Elman Diablo

With the VHLM Season 87 Playoffs underway - what better way to represent your favorite team or player than by wearing their official gear!
To help you represent in style we've got a flash sale.
 
Grab a jersey to represent one of the greatest Goalies on the Halifax 21st team, Stefan Norris@Elman Diablo!
Looking for a Houston Bulls signed T-Shirt to keep the flame alive? Liv Slater's got you covered for the Bulls.
Need a gift for Man's best friend? The Mississauga Hounds have an official Hannibal Barca @DreMin15 pet jersey to keep you both cheering in style.
Has your Home, Office... or Home Office been lacking in VLHM décor? Look no further than the San Diego Marlins Lamp. It's even got GM @jacobcarson877's signature too add some flare to your home or office!
Looking for a way to cool off in the Vegas heat other than a cold beer? Grab yourself an official Las Vegas Aces hat, but don't stop there! Be sure to grab one for your buddies too.
Got a new Miami Marauders fan looking for some gear? Check out the Miami Marauders Baby Zip Up for your little one. FT. Keita Kourou's @woog name on the back! Your baby will feel like they are part of the game in this get up.
 
Don't wait too long, this sale ends soon!
 

@Subject056Noice Jersey of mine

The VHLM playoffs are upon us and with that the best time of the season. When the sims come out everyone is stressed, but by the end of the month, we will only have one team remaining. Will it be the Houston Bulls strengthened by Merome Dilson or the Mexico City Kings who got off to one of the hottest VHLM starts of all time? Only Simon knows and he refuses to tell his secrets so we can only guess what could happen. Without further delay let’s get right into predicting the S87 VHLM Playoffs.

 
1.  Mexico City Kings 🆚 8.   Las Vegas Aces 

 
A rivalry that we wish we could have seen every playoff just a few short seasons ago, but this season the Kings are a significantly better team. They made up nearly every roster spot for the Western Conferences All-Star roster and if that team would be selected today they could very likely hold the majority again. This team has firepower that scares the people who care for the nets while also having a very strong goalie protecting their net. This team is a force and it will be difficult for any team to beat them let alone a struggling Las Vegas team. Las Vegas won only 26 games during the regular season just above two times the amount required to win the cup from this time forward. Could they increase their win total by 50%? Yes. I wouldn’t count on it though as in nearly every position they are outgunned.


2.  Ottawa Lynx  🆚 7.  Halifax 21st 

 
Halifax has one major strength this season and that is their top-tier goalie, but they, unfortunately, run up against the only other goalie in the conversation for the Devereux Trophy @Elman Diablo. Ottawa has some of the best forwards in the league backed up by the defense and allowed the least amount of goals in the league. It is hard to get a goal against this Ottawa squad. If Halifax wants to win their defense needs to step up and stop Ottawa’s first line. If they do that they have a good chance to beat this Ottawa squad, but that is harder done than said. If Ottawa is able to simply perform to their standard it will be hard for Halifax to get any momentum against this Ottawa team.


3.   Miami Marauders 🆚 6.  San Diego Marlins 


Miami has an interesting goalie tandem with two capable netminders, but their strength lies with just how deep their forward core goes. Swinsola @Swinsola is in the conversation for league MVP while there are teams in the playoffs who are fielding a worse 1st line than Miami is fielding 3rd line. This team can score a lot of goals in a game, but they have been completely stopped occasionally. If San Diego wants to win this series their best opportunity is to stop that offensive core. Goalie wise both of these teams struggle with Miami having a tandem of similarly skilled tendies. The battle will be an offensive one and it will be led by the stars of each team. Overall, San Diego is a strong team, but Miami simply is a deeper team offensively, so it will be difficult for the Marlins to find a foothold against this offensively-minded squad. 


4.  Houston Bulls 🆚 5.  Mississauga Hounds 
 

This Houston team is by far the most underrated team in the league. They have a ridiculous squad on offense with a crazy good goalie. You can’t win as many games in a row as Houston did without being a very good squad. It is rare you see a 4 seed and thinks to yourself, “I think this team really could be the favorites,” but this season we are thinking this. There aren’t any positions where Mississauga really matches up well, but the best matchup is
defensively where both teams let a similar amount of shots during the season. If there is any opportunity for Mississauga to pull off the upset it is going to be for Jonny Elgar @Jonny to pull off some stolen games.
 
