0.938% & 3SO) had a slow start to the season but simple was fire down the stretch as he finished the season top 3 in goals against and save percentage, top five in wins and top 10 in shut-outs; while leading the Legion to the best goals against in the league. Jimi Jaks @ke1vi(39-42-81pts)  and Mac Atlas @v.2 (46-42-88pts) still in their prime and still under contract for another season. Another strong season from Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer(10-56-66pts), who Toronto hopes will take another step forward in becoming a true number one defender for the team. Still have their first-round pick so they can use that asset to help retool.
 
Negatives:
Will need to address secondary scoring as Tomas Sogaard @Brandon(30-30-60pts) and Dens Oden @Snussu(16-43-59pts) retire. No prospects ready to join the roster means that they will need to look to the UFA or trade markets to retool the roster; made harder with an estimated eleven million after they extend Diego Machado @Dadam30(18-32-50pts), Harry Callahan @dstevensonjr(24-31-55pts) and Montgomery Burns @LastOneUp(16-29-45pts) , who are all looking for new contracts.
 
 
 
 
5.
Predicted Placement:
🟰      4th European Conference
🔻      4th League
 
Positives:
Long term extension of Yaroslav Bogatyrev @Bojovnik(40-42-82pts) and the return of Henry Eagles @Greg_Di(42-54-96pts). Viktor Jensen @Advantage(25-50-75pts) continued development and solid defensive core of Skor McFleury @Alex(22-67-89pts) and Jacob Stone @scoop(17-52-69pts). Solid bounce back season after disappoint S90 and missing the play-offs.
 
Negatives:
Cap will be an issue with Henry Eagles @Greg_Di, Skor McFleury @Alex, Ronald Johnson MacWallace III @RJMW(8-26-34pts) and Yaroslav Trunov @qripll(34-40-74pts) all looking for new contracts so they will need to figure out the cap to bring back most of the current roster. Maybe a slight re-tool but no major repairs needed.
 
 
 
 
4.
Predicted Placement:
🔻     1st European Conference
🔻     1st League
 
Positives:
Second best goals against in the league only behind Toronto led by Jesse Teno @aimkin(2.02GA, 0.937% & 6SO), who should be in the running for an award or two at the end of the season. Two top ten scorers in Molly the Cat @JCarson(52-55-107pts) and Leonard Triller @Triller(24-79-103pts), both of whom should be returning for next season. Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ(44-52-96pts) did okay coming over to provide more offense for the United.
 
Negative:
Lack of secondary scoring after Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ, Molly the Cat @JCarson and Leonard Triller @Triller with the next closest 46pts behind; this will need to be fixed. Defense needs a complete retool with Deron Nesbitt @AW13(7-29-36pts) and Hunor Solyom @solyom(3-37-40pts) retiring. Add in Sjin @Sjin(21-23-44pts) and Thor Odinson @GoalPlays(8-6-14pts) looking for new contracts and half the roster is set to change. It will be an interesting and maybe stressful off season in London.
 
 
 
 
3.
Predicted Placement:
🔺      4th North American Conference
🔺     9th League
 
Positives:
Powerful offensive attack with three players over a hundred points in Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101(35-72-107pts), Todd Cooke  @KRZY(43-62-105pts) and Larry Abass Jr @RileyL(46-55-101pts). Continued development as true number one defender by Elias Lampi @Pifferfish(18-64-82pts) and solid secondary scoring by Napoleon Dynamite @thadthrasher(38-41-79pts) and Adam Rage @MrMom(29-36-65pts). All leading to the best offensive team in the league. Top team in the North American Conference, home ice advantage and will look to run it back to the Finals again this season.
 
Negatives:
Goaltender Art Vandelay @Gustav (2.41GA, 0.928% & 6SO) was rather mid when compared to his counter parts around the league while tied for most shut-outs this season. He will need to be much better if Los Angeles is going to make a run at the Continental Cup and not be swept in the Finals for a second straight season. Age as this truly looks like the last kick at the can situation with half the team set to retire in the next two seasons. They can still run it back for another season if they think they can win but it would lead to a very long rebuild. Salary cap might be a bit of a concern but overall, I think they should be able to manage it.
 
 
 
 
2.
Predicted Placement:
🔺     6th European Conference
🔺     10th League
 
Positives:
Never really expected to be Cinderella of the league as most had predicted this team to retool with prospect ready to join the team next season as they currently have an aging core led by AK92 Wit da Hoodie @hedgehog337(50-47-97pts), surprise signing Babay Shrimp @Blazzer(25-66-91pts) and Sock Monkey @chikn(34-48-82pts). Better than expected defensive numbers from retiring Brian Kowalski @Wheaties(15-55-70pts) and James Marino @Adrest245(9-49-58pts) that seen this team play competitive hockey all season and surprise the European Conference. Prospect ready LW - Eric White Jr (COL) @Mysterious_Fish(20-40-60pts), RW - Mclean Hoover II (ROM) @McLean Hoover(24-33-57pts), LW - Martin Kemp (COL) @leafsman(14-15-29pts), D - Mina (BRA) @Baozi(21-51-72pts) and goaltender  Red Panda (BRA) @Lemorse7(2.91GA, 0.928% & 1SO) meaning the future is bright for Riga. Add in two first round picks this season and this team is set for a retool rather than a rebuild.
 
Negatives:
Only two players signed for next season will see the team very active in the off season as they try to extend players around what should be a rather young developing core. How they rebuild the team will play a huge role in how much the team falls back next season assuming they aren`t next season Cinderella again.
 
 
 
 
1. 
Predicted Placement:
🔺     2nd European Conference
🔺     2nd League
 
Positives:
Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg (55-57-112pts) had an amazing final season and tied for the league lead in scoring while leading the league in goals. Alfred Champagne @Anthique(39-41-80pts) improved his numbers for the second straight season and will be looked upon heavily in the future as someone needs replace Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg offensive numbers. Jake Thunder @Thunder(16-68-84pts) will finish his career with HOF aspirations after another strong season will see him nominated for a few awards. Lachlan Summers @kirbithan(2.24GA, 0.933% & 5SO) continues to be a top five goaltender in the league even after a slower than normal start to the season.
 
Negatives:
Consistent talk of rebuild by the GM @Alex will not happen as long as they have Lachlan Summers @kirbithan on the roster. Retool is more likely as they look for replacements for retiring Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg , Pete Mitchell @Crstats23(33-35-68pts) and Jake Thunder @Thunder but with estimated thirteen million and David Jokinen @Ahma(13-43-56pts) ready to take over number one defensive duties; this really shouldn`t be an issue.
 
 
Summary of the season:
Really unpredictable season with Chicago and Riga really having strong season. Death Conference in Europe seen the defending Champions miss the play-offs on the last day and last game of the season. Unexpected strong offensive season from Los Angeles Stars and great defensive efforts from London United and Toronto Legion. It really is setting up for an interesting play-offs and an interesting off season. What a great seasons!!
 

Note - I’m not affiliated with VHFL in any way. I pulled the data from the VHFL group updates thread because I thought it would be fun to look at, and did some similar stuff with VSN a while back, but this is all very much unofficial! 1581 words, good for the next 3 weeks.
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A thrilling season of VHL action wrapped up yesterday and with it, a slew of VHFL group champions crowned. How did you fare in your group this year? Who helped you win your league, or who didn’t live up to the expectations you had for them?
 
In this edition of VHFL Fantasy Corner, we’ll take a look at the season that was in S91 and the stars and duds of the fantasy campaign.
 
