UghSike

Well, I've recently been released from the ever-so-warm and gentle clutches of Miami. Bittersweet is how I'd describe it. I enjoyed my time in the VHLM, and I met a bunch of friendly folks along the way. Parting is such sweet sorrow. Starting in Saskatoon and ending up in Miami. Thankfully, I didn't develop a nasty cocaine, meth, or bath salt habit while in Florida. What I did develop was a sense of camaraderie in the league as a whole. I think that's a pivotal aspect of keeping new players interested and engaged. @Ricer13 and @Tetricide have been nothing short of helpful. They exhibit a well-honed "gift of gab" and keep their players involved. I'm undoubtedly looking forward to what the future holds for me and anxious to see where I end up. I still have much to learn and I can only hope that my next GM is as helpful as the ones I've had. I found that this league is a great distraction from my current real-world issues. To paraphrase the great Todd Howard, "It just works.". I'm in and out of the forum all through the day. This is my social media outlet. It's a lot less shallow and self-absorbed than the alternatives. And, at the risk of contradiction, I'm a fairly modest lad. I require very little attention and absolutely ZERO need for validation VIA likes, comments, etcetera. I'm generally pretty quiet, and eccentric in some ways, but I do make a genuine effort to communicate in the locker room. I'll keep building and doing my best to be an asset for whichever squad I end up on. Til next time! Sike out... 276 words.

Thanks for the suggestion and I'll definitely take it into consideration.

If possible, I'd love to see this idea implemented. I've rarely used trivia as a means to gain 2 TPE each week. You've clearly stated why. It's difficult for me, and probably many others, to navigate or come up with search results that give at least a clue. Although I've gotten better at searching through the forums, it seems I could pump out 200 or more words for an article quicker than I could find the trivia answers I was looking for. I'm not complaining. Some things just aren't everyone's cup of tea. But, I like this and the article is well written. 10/10

Well, it seems as though I should have done more research before just jumping in and going all "gung ho" with my player creation. I sort of based my player on how I'd create a player for EA Sports NHL. What a mistake that was. So, now I'm pining for the time when a reroll will be available. Perhaps a week after I write this? I can sort of see how some areas are slightly irrelevant and where I can improve. Although I'm not entirely certain which direction I'll be taking a fresh build. Playmaker, pure goal scorer, two-way forward? I'm still mulling it over. I'll continue to grind out the contributions for TPE because I feel quite invested in this league. So far it's been an all-around enjoyable experience. I've met some decent people here and in the locker rooms. It can be a little overwhelming trying to keep up in all of the different Discord servers/locker rooms I've been invited to, but once I'm settled on a team, I'll be fairly active in the chat/locker room. So, I'm open to any suggestions veterans or anyone may have. I have a general grasp of the formulas as far as what kind of results I'd like to achieve for my player build. Just like most people here, I'd like to be a contributor and an asset to any team I am on. I'm looking forward to the draft and excited for the upcoming season. Big thanks to everyone who has been helpful and supportive. Sometimes I have a tendency to ask a million questions. 266 words

Thanks for the mention! I can see you really put some time into this article. I wasn't predicting myself going that early, but from another person's perspective it sort of makes sense I guess. If nothing else, it's flattering. Great job of gathering stats and actually researching the players mentioned here. I totally agree with your top 3. But, if this draft is any reflection of the current one happening then I see a couple of goalies going early on ahead of skaters. Meh. What do I know though? Thanks again for the vote of confidence. This is definitely a 10/10 write up in my opinion.

Do I even need to say it? I will anyway. Phenomenal work.

What current M player do you feel a sense of rivalry with? @Noodle EnjoyerEnjoyer It's a healthy rivalry, but we came into the M at the same time, on the same team. Later, we were both traded to other teams. So, there's a bit of natural rivalry vibes there. I always wish them well nonetheless. If you had to be stuck on an island with 4 other M players, which would you pick and why? Again @Noodle Enjoyer@Tetricide @LucyXpher and @Tetricide They've all been supportive and helpful. I need @Tetricide there so we can ponder how The Dallas Stars are doing. Pick a M team. What would their mascot be? Look like? What would it’s name be? Well, I have to go with my current team, Miami. It'd be a pirate with a wooden leg and a custom skate built for it. His name would be Captain Scallywag Slapper. Is there anything you’d like to say to the amazing new members of the league? Really just thanks for being such a friendly bunch. I think that's important in regards to keeping players interested in the league as a whole. What’s been a surprise to you when it comes to the VHL or your experience in it? I misjudged the building algorithm or whatever. I sort of tried to build my player here like I would build my player for NHL 24. It's not working in my favor. Are there any members you look up to and why? @Tetricide He just seems like an all around good guy, and I appreciate his favorite hockey team. Plus, he's open to suggestions and new ideas. How has your 2024 new year gone so far? Same old routine for me. Work, school, part time caregiver. It works for me. I like having a pretty structured life. Anything fun and exciting coming up in life for you? Well, I guess finishing my second semester of psychology is pretty exciting. Mainly because I'm one step closer to my degree,but it's been challenging and I'm living up to the challenge. So, that's gratifying and exciting at the same time. Your player was abducted by aliens. They probe you and steal important data from your hockey brain. What do the aliens learn about human life on planet earth because ofall-arounder? The aliens would learn that Dallas has the most likable team in the NHL. They'd also learn that I don't always wear a cup when I play because I doubt the only area they'd be probing around was my brain. You know how those pesky aliens roll.

I'm really appreciating all of these mentions. Of course, I'm biased to Miami taking this round. I'll admit that Vegas has a solid lineup and most would consider us the underdog, but I'm undoubtedly rooting for us. I think it's anyone's series and I believe Miami is going to surprise a lot of people here. I see this one going all the way to game 7. As always, awesome write up, and full of details and stats that are accurate. 10/10!

https://youtu.be/LJHCs070v-k?si=-LaBhi6-rH3tynkX

Although I've clearly been struggling in the points department, I do have my nights. I enjoyed this article, and not from a biased standpoint. You have a knack for pumping out well-crafted and insightful articles that are admirable. Something I wish I possessed the aptitude for. A lot of your predictions have been pretty on point and I hope this is no different. From a review perspective, it's obviously a 10/10. Anyone with the ability to read can see that you invested a lot of time and thought into it. As always, I appreciate the shout-out and the vote of confidence.

I'll assume you're both from the Philly area? I'm in that general area.

I have a HUT team but they aren't that great.

I'm on. Xbox. It's cross platform though, so we get lobbies with Xbox and PS. I also play defense. But this is the first year I haven't joined a club.

Just wondering. I think it'd be kinda decent if enough of us played to where we could form clubs.

Ditto!

Props on a hell of a write up.

Thank you for the mention!

Currently rereading "Blood Meridian" by Cormac McCarthy. If you don't know about this book, check it out. Even by today's standards, It's still pretty rough/raw. Last book I read was "Lullaby" by Chuck Palahniuk.