Doomsday

#landryship

Nice work boys!

S40: $20 donation I'll take the extra doubles week and the $75 donor tag.

Any trophy given to the second-best of something must be named after Patrick Swayze, no ands, ifs or buts.

Was expecting a demand for an award for top fighter.

Honored to don the A with Calgary, looking forward to helping the Wranglers wrang their way to the top.

Aren't you the one trying to hide in the VHLM this season?

Player Name: Thomas Landry VHL Team: Calgary Wranglers Cash you have: $5.5m Purchase Name: Triple Award Predictions, Extra Fan590 x2 Cost of Purchase: $5.5m Cash Left: $0

Wait, this isn't counting the double or triple purchases?

Bravo, Jarkko! Wear that C with pride, brother.

You know I'm good for quotes on Davos.

Clutch playoff performer and pretty rad dude all around. Hope our paths cross again soon.

Landry Announces Retirement CALGARY - Players in the VHL battle many things throughout their careers, whether it be each other, preconceived notions or the rigging of Jardy Buncleworth. But one opponent that they cannot overcome is Father Time himself. Following another hard day of training camp for the Calgary Wranglers, recent trade acquisition Thomas Landry suddenly held a press conference to announce his retirement following the 40th season of the Victory Hockey League. "It is no secret that Season 40 will be my last," said an emotional Landry. "It has been a long time coming, yet it hasn't been any easier to bring myself to do this. It's been quite the ride, with plenty of great moments, greater friends and some missed opportunities along the way as well. Yet, I wouldn't change any of it at all. I had the career I was meant to have and it couldn't have been a happier one for me. Coming into the league as a wide-eyed rookie, I now leave it a seasoned veteran and I can only hope that throughout my career, I've helped others make a similar transition in this great league." After thanking several former general managers, coaches and every single player he was teammates with on the HC Davos Dynamo, Landry reiterated that he would be giving his all for the Calgary Wranglers this season, hoping to be able to go out on top by winning the Continental Cup one more time. Does the fiery veteran have it in him for a final run at glory? Jethro Novacek is a contributor to the MSFL Times and is working overtime tonight. He enjoys watching the Redskins get pummeled, promoting synergy and being so real with Jeff Buckley.

