Noodle Enjoyer

1. As I've not been here for very long I've done all my stuff at my desktop so far.
 
2. I haven't watched wrestling since the early 2000's. The trade makes our blueline elite.
 
3. Three way trades are always awesome, with an add like this we should have one of the best rosters this year.
 
4. With all these adds it's postseason or bust
 
5. As I never got to play with any of them I don't have on I'll miss the most
 
6. I have no idea and I don't really plan on speculating.

The VHLE playoffs are now over and with the winner now decided as the Oslo Strom defeat the Vasteras Iron Eagles in the finals we can now look forward to the future. Plenty of young players will be able to say that their next season will be their final rookie season as the promoted the their respective VHL clubs. The odds on Favorite to have the biggest impact in their first year would have to be the previous first overall selection: Antonia Bucatini she will be suiting up for The Davos Dynamo HC who is coming off another weak year with a high selection in the upcoming draft imminent. She will likely be able to play a big role on this rebuilding franchise coming of a Renaissance Cup win with the Oslo Storm will have Bucatini riding high on a wave of momentum as she tries to win best rookie in her inaugural season. Another notable player coming up will be Gianfranco Del Rocco who was selected second overall and has the best odds of challenging Bucatini for top rookie. Del Rocco will be joining the Continental Cup champion Seattle Bears and as such a competitive team will be his home could likely mean he will have solid line mates to help him score loads of points to earn himself top rookie honors. Leitner the top defenseman taken in the draft at third overall who will be rear guarding for the Riga Reign this upcoming season after going to the Renaissance Cup finals with Vasteras and losing to Oslo she will be looking ahead to be ready to compete at the highest level of the sport. Leitner has been a very effective defenseman at every level so far and should have a solid rookie season for Riga whose roster is rounding out quite well  and will be looking to have a competetive year. The fourth overall pick of last years draft was Annie Oaks who seemed to struggle with the jump into the VHLE only able to score 36 points over the regular season however did put up three goals and four points in six playoff games. She will be looking to embark on a successful career in the VHL with the Vancouver Wolves but it may take a little bit of time for her to really find her feet in the highest level she will have played in yet. At fifth overall the Chicago Phoenix selected the Irish winger Ughsike who had a solid year in the VHLE with the Renaissance Cup champion Oslo Storm he will be joining a competitive Chicago team that will be fighting for a playoff spot this coming season but with lots of teams looking to take the next step it will be a hard fought journey that Chicago is hoping Ughsike will be that extra piece needed to push them into the playoffs. Next up to look at is Forum Content who will be joining Bucatini and Davos this upcoming season a sixth overall pick Content has always been known for his great puck handling abilities, however over his time in the VHLE seems to have worked really hard on becoming an elite passer and will be looking to setup his teammates rather than shoot Davos will have three rookies suiting up for them and Content should have a decent amount of ice time there unlike his start in the VHLE where his playtime was limited in Cologne before being traded. Benjamin Abenduct who was selected ninth overall by the Moscow Menace was the second defenseman selected in his draft class he too is yet another part of that cup champion Oslo team graduating to the big leagues. Abenduct is a smooth skating two way defense man who loves having the puck on his stick and is adept at taking it from his opponents, he will be the fifth defenseman on a strong looking Moscow team and should be given plenty of opportunity to grow into an elite defenseman for that Moscow squad.
 
Of the top ten picks of last years drafts those are all the players who are currently slated to begin with their respective VHL clubs however it's worth mentioning that the likes of Jorgen Lovstrom and  Nathan Ecker who were selected at seventh and tenth by Malmo and Seattle respectively will likely earn a spot out of camp as well.

In the Cologne Locker room Annie Oaks quietly packs her stuff up before going to speak with the Cologne media one final time before moving on. 
One reporter asks: "How do you feel your season was here in Cologne"
Annie: "I feel like I did alot of things right this year and worked on some aspects of my game that needed some work. However I would be lying if I said I was happy with my year, so I'm going to continue to work through the off season in order to improve and have the best season I can this upcoming year."
Reporter asks: "any comments on how the psotseason went this year"
Annie: "We had a very tough opponent in round one and it was a tight series all the way. That being said the expectation was to win the cup and we didn't do that so we failed to meet what was expected of us, the fans deserved a cup and we couldn't deliver."
Reporter asks: "how do you feel about the teams chances in the upcoming season."
Annie: "The roster shouldn't be changing much and so I suspect that Cologne will once again be a top team in the league. I would even say I think they'll be the favorite to win the cup next year."
Reporter says: "do you have any last things you'd like to say to the fans of Cologne before you leave for Vancouver"
Annie: "I'd like to thank the fans for supporting us all year and coming out to all the games making the environment in that Cologne arena one of the best places I've played yet. I hope you will continue to cheer on your team and have your cheers rewarded with a cup as soon as possible."

