RElblein

1. 31 games in, Moscow is in first place by the slimmest of margins. How are we feeling about our chances to win the conference?
Doesn't matter if it's an inch or a mile, winning is winning
2. Is there a weekly ritual the team should try to spark the power play? What should the ritual be?
I heard about Jason Giambi having a lucky golden thong, maybe we should try that out 
3. For those still building your player, which attributes are you working on updating at the moment? If your player is already built, are there any adjustments you would make to any of your attributes if you could?
Scoring baby, all about those goals! 
4. Do you have any plans for the Super Bowl this Sunday, if so what are they?
My son's first birthday party lol didn't realize it was super bowl when we planned it 
5. The VHL has been rolling out new ways to improve the league as of late, what would YOU like to see improve?
Would probably never happen due to how much it would cost, but would be cool to get some sort of visualization to go along with the sim
6. We are in the middle of the NHL season, what is your favorite hockey arena you have been to? (This can be from ANY league, not just the NHL.)
Nassau Coliseum, nothing better than the barn 
 

1. Over the past few sims, our Power Play has struggled mightily. What do you think we need to change in order to make it successful?
- I am not quite sure but let's do something crazy and mix it up. Throw all high scorers and no defense or something.
2. Hammar Voss is 5th in the league in points, and 2nd amongst defensemen this season. What is he doing well that gives him this much success?
- Well getting points seems to be a lot of what he is doing. He seems to be an assist machine so I would venture to guess he is passing the puck well
3. Moscow currently has 4 players over a point per game, is this something we can maintain? Can more players make it to this level of production?
- We can absolutely maintain this, if we keep improving our scoring and passing abilities I have no doubt we can add more players to the point per game club. If I wasn't so darn mediocre I might be able to make it there, but at least it seems like people like to score when I am on the ice given my 12 +/-
4. Management has offered players the ability to pick one drink for the locker room for free. What drink do you choose and why?
- Are we talking alcoholic drinks here or only stuff we can drink during the game? Alcoholic I would say get us some pappy but if we are talking nonalcoholic then some Bang energy drinks are where it's at cause I mean who doesnt like those?
5. Management is also considering purchasing all players a new pair of headphones for travel. What would you recommend the team receives?
- Some bose noise cancelling ones would be great so I don't have to listening to the snoring while we travel
6. Fall Out Boy and Bring me the Horizon are doing an NA tour this summer. If you could see any artist/group live, who would you see and why?
- I like some country stuff so I would probably enjoy a Florida Georgia Line concert or something 

1. What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming S87 season?
I am most looking forward to all the goals I am going to score...or maybe I will just be mediocre as usual, I haven't decided yet 
 
2. Which player do you think has the best name in the VHL/VHLE/VHLM?
I don't know about the best but I can certainly tell you who has the most medicore name....
3. In general, how's this off-season been for you?
Pretty relaxing, in keeping with my mediocre life style I didn't do any work outs to get ready for the season, just crushed beers and ate pizza
4. Who do you think is going to be our hardest opponent this upcoming season?
Considering that Vancouver won last season I am going to say they will probably be tough to beat but I think we can do it
5. Cake vs Pie, which one are you choosing, and what kind?
I am going to go with Pie...probably pumpkin, or maybe pecan, apple is good too but cake can have too much icing which makes it not good
6. Who is your current favorite NHL player?
I am a big Islanders fan so I am going to say Barzal is my current favorite player 

1. What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming S87 season?
I am most looking forward to all the goals I am going to score...or maybe I will just be mediocre as usual, I haven't decided yet 
 
2. Which player do you think has the best name in the VHL/VHLE/VHLM?
I don't know about the best but I can certainly tell you who has the most medicore name....
3. In general, how's this off-season been for you?
Pretty relaxing, in keeping with my mediocre life style I didn't do any work outs to get ready for the season, just crushed beers and ate pizza
4. Who do you think is going to be our hardest opponent this upcoming season?
Considering that Vancouver won last season I am going to say they will probably be tough to beat but I think we can do it
5. Cake vs Pie, which one are you choosing, and what kind?
I am going to go with Pie...probably pumpkin, or maybe pecan, apple is good too but cake can have too much icing which makes it not good
6. Who is your current favorite NHL player?
I am a big Islanders fan so I am going to say Barzal is my current favorite player 

@TrillerYou were awesome to have on the JST team! Keep up the good work! 

Sorry, I am New Here!
 
     After seeing an ad read on a YouTube video that autoplayed, I ended up here at the VHL.  I had never been a part of any sim league before but I figured I would check it out!  I joined up but didn't create a player right away as I wanted to lurk and see what people were creating and to see if I could bring anything exciting to the table.  With my skill set in 3D cinematics, I thought I could do something pretty cool that maybe hadn't been seen before on this site.  Even before creating my player, I did a quick test to see if I could come up with something in 3D that could work going forward.  That was my profile banner and avatar image!  Once my test worked, I created Leonard Triller and began the (maybe) overly ambitious plan of two graphics a week.  Still going strong!
 
     
 
     Now that I had my player it was time to figure out who to sign with, how the site worked and how to earn more TPE, once I figured out what TPE was.  After browsing the teams initially, I decided I would sign with Saskatoon if they offered.  Luckily, @Bulduray_1 posted for the Wild.  I chose the Wild because I lived in S'toon for about 2 years and really enjoyed it and thought it would be an extra cool layer of immersion.  @Bulduray_1 was kind enough to answer all of my questions and set me off in the right direction as well as always reacting to my content.  It was very much appreciated!  I worked on my graphics and also made some to help pick up waiver players in a system which is now obsolete! 
 

