JetsGoalie101

Captain of the Vancouver Wolves
After a season where Vancouver Wolves decided not to name a single captain but ran with a rotating system of alternate Captains instead; Vancouver is set to name a new leadership group as the team looks to make the playoff again this season.
“We have a young core of players that have joined the roster this season and we felt that it would be hugely beneficial to the younger players to have a veteran presence and leadership group this season.” Stated AGM Gaikoku-hito.
“The Team voted and we have a clear direction that as team that we agree will provide a solid group for the younger players to learn from. And no, It isn`t like a Survivor voting!!” continued Gaikoku-hito.
“So, without delaying this announcement any further here are our Captains for S93!!”
 
 
Assistant Captains:


 
 
 
 
Captain:


 
Congrats to our New Leadership group!!

@Frank@RileyL@JetsGoalie101@Smarch@Scurvy@Dom@Girts@okochastar@Cwalker@Minebro@Tipskid97@Subject056@wcats@KaleebtheMighty@Gaikoku-hito

Always a tough decision to let go of two absolutely lights out players, especially when you draft one of them and have them the entirety of their career. I have so much respect & joy for both of you @JetsGoalie101 & @RileyL and I wish you both nothing but the best on your contending ventures with Vancouver! 
 
@matt sovick & @silentnyrf31 I was heavily intrigued when the possibility of you joining LA became a reality. I really look forward to working with both of you and hoping to help make your time in the league as enjoyable as possible! 
 
@Frank & @Gaikoku-hito a pleasure as always, never difficult to discuss a deal Good luck with the Wolves and keep my LA boys safe ❤️ 

@JetsGoalie101 & @RileyL Welcome to Vancouver Wolves. Hopefully we will be competitive this season and make the playoff as the team grows and develop this season. We might surprise a few teams come playoff time!!
 
@matt sovick & @silentnyrf31 Should give you a good chance to be competitive in the future with Los Angeles and fit your timeline for when you are ready to join the VHL as Stars should be competitive again in a few season as they enter their rebuild. Best of luck but don`t take it out on Vancouver too much!! 🥰
 
@InstantRockstar & @KRZY Thanks for doing right by your players and what I assume where easy negotiations!! ❤️ Hopefully the rebuild goes smoothly and we see Los Angeles back int the playoff soon!!
 
Lets go Wolves!!!

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.
 
 

@Zetterberg
Welcome everyone,
 
In the history of the VHLE, we saw a lot of great GM that were able to assemble good team and lead them to the Renaissance Cup, but there is one of them that we can say did it better than everybody else. You guest it, I am talking about @JB123. He was hired as the third VHLE GM of the Oslo Storm in S83 and he resigned form his position at the end of S89.
 
When JB was hired at the start of S83, the Oslo Storm were a rebuilding team and there was not a lot of things he could have done to change that immediately. Indeed, Oslo only had five forwards, one defenseman and one goalie on their roster. They finished the regular season second to last in the league with a record of 21 wins, 43 losses and 8 losses in overtime for a total of 50 points in 72 games.
 
In S84, the Oslo Storm once again had a really bad season and this time they finished the regular season last in the league with 25 wins, 40 losses and 7 losses in overtime for a total of 57 points in 72 games. Unlike the previous season, JB completed a lot of trade in S84. Indeed, one of them was a trade with the Istanbul Red Wolves where he acquired Brodie Landry III @Brodie_Landryand three picks that were used to draft Chip Stone @DoktorFunk, Lorenzo Cobberson @Hendrix Cobbersonand Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide. Landry III, Cobberson and Kauppi each won at least one Renaissance Cup with Oslo in S85 or S86. In total, JB123 completed three trades in S84, acquiring eleven assets (players or picks) and eight of them have become champions of the Renaissance Cup with the Oslo Storm in S85 or S86.
 
S85 was the first time the Oslo Storm made the playoffs in their VHLE history. They had a really good regular season, and they finished first in the league with a record of 48 wins, 19 losses and 5 overtime losses for a total of 101 points in 72 points. At the trade deadline, JB acquired two defensemen that would win a total of three Cups with the Storm. Indeed, Quinn Clark @axtronwon the Renaissance Cup in S85 and in S86 and Babushka @BrutalBoostwon it in S85. When we interviewed the former Oslo GM, he mentioned that he believes it was his best move, because « it solidified [their] defense that season while providing [them] a cornerstone on defense in Clark for the future ». In the playoffs, the Oslo Storm faced the Vasteras Iron Eagles in the first round and won the series in six games to participate in their first VHLE playoffs final. In the final, the Storm won the series and their first Renaissance Cup in their history against the Cologne Express in six games. In addition, JB won his first Thadius Sales Trophy awarded to the best general manager.
 
