Doomsday

1. The trade deadline has come and gone, and the team Stockholm has is the team they will push to the playoffs with. With the fourth seed still in play, do you see the Vikings securing that spot? 2. As of the current moment, this is the first draft in some time that Stockholm holds all of their selections. What kind of impact do you see this having for next season's team? 3. The Vikings recently announced that they will be looking to hire an AGM. Who do you think would be a great fit for the position? 4. What do you think could help generate for excitement for the VHL World Cup and other international games? 5. A gorilla is hell-bent on fighting you, but you can choose one animal as your champion to defend you. What would it be? 6. What is the most memorable point task you have made or seen?

Hail, warriors! As Season 93 winds down, the time has finally come for Jarl Doomsday to add to the Halls of Leadership of the Stockholm Vikings, and is now actively seeking to appoint an AGM. No previous experience with an AGM/GM position or with STHS is required, but the Jarl does decree that whoever seeks this position should be full of zeal and passion, and have an open mind towards both learning and teaching. The challenges of promoting activity in the VHLE are no small task, and it is the single biggest aspect that the Jarl is looking for. Regardless of your experience, knowledge, and tenure in the VHL, if you believe that you are the right person for the job, please apply! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me on the forums or on Discord at doomsdayvhl

Claiming for week of 4/15 - 4/21 Claim 2/3

Welcome back!!

Is this common knowledge? It's the first time I've heard of it. I know I've talked about it before, but I have no idea who has heard it.

Although I have used the Doomsday name since Season 32 when I first joined, that is technically a rebrand from my first appearance here in Season Four.

It's an unfortunate reality that most countries simply don't have enough quality players to do that. Currently, only the USA and Canada have their own teams, although I believe Finland and Greenland could also roster their own teams. If the amount of nations that players could choose at player creation was limited, that could help result in more balanced international representation, but USA and Canada would still receive far more than the others. Outside of having Team Eastern/Western Europe and Team World to give other nations a chance to grow while still allowing their players to participate, too many people would be excluded at this point.

It definitely really works out with getting far more people involved than Team Europe on its own did. The UK is really the only nation that's anywhere close to being able to field their own roster, so I don't see it changing anytime soon.

This is an awesome idea, and I can't wait to see the rest of it!