In the Cologne Locker room Annie Oaks quietly packs her stuff up before going to speak with the Cologne media one final time before moving on. 
One reporter asks: "How do you feel your season was here in Cologne"
Annie: "I feel like I did alot of things right this year and worked on some aspects of my game that needed some work. However I would be lying if I said I was happy with my year, so I'm going to continue to work through the off season in order to improve and have the best season I can this upcoming year."
Reporter asks: "any comments on how the psotseason went this year"
Annie: "We had a very tough opponent in round one and it was a tight series all the way. That being said the expectation was to win the cup and we didn't do that so we failed to meet what was expected of us, the fans deserved a cup and we couldn't deliver."
Reporter asks: "how do you feel about the teams chances in the upcoming season."
Annie: "The roster shouldn't be changing much and so I suspect that Cologne will once again be a top team in the league. I would even say I think they'll be the favorite to win the cup next year."
Reporter says: "do you have any last things you'd like to say to the fans of Cologne before you leave for Vancouver"
Annie: "I'd like to thank the fans for supporting us all year and coming out to all the games making the environment in that Cologne arena one of the best places I've played yet. I hope you will continue to cheer on your team and have your cheers rewarded with a cup as soon as possible."

In the Cologne Locker room Annie Oaks quietly packs her stuff up before going to speak with the Cologne media one final time before moving on. 
One reporter asks: "How do you feel your season was here in Cologne"
Annie: "I feel like I did alot of things right this year and worked on some aspects of my game that needed some work. However I would be lying if I said I was happy with my year, so I'm going to continue to work through the off season in order to improve and have the best season I can this upcoming year."
Reporter asks: "any comments on how the psotseason went this year"
Annie: "We had a very tough opponent in round one and it was a tight series all the way. That being said the expectation was to win the cup and we didn't do that so we failed to meet what was expected of us, the fans deserved a cup and we couldn't deliver."
Reporter asks: "how do you feel about the teams chances in the upcoming season."
Annie: "The roster shouldn't be changing much and so I suspect that Cologne will once again be a top team in the league. I would even say I think they'll be the favorite to win the cup next year."
Reporter says: "do you have any last things you'd like to say to the fans of Cologne before you leave for Vancouver"
Annie: "I'd like to thank the fans for supporting us all year and coming out to all the games making the environment in that Cologne arena one of the best places I've played yet. I hope you will continue to cheer on your team and have your cheers rewarded with a cup as soon as possible."

The VHLE playoffs are now over and with the winner now decided as the Oslo Strom defeat the Vasteras Iron Eagles in the finals we can now look forward to the future. Plenty of young players will be able to say that their next season will be their final rookie season as the promoted the their respective VHL clubs. The odds on Favorite to have the biggest impact in their first year would have to be the previous first overall selection: Antonia Bucatini she will be suiting up for The Davos Dynamo HC who is coming off another weak year with a high selection in the upcoming draft imminent. She will likely be able to play a big role on this rebuilding franchise coming of a Renaissance Cup win with the Oslo Storm will have Bucatini riding high on a wave of momentum as she tries to win best rookie in her inaugural season. Another notable player coming up will be Gianfranco Del Rocco who was selected second overall and has the best odds of challenging Bucatini for top rookie. Del Rocco will be joining the Continental Cup champion Seattle Bears and as such a competitive team will be his home could likely mean he will have solid line mates to help him score loads of points to earn himself top rookie honors. Leitner the top defenseman taken in the draft at third overall who will be rear guarding for the Riga Reign this upcoming season after going to the Renaissance Cup finals with Vasteras and losing to Oslo she will be looking ahead to be ready to compete at the highest level of the sport. Leitner has been a very effective defenseman at every level so far and should have a solid rookie season for Riga whose roster is rounding out quite well  and will be looking to have a competetive year. The fourth overall pick of last years draft was Annie Oaks who seemed to struggle with the jump into the VHLE only able to score 36 points over the regular season however did put up three goals and four points in six playoff games. She will be looking to embark on a successful career in the VHL with the Vancouver Wolves but it may take a little bit of time for her to really find her feet in the highest level she will have played in yet. At fifth overall the Chicago Phoenix selected the Irish winger Ughsike who had a solid year in the VHLE with the Renaissance Cup champion Oslo Storm he will be joining a competitive Chicago team that will be fighting for a playoff spot this coming season but with lots of teams looking to take the next step it will be a hard fought journey that Chicago is hoping Ughsike will be that extra piece needed to push them into the playoffs. Next up to look at is Forum Content who will be joining Bucatini and Davos this upcoming season a sixth overall pick Content has always been known for his great puck handling abilities, however over his time in the VHLE seems to have worked really hard on becoming an elite passer and will be looking to setup his teammates rather than shoot Davos will have three rookies suiting up for them and Content should have a decent amount of ice time there unlike his start in the VHLE where his playtime was limited in Cologne before being traded. Benjamin Abenduct who was selected ninth overall by the Moscow Menace was the second defenseman selected in his draft class he too is yet another part of that cup champion Oslo team graduating to the big leagues. Abenduct is a smooth skating two way defense man who loves having the puck on his stick and is adept at taking it from his opponents, he will be the fifth defenseman on a strong looking Moscow team and should be given plenty of opportunity to grow into an elite defenseman for that Moscow squad.
 
