ScottyP

F- Brendan Marner D- Jake Thunder @Greg_Di

Post VHL draft Interview with Riga Reign/Oslo Storm rookie Rip Wheeler: Q) Alright Mr. Wheeler, congrats on being drafted! Tell me about the emotions! What’s going through your head! A) “Man! Thanks bud…you know uh, I’m just grateful to hear my name called, and I couldn’t be happier to be drafted Riga! I had to look it up, I’m headed to Latvia?! Man, better get a passport huh bud?! Haha. I’m excited…I’ve never really traveled out of the good Ol’ US of A…but I’m excited for the new experiment! Hey bud, I actually wanna take some of this time to thank all my coaches, teammates and the GM of the Las Vegas Aces…they truly set me up for success last season and are a big reason I was drafted.” Q) Ok Rip! You love to shine a bright light on the boys for sure…any other Rip shouts outs? A) “oh yaaa buddy! Big shout out to uh the boys for getting drafter in season 88. Dank Turtle was uh, ya know a stud for Mexico City last year. Julien Tessier is a you know uh a youngster, but uh he’s gonna crush it in the M this season..and then there is Scruff McGruff, you know uh love the name, what’s beauty! and uh I’m excited what he can do this season too!” Q) Ok, hold on Rip…I’m getting some breaking news from some well places sources within the VHLE…ok, yes…yes it is confirmed…you have been also been drafted by the Oslo Storm! Thoughts on this breaking news!? A) “Wow! Norway!…it’s Norway right? Haha…man I am gonna be riding on a jet plane like it’s going outta style bud! I can’t wait to hit up some of the nightlife in Grunerløkka, I heard it’s Oslo's trendiest neighborhood! I don’t even know how to say that, but uh that’s what google just told me…love my I phone! It’s like all the knowledge is at my fingertips ya know?” “Have you seen those Oslo sweaters?! Damn bud, those are some you know uh, really nice threads! Ol’ Rip is gonna look mean in the black and red! I am super excited to meet the Oslo boys and start gearing up for the season!” Q) Wow, Rip you always have a unique take! Haha…any players past or present that you model your game at after? A) “I want to uh, excel as a true power forward. I want to be a hard nosed player, but also someone that is able to put some points on the board. I think of uh, ya know players like Eric Lindros, Brenden Shannahan, Jerome Iginla and Cam Neely. That who uh, I look to and model my game after.” Q) Wow, that’s some high standards there! Any parting words Rip? I’ll let you go enjoy the day. A) “No sir! Although, I Heard one of the local bars has uh, you know the Ol’ fireball on tap…you know what that means!! Rounds for the boys! Letsss goooooo!!” Q) Of course, you and your fireball! Haha…Thanks again for the time Rip. I appreciate the entertainment. 516 words

1) going well, this week should be a top TPE in my career. Excited to get the season going. 2) I think all three. I think being creative in all facets of building a team is what leads to ultimate success. 3) I’m usually a best player available kinda guy. I hear Rip Wheeler is an up and coming stud though! Lol 4) I think giving new and “younger” guys more prominent roles and counting on their hard work and dedication to get better each game. 5) Become a top five player in points and hits. And win a championship with the boys. 6) Don’t watch or care about ncaa.

D - Brian Payne @Greg_Di

1) Love it! Max Torq is a killer! Big time move by the club! 2) Nope, but I am one and have felt welcomed by the club for sure. 3) Fresh start, crushing TPE tasks and getting ready for the new season. 4) Training camp was good! Good to meet the boys and get er goin out there on the rink. Nothing but positive vibes out there..loving it! 5) Yup! Biiiiig Kraken guy here…hoping to make some noise this year in the playoffs! 6) Cakes, Toast, Waffs.

Adds 10 retro TPE to Rip Wheeler.

Love it! Thanks for the reply! Im a bug steak and whiskey guy!!

