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STZ

VHL GM
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  1. Like
    STZ reacted to Misty in Reflecting on Joining the VHL.   
    Looking back at my first time scrolling the VHL forums, before I created an account, made a player, and learned the ropes, some I have yet to learn. As someone who struggles with Anxiety, pushing myself to say “fuck it” and go for it came with a lot of hesitance, but in the end, it was so worthwhile. The community is so welcoming, the people here are so kind, I have yet to interact with someone who even comes close to rubbing me the wrong way. All and all it’s been a good experience so far. 
     
    My player, Oliver Loo, a name I just slapped together is a player or rather character that I didn’t think I’d be putting so much effort and creativity into although my writing is not the best, needing to be improved upon and I don’t exactly have the means to make graphics. I originally made him just to test the waters, and see if I like how the VHL works under the surface that is the forums. Within the Discord servers, the people and such. It’s a lot more laid back than what I first thought, it’s enjoyable. I like pretty much ever aspect that I have discovered so far and can see myself sticking around. Hell, I even already have plans for my next player and this one isn’t even close to done yet.

    230 words
  2. Fire
    STZ reacted to Gaikoku-hito in VSN Presents: VHL`s Future Watch: S93 Top 10 Rookie Ranking (Preseason rankings)   
    Graphic created by @Triller
     
    Welcome back to a new season in the VHL and last season we had twenty-six rookies start their careers. With a great three-way battle for the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy handed to the best overall rookie at the season end. This season we have twenty-three rookies looking to make a name for themselves and have a impact in the VHL. Here once again I will try to determine rank the Top 10 Rookies that I feel have a chance at winning this award. So, lets get one with it!!
     
     
    10th
    (S90) C - Eno Velvson @Nykonax

     
    A bit older rookie as season 90 drafted player but in the past this has helped rookies as they have matured nicely in the VHLE and Velvson should be very similar as he has maintained a point per game pace but the biggest question mark is can this player develop as fast as the others on the list; that I am not sure but if he can maintain a pace per game like he has in other league he will move up this list and see his name at least nominated at the end of the season.  
     
     
    9th
    (S92) LW - Kimi Raikkonen @mattyIceman

     
    Finds himself in similar situation as his team mate but much younger as season 92 draft pick so has a ton more upside, which has him placed one slot higher but lack of offensive ability at the moment has some scouts wondering if this player will stay on the list with such a strong honorable mention list. Time will tell if he has more offensive game than the scouts suggest and if he can keep up his development to stay on the list.
     
     
    8th
    (S92) G - Giorgiy Costanzov @Mongoose87

     
    Giorgiy Costanzov is one of four goaltenders that will make the rookie debut this season but should have the biggest impact for his team as he starts the season likely sharing duties with Justin Lion @Emperor_Fun but it won`t be long before he claims the net full time. As he goes so likely does the Bears chances to make the playoff this season; no pressure for a rookie right!! I also expect to see him move up this list as the season progresses but is still a long short for the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy but that could change if Seattle remains in the hunt.
     
     
    7th
    (S92) D - Vlad Von Carstein @Dom

     
    One of what should be a few Wolves on this list is my guess as the sixth overall pick by Vancouver could quickly move up this list but overall concern similar to Raikkonen @mattyIceman about his offensive game has scout having placed lower on the list than most would expect. Von Carstein has been a point per game player in the minors and if he gets anywhere close to those numbers as rookie in the VHL than he will rocket up this list quickly. His defensive partner might also add him depending on who is get paired with as Vancouver still have Liv Slater @Subject056 in jail after winning a few awards last season and should make whoever she is paired with better.
     
     
    6th
    (S92) LW - Adi Dassler @BOOM

     
    Very tough ask for this rookie since Dassler was traded for last season Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy winner Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard so start the season on the back foot and ton of eyes judging to see if this was a correct move by the Titans. Dassler is a balanced player that slightly leans towards the offensive zone but at the moment seems to lack that wow factor; add in the fact that Dassler struggled last season in VHLE at under a point per game pace leaves most scout wondering what this player will become. Dassler does have the benefit of playing with Super-star Daryl Dixon @Ricer13, if slotted directly into Ironhide slot in the line up. Will be interesting to see if they can duplicate what Ironhide did last season or anything similar.
     
     
    5th
    (S91) C - Theo Allard @InstantRockstar

     
    I feel that Theo Allard is a bit under the radar pick and has the nice benefit of joining the defending Champions in the D.C. Dragons but again as an older rookie that struggled his first season in the VHLE putting up only 43pts about half a point per game pace until Allard bounced back with a strong second season in the VHLE instead of moving up to the VHL with the Dragons by posting 83pts season campaign. So, What player are we going to see? The offensive player that the Dragons thought the drafted at 10th overall or the VHLE player that struggled. Luckily for Allard he has benefit of joining an offensive veteran line-up that should aid him in adapting to the VHL this season.
     
     
    4th
    (S92) D - Guntis Gavilrovs @Girts

     
    Finally the second of what I was expecting to be many of the Vancouver Wolves rookies make an appearance and this one is an interesting case since Guntis Gavilrovs is more of a defensive defenceman that has put up a point per game pace in the minors that seen Vancouver draft this giant of a defender at 7th overall in season ninety-two. Not to mention ability to throw around his 6’8” frame to punish the opposing forwards. It will be hard to judge this player since hits and shots blocked are more likely be this players main stat lines but if he can find the same touch as he had in the minors than he could easily find himself higher on this list.
     
     
    3rd
    (S92) RW - Riley Martin @Smarch

     
    The 6’2” American forward has all the skill set to score a ton of goals as he showed last season in the VHLE scoring an impressive thirty-two. Vancouver has an interesting problem after trading for a veteran forwards but one I don`t think they hate too much in the fact that they need to try to integrate their rookies into the line-up will giving them enough ice time to continue to develop. Depending on placement within the Vancouver line-up will determine if Martin has real chance at the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy by season end. Issue might also be with Rookies taking points off each other in Vancouver or they could also lift each other up. We will see what happens.
     