Death of the hashtags!
 
I was using the forums often trying to draw some attention to my contributions while also recognizing others.  Unfortunately, some turmoil was going on and a lot of attention was given’ to posts that were fueling controversy.  It was a bit disheartening to see these things dealt with so publicly while those putting in a lot of effort to make the forum content fun were falling by the wayside.  Bans were handed out and things moved on, as they always do.
 
     After the season in Saskatoon I got to experience some of the off-season tournaments like the JST.  It was nice to see that the off-season events helped keep newer people engaged and still earning TPE.  @RElblein drafted my player to the Royals where I got more involved in Discord and the LR.  I am not a big fan of all the Discords but if I focus on only a couple, I can manage!  Everyone seemed to get along and it made for a good experience which was in large part due to @RElblein.
 

 
     Next up was the draft.  This was a more exciting event than I thought it would be!  Having all the GMs reach out for interviews was an awesome way to meet some new people or at least chat with them.  I had a good chat with @Enorama and he filled me in about the streams and got me to tune in!  It was great to see, and I want to thank all of you involved for the time and effort put in.  By this point, my graphics were getting more attention and my player had some recognition.  It was awesome to be picked though it seems I caused some confusion by wanting a full season in the VHLM after hitting 200 TPE in the offseason.  A big thanks to @jacobcarson877 of my current team, the Marlins and my future teams, Geneva Rush with @MexicanCow123 and @Dil with London United for having no issues with how I wanted to make my players transition into each league.  I look forward to playing with Geneva next season and hopefully London for the seasons after!
 
     This season has been great with the Marlins.  @jacobcarson877 keeps an active LR and it is a great place to get involved.  Very helpful with TPE advice and making sure everyone gets good play time in the sims.  The playoffs are going to get crazy!
 

 
     So far, every conversation I have had on the forums and in Discord has been very positive!  I appreciate everyone who has reached out about my graphics just to let me know it is being seen and is enjoyed.  I get TPE for doing it but the comments and reactions really fuel me to keep going.  It has pushed me to engage further with others on the forum to make sure they know their work is being seen as well.  In this regard, I want to shout out @BOOM for always being active on my posts, along with @Pifferfish and all the current and even former Marlins for showing their support!  There are many others who have reached out to chat on the forums and discord and I appreciate it!  Same to everyone who reacts or even just takes a look at what I do.
 
So that is my experience with the VHL so far and now that I have had some time here, I have a few concerns moving forward.
 
I fear burnout and I need to start considering a more leveled approach to my earning if I am going to last 8 seasons!  It takes a lot to make 3D graphics and doing it twice each week is going to be too much.  I need to work on tossing in writing tasks that I can claim for multiple weeks though I don't really like that as it means I am less engaged on a week to week basis and just popping in to claim on an old post. I have a couple large ideas that would take a few weeks to create but I wouldn't be able to max earn while working on them.  What I want to do is worth more than a 6 TPE graphic or media spot and could be claimed for weeks afterwards but wouldn't make up for the lost weeks spent working on it since you can't claim back weeks.  I am also not a fan of claiming the same post for too many weeks after as it just lowers my engagement with the forums.  That's just me though and I need to adjust my thinking there.  What should I do with these bigger ideas? Another concern, is the most exciting part of my players career over?  The draft!  The draft was fun and engaging but is done so quickly.  After this season, I head to Geneva then to London which will be fun but will anything be as exciting?  I hope to win some championships and feel that rush if it comes! Review tasks.  This is how I max out every week at the end but it is getting very repetitive.  I try to sincerely review and give advice where I can but there are only so many users who post graphics and I am going to be quite annoying after reviewing the same persons work over and over again for 8 seasons.  
Some things that could be better but I haven't thought too hard or long about?
 
The forum is what it is and as someone who is a bit older, I am used to navigating through forums.  Stating that, it will definitely be a bit convoluted for younger members and depending on what you are looking for, complicated for everyone.  I don't dare dip a toe into trivia.  Fixing this would involve an overhaul in my opinion as building on a flawed base creates the same instabilities as before but reorganizing and better highlighting the most important places is a must. Character builds and the "proper" distribution of TPE needs to just be locked down.  If there are attributes that seemingly do nothing and everyone has universally agreed that no points should go to them, have them automatically maxed out and made invisible.  No need then to tell every new member to redo their build because they made a wrong choice without knowing it.  I made the wrong choice early on but will not re-roll.  I'm not concerned about my player but I am a bit disappointed in the lack of unique builds that this creates. Point Tasks are next.  There was recently a bit of a change with career point tasks which was nice but after only a couple seasons, the repetitive nature of the point tasks are becoming quite evident.  I am attempting to be a max earner and love doing graphics but I am starting to struggle with different ideas to keep things fresh and without other significant task options,  I need to do my best to try not to fall into a bare minimum slump and to mix things up where I can. This may be just me but I wish the VHL stats were more comprehensive.  I want to know who my player plays best with.  The most points I have while playing with certain players or against.  What my point production is when playing on different lines.  I think these kinds of stats could create a very fun way for GMs to plan matchups and line chemistry that could create natural rivalries between players or help a GM to possibly trade for players who had good chemistry on other teams with other players.  I am still bad at using the index so if this is a thing, please point me in the right direction.  
     If it sounds like this was put together through multiple 4am baby feedings then you'd be eerily correct, but I would like to thank everyone involved that keeps this place running and engaging.  It can be a thankless task you do and at times it likely ruins your day, but know that you are appreciated and that this first gen is thankful for the time you put in!  Let's see how long I will last!
 