Unlike in S85, in S86 the Oslo Storm did not dominate the regular season and they finished fourth in the standings with 40 wins, 25 losses, 7 losses in overtime and a total of 87 points in 72 games. At the beginning of the season, the Storm made the acquisition of Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101, who ended up being a really important player for the entire S86, for only a 3rd round pick. At the trade deadline, JB acquired Rhys Trenton @DeeGoatand Vinny Lecavalier @Spartakiller2that both played their part in the S86 conquest of the Renaissance Cup. Since the team finished fourth in the regular season, they had to play a best of 3 against the Istanbul Red Wolves to decide which team would play in the first round. Oslo finally won the series in two little games. However, the first round was not going to be an easy one, because the Storm faced the team that had the best regular season record in the history of the VHLE, the Cologne Express. It was supposed to be a walk in the park for Cologne, but after only six games, the Oslo Storm caused one of the biggest surprises ever seen in the VHLE and defeated the winners of the King’s Cup. In the final, after being down 3-1 in the series against the Rome Gladiators, the Oslo Storm caused another surprise and defeated Rome 4-3 to become the first team to win two Renaissance Cup in their VHLE history. When we questioned JB about his favorite Renaissance Cup, he said that even if they were all special, he had to go with S86, because they « started that season off at the bottom of the league and won three playoffs rounds, including one against the best VHLE team ever ».
 
Once again, the Oslo Storm made the playoffs in S87, but this time they finished second in the league with 49 wins, 21 losses and 2 overtime losses for a total of 100 points in 72 games. Just like the last three seasons, JB made some big acquisitions like Halvar Torbjorn @Rayzor_7and Nicholas Blue @lidzthat help the team in S87. He also traded for players like Keno Akara @Keno, Braeden Panarella @ThatCasualand Rip Wheeler @ScottyPthat were part of the team that won the Renaissance Cup in S88. For a third season in a row, the Oslo Storm made it to the final after defeating the Stockholm Vikings in seven games. However, they did not win a third Renaissance Cup in a row, and they lost to the Cologne Express in seven games. Even if they did not win the Cup, JB won his second Thadius Sales Trophy.
 
S88 was yet again another successful season for the Oslo Storm as they finished third in the standings with a record of 42 wins, 22 losses and 8 losses in overtime for a total of 92 points in 72 games. At the trade deadline, JB made a trade with the Vasteras Iron Eagles to acquire three players that were a big part of the S88 Renaissance Cup victory, Alexander Stroheim @Stroheim, Nagy AL @bigALand Wiley Blanchette @Wiley. In the playoffs, the Oslo Storm made the final of the Renaissance Cup for the fourth time in a row after defeating the Cologne Express 4-3 in the first round and they also won their third Cup in four years after winning the final series 4-2 to the Rome Gladiators.
 
For a fifth season in a row, Oslo made the playoffs in the VHLE thanks to their fourth place in the standings and their record of 44 wins, 23 losses and 5 overtime losses for a total of 93 points in 72 games. However, this time it was not a long run as they lost in three games to the Rome Gladiators in the best of 3 series. This was also the last season of JB as the GM of the Oslo Storm. During his time with the Storm, JB123 won three Renaissance Cup in S85, S86 and S88, and he won two Thadius Sales Trophy for the top general manager in S85 and S87.
 
We had the chance to interview JB a couple of days ago and when we asked him about how he felt about being one of the best GM in the history of the VHLE, he said that « there’s been a number of great GMs throughout the history of the VHLE and to be considered as one of them is an honor ». JB also mentioned that the best thing he did was, with the help of @KRZY, to install a winning culture and to turn the team around even if it took a couple seasons. In addition, JB wanted to say that even if there were still a lot of anti-VHLE sentiments in the VHL, he is always going to believe that with the GM and the right people working together, the league can succeed. Finally, when we asked him if there was a chance that we would see him again in a GM position, he clearly said that he would like to return to GMing and that he wants to make the transition to the VHL.
 
That’s all for me. I would like to personally thanks JB for the interview and for everything he did for the VHLE. Also, thanks for reading and see you in another article.

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 . 
 
 

Gonna be hard to fill the shoes that both @Berocka and @FrostBeard have left behind in their time as Captains of the stars . Honoured to have been chosen as team captain! 
 
also couldn’t have named two more deserving players to round out the leadership group in @JetsGoalie101 and @Gustav . The three longest tenured players in this organization hopefully we can lead the Stars to the promised land !

Little late but... better than never so they say! 
 
Going to make this short, yet sweet, kinda... 
 
Our captains for the season are.......
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
@Gustav  Art Vandelay as ASSSSSISSTANT CAPTAIN #1. Our goalie, our rock between the pipes, and a player that has been with us their whole career and committed again this season, felt it was about time we put a letter on your jersey. 
 