Group Winners
There were 14 VHFL groups in S91, with some very impressive seasons among them. 32 teams crossed the 1400 point mark overall, a number that was required to win each of the 14 groups, while 7 teams (6 group winners and one unlucky 2nd-place, @JCarson) hit the 1500 point mark. The tightest group was Group 11, separated by just 6 points.
 
Here are your group winners for S91 (another disclaimer, please do not take this as official results):
Group 1: @twists - 1518.9
Group 2: @jacobcarson877 - 1456.2
Group 3: @Triller - 1440.5
Group 4: @kirbithan - 1516.3
Group 5: @VattghernCZ - 1495.8
Group 6: @hedgehog337 - 1490.0
Group 7: @Arce - 1516.6
Group 8: @leandrofg - 1461.3
Group 9: @Grape - 1508.8
Group 10: @cLoWn - 1480.1
Group 11: @tcookie - 1485.6
Group 12: @STZ - 1425.8
Group 13: @eagle_3450 - 1548.3
Group 14: @MexicanCow123 - 1508.9
 
The highest-scoring team across all VHFL groups was managed by @eagle_3450, who put up a whopping 1548.3 points. That team consisted of Larry Abass Jr, Leandro Goncalves, Dogwood Maple, Jake Thunder, Skor McFleury, and Jesse Teno.
 
Highest Scoring Players
The overall highest scoring player in VHFL this year was Larry Abass Jr of the Los Angeles Stars. The 6’3, 212 pound power forward really came into his own this season. Abass was already a solid fantasy contributor in recent years thanks to a tendency to pile up 300+ hits while contributing on offense, but this season, Abass didn’t just contribute on offense, he dominated. Scoring career highs across the board, Abass finished the year with 46 goals, 55 assists, and 101 points while going well over the 300 hit marker for the third-straight season (357), and was the only player to top 300 fantasy points this season (301.6).
 
The highest scoring defenseman in VHFL was Malmo defenseman Skor McFleury, another player who changed teams last off-season. McFleury was owned in 100% of groups, and for good reason. McFleury was a fantasy stud last season with 25 goals, 96 points, 211 hits, and 158 blocks. That made him defenseman #1 last year and pushed him over the 300 fantasy point mark with 300.8 overall. It was a similarly dominant performance this time around as he put up 22 goals, 89 points, 224 hits, and 142 blocks to lead all VHFL defenders by almost 17 fantasy points with 282.1.
 
The highest scoring VHFL goaltender was Davos’ Lachlan Summers, which you can file under “entirely expected”. Davos was always supposed to be a great team this year and they delivered on that promise, leading to Summers piling up a bunch of wins (46). Summers won the Shaw, Clegane, and Slobodzian Trophies last season and he’s got a good shot to take home some more hardware this year, with a 46-12-6 record, 2.24 GAA and 0.933 SV% to go along with 5 shutouts. It was a dominant year and Summers just edged out Art Vandelay for the league lead in fantasy points among goalies.
 
VHFL All-Star Team
F - Larry Abass Jr (301.6) - AK92 Wit da Hoodie (289.3) - John Jameson (282.1)
D - Skor McFleury (282.1) - Elias Lampi (265.4)
G - Lachlan Summers (244.0)
 
@RileyL @hedgehog337 @Frank @Alex @Pifferfish @kirbithan
 
Fantasy MVPs
When we talk about Fantasy MVPs, we’re talking about the guys you regularly find on winning rosters. This isn’t always necessarily the best players, although there is strong correlation. You might find a big name who had a great season a little lower in the FMVP rankings because a similarly good player was able to be found later in the draft, leading to an even stronger presence on winning rosters. This plays into this year’s selection as while big names like John Jameson are definitely found on group-topping teams (Jameson was on 5 group winners himself), Larry Abass Jr was both fantasy’s top scorer AND available later in drafts in general.
 
We’ve already talked about the dominance of Abass Jr this season, but what really earns him the title of VHFL Fantasy MVP is the fact that he was found on a whopping 10 of the VHFL’s winning rosters. Shockingly, one group didn’t even draft Abass (group 14), so Abass finishes the year up at 92.9% owned, but in the 13 groups he was owned in, his team won 76.9% of them. No team with Abass on it finished worse than third overall.
 
Skor McFleury can be found on several VHFL champion squads, too - 6 to be exact - but one other player that deserves a mention here is defenseman Elias Lampi. Lampi was only owned in 71.4% of groups (10) but his teams won 4 of those groups. In his second year with the Los Angeles Stars, Lampi put together his best all-around season as he set a career high in points (82) and +/- (+28) while still posting strong defensive numbers (215 hits, 151 blocks). With production like that, you have to figure Lampi will find himself universally drafted next time around.
 
VHFL All-MVP Team
F - Larry Abass Jr (10 group winners) - Landon Wolanin (5) - John Jameson (5)
D - Skor McFleury (6) - Elias Lampi (4)
G - Jesse Teno (4)
 
@RileyL @jacobcarson877 @Frank @Alex @Pifferfish @aimkin
 
S91 Fantasy Steals (Highest-Scoring Players <40% owned)
F Henry Eagles, Malmo Nighthawks (35.7% owned, 247.2 points) @Greg_Di
In hindsight, it looks kind of silly that so many people passed on Henry Eagles in their fantasy drafts this year. Malmo was looking at a big step forward, particularly with the off-season additions of Skor McFleury and Yaroslav Bogatyrev, so why wouldn’t a guy like Eagles take a big step forward to match? There was some skepticism around Eagles’ fantasy relevance this year, probably due to the fact he only put up 58 points last year, but Eagles flourished in his seventh VHL season, matching a career high with 42 goals and setting a career high in points, too, with 96, convincingly leading the resurgent Nighthawks in scoring.
 
F Francesco Mancini, New York Americans (7.1% owned, 237.5 points) @GioSivo
Now this one, on the other hand, is completely understandable. The Americans are a bad team, finishing with a 29-38-5 record as the second-worst team in the North American Conference, and Mancini had 58 points in his entire VHL career coming into this season. So, nobody could realistically have predicted a 100-point campaign out of him, but here we are. With 47 goals and 101 points, Mancini had a downright massive year. He was only drafted in one group, and in that group, the team that picked him won. Guess they knew what they were doing.
 
D Rex Wolffe Gregor, Seattle Bears (7.1% owned, 241.4 points) @oilmandan
Gregor had the best season of his five-year career in the VHL in S91, with 27 goals, 79 points, 165 hits, and 137 blocks. His previous career highs of 20 goals, 67 points, and 166 hits were all comfortably eclipsed as he became one of the highest-scoring defenders in VHFL this season. As the #1 defenseman on a Bears team that hopes to take a step forward next year, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Gregor’s on a lot more VHFL rosters in S92.
 
S91 Fantasy Disappointments (Lowest-Scoring Players >70% owned)
F Vincent Laroche-Gagnier, DC Dragons (78.6% owned, 192.8 points) @vincentlg2007
It’s not like it was a bad year for Laroche-Gagnier, but after he put up 100 points in his first season in DC in S90, more was expected and he was drafted accordingly. Laroche-Gagnier doesn’t provide too much in the way of physical presence, so he needs to score to put up big numbers in VHFL, and his 35 goals and 78 points overall didn’t quite do it for teams that drafted him high.
 
F Randy Bobandy, Calgary Wranglers (71.4% owned, 168.4 points) @AJW
Bobandy scored 174 points over his last two seasons in Seattle before heading to Calgary, and there were high expectations of him taking a big role for the Wranglers. It didn’t quite work out that way for Calgary, who struggled to produce offense all season long, and Bobandy dropped off to 59 points, a number reminiscent of his sophomore season. If the Wranglers can fix their offense, you can bet the points will come back for Bobandy next time around, but for such a highly-drafted player to end up with this VHFL score was a disappointment.
 