Rebranding International Play Over the course of VHL history, international play has been a staple of the league. In the early days of the league, achievements on the international stage were considered a big deal, and are frequently listed in the biographies of Hall of Fame players of those eras. Over the years, however, those achievements have diminished in importance, and the World Cup is gradually becoming irrelevant to many members. While there are several reasons for this, the Theme Week theme is rebranding, so that’s the approach we’re going to stick with for this article. That being said, simply rebranding the name of the World Cup isn’t going to change anything, so what we’ll do instead is evaluate the teams we do have, and do our rebranding there instead. Throughout the years, we have had several teams come and go, depending on the representation available through VHL players. Let’s start with the six teams, evaluate their representation in the VHL, and determine if there is the potential for a new team: United States of America Team Representation: : 12 It should come as no surprise that the USA is well-represented in the VHL, with a large portion of the members of the league being Americans. Along with many first-generation players matching their own nationality by making an American player, many of the league’s top American players are also recreates, giving the USA a formidable roster each and every tournament. No changes need to be made to this team. Canada Team Representation: : 12 Just like the USA, Canada is also very highly represented in the VHL due to many league members themselves being Canadians. As a result, Team Canada frequently receives excellent representation in the sim for the same reasons the USA does, making it a highly competitive roster to earn a spot on. Team Canada needs no changes, as they have been well-represented from Day One and will continue to be so. Team Eastern Europe Team Representation: : 1 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 2 Europe as a whole traditionally received a team consisting of players from all across Europe, but increasing diversity in player representation has led to an Eastern and Western team for Europe. The gold medal-winning Eastern European team was especially diverse, featuring players from eight different nations, none of which had more than two players on the team. In spite of nations like Russia and Czechia being traditional ice hockey powerhouses in the real world, they are not nearly as well-represented in the VHL, with just two Russian and Czechian players each on this roster. It’s worth noting that during Season 24 to 34, the Soviet Union existed as a team, containing many of the Eastern European nations in it, while Europe simultaneously existed. As it stands now, Eastern Europe is working just as intended, and quite successfully as well. No nation under their umbrella has the ability to stand on their own just yet, and no changes are necessary at this time. Team Western Europe Team Representation: : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 2 : 2 : 1 The other half of the former Team Europe, Western Europe, features some traditionally strong and well-established nations in ice hockey, but is the first team we’ve gone over that has talent from outside of their pool. Goaltenders Olober Syko and Dalkr Vidarsson are from the USA and Greenland, respectively. The United Kingdom (who once upon a time had their own team in the World Cup), France, and Switzerland each have two players on the team, but to me the biggest surprise is Germany with just one player on the team. Their lack of goaltenders of their own is also troubling, as Syko certainly will represent the USA in the future and Vidarsson could very well represent his own nation, as I’ll get into later. It’s fair to conclude that no nation represented by Western Europe is ready to stand on their own. Team Nordic Team Representation: : 1 : 8 : 1 : 2 As the GM of Team Nordic, I was hoping to build a team that represented the Nordic region, but it quickly became apparent that this team was going to be largely composed of one nation: Finland. With a staggering eight players of Team Nordic from Finland, it is pretty clear that Finland is a nation ready to stand on its own legs. Allowing Finland to be their own team will allow for Team Nordic to become a team consisting of the other nations in the region, allowing more players to experience international play, Sweden in particular would largely help to fill in the gap, as the other nations have some work to do with recruiting. It would be a tough road for Team Nordic, who would certainly experience a stepback with the loss of Finland, but with the knowledge of having international roster spots available through the other Nordic nations, those who want to experience it could be swayed to create their new players under those nations instead of potentially being held out for multiple World Cups on nations like the USA or Canada. Finland, meanwhile, could be ready to compete for medals, especially if Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen develops into a goalie capable of taking over for veteran Fuuka Rask. Team World Team Representation: : 1 : 2 : 1 : 4 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 Lastly, we have Team World, the catch-all team for nations that don’t fit elsewhere and players who didn’t make the cut for their respective nations. The interesting part here is that Greenland, which has typically been a part of Team Nordic, is included here with Team World. With four players, they are actually the fourth highest represented nation in the Season 92 World Cup, behind only the United States, Canada, and Finland. Looking at their list of players currently active in the VHL, there is practically an entire roster there, although depth is currently limited. As it stands however, there is definitely potential there for Greenland to be their own team. You heard it: it’s finally time to make Greenland their own team. Of the remaining eight players, it’s pretty evenly split in half with players who are the lone representative of a nation not otherwise represented, while the others didn’t make the cut on their own nation’s team. Of those four, two are Canadian and another is an American, not surprising considering the stiff competition to make those two teams. The big surprise was Sunglasses Joyo of the United Kingdom being on this team, a testament to how tough the competition at forward was for Western Europe. Great Britain actually boasts a pretty respectable group of forwards, enough to form two pretty solid lines, but their defensive and goaltending depth simply isn’t there, with Phil Strasmore the only defenseman that would warrant making an international roster spot. VHLE legend Clark is the only UK goaltender, and Western Europe opted against taking him for their own roster, as I doubt he would fare well on the international stage. The United Kingdom certainly has promise to be awarded their own team once again, as they were from Season 26 to 34, but they’re not quite there yet. The Return of Team Mercenaries? The best of the rest, Team Mercenaries was a team that was able to add any player that was not selected to their own nation’s team, giving them the opportunity to prove to their country that they were wrong to pass on them. Indeed, twice they pulled off the ultimate upset by winning gold with a roster of castoffs, two of the greatest stories in the history of the VHL’s international play. It was a fun and unique challenge, and as enjoyable of one as it was to undertake, with Team World getting to select leftover players, it defeats the point of Team Mercenaries. Unless Team World was restricted only to nations not covered by the other teams, with unselected players being left to Team Mercenaries, the two can’t really coexist as is. But if we really want to revamp the World Cup and get as many players into it as we can, Team Mercenaries can return once again. Can the Rebrand Be Done? International competition has been a part of the VHL for the entire part of the league’s journey, and I would love for it to capture the luster that it once had. Winning gold medals used to be an important part of cementing a player’s legacy in the VHL, not that it should ever be a deterrent to a player making or not making the Hall of Fame. To me, increasing the amount of representation for the World Cup would be a great way to boost interest for the tournament, especially amongst nations that have gained a strong enough base to compete under their own banners. More teams would also lead to more diversity in games played during the Round Robin as well, not to mention add to the achievement of winning a medal. With a little bit of rebranding, we can make the VHL World Cup worth getting excited over again.