(1500+ Words)
Weeks Ending: 12/11, 12/18, 12/25

1. GM John Frostbeard has been called out after he claimed that this season's Bratislava Watchmen are the best roster ever assembled in VHLE, your thoughts on the matter?
I think they are about to find out just how good we are! Let's get some wins this season! 
2. A monstrous trade was made with Istanbul Red Wolves in which Bratislava received two first line calibre players Rick Grimes and Daryl Dixon - how much of an influence they will be this season for Watchemn?
Grimes has some great FO stats so he should help us to get the puck more often, and Daryl looks like he can certainly score some goals!
3. Rex Wolfe Gregor and Dens Oden were seen going out for quite a few drinks last night, a day before the opening game - do you feel like that is the way for 2 teammates to act with so little time left before the puckdrop?   
Eh wouldn't be my first choice before a game but we all have our rituals and it looks like their drinking habits are helping so far! 
4. What are your goals for this upcoming season, do you focus more on personal achievement or more on the team's overall performance?
I like to focus on both. Last season in the M I performed well individually in a way that helped the team make it to the playoffs. I look to be an offensive force that can help the team win games
5. Bratislava Watchmen have been one of the most consistent if not the most consistent team in VHLE, do you think that is important for a team to have a continued success that might not necessarily mean that team has the ultimate roster? 
I think being consistently good is important, but if it doesn't lead to championships then more risks may need to be taken
6. Considering that most of the players on Bratislava roster have not played here before, is there a player with whom you are excited to have that chance of sharing ice-time? 
I played with Womp and Bezos a bit in the M so I am happy to be playing with them again in the E! 

Thanks!! 

The Prime Minister’s Cup
Awarded to the team with the most points in the regular season.
 
The S85 winner, the Las Vegas Aces, with 122 Points.
 
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The Alexander Chershenko Trophy
Awarded to the player who leads the VHLM in goals during the regular season.
 
From the Houston Bulls and Mexico City Kings, The Mediocre One, @RElblein, with 66 goals.
 
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The Ethan Osborne Trophy
Awarded to the player who leads the VHLM in points at the end of the regular season.
 
From the Houston Bulls and Mexico City Kings, The Mediocre One, @RElblein, with 129 points.
 
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The Vladimir Boomchenko Trophy
Awarded to the player who leads the VHLM in assists at the end of the regular season.
 
 
From the Houston Bulls, Ethan Mann, @Emann2003, with 75 assists.
 
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Lowest Goals Against Average
 
From the Miami Marauders, Bill Nye The Puck Stopping Guy, @Big Newff, with a 2.2 GAA.
 
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Highest Save Percentage
 
From the Saskatoon Wild, Alexander Minion, @UnknownMinion, with a .921 SV%.

@RElblein @Reno @Emann2003 Congrats on the hardware! Making Houston proud.

Lets go Team USA!!!!

Lets go Team USA!!!!

Mexico City may have come up short to fly the Founder’s Cup banner, but they gave it their all.  GM Cole, @badcolethetitan made some great moves this season to lift the team and the impact was immediate, putting the Kings into the playoffs.  The Kings dominated Saskatoon in the first round and welcomed facing the Las Vegas Aces.  The outgoing Aces GM Shindigs, @Shindigs stayed calm and prepared his team for the match up.  Things were looking good for the Kings as they led the series 3-2, before Las Vegas came back and eliminated the Kings in game 7.
 
The Kings were led by left wing Nikolas Kauppi, @Tetricidewho was the leader during the season as well.  The recent addition of The Mediocre One, @RElblein gave confidence to the Kings and kept them in the running.  On the defensive side, Nanashi Mumei, @kobematthewpounded opponents while helping the offense with assists.  Womp Womp Womp Womp … @AdamEsshelped goalie Jeremy Swayman @Agitothroughout the series by blocking several shots.  And of course the McFleury brothers were consistent contributors and team players all trying to lift the cup.
 
The Kings will be losing several star players next season, all of whom will surely be leaders on their new teams.  And surely you can be prepared for another super draft by Mexico City to help the Kings compete once again.  There is no doubt GM Cole is already actively looking for some roster moves and draft picks to help his team dominate and be one of the top VHLM competitors.
 
243 words

Aces Deal Themselves into the Founder’s Cup Final
 
After securing a chance to defend their Founder’s Cup title for the second year in a row by becoming the second team in VHLM history to win the Prime Minister’s Cup with the top regular season record three consecutive seasons, the S85 Las Vegas Aces prepared themselves for a battle against the San Diego Marlins.
 
San Diego Marlins 
 
The West rivals last played each other in the postseason in the S83 Founder’s Cup Final when the Aces won the series in six games capturing their first Cup since S64. The Aces hoped history would repeat.
 