Of the top ten picks of last years drafts those are all the players who are currently slated to begin with their respective VHL clubs however it's worth mentioning that the likes of Jorgen Lovstrom and  Nathan Ecker who were selected at seventh and tenth by Malmo and Seattle respectively will likely earn a spot out of camp as well.

1. Liv Slater for having a great year on the back end.
 
2. Dalkr Vidarsson Despite not having a winning record he put up good individual numbers.
 
3.  My pick is Logan Ninefingers 32 goals and over 60 points as a rookie is a great start to a career.
 
4. I would guess Liv Slater she had a great year.
 
5. Best defenseman for sure.
 
6. More growth from all the players.

1. Liv Slater for having a great year on the back end.
 
2. Dalkr Vidarsson Despite not having a winning record he put up good individual numbers.
 
3.  My pick is Logan Ninefingers 32 goals and over 60 points as a rookie is a great start to a career.
 
4. I would guess Liv Slater she had a great year.
 
5. Best defenseman for sure.
 
6. More growth from all the players.

1. It's not typically good form to cheer for someone else's misery... But in this case I make an exception.
 
2. I'd say Pittsburgh they really blew it but then again near the end of the year it seemed like all the wild card fighting teams seemed like they didn't want to win.
 
3. Of course following the league and seeing which teams I'm going to be up against next season is exciting.
 
4. Everyone loves a good center so I say it's @Gaikoku-hitos player
 
5. People should wear whatever they feel like... As long as it is within the law of course.
 
6. You can lift someones spirits however you cannot physically throw them. Unless in that case you're referring to alcohol.

Rebrand Theme Week
 
I've only been in the league for a little while now and so I don't have any strong ties anywhere just yet so coming up with a rebrand I thought might be hard for me. However there is a team that has an NHL counterpart that when they were coming into the league had a name pitched for them that I absolutely loved, and so for my rebrand choice I'm picking Las Vegas.
 
So say hello to the Las Vegas Rat Pack this name is just so sick to me, for a logo you could have gnarly looking rat in front of a poker chip. For the Colour scheme I think I would go with black and purple as the primary colours and as a mascot you'd have to get the best rat of all time: Brad Marchand, I guess you could put him in a rat suit but I think that would just be redundant. They would need to go out and find an appropriate coach to teach the players the way of the rat, maybe Marchand could pull double duty somehow, or get someone like Nick Cousins and have Marchand as an special advisor in practice.

Obviously the most important thing in practice would just be teaching and instilling the rat mentality into the players, showing the players the best way to get under opponents skin and how to sneak in cheap shots whenever possible. Of course we'd want them to be offensively talented too, Just look at our mascot He's and incredibly gifted player as well as maybe one of the top rats in hockey history.
 
As for the players they'd want to bring in, they would want players who can mix it up and force opponents off their game, and also then of course capitalize on the mistakes they make when they are too agitated to play their game. At all times the Rat Pack would need at least one player with high end rat qualities to captain the squad, someone who has grit, speed, and a thunderous body checking ability but also the mental capability to trash talk opponents in a way that can get the most level headed player see red. Make them make mistakes, rush them into bad passes or plays and also take retalliation penalties. Then once they do take advantage and don't miss the opportunities that present themselves.

Of course this is just a silly Idea and probably should never come to fruition, but even if you take out all the nonsense of forcing the roster to play like rats I think that Rat Pack is just such a sick name fo a team in Vegas. I don't know why but to me it just seems to fit, That being said Aces is still probably better for Vegas. But I'd be interested to see if any of the ideas submitted during this theme week get picked up and utilized in some way in the league. I've looked at a couple and some I think are really good and make a lot of sense.

Rebrand Theme Week
 
I've only been in the league for a little while now and so I don't have any strong ties anywhere just yet so coming up with a rebrand I thought might be hard for me. However there is a team that has an NHL counterpart that when they were coming into the league had a name pitched for them that I absolutely loved, and so for my rebrand choice I'm picking Las Vegas.
 
