Aimee

I’ll do my best to be more mediocre next game 🤣

While I did receive some fantastic offers, I think the best fit for my mediocre skills will be with a mediocre playoff bound team. I would love a contract to play a shit ton of ice time to show you how mediocre I really am! 

Player Information
Username: RElblein
Player Name: The Mediocre One
Recruited From: Member (aimkin)
Age: 30
Position: C
Height: 73 in.
Weight: 200 lbs.
Birthplace: United States of America

Player Page
@VHLM GM

Goalie stats are always a reflection of how good a team he plays in front of him. Look at Jack Campbell or Pascal lecleare or Justin Poge etc... 
 
If you have good to average numbers on a bad team then it means you are doing your job. Save percentage is the largest most accurate stat for a tender but doesn't count for save above expected meaning scoring chance against that should have resulted in a goal.
 
Look at Matt Murray's numbers in Ottawa as they were a bad team but he had good to average numbers but very high save above expectations. 
 
What I am saying or trying to say is keep you head high and keep working hard.

Where From Here...

Only halfway through their rookie year in the VHLM and already Jesse Teno is making a name for themselves. Opting for a draft in which goalies were in high demand, Jesse went in already being wanted and needed by a lot of teams. They had no idea where they might end up and were eventually drafted 30th overall by the Saskatoon Wild. Saskatoon was far from home but for a kid who didn’t see much of the world, this was Jesse’s chance to get out of Vermont and be somewhere new.
 
As the starting goalie, and with no backup, Jesse Teno would be the one and only goalie for Saskatoon to rely on. In the first ten games, Teno went 2-8 and they had expressed in interviews how frustrating it had been. What didn’t help was multiple games against the defending cup champions the Las Vegas Aces and other dominant opponents.
 
More than halfway through the season now and Teno sits with a 13-28-1 record with 2 shutouts. They lead in total Losses and Shots Against and are second in Goals Against. But for their efforts, Teno currently boasts an impressive .901 save percentage, 2 assists, and surprisingly, only 2 Penalty Minutes.
Jesse has stated in the past that their weakest points are rebounds though they seem to have improved that aspect of their game considerably. In their last 10 games, Saskatoon has gone 5-5. It might not be the biggest change from then until now but given that the goals against in the first 10 games amounted to 38, compare that to the last 10 games with goals against at 20, it’s clear that Teno has made significant improvements.
 
Jesse plans to continue to improve their skills overall, currently putting a lot of energy into their Reaction Time and Hand Speed. With the overwhelming number of times that Saskatoon has been out-shot, it’s no surprise that those would be Jesse’s main focuses at the moment. No better way to stop of a barrage of shots than to work on stopping the pucks.
With the remainder of the season, and the impending off season since Saskatoon will definitely miss the playoffs, Jesse is looking forward to using their free time to work harder than ever in order to be ready for the next draft and the next season.
 
“I don’t know where I’ll be at the end of this season or the beginning of the next, but wherever I am, I’m going to give it my all. I don’t plan on stagnating and I don’t plan to give in even when it gets hard.”

Yes you read that correctly. Girts Galvins had a 17 shot game in the last sim vs Vancouver. The first thing that comes to mind is what the hell is going on in Vancouver that they are allowing someone to take 17 shots in a game, is the entire team drunk or is this some kind of mega rebuild with a very weak roster? We have to think it's the latter, that being said Warsaw took 83 shots in the game as a team and won 5-2. Girts Galvins 17 shots made up 20% of the shots taken for Warsaw in this game as you could say he was "feeling it." He somehow scored ony 1 goal, but also had an assist and was 2nd star of the game. The 17 shots really stands out though, I don't know if this is a record or how many shots other players have been getting against Vancouver but it's pretty exciting to see Galvins rack up such big shot totals in a game. Now with 17 goals on the season as well, he's already obliterated his rookie season total of 7 goals. Without question one of the names in the conversation for break out player of the year.  

As we inch closer to the VHLM Playoffs, many teams are making deals to either push for a playoff spot or to retool for the future. Below are my personal predictions of each teams chances at making the postseason.
 
Las Vegas Aces - 97%
- By the time the dust settles, Las Vegas should hold the top spot in the playoffs. The reigning champions currently hold 1st place in both the West and in the league overall. Led by Al Land, Fred Hampton, Jimmy MacElroy, and Cory Evans, it seems as if no team can top them in the standings. At this pace, the Aces hold a 97% chance to make the playoffs and about a 47% chance of retaining the #1 seed.
 
Mexico City Kings - 86%
- In a division held well by LV, Mexico City still has a chance to not only make the playoffs, but to grab the #1 seed. Led by Defenseman Doug Britton, Mexico may need to lose a couple of their S85 or S86 picks to build on their Forward core and put some goal scorers in the lineup to catch Vegas. I currently give Mexico City an 86% chance to make the playoffs and about a 25% chance of grabbing the #1 seed. 
 
