kirbithan

Jacob, this was such a fun read! It was so entertaining to see your takes on who our NHL comparisons are. Amazing work and thank you so much for your kind words!! It's an honor to be considered an alternate captain. Thank you for embracing your team of Baby Marlins and making the VHL experience super rewarding and fun!

Awesome work, Sadie!!

SAN DIEGO — With so much time on their hands, what do hockey players do in the offseason? For Lachlan Summers, the answer is an easy one. Making baked goods. Anything you could think of, he’s most likely had a run-in with it. When asked about his love for baking, Summers had this to say. “I reckon it started when I would help my mum in the kitchen when I was a kid. She was always baking something on weekends. So now I’m trying to take her pastry crown from her. Don’t tell her I said that, though.” “I also baked my fiancé’s birthday cake. Decorated it and everything. Quickly learned I actually enjoy that kind of stuff.” The goaltender added with a laugh. “Some of my teammates said I should start an Instagram to show off what I make. We’ll see.” Summers proceeded to present his impressive portfolio of the treats he’s made over the past few months, including but not limited to: double fudge brownies, salted caramel cookies, banana bread, as well as pecan pie ( he noted the pie as his mother’s specialty ). He’s a goaltender. He’s a baker. Now what else does Summers intend to do with his time? “I mean, I’m definitely gonna work on offseason conditioning. Not gonna lay around all day and eat sweets. Maybe I’ll learn how to play the drums next, though.” Word count: 229

@nurx Would love to enter my article into the VHLM Writing Competition if this qualifies!

Lachlan after San Diego’s 5-2 win over Miami In San Diego’s final game of the season against the Miami Marauders, goaltender Lachlan Summers was able to secure his second VHLM win in a dominant 5-2 victory, making 24 saves of 26 shots. The team in front of him had shown significant progress and a new confidence in themselves, wanting to leave it all out on the ice for the last time this season. Afterwards, Lachlan had lingered on the ice far longer than usual, leaning against the goal net and taking in everything he had experienced so far as a VHLMer. With the offseason rolling around and the draft to be highly anticipated, Lachlan has had quite the whirlwind of an experience so far in the VHLM. Most of the members of this young Marlins crew were signed around the same time. They had learned the ropes of the league and what it had to offer together, figuring things out as they went. As they were the late reinforcements brought in off waivers, they were intent on leaving their mark during their short time as a complete unit. A team of misfits is what they were. Thrown into a lineup at the last possible moment, but making every second of ice time count. This team quickly grasped onto the VHLM’s style of play and what they were expected to accomplish, with the help of their eager and welcoming general manager, who wanted nothing more than to watch his new recruits grow and begin to cement their own legacies. Lachlan regards his short stint with the Marlins fondly, and also noted that he had quickly bonded with his teammates. The Australian was particularly glum about the fact that they could all potentially part ways come draft time. It’s bittersweet. Although they hadn’t shared the ice together long, Lachlan reminisces the late nights where he and other Marlins would exchange advice over some drinks and discuss whatever was going on in their lives and where they all came from ( albeit, most of what was on their minds at the time was how they could help out the team ), sharing whatever pastry or baked good he had learned to bake with those willing to try them, as well as a few very intense board game nights. He understands that hockey is a business, after all, and while they wouldn’t be on the same team anymore, that didn’t mean they couldn’t keep in touch. His time as a Marlin has opened his eyes to the opportunities that he has in the VHLM and beyond. His goal, like his teammates and others around the league, is to rise through the ranks and reach the VHL. But of course, a spectacular feat like that is easier said than done. Admittedly, it was difficult for Lachlan to travel all the way out to North America after having spent his entire life in Australia, minus living half a year in Ontario while participating in a hockey camp for those who lived outside of the US and Canada. The only family member able to follow him in the move to San Diego was his dog. He had to leave behind his number one supporters— his mother Hallie and his older sister Taryn— while his fiancé is currently in Quebec, but is hoping to join him soon. Although there is the pesky and often tiresome problem that is the time zone difference, he reminds himself to call home each and every day, even if he inevitably gets chirped by his teammates when his family calls him by his childhood nickname— Lachy. With an oversaturation of goaltenders in this year’s draft, Lachlan hopes to impress any GMs that may be the slightest bit interested in him and what he could potentially bring to the table for their franchise. With that, two prime opportunities to put his skillset on display are in this year’s Junior Showcase Tournament and the World Juniors. He was never one to be overwrought or crumble under pressure, and he’ll take things one step at a time. But how far can this goaltender from Down Under go? Word count: 689 words

This was a great listen, Jardy! As a new member, I can definitely understand that the retention rate is low because people have no idea what the forum is or what they’re doing. I had read the rules and learned what the VHL was truly about before creating my account and everything, so I don’t think I was too clueless at least? But having a tutorial to help out recruits would definitely be something to consider, for sure, to make it easier for everyone.