So say hello to the Las Vegas Rat Pack this name is just so sick to me, for a logo you could have gnarly looking rat in front of a poker chip. For the Colour scheme I think I would go with black and purple as the primary colours and as a mascot you'd have to get the best rat of all time: Brad Marchand, I guess you could put him in a rat suit but I think that would just be redundant. They would need to go out and find an appropriate coach to teach the players the way of the rat, maybe Marchand could pull double duty somehow, or get someone like Nick Cousins and have Marchand as an special advisor in practice.

Obviously the most important thing in practice would just be teaching and instilling the rat mentality into the players, showing the players the best way to get under opponents skin and how to sneak in cheap shots whenever possible. Of course we'd want them to be offensively talented too, Just look at our mascot He's and incredibly gifted player as well as maybe one of the top rats in hockey history.
 
As for the players they'd want to bring in, they would want players who can mix it up and force opponents off their game, and also then of course capitalize on the mistakes they make when they are too agitated to play their game. At all times the Rat Pack would need at least one player with high end rat qualities to captain the squad, someone who has grit, speed, and a thunderous body checking ability but also the mental capability to trash talk opponents in a way that can get the most level headed player see red. Make them make mistakes, rush them into bad passes or plays and also take retalliation penalties. Then once they do take advantage and don't miss the opportunities that present themselves.

Of course this is just a silly Idea and probably should never come to fruition, but even if you take out all the nonsense of forcing the roster to play like rats I think that Rat Pack is just such a sick name fo a team in Vegas. I don't know why but to me it just seems to fit, That being said Aces is still probably better for Vegas. But I'd be interested to see if any of the ideas submitted during this theme week get picked up and utilized in some way in the league. I've looked at a couple and some I think are really good and make a lot of sense.

1. I would say Frank, because he's my first VHL GM
2. Number one is activity
3. If you have like minded individuals than that should keep a room active
 
1. Who is your Hart trophy winner this year?
2. Who is your favorite player all time? ( any League )
3. Who is your pick for Stanley Cup champions this year?

Rebrand Theme Week
 
I've only been in the league for a little while now and so I don't have any strong ties anywhere just yet so coming up with a rebrand I thought might be hard for me. However there is a team that has an NHL counterpart that when they were coming into the league had a name pitched for them that I absolutely loved, and so for my rebrand choice I'm picking Las Vegas.
 
So say hello to the Las Vegas Rat Pack this name is just so sick to me, for a logo you could have gnarly looking rat in front of a poker chip. For the Colour scheme I think I would go with black and purple as the primary colours and as a mascot you'd have to get the best rat of all time: Brad Marchand, I guess you could put him in a rat suit but I think that would just be redundant. They would need to go out and find an appropriate coach to teach the players the way of the rat, maybe Marchand could pull double duty somehow, or get someone like Nick Cousins and have Marchand as an special advisor in practice.

Obviously the most important thing in practice would just be teaching and instilling the rat mentality into the players, showing the players the best way to get under opponents skin and how to sneak in cheap shots whenever possible. Of course we'd want them to be offensively talented too, Just look at our mascot He's and incredibly gifted player as well as maybe one of the top rats in hockey history.
 
As for the players they'd want to bring in, they would want players who can mix it up and force opponents off their game, and also then of course capitalize on the mistakes they make when they are too agitated to play their game. At all times the Rat Pack would need at least one player with high end rat qualities to captain the squad, someone who has grit, speed, and a thunderous body checking ability but also the mental capability to trash talk opponents in a way that can get the most level headed player see red. Make them make mistakes, rush them into bad passes or plays and also take retalliation penalties. Then once they do take advantage and don't miss the opportunities that present themselves.

Of course this is just a silly Idea and probably should never come to fruition, but even if you take out all the nonsense of forcing the roster to play like rats I think that Rat Pack is just such a sick name fo a team in Vegas. I don't know why but to me it just seems to fit, That being said Aces is still probably better for Vegas. But I'd be interested to see if any of the ideas submitted during this theme week get picked up and utilized in some way in the league. I've looked at a couple and some I think are really good and make a lot of sense.

Cologne Express Weekly Recap.
 
Game 9 of the year would be against the Rome Gladiators and Baby Moo Moo would score in the first period. The scoring would dry up until the third period where BjornaBjorkson and Devote would add another two as Cologne gets a 3-0 shutout against Rome. Express player of the game goes to Clark for his 25 save shutout performance.
 
Game 10 would see these teams matchup again and this time in a high scoring affair. Rome would get five goals in the first period from Kolesinska, Lawson, Hughie, and two from Dukat, Cologne would only get two both from Mograine. In the second period Cologne would get three goals one each from Bungle, the beast, and von Schweetz while Rome would get one from French to go into the third with the 6-5 lead which is how this game would end as there were no goals scored in the third. Express player of the match goes to Alexandros Mograine for his 2g 1a performance.
 