The Story of Jack Kowalski Many hockey players spend their entire lives training to eventually get a chance at becoming a professional, but Jack Kowalski is not one of them. The American-born defenseman first found success as a football player in his native state of Texas, but his aspirations for greatness were cut short when he was banned for life from the NFL. He has spent the last two years training for the chance to reach the Victory Hockey League and his hard work now has him on the doorstep of the VHLM. But who exactly is Jack Kowalski? Born around Season 13 of the VHL in San Antonio, Texas, Kowalski couldn't have been further from a career in hockey. Growing up a perfectly normal and healthy boy, his energy and constant need for physical activity made it all but clear that he would wind up being an athlete. His father strongly encouraged young Jack to pursue football, which Kowalski proved to be rather adept at. Even at a young age, the young Texan was never far from the ball and seemed intent to take it for himself. The potential for a career in football was there and he was quickly signed up for youth football leagues. A Football Life: Proving to be a dominant linebacker, Kowalski became a highly coveted prospect when it came time to playing for prep teams in middle school. As he grew older and began to further understand the gifts and opportunities he had been given, he began to work even harder at getting better at football. With middle school simply being a tool to make him as good a player as possible, he arrived at Holy Cross High School ready to make Division I scouts notice him. After three years of hard-nosed play that saw him record over 350 tackles, 23 sacks, 17 forced fumbles and six interceptions, the University of Texas knew they had their next big linebacker and offered Kowalski a scholarship to join their program. With precisely zero hesitation, Jack jumped on the offer and was now just one stop away from the NFL. Although he did not start as a freshman, he saw limited snaps late in blowouts and special teams, where he began to show off his powerful hitting ability, causing four fumbles on kickoff and punt returns. His abilities could not be ignored and as a sophomore, he won the vacant starting position after the graduation of the incumbent starter. Kowalski recorded 86 tackles, 8 for a loss, five forced fumbles, two sacks and one interception, earning second team All-Big 12 honors. He improved upon those numbers as a junior, recording 112 tackles, 14 behind the line, with six forced fumbles, three sacks and another interception. Kowalski was first team All-Big 12, second team All-American and made his way into consideration for several awards as well. Beginning to draw heavy attention from the NFL, Kowalski proved his worth with an outstanding senior campaign that saw him record 138 tackles, 21 for a loss, six forced fumbles, five sacks and three interceptions. On top of the Longhorns winning the National Championship, Kowalski earned first team All-American and Big 12, along with the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Butkus Award. His senior year finished with earning his bachelor's degree and being selected fifth overall in the NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. Kowalski did not initially start for the Raiders as a rookie, but eventually wound up taking the starting job by mid-season, finishing with 88 tackles, 9 for a loss, four forced fumbles and three sacks. His rookie year was capped off with being named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, despite Oakland only winning four games. The Raiders' struggles continued, only winning five games the next year, despite Kowalski having a Pro Bowl season. Early in his third season, however, it all came to a sudden end. In a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Kowalski was involved in an ugly altercation with opposing players and officials. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reacted swiftly and mercilessly, banning Jack Kowalski from the NFL for life. On To Hockey: Suddenly cast away from the game he loved, Kowalski was despondent. However, after a meeting he was called to by his agent John Gordon, he was convinced to attempt a career in professional hockey in the Victory Hockey League. Regardless of the fact that he possessed no skills or knowledge of hockey, Gordon convinced that his massive 6'5, 245 pound frame and athletic ability would allow him to succeed in due time. After a long and difficult year of training, Kowalski took the ice for pick-up games in New York City. He showed that he had the potential to be a powerful hitter, delivering several devastating checks that many felt were unnecessary for the level of play. Naturally, he was attacked by opposing players, in the process demonstrating that he was an effective and ruthless fighter as well. Gordon immediately began to direct his training towards becoming an enforcer/goon, a build rarely seen in the VHL. As the Season 40 VHLM Dispersal Draft drew nearer, Kowalski began to train harder and harder, eager to earn the redemption he so desperately seeked following his removal from the NFL. He caught the attention of VHL scouts, most notably for his checking abilities. Alas, when draft night finally came, Jack Kowalski was selected with the second pick in the second round (12th overall) by the Oslo Storm. Just as he was years ago with the Texas Longhorns, Kowalski is once again just one step away from reaching the pros. His story is only just beginning, despite all he has gone through. Pros: Checking: It would only be fitting for a former NFL linebacker to embrace the art of checking when transitioning to hockey. During his short time playing hockey Kowalski has become an absolute menace to those entering his zone with the puck. His 6'5, 245 pound frame further adds to his devastating hitting ability. Fighting: While fights have typically been an uncommon spectacle in the VHL, Kowalski is an old-school enforcer. Whether an opposing player is hacking at a teammate, playing dirty or is just simply ugly, Kowalski is not afraid to let his fists do the talking. At times it has proven to be absolutely advantageous when he is able to draw a crucial opposing player into a fight, removing him from the game for five minutes. Instincts: Although he has only been playing hockey for a short amount of time compared to other prospects, Kowalski's grip on playing defense is rather good. He has demonstrated quick reactions, good placement in the defensive zone and always seems to be in excellent position to deliver a big hit. There is great potential for him to develop into a great defenseman if he ever desires to be more than a goon. Cons: Skating: Although he has learned quickly, Kowalski's experience skating is woefully behind that of other prospects who have been skating for their entire lives. Playing hockey at a high level requires nothing less than mastering the ability to skate, which Kowalski must continue to address. He can be seen struggling to maintain his balance at times and has tripped and fallen while attempting to skate backwards as well. Scoring: Kowalski's sub-par skating abilities also severely hamper his offensive potential. He has demonstrated that he has a very powerful and quick slapshot, but he has next to zero control over it. Additionally, he has difficulty lifting wrist shots off the ice and his skating abilities prevent him from creating scoring opportunities at this stage of his career. Passing: Although Kowalski is talented at breaking up offensive chances, he is still grasping the offensive side of the game himself. His passing abilities are rudimentary at best, as he can only barely make the simplest of passes. He also tends to make poor reads and finds far too many of his passes being intercepted. Overview: An interesting defensive prospect that seeks to bring a tougher, more physical approach to the VHL. Although his path to the VHL has been anything but ordinary, his willingness and ability to quickly learn make Kowalski a promising prospect for rebuilding teams. He is currently one-dimensional, lacking offensive prowess, but he will be a nightmare for teams to deal with on the attack.