1. It's been tough sledding for the Vikings lately, especially with scoring goals. What does Stockholm need to do to put more pucks in the net? 2. North America experienced their first total solar eclipse since 1978 on Monday, did you get to see it? 3. What's the most memorable NHL fight you've seen? 4. How is your player faring so far this season? 5. What is a food/drink that in your opinion receives too much hate? 6. Do you look forward to or enjoy the international games (World Cup, WJC) in the VHL?

Oh, desktop is way easier, but the phone is more convenient. I'm not confined to a set spot, and when you have a kid, that's huge. I used to be able to do all my media spots strictly on the phone until a lot of the formatting stuff was lost due to an upgrade of sorts.

1. Stockholm has returned to earth over the past week, how can the Vikings get back on track? 2. What are your opinions of the VHL's April Fools' Day joke? 3. What is your favorite April Fools' Day joke that you have pulled off, been victimized by, or experienced in some way? 4. Do you have your eclipse glasses yet? 5. What is a current trend that just doesn't make sense to you? 6. Do you believe the VHL needs to add more ways to earn TPE?

1. After the first twelve games of the season, the Stockholm Vikings are in first place with a 9-3-0 record! Do you think this is a sustainable pace for the team to maintain? 2. Who do you feel has been an unsung hero so far for Stockholm? 3. How is your VHL team doing so far? 4. What's a superstition that you believe or find memorable regarding the VHL? 5. What's your favorite sim league memory? 6. What video game/book/TV show are you spending a lot of time on lately?

YaBoi Oven: A Reflection YaBoi Oven quietly scans the Helsinki locker room, which is beginning to buzz with activity and final preparations. It’s opening night in Helsinki, and Season 93 is one for which both the Titans and Oven have lofty expectations. After joining Helsinki as the first overall pick in Season 90, entirely bypassing the VHLE and making the Titans’ roster in his first season of eligibility, Helsinki’s fortunes have drastically changed. After season after season of frustrating mediocrity, the Titans have become a perennial contender under General Manager Mickey Dickson, making the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, highlighted with a Continental Cup Finals appearance in Season 91. However, YaBoi Oven, while a solid contributor to the team’s successes, has not been a consistent driving force of the Titans, something that now must change with the retirement of Pierre Emile Bouchard. Evidence of those expectations are quite visible as well, as Oven glances down to see an A now adorning his sweater as an alternate captain of the Titans. Over his first three seasons, he’s become a leader in the locker room, and now he’ll be expected to become a leader on the ice as well. The potential is certainly there, as Oven recorded a point-per-game average in the Season 92 Playoffs, along with his usual strong presence defensively. It will take more than a strong 14 games, however, to prove that he was the correct choice at first overall four seasons ago. Players selected with that pick are expected to be generational talents, exceptional players who lead their teams to continued success and perform at the highest level. Helsinki has definitely been successful, and while Oven has been solid, an argument can be made that he was not essential to that success. Now entering his fourth season, the time is now to take that next step and become one of the league’s elite defensemen. Oven looks up with a grin. Kronchy Kardashian, the new captain of the Helsinki Titans, is bouncing around and getting their teammates hyped up and ready to go. Oven stands up, grabs his helmet, and begins to join in with the antics when suddenly, a chorus of distant boos can be heard. “Sounds like Warsaw beat us out there,” Oven remarks with a chuckle. “Nah,” retorts Kardashian. “That poverty franchise has never been on time for anything. I bet it’s the officials getting that reaction.” The boos get even louder now, and there is no doubt that the Predators have now taken the ice. It is, after all, practically a brand new team this season, looking to compete for the Cup instead of for the best lottery odds. “Alright, no more screwing around, let’s go boys!” booms Oven as he straps on his helmet and takes off towards the tunnel, having to slow his roll before he runs over goaltender Fuukka Rask, who has been silently waiting there for minutes now. “About time,” he chuckled. “But I need to be out there first!” Season 93 was finally ready to begin.