The Pre Draft Process: The pre-draft process has been pretty fun! I have been contacted by quite a few teams and have enjoyed the questions and back and forth. Most teams contacted me through the forum messages, but one hit me up on discord messages. We had more of a chat or back and forth…I thought that was a unique and cool approach. I’m still a bit lost on exactly what happens I am fortunate enough to get drafted by a VHL team. Do I play for that team? Do play for a minor league team still? Do I get sent to the. European league? I’m still a little confused and maybe it depends on the player and or team. If anyone that knows the answers to this questions actually read us this (lol), maybe reply and let me know! I am excited for a new season (wherever I end up playing). It’s a fresh start and I will be able to stay accountable for my weekly TPE and improve Rip Wheeler to make him a valuable member of whatever team he ends up on. A few more questions for the 1 or 2 people that may glance at this. What is your favorite way to eat TPE? What are the top 5 attributes you add TPE to and why? What is your goto cocktail? And if you had to eat one type of food for the rest of your life…what would it be? I know those last two aren’t hockey related, but they are important questions that I’d like to know the answer to.

Off Season Report - Rip Wheeler: Rip Wheeler is a hard nosed hockey player who just finished his season Las Vegas Aces. Despite having a successful season, Rip knew that he had to keep training in the off-season to maintain his skills and improve his game. He had a solid rookie season in the VHLM, but he had aspirations of one day making it to the show! Rip hired a personal trainer from YouTube and began his rigorous training schedule. He started by working on his endurance, running several miles every day, and hitting the gym for strength training. He also worked on his agility and speed by doing drills and exercises that focused on his footwork and quickness. Rip incorporated CrossFit and even Brazilian jiujitsu into his fitness routine. He also started taking boxing classes so that when and of the time came to drop the mits, he would be ready to go and put on a show. In addition to his physical training, Rip also focused on his mental game. He began to watch Tony Robbins seminar videos and listen to Jocko and Joe Rogan podcasts. There was not a second wasted as he began transform into beast! He also watched his previous games and analyzed his mistakes, learning from them and developing systems and processes to avoid committing the same mistakes again. He also visualized himself playing in different game scenarios, dropping the gloves with Brian Payne, deking out Jake Thunder and making the perfect pass or scoring the game winning goal! The separation truly is in the preparation, and Rip was definitely going to be prepared. Despite the hard work and long hours, Rip never lost his motivation. Hearing his name called on draft day would be a dream come true! And the blood, sweet and tears were worth it. Rip knew that the off-season was just as important as the regular season and that his dedication and hard work would pay off. He continued to train relentlessly, pushing himself to be the best up and coming prospect he could be. Rip envisioned himself as a power forward modeled after Eric Lindros, Brenden Shannahan and Jerome Iginla. So the type of play that puts up alotta points, while racking up lots of hits and some PIMS! Rip's dedication and hard work had not only improved his game, but had also inspired other prospects to work harder and strive for greatness. Iron sharpens iron, and Rip and some of this years top prospects began to workout together, pushing each other to get better each day. His determination had made him a better player and a natural leader on any team he becomes a part of. Rip is ready to take on any challenge that come his way. As the draft approached, Rip felt confident and prepared. His training had paid off, and he was ready for the big day. There was only one question left…what to wear to the draft!? To pay homage to his Yellowstone roots, Rip decided to go with a Classic Western Cowboy Tail Tuxedo in Black. All he needed was to put on a cowboy hat, throw on his bolo tie and he was ready good to go! This tuxedo had a long tail jacket with satin lapels and matching pants. He looked sharp, and if you look good, you feel good and when you feel good you play good. It’s a story as old as time. And with that, Rip was ready for prime time!

1) Good luck! 2) Consistent TPE and more production offensively. 3) Getting first star and also the time we beat Mexico City! 4) A cigar and whiskey bar! 5) Excited to see where Rip ends up! No preference. 6) He’s a really good cook…high end steak house type stuff! 7) Juan should get the bag! He’s the man!