     
    2nd
    (S92) C - George Richmond @badcolethetitan

     
    Another big American at 6’6” in George Richmond ranks in at second to start the season and will look to bring his offensive tough to the VHL as similar to Riley Martin @Smarch has the skill set to score a ton of goals also scoring thirty-two last season but Richmond at the moment is more of two way power forward, which gives him a slight edge in the rankings. Not 100% sure where Richmond slot into a young and fast improving Menace team but it will likely see him start on the wing as Axle Gunner @Steve and Jarmo Ruutu @jRuutu seem to have the center positions locked down. So how will the young American transition to the wing is one of the biggest questions entering the season. Not to mention who will his line mates be? Either way clearly one of the favorites for the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy to start the season.  
     
     
    1st
    (S92) RW - Logan Ninefingers @Scurvy

     
    A lot of eyes on Vancouver this season due to the 1st overall pick in season ninety-two all but set to break into the league with the Wolves this season but it is also coming on the back of what some might consider a down season in the VHLE with only a point per game pace after lighting up the VHLM for 152pts, yup, that isn`t a typo!! Most have a ton of expectations that Ninefingers might easily claim this trophy but he will need to find his spot in what is a much improved Vancouver line-up. Likely Ninefingers will line-up long side fellow rookies Mikko Borisyuk @Minebro and Riley Martin @Smarch to at least start the season. If this trio struggle expect them to move around the line-up to be insulated by the veteran players in Larry Abass Jr @RileyL, Left Alone @okochastar and Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101, the whole reason why Vancouver brought these players in during the off-season.
     
     
     
    Honorable Mentions:
    (S89) C - Mikko Borisyuk @Minebro– Vancouver Wolves
    (S89) LW - Chris Sanzone @handfullofbubba – Prague Phantoms
    (S92) D - Karol Lamb @dlamb – Chicago Phoenix
    (S91) LW - Behrens Minion @UnknownMinion– Warsaw Predators
    (S91) LW - Isaac mclflopper @sportexperts show– Helsinki Titans
    (S91) RW - Bryce Woodworth @SirRupertBarnes- Chicago Phoenix
     
     
    Final Thoughts:
    It should be another interesting race this season and since the season has started already, I know that some of these players have had amazing starts to their rookie season and well, some have rather struggled at the start. As mentioned at the end of last season I will cover Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy race every twenty-four games or so and I expect to see another surprise player jump up and grab the award like Ironhide did last season as Ironhide moved up from 6th on my first ranking last season to finish 2nd by the end of the season but was my pick to win the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy as did the league.
     
    So who will win the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy this season?
  3. Ugh
    STZ got a reaction from N0HBDY in (S94) RW - Alex Ovechkin llll, TPE: 71   
    Clearly you don’t have a Rolex…
  4. Fire
    STZ reacted to VHL Games in Games: 81-98   
    Game 81:
    Vancouver Wolves vs. Toronto Legion

    Game 82:
    HC Davos Dynamo vs. Malmo Nighthawks

    Game 83:
    Riga Reign vs. London United

    Game 84:
    Calgary Wranglers vs. New York Americans

    Game 85:
    Los Angeles Stars vs. Seattle Bears

    Game 86:
    Helsinki Titans vs. Prague Phantoms

    Game 87:
    Chicago Phoenix vs. D.C. Dragons

    Game 88:
    Warsaw Predators vs. Calgary Wranglers

    Game 89:
    New York Americans vs. Moscow Menace

    Game 90:
    Malmo Nighthawks vs. Riga Reign

    Game 91:
    Chicago Phoenix vs. Vancouver Wolves

    Game 92:
    London United vs. Helsinki Titans

    Game 93:
    London United vs. HC Davos Dynamo

    Game 94:
    Chicago Phoenix vs. Toronto Legion

    Game 95:
    Calgary Wranglers vs. Los Angeles Stars

    Game 96:
    Prague Phantoms vs. Seattle Bears

    Game 97:
    Warsaw Predators vs. D.C. Dragons

    Game 98:
    New York Americans vs. Malmo Nighthawks

    Go to Standings
  5. Like
    STZ got a reaction from BOOM in Sunday Bullets 3/24   
    The season has begun. So far NY has performed fairly well. We have been giving up a lot of shots, but thankfully we have the GOAT goaler in 36W, so the more shots the merrier. We've had some underwhelming performances, but the season's long and you learn quick not to be too reactive before the first quarter of sims are complete. Tonight's sim should be a good test with Toronto on back to back games, and then we should have a clearer picture of the NA Conference anyways. I think this season the team is more set than the previous season, so I'm just kinda on cruise control for now, and just seeing if there are any minor upgrades we could make at TD, but I could totally see this team being what we roll with all season. Excited for this core, and I really believe NY will be a competitor in this league for the next few seasons. Personally, things have been pretty busy. Kinda thought after the wedding we would have the opportunity to exhale - but the kids keep us going. End of my daughters hockey season coming up, and golf just around the corner. Excited for summer to come, even if that means work gets busier. Also, I've been cutting back on some of the hours spent gaming, and actually finished a few books I've had on the go since last year. But yeah, that is my week...
  6. Like
    STZ got a reaction from hylands in Sunday Bullets 3/24   
    The season has begun. So far NY has performed fairly well. We have been giving up a lot of shots, but thankfully we have the GOAT goaler in 36W, so the more shots the merrier. We've had some underwhelming performances, but the season's long and you learn quick not to be too reactive before the first quarter of sims are complete. Tonight's sim should be a good test with Toronto on back to back games, and then we should have a clearer picture of the NA Conference anyways. I think this season the team is more set than the previous season, so I'm just kinda on cruise control for now, and just seeing if there are any minor upgrades we could make at TD, but I could totally see this team being what we roll with all season. Excited for this core, and I really believe NY will be a competitor in this league for the next few seasons. Personally, things have been pretty busy. Kinda thought after the wedding we would have the opportunity to exhale - but the kids keep us going. End of my daughters hockey season coming up, and golf just around the corner. Excited for summer to come, even if that means work gets busier. Also, I've been cutting back on some of the hours spent gaming, and actually finished a few books I've had on the go since last year. But yeah, that is my week...
  7. Fire
    STZ got a reaction from Misty in KEON   
    @Lucas anton
  8. Cheers
    STZ reacted to ke1vi in KEON   
    Really love this one and how you made an extremely large text stroke actually work. The render + background of the layer is placed nice and I love the black and white background vs the colored render. The texture and stocks are just enough to fill out the rest of the graphic without being too much to take away from the renders. Love the blue colored last name text. My only criticism is that its a little too "fried" for me, especially for the team text. But that's more of a personal opinion on the fried effect than anything. The first name text is pretty clean though - love that font.
     