 
Predictions

First Round
 
 Mexico City 4   🆚   Las Vegas  1
 
 Ottawa Lynx 4  🆚  Halifax 0 

 Miami Marauders 4 🆚  San Diego Marlins 2 

 Houston Bulls 4  🆚  Mississauga Hounds 0 
 
Semi-Finals
 
 
 Mexico City 2  🆚  Houston Bulls 4
 
 Ottawa Lynx 3  🆚  Miami Marauders 4 
 
Finals
 
 Houston Bulls 4  🆚  Miami Marauders 1 
 

Hello fellow VHLers! Today, I am proud to announce that the *NEW* VHL App is ready to ready to release.
 
This time around, the app will be available for both iOS and Android devices. To accommodate the addition of a iOS version, the app has been completely rewritten from the ground up, meaning it has a completely new look and various new features.
 
The main feature of note is Push Notifications! This time around, you will have the option of enabling sim notifications for all of your favorite leagues and official tournaments. If enabled, you will receive a notification anytime the sims for that league are posted. These can be enabled by doing to the settings tab, listed at the bottom of the navigation menu.
 
Download the iOS App Here
Download the Android App Here
 
If you have any issues with the app, contact me via discord (dil#6547), forums DM's, or create a post in the Bug Tracker.
 
 
@Members
 
*Note*: Users of the old Android app do not need to re-install the app. Instead, you can just update the app to the latest version.

Hello everyone! With the season well on its way it is time for us to announce who will be playing in the VHLM ASG and Skills Competition. The games will be held in Mexico City this season. The game will be posted this weekend with the skills competition released at the same time. Without further delay let's get right into the rosters!

 
 Western Conference 

  GM: @badcolethetitan 
Sjin @Mint 
 captain nugget @Captain nugget 
 Tim Riggins @Jayhawk 
 Grizz Tazzo @xslapxshotsx 
 Noel Roux Jr @Da Trifecta 
 Grunkle Stan-dingyouup @Big Newff 
 Colton Heffelfinger @heffcolton 
 Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer 
 Darko Alexander Malkovich @AColdCanadian 
 Eurydyka Sklodowska Dudzinska @diamond_ace 
 Gage Barclay @Waffleboard39 
 Ross Glagau @Zetterberg 

 Eastern Conference 

 GM: @Grape 
 Keita Kouro @woog 
 FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ 
 Ellis Woolfenden @D3X 
 Swinsola @Swinsola 
 Owen Lazaro @traphag 
 Hannibal Barca @DreMin15 
 Mark Calaway @Beketov 
 Dalton Canders lll @DC21 
 Tyler Smith @lilchrist 
 Moritz Stauffer @GoodLeftUndone 
  Matthew McCagg @Jack kidd 
 Stefan Norris @Elman Diablo 

With releases of news about a goalie named Stefan Norris being traded, many are in utter shock!
 
 
https://imgur.com/VDwuNvI
 

*Show’s theme song plays as the camera fades in to show Joe Smith sitting at a new desk in about the center of the room. New guest Smitty Joseph sits in an armchair next to him.*
 