Las Vegas won the first two at home handily by scores of 4-2 and 5-0. The Marlins reciprocated by winning their two home games 3-2 (curtesy of a Vincent Laroche-Gagnier @vincentlg2007 OT winner and Lachlan Summers’ @kirbithan 44-save performance) and 3-1. The Aces were not to be denied however and they took the next two games 5-2 on Wann Kerr’s @VattghernCZ four goals and 2-0 with Aces’ goalie Joel Castle @animal74 setting a franchise record with his 2nd career playoff shutout.
 
 
Mexico City Kings 
 
In a repeat of the Western Semi-Finals last season, Las Vegas would play their rivals across the border, the Mexico City Kings after they swept the Saskatoon Wild.
 
In a weird scheduling quirk, the Kings and Aces played their entire nine-game series in each team’s first 19 games of the season with Las Vegas winning the series 7-2 and outscoring the Kings 29-22 with 3 one-goal games (including one shootout). This series proved to be even closer.
 
The two teams split the games in Vegas with the Aces taking the first one 4-3 thanks to Jens Lekman’s @Bobcat power play marker at 14:48 of the third just over a minute after the Kings tied it up. Jeremy Swayman @Agito backstopped the Kings to a Game 2 victory stopping 36 shots in a 5-3 win where the Kings overcame Las Vegas’ three power play goals and got two goals apiece from Alexander Stroheim @Stroheim and The Mediocre One @RElblein. The Mediocre One would score two goals again in a Game 3 5-3 win and along with three assists from Quinn Saint-Willes @Squids McKenzie, the Kings were up 2-1 in the series. The Aces would not quit though and in a bounce-back performance after getting pulled in the last two games, Joel Castle made 34 saves and Laytin Cupp @laytin scored early in the third period to craft a 3-2 win to tie the series at 2 games each. Mexico City then torched the Vegas goalies in a 6-2 Game 5 victory with Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide scoring twice.
 
On the ropes, Aces’ fans had to wonder which Joel Castle would show up – the goalie that posted two shutouts in Round 1 or the goalie that had been pulled in all three losses in Round 2? Fortunately for Las Vegas, neither team’s goalie was sharp in Game 6, but Castle was a bit better as the Aces got three points each from Larry Abass Jr @RileyL, Robert Overmeyer @RobBro34, and Wann Kerr in a 6-3 win to take the series to Game 7.
 
Despite scoring first two minutes into the game, the Kings would be on their heels the rest of the way as the Aces scored the next three goals, outshooting the Kings 19-9 and ending the first period with a 4-2 lead on the strength of Kobe Johnson’s @Vkobe-v hat trick. Vegas added another score in the second period and Castle shut the door to give Las Vegas a 5-2 win and their third straight trip to the Founder’s Cup.  
 
Philadelphia Reapers
 
This will be another great series. Las Vegas Aces are the grizzled veterans and defending champions entering their fourth Final in five seasons. The fourth-place Philadelphia Reapers pulled off their own Game 7 miracle in Round 1 mounting an astounding comeback upsetting the East’s top team, the Ottawa Lynx, after being down 3-0 in the series. Then S85’s Cinderella team beat the Miami Marauders in five games to make the franchise’s first Final since S75 when they won the Cup in six games against Mexico City.
 
The Aces won the regular season series 8-3 but that included an overtime win and two shootout wins. All but one game was decided by 2 goals or less with Las Vegas outscoring the Reapers 39-31. During the post season the team’s stats have been fairly even except on special teams where Vegas has a distinct advantage. Philadelphia will have to stay out of the box in order to avoid the Aces’ lethal power play. In net, Evan Bihler @Eb14 has a slightly better save percentage (0.909 to 0.907) but Joel Castle’s GAA is lower (2.63 to 2.96). Castle has posted two shutouts, Bihler has one. Will Philadelphia’s magical run continue or will Las Vegas make VHLM history with a three-peat?
 
Stay tuned.
 
Welcome to the S85 Founder’s Cup Final!

The Royals are proud to announce their roster for the S85 Junior Showcase Tournament! 
 
Forwards:
C - Jimi Jaks  @kelvi
C - Nick Trash @nikkisixx089 
LW - Sadie St Louis @sadie
LW - David King @nfrank060
LW - Feliks Sobek @G2019
RW - John Richards @John Cimarno
RW - Leonard Triller @Triller
RW - Laytin Cupp @laytin
RW - Grizz Tazzo @xslapxshotsx
RW - Brandan Huinink @Brandan8
 
Defense:
D - Edward Traverse @Python_Starbuzz
D - Tyler Swift @lilchrist
D - Jack Jeckler @Uncommon
 
Goalie:
G - Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro
 
I am honored to be the GM for the Royals this tournament. Let's get out there, score some goals, block some shots, and get some wins! If you have not yet joined the discord server for our locker room, please let me know and I will send you an invite. 
 
GO ROYALS!! 

The Royals are proud to announce their roster for the S85 Junior Showcase Tournament! 
 
Forwards:
C - Jimi Jaks  @kelvi
C - Nick Trash @nikkisixx089 
LW - Sadie St Louis @sadie
LW - David King @nfrank060
LW - Feliks Sobek @G2019
RW - John Richards @John Cimarno
RW - Leonard Triller @Triller
RW - Laytin Cupp @laytin
RW - Grizz Tazzo @xslapxshotsx
RW - Brandan Huinink @Brandan8
 
Defense:
D - Edward Traverse @Python_Starbuzz
D - Tyler Swift @lilchrist
D - Jack Jeckler @Uncommon
 
Goalie:
G - Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro
 
I am honored to be the GM for the Royals this tournament. Let's get out there, score some goals, block some shots, and get some wins! If you have not yet joined the discord server for our locker room, please let me know and I will send you an invite. 
 
