Oli-La-Poutine

1. It’s been a tough battle in the western conference, which team seems to be the biggest thorn in our side?
 
 Hate to do this but I've got to give prop to Las Vegas. But I'm pretty confident we will beat them where it counts.
 
2. What is one thing we have to do if we want to win games?
 
 Stay consistent, get those tp and remember our roles.
 
3. What’s one thing that has surprised
 
you so far in the VHLM season?
 
Me, being a top scorer after an awful Jst tournament. I'm having a hell of a season!
 
 
4. Best part of being with Saskatoon?
 
 Our team got some sweet graphix/gif making talent! Always cool to see wait they will come out with.
 
5. What’s favourite NHL team?
 
The Habs
 
 
6. If hockey wasn’t an option, which sport would your player play?
 
I do boxing and volleyball

@Oli-La-Poutine nice graphic man!

Graphics by @Oli-La-Poutine
 
The S85 VHLM Draft has come and gone and a lot of players have been given a chance to make a name for themselves. But this article isn’t going to talk about the players or a deep dive into who went first overall. Today we’re going to be hearing from some of the General Managers who make the draft happen. I spoke with @Shindigs of the Las Vegas Aces, @badcolethetitan of the Mexico City Kings, and recently appointed @nurx of the Miami Marauders before and after the draft in order to see if what they had hoped for had panned out. I wanted to check into their mindset going in and see how they feel they fared compared to their hopes.
As a note of strategy, and due to the way the player availability has panned out, Shindigs and Cole aimed to take both goalies and defensemen early on. “Goalies and Dmen are going to be in kind of short supply despite the large draft class. So I'm going to go for filling those early,” Shindigs said in our interview. Cole shared this sentiment stating “My overall strategy heading into this draft is to make sure we get a defenseman and a goalie.” Nurx however, had a different route in mind. Having had 2 more picks than both Shindigs and Cole, along with the number 1 overall pick, Nurx had more of an opportunity ahead of him. Nurx said to me that [they] “have a plan to get a great set of forwards in the first 2 rounds, but following that we are interested in lower round goalies who we can help improve throughout the season.” Given the position of last place in S84, Nurx planned to focus on front-of-net presence over in-net and, with last year’s goal differential of -186, the strategy makes sense.
It’s no surprise that both Shindigs and Cole planned to go for goalies and defensemen. Out of the 184 eligible players for the draft, only 47 (25.5%) of them were defensemen or goalies. That means each team could get 2 goalies with 1 remaining. While this allowed for each team to draft a starter and backup, it also meant that any real choice was left up to those with early draft picks. For a GM like Shindigs, who had back-to-back successes in the VHLM Finals, his first pick at 13 left him vulnerable to losing out on the top goalies. “There are not enough starter tier goalies for all the teams in this draft, our first pick at 13 will make or break this season for us,” said Shindigs prior to the draft. With that pick, he was able to bring Joel Castle @animal74 back to Vegas so it is anticipated that he was and will continue to be a great goalie for the Aces. 
 
Cole also valued a goaltender stating “I always believe building from the net outwards is the best way to look at things.” Mexico had a more advantageous first pick at 7th and also chose to bring back a goalie in Jeremy Swayman. Both Vegas and Mexico knew they would need great goalies and it seemed both had eyes on ones they knew they could count on to get the job done. After the draft, I asked Cole what he thought the most important piece he picked up in the draft was and his answer was, no surprise, goalie Jeremy Swayman. “Swayman was a huge part of our team last season as a backup goalie, and we by far had the best tandem in the league in net. The fact that we were able to bring back someone who has already been in our system for a season…is an absolute win for us here at Mexico City.”
 
But with first overall, Nurx had the pick of the litter. While in agreement with Shindigs and Cole that defense was a top priority, he chose to wait until the second round to grab his goalie. His and the first overall was Centerman Rick Grimes @tinafrombobsburgers. Nurx stated prior to the draft that “[to] be successful going into S85, we really need to secure some solid defensive forwards. We have a returning defenseman, but we do not have any returning forwards or players.”. This speaks to the above mentioned need for a strong front-of-net presence. While grabbing a forward first was Nurx’s main agenda, he also was chomping at the bit to draft a certain goalie. “We have one goalie in our eyes mostly however all plans can change in a matter of seconds come draft night.” Given how many goalies ended up going in the first round, we can only hope that the one Nurx and Miami had their sights set on was the one they drafted: Bill Nye the Puck Stopping Guy @Big Newff.
 