Game 11 saw the Express taking on Vasteras and no goals would be scored in the first period, in the second period they would trade goals with Mograine scoring for the Express and Highmore replying for the Eagles. In the third Vasteras would score two from Del Rocco and Crosby to close out this game 3-1. Express player of the game goes to Clark with 28 saves on 30 shots faced he just didn't get the offense in front of him tonight.
Game 12 would be a rematch and the beast would open the scoring with the only goal of the first period. The second period would see these teams trade goals with one from BjornaBjorkson and then Ivanov. In the third period Content would add one more for the Express as they reverse the score from the previous game to win 3-1. Express player of the game is once again Clark as he stopped 24/25 shots for the win.
 
Game 13 was a heated game between the Vikings and the Express, jr would score for the Vikings before Oaks and BjornaBjorkson would reply in the first for the Express. They would trade goals in the second with one from tyrone Johnson and shcrute replying late in the 2nd, the teams would each add one more in the third from von Schweetz and Byrd and the game ends 4-3 for Cologne. express player of game goes to BjornaBjorkson for their 1g 1a effort.
Game 14 against the Bratislava Watchmen would see Cologne jump out to a 3 goal lead in the first with goals from Mograine, BjornaBjorkson, and Joseph Dubois would score his 1st of the season, Cologne would add one more from the beast in the second and then cruise to the 4-0 win. Express player of the game goes to Clark for his 18 save shutout.
 
Game 15 would be a tight one agains Rome Gul Dukat would open the scoring for Rome with the only goal of the first. In the second Cologne would score two and Rome would get one as Moo Moo and von Schweetz would score for Cologne with Ecker getting one for Rome. With no scoring in the third or in overtime we would see this one go to the shootout and Kolesinska would score the only goal of the shootout for Rome to win the game. Express player of the game goes to Clark once again for his 38 saves on 40 shots faced.
 
Game 16 would be the Express versus the Vikings and von Schweetz would score early in the first period to give the Express a 1-0 lead, then the beast would score in the second and the game would end as a 2-0 shutout for Cologne. With a 23 save shutout Clark is the Express player of the game once more.
 
Game 17   in this game Cologne would pile on the shots agains Bratislava outshooting them 57 to 29. However after the first Bratislava would have a 2-1 lead with goals from GLendenning and Jigglejawns CXXXXVII II with Bungle getting the lone goal for Cologne, the second period would see the Watchmen add one more from Weiss. Cologne would pour it on in the third getting four goals, 2 from Mograine and with Devote and Oaks each adding one. Express player of the game goes to Mograine with his 2g 1a statline.
 
Game 18 was a matchup of Cologne and Rome that would see Mograine and Moo Moo score in the first for Cologne while French would get one back for Rome. The lone goal in the second would be Mograine's 2nd of the game to put Cologne up by two, then in the third Ecker would move Rome within one late before BjornaBjorkson would put this one away. Express player of the game goes to Mograine with his 2g 1a performance once again.
 

Welcome to Cologne @MSouthworth

Oh wow!  Thank you to Rome for letting me be apart of your team!  I look forward to helping out Cologne and enjoy some playoff hockey!

The VHLE Season is halfway finished and I thought I'd look back at what I expected the standings would look like, and what they currently look like. 

First place is where the Cologne Express presently reside, I had them picked as one of the top teams but I had them at number two, I'm pretty surprised that not only are they first but almost have a 10 point lead on the next team. I think a lot of the success can be put on the shoulders of their goaltender Clark @cl4rkas he has won them a lot of games where their skaters didn't score much.
 
At second is where the Vasteras Iron Eagles roost, I had these guys pegged as the team to beat this year. They sit comfortably in second and currently have a seven point gap between them and third place. Goaltending has been very strong for them with Vencko @Mutti holding a .939 and Lovstrom @Pifferfishwith a .936 save percentage and the scariest part is they're still improving. In front of the two young netminders we have a pair of young stars leading the way in Del Rocco @Victor18 goals 24 assists 42 points and Leitner @LucyXpher7 goals 25 assists 32 points. I expect them to close the gap on Cologne in the coming weeks.
 
In third is exactly where I had the Oslo Storm in my preseason predictions as I stated earlier they are seven points behind Vasteras and are eight points clear of fourth presently. Oslo has one of the most potent offenses in the league with 117 goals for but their defense almost levels it out with 110 goals against. Their offense is led by Gretzky @MubbleFubbles21 goals 29 assists 50 points and first overall pick Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica21 goals 21 assists 42 points. Oslo will want to keep piling in goals in order to storm their way up the standings.
 
In fourth at this moment is the Stockholm Vikings who I had ranked fifth to start the year, they are in a tight fight to hold onto their current spot and only hold a two point lead on fifth. The big reason for their success this year is goaltending Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussuis an absolute superstar holding a .943 save percentage and a 2.39 goals against average. If they can improve more in front of him this could be a really scary team down the stretch.
 