GO ROYALS!! 

The Royals are proud to announce their roster for the S85 Junior Showcase Tournament! 
 
Forwards:
C - Jimi Jaks  @kelvi
C - Nick Trash @nikkisixx089 
LW - Sadie St Louis @sadie
LW - David King @nfrank060
LW - Feliks Sobek @G2019
RW - John Richards @John Cimarno
RW - Leonard Triller @Triller
RW - Laytin Cupp @laytin
RW - Grizz Tazzo @xslapxshotsx
RW - Brandan Huinink @Brandan8
 
Defense:
D - Edward Traverse @Python_Starbuzz
D - Tyler Swift @lilchrist
D - Jack Jeckler @Uncommon
 
Goalie:
G - Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro
 
I am honored to be the GM for the Royals this tournament. Let's get out there, score some goals, block some shots, and get some wins! If you have not yet joined the discord server for our locker room, please let me know and I will send you an invite. 
 
GO ROYALS!! 

The Royals are proud to announce their roster for the S85 Junior Showcase Tournament! 
 
Forwards:
C - Jimi Jaks  @kelvi
C - Nick Trash @nikkisixx089 
LW - Sadie St Louis @sadie
LW - David King @nfrank060
LW - Feliks Sobek @G2019
RW - John Richards @John Cimarno
RW - Leonard Triller @Triller
RW - Laytin Cupp @laytin
RW - Grizz Tazzo @xslapxshotsx
RW - Brandan Huinink @Brandan8
 
Defense:
D - Edward Traverse @Python_Starbuzz
D - Tyler Swift @lilchrist
D - Jack Jeckler @Uncommon
 
Goalie:
G - Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro
 
I am honored to be the GM for the Royals this tournament. Let's get out there, score some goals, block some shots, and get some wins! If you have not yet joined the discord server for our locker room, please let me know and I will send you an invite. 
 
GO ROYALS!! 

Attention, Heavenly Seven: Ash Sparks
(written by @kirbithan)
 
The S85 VHLM Draft was a spectacle to behold. It boasted many talents and unexpected twists and turns. One of the most notable feats was that a total of seven goaltenders were selected in the draft’s first two rounds. This was unprecedented, but the goaltender class looked exceptionally strong. This season, many games in the VHLM have come down to how well these netminders performed, which aptly earned them the nickname of the “Heavenly Seven.”
 
Who are the Heavenly Seven? What are their stories? Could this be a nickname that follows this group for the rest of their careers?
 
In the first edition of Attention, Heavenly Seven, veteran VHL member @DarkSpyro - also known as Ash Sparks - is the man of the hour. Spyro has consistently updated his listeners about the Heavenly Seven and their performances on his podcast “Spyro After Dark” and is thoroughly invested in his player as well as the others within the Seven. 
 
Spyro also had a hand in creating the “Heavenly Seven” nickname. After browsing an article centered around the “Big Five” goalies before the draft, Spyro commented that the author excluded two goalies from the list and mentioned that he disliked the “Big Five” nickname. The author then replied, “How about the Heavenly Seven then?” Spyro embraced the Heavenly Seven and emphasized how much he adored the nickname. 
 
When he first joined the VHL in S68, his first player was also a goaltender named Jimmy Spyro. He notes that this was the “best time he had in the league.” However, after a while, he was on welfare and lost interest in the league before being roped back into it at the urging of his friends. He had an overwhelming urge to recreate as a goaltender and play in net again. Thus, Ash Sparks was born. 
 
Spyro’s nickname originated from his time as a goalie in roller hockey when he was around 9 years old. His goalie mask design had two purple dragons on either side, roaring fire past the cage to the chin. Then, the Spyro game was recently released for the PlayStation, so one of his teammates commented, “His mask is like a badass Spyro the Dragon... that’s it! You’re Spyro.” As Spyro’s team wore nicknames on the back of their jerseys instead of surnames, the moniker stuck for that season and the next twenty years. 
 
When it came to Ash Sparks, Ash was derived from the middle name of Spyro’s son “Asher,” but also represented Spyro metaphorically “rising from the ashes” to return to the VHL stronger than ever. Meanwhile, Sparks was also a reference to the video game that Spyro’s nickname originated from all those years ago. Sparks the dragonfly was a companion and protector of Spyro the Dragon, representing Ash Sparks as the protector of the crease and his legacy.
 
Spyro knew Ash Sparks could have been selected anywhere in the VHLM draft with how deep the goaltender class was. He was drafted 15th overall by the Halifax 21st and put up stellar performances after his team’s slow start to the season. He was delighted to end up on Halifax, as they were a team that started the season near the bottom of the power rankings with a lack of defense. It was the perfect place to prove his worth and showcase his skills to their fullest potential.
 
As of the publication of this article, Sparks is one of the best goaltenders in the league. He is more than pleased with his performance between the pipes: “My goal for this season? Prove I am the best, the true top dog, and that I am a force to be feared no matter who my opposition may be. A few more shutouts, finish with my team ready for the playoffs, and lastly win the Founder’s Cup.”
 