D Phil Strasmore, Calgary Wranglers (85.7% owned, 170.5 points) @Phil
It seems to be a trend with Wranglers on the list, and it makes sense, because much of fantasy is simply about putting points in the board and the Wranglers struggled to do that as a whole. Strasmore, a longtime Wrangler, had four straight 60+ point seasons before this one but dropped off hard to 40 points in S91. His defensive numbers didn’t quite live up to expectations either, as his hits total (225) was his lowest in five seasons, and his shots blocked 106 was his lowest of his career. There doesn’t appear to be much reason for the sudden decline, as Strasmore still passes the eye test with flying colours, but the eye test doesn’t do much for the 12 VHFL teams that drafted him.

Graphic continue to be produced and made by @leandrofg
 
 
 
Half way through the season and most of the league seems to have a clear understand of where they stand but do I understand where the team really stand? Well, Let`s look at how I did in the second week of predictions as I think I have been better this week!! While you’re here be sure to check out some of the other recent VSN articles.
 
30 Seasons of Failure, The New York Americans Story / The Man Behind It All / A Look Back - Heavenly Seven
 
North American Conference
Standings                                       Record                         PTS                           Last WK                                              Prediction Last Wk.               
1.            Los Angeles Stars                    24-10-4                  52pts                     (7-3-4)                           🟰       1st North American Conference
2.          Chicago Phoenix                      21-11-6                    48pts                     (6-7-1)                           🟰       2nd North American Conference
3.          Toronto Legion                         20-17-1                    41pts                     (8-5-1)                           🟰       3rd North American Conference
4.          Seattle Bears                            16-18-5                    37pts                    (4-9-1)                           🔺        5th North American Conference
5.          D.C. Dragons                             15-18-5                    35pts                    (5-7-2)                           🔺        6th North American Conference
6.         Calgary Wranglers                    14-17-7                     35pts                    (4-7-4)                          🔻        4th North American Conference
7.          New York Americans                16-21-2                     34pts                    (7-7-1)                           🔺        8th North American Conference
8.          Vancouver Wolves                   13-19-6                     32pts                   (4-5-5)                           🔻        7th North American Conference
 
Summary:
All the movement was at the top of the conference this week with Los Angeles moving up to take the conference lead and Toronto over taking Seattle as predicated. New York traded for a goalie and made a small run out of the basement like a kid scared by the boogieman!! I wasn`t confident about Calgary and they proved to worth the skepticism.
 
European Conference
Standings                                         Record                         PTS                           Last Wk                                            Prediction Last Wk.                
1.          Riga Reign                                  29-9-1                    59pts                     (12-3-0)                             🟰         1st Europe Conference
2.         Malmo Nighthawks                   28-9-2                    58pts                     (13-2-0)                             🔺         3rd Europe Conference
3.         HC Davos Dynamo                    24-7-7                     55pts                     (11-1-3)                             🔻         2nd Europe Conference
4.         London United                           24-9-6                     54pts                     (10-4-1)                             🟰        4th Europe Conference
5.         Helsinki Titans                          24-13-2                    50pts                      (8-5-1)                             🟰         5th Europe Conference
6.        Prague Phantoms                     21-14-3                    45pts                       (7-6-1)                             🟰        6th Europe Conference
7.         Warsaw Predators                    10-26-2                    22pts                       (4-8-2)                             🟰       7th Europe Conference
8.         Moscow Menace                       8-24-6                     22pts                       (5-8-2)                             🟰       8th Europe Conference
 
Summary:
Would have had this completely correct if I didn`t over estimate or notice the two-point difference in the standings between Malmo and HC Davos but I was a much closer than I would have even though after making last minute changes last week before posting as I had HC Davos 4th when I first wrote the predictions only to realize was being as silly bugger as I wasn`t considering their easy schedule. Helsinki and Prague look like they could be in trouble now!?!
 
 
This week’s predictions:
 
 

North American Conference
 
🟰                              1.    
 
Reason: One of the hottest teams in the North American conference and they have a four point lead in the standings over Chicago; who finally look like they have come back down to Earth. Add in the mix bag of a schedule with Vancouver(2), HC Davos(3) and Moscow(2); it should lead to similar record as last win, at least. Los Angeles continues to be score by committee with Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101 (19-37-56pts), Larry Abass Jr  @RileyL (26-28-54pts), Todd Cooke @KRZY (22-25-47pts) and Napoleon Dynamite @thadthrasher (14-27-41pts) all above a point per game. Only concern for Los Angeles will be the lack of a star defender but again they have rather decided to work as committee from the back-end as well with Elias Lampi @Pifferfish (10-27-37) and Jens Lekman @Bobcat (7-30-37pts) tied on points.
 
 
 
          🟰                              2.    
 
Reason: Same reason as last week as they have a seven-point lead on the chasing Toronto Legion but it will be an interest week for both of these teams as they play each other three times; giving a chance that Toronto can make up at least six points in head-to-head series. (as unlikely as it might be) add in visits by other top teams the six remaining games against team lower in the standing will be huge for the Phoenix this week starting with Vancouver and D.C.  Next week we might be talking about another drop for this team; who continues to hold the secret of the fountain of youth as Scotty Sundin  @fromtheinside (29-34-63pts) not only leads the team but the league in scoring. Legacy Gaming @Gaming Ringleader (18-28-46pts) continue to have a strong season but overall Chicago will need to find secondary scoring if they hope to stay near the top of the North American conference and do some damage in the play-offs.
 
 
 
          🟰                              3.    
 
Reason: Big week if they hope to move up the standings with Warsaw(2), New York(2) and Moscow but really the biggest games of the week are the games head-to-head against Chicago(3). I think they will need to win at least ten games if they are going to catch and pass Chicago this week. Jimi Jaks @ke1vi (21-26-47) and Mac Atlas @v.2 (21-24-45) continue to lead the attack for the Legion and Joel Castle @animal74 (2.26GA & 0.931) will need to continue to provide solid tendering if they are going to become strong contenders down the stretch; so far so good!!
 
 
 
          🔺                               4.    
 
Reason: They have a goaltender in Brandt Fuhr @Tate (2.70GA & 0.928) but more importantly he has gone 7-4-1 since being traded from Vancouver Wolves. With the strong continued play from Francesco Mancini @GioSivo (30-31-61pts) and Jasper Davis @Josh (21-40-61pts). Now add in the goaltending and New York should be heading in the right direction up the standing ahead of the other teams all playing below five hundred hockey.
 
 
 
         🔻                                 5.   
 
Reason: A few points are hard to make up when everyone is playing around five hundred hockey and so the next few placements could really go either way but I have Seattle at 5th since I think they should be slightly better than D.C. and Calgary through the week. Rex Wolffe Gregor @oilmandan (16-30-46pts) continues his amazing run of form for the Bears and Svatopluk Puk @Otaznik(22-19-41pts) continue to be over a point-per-game player. Clueless Wallob @DMaximus (3.04GA & 0.924) has most likely been keeping the Bears higher up in the standing than they really should be and I don`t see this changing any time soon.   
 
 
 
         🔻                                 6.   
 
 Reason: Somehow, they lack scoring and simply cannot outscore any of the problems they might be having defensively. This team is confusing to me a bit since they should be able to score more with the likes of The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath (17-21-38pts) , Jason @Jason kranz (21-21-42pts) and Vincent Laroche-Gagnier @vincentlg2007 (16-17-33pts);  even Lucas Grey @emidas (17-15-32pts) should have the ability to be around a point per game player. One would think than goaltending might be the issue but as team the Dragons have allowed the 10th least goals against in the league; so is Geoff Bezos @Quik (2.88GA & 0.920) really the issue? I let you decide that one by yourself.
 