Plans for Rip Wheeler: My plans and or intentions for Rip Wheeler for season # 88. First off, I plan to continue to try and be consistent with the TPE point tasks. I know Scurvy and Sharky will be on me if I don’t. Second, I plan to make Rip more of a power forward and less of a meat head. Now I love some meatheads…I grew up on the Hanson Bothers on TV and Bob Probert, Tie Domi, Tony Twist and Rob Ray on the real ice. But Rip has to make a contribution to the score card or he’s not gonna make it in todays VHL (All leagues). My plan is to continue to upgrade on the offense and defense respectively while holding back a bit on the hits. I feel like RIp produced enought hits and Pims to be considered a tough customer…but I want him to be of more of a Brendan Shanahan, Eric Lindros, Keith Tkachuck type of player…maybe even a modern day (more skilled) Milan Lucic or Tommy Wilson. I want Rip to score goals, be a contributor…but also crush the opposition and be a total pain to play against. That is my plan for coming season…I hope that I can continue to create PPE and add to Rip and make him a valuable commodity in the VHL, VHLE or VHLM…wherever he ends up…because wherever he does…he’s gonna make an impact…that is a fact.

Interview with rookie Rip Wheeler, VHLM - Las Vegas Aces “playoff game #19”: Q) Alright Mr. Wheeler, not how you wanted this to end, but making the playoffs in your rookie season? Not too shabby huh!? A) “You play to win the game….you knowing, ya play to win the game! Ok…that was a riff on Herm Edwards…so listen, I hate losing…Always have always will. But the boys gave it short all and we got beat by a better team tonight. But ya know? We did some work tonight…we hung in there with the league champs (in my option)…so ya know? Uh I’m gonna uh, crack a few bruskis and ahh ya know maybe even crush some fireball bardownski with the bros…ya know? yeah! Aces up!” Q) Rip! Ok, that’s the spirit! So not the result You wanted…but how was your first shot at the VHLM playoffs? A) “Ya, uh ya know, coaches came with a great plan, good on for the boys…they really brought it tonight!!…Boldy was a boss tonight ya know uh, 3 points…two apps and a Geno…he was killing it out there eh?! Q) Ok Rip! You love to shine a light on the boys for sure…but how did it feel for you out there? A) “man, I ya know, I uh, It was a tough go for me on the offensive side of it ya know uh…but 9 hit sticks, I was trying to get the boys going however I could….I’d love to uh be Ol 99 killing it with goals and apps, but I’ll setting for being a tone setter crushing bodies for the boys! Q) Wow, Rip you always have a unique take! Haha…so what do you see as your future Rip? Are you headed for the VHL? The VHLE or back for another go in the VHLM? A) Well bud, i like to have options…ya know? Like a appy sampler at Applebees bud but of course I’d like to get a look at the show. The VHL, the game, you know ah the pinnacle, the peak! I do whatever I have to do for the club ya know?! and uh I uh think, the GMs the league will see that…if you need me to take a you know uh, take a young buck under my wing? I’m your guy….need me to fight the toughest SOB in the arena? I’m your you…need me to take some sorry ass traitor to the train station? I’m your damn guy buddy, it’s me, I’m him. Q) Wow, Rip you definitely have a way with words…what…what are you looking forward to this off season. A) “buddy, you know what this is…I’m Nose to the damn grindstone…training out in the frigid cold, cut off T shirt…not giving two F’s about anything other than the boys, the club and the dubya! We don’t mess around bud, we play to win and we win to play. Hey bud, here’s one more fire balski for the boys…let’s end er on a high not eh?! Q) Ok, dammit Rip, again? Ok, well bottoms up! Let’s get loaded! Haha A) Aces up bud, you know how we love…it’s a lifestyle!

1) Yes, Rip was drafted. Team looks decent. I’m a little ignorant about JST though. Excited to learn more. 2) off season is good. Looking forward to finishing a string week this week in terms of TPE. 3) I have had a VHL team reach out, so I am hopeful to be drafted by them. Time will tell though. 4) I’m indifferent on the WJC. 5) Mexico 6) More consistency on the offensive side of things. I hope Juan resigns…he’s been a mainstay and influence in the room for my whole career!