Smith : Folks welcome back to the show, and today I’m with Smitty Joseph, an analyst on our broadcast team. Today I’m here with him to break down how the teams in the VHLM are looking after the first 10 games of the season. Smitty how’s it going brother? (Smith really draws out the R in brother)
Joseph : (In one of the most fake sounding Southern accents) I’m doing just fantastic Joe! I’m so excited to take a look at all 10 of the VHLM’s finest.
Smith : Well we’ll see how many of them are fine, and who’s on the decline! (Joe looks pretty proud of himself for that rhyme)
Joseph : Yes. (awkward pause)
Smith : So starting with the 10th place team, the Saskatoon Wild are in the basement. What’s going wrong for this team Smitty, and is there anything they can do to fix it?
Joseph : Well Joe, Sasky has had just about everything go wrong so far. However nobody can be called out of the game at this point, and that was proved when their 11th game they finally got their first win, and it was against the powerhouse San Diego team, so if 4th overall pick Stefan Norris @Elman Diablo can steal some games, their better forwards can keep up production, and the depth steps up, this team could be competitive.
Smith : It does beg the question Smitty, do they even want to be competitive this year?
Joseph : Well Joe, with that record I’m really not sure. (Both laugh in a very white way)
Smith : Looking to the next team, in 9th, the Reapers lay buried in their own grave.
Joseph : Well they are an interesting situation. On offense, they own an extremely talented top line on paper. Strangely enough they’ve had some key players with struggles, highlighting Timothy Swearingen @Timmy30 , who only has 9 points in 12 games. I’m sure he’ll find his pace, however even if he does, Philly may not climb up the table. They don’t have the defense to make a huge impact, and between the pipes also is not the strongest, with veteran Dylan Dubnyk @ThatsGreissy . This is looking like more of a rebuild year for the Reapers.
Smith : Well Dubnyk is quite the story, he took a 6 season break before returning to hockey. Big respect to him despite the on ice performance not being what he might have wanted. Maybe he’ll be part of a feel good story throughout the year!
Joseph : That certainly would be a spectacle. Now how about we move away from the bottom teams and into where the competition heats up.
Smith : Yes! It’s what makes the VHLM so interesting, much of the league is able to be competitive through the year, and it makes for some very entertaining hockey. These next three teams are all floating around the same tier right now, but which should be moving higher in the standings, and which deserve to be here?
Joseph : Well first off Joe, I think it’s obvious to me and everyone else that Houston is the best team of the bunch, and has a better roster than at least half of the teams above them. Now a good roster on paper does not always translate to success on the ice, however Houston is just too good to be stuck at .500, and should start racking up wins sometime soon as long as the 5 skaters can support rookie goalie Sage Barclay @Waffleboard39 . As for Halifax and Las Vegas, I believe both could be decent, Halifax with more of a chance than Las Vegas, though this is around where I feel many of us on the broadcast team thought the two would be this year. They are bottom 5 teams in the league, not that they are bad teams, but the weaknesses in their rosters are greater than the ones on teams higher up the list. 
Smith : After those two teams, we have break into the top 5, with two teams who are fighting for a spot higher up.
Joseph : Right you are, and fascinatingly enough, Miami and Ottawa have the two best goalies of the top five, and are stuck on the outside of the top 3. Both have very strongly built teams. Ottawa has a lot of talent, some which is not meshing, but that is where goalie Matthew McCagg @Jack kidd comes into play to help win games. McCagg is not only winning games, but leading the league in SV%, GAA, and shutouts. Leading the way on offense in Ottawa is rookie and 9th overall pick Gregger McKeggegger @TheNeonShaman , with 15 points in 10 games. You also just gotta expect the 1st overall pick FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ to challenge for the team lead at some point soon though. Once the rest of the top talent joins McKeggegger and McCagg and plays up to their potential, this will be a scary team. Ottawa does need wins against big teams however, as 3 of their 6 have come against the struggling Saskatoon squad.
Smith : And how about Miami?
Joseph : Well their situation is not really the same, as the top end talent on Miami is performing at a very high level. Wingers Swinsola @Swinsola and Keita Kourou @woog lead the way with 21 and 18 points in 10 games respectively. They are playing exactly how Miami fans should expect them to. The rest of the team has been alright, there’s two other point per game players, one being defenseman… (checks paper) @Ninjadude. If I say that name, I risk hurting people’s feelings, so I will just say it’s a very impressive season from the rookie. The rest of the team does need to come alive a bit for the Marauders to make strides up the standings.
Smith : Well, if either of those teams want to make it into the top three, they’ve got quite a challenge getting past any of the teams already there. San Diego and Mississauga both are powerhouses, and Mexico City is yet to lose a game. What’s behind these teams’ dominance?
Joseph : Well Joe, each team has something different going for them. I love the offensive and defensive depth that San Diego has. They can roll 3 full effective lines, one of which is elite. On defense, their top D pair is one of the best in the league, and the Marlins may have the best 3rd defenseman in the league with Admir Bala @Tyler . In goal they are a little weak, however there’s no doubt rookie Olivier Gauthier @fonziGG will improve throughout the season. On Mississauga, a decent second year goalie and one very good second year defensemen are joined by the best offensive core in the league. The Hounds have a ridiculous top 6 that is a threat to any team in the league, and if they pick up some more defensemen, I fully expect them to take first place.
Smith : Even over the 10-0-0 Mexico City Kings?
Joseph : Yes Joe, especially over the Kings. It’s actually a very strange situation in first place. Looking at that Mexico City team on paper, they are debatably the 6th best team in the league behind all the other teams in the top 5 and Houston. But when their skates touch the ice, it’s like seeing a whole new beast. The scariest first line in the league has all three players at over 2 points per game, and make up 3 of the top 5 scoring spots. Their top defenseman Colton Heffelfinger @heffcolton is also having a fantastic season, and takes another of the top 5 scoring spots, along with leading all defensemen by 4 points. These players have just elevated their game to a new level, and third year goalie Ross Glagau @Zetterberg has been lights out, and is currently undefeated. The strange thing is that many of the players on Mexico City are depth players on most teams. But on this team? Only 1 of 9 skaters is not a point per game. And that player has 9 points in 10 games. The work done by GM team @badcolethetitan and @Thunder is incredible, all the players mesh so perfectly together and have helped to create this storybook start to the season.
Smith : So Smitty, after all that, who do you think is going to take home the Founders?
Joseph : Joe I believe that it’s going to be an intense year, but the Mississauga Hounds just won’t be denied with their amazing forward core. I believe a few defensive pickups will be the key to a Cup for the Hounds. Do you have a pick Joe?
Smith : I have a feeling it’s gonna be one of the teams not in the top 3 currently. I don’t have an exact pick, but Miami, Ottawa, and Houston. One of those three is winning the Cup.
Joseph : I like it. Thanks for having me on the show man!
Smith : Of course! And to all you watching or listening, I hope you’ve enjoyed our rundown! Big thanks to Smitty Joseph for being here, and he will probably be back on soon. Until next time, Joe Smith signing off!
 