 
 
         🔻                                 7.    
 
Reason: Scoring please!! It is crazy to think that Randy Bobandy @AJW (14-19-33pts), Sadie St-Louis @sadie (14-12-26pts) and Oreo McFleury @JB123 (16-18-34pts) simple cannot score more. If Calgary can find more scoring somehow, they might be able to save their season but at the moment I cannot see this team being that much better than an openly tanking team in Vancouver; I have even consider slotting Vancouver ahead of Calgary again this week but thought the better of it.
 
 
 
          🟰                               8.    
 
Reason: Tank is on? Vancouver traded away their goaltender in Brandt Fuhr @Tate (3.24GA & 0.916) only to use the assets to trade for Justin Lion @Emperor_Fun (2.44GA & 0.932); who has only solidified the position even further. FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ (23-21-44pts) continue to lead the team offensively and should reach all new career highs barring a season ending injury. Question here is will he improve enough to be considered for the Dustin Funk? Liv Slater @Subject056 (3-29-32pts) is also having a career season with the extra ice time allotted with the rebuilding Wolves.     
 
 
 
 
 

European Conference
 
 
 
            🟰                               1.    
 
Reason: Easy schedule continues as Riga will face Vancouver(2), Warsaw(2) and Calgary(2); sprinkle in the up-start Americans. Riga should continue to roll this week big games this week coming from two games against Prague. Riga continues to roll along thanks to scoring by committee (2nd Best in the league) lead by AK92 Wit da Hoodie @hedgehog337 (27-32-59pts) and Babay Shrimp @Blazzer (18-36-54pts) while solid performance in net by Henry Tucker Jr @NSG (2.50GA & 0.926).
 
 
 
            🟰                               2.    
 
Reason: Should be able to play above five hundred hockey this week again as one of the hottest teams the past two weeks while they do have a tougher schedule this week as they play London United three times. This series should/could determine the second overall in the European Conference but I have placed Malmo here due to the point gap between the two teams and assuming a split series. Malmo also has the best offensive team in the league in thanks to large part due to six players above a point per game in Henry Eagles @Greg_Di (26-28-54pts), Yaroslav Bogatyrev @Bojovnik(29-25-54pts), Skor McFleury @Alex (Not @Spaz) (12-41-53pts) Yaroslav Trunov @qripll (23-25-48pts), Jacob Stone @scoop (10-34-44pts and Viktor Jensen @Advantage (13-31-33pts).
 
 
 
            🔺                               3.           
 
Reason: They can move in the right direction this week but sadly I don`t see them moving up to second unless they can steal all the point from the high-flying Malmo offense in the head-to-head games this week. London should still win majority of the games this week in large part to the strong play from Jesse Teno @aimkin (1.96GA.; 0.941 & 4SO) add in the strong offensive play from Molly the Cat @JCarson (28-29-57pts), Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ (25-29-54pts) and Leonard Triller @Triller (8-43-51pts).
 
 
 
           🔻                                4.    
 
Reason: Strong schedule should see HC Davos struggle more this week to play above five hundred hockey while they shouldn`t be over taken by Helsinki or Prague; by the end of the week, they might be looking over their shoulders rather than looking ahead. Lachlan Summers @kirbithan (2.36GA & 0.930) has rounded back into form after a bit of award hangover to start the season and a bit weird to say but HC Davos needs to find some more scoring if they are going to keep pace with Malmo and Riga but I don`t think they are that concerned as Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg (27-36-63pts) leads the league in points (tied) and other two old dogs in Jake Thunder @Thunder (11-36-47pts) and Pete Mitchell @Crstats23 (16-27-43pts) continue to play like spring chickens.
 
 
 
             🟰                               5.    
 
Reason: Should continue to play just above five hundred hockey and point gaps should see them rather locked into this position. Helsinki needs a strong week to close the gap to HC Davos or they could find themselves battling the remainder of the season with Prague to see who makes the finals Wildcard placement. Helsinki really needs Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito (8-35-43pts) to re-gain the early season former. While Kronchy Kardashian @Garsh (15-25-40pts) has been more than encouraging in the past few weeks. Helsinki also needs to find another forward or two that can take some of the offensive pressure off Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877 (31-30-61pts) and Daryl Dixon @Ricer13 (18-38-56pts). Fuukka Rask @Jubis (2.40GA & 0.932) continues to have a career season but is Helsinki going to ruin it for him?
 
 
 
            🟰                                6.    
 
Reason: Five points back of the final wildcard spot (Helsinki) and they need a big week!! But I don`t think they play that much above five hundred. Leaving them in a similar situation as last week where Prague will try to close the gap to Helsinki (hope that they don`t loses any unexpected games) and fall even further out of the play-off position. John Jameson @Frank (27-26-53pts) has been less productive lately as teams seem to have been able to shut down the offensive star. Prague simply needs to find secondary scoring if they can before they fall back too much. Matt Murdock @Acydburn (2.60GA & 0.926) has been solid in the pipes and should have some of the tops team really hoping that Prague doesn`t find themselves in a wildcard spot.
 
 
 
                                        7.    
 
Reason: Should actually be one of the teams to watch this week. I know weird to say about a team that is tanking and tied for the worst record in the league but this is down to "The battle for Last" taking place this week with Calgary(4) and Moscow(3) putting the fans of the team in a awkward position to either cheer for the team to win these games or cheer them if they loses these games. Crazy also to think that Warsaw might have a better than five hundred record this week!! King Kisslinger @Kisslinger (11-11-22pts) hasn`t bounced back yet so could this be the week? Maxim Anisimov @McLovin (14-20-34pts) will also go head-to-head against Rookie of the year candidate Axle Gunner @Steve adding even more interest. 
 
 
 
                                        8.    
 
Reason: While I think they could fall back from Warsaw this week they should also be an interesting team to watch with "The battle of Last" with Warsaw but also games against Vancouver(2) and Calgary adding some interest in the games for the fan as least. Left Alone @okochastar (22-28-50pts) continues to lead the Menacing attack and Rookie of the year candidate Axle Gunner @Steve(19-20-39pts) will look to take advantage of the head-to-head series with Warsaw and Maxim Anisimov @McLovin to hopefully lay at least one hand in the Christian Stolzschweiger trophy.
 
 
 
 
Overall Thoughts:
A day or two after VSN presented 30 Seasons of Failure, The New York Americans Story ; it is actually funny that I am predicting a turnaround in fortunes in New York’s` season as they should start to climb the standings. Leading to the biggest question; am I over hyping New York’s climb? In Europe Conference I am predicting limited movement this week but this doesn`t mean the conference doesn`t have interest; actually, the opposite holds true as London United versus Malmo Nighthawks should be a great series to watch and could really affect the overall standings. Not to mention battle for Last with Warsaw Predators versus Moscow Menace. Oh, and I am forgetting about the battle for second in North American Conference between Toronto Legion and Chicago Phoenix. It should be a very interesting week to be invested in the VHL!! 
 
Come back next week to tell me how wrong I was or why not wait and tell me know below in the comment section but please like and subscribe.
 
 

Graphic thanks to @leandrofg
 
Here are with one third of the season done already and I think I did okay last week in my predictions, or did I? Either way we can find out together as we look back at second week of the season and try to project what might happen. Let start by looking at the standing and last weeks predictions, shall we?
 