Interview with rookie Rip Wheeler, VHLM - Las Vegas Aces: Season 87 in review: Ok, here we are…season review time for Rip Wheeler…so here we go. 72 games played…didn’t miss any games due to injury…Ironman guy! Lol…but seriously…let’s break it down… 30 goals:…a decent a lot of genos for a player that prides himself on the physical brand of play… Quote from Rip “you know uh, I tried to a fill the net for the boys…I’d want to put more pucks in uh the net…but I think I uh contributed for the boys. 47 assists, 77 points….ok, so Rip was a P2G2 “Point Per Game Guy”… it bad for a rook…he lives the team and appreciates doing what it takes to get a win for the. Our. Quote from Rio..”you know I love saucing it up for the boys..glory for the boys is what’s it all about…I want the boys to be uh, on the Wheaties box ya know?!? Plus minus was plus 4, not bad…tough Year for the boys, so anything on the positive end of things is a positive for Mr. Wheeler. 313 shots on net… it bad…almost 4.5 shots per game…Rip was getting some solid pucks on the net. 97 pims! Soooo close to 100! Rip was pretty disciplined, but still let the boys know out there…definitely looking forward to beaming 100 PIMS next season! 194 hits! Now it’s not 200, but still a solid outing for the rookie…he definitely likes to throw his weight around. Rip quote…”ya know uh, I try and uh play a physical game the boys…I uh like to get my body involved and let the other team feel my passion for the boys! I uh, you know uh want to keep hitting guys and getting my numbers up…Juan Ceson, really made a name for himself thisn year and I hope to eventually be on that level. I wanna hit everything that moves! Send a message to the other team that were not messing around! Rip had an ok time in the playoffs…4 points j 5 games…12 PIMS, 22 hits…but -5 was a rough go for Rip…he’s gotta be better when he’s out on the ice. Parting thoughts for Rip on season 87 of the VHLM…. I feel like my consistency in getting TPE has helped Rip become a contributing member of the Aces for sure…I still seem to wait until Sunday night to get all my TPE tasks done…gotta work on that. I am slowly but surely getting to understand and appreciate the VHL and the different ways to make your player successful. I appreciate all the help I have received from Scurvy and Sharky…Also my Las Vegas Aces managers have been helpful in showing me the ropes around the VHL. I hope to continue my journey in the VHLE and eventually the VHL (the show!)…I am still very new to all this and am learning my way around the app, the website and the league. I appreciate all the support from Scurvy, Shirley, and Blazzer…I will continue to give it my best and try and crush the league in the only way I know how. Aces up!!!

Interview with rookie Rip Wheeler, VHLM - Las Vegas Aces “playoff game #11 post game” : A) “Always, team time with the boys is what it’s all about…crack a few bruskis and ahh ya know maybe even some fireball bardownski with the bros…oh yeah…Aces up!” Q) Rip! You’re back! Star #2! Nice work… Q) So Rip, Congrats on the big 3-1 win tonight! You guys got the win against #1 seed Mexico City! Thanks for taking a few minutes to chat. Q) So take me through the game, how did you guys come out with the win. A) “Ya, uh ya know, coaches came with a great plan, good on for the boys…they really brought the heat! Varly was a boss tonight ya know uh, first starski…two genos and a happy hour appt…he was killing it bro! Q) Ok Rip! You love to shine a light on the boys for sure…but how did it feel for you out there? A) “man, I ya know, I uh, I felt like Gary Payton buddy, just serving up appetizers like I work at Applebees bud! Whatever I have to do for the club ya know?! Sometimes it’s to0 0 chef, other nights it’s crushing the ya know uh the uh dishwashing routine…T-Triple G bud…do whatever the boys need. Q) Wow, Rip you always have a unique take…I love Applebees by the way! Haha…what what…what are you handing me Rip?! A) “buddy, you know what this is…its fire-ey and ball-ey bud…fireball! Let’s goooo!!! When we win? You win…I bring the party to my good sir…let’s riiiide! Q) Ok, we’ll Rip, bottoms up! Let’s get loaded! Haha A) Aces up bud, you know…it’s a lifestyle!