In fifth we have the Rome Gladiators who I had at fourth ahead of Stockholm this team has high end talent but it seems a lack of depth is hurting them. They are led  by Ecker @Nathan_822 goals 26 assists 48 points and Dukat @MSouthworth11 goals 36 assists 47 points. Only being two points behind Stockholm I expect them to push hard to move ahead of them.
 
And at last we come to sixth where we have the Bratislava Watchmen who we knew would be here this is a big rebuild year for them, however they do only sit six points back of fourth so they could sneak into the top four. They are led by Jigglejawns CXXXVII II @.sniffuM18 goals 24 assists 42 points and Weiss @jfaly15 goals 27 assists 42 points. 
 
Looking at where everyone is at the moment I actually think this will be the order of the standings at the end of the season. So I look forward to the standings being flipped on their head by then.

The VHLE Season is halfway finished and I thought I'd look back at what I expected the standings would look like, and what they currently look like. 

First place is where the Cologne Express presently reside, I had them picked as one of the top teams but I had them at number two, I'm pretty surprised that not only are they first but almost have a 10 point lead on the next team. I think a lot of the success can be put on the shoulders of their goaltender Clark @cl4rkas he has won them a lot of games where their skaters didn't score much.
 
At second is where the Vasteras Iron Eagles roost, I had these guys pegged as the team to beat this year. They sit comfortably in second and currently have a seven point gap between them and third place. Goaltending has been very strong for them with Vencko @Mutti holding a .939 and Lovstrom @Pifferfishwith a .936 save percentage and the scariest part is they're still improving. In front of the two young netminders we have a pair of young stars leading the way in Del Rocco @Victor18 goals 24 assists 42 points and Leitner @LucyXpher7 goals 25 assists 32 points. I expect them to close the gap on Cologne in the coming weeks.
 
In third is exactly where I had the Oslo Storm in my preseason predictions as I stated earlier they are seven points behind Vasteras and are eight points clear of fourth presently. Oslo has one of the most potent offenses in the league with 117 goals for but their defense almost levels it out with 110 goals against. Their offense is led by Gretzky @MubbleFubbles21 goals 29 assists 50 points and first overall pick Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica21 goals 21 assists 42 points. Oslo will want to keep piling in goals in order to storm their way up the standings.
 
In fourth at this moment is the Stockholm Vikings who I had ranked fifth to start the year, they are in a tight fight to hold onto their current spot and only hold a two point lead on fifth. The big reason for their success this year is goaltending Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussuis an absolute superstar holding a .943 save percentage and a 2.39 goals against average. If they can improve more in front of him this could be a really scary team down the stretch.
 
In fifth we have the Rome Gladiators who I had at fourth ahead of Stockholm this team has high end talent but it seems a lack of depth is hurting them. They are led  by Ecker @Nathan_822 goals 26 assists 48 points and Dukat @MSouthworth11 goals 36 assists 47 points. Only being two points behind Stockholm I expect them to push hard to move ahead of them.
 
And at last we come to sixth where we have the Bratislava Watchmen who we knew would be here this is a big rebuild year for them, however they do only sit six points back of fourth so they could sneak into the top four. They are led by Jigglejawns CXXXVII II @.sniffuM18 goals 24 assists 42 points and Weiss @jfaly15 goals 27 assists 42 points. 
 
Looking at where everyone is at the moment I actually think this will be the order of the standings at the end of the season. So I look forward to the standings being flipped on their head by then.

The VHLE Season is halfway finished and I thought I'd look back at what I expected the standings would look like, and what they currently look like. 

First place is where the Cologne Express presently reside, I had them picked as one of the top teams but I had them at number two, I'm pretty surprised that not only are they first but almost have a 10 point lead on the next team. I think a lot of the success can be put on the shoulders of their goaltender Clark @cl4rkas he has won them a lot of games where their skaters didn't score much.
 
At second is where the Vasteras Iron Eagles roost, I had these guys pegged as the team to beat this year. They sit comfortably in second and currently have a seven point gap between them and third place. Goaltending has been very strong for them with Vencko @Mutti holding a .939 and Lovstrom @Pifferfishwith a .936 save percentage and the scariest part is they're still improving. In front of the two young netminders we have a pair of young stars leading the way in Del Rocco @Victor18 goals 24 assists 42 points and Leitner @LucyXpher7 goals 25 assists 32 points. I expect them to close the gap on Cologne in the coming weeks.
 
In third is exactly where I had the Oslo Storm in my preseason predictions as I stated earlier they are seven points behind Vasteras and are eight points clear of fourth presently. Oslo has one of the most potent offenses in the league with 117 goals for but their defense almost levels it out with 110 goals against. Their offense is led by Gretzky @MubbleFubbles21 goals 29 assists 50 points and first overall pick Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica21 goals 21 assists 42 points. Oslo will want to keep piling in goals in order to storm their way up the standings.
 