North American Conference
 Standings                                        Record                         PTS                                         Last WK                                                    Prediction Last Wk
1.            Chicago Phoenix                        15 – 4 – 5                35pts                             (7 – 4 – 3)                   🔺       2nd      North American Conference          
2.        Los Angeles Stars                     17 – 7 – 0                  35pts                              (7 – 5 – 0)                   🔻       1st       North American Conference
3.         Seattle Bears                             11 – 9 – 4                  26pts                              (5 – 5 – 4)                   🔺       4th      North American Conference
4.         Toronto Legion                          12 – 12 – 0                24pts                              (9 – 5 – 0)                   🔺       5th      North American Conference
5.         Calgary Wranglers                    10 – 10 – 3                23pts                              (9 – 3 – 1)                   🔺       8th      North American Conference
6.          D.C. Dragons                             10 – 11 – 3                 23pts                              (5 – 7 – 2)                   🔻      3rd      North American Conference
7.          Vancouver Wolves                     9 – 14 – 1                  19pts                               (5 – 8 – 1)                  🔻       6th      North American Conference             
8.         New York Americans                9 – 14 – 1                   19pts                              (6 – 7 -0)                    🔻       7th       North American Conference
 
Summary:
Well, that was horrible week in predictions in the North American Conference, or was it? So, Chicago didn`t loss as much as I expected but I was correct that they wouldn`t drop so it was close between top teams. Toronto won more than expected as did well, Calgary and D.C really messed this up by playing below five hundred hockey that I expected them to play; otherwise, I would have had the middle of the order at least closer to correct. Well, no one is prefect especially me!!
 
European Conference
Standings                                          Record                         PTS                                        Last Wk                                                         Prediction Last Wk
1.          Riga Reign                                 17 – 6 – 1                  35pts                              (9 – 3 – 1)                      🔺         3rd       European Conference
2.         London United                         14 – 5 – 5                 33pts                               (7 – 3 – 3)                     🔻         1st        European Conference
3.          Helsinki Titans                         16 – 8 – 1                  33pts                               (8 – 5 – 1)                     🔺         4th        European Conference
4.          Malmo Nighthawks                 15 – 7 – 2                  32pts                               (11 – 2 – 1)                    🔺         6th         European Conference
5.          HC Davos Dynamo                  13 – 6 – 4                  30pts                               (7 – 2 – 3)                     🟰         5th        European Conference
6.         Prague Phantoms                    14 – 8 – 2                  30pts                               (6 – 6 – 2)                     🔻         2nd       European Conference
7.          Warsaw Predators                   6 – 18 – 0                  12pts                              (4 – 10 – 0)                        7th.       European Conference
8.          Moscow Menace                     3 – 16 – 4                  10pts                               (2 – 6 – 4)                         8th        European Conference
 
Summary:
Yeah, much better than North American Conference in the way of predictions with at least three correct!! It will remain tight in the European conference as the top team Riga is only five points up on sixth placed Prague so a single win or a single loss can really change the current standings. Will this continue for remainder of the season? 
 
 
 
This week’s predictions:

North American Conference
 
 
 
🔺                1.               
 
Reason: Los Angeles has a tough schedule ahead with teams that should push them as they play Toronto, Calgary(2), Prague(2), London and finish the week against D.C. Dragons. I still expect the trio of Larry Abass Jr @RileyL (16 – 21– 37pts), Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101 (15 – 21 – 36pts) and Todd Cooke @KRZY (18 – 18 – 36pts) to lead Los Angeles attack with secondary scoring coming from Napoleon Dynamite @thadthrasher (7 – 20 – 27pts) and continued push from the back-end from Jens Lekman @Bobcat (5 – 21 – 26pts) and Elias Lampi  @Pifferfish (6 -19 – 25pts); both currently in the top ten of defense scoring. Los Angeles also sports the best offense and the second-best defense in the league at the moment so I have them winning more games than they lose again this week.
 
 
🔻              2.    
 
Reason: The point gap to the chasing teams should keep them in second even without looking at the schedule at the moment. Looking at the schedule they should play right around at least five hundred hockey; if not better but I still think they will lose the top spot this week in North American Conference. Chicago will need to find some secondary scoring outside of Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside (19 – 22 – 41pts) and Legacy Gaming  @Gaming Ringleader (13 – 20 – 33pts); if they are going to hold off the strong charging Toronto Legion and Calgary Wranglers. They will also look to tighten up more defensively as they have the 10th most goals allowed in the league.
 
 
 🔺             3.    
 
Reason: Toronto will control their chance to move up the standing further this week with games against Seattle(2) and Calgary before they should beat up on some of the rebuilding teams in Warsaw, Vancouver and Moscow in the middle of the week. They might not stay as hot as they were last week but should still play above five hundred hockey with much improved defensive play and goaltending from Joel Castle @animal74 (2.47GA & 0.926sav%) but they will also look for more secondary scoring from veteran Tomas Sogaard @Brandon (13 – 11 – 24pts) as Toronto cannot afford to have only Mac Atlas  @v.2 (16 – 13 – 29pts) and Jimi Jaks @ke1vi (11 – 21 – 32pts) providing the bulk of the scoring. Overall, Toronto is moving in the right direction and should leapfrog the Bears by the end of the week.
 
 
🔺               4.    
 
Reason: I am not confident in this pick at all since they have to make up points on Seattle if they are going to jump them in the standing but luckily for Calgary, they play Seattle twice this week. Add in games against Vancouver (2) and D.C. Dragons (3). Calgary really controls their placement in the standing next week so while I think they can jump Seattle but it could be hard to stay ahead of the Dragons due to the head-to-head series. That being said I think they will player better than five hundred hockey so should move up. They still need more offense as they are the third worse team in goals but are improved on the back-end as Merome Dilson @MexicanCow123 (2.39GA & 0.919sav%) has improved this numbers. Calgary is scoring in committee at the moment with five players within a point per game pace with only Oreo McFleury  @JB123 (13 -14 – 27pts) currently above a point per game pace but not by much. They have improved but they don`t feel like a top team.
 
 
🔻            5.    
 
Reason: Played five hundred hockey last week; with Toronto and Calgary now playing closer to expected from the VHL previews it would make sense that Seattle starts to fall back slightly. The question is how far as they control their placement in the standings with a series against Calgary and add in a back diving schedule that sees them play Vancouver and Warsaw to end the week. Seattle could easily hang onto third in the conference or drop to where I have them placed. Rex Wolffe Gregor @oilmandan (13 – 21 – 34pts)  continue to impressively lead Seattle in scoring and the league in Power-play goals as his fantastic season continues. Seattle is another team scoring by committee with Svatopluk Puk @Otaznik (15 – 16 – 31pts) as their second-best scorer with another four players within a point per game pace. Clueless Wallob @DMaximus (3.08GA & 0.923sav%) will look to improve his goals against average and hope the team tightens up defensively as Seattle has the 5th worst goals against in the league.
 
 
🟰              6.    
 
 Reason: D.C. Dragons have a very long week ahead with a very strong schedule but that will really be determine by head-to-head series against Calgary (3) and a game against Toronto both teams that they are chasing. They will need to win these games plus the game against Moscow if they have any chance of moving up the standings. They might even drop behind Vancouver or New York depending these games. Offensively the team has cooled with Jason @Jason kranz (15 -15 – 30pts) now leading the team in scoring ahead of The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath (10 – 16 – 26pts); who they will expect more from if they are going to make a push towards the play-offs this season. Ryuji Sakamoto @der meister (5 – 18 – 23pts) and Mark Calaway @Beketov (7 – 17 – 24pts) have also seen the offensive numbers fall off from last seasons pace and must be cause for some concern in D.C. On the positive side Geoff Bezos @Quik (2.93GA & 0.920sav%) has improved his consistency but now seems to lack any run support.
 