Mississauga Hounds - 74% 
- Mississauga is the first team on this list from the Eastern Conference, and looks like they will be the best team coming out of the East. Two of their Forwards, Lorenzo Cobberson and Luke Glendenning and Defenseman Big Bob lead the way at their respective positions. The Hounds may need to move a draft pick or two to acquire a goaltender who can make sure the position can helps them get the #1 seed. I give Mississauga a 74% chance to make the playoffs and only about a 14% chance at grabbing the #1 seed.
 
Houston Bulls - 73%
- The Western Conference may seem tight, but San Diego and Saskatoon are so far behind the Bulls, there's not a large chance they miss the playoffs. While not many players on their roster are near the top of the leaders of each stat (besides Daniel Weaver), they are still in the Top 4 overall. I give Houston a 73% chance of making the playoffs, while they have a 7% chance of grabbing the #1 seed.
 
Philadelphia Reapers - 54%
- Philadelphia is in a tough spot. While they do sit 2nd in the East, the conference race is very tight. Halifax is hot on their tail, and Ottawa is not too far behind. They also don't display many players in the leaders of stats, but they do still have a decent chance of making the playoffs. I currently have Philadelphia at a 54% chance at making the playoffs, while they sit at a 5% chance at grabbing the #1 seed.
 
Halifax 21st - 43%
- Halifax sits at 3rd in the Eastern Conference, and with the tight race unfolding, there is a chance (relatively small, but anything can happen) that they miss the playoffs.  They do possess the top point getter in the league in Jeffery Bezos, however, they only have 6 players on the roster. They may need to spend some time on grabbing new players out of the waiver wire or free agency, worst case scenario trade picks for younger/newer players. I give Halifax a 43% chance and about a 1.5% chance of grabbing the 1st seed.
 
Ottawa Lynx - 37%
- Ottawa is on the bubble as far as making the playoffs. They may need to think about retooling in the future, but currently have a decent chance of making the playoffs. The former powerhouse of the VHLM has hit a divided path on what to do after this season, and they may need to start looking at it once they get closer to the trade deadline. While they aren't completely out of the playoff picture, Canada's capital is not in a very good situation. I give Ottawa a 37% chance of making the playoffs and <1% chance of claiming the #1 spot. 
 
San Diego Marlins - 18%
- Yikes. That's one word to describe San Diego's season so far. With a 13-26-2 record halfway through, there are slim (but still possible) chances that the border city will make the playoffs. They only have 1 player who dashes the entire leaderboard in the league stats. The good thing for San Diego is the amount of draft capital they hold in S86. They need to figure out how to grab some help before it is too late. I give San Diego an 18% chance to make the playoffs and a <1% chance of winning the regular season. 
 
Saskatoon Wild - 11%
- Hopefully Saskatoon can turn a corner. They still have a chance of making the playoffs with how close they are to San Diego, but they currently have a low chance of making the playoffs if they keep us this pace. Short and sweet description. I give Saskatoon an 11% chance of making the playoffs and a <1% chance of claiming the 1st seed.
 
Miami Marauders - 8%
- Saying I'm scared for Miami the rest of the season is an understatement. They only have 3 players on their roster. The fact that they even have a fighting chance for the playoffs is quite concerning for the teams at the bottom of the league. Luckily for Miami, they have loads of picks for the next two drafts where they could grab youth and talent, with a strong chance of grabbing the #1 pick in the S85 draft. I currently give Miami an 8% chance of making the playoffs and a <1% chance of grabbing the 1st seed.
 
I'm sure I will obtain a lot of hate for some of these rankings, but these are my honest rankings. I'm hoping for a competitive finish to the season, and look forward to making more predictions near the final games of the season.
 

Where From Here...

Only halfway through their rookie year in the VHLM and already Jesse Teno is making a name for themselves. Opting for a draft in which goalies were in high demand, Jesse went in already being wanted and needed by a lot of teams. They had no idea where they might end up and were eventually drafted 30th overall by the Saskatoon Wild. Saskatoon was far from home but for a kid who didn’t see much of the world, this was Jesse’s chance to get out of Vermont and be somewhere new.
 
As the starting goalie, and with no backup, Jesse Teno would be the one and only goalie for Saskatoon to rely on. In the first ten games, Teno went 2-8 and they had expressed in interviews how frustrating it had been. What didn’t help was multiple games against the defending cup champions the Las Vegas Aces and other dominant opponents.
 
More than halfway through the season now and Teno sits with a 13-28-1 record with 2 shutouts. They lead in total Losses and Shots Against and are second in Goals Against. But for their efforts, Teno currently boasts an impressive .901 save percentage, 2 assists, and surprisingly, only 2 Penalty Minutes.
Jesse has stated in the past that their weakest points are rebounds though they seem to have improved that aspect of their game considerably. In their last 10 games, Saskatoon has gone 5-5. It might not be the biggest change from then until now but given that the goals against in the first 10 games amounted to 38, compare that to the last 10 games with goals against at 20, it’s clear that Teno has made significant improvements.
 