After the draft, I asked all three GMs to grade their picks overall. Shindigs rated Vegas’ draft with an A- which he considers possible due to being able to round out his team with 5 Forwards, 3 Defensemen, and 2 Goalies, all whom he states are active. Cole rated his draft picks an overall B+ due to some solid early picks brought down by inactive players that he was not able to get back into active status. Nurx gave himself a similar score of B-, citing picks that would perform well, however many dropped communication shortly after the draft. I think the three General Managers were fair in their assessments. It seems out of the 3, Shindigs was the only lucky one to grab and keep active players active. Hopefully the inactivity and lack of communication for Cole and Nurx won’t have too negative of an impact on their season.
 
I think it is safe to say that all 3 of these General Managers knew who and what they wanted going in, and it seems for the most part, that they all got exactly what they wanted. Fans of these teams can only watch on and hope that these players were also what the teams needed. At the time of writing this, the VHLM standings after week 1 are definitely more mixed than they were last season with Miami currently holding 2nd, Mexico in 4th, and Vegas surprisingly sitting in the middle at 6th. But it is only the first week so we will see what happens from here.
 
Written by: @aimkin

Some of the best stories and experiences in the VHL and its related leagues are the partners and friends you have in the league. Nearly every member of the community has been part of a trip or a duo that you grew close to. Whether that was in the VHLM the E or even the big leagues. It is rare, however, to see these relationships so public. This season though there are two major groups of people in the VHLM. One together and the other separated, so let us take a trip around the VHLM and look at the duo and trio in the VHLM right now.
 
First the duo in Miami. Brothers in real life, Daryl Dixon @Ricer13 and Rick Grimes @tinafrombobsburgers are playing on the same line on a very good Miami squad. They signed as waiver players to Houston at the trade deadline last season. Houston was a very good squad last season, but unfortunately fell short in their pursuit of the Founder's Cup. Of course, Grimes and Dixon were huge characters in the locker room and in the streets in Houston where locals hoped they could see the duo back in the next season. 
 
The duo announced that they wanted to play together far before the draft, but after a stretch pick at first overall picking Rick Grimes, Miami was able to secure both of them. They are a very active pair both on and off the ice allowing for one of the best forward pairings in the VHLM. On the franchise's side, Miami has excelled in marketing this brotherly love. When walking around Miami near the Marauders home, it is hard to not see Rick Grimes' and Daryl Dixon's faces on billboards. It is hard to not love this duo if you have ever had a friend. No matter what happens in the future in the VHL draft, they will always have the memories in Miami.
 
Next up is the young trio who played in San Diego last season. It is incredibly rare you find a group of three people as close as these three young stars. The trio started their career in San Diego last season where they played for a team that was not very good. San Diego struggled throughout much of the season, but the one bright light in the team was this electric trio. It is incredibly exciting to see a forward pairing putting up the points while a goalie puts up great numbers. Unfortunately the team didn't have many other players that are worth being named.
 
In the S85 VHLM drafy, however, the trio was separated. Lachlan would be sent to San Diego for a return season, while the rest of the trio would head up north to Ottawa for the following season. While Lachlan is putting up some of the best numbers in the league, the other two are part of a Ottawa team who has been crushing their mid level opponents. Time will only tell how Ottawa season will progress as they begin to face the likes of Miami and Las Vegas. What we do know, however, is that the relationship between the trio is as strong as ever and it is unlikely we will see a breakup between them.
 
While all of us can remember being part of a dynamic duo or a trio, it is hard to know when you are in the good times until the good times have ended. It is possible that the trio may never play on the same team again in their careers, but it is equally possible they find a home in the VHL on the same team. We will not know until that time comes. On the flip side, we do know that the duo is in the good times right now as they play on a competitive team with their partner in crime. One group may have passed the good old times, while the other is living through them right now. In sports, we love to look at the stats and the winners, but I believe that the best stories tell the human aspect of sports. The relationships of these players and their stories can fade, but the stat line with their names will never fade until the paper it is written on is gone. Now the human relationship between players is as written down as those scorecards.
 