    9.25/10
  9. Fire
    STZ reacted to KaleebtheMighty in Malmo's Hot Start!   
  10. Fire
    STZ reacted to barryst in (S94) RW - Jerry Box, TPE: 76   
    Thank you all can't wait to win!!!
  11. Like
    STZ reacted to barryst in (S94) RW - Jerry Box, TPE: 76   
    Player Information
    Username: barryst
    Player Name: Jerry Box
    Recruited From: Returning
    Age: 17
    Position: RW
    Height: 75 in.
    Weight: 180 lbs.
    Birthplace: Canada

    Player Page
    @VHLM GM
  12. Like
    STZ got a reaction from Cookie in VSN Presents: S92 VHLE Awards   
    @npuBeT never not winning. OP.
  13. Fire
    STZ got a reaction from rory in VHL Scrabble   
    Breaking the curse with cursed names
  14. Like
    STZ reacted to Snussu in VHL Scrabble   
    Hello VHL!
    I'm going to be doing something I couldent find anyone else has done yet in VHL, but I have done myself in PBE and SHL.
    And as you have read the title already you know how this goes. VHL Scrabble!
    So I will be taking every teams players one by one to a scrabble score calculator and then after I'm done with the team I will calculate the total points, the average etc. So with out a further a do here we go!
     
    Calgary Wrangles
    Jonny Elgar: 21
    Merome Dilson: 17
    Joe Block: 23
    Moritz Stauffer: 31
    Phil Strasmore: 20
    Thor Odinson: 15
    Raimo Tuominen: 17
    Catia Goncalves: 22
    Adam Rage: 12
    Kyle Toms: 17
    Randy Bobandy: 24
    The Total: 219
    The Average: 19.909...
    The Highest points: Moritz Stauffer
    The Lowest points: Adam Rage
     
    Chicago Phoenix
    Amir Redzic: 24
    Ryan Artyomov: 23
    Reinhard von Kongming: 34
    Karol Lamb: 17
    Darko Alexander Malkovich: 50
    Lionel Collberg: 19
    Yaroslav Trunov: 23
    Joshua Schwarzer: 42
    Bryce Woodworth: 31
    Dank Turtle: 15
    Legacy Gaming: 22
    Babay Shrimp: 25
    The Total: 325
    The Average: 27.83..
    The Highest points: Darko Alexander Malkovich
    The Lowest points: Dank Turtle
     
    D.C Dragons
    Henry Tucker Jr: 32
    Mark Calaway: 25
    Eurydyka Sklodowska Dudzinska: 65
    Ben Laas: 9
    Theo Allard: 14
    Lucas Grey: 15
    Keita Kourou: 19
    Keegan Gamble: 22
    Vincent Laroche-Gagnier: 33
    The Frenchman: 25
    The Total: 259
    The Average: 25.9
    The Highest points: Eurydyka Sklodowska Dudzinska
    The Lowest points: Ben Laas
     
    HC Davos Dynamo
    Karl Pedersen: 19
    Womp Womp Womp Womp Womp Jr: 64
    David Jokinen: 28
    LeBen Aky: 17
    James MacAvoy: 31
    Carson Walker Jr: 30
    The Total: 189
    The Average: 31.5
    The Highest points: Womp Womp Womp Womp Womp Jr
    The Lowest points: LeBen Aky
     
    Helsinki Titans
    Fuukka Rask: 25
    YaBoi Oven: 17
    Tommy Sleeves: 22
    Kronchy Kardashian: 37
    Michael Shotter: 24
    Owen Lazaro: 22
    Daryl Dixon: 22
    Adi Dassler: 12
    Jarkko Laakkonen: 38
    Ellis Woolfenden: 22
    Isaac mclflopper: 28
    The Total: 247
    The Average: 22.454...
    The Highest points: Jarkko Laakkonen
    The Lowest points: Adi Dassler
     
    London United
    Geoff Bezos: 28
    Jesse Teno: 16
    Nick Sansoe: 16
    Jack Jeckler: 37
    Lloyd Braun: 16
    Isamu Knievel: 21
    Wann Kerr: 15
    Sjin: 11
    Halvar Torbjorn: 29
    Brad Marchand: 23 
    Ben Dover: 14
    John Richards: 28
    Leonard Triller: 15
    The Total: 269
    The Average: 20.69...
    The Highest points: Jack Jeckler
    The Lowest points: Sjin
     