@JetsGoalie101 Sunglasses Joyo as ASSSSSISSTANT CAPTAIN #2. One of the backbones of LA for many seasons now, it's only fitting that you finally get your time in the limelight for the team. Thank you for all you've done for LA thus far! 
 
AANDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD THE CAPTAIN! 
 
We've had some amazing captains over the seasons, and they've all done an absolutely incredible job. It is my great pleasure to take the next step... 
 
@KRZYTood Cooke... where do I begin. You trusted me from the get-go with Cooke, you've been my AGM for many seasons now, and you've been one of the most crucial pieces of LA. While you've worn the A many times before, it is finally your time to lead the troops to war. Wear it with pride, wear it with honour and most importantly... wear it while we try to win the cup! 
 
Thanks team ❤️ 

We are at the 1/3 mark of the regular season in season 90 . And that’s usually where I do my comparisons to NHL counterparts . I’m particularly excited to share this seasons edition with how special a team the Stars are this year. Without further a do let’s get started .
 
Forwards 
 
Napoleon Dynamite @thadthrasher
Jack Eichel
 
I think this is the perfect comparison for the resident dancing guru on the Stars , Dynamite has always been an Uber talented forward , This season with the Stars Dynamite has experienced a real breakout season and found some nice chemistry with long time Star Todd Cooke ! Dynamite is a full 200 foot player and has come as advertised when LA traded for him in the off season.
 
Todd Cooke 
Leon Draisaitl 
 
Cooke has started this season on an absolute tear , looking to finally establish himself as a top tier centre in the VHL . Boy has he done that and more a leader or near the top of most statistical categories this season Cooke has done a good job at putting himself in the Conversation with other top players in the VHL . I for one can’t wait to see where he will be sitting when the season comes to an end. 
 
Svatopluk Puk @Otaznik
Mitch Marner
 
Puk also came over in the trade with New York in the off season and has been everything LA has needed and wanted when they acquired him , Puk had been on an absolute year the last few sims currently sitting with 33 points in 27 games . Once he found his feet and got up and running he hasn’t looked back . Puks an exciting 2 way winger and has proven to be an important piece to the puzzle for the Stars this season.
 
Sunglasse Joyo @JetsGoalie101 
Andrei Kuzmenko 
 
The Fan favourite Sunglasses wearing Centre has been crucial for the Stars this on special teams , Joyo has been lights out on the power play and penalty kill and every other situation the Stars have put him in he’s succeeded. Always willing to put the team first . Joyo is nearly producing at a point per game , if he keeps capitalizing on his opportunities I see him producing at a point per fame or better by the end of this season . All while wearing his Sunglasses.
 
Gregger Mckeggegger @TheNeonShaman
Nick Richie
 
Mckeggegger is a HUGE. Power forward who uses his size and skill to get to the dirty areas and wear his opponent’s down , this young promising winger is gonna be tremendously good once he fully develops and adjusts to the VHL game fully . Mckeggegger is only gonna continue to get better as his career progresses.
 
Adam Rage @MrMom
Blake Coleman
 
Rage is another hard nosed young player in the Stars lineup , plays hard every night and like Mckeggegger goes to this dirty area to make the play . Rage was a late addition to the team in the offseason but what a welcome addition he’s been. Hopefully this is just the beginning of rages success in LA.
 
Defence
 
Elais Lampi @Pifferfish
Cale Makar
 
The newest addition to the LA Stars backend reminds me a lot of Makar in that he’s always in the right position to make a play and sees the ice so incredibly well. Lampi was acquired early this off season and he’s been a solider on the back end and looks like he will be the top d man on this team for many years to come . 
 
Callum Murray @Berocka
Victor Hedman 
 
The longtime Stars defender is in his final season as a member of the Stars , this hard hitting blue liner is everything you could ever want in a Defenceman and a captain to your team . This year LA will no doubt try and win a cup for him in his farewell season.
 
Jens Lekman @Bobcat
Miro Heiskanen
 
Lekman is a returning young player this season with a lot of upside ! He will join Lampi as the future of the Stars blue line for seasons to come ! Lekman is very rarely caught out of position . He seemingly always does the right thing with the puck . Lekman is truly an important piece to the Stars !
 
Goalies
 
Art Vandelay @Gustav
Ilya Sorokin
 
Vandelay has been a top goalie and one of the best in the VHL for a longtime now so it’s not surprising that I compared him to sorokin he truthfully deserves every word of that praise . Vandelay is in the midst of a career season right now and doesn’t look to be slowing down at all anytime soon. 
 