Jesse plans to continue to improve their skills overall, currently putting a lot of energy into their Reaction Time and Hand Speed. With the overwhelming number of times that Saskatoon has been out-shot, it’s no surprise that those would be Jesse’s main focuses at the moment. No better way to stop of a barrage of shots than to work on stopping the pucks.
With the remainder of the season, and the impending off season since Saskatoon will definitely miss the playoffs, Jesse is looking forward to using their free time to work harder than ever in order to be ready for the next draft and the next season.
 
“I don’t know where I’ll be at the end of this season or the beginning of the next, but wherever I am, I’m going to give it my all. I don’t plan on stagnating and I don’t plan to give in even when it gets hard.”

Where From Here...

Only halfway through their rookie year in the VHLM and already Jesse Teno is making a name for themselves. Opting for a draft in which goalies were in high demand, Jesse went in already being wanted and needed by a lot of teams. They had no idea where they might end up and were eventually drafted 30th overall by the Saskatoon Wild. Saskatoon was far from home but for a kid who didn’t see much of the world, this was Jesse’s chance to get out of Vermont and be somewhere new.
 
As the starting goalie, and with no backup, Jesse Teno would be the one and only goalie for Saskatoon to rely on. In the first ten games, Teno went 2-8 and they had expressed in interviews how frustrating it had been. What didn’t help was multiple games against the defending cup champions the Las Vegas Aces and other dominant opponents.
 
More than halfway through the season now and Teno sits with a 13-28-1 record with 2 shutouts. They lead in total Losses and Shots Against and are second in Goals Against. But for their efforts, Teno currently boasts an impressive .901 save percentage, 2 assists, and surprisingly, only 2 Penalty Minutes.
Jesse has stated in the past that their weakest points are rebounds though they seem to have improved that aspect of their game considerably. In their last 10 games, Saskatoon has gone 5-5. It might not be the biggest change from then until now but given that the goals against in the first 10 games amounted to 38, compare that to the last 10 games with goals against at 20, it’s clear that Teno has made significant improvements.
 
Jesse plans to continue to improve their skills overall, currently putting a lot of energy into their Reaction Time and Hand Speed. With the overwhelming number of times that Saskatoon has been out-shot, it’s no surprise that those would be Jesse’s main focuses at the moment. No better way to stop of a barrage of shots than to work on stopping the pucks.
With the remainder of the season, and the impending off season since Saskatoon will definitely miss the playoffs, Jesse is looking forward to using their free time to work harder than ever in order to be ready for the next draft and the next season.
 
“I don’t know where I’ll be at the end of this season or the beginning of the next, but wherever I am, I’m going to give it my all. I don’t plan on stagnating and I don’t plan to give in even when it gets hard.”

Where From Here...

Only halfway through their rookie year in the VHLM and already Jesse Teno is making a name for themselves. Opting for a draft in which goalies were in high demand, Jesse went in already being wanted and needed by a lot of teams. They had no idea where they might end up and were eventually drafted 30th overall by the Saskatoon Wild. Saskatoon was far from home but for a kid who didn’t see much of the world, this was Jesse’s chance to get out of Vermont and be somewhere new.
 
As the starting goalie, and with no backup, Jesse Teno would be the one and only goalie for Saskatoon to rely on. In the first ten games, Teno went 2-8 and they had expressed in interviews how frustrating it had been. What didn’t help was multiple games against the defending cup champions the Las Vegas Aces and other dominant opponents.
 
More than halfway through the season now and Teno sits with a 13-28-1 record with 2 shutouts. They lead in total Losses and Shots Against and are second in Goals Against. But for their efforts, Teno currently boasts an impressive .901 save percentage, 2 assists, and surprisingly, only 2 Penalty Minutes.
Jesse has stated in the past that their weakest points are rebounds though they seem to have improved that aspect of their game considerably. In their last 10 games, Saskatoon has gone 5-5. It might not be the biggest change from then until now but given that the goals against in the first 10 games amounted to 38, compare that to the last 10 games with goals against at 20, it’s clear that Teno has made significant improvements.
 
Jesse plans to continue to improve their skills overall, currently putting a lot of energy into their Reaction Time and Hand Speed. With the overwhelming number of times that Saskatoon has been out-shot, it’s no surprise that those would be Jesse’s main focuses at the moment. No better way to stop of a barrage of shots than to work on stopping the pucks.
With the remainder of the season, and the impending off season since Saskatoon will definitely miss the playoffs, Jesse is looking forward to using their free time to work harder than ever in order to be ready for the next draft and the next season.
 
“I don’t know where I’ll be at the end of this season or the beginning of the next, but wherever I am, I’m going to give it my all. I don’t plan on stagnating and I don’t plan to give in even when it gets hard.”

15 Years of the Victory Hockey League. I mean, I feel like that short sentence says so much already. But what does it mean to me? Not a whole lot to be honest. 15 years ago this week, I would have been working my final summer job before heading off to college. I was excited about being about to finally make a Facebook account because I had an edu email address. And personally, I was struggling with who I was.
 