    Los Angeles Stars
    Matthew McCagg: 29
    The Mediocre One: 22
    Astro Singh: 14
    Mclean Hoover II: 24
    Alexander Stroheim: 30
    Jim Benning Jr: 31
    Timothy Swearingen: 29
    The Total: 179
    The Average: 25.57...
    The Highest points: Jim Benning Jr
    The Lowest points: Astro Singh
     
    Malmo Nighthawks
    Karl Herzlich: 33
    Ash Sparks: 18
    Jacob Stone: 21
    Eric Queefson: 26
    Reese McFleury: 23
    Conference Prince-de-Galles: 37
    Yaroslav Bogatyrev: 32
    Savaisk Tzesar: 29
    Ronald Johnson MacWallace III: 46
    Phillip Rave: 21
    Gregger McKeggegger: 33
    Viktor Jensen: 26
    The Total: 345
    The Average: 28.75
    The Highest points: Ronald Johnson MacWallace III
    The Lowest points: Ash Sparks
     
    Moscow Menace
    Olober Syko: 19
    Joseph Reed: 23
    Obuz Schneider Canet du Bocage: 51
    Nils Andersson: 14
    Leif Reingaard: 18
    Celise Pereira: 17
    Jeff Lewis: 25
    Grimgor Ironhide: 23
    George Richmond: 24
    David Rashford: 25
    Axle Gunner: 18
    Jarmo Ruutu: 19
    The Total: 276
    The Average: 23
    The Highest points: Obuz Schneider Canet du Bocage
    The Lowest points: Nils Andersson
     
    New York Americans
    WWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWW: 96
    Rin Kagamine: 18
    Jebediah Big Ol Doinks in Amish: 52
    Callum Gary Yannick Janser: 47
    Tord Yvel: 15
    FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist: 23
    Jasper Davis: 24
    Alfred Champagne: 29
    Keon Jeannot: 22
    Vinny Lecavalier: 26
    Francesco Mancini: 27
    The Total: 379
    The Average: 34.45...
    The Highest points: WWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWW
    The Lowest points: Tord Yvel
     
    Prague Phantoms
    Matt Murdock: 22
    Skor McFleury: 26
    Pope Francis: 20
    Admir Bala: 14
    Spanish Moon Moth: 27
    Rip Wheeler: 18
    John Jameson: 30
    Nikolas Kauppi: 25
    Chris Sanzone: 26
    The Total: 208
    The Average: 23.11...
    The Highest points: John Jameson
    The Lowest points: Admir Bala
     
    Riga Reign
    Red Panda: 12
    Reginald the Dodo: 22
    Mina: 6
    Braeden Panarella: 21
    Fradin McGryer: 25
    Martin Kemp: 20
    Kimi Raikkonen: 27
    Eno Velvson: 16
    Otis Boudreaux Jr: 32
    Eric White Jr: 26
    Shubham Anand: 23
    The Total: 230
    The Average: 20.90...
    The Highest Points: Otis Boudreaux Jr
    The Lowest Points: Mina
     
    Seattle Bears
    Justin Lion: 17
    Giorgiy Costanzov: 35
    Simons Worst Nightmare: 31
    Sigma Freud: 17
    Justin Williams: 26
    Big B: 9
    Toby Kadachi: 26
    Sadie St-Louis: 13
    Oreo McFleury: 22
    Gustav Mattias: 19
    Henry Eagles: 18
    Severus Targaryen: 23
    Tullemore Dew: 18
    The Total: 274
    The Average: 21.07...
    The Highest points: Giorgiy Costanzov
    The Lowest points: Big B
     
    Toronto Legion
    Toddly Bobbly: 26
    Joel Castle: 19
    Walter Fitzroy Jr: 40
    Mason Rice: 13
    Bobby Bob: 21
    Steve Lattimer: 18
    Mac Atlas: 12
    Jimi Jaks: 28
    Harry Callahan: 24
    Diego Machado: 22
    Kobe Johnson: 27
    The Total: 250
    The Average: 22.72..
    The Highest points: Walter Fitzroy Jr
    The Lowest points: Mac Atlas
     
    Vancouver Wolves
    Dalkr Vidarsson: 23
    Vlad Von Carstein: 24
    Guntis Gavilrovs: 23
    DB IV: 10
    Liv Slater: 12
    Jens Lekman: 23
    Riley Martin: 16
    Mikko Borisyuk: 32
    Logan Ninefingers: 21
    Larry Abass Jr. 24
    Left Alone: 12
    Sunglasses Joyo: 25
    The Total: 245
    The Average: 20.41...
    The Highest points: Mikko Borisyuk
    The Lowest points: DB IV
     
    Warsaw Predators
    Pipo Popa: 16
    Lachlan Summers: 23
    Hannibal Barca: 22
    Rex Wolffe Gregor: 33
    Tim Riggins: 14
    Tater Tottingham: 21
    Zyn Westwood: 30
    Behrens Minion: 20
    Montgomery Burns: 25
    King Kisslinger: 24
    Thor Reingaard: 18
    Maxim Anisimov: 29
    The Total: 275
    The Average: 22.91...
    The Highest points: Rex Wolffe Gregor
    The Lowest points: Tim Riggins
     
    That concludes the calculating!
    Now we can get on with the speculation and talking about the stats!
    So to recap
    The Highest total points goes to New York Americans with 379, The Single highest point goes to WWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWW with 96! (Absurd), and the least points goes to Mina with 6!
    The highest average also goes to New York unsurprisingly! Now if we look at some other teams with high averages we can see that Davos with 31.5 is up there in second place! Although they only have 189 total points (the second least) their roster size makes up for that puts them firmly in 2nd place with average. 
    So what does this all mean, I can hear you ask. Well nothing to be honest, this is just something I thought would be funny to do and did it. I will be doing one for E and M combined later since this is already 1000 words long!
    See you then!
     