Matthew Mckagg @Jack kidd
Stuart Skinner
 
Mckagg is a young goalie full of promise making his debut for the Stars , under Vandelays guidance and tutalage he could turn out to be a very good goalie in years to come .
 
@InstantRockstar Joe Sakic
 
Rockstar is always finding ways to improve his team and make them better , whether it’s finding talent in the draft or making trades . Rockstar always has the best interest of his team in mind . And that sure shows this season as he’s turned LA into a powerhouse in the season.
 
 
there you have it some of these comparisons we’re no brainers some were harder then I thought they’d be , hope you enjoy reading this and cheers !!
 

With Season 90 getting underway I figured now is just a good of time as any to give you a sneak peak at the season 90 version of you LA Stars. This seasons squad looks quite different then past years , as there has been quite the influx of new players along with the regular faces you are used to seeing around Los Angeles.
 
Lets get started with the forward core suiting up for the stars this season.
 
C - Todd Cooke
The last 2 seasons Cooke has done a good job establishing himself as a household name . This season however Cooke really would like to take another step forward and establish himself as a top 10-5 player in the VHL . He’s consistently gotten better every season in his VHL career so far the LA lifer will do everything in his power to accomplish this goal and bring a Cup to The Stars aswell.
 
C - Napoleon Dynamite ( @thadthrasher )
The Dynamic forward is one of the many first year Stars playing in LA this season . The Stars struck gold when they acquired Dynamite in a trade with New York earlier this season . I fully anticipate Dynamite having a career year this season playing in LA alongside Cooke , Puk and Joyo .
 
RW - Svatopluk Puk ( @Otaznik )
This Veteran Winger brings loads of experience and a very well rounded game to the Stars , Puk has put up good numbers and always been a contributor wherever he’s played throughout his career . On the tail end of his career you can bet he’s looking to help achieve the goal of playing for a Continental Cup this season.
 
C - Sunglasse Joyo ( @JetsGoalie101 )
The always charismatic Joyo returns to LA for his fourth season for the Stars , each year we’ve seen steady improvements in Joyos game with sunglasses on of course ! I fully expect to see much the same this season and Joyo to have another career high season. 
 
LW - Gregger Mckeggegger ( @TheNeonShaman )
Mckeggegger returns for his sophomore season looking to improve and earn more i time and responsibility on the ice . I fully expect Gregger to be given ever opportunity to succeed and improve on and off the ice this season . Mckeggegger has all the tools and making of a future star in the league it’s just a matter of time !
 
RW - Adam Rage ( @MrMom )
Rage was acquired in a late season trade with Moscow and will be relied upon to fill out LA’s Forward group . Much like Mckeggegger he will be given ample opportunities to prove himself throughout that season , and looks to be a big part of LA’s future moving forward.
 
Next we’ll move on to the Defenceman manning the blue line for the Stars this season.
 
Callum Murray ( @Berocka)
Taking over as Captain of this years Stars team in his final farewell season Murray is the longest tenured skater on the team and is very deserving of the captain’s C always willing to do whatever is needed to try and get his team the W . Murray would like nothing more then to lead the Stars to a Continental Cup in his Final season before retirement.
 
Elias Lampi ( @Pifferfish )
Lampi came over in a monster trade with Seattle early in the off season and after having a career year he will look to bring that momentum to LA and further breakout as a top defenceman for the Stars and carry the torch after Murray leaves at the conclusion of this season. Lampi will no doubt prove to be an important addition throughout the season.
 
Jens Lekman ( @Bobcat )
Lekman is a young hard hitting puck moving defender that like Lampi will be a very very important player for the Stars going forward . Lekman is coming of a career best season last year and there’s no reason he can’t improve on those numbers this season.
 
And with that we’ll finish off with the Goalies.
 
Art Vandelay ( @Gustav  ) 
Vandelay has been with the Srars for as long as Murray has and in that time he’s solidified himself as a top goalie in the league. The stars hit the jackpot taking him first overall way back in the season 84 draft. Vandelay will in my opinion be the most important player for the Stars this season !
 
Matthew McCagg ( @Jack kidd )
McCagg is the lone rookie the Stars have this season . Coming in as backup McCagg is in one hell of a good spot learning from one of the best goalies the league has to offer . McCagg will take these next few years to grow and learn and eventually he might earn the started spot a few seasons down the road . One things forsure it will take a lot of work if that’s what he’s shooting for .
 
@InstantRockstar has done a very good job turning around a team that looked like theyd  be stuck in the mud meddling around no man’s land trying to fight for a wildcard spot into a true dark horse contender in the NA Conference.