*Show’s theme song plays as the screen fades to black.*
 
Word Count : 1551
For Weeks of : 1/29, 2/5, 2/12

This would be the best and most action packed movie

As my last graphic dedicated to Leonard's time in San Diego, I decided that it was a fitting time to say goodbye.  If you love something, you need to set it free.  I attempted to re-create the movie poster from one of my favorite movies as a kid.  Let's see if I did a good enough job for you to guess what it is!  It shouldn't be too hard! lol

@jacobcarson877Ig Im not on that list just yet ;( BUT I WILL BE, AND RIGA WILL GLADLY WELCOME ME TOO!

@jacobcarson877Ig Im not on that list just yet ;( BUT I WILL BE, AND RIGA WILL GLADLY WELCOME ME TOO!

As life moves on new beginnings come with it and when Stefan Norris got drafted 22nd Overall by Riga it definitely was new chapter of his life
 
https://imgur.com/a/b0tHuJ7

Apply!!

I apply!

As the new season starts so does the Hype and Giza is proud to show it! 
 
https://imgur.com/a/x7NfY4p
 

As the new season starts so does the Hype and Giza is proud to show it! 
 
https://imgur.com/a/x7NfY4p
 

Bro you gotta tell me how you make the graphix these are just insane!

Prospect Scouting Report

 
Name: Leonard Triller
Position: RW
Height: 6’3"
Weight: 210 lbs
Place of Birth: North Battleford, Saskatchewan
Preferred Number: 14
 
     After late waivers during his debut S85, Leonard Triller chose to play for his hometown team, the Saskatoon Wild led by GM @Bulduray_1.  Being new to the league, playing close to home helped Leonard adapt quickly and improve his game significantly.  He continued his development as a 2-way, Power Forward with a flair for playmaking while playing on the 2nd and 4th line along with special teams. He managed almost a point per game.  Leonard likes to throw his body around amassing 116 hits in his stunted, 55 game season.  He also managed to sign a sponsorship deal with the custom hockey stick company KGW.  This deal is ongoing.

VHLM - Regular Season
Season      GP      G      A      P      +/-      SHT      PIM      HIT      SB      GW      PPG      SHG
85 (SSK)    55      14    38    52       7       202       42       116       27         2          2           0
 
     After being swept in round one of the playoffs with the Wild, Leonard Triller's post season play was relatively unknown heading into the offseason.
 