He is also an extremely active member of both the forum and his locker room, energized by his new player and the people he’s surrounded by. He made his return to the league with a podcast co-hosted with his friend @DoktorFunk. Not only has it been his main source of TPE, but it has kept him engaged with the VHL. “I have fallen back in love with the community and meeting new people always gives me motivation to keep being myself.” He makes firing up his teammates and getting them pumped for each gameday his everyday goal. 

Finally, Spyro was asked if he had any words for the other members of the Heavenly Seven, and he responded accordingly. “All memes made by me are not with ill intent, they are made out of playful love for our bond. We are all the Heavenly Seven and will forever be rivals, but I adore and respect all of you. Each time we step on the ice, I’ll meet you by the boards near the benches for some props and to wish you good luck, always be myself and friendly. . .but then after that until the final buzzer blows... I will be your worst nightmare. See you on the ice, my friends.”
 
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Silly Season
(written by @leandrofg)
 
That's the nickname for the trade deadline, right? It's that time of the season when caution is sometimes thrown out the window. It could be a General Manager overvaluing their own team, which turns them into a desperate buyer. Or worse, a General Manager that undervalues their team and turns them into an eager seller.
 
Anyway, the silly season always comes and goes. And thankfully, we are always here to follow it actively. This season we were treated to a not-so-active deadline, but the trades that happened sure left us with something to write about.
 
Let's start with the VHLM.
 
It was September 26th. A week before the deadline and an emergency call placed by the season's start was answered. Finally, somebody answered the prayers of Ben McLaughlin, @Ben mclaughlin. It's been a turmoiled career in the VHLM for the Canadian. The quality seems to be there, but everything else seems to not be clicking for that player. After starting as a Free Agent pickup on a lousy Season 83 Kings team, they were traded to Miami to finish the season. At the season 84 draft, the Marauders used their time together to pick Ben. They still decided to trade them to Mississauga during the latter's S84 playoff push. A season later, Ben is on their third (and final) VHLM season, and they find themselves back in Miami. Three seasons of lackluster numbers, but let's hope this last chance to make a mark in the playoffs is taken by Ben!
 
Heads up! The 0-63 Mississauga Hounds prove that a roster limit must be imposed in the VHLM.
 
Then another trade happened. This one took a while! And it took that much because the Houston Bulls were on fire. They were burning so hot that I could almost feel them 8000 kilometers away. High on the standings and leading the league in goals scored, the Houston Bulls weren't selling until there was a tipping point in their season... which was expected to happen. And thankfully, for my personal predictor, this trade happened. Well, thankfully at 50% because I got the team wrong. Saskatoon did well and swooped in to trade for Reno Reinhold, @Reno. In their second and last season in the VHLM, the German powerhouse was on a tear in Houston. They have also started well in Saskatoon, but it is possible that the cold has got to them, and we still are to see the best they can do.
 
Last but not least, the team that started number 1 on everybody's Power Rankings, the Mexico City Kings. Well... were they in trouble early or what? When we expected them to thrive and take care of business, they managed to squander every opportunity. To their credit, they have managed to turn that form around. Now amid the race, we won't see them fight for top seeding in the VHLM, but that 2nd spot in the Western Conference is still there for the taking. The trade? Well, the irony. The Mediocre One, @RElblein, was the player chosen to be the spotlight of the deal. His hot start in Houston, Mediocre, has continued his not-so-mediocre effort to the season in Mexico. Could he be the one helping Mexico reach that elusive Founders' Cup?
 
It is time to level up. To the VHLE, we go.
 
We start with our own part-time sellers, full-time winners, Stockholm Vikings. Could this be a sentence trying to compensate for something? Yes, likely. Stockholm started the season with a new General Manager and the 7th spot in our Power Rankings. Where are they now? Fighting for 3rd. This trade for Loki Baker DMD, @Bayley, comes a week after trading Nagy Al to the Gladiators, but Stockholm is always looking for value. Baker DMD has been underwhelming in Geneva, and their start in Stockholm hasn't been the best. But what remains is that the Vikings are a winning team that could be getting better not only for the time being but for next season too!
 
Now let's talk about riches getting richer. Damn! Well, I can't be too mad. They did what I told them they should do in our first analysis during the last VHLM Illustrated. The Oslo Storm started the season as clear favorites, and their level of play has shown that. Dominating their opponents with an amazingly offensive display, they have been leading the VHLE in scoring since the start of the season. Defensively, they apparently thought they could do something about it. They looked towards the shops in Geneva and left with their plane chiming the excess weight warning sounds. Babushka, @BrutalBoost, and Quinn Clark, @axtron, have already found their place in Oslo, and we can only wait to see what they do in the remainder of the season.
 
Last but not least, our love affair. It's between Jason, @Jason kranz, and Cologne. Did you know that Eau du Cologne only has a 2-4% fragrance concentration? That would last you for about 2 hours of good smell. Cologne's love for Jason, though? Well, that remained for weeks. Four weeks would be accurate too! Welcome to another episode of word playfulness, and I hope to have not lost you yet. Jason started the season on a losing team. Istanbul was a loser on paper to start the season and turned to losers on the ice as soon as it was time for it. It wasn't long until the offers started pouring to the new GM, Kurt Janser, @Daniel Janser, who inherited a championship-winning depleted squad. Rome and Cologne were fighting for Jason, but only one could take him home, and the Gladiators won that round. The fight didn't end there, and after Rome's season worsened, Cologne approached with an offer for Jason. He can now leave his mark on the VHLE as he stands to graduate to the VHL next season. Could he help the Express find their path in the playoffs?
 