I was bullied a lot from first grade all the way until I graduated high school (ages 6 to 18 for the non-Americans). Near the end of my high school days, I started to get bullied for an assumed sexuality that I did not identify with. This meant that as soon I was out of that environment and could get a clear head, a lot of thinking was done. That summer I came to identify as being bisexual. Over the next year and a half at college, I changed that to being a lesbian. And just a few months ago, it developed once again and my gender changed from female to non-binary. In the real world, I still go by she/her pronouns and have slowly started to incorporate they/them. (So either one you call me personally is fine.) But this meant that I could use the internet to test it out. To see how it felt and to find out if it really was me or not.
 
When I joined the VHL only a month ago (boy time does go fast), I, as someone who has spent over 20 years on the internet in male dominated spaces, was hesitant to even give a whiff of being anything other than a straight cisgendered male. Also, as most if not all of you are, I too am a hockey fan which means I also understand how toxic fans can be both in real life and on the internet. I was worried about coming here and not knowing if I would be safe and was going under the assumption that there would be no female presence on the whole site. Man am I glad that was proven wrong.
 
What surprised me though, and made me feel safe right off the bat, was the fact that I had the chance to set my pronouns on my profile. I had not seen this in many spaces online outside of the big social media sites. So when I was given the chance, I took it. I figured I was an anonymous nobody who was checking out something that I could always just walk away from. It then came to my attention, thanks to @Shindigs, that this was a recent change made in the VHL. And not only that the option was given, but that the Code of Conduct has been re-written to be more inclusive. I also spoke with @fishysince it seems that they were the catalyst that kicked off these changes so I do want to thank them for being so brave and taking that first terrifying step that the rest of us get to safely follow.
 
Now, I can’t speak at all to what the league was like prior to these changes since I was not here nor do I dare to dig through the forums to find anything unsavory that may remain. But I will speak as someone who was hesitant to be open at all. When my player’s name was mentioned in their first ever article, the author used ‘he/him’ pronouns. Now, of course male is pretty default in this environment so I get it. But what made me realize that the VHL was different, was that someone commented that Jesse Teno’s pronouns were ‘they/them’ and the article was updated. So simple and easy that it makes it seem like child’s play.
 
I know I haven’t been here long, and I know I have a lot of learning still to do. But I do think that if the VHL can be as inclusive as it is, if not more, over the next 15 years, then I think the diversity will grow. If people like me and others who are different can find a home here, then the VHL will get through another 15 without issue.
 
714 words for week ending  7/24

With the invention of the Internet in the 1960s, little did people know how much the world would change as a result of using a computer to find answers, watch videos, etc. I'm sure no one back then thought that a hockey league would result because of it as well. 
 
15 years ago yesterday, the VHL was created to bring an enjoyable experience to not only hockey fans, but to also sports fans throughout the world. As a big hockey fan (and player, currently in college), I learned that my skills were not comparable to those of NHL players. I felt upset that I would never see myself in the big leagues, and wanted to get some type of experience with others like myself of a "professional career". Finding the VHL was not only an opportunity to see "myself" venture through a professional career, but as a way to meet others around the world and learn more about their cultures and hockey surroundings.
 
New players are given a sense of welcome when they enter the VHL forum. Many VHLM GMs, such as @Shindigs, contact these new players, giving them an opportunity to showcase their personality and talent. With all of the stress of learning how to spend TPE, certain player builds, etc. it can be very confusing to start (trust me, I know). However, the reason GMs are there is to help their team with development, and learning from @badcolethetitan in the Junior Showcase Tournament helped me get started and led me to where I am today (can't forget @Shindigs either ;)). This gives a feeling of development for the new player and they want to continue to see themselves rise the ranks of the forum. 
 
The opportunity of running one team must be an exciting one, as someday I think I would enjoy exercising this privilege within the forum. Somewhat comparing it to the NHL 22 Franchise Mode, the ability to build a team to glory is one that many players on the forum dream about. Along with the responsibilities of being a GM, one must build a strong friendship and be willing to teach the newer players how to build themselves. Learning from the GMs I have been on a team with and the numerous Stanley Cups I have won with the Philadelphia Flyers (6 in 9 seasons, still looking to grab more), I feel like I could be a candidate eventually to take the reins and rebuild a weaker team to glory. 
 
Though I have only been in the forum for a couple of months, I feel connected to the population more than any team I have been a part of.  The drive each GM has to make your player better is outstanding, and the fact that you can simulate your professional career from the comfort of your own home has shown a dramatic innovation of sports. As we watch several gaming leagues, including NHL 22, NBA 2K, Madden, and League of Legends, we will see more like the VHL rise and hopefully expand hockey's reach to others who may not be familiar to the sport. This is only the beginning of technological innovations, as well as computer sports leagues like the VHL.