 
🟰               7.    
 
Reason: I am not sure that they deserve this placement as they could actually catch D.C. Dragons this week if they continue to win at least one of three games as they have done so far this season. Vancouver is having a break out seasons from FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ (20 – 17 – 37pts) and Liv Slater @Subject056 (2 -25 -27pts); which bolds well as the rebuild continues into next season.
 
 
🟰               8.    
 
Reason: New York might continue to switch back and forth with Vancouver for a few more weeks as the team overall isn`t that bad but without a goaltender they have allowed the second worst goals against in the league. While Tord Yvel @Trazan (3 – 20 – 23pts) is trying his best to play goaltender leading the league in shots blocked with 111. Promising signs in Francesco Mancini @GioSivo (20 – 20 – 40pts) and Jasper Davis  @Josh (12 – 28 – 40pts) as both continue to place amongst the best in the league in scoring. Not to be forgotten is the strong play of Keon Jeannot @Lucas anton (11 – 21 – 32pts) as he is still over a point per game pace.
 
 
 
 

European Conference
 
 
 
🟰               1.    
 
Reason: Easy schedule as Riga starts the week with Moscow and should end the week against New York and Moscow; not to mention that Riga went 8 - 3 the first week and followed that up with a 9 – 3 – 1 record this past week. Showing that they are for real at least at this stage of the season; so, I am not about to bet against them to have another week going 7-3 at least. It should be enough to continue to lead the tight European Conference. Riga has the third best offense in the league lead by AK92 Wit da Hoodie @hedgehog337 (17 – 22 – 39pts) and Babay Shrimp @Blazzer (10 – 25 – 35pts). While also providing the third best defense in the league in front of solid goaltending from Henry Tucker Jr @NSG (2.52GA & 0.928%).
 
 
🔺               2.    
 
Reason: Say New York, New York!! Actually, you can say easy schedule! Starting your week with New York, Warsaw, New York plus visits from Moscow (3) and Vancouver later in the week. They could be first by the end of the week but feel that their inconsistency will hold them back. Familiar faces have come a live for HC Davos as Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg (17 -24 - 41pts), Alfred Champagne @Anthique (20 - 20 - 40pts) and Jake Thunder @Thunder (11 - 26 - 37pts) once again lead the attack. Lachlan Summers  @kirbithan (2.43GA & 0.928sav%) has improved his play back into the All-star goaltender most expected him to be.
 
 
🔺                3.    
 
Reason: Offense is red hot for the Nighthawks with six players over a point per game lead by Henry Eagles @Greg_Di (18 – 20 – 38pts), Yaroslav Bogatyrev @Bojovnik (18 – 17 – 35pts) and Skor McFleury @Alex (Not @Spaz) (6 -26 – 32pts). With the only question mark remaining around the team is goaltending but Justin Lion @Emperor_Fun (1.96GA & 0.936sav%) has started to push Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro(3.03GA & 0.914sav%); who still needs to improve his numbers if he is going to carry this team but so far, they have been able to outscore their goaltending inconsistencies. Can this continue? We will see!! Malmo will cool but most likely not this week.
 
 
🔻                 4.    
 
Reason: Offense has cooled? Actually, it is more a depth scoring issue as last week they were 11th in the league in scoring and this week they are still 11th in the league. They are relaying too much on trio of Molly the Cat  @JCarson (18 – 20 – 38pts), Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ (16 – 22 – 38pts) and Leonard Triller @Triller (6 – 28 – 34pts). London most likely would like a little bit more offense from the back-end from either Lloyd Braun  @Toast (8 – 15 – 23pts) or Hunor Solyom @solyom (0 – 13 – 13pts); who continues to shoot muffins!! Jesse Teno @aimkin (1.89GA & 0.942sav%) continue to be amazing and is a big reason that London continue to be the best defensive team in the league.
 
 
🔻                  5.    
 
Reason: Easy Schedule mixed with important conference games; enter Vancouver (2), Warsaw (2), New York, Riga (3) and Prague (2). This could either be a week where Helsinki jumps over Riga or falls back slightly. With the standing as tight as they are Helsinki could easily be first or sixth by the end of the week. I think they split conference games while they beat up on the rebuilding teams so they fall back slightly. Helsinki also relies on three players too much in Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877 (23 – 20 – 43pts), Daryl Dixon @Ricer13 (12 – 28 – 40pts) and Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito (4 – 26 – 30pts). Kronchy Kardashian @Garsh (8 – 18 – 26pts) has shown improvement over the past week but again Helsinki would be looking for a bit more from the defender as he continue to learn from veteran Pierre Emile Bouchard. Fuukka Rask @Jubis (2.40GA & 0.932Sav%) is continuing to have a strong season as Helsinki will hope that it will last.
 
 
🟰                   6.    
 
Reason: Prague really took a step back last week with 6 – 6 – 2 record and they were rather disappointing as the lack of depth scoring caught up to them as they relied too much on one player in John Jameson @Frank (20 – 18 – 38pts) so they will continue to look for secondary scoring. Matt Murdock @Acydburn (2.76GA & 0.923sav%) had a much stronger second week but it wasn`t enough as the team played five hundred hockey but you can`t really ask more from the tender. Add in a tough schedule and I cannot see Prague really being that much better next week and they are now at risk of falling from the play-off battle. The Defending Champion look like they could be in trouble if I am correct that they play only five hundred hockey this week and cannot find any secondary scoring to aid Matt Murdock and John Jameson.
 
 
                7.    
 
Reason: Simple not as bad as Moscow? Actually, this is based on the fact that they went 2 - 8 - 0 the first week and then 4 - 10 – 0 last week so they should improve to 6 – 8 – 0; right!! Maxim Anisimov  @McLovin (10 – 14 – 24pts) continue to lead the team in points and rookie points. Tater Tottingham @Trunkxolotl (11 – 12 – 23pts) is showing some reliable defense scoring while the team will hope for a bounce back week from King Kisslinger @Kisslinger (7 – 10 – 17pts) ; who has slowed slightly.  DJ Fire Dragon @Firekiss (3.41GA & 0.916sav%)  continue to be stead in the net for the rebuilding Warsaw.
 
 
                  8.    
 
Reason: Tough Schedule with Riga (3), HC Davos(3) and London (3); they might be luck to win a game this week if they can beat Warsaw towards the back end; if not it could be a winless week for the black and gold team from the cold Russian city of Moscow. Left Alone @okochastar (18 – 17 – 35pts) continue his dominate ways for the black and gold as does promising young rookie Axle Gunner @Steve (8 – 15 – 23pts).
 
 
 
Overall Thoughts:
European Conference remains near impossible to predict with six of the eight teams fighting for the top spot every week. The blood bath could cool slightly if Prague has another average week and fall off the back-end allowing the other teams to simple determine play-off positioning. In the North American Conference, the question still remains; Is Chicago for real? And what has happened to D.C. as they were expected to be at least a play-off team this season. Otherwise, the rest of the conference is finally starting to shake out as expected. It should be another interesting week in the VHL!!

After reaching the ContinentalCup Finals and unfortunately being swept by the Prague Phantoms the LA Stars are off to a Hot Start in S91. 
 
How did they get here ?
In the Off season the Stars made an early splash aquiring Larry Abass Jr from Riga , they then sent Svatopluk Puk to Seattle for Jon Webber Jr and prospects . Pope Francis has also come as advertised in his highly anticipated rookie season so far on the blue line . 
 