Written by: @nurx
 
 
VHLM Power Rankings:
 
1. MIA > 3
2. LVA =
3 OTT > 4
4. SSK > 4
5. PHI  < 1
6.HOU = 
7. HFX < 2
8. SDM  > 1
9. MEX < 8
10. MIS =
 
Biggest mover is Mexico City who just hasn't been able to find a spark with a roster who going into this season was looking like favorites to win the Founder's Cup. Time will only tell as they begin to face more teams how good they really are.

1. We’ve been having quite a successful start of the season so far, what do you believe has contributed to our team’s success?
 
Teamwork for sure, everyone seems to play their role and the chemistry is good. We are doing good but we will do better, mark my word.
 
2. Do you have a rivalry against another team or player?
 
Not really but I'm happy to see I am outscoring some of my JST teamate. 
 
3. How are you satisfied with your player’s performance so far?
 
Absolutely, as a third round draft, I bet my GM is pretty satisfied too.
 
4. What’s more important in hockey, offense or defense?
 
Balance, as in life. Look at the Oilers or the Leafs, all offence, nothing to show for. 
 
5. Whose your favourite sports player of all time?
 
Pateick Roy was something to see in is prime. What a goaltender. I had the privilege to witness the 93 cup run. He was incredible. 
 
6. What’s is one thing we could improve on in Saskatoon?
 
As a green horn, I am not the one to pretend I could do better then our upper floor executives. So far so good, we are in the race and that's what count.

For claiming
 
@jacobcarson877785ish words
@Oli-La-Poutine vhl.com gfx

The Halifax 21st defeats the Saskatoon Wild in a shootout 2-1. A nailbiter that went 6 rounds with both goalies standing on their heads.
 
Halifax peppered Wild goalie Alexander Minion @Minion with shots in the first period, outshooting Saskatoon by 11-6 by periods end, but could not squeak one by him. Second period saw less shots, but more goals with Sergeiy Poligaev @JahCartier opening the scoring just over a minute in. The 21st respond with an equalizer from Bedirhan Paard. @Bedirhan Saskatoon, looking to increase their first place lead in the conference, push for a goal in the third with 10 shots, but could not get another past Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro as this games heads to overtime.
 
Goalies stay sharp in OT as this game heads into a shootout. Oli Mcgee @Oli-La-Poutine and Babay Shrimp @Blazzer exchange goals in the second round.  Daddy Durkin @Daddy Durkin potting the eventual game winner in the sixth round, finally getting another one past Minion.
 
Walking away with the win and the first star of the game is Alexander Minion, while Ash Sparks gets a consolation 2nd star, and Bedirhan Paard rounds out the three, thanks to his game tying goal.
 
Halifax finds themselves firmly in third place in the division following this win, leading the Philadelphia Reapers by 5 points.
 
With this OT loss, Saskatoon remains in first place in the conference, leading the Las Vegas Aces by two points.
 

1. Games have finally started, how does it feel playing for Saskatoon for the first time?
 
Felt great! Gathered a couples points already, got my first gino early and the jersey's color really make my eyes look beautiful.
 
 
2. Which teams look like the biggest challenge for us coming into the season?
 
 The Saskatoon Wilds. We can take em all unless we lack to show proper effort night after night. 
 
3. What unique qualities does your player possess?
 
 One time, I farted so long, I was surprised my butthole didnt stop to catch his breath.
 
4. What is one thing you would get rid of in hockey?
 
 The Arizona Coyotes.
 
5. What is one fast food place that you cannot stand?
 
 Kfc and taco bell,. Their food reeks mediocrity.
 
6. Most boring sport to watch?
 
Fast walk. Like wtf is going on here. 

Claiming week 1

But boss, you drafted me 21st!

An editor's note
(written by @leandrofg)
As you can see by now, the VHLM Illustrated has changed a bit, but before diving into that, we have some people to thank.
 
To @Mr_Hatter, on behalf of @nurx and myself, I'd like to thank you for your commitment to the VSN and this project in particular. If it weren't for the initial support, this project wouldn't stand where it is, and I wouldn't be part of the VSN project. 
 