15 Years of the Victory Hockey League. I mean, I feel like that short sentence says so much already. But what does it mean to me? Not a whole lot to be honest. 15 years ago this week, I would have been working my final summer job before heading off to college. I was excited about being about to finally make a Facebook account because I had an edu email address. And personally, I was struggling with who I was.
 
I was bullied a lot from first grade all the way until I graduated high school (ages 6 to 18 for the non-Americans). Near the end of my high school days, I started to get bullied for an assumed sexuality that I did not identify with. This meant that as soon I was out of that environment and could get a clear head, a lot of thinking was done. That summer I came to identify as being bisexual. Over the next year and a half at college, I changed that to being a lesbian. And just a few months ago, it developed once again and my gender changed from female to non-binary. In the real world, I still go by she/her pronouns and have slowly started to incorporate they/them. (So either one you call me personally is fine.) But this meant that I could use the internet to test it out. To see how it felt and to find out if it really was me or not.
 
When I joined the VHL only a month ago (boy time does go fast), I, as someone who has spent over 20 years on the internet in male dominated spaces, was hesitant to even give a whiff of being anything other than a straight cisgendered male. Also, as most if not all of you are, I too am a hockey fan which means I also understand how toxic fans can be both in real life and on the internet. I was worried about coming here and not knowing if I would be safe and was going under the assumption that there would be no female presence on the whole site. Man am I glad that was proven wrong.
 
What surprised me though, and made me feel safe right off the bat, was the fact that I had the chance to set my pronouns on my profile. I had not seen this in many spaces online outside of the big social media sites. So when I was given the chance, I took it. I figured I was an anonymous nobody who was checking out something that I could always just walk away from. It then came to my attention, thanks to @Shindigs, that this was a recent change made in the VHL. And not only that the option was given, but that the Code of Conduct has been re-written to be more inclusive. I also spoke with @fishysince it seems that they were the catalyst that kicked off these changes so I do want to thank them for being so brave and taking that first terrifying step that the rest of us get to safely follow.
 
Now, I can’t speak at all to what the league was like prior to these changes since I was not here nor do I dare to dig through the forums to find anything unsavory that may remain. But I will speak as someone who was hesitant to be open at all. When my player’s name was mentioned in their first ever article, the author used ‘he/him’ pronouns. Now, of course male is pretty default in this environment so I get it. But what made me realize that the VHL was different, was that someone commented that Jesse Teno’s pronouns were ‘they/them’ and the article was updated. So simple and easy that it makes it seem like child’s play.
 
I know I haven’t been here long, and I know I have a lot of learning still to do. But I do think that if the VHL can be as inclusive as it is, if not more, over the next 15 years, then I think the diversity will grow. If people like me and others who are different can find a home here, then the VHL will get through another 15 without issue.
 
714 words for week ending  7/24

15 Years of the Victory Hockey League. I mean, I feel like that short sentence says so much already. But what does it mean to me? Not a whole lot to be honest. 15 years ago this week, I would have been working my final summer job before heading off to college. I was excited about being about to finally make a Facebook account because I had an edu email address. And personally, I was struggling with who I was.
 
I was bullied a lot from first grade all the way until I graduated high school (ages 6 to 18 for the non-Americans). Near the end of my high school days, I started to get bullied for an assumed sexuality that I did not identify with. This meant that as soon I was out of that environment and could get a clear head, a lot of thinking was done. That summer I came to identify as being bisexual. Over the next year and a half at college, I changed that to being a lesbian. And just a few months ago, it developed once again and my gender changed from female to non-binary. In the real world, I still go by she/her pronouns and have slowly started to incorporate they/them. (So either one you call me personally is fine.) But this meant that I could use the internet to test it out. To see how it felt and to find out if it really was me or not.
 
When I joined the VHL only a month ago (boy time does go fast), I, as someone who has spent over 20 years on the internet in male dominated spaces, was hesitant to even give a whiff of being anything other than a straight cisgendered male. Also, as most if not all of you are, I too am a hockey fan which means I also understand how toxic fans can be both in real life and on the internet. I was worried about coming here and not knowing if I would be safe and was going under the assumption that there would be no female presence on the whole site. Man am I glad that was proven wrong.
 
What surprised me though, and made me feel safe right off the bat, was the fact that I had the chance to set my pronouns on my profile. I had not seen this in many spaces online outside of the big social media sites. So when I was given the chance, I took it. I figured I was an anonymous nobody who was checking out something that I could always just walk away from. It then came to my attention, thanks to @Shindigs, that this was a recent change made in the VHL. And not only that the option was given, but that the Code of Conduct has been re-written to be more inclusive. I also spoke with @fishysince it seems that they were the catalyst that kicked off these changes so I do want to thank them for being so brave and taking that first terrifying step that the rest of us get to safely follow.
 