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Early VHLM Playoff Predictions
(written by @kirbithan)
 
Welcome to Prospect Pipeline’s first round playoff preview and predictions! In this article, we will be breaking down the four potential first round playoff series after an incredibly hardfought season in the VHLM. The top three teams are essentially locked into their spots, but the lower 5 could fall anywhere in the standings. Without further ado, these are my predictions for the seeding and first round.
 
LAS VEGAS ACES (1) VS. PHILADELPHIA REAPERS (8)
 
This series could end up becoming extremely lopsided with the firepower that the Aces possess and they look primed to three-peat. The Aces’ Antoine Barksdale has produced over 90 points in 60 games, carrying a majority of the offensive load. Meanwhile the Reapers’ duo of Sunglasses Joyo and Care Bear have produced nearly 80 and 70 points respectively. They only have one defenseman and a weaker goaltender on their roster which hurts their chances of taking this series significantly, which will drop them to the 8th seed. That being noted, Las Vegas’ potent offense gives them the advantage in this contest and they should be able to come out on top against a feeble Philadelphia defense. 
(@CrookedAnt, @thecaringbear, @JetsGoalie101)
 
FINAL PREDICTION: Las Vegas takes the series in 5 games.
 
 
OTTAWA LYNX (2) VS. SAN DIEGO MARLINS (7)
 
Both of these teams took a step in the right direction, as they were the 5th and 9th seed last season. The Lynx won 4 of 5 matchups, vastly outshooting the Marlins in every game. Ottawa’s Sadie St-Louis and Brayden Albrecht have been on a tear with over 75 points each. This high-powered offense could potentially be the thorn in San Diego’s side. Vincent Laroche-Gagnier is the Marlins’ top scorer with over 70 points. Another cornerstone is Sjin, who they acquired from Miami. Since returning to San Diego, Sjin has put up 62 points in 55 games after a measly 3 points in 7 games with the Marauders. Goaltender Lachlan Summers will also have to stand on his head as he has done all season, with a .914 SV % and a 2.57 GAA to his name. Although both of these teams lack defensive depth, Ottawa has the slight advantage with their high-scoring offense. 
(@sadie, @Gage2, @vincentlg2007, @kirbithan, @Mint)
 
FINAL PREDICTION: Ottawa takes the series in 6 games.
 
 
MIAMI MARAUDERS (3) VS. HALIFAX 21ST (6)
 
The Miami Marauders have made a splash after finishing dead last in the previous season while the Halifax 21st maintain their position in the standings from last season. With the duo of Daryl Dixon and Rick Grimes putting up over 90 points each, they have generated a majority of the Marauders’ offense with great success. Halifax’s leading scorer is Bedirhan Paard, who has scored 74 points in his tenure with the team. They possess quite a few inactive players that will hurt them in this run while Miami has sufficient depth that puts them close to a complete roster. However, the 21st have an advantage in net. Miami’s starting goaltender went IA and leave them no choice but to start Justin Lion. This series could come down to the wire and swing in either team’s favor. 
(@Ricer13, @tinafrombobsburgers, @Emperor_Fun, @Bedirhan)
 
FINAL PREDICTION: Miami takes the series in 7 games.
 
 
MEXICO CITY KINGS (4)  VS. SASKATOON WILD (5)
 
Mexico City had one of the strongest rosters at the beginning of the season, but experienced an unprecedented fall from grace. Now, with the help of a few recreates, they look to make a deep playoff run and I predict they will finish as the 4th seed. The Kings also traded for The Mediocre One to round out their offense, who leads the league in scoring with an astounding 115 points. Oli McGee carried the Wild offense with 97 points in 61 games and could potentially be a player that turns the tide in this matchup. Another notable player on the Wild is goaltender Alexander Minion who boasts a .923 SV % and a 2.53 GAA. He will have to play exceptionally well against this rejuvenated Mexico squad. As it stands, Mexico City has the edge on paper with Saskatoon’s lack of depth.
(@RElblein, @Oli-La-Poutine, @UnknownMinion)
 
FINAL PREDICTION: Mexico City takes the series in 6 games.
 
On behalf of the staff at Prospect Pipeline, good luck to the participants in this year’s Founder Cup playoffs! The Aces look as strong as they did last season, but can anyone dethrone the reigning champs?
 
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Who knows what will happen?
(written by @leandrofg)
 
1. Oslo (= 1st) 
2. Bratislava (= 2nd) 
3. Cologne (= 3rd)
4. Stockholm (+ 7th) 
5. Vasteras (= 5th)
6. Rome (= 6th)
7. Geneva (- 4th) 
8. Istanbul (= 8th)
 
With 10 games left in the VHLE, we couldn't possibly have this list formed any other way. But let's elaborate differently.
 
The Contenders. Oslo and Bratislava.
 
The Pretenders. Cologne, Stockholm, and Vasteras.
 
The There's-a-spot-left-in-the-playoffs. Geneva and Rome.
 
The Red Wolves.
 
It was never expected to see the Red Wolves competing as they did last season. As their championship run ended, we could all see a rebuild was the next step for the team.
 
The Contenders were known from the beginning of the season. Oslo was built to win this season and could be for the next season, as JB's work is starting to be noticed. As long as John Frostbeard, @FrostBeard, stands at the helm of the Watchmen, they will always be favorites. His work this season shows that winning mentality. With aggressive moves in the draft and Free Agency, he has assembled a winning squad for the season and hopes for the future.
 