1) Everyone seemed to like Jason…didn’t have that much interaction myself. Viper seems to be engaged and I appreciate the reminders he sends out about TPE. 2) We had a bit of a heater for a sim or two…but have cooled off a bit lately for sure. 3) I would say yes, I’m generally happy with Rips performance. 4) Quite is fine…shows confidence in the boys in the room, so I don’t think it’s a bad thing. 5) keep crushing it Juan…your play is inspires me! 6) No idea who that is…but definitely excites!

The Payne Train is Back! After an uncharacteristically slow start, the train of Payne is back rolling! Brian Payne of the Warsaw Predators, is Top 5 in assists for all players…(shoutout to Thunder at #1…he’s too 6 in total points for a d man. Pints, assists…those are nice…but in the world of Payne…other stats take center stage! Top 5 in shots blocked, Payne loves to give up the body for the club…he’s also Top 5 in hits with 273 in 65 games! Damn! You won’t see Payne among the hits take. leaders, because everyone is afraid of that left hand answer to any tomfoolery out there on the rink. His biggest attribute and where you will see Brian Payne sitting on the throne is when it comes to penalty minutes or PIMS….226 pims through 65 games…he’s holding on to the number one spot by more than 35 minutes! It’s a good thing he likes audio books, cuz Payne spend plenty of time in the sin bin. Keep your head up when you’re on the tracks…cuz the Payne train is back and coming in hot!

nterview with rookie Rip Wheeler, VHLM - Las Vegas Aces “post game #264” Q) Hey Rip, Congrats on the big 7-2 win tonight! You guys beat the top dog in Mexico City! Thanks for taking a few minutes to chat. Q) So take me through the game, you were en fuego tonight. A) “Ya, uh ya know, I felt like I was back at the crib playing NHL 94 on rookie mode! And damn, boys were buzzin’ tonight for sure! We’ve putting in the work during practice, lots of preparation…as a now disgraced former Super Bowl champ and Seattle Seahawk (Russell Wilson) once said…”the seperation is in the preparation”…he was right…but he’s a goober and he doesn’t play for the hawks any longer…so we don’t like that guy! Q) Ok Rip interesting take on NFL current events…take me through your three goals, break it down for me. A) “man, I ya know, I uh, felt like a member of seal team 6 buddy, just cooking up snipping ginos for the boys! I was seeing the uh ice in 20 20 vision ya know?! Big time team win ah, for the boys…I mean uh Mexico City has been a uh Goliath…but tonight…we had the slingshot and they called us David” Q) Wow, Rip that’s a lot to unpack! You always have some interesting perspectives on things…I appreciate your time as always good sir…you have a great night and crack open a cold one with the boys, you earned it! A) “Always, team time with the boys is what it’s all about…crack a few bruskis and ahh ya know maybe even some fireball bardownski with the bros…oh yeah…Aces up!” Q) Rip! You’re back! What are you up to you crazy SOB?! A) Buddy! I come bearing gifts! Haha…you know uh, you and the rest of the broadcast team uh, really work your tail off…so i decided to share fire beezy! Let’s goooo! Shots shots shots! Haha Q) Well, this is definitely a first! Hahaha A) You’ve never had fireball?! Cmon man! Q) Ha! Oh no, I’ve definitely had fireball…I went to Washington State University! I’ve just never had a shot ski brought to the broadcast booth! Haha A) Hey baud, I take care of my guys…and you uh, you know uh, always treat me right! So when I was talking about that SNAKE Russell Wilson…it made me think…you ever heard of the LOB?! Q) LOB? Lob city? No? Guess I’m not familiar… A) What?! Cmon man! (X2)…the LOB…the Legion Of Boom!!! The most feared defense and secondary in NFL history! Q) Ok, Ok…but what does that have to do with hockey Rip? A) Well, Russell is a pre Madonna goober snake..but uh, you know uh I’ve fashioned my hockey style after the dark knight himself…Bam Bam Kam Chancellor! He uh, bright the pain every game! He was uh a soul snatcher…just straight up burying bodies on the field…that’s what I envision for my next few years…snatching soils and burying the bodies under sheets of ice! Who wants it! Vegas is ready for anyone, anytime! Wooooo! Q) Ok well then…(coughing) that fireball shot went down smooth! Thanks for the hospitality, and NFL history lesson Rip. A) “Anytime, buddy….Aces up!, and drink up!…FIREBALLLLLLL!!”