Now, I can’t speak at all to what the league was like prior to these changes since I was not here nor do I dare to dig through the forums to find anything unsavory that may remain. But I will speak as someone who was hesitant to be open at all. When my player’s name was mentioned in their first ever article, the author used ‘he/him’ pronouns. Now, of course male is pretty default in this environment so I get it. But what made me realize that the VHL was different, was that someone commented that Jesse Teno’s pronouns were ‘they/them’ and the article was updated. So simple and easy that it makes it seem like child’s play.
 
I know I haven’t been here long, and I know I have a lot of learning still to do. But I do think that if the VHL can be as inclusive as it is, if not more, over the next 15 years, then I think the diversity will grow. If people like me and others who are different can find a home here, then the VHL will get through another 15 without issue.
 
714 words for week ending  7/24

15 Years of the Victory Hockey League. I mean, I feel like that short sentence says so much already. But what does it mean to me? Not a whole lot to be honest. 15 years ago this week, I would have been working my final summer job before heading off to college. I was excited about being about to finally make a Facebook account because I had an edu email address. And personally, I was struggling with who I was.
 
I was bullied a lot from first grade all the way until I graduated high school (ages 6 to 18 for the non-Americans). Near the end of my high school days, I started to get bullied for an assumed sexuality that I did not identify with. This meant that as soon I was out of that environment and could get a clear head, a lot of thinking was done. That summer I came to identify as being bisexual. Over the next year and a half at college, I changed that to being a lesbian. And just a few months ago, it developed once again and my gender changed from female to non-binary. In the real world, I still go by she/her pronouns and have slowly started to incorporate they/them. (So either one you call me personally is fine.) But this meant that I could use the internet to test it out. To see how it felt and to find out if it really was me or not.
 
When I joined the VHL only a month ago (boy time does go fast), I, as someone who has spent over 20 years on the internet in male dominated spaces, was hesitant to even give a whiff of being anything other than a straight cisgendered male. Also, as most if not all of you are, I too am a hockey fan which means I also understand how toxic fans can be both in real life and on the internet. I was worried about coming here and not knowing if I would be safe and was going under the assumption that there would be no female presence on the whole site. Man am I glad that was proven wrong.
 
What surprised me though, and made me feel safe right off the bat, was the fact that I had the chance to set my pronouns on my profile. I had not seen this in many spaces online outside of the big social media sites. So when I was given the chance, I took it. I figured I was an anonymous nobody who was checking out something that I could always just walk away from. It then came to my attention, thanks to @Shindigs, that this was a recent change made in the VHL. And not only that the option was given, but that the Code of Conduct has been re-written to be more inclusive. I also spoke with @fishysince it seems that they were the catalyst that kicked off these changes so I do want to thank them for being so brave and taking that first terrifying step that the rest of us get to safely follow.
 
Now, I can’t speak at all to what the league was like prior to these changes since I was not here nor do I dare to dig through the forums to find anything unsavory that may remain. But I will speak as someone who was hesitant to be open at all. When my player’s name was mentioned in their first ever article, the author used ‘he/him’ pronouns. Now, of course male is pretty default in this environment so I get it. But what made me realize that the VHL was different, was that someone commented that Jesse Teno’s pronouns were ‘they/them’ and the article was updated. So simple and easy that it makes it seem like child’s play.
 
I know I haven’t been here long, and I know I have a lot of learning still to do. But I do think that if the VHL can be as inclusive as it is, if not more, over the next 15 years, then I think the diversity will grow. If people like me and others who are different can find a home here, then the VHL will get through another 15 without issue.
 
714 words for week ending  7/24

The End of an Era
Well, I haven't been here that long. But I have experienced quite a bit in that time, with the biggest change obviously being the Hybrid Attributes.
 
So that change was actually kinda interesting for me, as when I came into the league one of the first things I did was go on a bit of a crusade against how stupid it was that passing builds just weren't really viable and the "meta" was a thing. It really took away from any chances at having build diversity and also put us all in that awkward spot where we "weren't supposed to" tell new members about the meta. But not doing so meant that we'd let them build themselves into a corner that they realistically couldn't get out of with their players. It wasn't a great experience for anyone (except Vancouver, I guess).
 
My small part in the Change
Fast forward about 1½ season of me being in the league, and for whatever reason Bek was awake super early on a Saturday and we just started talking about the meta in the Moscow LR. This turned into about a 4 hour long talk, and at some point Bek mentioned that a long time ago Beaviss had come to him with this "hybid attribute" system. As soon as I heard about it I was hooked, as it sounded like exactly what we needed. So at some point during this discussion Bek decided to make a new write-up of it and put it forward to the BOG. Around this time Spartan also woke up and joined the discussion, alongside Dooms and eventually Eno (who made the original hybrid system that Beaviss then brought to Bek back in 2019). This random discussion that happened by chance in the Moscow LR was what sparked the idea of the hybrid as being the solution to the problem we were having. Having originally been shot down as it had been framed in a slightly awkward way, and more importantly trying to solve a problem that hadn't actually become a big problem in the VHL yet. The league just wasn't really ready for it back in 2019.
 