Well it’s that time in the season again where I look at whatever team Todd Cooke is on and compare every player and the GM to their NHL Counterparts. This season like the past 2 I’ll compare the LA Stars to theirs .
 
let’s get started with LA’s forwards

Nezuko LW ( @Baozi ) Johnny Gaudreau 
While Gaudreau had a down year by his standards in his first year with Columbus I do see a lot of similarities between these 2 players in size , production and the way they both play and think the game . Nezuko is a offensive player that produces and makes something from nothing . Similarly to Johnny hockey this season is a fresh start aswell for nezuko coming to LA in one of their huge off season moves . It has truly been exciting to see how he’s fit into the fold with the Stars so far this season.
 
Sirdsvaldis  Miglaskems C ( @FrostBeard ) Leon Draisatl 
The team captain returns to LA this Seson after winning both the Scotty Campbell Trophy and the Kevin Brooks. Sirdsvaldis has done everything and more for the Stars in his 4 seasons in LA . He’s looking to guide them to a Continental Cup aswell . The Big Centre has been the motor and heartbeat of the Stars for as long as he’s been here and will continue to be that the rest of this season.
 
Todd Cooke C Tage Thompson 
Cooke has flown under the radar and gone relatively unnoticed early in his VHL career like Thompson in the early days of his NHL career . Cooke is looking to BREAK out this season as a premier Centre in the VHL . Always in the play and a guy that never ever gives up Cooke is someone you would rather play with then against. This kids just getting started there’s tons more to come !
 
Sunglasses Joyo C ( @JetsGoalie101 ) Tomas Hertl 
Joyo loves to have fun , heck the guy wears Sunglasses on the ice while he’s playing hockey , his game reminds me of Hertls who is another guy that loves to have fun on the ice and in the locker room . Joyo is young and has a ton of potential I’m excited for him to find and reach that potential!
 
Jack Hextall C ( @Jack Feriancek ) Adam Henrique
Jack is another veteran Forward LA acquired this off-season, he’s an energy guy that can play up and down in your line up just like Henrique can . Hextall can thrive in most positions and Carry’s himself with high professionalism and character and plays the game the right way.
 
Robert Wilk RW ( @Tomat0 ) Anthony Mantha
Wilk is the last new addition to the Stars Forward group . He’s a big gritty winger that can contribute on the scoresheet aswell as go to the dirty areas on the ice to make plays for his team . Wilk has been a very welcomed addition to LA and adds to their impressive depth !
 
Next we’ll take a look at the Stars outstanding defence core .
 
Callum Murray ( @Berocka ) Victor Hedman 
I believe I compared Murray to Hedman last season as well but honestly it hard not to , they’re both huge shutdown defenders that contribute in so many ways to their teams . Murray was arguably the Stars unsung hero last season , he was also nominated for many top defenceman awards specifically top defensive defenceman and top overall defenceman. I think that speaks for itself when talking about special players and things they can achieve . I truthfully believe that Murray will win multiple top defenceman awards throughout his career .
 
Scoish Velociraptor Maliosh ( @youloser1337 ) Quinn Hughes
Maliosh has been a machine for the Stars this season , he’s given his all every single night trying to establish himself as a top defenceman in the VHL . If he keeps up the great work this season I truly think he’ll be in that conversation by the end of the season . Also on another note he recently blocked his 1000th career shot proving and reinforcing how valuable he truly is to his team.
 
Dabnad Shaw ( @Dabnad ) Mattias Ekholm
Shaw was LA’s HUGE ad on the back end this off season and like Ekholm has for the oilers since the trade deadline , Shaw has provided good solid defence and been a revalation on the back end for a team that lacked defensive help last season . Shaw has been everything you could ask for from a shutdown defender in this league . Allowing Murray and Maliosh d to contribute offensively and in the transition game aswell .
 
Last but not least the Goaltender 
 
Art Vandelay ( @Gustav  ) Igor Shesterkin
the other MVP candidate nominated from the stars last season . Art is quickly establishing himself as an elite tendy in the VHL . Nominated for many rewards last season . I truly believe Vandelay is the Stars X factor and a huge reason they will eventually win a continental cup in the coming seasons if not this season !
 
GM
@InstantRockstar Zack Gagnon
Ken Holland
Gagnon rebuilt this team and has turned them into a contender whether it’s making huge trades for impact additions , or signing big names to play in LA . One of his most impressive points to his resume is the way he develops prospects and constantly drafts active members and good players consistently. Letting the develop until they are ready for the VHL
 
There you have it folks let me know what you thought of these comparisons!
 

Even though it's too early in Wann Kerr's VHL career to really have a serious beef with any particular player or team on the VHL level, let's look back at his VHLM and VHLE seasons to look for some players he has some history with.
 