Legendary Leaders NEW YORK - The Grimm Jonsson Trophy (originally the Messier Trophy) is a trophy awarded to the VHL player deemed to be the best leader for his team. Being that it is a trophy in which the criteria for winning it is open to many different opinions and ways to interpret it, so naturally controversy and arguments have materialized as to the decisions made towards deciding a winner. It is also one of the few awards where public opinion is part of the process used towards determining a winner, in that the final ballot is made up of the public's selections. To some, the Grimm Jonsson Trophy is a kickback for those who get to wear the C, while to others, it is the ultimate nod of approval for a captain. Regardless of your opinion of how the Grimm Jonsson Trophy is awarded, it cannot be questioned that to those who have won the trophy, it is one of the most deserved awards the league can offer. Following are tributes to the two players who were legendary and inspiring leaders during two different eras of the VHL. Grimm Jonsson When the then-lowly New York Americans selected Grimm Jonsson with the second overall pick, many knew that a future great had come to town. He immediately became a vocal presence for the rebuilding club, winning the Messier Trophy as a rookie. As New York's struggles continued, Jonsson remained a beacon of hope for the Americans during their dark teams, remaining ever positive and he won the Messier Trophy yet again after his second season. Thanks to his continued efforts, the Americans broke free from the status of being a laughingstock as they would reach the playoffs in Season 12 behind 40 goals and 105 points from their captain, Grimm Jonsson. Although they did not win the series, losing 4-1 to the eventual Continental Cup champion Seattle Bears, the Americans were very much alive, for New York surged to the Continental Cup Finals in Season 13. Despite their defeat to the HC Davos Dynamo in Game Seven, Jonsson had his best season yet, winning his third Messier Trophy along the way. The next year was the season the Americans finally broke through and won the Continental Cup, with their fearless leader a pivotal reason to their successful turnaround. Jonsson claimed his fourth Messier Trophy, making him the winner for the award in 4/5 of his professional seasons. Jonsson went on to finish his career with the Seattle Bears, with the highlight being scoring the Continental Cup-winning goal in Game Four against the Riga Reign in the final game of his career. Among his lasting legacies was being the only four-time winner of the Messier Trophy, a feat unmatched until the next player took the ice. Ethan Osborne The 5'11 center from Peterborough, Ontario was a hardly-known player when he first joined the ranks of the Victory Hockey League, but it did not take long for the first-generation player to become a household name throughout the league. Despite not having the most practice hours of draftees in the Season 30 VHL Entry Draft, Osborne was selected first overall by the Helsinki Titans, a move that General Manager Mitch Higgins would never forget. After a year in the VHLM with the Turku Outlaws, Osborne took the VHL by storm with an amazing 106 point season as a rookie, winning the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy. His sophomore slump resulted in only 91 points, but he also brought in his first Grimm Jonsson Trophy, newly christened in his name in Osborne's rookie season. This would be one of only two seasons in which Osborne finished with less than 100 points. Behind Osborne's leadership on and off the ice, the Helsinki Titans became a powerhouse in the European Conference, eventually winning the Continental Cup in Season 34. It also marked the third consecutive season that Osborne had won the Grimm Jonsson Trophy, a feat unmatched by any player in VHL history. He had the best season of his career in Season 36, scoring 65 goals and 135 points along with his fourth Grimm Jonsson Trophy in a four-way tie with Thomas Landry, Connor Low and Kameron Taylor. Like Jonsson, Osborne ended his career with the Seattle Bears, although he did not get the storybook ending Grimm was able to. However, his place in VHL lore was secured and Ethan Osborne ended his career as quite possibly the best first-generation player ever. When discussing top leaders in VHL history, Jonsson and Osborn are always guaranteed to pop up. There are many who have won the award twice: Ansgar Snijider, Oliver Scarlett, Kameron Taylor and Thomas Landry to name a few. But there is a clear difference in tiers between those players and the likes of Jonsson and Osborne, one that may remain that way for quite a long time. But regardless of the era, you can go into any chapter of VHL history and find a leader that defined the attitude and effort of those times. If you look today, you will see elements of those two in the new generation of players. The next time you chat up your captain, keep it in your mind that they could very well be the next Grimm Jonsson or Ethan Osborne. Jethro Novacek is a contributor for the MSFL Times, kicking off the career of Jack Kowalski in style. He enjoys earning double TPE, making donations to the VHL and waxing nostalgia with his peers.

Probably should have held off to do purchases as well, but this is really the only time I could properly retire (read: wall of text filled with feels) and I can't keep putting off getting Kowalski actually created. It's time for the next chapter to begin.

I confirmed all of this with Victor, otherwise I would have waited. I'll be calculating the depreciation myself and setting myself up for it due to being away over the weekend.