Press Conference Good luck Jason! I’m sure you’ll crush your new adventure! Just support and reminding us to get the TPE tasks done in a timely manner. A spy? Damn, couldn’t be me…for too much love for the room to do that…my thought is that it’s sharky! He shows up, talks shit and the. Leaves…and his AGM for Mexico City…he’s the prime suspect! I think Juan is near the league leaders in hits and PIMS…so I think he’s just playing a hard nosed brand of hockey…which I appreciate! Kraken. Love having a hometown team to root for! Maybe an oversized “Ace” of spades card that shoots a six shooter and drinks whiskey!

Interview with rookie Rip Wheeler, VHLM - Las Vegas Aces “post game #244”: Q) Hey Rip, Congrats on the big 5-1 win tonight! Thanks for taking a few minutes to chat. Q) So take me through the game, seems like you were seeing the ice really well tonight. A) “Ya, uh ya know, the boys were buzzin’ tonight for sure! I mean almost 50 shots, ya know it was like a shooting gallery out there! Q) Yeah, Rip take me through your three assists, break it down for me. A) “man, I ya know, I uh, felt like Gordon Ramsey or Martha Stew buddy, just cooking up Apple pies for the boys! I was seeing the uh ice well and uh ya know the boys made me look good finishin’ off my passes going up top where the cookie jar sits ya know?! Big time team sun for the boys” Q) Wow, Rip that’s a lot to unpack! Haha wanna shine a light on any of the boys? A) “Always! You know uh, My man “ESD”(Eurydyka Sklodowska Dudz) crushed souls with 9 hits! And a Gino to top it off? I uh, really Loved the old time hockey vibes from my guy on the rink tonight!” Q) He was definitely wrecking shop out there! Great win again and thanks for the time Rip. A) “Yes sir baud, I got you….Aces up!”

Press Conference No idea, maybe some whiskey or a cold beer?! Yes, rivalry’s are what makes hockey or any sport great. No predictions, just trying get better every week and win some more games! Yeah I think all star week would be fun. Not likely this season. Carpe Diem.