To everyone involved in the first edition of this project, a big thank you as well.
 
To @Alex, we must thank you for your support regarding the second edition of the magazine. Not only did he support this movement, but he backed that support with full integration within the VSN umbrella.
 
This new structure has allowed us to do things a little differently. @nurx and I will now co-lead this project, editing intermittently between the two. The magazine will be posted directly on the forum on a regular two-week schedule and will start covering more subjects than the VHLM.
 
Today, we introduce the coverage of the VHLE. And with this new scope of opportunities, we continue to look for new talent to add to this project. Could that be you?
 
Lastly, I want to confirm that you read the title correctly. This is the last edition of the VHLM Illustrated, but it won't be the last time you see this team publishing.
 
Two weeks from today, on September 20th, @nurx will lead the crew in publishing the first edition of the rebranded VHLM Illustrated.
 
Road to the Draft, with the San Diego Marlins

(article written by @kirbithan)
 
Draft day is one of the most highly-anticipated events of any season in the VHLM. General Managers have their hands filled with tasks to check off and unique routines they follow daily in their journey to the VHLM Draft. Recently, we sat down with San Diego Marlins GM, Jacob, @jacobcarson877, and took a deep dive into the mindset of a VHLM General Manager throughout the entire draft process. At the same time, we met a rising star that has been through his system by the name of Sadie St-Louis. 
 
This is the Road to the Draft: San Diego Marlins’ edition.
 

 
Jacob has been a staple of the VHL community since his arrival in July 2020. And is now about to wrap up his first complete season as GM for the Marlins. Since taking the reins in San Diego, he has made a splash in scoping out proven talents and diamonds in the rough alike. 
 
The preparation for the draft starts at the beginning of the season. As new players join the community, Jacob prioritizes reaching out to them and offering his services as a mentor to anybody willing to take the opportunity. As a General Manager who never hesitates to take new players under his wing, Jacob begins to keep tabs on potentially valuable assets through a meticulously organized spreadsheet— the following quote further explains his scouting routine:
 
“I can watch people start out max-earning and fizzle out, or watch someone quietly plugging away earning their welfare and practice facility week in and week out. Average capped TPE earning per week is also one of my main ways of sorting players, especially over larger timespans. I also like to send out a feeler message to each of the active candidates and the inactive candidates who had impressive runs, just to see where they’re at and how they feel about joining my team going into the draft.”
 
Jacob’s jumpstart at acquiring valuable information about potential draftees is essential in his journey to drafting the next big superstar. Merely by reaching out to these players, he has been able to uncover information such as who is moving up to the VHLE, who is retiring their players, and those who have teammates they want to reunite with come draft time.
 
He’d also mentioned feeling sorrow after opposing GMs “steal all of the great players he’s scouted,” but pride in the fact that he built meaningful relationships with these players. He now watches them grow from afar and is looking forward to watching them thrive on their new teams.
 
A prime example of one of Jacob’s Season 84 recruits who has exploded through the TPE leaderboard throughout the last few weeks is Sadie St-Louis, @sadie. Sadie joined the VHL community at the end of July 2022 and has earned consistently throughout her short time in the league. She was a member of the San Diego Marlins squad that consisted primarily of waiver signings and is also one of few who have already made a big splash in the VHLM.
 
Like many other players, Sadie has a routine she follows to earn her share of TPE for the week and has taken the league by storm since playing under Jacob’s system. She was the first Season 84 Marlin recruit to hit 100 TPE as a consistent max-earner. 
 
She typically works on her point tasks throughout the week so she can juggle her real-life responsibilities. She uploads her main point task and press conference on Sundays. Collects trivia and practice facility at the beginning of the week and then submits her supplemental task at the end. In our interview with Sadie, she further explained her vision of what GMs could expect if they were to select her in the draft:
 
“I’d like to think many GMs have noticed that I earn TPE pretty consistently… I try to be pretty helpful and friendly in locker rooms and servers, which some of them may have seen. I also have had good experiences in pre-draft interviews with them so far.”
 