In fourth at this moment is the Stockholm Vikings who I had ranked fifth to start the year, they are in a tight fight to hold onto their current spot and only hold a two point lead on fifth. The big reason for their success this year is goaltending Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussuis an absolute superstar holding a .943 save percentage and a 2.39 goals against average. If they can improve more in front of him this could be a really scary team down the stretch.
 
In fifth we have the Rome Gladiators who I had at fourth ahead of Stockholm this team has high end talent but it seems a lack of depth is hurting them. They are led  by Ecker @Nathan_822 goals 26 assists 48 points and Dukat @MSouthworth11 goals 36 assists 47 points. Only being two points behind Stockholm I expect them to push hard to move ahead of them.
 
And at last we come to sixth where we have the Bratislava Watchmen who we knew would be here this is a big rebuild year for them, however they do only sit six points back of fourth so they could sneak into the top four. They are led by Jigglejawns CXXXVII II @.sniffuM18 goals 24 assists 42 points and Weiss @jfaly15 goals 27 assists 42 points. 
 
Looking at where everyone is at the moment I actually think this will be the order of the standings at the end of the season. So I look forward to the standings being flipped on their head by then.

The VHLE Season is halfway finished and I thought I'd look back at what I expected the standings would look like, and what they currently look like. 

First place is where the Cologne Express presently reside, I had them picked as one of the top teams but I had them at number two, I'm pretty surprised that not only are they first but almost have a 10 point lead on the next team. I think a lot of the success can be put on the shoulders of their goaltender Clark @cl4rkas he has won them a lot of games where their skaters didn't score much.
 
At second is where the Vasteras Iron Eagles roost, I had these guys pegged as the team to beat this year. They sit comfortably in second and currently have a seven point gap between them and third place. Goaltending has been very strong for them with Vencko @Mutti holding a .939 and Lovstrom @Pifferfishwith a .936 save percentage and the scariest part is they're still improving. In front of the two young netminders we have a pair of young stars leading the way in Del Rocco @Victor18 goals 24 assists 42 points and Leitner @LucyXpher7 goals 25 assists 32 points. I expect them to close the gap on Cologne in the coming weeks.
 
In third is exactly where I had the Oslo Storm in my preseason predictions as I stated earlier they are seven points behind Vasteras and are eight points clear of fourth presently. Oslo has one of the most potent offenses in the league with 117 goals for but their defense almost levels it out with 110 goals against. Their offense is led by Gretzky @MubbleFubbles21 goals 29 assists 50 points and first overall pick Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica21 goals 21 assists 42 points. Oslo will want to keep piling in goals in order to storm their way up the standings.
 
In fourth at this moment is the Stockholm Vikings who I had ranked fifth to start the year, they are in a tight fight to hold onto their current spot and only hold a two point lead on fifth. The big reason for their success this year is goaltending Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussuis an absolute superstar holding a .943 save percentage and a 2.39 goals against average. If they can improve more in front of him this could be a really scary team down the stretch.
 
In fifth we have the Rome Gladiators who I had at fourth ahead of Stockholm this team has high end talent but it seems a lack of depth is hurting them. They are led  by Ecker @Nathan_822 goals 26 assists 48 points and Dukat @MSouthworth11 goals 36 assists 47 points. Only being two points behind Stockholm I expect them to push hard to move ahead of them.
 
And at last we come to sixth where we have the Bratislava Watchmen who we knew would be here this is a big rebuild year for them, however they do only sit six points back of fourth so they could sneak into the top four. They are led by Jigglejawns CXXXVII II @.sniffuM18 goals 24 assists 42 points and Weiss @jfaly15 goals 27 assists 42 points. 
 
Looking at where everyone is at the moment I actually think this will be the order of the standings at the end of the season. So I look forward to the standings being flipped on their head by then.

The VHLE Season is halfway finished and I thought I'd look back at what I expected the standings would look like, and what they currently look like. 

First place is where the Cologne Express presently reside, I had them picked as one of the top teams but I had them at number two, I'm pretty surprised that not only are they first but almost have a 10 point lead on the next team. I think a lot of the success can be put on the shoulders of their goaltender Clark @cl4rkas he has won them a lot of games where their skaters didn't score much.
 
At second is where the Vasteras Iron Eagles roost, I had these guys pegged as the team to beat this year. They sit comfortably in second and currently have a seven point gap between them and third place. Goaltending has been very strong for them with Vencko @Mutti holding a .939 and Lovstrom @Pifferfishwith a .936 save percentage and the scariest part is they're still improving. In front of the two young netminders we have a pair of young stars leading the way in Del Rocco @Victor18 goals 24 assists 42 points and Leitner @LucyXpher7 goals 25 assists 32 points. I expect them to close the gap on Cologne in the coming weeks.
 