Larry has brought his rough and tough hard hitting game to the Stars and fit right in , finding early Chemistry with team captain Todd Cooke and longtime fan favourite Sunglasse Joyo . Webber has been productive as well playing alongside Cooke . Both new faces have been welcomed additions to the Stars offence . Napoleon Dynamite is having another consistent season upfront aswell the veteran has been everything the Stars could have dreamed of as a power forward when the traded for him in the season 89-90 offseason. Adam Rage is looking like he could very well break out and be a point per game player this season already scoring a hat trick in the teams most recent game he could be a dark horse funk candidate if he keeps it up ! Lastly Todd Cooke is on track to have another solid season currently tied for the league lead in goals and plus minus . Hopefully he can keep up the pace and once again finish atop the league in scoring .
 
Last season when longtime star Callum Murray retired the Stars knew they would have a massive hole to fill . So far Jens Lekman and Elias Lampi have done a phenomenal job stepping up and sharing that responsibility of replacing Murray , Currently both top 10 in defence scoring they are a huge part of LA’s strong defensive game early in this season. Highly touted rookie Pope Francis has finally arrived and is transitioning to the VHL game very well playing with both Lampi and Lekman he’s done a great job finding his game so far and establishing himself as a regular on the backend.
 
Art Vandelay has been light out and is currently playing the best hockey of his career right now the longtime netminder has always been the backbone of the Stars and he’s showing it again this season ! Matthew Mckagg has only appeared in one game as of now in relief but has shown well stopping all 19 shots he faced .
 
Overall the Stars are poised to have another Great season they are strong in all positions and zones . Currently they are among the top teams offensively and defensively and I think they will continue this strong play all season long . This one’s gonna be fun ladies and gentlemen!
 
One person I didn’t really talk about or give enough credit was @InstantRockstar he has made the stars contenders for the past couple seasons and gone under the radar immensely . Without his hard work dedication and pure commitment to this team there is no way they’d be anywhere near where they are right now . The true franchise unsung hero . 
 
 

With the game on the line, one shot, who would you rather have taking it, Iggy or Curry?

This is a question I get a lot as the General Manager of the World. It has haunted me for many years, and has left me sleepless for many nights. I have waited all this time for my turn to make this selection, and now, as the aliens hurtle towards Earth, I, Jacob Carson am left to make the final decision.

Of everyone on the entire Earth, open shot, the fate of the universe on the line, the Martians have the death beam pointed at earth, you better hit it, I WANT:

 
From the United States of America, Center, Napoleon Dynamite of the Los Angeles Stars!
 
From the United States of America, Center, Mo Probert, most recently of the Malmo Nighthawks!
 
From the United States Minor Outlying Islands, Winger, Landon Wolanin of the Helsinki Titans!
 
From Canada, Winger, Larry Abass Jr, most recently of the Riga Reign!
 
From Canada, Winger, Vincent Laroche-Gagnier of the D.C. Dragons!
 
From Canada, Winger, Sadie St-Louis, most recently of the Riga Reign!
 
From South Africa, Defender, Hammar Voss, most recently of the Helsinki Titans!
 
From Australia, Defender, Callum Murray, most recently of the Los Angeles Stars!
 
From Saint Kitts and Nevis, Defender, Deron Nesbitt of the London United!
 
From Japan, Defender, Ryuji Sakamoto of the D.C. Dragons!
 
From Australia, Goaltender, Lachlan Summers of HC Davos Dynamo!

From Bhutan, Goaltender, Clueless Wallob, of the Seattle Bears!
 
 These players have ice water in their veins, these players are those types of players, high leverage moment, fate of the universe on the line, I want – open shot, not go get it, I want these players taking that shot for me.

So you’re not the shooters those other teams are, but what I’m saying is, when it matters most, you’re the dudes I think doesn’t care about that moment. Same guys, like ice water in your veins, what is your response?

Some would call me crazy. Some might even laugh. But if you were to put me on ESPN on a random Friday night, quite like this random Tuesday afternoon, this is the answer I would give you.
 
We have top level talent at all positions, and with international cooperation, we have the team that is best suited to take on any alien threat, and as such is also conveniently the best suited to take on all of the individual regions of the world in a short but intense ice hockey tournament.
 
So perhaps this announcement is better suited to announce that these are the members of the team that will be taking on Team Canada, Team USA, Team Eastern Europe, Team Western Europe, and Team Nordic in the upcoming S90 World Cup!

Everyone from around the world will be tuning in for this amazing tournament… soon! We await the announcement of a few more teams, despite knowing that Team World has the ultimate advantage over all of them.
 
Jacob Carson, General Manager of the World
 
 

S89 Calgary Wranglers Jersey Retirement Ceremony
 

 
        Daniel Janser has left his mark as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Calgary uniform. His numbers on the ice during his career speak for themselves: 2nd most career games, 3rd all-time in goals, 4th all-time in assists, 4th all-time in points, and top 5 in hits, shots, and game-winning goals. He collected a closet full of awards during his career which includes, 2 Kevin Brooks Trophies, 2 Brett Slobodzian Trophies, 2 Mike Szatkowksi Trophies, 1 Scott Boulet Trophy, 1 Scotty Campbell Trophy, a Victory Cup, and finally the Continental Cup. Each award was won as a member of the Calgary Wranglers.
 
      While his on-ice achievements are one of the greatest all-time in the Victory Hockey League, where Daniel Janser excelled was in the locker room. He joined the Wranglers in S82 and by S83 he was a part of the leadership group in Calgary. He would spend two seasons as an Assistant Captain before moving up to Captain in S85 where he led the team for 5 more seasons. He was a true leader of this team for his entire career and was beloved by every teammate that came through our locker room. He is the true definition of what it means to be a Wrangler and we are grateful to have had the chance to have a player like Daniel Janser in our organization. 

    Congratulations @Daniel Janser, on a sensational career. The number 22 will now be lifted to the rafters and will join the list of Calgary Wrangler greats! 

Hello there. Once again some changes in roster so caps are also bit different. One thing for sure, no AK at captain until he stops being mid. And even with that no caps for him. Other than that, some familiar and some not so known faces here. I think this is the part I'll stop typing cause idk what else I was supposed to talk about. Oh yeah, finally Frenchman will receive a captain honor! 
 
 
C - The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath
A - Brian Kowalski @Wheaties
A - Sadie St. Louis @sadie
 
HC - Larry Abass Jr. @RileyL
 
Don't forget to congratulate our captains! 

@leandrofg  - also @Frank and @kirbithan
Hey everyone, and welcome to the S89 VHL Mid-Season award projections! I understand that the vote went up a week ago and as a result different players have made a push, I will do my best to cover them as well if it is warranted.
 
Alexander Beketov Trophy (most assists)
Jake Thunder @Thunder - 49 assists
 
Kevin Brooks Trophy (most goals)
 John Jameson @Frank - 28 goals

 
Mike Szatkowski Trophy (most points)
 John Jameson and  Ronan Lavelle @Arce - 59 points
 
Greg Clegane Trophy
 Clueless Wallob @DMaximus - 2.25 GAA
 
Aiden Shaw Trophy
Alex’s Pick:  Clueless Wallob - 0.935 SV%, 2.25 GAA
 
Just as I started writing this I realized that I accidentally left the Shaw off of the vote, but none the less as of right now Clueless Wallob would be without a doubt the winner as they currently lead the league in SV% and GAA, the closest behind them would be Joel Castle @animal74, who has the same SV% and trails them slightly in GAA.
 
Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy
Favourite:  Jesper Davis @Josh - 16 goals, 20 assists, 36 points
Vote Results: Davis 7, Calaway 5, Dilson 1
 
Jesper Davis has had a rookie season to remember and one of the better ones so far in the hybrid era. Should they keep up this pace the ROTY is all but their unless Mark Calaway @Beketov can get within 10 or so points at the end of the season as with them being a defensemen it could make it pretty close. 
 
Dustin Funk Trophy
Favourite:  Alexander Leduc @Lemorse7 - 61 -> on pace for 102
Vote Results: Leduc 2, Kowalski 1, Lampi 1, Jameson 1, Strasmore 1, Frenchman 1, Greg 1, VLG 1, Trunov 1
 
The Funk is always a tough one to predict as so many players have taken big steps forward, Leduc was the only player to receive multiple votes in this instance and is currently on pace for their first career 100+ point season. Brian Kowalski @Wheaties, and Elias Lampi @Pifferfish have both taken a huge step this season, however, this award could very well come down to one of Hockley mann @Sen, or Vincent Laroche-Gagnier @vincentlg2007 as they have both quickly became a top player in the league.
 
Scott Boulet Trophy 
Favourite:  Vasile Lamb @dlamb - 36 points, 189 hits
Vote Results: Lamb 6, Laperriere 4, Abass 2, Dixon 1
Alex’s Pick:  Larry Abass Jr @RileyL - 46 points, 208 hits
 
The Scott Boulet is always an interesting trophy each season, and this season saw the early emergence of Vasile Lamb, however Larry Abass Jr seems to have run away with it of late. Realistically it could come down to Abass and Parry Laperriere @KaleebtheMighty, just depends how you weight 12 points vs. 43 hits.
 
Alexander Valiq Trophy
Favourite:  Brian Kowalski - 12 goals, 37 assists, 49 points
Vote Results: Kowalski 7, Payne 3, Thunder 3
Alex’s Pick:  Jake Thunder - 9 goals, 49 assists, 58 points
 
This one changed really quickly, as Kowalski was leading defensemen scoring for some time. However, a recent run of good form from Jake Thunder has turned things quickly as they now have a 9 point lead over Kowalski. Usually this trophy goes to the highest scoring defensemen, unless there’s a large gap in the number of goals.
 
Jake Wylde Trophy
Favourite:  Brian Kowalski - 124 hits, 133 SB, +3
Vote Results: Kowalski 5, Thunder 4, McFleury 3, Voss 1
 
If Kowalski can maintain their strong defensive play, there is no reason why they don’t pick up the Wylde, and they already have a 21 SB lead over Biggie Cheese @a_Ferk who sits in 2nd at 112 SB. At this point the only thing that could realistically hurt his chances would be plus/minus.
 
Sterling Labatte Trophy
Favourite:  Brian Kowalski - 49 points, 124 hits, 133 SB, +3
Vote Results: Kowalski 6, Payne 4, Thunder 2, Strasmore 1
Alex’s Pick:  Jake Thunder - 58 points, 133 hits, 103 SB, +14
 
Similarly to the Valiq, the Labatte has also seen a massive shift recently, but it could be closer with Kowalski’s defensive play making up a bit of the gap. With Thunder having a considerable lead in points and hits, give them a slight edge over Kowalski at this point, although it is very close to a 50/50.
 
David Knight Trophy
Favourite:  Davos (32-6-3) /  Moscow (28-10-3)
Vote Results: Davos 4, Moscow 4, London 2, Prague 1, Riga 1, New York 1
Alex’s Pick:  Moscow (28-10-3)
 
The Knight is often a combination of team success and players acquired, and while on paper Davos and Moscow are neck and neck, and both teams have made at least 1 massive trade with Davos acquiring Skor McFleury @Alex, and Moscow bringing in all of Clueless Wallob, Jason @Jason kranz, and Deron Nesbitt @AW13. With that in mind, it’s hard not to give Moscow the edge right now.
 
Brett Slobodzian Trophy
Favourite:  John Jameson - 28 goals, 59 points /  Clueless Wallob - 0.935 SV%, 2.25 GAA
Vote Results: Jameson 5, Wallob 5, Janser 1, Kowalski 1, Wolanin 1
Alex’s Pick:  Jake Thunder - 58 points, 133 hits, 103 SB, +14
 
Both John Jameson and Clueless Wallob have had spectacular seasons to date, with 59 points and a 0.935 SV% respectively. In my opinion I have to give Jake Thunder a slight edge here as a defensemen within 1 point of the league lead is incredible. Goalies on the other hand are all very close together which makes it unlikely for a goalie to come out on top here.
 
Scotty Campbell Trophy
Favourite:  Clueless Wallob - 0.935 SV%, 2.25 GAA
Vote Results: Wallob 6, Jameson 5, Janser 1, Frenchman 1
Alex’s Pick:  Randy Bobandy @AJW - 12 goals, 44 assists, 56 points
 
MVP is always a tough vote as not only player performance has to be taken into account, but impact on team success has to be considered as well. With that in mind, Clueless Wallob’s chances have taken a bit of a hit recently with Ronan Lavelle being tied for 1st in points, as a result it’s very hard to ignore Randy Bobandy who is currently 7th in points (56), but also has put Seattle on their back this season and has 12 more points than their next closest teammate. This race could get closer as the season moves on, but right now it looks like Bobandy’s to lose.

Reading through these, I’ve seen some interesting ideas. Some very serious ones such as the typical “Delete the E” (which I agree with), even ones that call for deleting the VHLM! And of course the classic funny ones, giving certain members the ban hammer. I’ve seen the league go through many different eras, the rise and fall of many structures, and people come and go. I like bringing back some older ideas to bring into the current VHL era, and enhancing current ones. Keep in mind, this is all for fun.
 
1. Remove the VHLE as a middle league, and affiliate VHLM teams to VHL parebt teams.
 
Long ago in a galaxy far, far away there was the VHLM and the VHL. Each VHL team has a VHLM affiliate. For example if you got drafted to the HC Davos Dynamo you were playing for their VHLM team as their prospect. So you would have been a member of the Toledo Scorpions. Remove the VHLE, have 16 teams in the M and each one is affiliated with the VHL team. Expand the TPE threshold and give first generation players higher TPE to start off with so they can keep up. Waiver players still sign the same way, as they are not peperty of a VHL team yet. Then you can get creative. You get drafted to your  VHL team, you start off for their VHLM team. BUT you could even initiate a rule that allows the player to be traded to a different VHLM team after since this would hinder trading. For the record I know why this was abolished and why it probably wouldn’t work in today’s VHL but I always loved this about the earlier days of the league.
 
2. Ban Vasteras from the league for good:
 
i honestly cannot believe the Vasteras Iron Eagles keep coming back. They were an original VHL team who came in because a member named Pensfan was obsessed with Vasteras. Once I removed them from the league they should have stayed gone. We must initiate an immediate relocation of Vasteras and set a permanent ban so the city may never return again like Palpatine did in The Rise of Skywalker.
 
3. Return the World Cup back to glory:
 
If there is one thing that disappoints the hell out of me, it’s the current state of the World Cup. The World Cup used to be a HUGE deal, members looked forward to it every season. Now, no one even knows it’s going on. Something has to be done to return the World Cup hype back. I’ve heard too many times how no one cares and it’s a mockery. This is supposed to be our world stage event and we can’t generate hype for it. I am not sure exactly what I would do to help this at the moment, but I would make it a priority for myself, the other blues and the BOG to get this rolling. Maybe a possible TPE payout for medal winnings would help incentitize people and re-gain their interest. Making the games mean more, draws more interest.