VHLM
 
The start of Wann Kerr's VHLM career as a member of Shindigs's S85 Las Vegas Aces was a game against Mexico City Kings after another, rinse and repeat for what seemed like forever. Kerr voiced his displeasure in a press conference. I hate mexican food and I hate crossing the border because...reasons! told Kerr the reporters in said press conference. And his frustration caused by playing the same players over and over again while struggling to break out as a player was really apparent, as he was the second most penalised player on the team behind only Juan Ceson, and even the most penalised player at one point. Which is quite remarkable as he's far from a physical player (the least penalised Vancouver player so far this season) and notable power forwards like Larry Abass Jr and Antoine Barksdale were on the team with him. The Mediocre One... Halvar Torbjorn... Alexander Stroheim... Nikolas Kauppi... Jeremy Swayman... It was for some time a mantra he repeated every night like a hit list. But he was able to snap out of it once the team's schedule went on. But beating the Kings in semi-finals must have felt amazing nonetheless.
 
But what left the most bitter taste in Kerr's mouth was the final series against Philadelphia Reapers, which the Aces lost. Care Bear, Tom Creeg, Sunglasses Joyo, Luke Glendenning and Rex Wolffe Gregor lead the way for the Reapers, and Kerr was watching them hold the trophy he did everything he could to win (24 points and team leading 10 goals in 19 games). Even though Kerr likes to think he doesn't hold grudges, the fact he tends to finish checks on these players a bit more diligently says otherwise.
 
VHLE
 
The E was a time to re-evaluate some of Kerr's beefs. Jeremy Swayman and Tom Creeg were his teammates during their Rome Gladiators tenure, Creeg was even the team's captain and Swayman the GM's assistant. Locker room is not a place to bring personal conflicts to. And he actually got along with the guys well.
 
On ice, it was kinda weird season for the Gladiators. They started the season extremely strong, leading the league, but Cologne Express caught up and Gladiators started dropping in the standings. Their undoing was the inability to win games they were supposed to win. Particularly against the bottom feeding Geneva Rush. The mental side of losing against weaker teams was getting to Kerr, as game 210 of S86 was the first game he dropped the gloves and beat the everliving heck out of the Rush legend B-GEN RW2.
 
Then the playoffs came. And the same scenarion as the season before in the VHLM has played – Kerr with team leading 9 goals and 18 points was watching his opponents – Oslo Storm – lifting the cup. Among these players were two familiar faces: Nikolas Kauppi from S85 Kings and Sunglasses Joyo from S85 Reapers.
 
This early in Kerr's career, Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide and Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101 are the closest things to arch nemesis Wann Kerr has.
 
(Photo: Wann Kerr getting bullied by a Phoenix player)

LA Stars Press Conference
Stars are one of the best teams in NA!

As per usual, 3 answers will give you 1 TPE and 6 answers will get you the Max 2 TPE you can get from PC every week! 
 

1. Los Angeles Sports Broadcast show called out LA Stars Captaincy trio after a video surfaced with them all relaxing in a hottub few hours before the puck drop, they called them "unprofessional, disgraceful and not with the hockey spirit" - your thoughts?
2. GM Gagnon has multiple times this week refused to answer any questions about teams performance saying - it will be a bad luck charm to go and talk about things like that. Do you believe there is a lot of supperstition in hockey?
3. Sunglasses Yoyo was quoted by York Times saying that "Stars LR is really supportive and inclusive while also making sure that there is a strict working mentality going on" - do you think having a LR like that is a bonus or a negative? 
4. Recently LA Stars have slowed down a bit and have had 1-1 simulations, do you think it is time to worry about those games or they are just something that is always bound to happen?
5. Scoish and few other players have actively called for a new "VHLPA" to emerge to represent player rights, do you think VHL needs a VHLPA when it is well known that previous projects have failed?
6. Looking at your own performance this season, do you see yourself improving the pace on points, goals, other important statistics or do you feel you are right where you want to be?

1. Los Angeles Sports Broadcast show called out LA Stars Captaincy trio after a video surfaced with them all relaxing in a hottub few hours before the puck drop, they called them "unprofessional, disgraceful and not with the hockey spirit" - your thoughts?
Yeah that sounds about correct to me. If you're going to live in Los Angeles you have to embrace the slow moving Cali lifestyle, and the team leaders should be spearheading that lifestyle.

2. GM Gagnon has multiple times this week refused to answer any questions about teams performance saying - it will be a bad luck charm to go and talk about things like that. Do you believe there is a lot of supperstition in hockey?
I refuse to comment on this question specifically, because THEORETICALLY we all know that discussing superstition out loud just makes your bad luck even worse. That's like saying the word "shutout" before the shutout is recorded.