At the time of this article’s publication, the VHLM draft has concluded. On behalf of the staff at VHLM Illustrated, I wish the San Diego Marlins, Jacob, and Sadie the best of luck in their future endeavors in the VHLM and beyond!
(Word count: 723)
 
A look into the Junior Showcase Tournament
 

(article written by @Oli-La-Poutine)
 
The annual Junior Showcase Tournament is finally over, and this edition brought a lot of unexpected and exciting twists! Let’s not forget that this year's competition featured a late expansion due to an overflowing pool of available talents. Therefore each team had to submit a last-minute protections list and one GM to assemble a team out of the released players. That's how the Delhi Pickles was created. 
 
But first, on behalf of all the VHLM Illustrated crew, I would like to congratulate this year's tournament champion Team Brigade. What a spectacular performance and I'll be waiting to see where those players will end up in the upcoming S85 VHLM entry draft!
 
Team Steel was led by rookie GM, @aimkin. They had an average performance during the tournament, finishing mid-pack in the standing. As the 4th seeded team, they entered the elimination round playing against the third-seeded Team Royals. They lost the series 4-1, which made them the first team to eat the dust. 
 
According to GM Aimkin, she had a hard time designing her team with the pool of top talent she drafted on higher rounds. With such introspection, I got a strong feeling that Aimkin will find success and reach a higher step if she is to take the reign of Team Steel in next year's JST edition.
 
As mentioned previously, the Delhi Pickles faced a particular challenge being part of a last-minute expansion. The commissioners needed a veteran at the head of the process, so they awarded the franchise to GM, @Lemorse7.  
 
The GM boasts a well-rounded curriculum vitae. He has been the active AGM of the Malmo Nighthawks since S82 and was Team Clue's GM for the past two editions. He also led the S81 WJ team world and made three ProAm management appearances. 
 
As for this year's Junior Showcase Tournament, the Pickles finished second to last with the fifth position and lost to the Warriors in the first round in seven games. When asked if the expansion procedure did affect the team, GM Lemorse was irresolute. "WJC uses a similar process to fill the teams. But it was my first true expansion. It is as challenging as the regular entry draft". 
 
Still, it was a surprise to see the Pickles defeated in that seventh game, but Lemorse explained, "We didn't play full 60 minutes games, and we didn't give 100%. That's how you lose by one goal. We just didn't fight hard enough."
 
Team Warriors featured another rookie GM in @Jason kranz. They had a shaky start and a hard time finding their groove in the qualifying games, thus finishing dead last in the standings. But the Warriors managed to surprisingly make a semi-final appearance after winning a fierce battle in seven against the Pickles.
 
The Warriors lost in four games against the S83 champion team Brigade in the second round. A team they had faced a lot in the tournament, finding little to no success. According to GM Jason, they fought hard, losing many of those matchups by one goal.
 
With consistent performances night after night, the Royals stayed above the .500 win-lose ratio and finished top three in the prequel. Just a couple of points shy from the bye week, the Royals had to face team Steel in the first round. They beat Aimkin's squad in five games, making them the first team to reach the ace's square. Having to face a rested team Clue, they put in a decent performance against the second-seeded team, but it wasn't good enough. Team Royals got stopped in six.
 
The Royals featured yet another rookie GM in @TopTiddee2. And, of the three newcomers, he had the best record and competition performance. 
 
As discussed in the recap interview, Johnson approached his first management task by contacting an experienced GM. Seeking advice left and right, the Royals leader came fully prepared for the entry draft. However, Johnson did admit he had a hard time figuring out his line-up, which may have affected his team’s performance late in the tournament. 
 
@Trunkxolotl, former JST AGM, put an exciting squad together. They challenged top-ranking teams throughout the first round and finished as the second seed. They disputed the semi-finals against team Royals, which they defeated in six games. Many believed they had the workforce to win. Unfortunately, team Clue started 0-3, and even with wins in games four and five, they couldn't secure another win to push the series to a seventh game.
 
Trunk confidently took Team Clue’s reign after Lemorse’s departure. With some added WJC experience, he headed to the entry draft with the first pick and a handful of other high-round opportunities. As stated by himself, this helped him to build the line-up he meticulously designed before the draft. 
 
GM Trunk did his homework and it showed, as the chemistry was instantaneous. Team Clue was fantastic but shy of a first-pair defenseman to be able to defeat the Brigade. 
 