     
    Total word count 1084
    Claiming for week ending 24/3 and 31/3
  15. Fire
    STZ reacted to rory in VHL Scrabble   
    NEW YORK BABY WOOOOO 
  16. Love
    STZ reacted to rory in VSN Presents: S93 VHL Preview   
    ???
     
    did you misclick 9 and 1?
  17. Woah
    STZ reacted to scoop in VSN Presents: S93 VHL Preview   
    My tier list. Using my own magical calculations based on players' attributes rather than TPA. Helsinki could probably go in its own spot between great and good, and D.C. and Warsaw are also better than the rest of the average crowd but still definitely a step below good.
     
      North America Europe Elite NYA LON, MAL Great TOR MOS Good VAN, CGY HSK Average DCD, CHI, SEA WAR, PRG Bad   RIG             VHLE LAS DAV
  18. Fire
    STZ reacted to Alex in VSN Presents: S93 VHL Preview   
    @Frank
     
    Hey everybody! Welcome to this season’s VHL Season preview, after a busy offseason, full of roster changes there’s been a considerable shift in team’s outlooks this season with a major shift towards the European Conference. So, without further to do, let’s jump right into it!
     
    North American Conference
     
    1 - Toronto Legion 
    Forward Rank - 1st
    Defense Rank - 8th
    Goalie Rank - 3rd
    Conference Rank - 2nd
    League Rank - 2nd
     
    Toronto is in a very unique spot right now, their top forwards all have 3 seasons left, along with Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer currently being the leagues top defensemen in terms of TPA. While their core is strong there is one player that really puts an end date on their window, as Joel Castle @animal74 is set to retire in 2 seasons. With that being said they are still a top goalie in the league, and we can expect Toronto to be a bit more aggressive in the trade market to try and win another cup with their aging core. Toronto should come out of the gate quickly this season and if they can pick up a true number 2 defensemen, they could very well be favourites to win it all.
     
    2 - New York Americans 
    Forward Rank - 2nd
    Defense Rank - 3rd
    Goalie Rank - 9th
    Conference Rank - 1st
    League Rank - 1st
     
    New York is Toronto’s only real threat at this point in time and it was essentially a coin flip on who to put ahead of the other, ultimately it came down to goaltending as the new sliders leave a lot unknown on the goaltending side of things. While we do have New York just behind Toronto to start the season they have the deepest roster in the league and some fast improving young players that will close the gap to the top players in the league. As of right now New York is the favourite team to win the Continental Cup at the end of the season assuming their players continue to improve at an elite pace.
     
    3 - D.C. Dragons 
    Forward Rank - 4th
    Defense Rank - 10th
    Goalie Rank - 7th
    Conference Rank - 4th
    League Rank - 8th
     
    The D.C. dragons are in a similar position to Toronto in the sense of having an aging roster that has a window directly related to their goaltenders' imminent retirement. As of right now this season is D.C.’s last chance to build off of last season's championship. With most of last season’s roster back there’s no reason they can’t win it all again. We can also expect D.C. to be in the market for a number 2 or 3 defensemen. As of right now D.C. is the final North American team that is a lock for the playoffs and should be set for another solid season.
     
    4 - Calgary Wranglers 
    Forward Rank - 14th
    Defense Rank - 7th
    Goalie Rank - 1st
    Conference Rank - 5th
    League Rank - 10th
     
    The Calgary Wranglers are in a very unique spot, they have top players in nearly every position including the league best goalie and reigning MVP in Merome Dilson @MexicanCow123. However, Calgary has a bit of a drop off with their depth players. Brining in 2 depth forwards right before the season really helps, but we can look for Calgary to continue looking for another upgrade. Calgary should make the playoffs by all means, but do have some serious questions offensively.
     
    5 - Vancouver Wolves 
    Forward Rank - 7th
    Defense Rank - 4th
    Goalie Rank - 12th
    Conference Rank - 3rd
    League Rank - 7th
     
    Vancouver probably makes the playoffs this season, which is a huge step forward from season 92. Liv Slater @Subject056 has really come into their own, and aggressive trades in the offseason look like they will pay off. The main question mark with their roster comes with their goaltending as Dalkr Vidarsson @KaleebtheMighty is the lowest TPA off all the starting goalies on competing teams, they should improve quickly though in a season where the impact of goaltending is uncertain itself.
     
    6 - Chicago Phoenix 
    Forward Rank - 12th
    Defense Rank - 12th
    Goalie Rank - 11th
    Conference Rank - 6th
    League Rank - 12th
     
    Chicago is very much in the middle, not quite good enough to truly compete, but not bad enough to get a top pick (without lotto luck).  Their saving grace this season could very well be their offensive depth, while they lack a top forward in the league, Yaroslav Trunov @qripll is coming off of a great season and will be looking to replicate what Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside did for Chicago only a few seasons ago. We can expect Chicago to be right around the playoff bubble all season and maybe even push one of the top teams out.
     
    7 - Seattle Bears 
    Forward Rank - 8th
    Defense Rank - 14th
    Goalie Rank - 15th
    Conference Rank - 7th
    League Rank - 13th
     
    This offseason left one question in everyone’s mind, why on earth did Henry Eagles @Greg_Di go to Seattle? While they do drastically impact their offensive outlook, the roster is far from ready to contend. The main issue for Seattle this season will more than likely be goaltending as while Giorgiy Costanzov @Mongoose87 does have a lot of potential they just aren’t quite there yet and don’t have the blue line in front of them to limit chances. Seattle will likely prove to be a trade partner for many of the teams looking to add a player or two, but they aren’t ready to compete for a playoff spot just yet, unless their offense and Eagles put the team on their back.
     