VHLM - Playoffs
Season      GP      G      A      P      +/-      SHT      PIM      HIT      SB      GW      PPG      SHG
85 (SSK)     4        0      1       1       -3        13          2          7         2         0          0           0


 
     During the offseason, Leonard participated in the Junior Showcase Tournament and was drafted by GM @RElblein of The Royals at 26th overall.  Leonard had a good showing at the tournament.  After a few games In his forward position, Leonard offered his services on defense when it was asked of the forwards to help bolster the back end.  He was happy to put his defensive capabilities to the test.
 
Junior Showcase Tournament
Season      GP      G      A      P      +/-      SHT      PIM      HIT
85 (ROY)    41      4      27    31       0        73         64       100
 

 
     In the S86 VHLM Dispersal Draft, Leonard Triller went 31st overall to the San Diego Marlins.  GM @jacobcarson877 had this to say about his late draft steal.
 
"This must have been a gift from Simon himself. The top TPE forward in the draft, falling to me at 31st overall. There must have been some confusion about his eligibility because this guy is a graphics machine, a great LR guy, great earner and a dominant player."
 
     Leonard was also drafted 8th overall by the Geneva Rush of the VHLE then 11th overall by the London United of the VHL.  *The VSN Scouting Mock Draft had projected a 15th overall pick to the Moscow Menace.  In regards to the pick by the Rush, @Bobo wrote in the VHLE Draft Recap of S86:
 
"They drafted Marlins right-wing Leonard Triller at eighth overall–a shining star for San Diego that scored 52 points and 38 assists last year. He will show up and show out for the Rush this season with his incredible playmaking ability and capability of quarterbacking an offensive rush from both ends of the ice."
 
     In regards to the pick by the London United, @sadie graded it a B+:
 
"Triller is from what I've seen a fun person and someone you'd definitely want on your team and in your LR! They are a pass-first forward (which we don't see too many of) and they are excellent on and off of the puck."
 
     With high expectations, Leonard entered S86 ready to bring a full season of production to a very solid lineup in San Diego.  His contributions matched those from his first season in Saskatoon while playing mostly on the second and fourth lines and also working the power play.  He again brought a physical presence along with a penchant for passing.

VHLM - Regular Season
Season       GP      G      A      P      +/-      SHT      PIM      HIT      SB      GW      PPG      SHG
86 (SDM)    72     25    38     63     16       236       36       138       3         3          1           0
 
     Triller ends his regular season career in the VHLM with 39 goals and 76 assists for 115 points along with a trip to the playoffs on a very strong Marlins team.  During the playoffs, his productivity stayed consistent with his regular season contributions and in turn, helped the Marlins bring home the Founders Cup.  His physical presence kept the Marlins motivated and his playmaking kept them scoring.  Leonard is looking to vastly improve in the offseason and head into Geneva as a VHLM Founders Cup Champion with a large amount of experience.
 
VHLM - Playoffs
Season      GP      G      A      P      +/-      SHT      PIM      HIT      SB      GW      PPG      SHG
86 (SDM)   16       2      8     10       3         44         4         31         1          1          0           0
 
     
 
     At the end of season 86, Leonard Triller was selected to represent Team Canada at the World Juniors in the off-season.

 
PROs
Leonard Triller quickly and consistently improves his game.  He is a student of the sport and improves where he can as quickly as he can. Very strong playmaker with good vision on the ice.  Selfless player with an ability to set up his teammates. Very positive influence in the locker room.  A young player himself, he still brings a teaching mentality to anyone less experienced. Big physical player who brings it at both ends of the ice.  Shutting down a top line is as important to him as a game winning goal. A team first player who will sacrifice individual success if it means team success.
 
CONs
Pass first mentality can cause frustrations when open shots should be taken.  Triller can get too fancy with his playmaking when a shot would do. His enthusiasm can cause him to take on more responsibility than he might be able to handle and may need to dial back to avoid burnout. Triller's relaxed and casual demeanor can come across as uncaring towards tough losses and can rub teammates the wrong way.