In third is exactly where I had the Oslo Storm in my preseason predictions as I stated earlier they are seven points behind Vasteras and are eight points clear of fourth presently. Oslo has one of the most potent offenses in the league with 117 goals for but their defense almost levels it out with 110 goals against. Their offense is led by Gretzky @MubbleFubbles21 goals 29 assists 50 points and first overall pick Bucatini @CowboyinAmerica21 goals 21 assists 42 points. Oslo will want to keep piling in goals in order to storm their way up the standings.
 
In fourth at this moment is the Stockholm Vikings who I had ranked fifth to start the year, they are in a tight fight to hold onto their current spot and only hold a two point lead on fifth. The big reason for their success this year is goaltending Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen @Snussuis an absolute superstar holding a .943 save percentage and a 2.39 goals against average. If they can improve more in front of him this could be a really scary team down the stretch.
 
In fifth we have the Rome Gladiators who I had at fourth ahead of Stockholm this team has high end talent but it seems a lack of depth is hurting them. They are led  by Ecker @Nathan_822 goals 26 assists 48 points and Dukat @MSouthworth11 goals 36 assists 47 points. Only being two points behind Stockholm I expect them to push hard to move ahead of them.
 
And at last we come to sixth where we have the Bratislava Watchmen who we knew would be here this is a big rebuild year for them, however they do only sit six points back of fourth so they could sneak into the top four. They are led by Jigglejawns CXXXVII II @.sniffuM18 goals 24 assists 42 points and Weiss @jfaly15 goals 27 assists 42 points. 
 
Looking at where everyone is at the moment I actually think this will be the order of the standings at the end of the season. So I look forward to the standings being flipped on their head by then.

Early Season struggles
We're now 20 games into the VHLE season and are starting to get an idea of how the season will play out. Vasteras and Cologne battling it out for first place, and Stockholm and Oslo fighting it out behind them with Rome and Bratislava a little further behind them. One thing we took notice of was a young players early struggles on Cologne: Annie Oaks who was picked 6th overall in the VHLE draft has not been able to get on the scoresheet with much regularity this year with only 8 points in 20 games played ( 3g 5a ) which is far less than what she or many of those around the league expected. She has been focusing her training on rounding out her game so far this year, and despite the fact scoring has been such a struggle for her she has said that she will not alter her training regimen.
 
"it's a process, and being the best VHLE player was never the goal. I'm going to continue to work on what I believe will make me the best VHL player that I can be even if I'm not seeing results now. It's about the future."
 
Despite her lack of scoring Cologne continues to sit near the top of the league in the standings, so if she can start contributing with more regularity it would be amazing to see how much Cologne's win and point totals would rise.

Early Season struggles
We're now 20 games into the VHLE season and are starting to get an idea of how the season will play out. Vasteras and Cologne battling it out for first place, and Stockholm and Oslo fighting it out behind them with Rome and Bratislava a little further behind them. One thing we took notice of was a young players early struggles on Cologne: Annie Oaks who was picked 6th overall in the VHLE draft has not been able to get on the scoresheet with much regularity this year with only 8 points in 20 games played ( 3g 5a ) which is far less than what she or many of those around the league expected. She has been focusing her training on rounding out her game so far this year, and despite the fact scoring has been such a struggle for her she has said that she will not alter her training regimen.
 
"it's a process, and being the best VHLE player was never the goal. I'm going to continue to work on what I believe will make me the best VHL player that I can be even if I'm not seeing results now. It's about the future."
 
Despite her lack of scoring Cologne continues to sit near the top of the league in the standings, so if she can start contributing with more regularity it would be amazing to see how much Cologne's win and point totals would rise.

Early Season struggles
We're now 20 games into the VHLE season and are starting to get an idea of how the season will play out. Vasteras and Cologne battling it out for first place, and Stockholm and Oslo fighting it out behind them with Rome and Bratislava a little further behind them. One thing we took notice of was a young players early struggles on Cologne: Annie Oaks who was picked 6th overall in the VHLE draft has not been able to get on the scoresheet with much regularity this year with only 8 points in 20 games played ( 3g 5a ) which is far less than what she or many of those around the league expected. She has been focusing her training on rounding out her game so far this year, and despite the fact scoring has been such a struggle for her she has said that she will not alter her training regimen.
 
"it's a process, and being the best VHLE player was never the goal. I'm going to continue to work on what I believe will make me the best VHL player that I can be even if I'm not seeing results now. It's about the future."
 
Despite her lack of scoring Cologne continues to sit near the top of the league in the standings, so if she can start contributing with more regularity it would be amazing to see how much Cologne's win and point totals would rise.