3. Sunglasses Yoyo was quoted by York Times saying that "Stars LR is really supportive and inclusive while also making sure that there is a strict working mentality going on" - do you think having a LR like that is a bonus or a negative? 
It sounds horrible, I don't wanna work; I just want to bang on my drum all day.

4. Recently LA Stars have slowed down a bit and have had 1-1 simulations, do you think it is time to worry about those games or they are just something that is always bound to happen?
1-1 simulations aren't too bad at all, because it's verbally similar to "1 on 1 stimulations," which I find to be a very wonderful thing indeed.

5. Scoish and few other players have actively called for a new "VHLPA" to emerge to represent player rights, do you think VHL needs a VHLPA when it is well known that previous projects have failed?
No, it is very much right for league leaders to have uncontested authority over its players. Players and members are disgusting peons who deserve no rights at all, and should be treated as such.

6. Looking at your own performance this season, do you see yourself improving the pace on points, goals, other important statistics or do you feel you are right where you want to be?
It would be good if my player performed at a higher level, and perhaps by playoffs he might. However, I did forget to post my Point Tasks last week, so that isn't going to go very far in improving mid-season. I'll cop my performance so far and keep looking forward to the future!

LA Stars Press Conference
Season is here and we are starting it our strong!

As per usual, 3 answers will give you 1 TPE and 6 answers will get you the Max 2 TPE you can get from PC every week! 
 

1. GM Gagnon in an interview to LA Yellow Pages said that noone is safe when it comes to a roster spot and there is a potential for even a full rebuild. Do you believe that is true or do you believe that the roster is safe and the team is in a full competitive mode?
2. Jason Argos was recently called out after he said he won't take any pictures with fans before the game as he believes that takes away his focus from the job itself. Do you believe this is the way to approach fans?
3. Viking Brandy brand has been officially labelled themselves as the fan favourite drink for LA Stars supporters, have you ever tried it? 
4. After the start of the season, have you pinpointed any real problems with our team already or do you think it is too soon to say if we are ready for playoffs or not?
5. LA Stars Goalie coach recently talked in an interview about how he has never had a chance to work with such an amazing talented goaltending duo as Art and Minion, how do you feel about our goaltending duo?
6. For many players on this team this season is a real chance to show how much they have progressed and if they are ready to take that next step into a true role of a superstar, do you believe it is important to see a progression in your career?

Introducing the Back to Back renaissance cup champs Your Oslo Storm !
 
Today we’re going to take an in depth look at the Roster that will come into S87 and try to achieve the ever elusive three peat .
 
But first we’re gonna take a quick look at the players moving on from Oslo . 

I feel like this part of the article has to begin with none other then the Storms captain from the last 2 seasons Jon Webber Jr . Webber did it all on and off the ice for the Storm , he will be heading to Riga to join them this season.
Quinn Clark the backbone of Oslo’s defence last season is moving on to play for the legion in Toronto after being a huge part of both of the Storms championship teams 
Alexander Minion and Sunglasses Joyo Will both be taking their talents to sunny Los Angeles joint former Storm forward Todd Cooke, hoping to bring in some championship pedigree and youthful exuberance. Both players will be missed here in Oslo as they were both huge parts in the run to the cup last season .
Randy Bobandy shared the playoff MVP award with Minion he will and will be heading to Seattle to play for the bears.
Sebastian Dokis was a huge mid season addition that paid off huge for Oslo , Dokis will be playing for the iron eagles in Vasteras.
Rhys Trenton was a calming veteran presence on the back end and in the locker room from the moment he was added at the trade deadline , he will be hanging up the skates this year we wish him all the best in his future endeavours ( rumor has it there’s talks of him taking a position as a scout in the VHL somewhere ).
Nikolas Kauppi was another fan favourite here in Oslo for his one season here he will be taking his big physical game to Prague in czechia .
 
Now with all of those subtractions there’s gotta be additions right ? 
 
first off we’ll look at the forwards for this years group . There will be a mix of Veterans and rookies in this years forward core. 
Vinny Lecavalier and Ben McLaughlin along with newcomer Halvar Torbjorn will be looked at to lead the young talent Olso has coming in this season , while also looking to have successful and productive seasons in their own right !
Jimi Jaks , Oreo McFluery and Keno Akara are a very exciting promising trio of rookies who were all highly touted in this years past draft . They all have high potential to succeed in the VHLE. And move on to have great careers in the VHL aswell!
 
 
Next on defence there are some familiar faces with Fan favourite Brodie Landry lll and hard hitting shutdown defender Hunor Solyom leading the teams defence core . Robert Overmeyer is also going to Be playing defence this season , this should be a fairly smooth transition as he is generally a very defensively. Responsible forward as it is . These three will be joined by newcomers jack quill and Julien Bernier who look to add stability to the d core .
 