At last, the cream of the crop. Winner of the S84 Junior Showcase Tournament first round and the ultimate champion of the tournament, Team Brigade. 
 
I was assigned to follow Brigades player and hometown peer Oli McGee from Saint-Claude-de-la-Conception. And I had the chance to closely follow the squad throughout the competition... they were phenomenal!
 
I pretty much already covered team Brigade parkour through the article. But for a simple recap, this formation went in, took the lead on day one, and never looked back. They bypassed the first round, swept the Warriors, and defeated team Clue in six to grab the cup.
 
Although some say the JST is a minor event in the VHL universe, I came to believe how challenging it is to win as a manager. How hard can it be to build a competitive with little to no prior scouting? In my opinion, it is quite an achievement. San Diego Marlins GM @jacobcarson877 did it twice, and back to back nonetheless. He is S83 and S84 victor as Team Brigades acting GM.
 
Jacob has a pure youth development-focused philosophy. He was also very generous throughout our meeting. It would be a shame to slice through it for article format conforming purposes. So, teaser alert, I decided to hold on and publish the integral version of our interview in a future VHL.com article. The guy just deserves his TPE! Any aspiring GM out there, be on the lookout! You got to catch the knowledge. 
 
I’d like to thank commissioners Alex and Shindigs for manning the S84 Junior Showcase Tournament! You did a formidable job and delivered an exciting off-season event!
 
Tim McKrank, VHLM Illustrated Writer at VSN
 
"Just remember the beauty of the VHL isn't the flashy goals you'll score or the dramatic saves, even the bone-crunching hits! The beauty of the VHL is truly the friends you made along the way. Find ways to stay connected. Watch for them on the scoresheets, and say hi when you see them around the league. We won't remember games, seasons, and even entire careers at the end of the day, but we will always remember our friends. It has been a pleasure to get to know you all, and I hope to see your names on the scoresheets for many seasons to come!"
 
Jacob Carson, San Diego Marlins, and S84 Team Brigade GM
(Word count: 1211)
 
 
Season Previews
 

(written by @leandrofg)
 
Well, that's a lie. This isn't so much a preview, but a start of the season Power Rankings. A surprise for none, but a sure clickbait once you see the list (not really).
 
VHLM
 
1. Mexico City Kings 
2. Las Vegas Aces 
3. Miami Marauders 
4. Halifax 21st 
5. Philadelphia Reapers 
6. Houston Bulls 
7. Ottawa Lynx 
8. Saskatoon Wild 
9. San Diego Marlins 
10. Mississauga Hounds
 
Just like Drake, let's start from the bottom.
 
This is not a deep dive into these teams' chances to win the Founders Cup. Instead, we'll K.I.S.S. our way through the list. Yes, that's right. We're going to keep it simple, stupid.
 
Who's stupid? Maybe I am if these rankings don't make sense at the end of the season.
 
Anyway, we'll start at number 10! And number 9. 8 too. Well, 7 and 6 might as well be here. It's true. These five teams are sellers already. They may, of course, be hopeful that they can turn things around, but as of today, they aren't built for success this season. To their fans, better luck next season!
 
At number 5 and number 4, we have Philadelphia and Halifax! The offensive quality is there on both teams, although Philadelphia is a much deeper team. But, while there's a difference there, the resemblance continues elsewhere.
 
They both need defense, and they need to improve their goaltending status. The latter is easier to do because it's anticipated that current goalies improve. But they still need to go shopping, and an excellent option may be available, *cough* @Reno *cough*.
 
The question is, are these teams ready to spend assets this early in the season?
 
Number 3 is a team in limbo, the Marauders. Why in limbo, you ask? Well, Miami has a great squad to build on, but that's it - to build on. Goaltending isn't going to be a problem, but there's a lack of quality on offense and defense. But that lack of quality may be battled, and there's no better person to do it than the newly appointed General Manager, @nurx.
 
He has the responsibility to make it work. Motivate his troops and lead them forward. If he's able to do that and if they're able to improve, they'll be a menace when it matters the most, the end of the season.
 
Now for the contenders. At number 2, we have our back-to-back champions, the Aces. Who would have thought? Three straight seasons of contending... that could be unprecedented. Yes, like the Marauders, they need to improve, but they are much closer to the level of contention.
 
