CrookedAnt

1. What brought you to the VHL? SBA/EFL Affilation uncapped TPE. 2. What are you most excited about? My center becoming the second incarnation of Scotty Campbell, The Goat. 3. Are you modeling your player after anyone? See above. 4. How are you feeling after making an account and a player? I didn't want to learn hockey, but the Junior Showcase Tournament sim is the most exciting sim I am apart of currently as other leagues my player isn't capable of playing yet, or isn't simming quite yet. 5. What is your favorite NHL team? Whichever one is most acceptable for an Oregon resident to like. Seattle Kraken? 6. Is this your first time in a sim league? No. Hockey, yes.

I do not know much about hockey and was winging it as the kids say. Rinks has been added to my vocabulary.

Antonio Barksdale debuted in the Junior Showcase Tournament for The Brigade. Prior to the tournament there weren't a lot of teams looking at him, but with how the leaderboards have panned out; it's quite interesting what GM's are saying around the league. There's a stirring flame to this fire so to speak with the young man from Italy averaging top five in most categorys in offensive, and defensive categories. He mentioned something about basketball, but said that dream went away with this tournament. He wants to solidify himself as a hockey great, and has the drive to do so it appears. The Brigade weren't struggling without him, but it's clear that he's helped along with some of his teammate's stand out performances. They are doing a lot better than expected, and with one of the rising Center prospects- their run is bound to get a little hotter on those skates. Antonio has said that he likes the idea of playing in Miami, but talks aren't only limited to them. Some other potential landing spots are any that needs a center, he said- but his list is as stated below. 1. Miami Maruaders 2. San Diego Marlins 3. Houston Bulls. 4. Las Vegas Aces 5. Philadelphia Reapers. He clearly has a favorite here topping the list. He's stated the reasons he wants to go to Miami are one he could improve the defense, and offensive flow on the court, but two- it's a good place for a young, and growing player. He's not shy to say the money he's got allows a lavish lifestyle for a young man in the Florida heat.

1. What part of the vhl has been your favorite so far? The Junior Showcase Tourney where my team has been doing pretty solid. 2. What is the most impressive part of your game? Offensive Vision for sure. 3. What do you think you are most known for to your team mates? A Bad Man to see on the ice. 4. If you won the lottery what would you do first? My answer is not league friendly, and would probably get me tested for something, you know what i'm saying? Lots of paid expenses. 5. What movie can you watch nonstop and still love? All Dogs go to Heaven 6. What is the oldest piece of equipment you own? Still own a helmet from college.

Antonio Barksdale was an unknown name prior to the Junior Showcase. He came out on the floor playing a hefty amount of minutes averaging fifteen or so a game. The Italian center was a flash in the pan, but had a hot streak to start the tournament for the Brigade. Averaging a goal a game, and leading the tournament as of 8/13/22 in Goals Per Minute (2.19), and topping the center build with a line of 5-5-10 at the #1 spot- he's a statistic's beast, and rumor has it that Hockey is not even the sport he wanted to play. He wanted to be a basketball player, but it turns out on the ice is where he'll make the most impact. He's waiting for draft night, and to ink a deal he's told media reporters. He's shown prowess, and skill that not many players who have just picked up a stick a few months ago could. His offensive vision has received solid feedback from his coaches. He's averaging 50% on faceoffs which isn't great, but isn't terrible. He's a solid contributor on the ice, and could be a good asset for any team looking for a starting, or rotational player. He's a known physical fighter type on the ice known to break into an altercation if necessary to protect, or rile up the enemy team. An aggressor, but an enforcer that tows the line not trying to go to far, or too personal in his attempts to mentally thwart the enemy. An instigator with a serious offensive game that shouldn't be taken lightly despite being new to the game of hockey. It's clear while a standout tournament could mean nothing that a shot in the dark on this guy with a low draft pick could be worth it. His physical tooling is just built in a manner that could be described as "different." He's a true beast weighing in at 6'8, and 250 pounds, and has a unhealthy diet of five cheeseburgers a day, and two tall forties of miller light after the game- but it clearly works with the way he defensively blocks shots, and brings the puck in the net at the other end. The junior showcase has lit a fire under this prospect and he claims to be ready to put in the work, but will he back that up? Time will tell. The Brigade weren't meant to make it far in this tournament, but there's been a push from several players. ST Louis, Dixon, and Barksdale emerging as a "big three" sort of movement where they are leading the team by example. A true force in the arena, and it's clear they aren't afraid to lace up their skates, and take the action to their opponents. Even if the team bombs out, and Barksdale's performance drops it will truly be a run to remember regardless once this young man get's drafted into the bigs, and potentially takes the league by storm. Or he's a bust- those are the two options.

#wearebrigade Let's do it.

"We're joined here with Antonio Barksdale, undrafted prospect from the region of North Italy." A nod is given by the olive skinned six foot eight center. "Yes, yes.. very happy to be here." The male's slicked back black hair held down by various gels as he looks over the media presence at the conference. His physical stature brought a lot to the table, and he'd spent a few days with his physique in bar fights (even though legally, he couldn't enter them no one was going to question a six foot eight behemoth, weighing 250.) The media presser was being held in Toronto outside of a local exhibition game. Fans had gathered behind walled off venue that media had managed to fill. "What are you looking for in a potential team that goes out of their way to pick you? You didn't pick up a stick until you were seventeen, and your offensive game is pretty limited we hear. You're more of a bruiser type.. why should they offer you a deal then these other players..?" Antonio mulls over the question thinking for a moment before speaking. "I'm a in it to win player with everything I do. You're right. I'm looking to break down the enemy players mentally. I'll get in their face.. start a fight on the ice. Who cares..? End of the day it's about lifting that trophy, and I'll do anything to get it. I'll be a enforcer, and make sure my guys get off the ice safe each, and every time." He gives a small smile, and the reporter seems to get a queue for the next question in her ear piece. "In highschool, you were known for that sort of bullying the last year, and a half we saw you play. You didn't put up amazing numbers. What will you try, and improve on while you wait for a team to reach out..?" Antonio scratches the back of his head. "Honestly. I've had a few times reach out just seeing my dedication to my craft. I'm not stressing finding a paycheck, or team anywhere. If this doesn't work out, then I'll find a trade to get into, you know? It's only so often you get to follow your dreams, and my dream is to be one of the best enforcers in the league. I hope to prove that on the ice, and my offense is limited, but I feel my defensive chances, and being a prowler, roamer, lock down sections of the ice- type role will fit me perfectly. I didn't know what I was doing with my life at seventeen. I was wasting in Italy in the winter, and a friend offered me to try a new game, and look- I fell in love.. Led my school to the championship, but we fell short in the finals, as most media people will know." He gives a nod to the camera that's recording then looks from it to the reporter as his sleeve is pulled by his manager. "It appears I've said too much. I'm being ushered out of the venue. Have a wonderful day, and enjoy the snow. It's lovely out here in Canada."

No worries. Gives me time to observe, and get adjusted to hockey.

Welcome. My name is Ant. I do not know a single thing about hockey, and TBH joined to earn more uncapped potential on SBA, but I will be somewhat active here too. I have no idea what stats are good, but I made a makeshift build, and hope it works out. Cheers.

Player Information Username: CrookedAnt Player Name: Antoine Barksdale Recruited From: SisterLeague Age: 19 Position: C Height: 80 in. Weight: 250 lbs. Birthplace: Italy Player Page @VHLM GM