Additionally, my favorite Molly the Cat story: I was scouting for the draft, and Molly the Cat was one of my targets. I tried to do an interview, only to end up interviewing the son instead of the father. Very humorous mistake looking back on it.

This has to be the coolest jersey retirement done so far. Amazing stuff for an amazing career!

1. We're back, baby! With indexes being posted today and Season 93 set to begin on Wednesday, what are your individual goals for the upcoming season? 2. Who is someone on the Vikings that you are really looking forward to playing with? 3. What is your most memorable VHL/VHLE/VHLM experience so far? 4. What is your favorite word in the English language? 5. What's the most bizarre thing you've ever eaten? 6. Who is the most admirable person you've ever met?

@Phil is an real cool guy and doesn't afraid of anything

1. @kirbithan F - Daryl Dixon F - Jimi Jaks F - Axle Gunner D - Liv Slater D - Mark Calaway G - Lachlan Summers 2. @Victor F - Mac Atlas F - Wann Kerr F - Grimgor Ironhide D - Skor McFleury D - Callum Gary Yannick Janser G - Jesse Teno 3. @Doomsday (GM) F - John Jameson F - Larry Abass Jr F - Vincent Laroche-Gagnier D - Jacob Stone D - Kronchy Kardashian G - Joel Castle 4. @dlamb F - Yaroslav Trunov F - Snubbed Analfist F - Alfred Champagne D - Phil Strasmore D - Reese McFleury G - Henry Tucker Jr 5. @SlapshotWrangler F - Severus Targaryen F - The Frenchman F - Oreo McFleury D - Rex Wolffe Gregor D - Moritz Stauffer G - Merome Dilson 6. @Snussu F - Leonard Triller F - Jasper Davis F - Harry Callahan D - David Jokinen D - YaBoi Oven G - Fuuka Rask

Transaction ID: 2AL3612822532115Y Doubles Week 5 Uncapped TPE $1m Player Store Claiming for Week of 3/11 to 3/17

Greetings, citizens of the Victory Hockey League! It is I, Jarl Doomsday, General Manager of the Stockholm Vikings of the VHLE and the newly appointed General Manager of Team Scandinavia. While today is as good as any other day to die gloriously in battle and join our fallen brethren in the halls of Valhalla, that is not what we are here to do today. Instead, I am here to announce the roster for Team Scandinavia, to recognize our finest warriors, our very best men, women, and reptiles. Scandinavia has a proud tradition of producing both hearty warriors and elite hockey players, and the players that make up our roster fall into both of these categories as the very best that our countries have to offer. Without further gala pageantry... the Season 92 edition of Team Scandinavia!! Our axe... Our shield... Our indomitable will. Our warriors are assembled, the faith of our nations behind us. Now, we embark on the journey to the Season 92 World Cup, a long and arduous voyage by sea to a strange, foreign land called Portland, Oregon. No matter how difficult the trials of our journey may be, we are prepared to arrive stronger than we were when we left, more determined and focused to return from our quest with the plunder of gold around our necks. Be warned, those of weaker body and mind, for we are coming. So sayeth Jarl Doomsday. If you would like to join us on our journey and support Team Scandinavia or (foolishly) some other nation on Discord, you may do so here.