Rivalry week! As defined by Miriam Websters dictionary, Rivalry, the noun is defined as the act of rivaling : the state of being a rival : COMPETITION. I began to go down the rabbit hole of Miriam…and Webster and i kept coming back to three words rivalry, competition and competitor…words and definitions have meaning, but a true rivalry is so much more than just a standard words associated with it…Today I will dive into a few of my favorites, from my childhood and of course the VHL! First things first, I grew up going to Seattle Thunderbirds games with my dad. We had season tickets and rarely missed a game! For those that don’t know, the Thunderbirds played in the Western Hockey League (WHL) which is part of the Canadian Hockey League. This is a Major Junior hockey league that spans all over Canada and parts of Washington and Oregon in the United States. For those that remember, the 90’s in junior hockey or hockey in general were the so entertaining and exciting! Almost like a golden age of hockey…old time hockey, hard nosed players mixed in with the skill and finesse of todays game. The biggest rival the Thunderbirds had were the Portland Winterhawks. Their tribute to the Chicago blackhawks jerseys clashed beautifully with the T Birds blue and green of the Hartford whalers theme. But what made the rivalry great was the players…T Bird greats and NHL alums like Brendon Witt, Turner Stevenson, Patrick Marleau and Oleg Saprykin to the gritty role players that were always down to hit and of course drop the mitts…Brett Duncan was a absolute wildman, with 343 pims in 64 games from the D spot too! Little Tyler Willis was a beauty and 300 pim guy himself!…and Kevin Popp and Lloyd Shaw were beasts on the blue line. A rivalry needs two willing participants and the winterhawks definitely provided that! Adam Deadmarsh was an absolute stud, 99 points and 212 pims in 65 games! Some of my other favorite players to hate were John Badduke (367 pim guy), Joey Teterenko, and NHL studs like Marian Hosea and Andrew Ference. Every game was a battle and complete gong show…fights on the ice, fights in the stands…and 12 year old me having the time of my life! Nothing better than yelling “Portland sucks!” with my pops and 8,000 of my closest friends lol…a close second would be when the Birds would light the lamp and The “Hey Song” by Gary Glitter started blaring out of the arena speakers. Ok, now to the VHL…few individual rivalries have the complexity and intrigue of my favorite two defenseman studs Brian Payne and Jake Thunder. Both are VHL veterans and both tearing it up on season 87. Let’s talk a bit about the Payne train…the two time Jack Wilde award winner, has been a main stay at the top of the stat board for the past few seasons for the Warsaw Predators. A well rounded for the but tough nosed player, Payne is usually near the top in points, plus minus and of course hits (Payne train!). This season (87), Payne has started a bit slow out of the gates, but is still on pace top tier numbers in assists and hits. And he’s still got a solid hold on the #1 penalty minute crown! He may not win a third Jack Wilde, but he still good be in the mix with a strong finish. Now let’s talk about HC Davos Dynamo and Jake Thunder. Thunder won the Dustin Funk trophy in season 85 and has continued his accent to the top of the defensemen ranks over the past few seasons. A steady presence on the blue line, Thunder has a veteran presence about him that (not just cuz he’s old) that makes him a valuable piece of any post season run for the Dynamo. Thunder is definitely a playoff producer with 23 points in 16 games during last seasons playoff run. This is a great rivalry because once good friends, they are now both vying for VHL glory and have become bitter enemies…they did have a chance to settle it up and go Mano y Mano as they say last season…during that tilt, the Payne train was derailed by a few Thunder bombs and bragging rights were secured until the next tilt. I know Payne has been training and waiting for his day of redemption. In closing rivalry’s are what life and especially hockey are all about. Whether its riding the Payne train or raining down Thunder storms, I hope that my player Rip Wheeler will someday be mentioned in the same breath as these two VHL greats in the making.

Interview with rookie Rip Wheeler, VHLM - Las Vegas Aces: Q) Good afternoon Me. Wheeler, thanks for taking the time to sit down and chat for a few minutes about your progression in your rookie season in the VHLM. Q) How would you rate yourself as we approach the midseason point of the year. A) “Ya, uh ya know, I’m just feeling more comfortable out there…the game is slowing down a bit and I’m not having to uh think as much. It’s a good feeling to feel like you belong to something…and that’s what I found here with the Aces…you know uh, some of the vets, have a, really taken me under their wing and shown me the ropes. At this point, I feel like a brother to everyone in the room.” Q) Yeah, the locker room and this team has seemingly been really if around each other and creating that family atmosphere. Anything you’d like to see improve with your play during the second half of the year? A) “man, I’d love to put some pucks in the net for the boys…I feel like I’m contributing, but uh, you know uh, there’s always room to get better. I’m pretty happy with the shots and my physical play, but you can never have enough bodies banging out there! Haha But honestly I’d love to take a, you know uh a few minutes to break down the some of the the boys and make sure they get in the Sunday spotlight too! Q) “Sunday Spotlight. Maybe I should trademark that! Alright Rip, shine the light in a few of the boys. A) Let’s first show some love to uh, Mr. Juan Ceson! 139 hits in 38 games? My man is bringing the pain all over the rink! This is Juan’s 6th season with Vegas and he’s truly been a mentor, especially when it comes to uh, playing an aggressive brand of hockey! With 66 pims Juan is tied for #1 in the league! He shows every that not only is he willing to mix it up with the body and he’s not afraid to take it to the box…he’s not just a tough guy though as he brings that experience as a two Time founders cup champion! Season 83 and 84. He’s a, also a big glue guy in the room Keeping the boys loose before the game and uh, he loves to get us going in between the frames too. Who’s next, gotta keep it on the back end…Eurydyka Sklodowska Dudzinska aka “the Dude” has been playing like a complete game stud with 33 points and 105 hits…this is the “Dudes” first full season in the “M” and at 6’8 he’s definitely making his presence known. He’s also a top 10 pim guy that’s not afraid to mix it up. With those two uh, manning the back end, it gives me the freedom to crash in on the forecheck and bring the ah, physicality you know uh, that old time hockey…that our Las Vegas Aces hockey club known for! Q) Ok well then…I appreciate you sharing the light with your boys…and sounds like you got some goals set for the second half of the year!Thanks for the time Rip. A) “Anytime, buddy….Aces up!”