With strong starters all-around, all they have to do is build quality depth. Now, what makes them number 2 instead of number 1? Simply put, Mexico City is in a better place with the same circumstances.
 
The Kings' starters are better but still face the same challenges. Building quality depth will be paramount for these two teams. The Aces have done it for the past two seasons. Can the Kings do it too?
 
 
VHLE
(written by @leandrofg)
 
1. Oslo Storm
2. Bratislava Watchmen
3. Cologne Express
4. Geneva Rush
5. Vasteras Iron Eagles
6. Rome Gladiators 
7. Stockholm Vikings
8. Istanbul Red Wolves
 
The differences in the VHLE seem somewhat thinner than in the VHLM. Well... apart from a couple of teams.
 
Istanbul comes to this season as the defending champions, but this is a much different roster than the one who dominated last season. With a new General Manager, @Daniel Janser, at the helm, they have been working hard to fill the holes left behind. They have average offense and goaltending, but their defense is non-existent - literally!
 
Stockholm is rocking that same boat but has a defense, so... 7! Skipping ahead!
 
Now, the differences get smaller. So small that it's too difficult to split the teams into categories. So instead, we'll see what needs to happen for these teams to hoist the cup.
 
In Rome, a team led by @blackmac and @motzaburger, we'll have to see a lot of improvement all-around to make it a true contender.
 
Vasteras will have Matt Murdock, @Acydburn, and Justin Adolfsen, @NJDevils24 as leaders. Both are incredible but far enough apart that the supporting core will have to improve. Luckily, they drafted Astro Singh, @8Ovechkin8, and Lloyd Braun, @Toast, who both seem up to play the part!
 
Geneva is exceptionally well built. Their starters are one of the best in the league, but their goaltending situation has to improve. Anyhow, depth is questionable, but if they improve, Geneva can easily be number 1.
 
Defensively, Cologne's situation may not be at Geneva's level, except for having one of the league's best goaltenders. But the depth is there, and the goalie tandem they have going is the best we've seen in the VHLE. Managing that depth and starting quality will be the key that could make Cologne a winner.
 
Bratislava starters are ready for the playoffs. That's it. If the rest of the team follows their lead, the Watchmen could be the team to beat. Although, goaltending should be improved. Yes, Orion, @Donno100, has just won another Top Goaltender award and is a Watchmen Hall of Famer, but Father Time is knocking on the door.
 
Oslo, Oslo, Oslo. Firepower is key. They have two offensive lines ready for the playoffs, but it could be time to start thinking defense. They're set in goal, but their defensemen must get to the team's level. Or we could see @JB123 do what @FrostBeard did. Trade for one of the best defensemen in the league.
 
 
A General Manager Chronicle
(by @jacobcarson877)
 
To win the Elmebeck is something I hadn’t even considered going into this season.
 
It was my first season as GM of the Marlins, and all I wanted to do was capitalize on the momentum we had coming out of S83’s finals run. I’ve had a long time to learn from the best, and I’ve watched a lot of members join and leave, but I’ve also watched a lot of members join and stay and become great friends.
 
I know how much the VHL has meant to me over the years, and I know if you can get past the learning curve, there is something for everyone here. I spent this season putting myself in the position to interact with the most brand-new members I could. I watched the Create a Player thread for days after recruitment set up ads for us, practically begging new members to join the Marlins. And boy, did they come. The energy these new players brought to me and the Marlins was electric; they fed off each other too.
 
Although we didn’t make the playoffs, we made amazing memories and friendships. Fast forward a couple of weeks to the Junior Showcase Tournament, where I got to put myself, once again, in front of a bunch of new members. Using strategies from the Marlins and the help of the best chat lurkers around, we built a championship team out of driven, passionate, and curious members.
 
The past few months have been surreal for me, and with new ads dropping, I can’t wait to do it all over again. Lots more left in the tank, and hopefully, an equally or more amazing season than the last!
 
Thank you to those who nominated and voted for me, your kindness is appreciated, and I hope to carry it with me for years to come.
 
--
 
And on that bombshell... it is time to end.
 
Good Night! And see you September 20th.