Different from years past Oslo will have more of a tandem in the crease this year rather then a clear cut number 1 goalie . That tandem will be Basileus Jute and The Red Menace . They will look to be a solid duo for the Storm this season .
 
there you have it folks there’s a look into Oslo and the bigger then usual turnover they will have this season . All things considered they have recovered extremely well and look like they are well equipped to make another run for their third renaissance cup in a row. Let’s see how this season shakes out for the storm ! 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Well it’s that time once again for me to compare players on my team to their NHL counterparts. Let’s get started 
 
Forwards

Sirdsvaldis Miglaskems C Tage Thompson
 
LA’s Captain is huge for the Stars on and off the ice , seemingly always getting better and amazing the team with his skill and work ethic Sirdsvaldis has been the energizer bunny for this team the last few seasons , and appears to be well on his way to having another successful and productive season this year in LA 
 
Vinny Detroit LW Matthew Tkachuk 
 
LA’s newest addition plays a very physical game and also puts up the points while he might not be the same size as Tkachuk Vinny plays a similar type of game never one afraid to shy away from the physical aspect of the game . Vinny will be a huge player this year for the Stars . On another note Vinny is also
Chasing a milestone for most career hits in the VHL . LA is lucky to have one of the greatest power forwards in VHL history on their team this year !
 
Todd Cooke C Dylan Cozens
 
Cooke is a promising Young forward trying to find his way and contribute to the success of LA . Cooke while not having the start he’s wanted is still very promising and is still looking to have a productive season for the Stars this year .

DB lll C Tyler Seguin
 
A veteran of the VHL and the Stars DB provides offence and works hard every single shift . DB has been exactly the type of player you want to play with as well as the type of player that makes GM’s salivate at the lips for . He plays whatever role you need him to and seemingly never makes a bad play . DB will be another important cog in the LA offensive system this year . 
 
Jason Argos RW Zach Hyman 
 
Jason argos has in recent years been more of a dependable depth option for the Stars but he looks poised to have a breakout season this year they gritty hard nosed forward never takes a shift off and doesn’t shy away from the dirty areas to make a play. This player is hoping his emergence will help propel the Stars into the playoffs this season .
 
Sunglasses Joyo C Matty Beniers
 
Joyo is a young exciting rookie bringing championship pedigree and youthful enthusiasm to the Stars. Joyo is known for wearing his sunglasses everywhere even on the ice during games , legend has it that without the sunglasses Joyo wouldn’t know how to play hockey . Personally I think Joyo has a very good chance to compete for rookie of the year this year !
 
Now that the forwards are done let’s move to the defenders 
 
Callum Murray , Rasmus Dahlin
 
this towering defender is having one heck of a season early on posting multi multiple point games so far , he’s also very solid in his own end and makes one of the best first passes on the breakout I have ever seen . Murray is starting to come into his own as an elite defenceman in the VHL and he will only get better as time goes on.
 
Scoish Velociraptor Maliosh , Cale Makar 
 
Maliosh is having an excellent season so far and like Murray he’s really coming into his own as a two way defenceman in the league. Maliosh is quick on his feet and very good in both zones . And will only keep getting better as time goes on .
 
both defenders mentioned above I see competing for top defenceman awards for many seasons to come . No let’s get to the goalies
 
Alex Minion Carter Hart
 
Minion brings a lot of raw talent to the Stars after a season in the VHLE where he backstopped the storm to a renaissance cup . Minion is positionally sound and is a bright young goaltender that will give LA a lot of good years in the crease !!

Art Vandelay juuse saros
 
Vandelay might lack the size of you typical starting netminder but for what he lacks in size he makes up for in talent and heart . This season Vandelay is establishing himself as one of the premier goalies in the VHL . He is elite and there are no real flaws anywhere in his game . LA struck gold when the drafted Art .
 
there you have it folks that’s who I think are good comparisons to the LA Stars and their NHL counterparts.

A bit of unnecessary dramatics as I started off using the sheet from last year but we got there in the end! So here are your winners for the annual Donation Drive Raffle:
 
Tier 1 - 5 Winners: 5 uncapped TPE
@AJW @JetsGoalie101 @leafsman @STZ @PhoebeIsQueen
 
Tier 2 - 5 Winners: $15 donation equivalent
@Elman Diablo @fishy @Hogan @Nykonax @Vkobe-v
 
Tier 3 - 3 Winners: Video Game of your choice (up to a max of $90 CAD, on any system)
@Dom @GoodLeftUndone @Mongoose87
 
Tier 4 - 1 Winner: Nintendo Switch (OLED) console OR an NHL Jersey of the winner's choice.
@wcats
 
Congrats to all the winners, we will be in touch shortly