SAN DIEGO – As the VHLM regular season reaches its tail end, the San Diego Marlins are still behind the Saskatoon Wild by 10 points for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. It comes as no surprise to anyone as the Marlins have been struggling as of late, but with multiple new acquisitions from waiver signings a week prior, the Big Fish seem to have a new life brewing within them. Scoring has been a major concern that the Marlins have been attempting to address, but as the new recruits are willing to fight until the end and generate much needed offense, it’d be unwise to count San Diego out just yet. With the season dwindling down to its final few games, the fight for the playoffs will come down to the wire. Putting up a fight against playoff bound teams like the Philadelphia Reapers and taking away an important point from the Houston Bulls just the other day, the Marlins hope these positives can propel them to playoff glory and beat the odds that are stacked against them. The Marlins’ new players note their chemistry as something remarkable and enjoy being a team of misfits that hope to prove the doubters wrong, come the end of the regular season campaign.

Thank you!! I really appreciate the kind words.

Thank you so much!! I think being an artist helped me a bit here haha.

I have no experience making graphics, so I’m happy with how this turned out.

It’s great that he has a trophy named after him! He should definitely get more recognition for being the first Australian to ever play in the NHL though. I also heard the AIHL is expanding, should be exciting.

This player is actually a character I made up a while ago, so I thought it’d be fun to bring him to the VHL. Made him an Australian because I was inspired by Nathan Walker and his hockey journey.

Amazing work, bro!! Thank you so much for the sig.

Lachlan Summers addressing media questions The San Diego Marlins had been looking to expand their roster to close out a hard-fought, competitive regular season. One of the new additions is Australian goaltender Lachlan Summers, who was put on the international hockey prospect map for his showy goaltender play in the AIHL, as well as time spent representing his home country at the World Championships. Sources had recently caught up with Summers and sat down with him for a short interview after today's practice, regarding how he has acclimated to life across the globe and his journey so far. “San Diego’s a great city. The team welcomed me with open arms and that’s all I could’ve asked for, really,” Summers said as he addressed the media. “I’m looking forward to getting a couple more starts and making a lasting impression in the VHLM. Never played outside of Australia before, and this is not an opportunity I’m going to take for granted.” Summers grew up in a country where there were only 21 rinks in its entirety, making his dedication to the sport that much more impressive. There were long trips to and from practice, a struggle to acquire the proper gear when he was first starting out as a five-year-old, and other forms of adversity that Summers quotes as his catalyst to keep his head up. “I love this sport, and there’s nothing that’s going to keep me from showing that any Aussie can lace up the skates and play.” Summers describes one of his long-term goals is to be an ambassador for ice hockey in Australia and continue to grow the game.

Thank you so much, man! I really appreciate it.

Lachlan Summers #50 G | 6’1 | 174 lbs. Born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, Lachlan Summers’ hockey story is an unconventional one. Hockey coverage in his home country was scarce, but the Aussie’s love for the sport ignited when browsing the internet with his older sister and coming across a Stanley Cup Final highlight reel at the age of 5. Having played rugby, he appreciated the same grittiness and physicality of hockey and wanted to learn more. Although there were only a total of 21 ice rinks in the entirety of Australia, Lachlan’s heart was set on learning the ins and outs of the game. His mother and his sister, although perplexed by his decision to dedicate himself to a sport that was one of the least popular in their country, both fully supported his dream. During his try out for a small local junior team, the coach had realized they were short a goalie. Deciding it could be worth his while, Lachlan volunteered. After taking a shot directly off his mask, he didn’t flinch, nor was he fazed, which convinced the coach that Lachlan was going to be their second goaltender. The Aussie was able to show off his prowess with time and ended up rising up the ranks quickly, to the point he was playing against kids who were up to 6 years older than him and dominating in net. With his slender build, Lachlan is most known for his acrobatic saves and utilizing his glove to its fullest capacity. Being agile is his strong suit. He is often described as having a stoic, “cool” demeanor, unable to be rattled, and often drew some comparisons to an android/robot from teammates and coaches alike. Although there were positive connotations stemming from the little “Android” nickname, there came chirping and negative connotations, as well, but Lachlan always committed to never taking what others think about him too close to heart— or at least, not to let it show. At the age of 16, Lachlan began his journey to the pros by starting in the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). He also represented Australia at the youth and senior level, cementing his place in Australian ice hockey history as a staple of those rosters for many years and potentially more to come. He played four years as the Sydney Bears’ starting goaltender, but his third season was cut short by a hamstring injury near the tail end of the campaign, resulting in a heartbreaking playoff exit. He committed his offseason to rehabbing, before taking the ice again at the start of his fourth year. After a stellar season and a championship win when rebounding from injury during year 4, Lachlan caught glances from multiple VHLM scouts and teams, eager to make the leap to North America. After careful consideration of his options, he eventually signed with the San Diego Marlins when approached to be a part of their goalie tandem, and is now on the path towards the VHL. 492 words

#jointhebigfish

Player Information Username: kirbithan Player Name: Lachlan Summers Recruited From: YouTube Age: 20 Position: G Height: 73 in. Weight: 174 lbs. Birthplace: Australia Player Page @VHLM GM