For claiming reasons
 
@kirbithan VSN 700 word post
@Oli-La-Poutine VSN 1200 word post
@leandrofg  ~900 word VSN
@Oli-La-Poutine VHL.com graphic
 
Excited for @aimkin and @Squids McKenzie to get their shot on the 20th!

So excited to see more content from this team! And super excited to see aimkin and Squids Mackenzie get in on the action too! I'm sure you've all come to this conclusion by now but I am ALWAYS available for an interview and I will ALWAYS give you too many words!

1. The VHLM Draft has come to a close, how does it feel being selected by the Saskatoon Wild?
 
It is a thrill to join Saskatoon squad! I am now driving across the Canadian prairies to get there and man, there is a lot of nothing to look at on this highway.
 
 
2. What are your first impressions of the city?
 
I've been arounda bit, love those neo-classical and neo-rennaissance style building. The churches are amazing. Poutine taste like armpit thought.
 
 
3. What are your expectations for this team?
 
Why settle for less than aiming at the S85 championship? Do we admit to been defeated before the season even start?
 
4. What has your player been doing this past offseason?
 
I was busy winning the JST with team Brigades and then totally destroyed in the ProAm with the Angus. I've seen glory and despair.
 
5. Whose your favorite fictional character?
 
Megaman, Link from Zelda, Tim McKrank and the ninja turtles.
 
6. What's your favourite Soda?
 
Ici c'est Pepsi...

Saskatoon Wild: Draft Update
 
 
It’s been a very time consuming offseason to say the least for the Saskatoon Wild. They had a ton of things on their resume this offseason, but nothing as important as the S85 VHLM Dispersal Draft. Coming into the draft, the Wild management knew they had to hit the nail on the head with their picks this season to see at least a sliver of hope heading into this season. After a ton of questioning and deliberation the Saskatoon Wild made very careful selections in this season’s draft, to help them position themselves in the best way that they could this season.
 
Coming into the draft, the Saskatoon Wild came in with an extremely difficult decision on their hands. After trading numerous times before the draft, Saskatoon was only able to hold onto five picks just in time for the draft. 
 
Third Overall Pick: Alexander Minion @Minion
 
Saskatoon knew that if they want to try and stay relevant in the VHLM, they’ll need to have a staple in the goaltending position. Widely known as the best goaltender in the draft, the Wild selected Alexander Minion. Minion joined the San Diego Marlins halfway through S84 which led to them playing only 31 games. But still showed massive potential in the eyes of the Saskatoon Wild leading up to the draft. With this pick, Saskatoon hopes that Alexander will be the backbone that the team needs to see success this season.
 
21st Overall Pick: Oli McGee @Oli-La-Poutine
 
Oli is a very interesting player to say the least. Although he hasn’t had any direct experience in the VHLM. Scouts marked him as a forward possessing raw offensive capabilities that could immediately help a team right away, leading to numerous VHLM teams having eyes on them. Saskatoon took the scout’s word for it and drafted him with the 31st overall pick in the draft. Saskatoon hopes he’ll bolster the lackluster offense Saskatoon has on paper.
 
53rd Overall Pick: Barack Obama @Joe Biden
 
Not much is known about Obama coming into the draft. It seems like he gave off a wild card vibe for many teams looking at him. But Saskatoon was all in on this pick, Obama was someone Saskatoon desperately needed to help aid the defensive side of the team. The Wild hopes that Barack will exceed expectations and prove why he deserves to be on the big stage.
 
58th/64th Overall Pick: Nick Trash / Mats Zuccarello @nikkisixx089 @Battlepopcorn
 
Both players, Nick and Mats fell down to the bottom of the pack in the draft class. But Saskatoon believed that these two picks could very well be diamonds in the rough. Saskatoon likes what they see out of both players and believes that their potential is incredibly high. The Wild hopes that these two players could come in and help McGee on the first line.
 
 
And there you have it! Those were Saskatoon’s picks for the S85 VHLM Draft. Although there are plenty of glaring holes in the roster, Saskatoon hopes to build around their group with massive potential. With a few free agent signings and waiver picks here and there, Saskatoon could very well surprise some people this year.

We derailed pretty hard
 
 
 

We derailed pretty hard...

It's Oli's finest work yet!!

this is amazing

The sexiest team in VHL Mag history. ❤️