    8 - Los Angeles Stars 
    Forward Rank - 16th
    Defense Rank - 16th
    Goalie Rank - 14th
    Conference Rank - 8th
    League Rank - 16th
     
    After seasons of competing near the top of the league, a new era has begun in Los Angeles. All the players remaining from their previous core have been shipped off for futures. Matthew McCagg @Jack kidd may just play spoiler at some points this season, but Los Angeles is a lock for the bottom of their conference.
     
    European Conference
     
    1- Helsinki Titans 
    Forward Rank - 9th
    Defense Rank - 2nd
    Goalie Rank - 5th
    Conference Rank - 3rd
    League Rank - 5th
     
    Helsinki is back again this season, despite some losses due to retirements, Helsinki is still a formidable team and could very well turn some heads this season. Despite a bit of a drop off from their top two forwards to everyone else, Helsinki should be fine though with potential MVP Daryl Dixon, and Adi Dassler who should develop quickly throughout the season. Overall, Helsinki is in a very good position, but with their window starting to close the clock is ticking in Helsinki.
     
    2 - London United 
    Forward Rank - 3rd
    Defense Rank - 6th
    Goalie Rank - 2nd
    Conference Rank - 1st
    League Rank - 3rd
     
    London is back and with one big question this season; can Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ step up and replace Molly The Cat @JCarson? The answer to this is probably yes, however it is a tough loss for the United. Safe to say this season is London’s last kick at the can before a prolonged rebuild as Jesse Teno @aimkin will be retiring following this season. There is a silver lining there though as the franchises’ top goalie ever will continue to improve this season in what is their final push.
     
    3 - Malmo Nighthawks 
    Forward Rank - 5th
    Defense Rank - 1st
    Goalie Rank - 8th
    Conference Rank - 2nd
    League Rank - 4th
     
    Malmo comes into this season as probably the most well-rounded roster, almost every player would be a top 3 forward or top 2 D on most teams. With that being said the onus will be on Jacob Stone @scoop to carry this roster as the only elite player. In previous seasons goaltending has been a bit of a question mark, and the same thing could be an issue this time around, while Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro is coming off of a great S92, there is just a hint of uncertainty around goaltending at this moment. In all honesty any of these top 3 teams could finish first in the EU, and there is a fairly considerable gap down to 4th.
     
    4 - Moscow Menace 
    Forward Rank - 6th
    Defense Rank - 5th
    Goalie Rank - 10th
    Conference Rank - 4th
    League Rank - 6th
     
    Moscow is back again this season and is only better than they were last season where they finished 3rd in the conference. There is a good chance that given their rapid improvement that they could challenge one of the top three teams and maybe even top the conference by the end of the season. As of right now there is a considerable gap, but there’s no reason why Moscow can’t close it. As of right now Moscow is the 4th best team in the EU and the gap back to 5th is honestly massive. Moscow should comfortably make the playoffs. The future is really bright in Moscow, and with the rest of the conference nearing a rebuild, or currently in one, Moscow should run the EU for a good amount of time in the near future.
     
    5 - Prague Phantoms 
    Forward Rank - 10th
    Defense Rank - 11th
    Goalie Rank - 6th
    Conference Rank - 5th
    League Rank - 9th
     
    Prague is in a very interesting situation right now, their top 4 players are either retiring or a pending UFA, so similarly to London this season is cup or bust given the pending rebuild. Realistically Prague does have a good chance to do well this season, but they will need some aggressive roster moves to round out their roster with the best players available. Time will tell what happens in Prague, while their chances to make the playoffs are good, some trades will be needed before calling them a contender.
     
    6 - Warsaw Predators 
    Forward Rank - 11th
    Defense Rank - 13th
    Goalie Rank - 4th
    Conference Rank - 6th
    League Rank - 11th
     
    Warsaw could very well be the team to watch this season, they finally have the goaltending that they’ve needed for some time with Lachlan Summers @kirbithan, and their forwards are just hitting their prime. While their defense is still a little lackluster, Summers more than makes up for it. Similarly to Prague we can expect Warsaw to be a bit aggressive in the trade market as the two teams will likely compete for the final playoff spot. We have Warsaw behind Prague right now just due to the difference in top end talent, however, Prague’s lack of depth could end up being Warsaw’s gain.
     
    7 - Riga Reign 
    Forward Rank - 13th
    Defense Rank - 9th
    Goalie Rank - 13th
    Conference Rank - 7th
    League Rank - 14th
     
    Riga is comfortably the 7th best team in the European conference right now, with that being said don’t be surprised if they challenge for a playoff spot as all in all their roster is very solid and should improve fairly quickly over the course of the season. Riga’s bright spot right now is their defense, as they do have a very solid group led by Fradin McGryer @Fradin99 and Mina @Baozi. Red Panda @Lemorse7 will also be looking to improve this season and just maybe push Riga towards a playoff spot.
     
    8 - HC Davos Dynamo 
    Forward Rank - 15th
    Defense Rank - 15th
    Goalie Rank - 16th
    Conference Rank - 8th
    League Rank - 15th
     
    Similarly to Los Angeles, Davos is comfortably the worst team in the European Conference. David Jokinen and a forward group composed of rookie and sophomore players should lead to an interesting season, but this team will more than likely be in a close battle with LA for last.
     
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    Halifax, Nova Scotia - Canada
    With the VHLM draft taking place this past Saturday and free agency opening immediately afterward, rosters in the M began to take shape. 
    For Lexie Leitner, a first time general manager who was recently named to the Halifax 21st front office, it was a busy but exciting weekend.  Halifax added 10 new players with their draft selections, 1 new goalie by trade, and 2 new players so far through free agency. Following the weekend frenzy, I had the opportunity to chat with Leitner about the weekend and the state of the team going into Season 93. 
     
    ༻❁༺
     
     "Lexie, thank you for taking the time with us today and congratulations on the new job." 
     