1) CBBE re-branded to CR what do you think of the name do you like it? - Im indifferent to the rebrand. 2) What do you think about the lineup do you like it yes/no why? - Lineup seems good, I’m getting some decent playing time and we’re putting together some solid games. 3) What are you going to work on the most to help you improve this season? - getting my TPE tasks done before Sunday night! 4) What place do you think we’ll be at, at the end of the season? - it’d be nice to be in the top half of the standings. We started out with a pretty rough stretch. 5) What VHLM logo is your least favorite, why? - Aces, I might be biased though! lol 6) Would you rather live (permanently) in a roller coaster or a zoo? - The zoo, less ups and downs.

Interview with rookie Rip Wheeler, VHLM - Las Vegas Aces - Post Game #116: Q) Welcome Rip, thanks for taking the time to sit down for a few minutes after the big win tonight. Q) So how’s it feel to have a few to be the first star of the game! A) “You know bud? I’m more excited about the uh, big win for the club! I just kept my head down followed the game plan and we got er done tonight. Can’t say enough about the boys though, really played hard for each other and everyone in the room.” Q) Yeah, the locker room was on fire tonight after the game!…have you ever been the first star of the game before Rip? A) “Haha, maybe in bantams or something…you know uh, I, uh see myself as more of a “T Triple G” type of guy…you know someone who just likes gettin’ it goin’ with the boys. Doing whatever it takes…and uh, I’ve had quite a few Gordie’s in my time, but never had my name get called after the game for the prime time interview! It was a little uncomfortable, but you know…I’ll keep er going and dealing with the media side if we keep uh get to keep smacking the Dub button after the game! Q) Ok Rip, I gotta ask “T Triple G”? You gotta break it down for my man. A) Well uh, ya know it just describes me as a player and as a dude really…”Team Guy Glue Guy”…”TGGG or T Triple G”. On or off the ice…Whether it’s ya know just going out and uh, bangin’ bodies for the boys or fillin’ up the stat sheet with Gino’s and apples aplenty, I do whatever I can for the boys, the club, the coaching staff and the brass…can’t forget about the brass! Q) So Rip, you said you’re a Team Guy and Glue Guy, on and office the ice….can you elaborate on that? Inquiring minds want to know. A) Well buddy, I’ll break it down like this…you know uh, my buddy and mentor, VHL star Brian Payne…what an absolute beauty right?! So uh, ya know uh, let’s just say uh the Ol’ Payne train and I link up for off-night heater at one of the many local watering holes….we grab a few rounds of top shelf whiskey n a sucker of yellowjackets…he’s gonna be payin’…making all that big money up in the show! So the nights coming down the wire and Payne is looking to close the deal, I’ll be his wingman, take one for the team, you know uh, do what it takes for the team or in that case my boy Pain the gets the Dub! On the ice? Whether it’s throwing my weight around early and often, throwing these hands, or laying out to black and shot, I’m uh, the guy that’s ready willing and able…you know uh, putting some pucks bar down or saucing some passes and showing off the silky mitts, I’ll do whatever the team needs, period. Q) Wow! Ok well then…you learn something new every day! Thanks for the time Rip. A) “For sure baud…Aces up!” 528 words