Cologne and Vasteras were pretenders from the beginning, but Stockholm has turned into a dark horse. Could we see the new GM @MubbleFubbles surprising the league? Cologne has been making moves to try and step ahead of the competition, but they have yet to pan out. Could they have taken a page of the Vasteras playbook and stayed calm and faithful to the process?
 
Geneva and Rome will give us the most pleasant fight for the next 10 games. If you're in, you have a chance. If you're out, you're forgotten. Rome started lower on the rankings and made the moves to be competitive but seems to have pulled out. They are now running with a winning streak. Could that give them the motivation to go after the better-rated Rush?
 
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A General Manager Chronicle
(written by @JB123)
 
Coming into the season, Oslo had several prospects, among them Todd Cooke, Jon Webber Jr, Lorenzo Cobberson, Akio Suzuki and Brodie Landry III, ready to make the jump to the team. The draft was still yet to arrive, which would fill some key holes on the roster. @l1l krzy l9l had valuable input prior to draft night, and has only done more and more for the team as time has gone on, extending into an AGM role.
(@Webberj, @Hendrix Cobberson, @David Cobberson, @Erik, @Brodie_Landry)
 
As for the draft itself, the likes of John Jameson, Reid Johnson and Henry Tucker Jr were selected; Jameson would give us a proven scorer; Johnson, a top-four defender and promising first gen; and Tucker Jr, he would complete our goaltending duo with Sam Tombstone, one that we had full confidence in. Once the full draft was finished and we had drafted prospects we were excited about, free agency was just around the corner.
(@Frank, @TopTiddee2, @NSG, @samthemancub)
 
We were glad to extend Cobberson’s brother, David, in addition to inking FAs Gus Bentley, @boatsinking123, and Juan Sano III, @denns. Bentley I was already familiar with from when I drafted them in San Diego, and they had valuable cup experience, winning with Bratislava in S83. Sano III had a terrific career in the minors and solidified the team up the middle.
 
The season overall has had its ups and downs. There have been some win streaks followed by strings of going .500, which led myself and Krzy to bring in defenders Babushka and Quinn Clark from Geneva, who have given us more options to work with. Even through this season’s losses, it looks like Oslo has finally recovered from its rebuild. Not only has this season been an improvement over the past few here, but it has been an extremely enjoyable one with a great group of people in the locker room. It should be interesting to see how things play out down the stretch, to say the least. 

The Royal Guard - The Mexico City Kings
 
 

 
Royal Guard:
 
The Mexico City Kings have made headlines today, signing huge recreates to help bolster their lineup for the playoffs. The Kings, currently 23-20-9 sit tied for 7th place, 7 points in a playoff spot. With the recent acquisitions of @AJW, @Alex, and @Spaz, the team looks poised to potentially be a deadly underdog come playoff time. This team struggled at the beginning of the season, finding themselves in 9th place for most of the season, but recently after acquiring @RElblein, the team has been stepping it up and climbing the standings. If the Kings are able to get 5th, or even higher, this could be a sleeper team that could go very far in the playoffs and potentially win it all. On top of that, there could potentially be more moves made by the GM in getting more players to the Kings, so we'll have to see if that is going to happen!

Recent trades have made an immediate success.  What are our chances of advancing deep into the playoffs now? Surely our chances must be like 95% with these awesome trades! 
 
2.  Have you ever suffered a concussion playing sports?
Nope, never even broke a bone playing sports 
 
3.  Jeremy Swayman has faced almost 1400 shots so far this season and he’s still standing.  How resilient is he and how much of an impact is he having on Mexico City’s success?
Seems pretty resilient to me! Hopefully he has a few hundred more blocks in him! 
 
4.  Have you welcomed our new players, The Mediocre One and Ross Glagau?  Do you think they miss their old team and they are happy with the trade?
Well I am on of those so I guess I welcomed myself! I do miss my old team but I am happy with the trade and think we have a good group of players! 
 
5.  If you could have one super power, what would it be?
hmmm tough one but flying might be pretty cool, or hulk strength, that would be cool too (imagine the goals I could score if I had hulk strength?!)
 
6.  What is your favorite cookie?
White chocolate macadamia! 

Recent trades have made an immediate success.  What are our chances of advancing deep into the playoffs now? Surely our chances must be like 95% with these awesome trades! 
 
2.  Have you ever suffered a concussion playing sports?
Nope, never even broke a bone playing sports 
 
3.  Jeremy Swayman has faced almost 1400 shots so far this season and he’s still standing.  How resilient is he and how much of an impact is he having on Mexico City’s success?
Seems pretty resilient to me! Hopefully he has a few hundred more blocks in him! 
 
4.  Have you welcomed our new players, The Mediocre One and Ross Glagau?  Do you think they miss their old team and they are happy with the trade?
Well I am on of those so I guess I welcomed myself! I do miss my old team but I am happy with the trade and think we have a good group of players! 
 
5.  If you could have one super power, what would it be?
hmmm tough one but flying might be pretty cool, or hulk strength, that would be cool too (imagine the goals I could score if I had hulk strength?!)
 
6.  What is your favorite cookie?
White chocolate macadamia! 

I would like to apply! Thanks! 

I would like to apply! Thanks!