    "Thank you, Lauren, and it's my pleasure!" 
     
     "So let's get right into it, you were named as the next GM of the Halifax 21st just over a week ago, how are you finding the new role? And maybe you could just talk me through your experience joining the team." 
     
     "Sure, yeah, so far it's been a challenging but exciting job.  With very little time between being named to the team and the VHLM draft, it was a bit of a chaotic week reaching out to draft eligibles, doing scouting reports, and getting prepared for our picks.  Thankfully, I was lucky to have Will @Will3, our AGM, who has been a tremendous help in the scouting process and keeping up with the day-to-day management of the team.  To be honest, I wasn't certain that I'd get this job-- being a little lighter on experience than some candidates-- and there was a chance I might have ended up in Mexico City since they were also looking for a GM, but when it was announced that I was named to Halifax, I was super excited for this opportunity and I really hope I can live up to expectations and bring success to the city and the organization." 
     
     "It sounds like a lot of your focus so far has been on the draft and adding new players to your roster.  What was your strategy going into the draft?" 
     
     "Well, when I joined here, we already had a couple of 1st round picks and we were able to acquire a 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 7th by trade.  My goal was simply to add good players and quality people to our roster right away to give us the best chance to compete this season.  In our draft scouting, Will and I had identified a list of players who we really liked because of their on-ice skills and their draft interviews.  Ideally, they checked both of those boxes for us.  We're very happy with the players we were able to select and I think our roster is in a great place for the beginning of the season.  Obviously, things will likely change in the coming days and weeks with more free agent signings and development, but I'm confident that our core is strong and we've got some great young prospects as well who are already making a name for themselves." 
     
     "So you picked 2nd overall in this draft and it seemed like you were very quick to select Pierre Marc Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito.  With your 6th overall pick, you surprised some people by selecting Andrew Skilton @ace_five_.  Talk me through those two picks and how you came to decide on those two players with your important 1st round picks." 
     
     “Both of these players interviewed very well and really exemplified the qualities we were looking for, you know, strong character, hard working, involved in the locker room, and competitive on the ice.  With Bouchard, we really wanted to make sure we had a great number one center who could really stabilize our top line.  He’s got great defensive sensibilities too so we know he can be relied on in all situations.  And as for Skilton, we were just really impressed with his development leading up to the draft and I know he was on the radar of a few other teams. Sure, there’s an argument that he might have been available in the 2nd round, but we just didn’t want to risk missing out on a player who we are confident is going to be a strong player and leader for us this season.”
     
    “Your next two picks were at 12th and 13th overall, talk me through those selections.”
     
    “Yeah, we had a number of players on our list that were still available who we liked, but Novotny @Patrik Tallinder and Dogwood @dogwoodmaple were always the next two that we wanted.  Novotny-- a little bit like Skilton-- had been really rising fast on draft boards and we were really impressed with his training during the offseason.  His agent, is a known quantity around the VHL as well so we’re pretty confident what we’re getting with him.  And Dogwood, similarly, really gave us a lot in his draft interview and was developing well during the offseason. In our scouting, we also found out that he’d played with Bouchard before so the thought was that reuniting them could spark some instant chemistry.”
     
    “So you then picked Tommy Shelby @Will at 22nd overall and had a long break before 43rd where you picked Connor Simard @Alex99.  Were you also targeting those players?  And were there any players in those early rounds that got away from you?”
     
    “Yeah, so it’s funny you should ask, actually, with both of those we had a player in mind that we really wanted to pick that was taken just before our selection, so we had to pivot our strategy a little bit here and even explored some possibilities to trade into the 4th round.  Obviously, that didn’t happen. With Shelby at 22nd, he was a player we’d been targeting, but didn’t necessarily expect to be able to pick because of where our picks landed.  With Shelby, we’re very confident in our center ice position now and that was certainly a priority for us because there were always likely to be more wingers available later on.  And then with Simard, I was honestly shocked to see that he was still available at 43 so it was kind of a no-brainer for us because we needed a left winger and he’ll fit in perfectly with Bouchard and Dogwood on our top line.”
     
    “You didn’t make a trade into the 4th round, but you did trade away a goalie after selecting another one in the draft.  What was the thinking around the pick and the trade?” 
     
    “We viewed goaltending as a priority position for us this season so that’s why we traded for Wazinski @samthemancub before the draft.  Going into the draft with two goalies, we always felt confident that we would never have to reach for one.  At 46, we had the opportunity to take Jon Webber III @Webberj, who we were really high on from our draft interviews and scouting reports. So even though we already had two goalies that we liked, we saw it as an opportunity to add some value in the crease and made the pick. After that, it was really about just becoming compliant with the VHLM roster rules allowing only 2 goalies.  On a personal level, it is difficult to trade away a good player and we wish Cavill @Firekiss all the best in Vegas.”  
     
    “And so your last three picks in the draft were Dorji Khan @Oddpurplefly, Ty Duke @TheDuke, and Robert Tango @trains.  What can you tell us about those selections?”
     
    “With this draft, we knew that there would be hidden talent to be had all the way into the 7th round so it really kind of became a matter of selecting players who we see as being capable of developing over the course of the season.  Khan, in particular, we had done some scouting on and liked the potential we saw there.  With Duke and Tango, we add another player at the center position who has plenty of room to grow and a right winger with some versatility that may help us on special teams.”
     
    “When the draft ended, free agency opened up and Halifax managed to sign a couple of players.  What were you looking for with those signings and how are those players doing so far?”
     
    “Yeah, we were absolutely thrilled to sign Robin Sierra @ethanjaeda who has been putting in some great work off the ice to get his game to another level.  He’s also been awesome in the locker room as well so we’re really happy with the early returns on him.  And Captain Nugget Jr. @Captain nugget comes into the lineup with some real skill and finishing ability on the right side and really has the potential to be an impact player in our lineup this season.”
     