There would be occasional updates about the BOGs progress on it over time in the Moscow LR, as well as some pretty useful discussion on it. Since like half the active BOG members are in that LR and the idea to revive the hybrid system had come from there, it only made sense to give some updates back. Overall though the feeling I got from that was that the actual implementation was a long ways out. And I wasn't in the BOG yet at the time, so I had no idea about the specifics of where they were actually at. Then Flyers dropped a .com article around TDL where he said they expected to be done with it in time for it to be implemented that off-season. And within a week or so the post telling us that it was actually going to happen dropped (if my memory isn't off). I was hyped!
 
This lead to that massive chonker of an off-season between S82 and S83 where I spent way too much time playing around with the hybrid attribute spreadsheet to figure out how best to approach things, both for myself with Bo and for me to be able to actually give useful feedback to my players in the VHLM, as I had just landed the Vegas GM gig.
 
The Hybrid Era thus far
So now that we are 1½ seasons into the biggest change in my time in the VHL, how do I feel about the hybrid attributes? I honestly both hate and love them. So why the hate? Simple, really. They make being a VHLM GM harder, and not in a very enjoyable way. When you're dealing with 1st gen players there will always be an absolute wall of info for them to deal with, that lends itself to a lot of confusion and information overload. Then add in trying to explain how the attributes they add to aren't actually what they are called. They are simply a way to add to one or two "real" attributes and what those attributes actually do for them. Overall though, that's a minor gripe.
 
Another issue is the impact on cap management. Simply put players no longer depreciate as much as they did (Bo could have a 1293 TPE peak build and never actually depreciate if he's so inclined), which makes it harder to fit all the talent in the VHL under the cap on "reasonable" teams. Vancouver has acted like the residential cap dump soaker by picking up elite players that simply cannot (for the most part) be on contenders as they do not have the cap space for them. As if no one is depreciating, we just collectively run out of cap. There are a lot of ways to remedy this and they have been discussed in the BOG to figure out the best solution going forward. With the two simplest ones obviously being to either increase the cap, or increase depreciation back to where it used to be. The issue with the latter is that if we do that, we'll screw over a lot of players' plans, if their depreciation just changes mid career. So if we go that route, it would realistically need to be a longer term thing.
 
So that brings us to the good parts. With the first one being that build diversity can and should exist now. Yes, we'll still primarily have teams made up of copy pasted 85SK/85PH/85SC/85DF style players. +/- 3 points in all of them. Because that's just the basic building block of a STHS team at this point. But with Passing having been made so much cheaper, and it now being possible to "gap" DF with Passing, it's miles and miles better than it used to be. With us no longer having 99SC or PA (unless you're Moreau in the latter case). It means it's actually possible to play around with builds where you skew the decision formula in favor of skating > both SC and PA. Which is exactly what Bo does, to some pretty good effect. We even had a pure pass first forward near the top of the rookie point race last season. But with how STHS works, I think you have a pretty hard cap of one passing player per line. And usually it should probably be a Dman, as Dmen just have to pass more than forwards by default. So the reduction in pass based turnovers from the PA attribute just makes more sense on them. I just love that not only pass first has a place, but skate first pass second is a non-troll build that got my player the ROTY and has him up there for Dman production in his sophomore season (so far, he's kinda sucking last week or so).
 
The other upsides, to me, is that a player can be more or less cap efficient. This wasn't *really* a thing before outside of stopping earning in the 500s with the meta build obviously being obnoxious, but all those 500 something meta builds were effectively the same player. That's not the case anymore with the hybrid system. Teams built of players with well made builds can now fit a lot more power under the cap. Than teams with "poorly" built players can. We have players who have builds that cost 1k TPA, but that *could* have been made with 800 TPE, that means you're paying 5.5m for a 4m player. For all intents and purposes. This is one of the main reasons Moscow is so cracked btw, their actual TPA on their players isn't super impressive, but they all have super efficient builds. Letting them have very similar actual STHS attributes to players with significantly more actual TPA. But with a lower cap hit. If capitalizing on that isn't the winning formula going forward in the hybrid era. I'll be very surprised. As this lets players put themselves apart from the rest by being a "better 800 TPE player" than another 800 TPE player. Thus it gives more skill expression for players and GMs alike. A GM who can tell a good cap efficient player apart form one that isn't, will be able to build a better team on a budget. Just as a player can make themselves a bigger difference maker for their team without just throwing TPE at the problem. But rather by making good decisions.
 
Well, that was more than 500 words.😅

Jesse! You just put on one of the most amazing performances we have seen out of you yet. Your first professional shut out! How does that feel?
Oh man it feels amazing. I’ve been close in a few games but it feels great to finally get it over with. Honestly, it’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
 
You also got the first star of the game; I believe a first for you as well this season.
That feels great too. Not only to get that kind of win but also to be recognized for it just feels really good.
 