It's been no secret that Season 40 will be my last. It has been a long time coming, yet it hasn't been any easier to bring myself to do this. It's been quite the ride, with plenty of great moments, greater friends and some missed opportunities along the way as well. Yet, I wouldn't change any of it at all. I had the career I was meant to have and it couldn't have been a happier one for me. Coming into the league as a wide-eyed rookie, I now leave it a seasoned veteran and I can only hope that throughout my career, I've helped others make a similar transition in this great league. Chris Miller, I've never forgotten that you were the first one to believe in me and to give me the chance to become something great. Fate made it so that it didn't happen as a New York American, but the time I got with your franchise was instrumental in me turning out the way I did. Thank you for all you've done for me. Vince Wong was also incredibly instrumental to my development back as the general manager for the Bratislava Watchmen. You've no doubt seen the countless articles commemorating the Season 33 Founder's Cup champion squad, which featured many prominent future VHL stars. We did not come to the Watchmen as stars. Through your watchful (ha!) guidance, we rose up, came together as a fun, dedicated group and saw our task through to the end. The legacy of these players and the Season 33 Watchmen is a monument to all the hard work you put into making us all who we are today. Thanks coach. Victor Alfredsson is also due many thanks. When my time was near an end with the Americans, I began to look at other teams. In doing so, I saw the plan that Victor was setting into motion, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Many said that I was overpaid for... but in the end, the two of us had the last laugh. Four straight runs to the Continental Cup later, with two successful trips, we were able to do our parts to make the HC Davos Dynamo truly great. Many people think of me when they think of Davos, but you deserve that recognition. You will get it here: thank you for being the driving force behind our wonderful team in Davos. Speaking of the HC Davos Dynamo... I'd like to thank Lennox Moher, Matt Bentley, Davey Jones, Odin Tordahl, Sergey Brovalenko, Jarkko Olsen, Naomi Young, Felix Zamora, Terence Fong, Godavari Yumalatopinto, Shane Baker, Nikita Lebedev, Mario Linguini, Tony Stark, Matteo Gallo, Lars Lessio, Steven Stamkos and Eliana Ben-Lev. All of you gentlemen (and lady) who have served on the HC Davos Dynamo with me over the years have been what have made my career so great and memorable. None of our successes, as a team or personal, would not have been possible without each and every one of you guys. To Davos!! Lastly, to my current teammates at Calgary... let's go have a memorable run this season! You may not be wearing the purple sweater of Davos, but you'll have my 100% as if you all had been with me all those years. Let's all have a great season this year!! Thanks for the memories, VHL.

If his job is to fix it, of course his fingerprints are going to be all over it. It's a matter of whether or not the police have reason to suspect drugs were in there in to begin.

Unless it's the VHL we're talking about.

Only the cheesy people use fake blood. Whenever I take a hit (re-enactor term for getting shot) I usually scream, grab where I'm pretending I got shot, and just drop to the ground without bracing myself. My favorite hit was reacting to enemy artillery firing at our unit while we were retreating, I jumped off the ground and practically somersaulted over a dirt road to make it look like the shell detonated near me. Hurt like a bitch, but it apparently looked awesome as shit.

More people need to come re-enact with me then. Plenty of campfires and booze there.

Ryan Cattrall just wrassles, elbow drops and doesn't afraid of anything.

Kowalski Reaches the VHLM NEW YORK - It has been a long road for Jack Kowalski, the middle linebacker-turned-defenseman. But two long years after being banned for life from the National Football League, his hard work and training have paid off as Kowalski was drafted in the second round of the VHLM Dispersal Draft by the Oslo Storm. "It feels great to finally feel like I've got my life back on track," Kowalski exclaimed during a phone interview with VHL.com writers after his selection was announced. "Times have been dark since I lost my cool two years ago at Arrowhead Stadium, but now I've finally made my way back out into the light. I can't wait to join my new teammates in Oslo and get my new career started." Oslo will certainly be able to make use of Kowalski as a third defenseman, for he surely will not be able to crack the first line with stalwarts Vladamir Komarov and Lloyd Light on the team. However, this will free up Kowalski to instigate fights and engage in other goon behavior without hurting his team as much in the process. The physical revolution is just getting underway now in the VHLM, only time will tell if this will be the beginning of a newer, tougher VHL. Jethro Novacek is a contributor to the MSFL Times, which is exactly one William Travis tough. He enjoys polishing antique weapons, the excellent music of Fleetwood Mac and hitting the links with Alexander Chershenko.

Greg Olsen's long TD grab stole me a win by one point in the VHL 2 League.