    “Right now, it seems that there is one hole on the roster as it’s currently constructed, and that is at defense on the second pairing.  What are your plans to address this need?”
     
    “Ideally, we would be able to find someone in free agency or on waivers that we could bring in right away, but at the moment it’s just not looking like that player is out there.  We’re also exploring some potential trade targets and if the right deal presents itself, we’re definitely open to making a move.  It’s a balance between wanting to give ourselves the best chance to win this year, but also not leaving ourselves too depleted for the future, so the deal would have to make sense.  I guess we’ll see what happens in time, though I’m confident that the players we have are capable of compensating for that with extra minutes right now.”
     
    “Finally, looking around the league, which teams do you think will be the biggest challenge to compete with on the ice?”
     
    “Well, I think Ottawa had a great draft.  I know they managed to grab a few players that we liked so I think our scouting probably revealed some similar things.  They’ve also got a pretty complete roster as well, so they’ll have the depth to get out to a good start early on.  Saskatoon and Houston, I think, will also be good this season.  Saskatoon just had a ton of picks and I think they got some great talent on that roster as well, and Houston– I mean, I just can’t count out @AJW as he’s got a knack for finding great players on waivers and in free agency so we’ll see what he can cook up this season.”
     
    “Okay, one more quick question before I let you go because you mentioned AJW and waiver signings.  Last season, Lucy Leitner was a waiver signing for the Houston Bulls and was selected 3rd overall in the VHL draft by Riga, and 2nd overall by Vasteras in the VHLE.  For those who may not know, what’s your relation to Lucy?” 
     
    “Yeah! So Lucy is my cousin. It was really cool seeing her get drafted so high and it’ll be fun to see how she does in Vasteras this season.  It would have been kind of cool to be a VHLM GM while she was still playing in this league, but who knows, maybe there will be an opportunity down the road to compete against one another.  Anyway, I’m really happy for her.”
     
    “Great! Well, thank you for your time and best of luck to you and the 21st this season.”
     
    “Thanks, Lauren.”
     
    ༻❁༺
     
    With the first games of Season 93 in the VHLM happening today, Halifax will take on the Ottawa Lynx in back-to-back games.  In what may become a real rivalry in the Eastern Conference this season, Halifax and Ottawa will both want to claim victory first and start their seasons off on the right foot.  It’s a great opportunity for both teams to see how they measure up against one another and it’s sure to be an exciting night of action.  
     
    Notes:
    I’ll be writing a bi-weekly column on the Halifax 21st this season called Pier 21 so keep an eye out for those if you’re interested in following the story of the 21st this season.   Game updates: Halifax took game 1 of the season against Ottawa by a score of 2-1 in a shootout, but fell in the second game of the back-to-back, 6-2.  
     
    Lauren Lambert for VHL.com
    11/24/24 - 2044 words
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    We are a few days out from the start of a new season. Feeling pretty optimistic about the team this year. We built the team at last Trade Deadline with this upcoming season in mind, and everything has kind of just fell into place. Last year we were stressed just to make playoffs, this year we have an expectation amongst ourselves to be a contender. Feel very lucky to have won Top GM in my first season back as a VHL GM. I think a lot of things just kinda came together last season, I don’t think I did anything too insane. It was a buyers market and if anything I was lucky to have inherited a solid roster with potential that just needed a few good pieces. Excited for the future as Hylands has already been such a valuable add to the management team. Hopefully we can prove why the award was handed out to the Americans! Pretty solid weekend. I had a few Guinness’ in celebration of Paddy’s Day. Watched the Players Championship, won a few bets, lost a few more. Watched T Swifts Eras tour with my daughter for the 7th (no exaggeration) time… got a busy week of work coming up, not looking forward to it lol.
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    STZ got a reaction from Spartan in Sunday Bullets 3/17   
    We are a few days out from the start of a new season. Feeling pretty optimistic about the team this year. We built the team at last Trade Deadline with this upcoming season in mind, and everything has kind of just fell into place. Last year we were stressed just to make playoffs, this year we have an expectation amongst ourselves to be a contender. Feel very lucky to have won Top GM in my first season back as a VHL GM. I think a lot of things just kinda came together last season, I don’t think I did anything too insane. It was a buyers market and if anything I was lucky to have inherited a solid roster with potential that just needed a few good pieces. Excited for the future as Hylands has already been such a valuable add to the management team. Hopefully we can prove why the award was handed out to the Americans! Pretty solid weekend. I had a few Guinness’ in celebration of Paddy’s Day. Watched the Players Championship, won a few bets, lost a few more. Watched T Swifts Eras tour with my daughter for the 7th (no exaggeration) time… got a busy week of work coming up, not looking forward to it lol.
  25. Like
    STZ got a reaction from hylands in Sunday Bullets 3/17   
    We are a few days out from the start of a new season. Feeling pretty optimistic about the team this year. We built the team at last Trade Deadline with this upcoming season in mind, and everything has kind of just fell into place. Last year we were stressed just to make playoffs, this year we have an expectation amongst ourselves to be a contender. Feel very lucky to have won Top GM in my first season back as a VHL GM. I think a lot of things just kinda came together last season, I don’t think I did anything too insane. It was a buyers market and if anything I was lucky to have inherited a solid roster with potential that just needed a few good pieces. Excited for the future as Hylands has already been such a valuable add to the management team. Hopefully we can prove why the award was handed out to the Americans! Pretty solid weekend. I had a few Guinness’ in celebration of Paddy’s Day. Watched the Players Championship, won a few bets, lost a few more. Watched T Swifts Eras tour with my daughter for the 7th (no exaggeration) time… got a busy week of work coming up, not looking forward to it lol.
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