Think you have any more in you before the season ends?
Well, we’re a little over half-way through and I feel like my game is getting better the more I play. So hopefully I can manage even just one more shut out. That would make me pretty happy.
 
I also heard this morning that your teammate Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricidewas traded to Mexico City. How is the locker room after the news?
Pretty quiet. Kauppi was a great teammate and I’m going to miss him. Shame to see someone so good go but I know that that’s how these things happen in hockey.
 
204 words claimed for week ending July 24

1. Are you satisfied with your player’s performance so far?
Kauppi has definitely picked up more points over the past week, but I really need him to pick up more on scoring.
 
2. What’s the hardest aspect of Hockey in your opinion?
It's easy to judge from the stands or the couch how a play should've gone, but you don't have that same view playing on the ice.
 
3. If you could choose any pet to adopt what would it be?
A barn owl.
 
4. If you could choose any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation.
 
5. How does your player overcome challenges and adversity on the ice?
He's a big guy, so he'll let a person know what they just did isn't OK. Physically.
 
6. Other than hockey, which other sport peaks your interest?
None that get me as excited at hockey. Closest would be basketball, but I don't follow it.

1. So far I’m fairly satisfied! About what I expected going into the season but hoping he’ll pick up the pace soon as well!
 
2. The hardest aspect is the speed of the game and how much it differs based on the level you play at. It’s noticeable as you change levels that’s for sure! 
 
3. GIVE ME A PUPPPPYYY. I’m a dog person so I’ll take any pupper Ill get. 
 
4. Teleportation. I currently rotate my weekends between 3 cities all hours apart so that would make my life waaaaaay easier. 
 
5. My player goes to the gym and lifts. Best way to handle adversity is to go lift and get huge because why the heck not.
 
6. Basketball! I have a history of playing at a high level so it’s always been of interest for me. 

Gritty
As captain and BEEPer (read: enforcer) of the Las Vegas Aces, Juan Ceson felt secure in his role on the team. He had his niche, and he served his role well. But then something happened.
New recruits Grigoris Polyhronidis Jr @GP18 and Womp Womp Womp Womp Womp Jr @AdamEss have both been seen practicing fisticuffs at the Juan Ceson Practice Facility (that, ironically, is still not visited by Juan Ceson). And rookie offensive defenseman Reid Johnson @TopTiddee2 has somehow ended up in the same number of fights (1) as Mr. Ceson this season.
 
Simon Logic
As it turns out, when 3 of the highest fighting players in the league are all on the same team, you don't really have anyone else to fight with. As through some wild miracle the top fighter in the league this season, John Poremba Jr @CrlineDijohn14 has 3 fights with 41 Fighting attribute. Which makes perfect sense, except not.
 
Oh Captain, My Captain!
So what is Juan Ceson to do about all these ornery new players on the Vegas Defense? Will he be able to overcome and show them that he is in fact the master BEEPer? Or will they take his throne? Inside sources tell us that because of the uncanny leadership abilities of Mr. Ceson, he will always have a spot in the hearts of the Vegas fanbase. As well as a spot on defense. Because at the end of the day, he is the longest current serving member of the Vegas organisation, having been there longer than the GM.

Helsinki -- Last season, Helsinki Titans goalie Xavier Booberry was by almost any measure one of the best players in the league. He won the league's Most Outstanding Player, Goalie of the Year, and Best GAA awards in a season that included 10 shutouts and an average goals allowed under 2 per game. It was a tremendous step forward for the third year goaltender.
 
However, in his fourth season, Booberry looks to have taken a bit of a step back. Sure, a .926 save percentage, 2.32 GAA and 3 shutouts in 34 games is nothing to scoff at. Still, for a player who was hoping to garner MVP consideration this year, merely being an above average goalie isn't what he wanted.
 
"I hold myself to a high standard, because I think I should be able to live up to it," Booberry said after a recent Helsinki loss to Moscow. "I know I can be playing better than this, which makes things frustrating. But at some points, I just need to trust the process."
 
Before the season, Booberry had put not only his first playoff birth, but a first round bye as his goal for Helsinki. So far, though, the team sits in fourth in Europe at 41 points, 3 points behind Riga for third and just 1 point ahead of Davos for fifth. He did remind fans of last season though, hoping for a repeat.
 
"Last year, it was a late season run that put us within striking distance of the playoffs. So maybe we're just late bloomers," Booberry joked. "But with that said, I think these next couple of games are going to be crucial. If we're going to be in that top three, it needs to happen sooner rather than later. And I hope to get us there."

I'll apply! Assuming you accept newer people 😃

1. Jesse's performance certainly could be better but I think their save percentage given the number of shots faced it pretty good.
 
2. Probably the skating 🤣
 
3. Penguin!
 
4. The ability to steal other people's super powers on demand.
 
5. Jesse tends to take out their frustrations in the gym and in practices. They know the only way to get better and to move on is to work hard.
 
6. Minor league baseball! Small crowds and lots of fun theme nights. One of the best sports to just chill at and have a great time.