OblivionWalker

With all 72 games now played in the VHLM regular season, Slava Kovalenko, captain of the Mississauga Hounds, captured first place in defenseman points with 89. Having led the category for most of the season, it may come as no surprise to many that the defenseman was able to hang onto that position, but Kovalenko was modest as always when we reached out to him for comment. "While I'm of course stoked to be the leader in defenseman points, I feel like I wouldn't have gotten there without everybody else on the team. The forwards for scoring when I passed it to them and some of the others for getting the puck to me. Hockey's a team game. I didn't get there on my own and the other fellas stepped up too when it was needed, so they definitely deserve some of the spotlight as well. Ozzy, Albin, Sam, Cody, Clapper, Kurt, Ron, Doc, Jay and Laimdots left their hearts out there and I did my best not to let any of them down." The Hounds finished second in the Eastern Conference and third overall in the VHLM, which means that they will be moving on to the postseason and hoping to replicate their success in hopes of winning the Founders Cup. (word count: 212)

1. Definitely exceeded my expectations. I was seriously just hoping to crack 20 points and with Slava not only finishing with 89 but also finishing as the VHLM defenseman points leader, I was for sure surprised. 2. Amazing, inspiring 3. I think we have to continued adjusting to whatever comes our way. when something hasn't worked, we've corrected it, tried something new and the playoffs isn't a time to get complacent. 4. I would have to say Ozzy or Clapper. 5. Slava always talks to his family before each game, be it text or a video call. 6. That's really hard but after having lived in the Pacific Northwest for a long time, some of the things I saw while on the water can't be beat.

"Slava!" Puzzled at who could be calling out to him across the ice, Slava Kovalenko halted his forward momentum on his skates with a shower of ice and half turned. There, standing at the door to the ice . . . was his older brother, Sergiy. Being the oldest of the Kovalenko children and a pilot, Sergiy was often away and tended to miss family gatherings sometimes. "What are you doing here?!" Slava demanded, flying down the ice to step off the ice and wind his arms around his brother, pulling him into a close and tight hug. From the time they had been small, Sergiy had often said Slava was his little shadow. When Slava had been all of three years old, some older boys in the neighborhood had been picking on Sergiy and little Slava had immediately marched over, taking off his jacket so it didn't get dirty in order to help defend his brother. Fortunately, the adults were alerted that something was happening, and the would-be combatants were separated but it had become a story the Kovalenkos often told. If Sergiy was in trouble, Slava would soon be there. But as they had grown up, they had gone their own ways. Sergiy had graduated from college and then gone on to get his pilot's license and of course, Slava had gone to Alaska for college and was now in the VHLM with the aim of moving up to the big leagues someday. They often went for long stretches without being able to see each other and Slava was absolutely delighted to see his brother. "There was a cargo run scheduled in the area and when Mom and Dad told me that you were playing here today, I knew I had to come and see you play for myself. I was able to ask to be assigned this run." Sergiy said, giving Slava a bright smile. A lump formed in Slava's throat. Sergiy didn't have to do that, but it meant a lot to him that his brother cared enough to rearrange his own schedule to be able to come and see a Hounds game. "I'm glad you're here." Slava said honestly, clapping his brother on the back when he finally released him. "It's been too long." "It has." Sergiy agreed, tilting his head slightly. As tall as Sergiy was himself at six foot two, he still had to look up at his younger brother. "All of us are dashing here and there. But all of us are proud of you, Slava. Especially Dido and Baba. Everyone in the neighborhood has been following you. You've been doing so well but knowing you, you're already looking ahead." That was an astute observation. As well as Slava had been doing already in the M, emerging as the leader in defenseman points fairly early on and remaining there, he was always considering what he could do better when he moved up to the E, what things he wanted to work on and improve. "I won't get to the VHL if I sit on my butt." Slava joked lightly, which drew a snort from Sergiy. "The only time you sit on your butt is if you're on a bus, a plane, or you have a good book." he said knowingly and Slava shoved his arm, knowing darn well that Sergiy was correct in that assessment. With a rather wicked smirk, Sergiy arched an eyebrow. "Now. How's this boyfriend of yours?" (word count: 575)

1. I feel like we've really gotten some good guys to fill in some of the gaps that we had, if our record recently is anything to go by. 2. I'll never say never but Las Vegas is really looking strong. 3. Las Vegas for sure. They've had our number a lot of the time. 4. Blue Gatorade 5. Definitely model him off of the guy I use for his face, Colton Parayko. 6. Depends on the game. A Shea Weber slapshot would hurt but if it was the difference between winning a trophy or not? I'd do it.

The psychic vibes are strong with her. She predicted a Formula 1 signing too. Maybe we should get her to give us the lottery numbers soon.

We're coming into the last little bit of this season and it's honestly flown by for me. As a first gen and coming into this only knowing Kirby, I really wasn't sure what I was going to find or if this was going to turn out well for me. I figured it was at least worth a shot and with Season 95 set to wrap up soon I can honestly say I'm very glad that I took the plunge and decided to join the VHL. By nature, I'm usually more of a quiet person. I can get anxious pretty easily and at first, all of this was a bit overwhelming. But as time went on and I started to get to know some more people, it became easier and now I can honestly say that I really look forward to coming home and logging in every day to see what's happened in the world of the VHL, especially with how my boy Slava is doing. Seeing my creation do so well was not something that I was expecting at all, which has made it feel that much nicer. I just hope I can continue to build on the success he's been having in Mississauga and potentially turn out a good player at the VHL level. Many thanks to those I've been in locker rooms with and also just take a second to like my writings. I'm not good at graphics so that's why I concentrate my efforts to written word only pretty much but hey, at least I have something. Many thanks again to those who've made this something that really brightens up my day. (word count: 275)

Name: Stanislav Gregorovitch Kovalenko Preferred name: Slava Age: 19 Height: 6 foot 8 Weight: 218 Position: Defenseman Currently playing for and captaining the Mississauga Hounds, Kovalenko leads all VHLM defensemen in points with 76 (22 goals and 54 assists) in the 56 games he's played so far this season. He is a plus 20 while on the ice and has three game winning goals, nine powerplay goals and one shorthanded goal. He also ranks fourth in shots blocked and seventh in the overall points leaders of the season 95 VHLM players. Positive: consistency Over the season, Kovalenko has maintained an average of almost a point every game and has only had 6 games out of 56 where he did not have at least one point. Clearly, he can be depended on to contribute to his team. Possible minus: hits Kovalenko still has hits, 153 to be exact, but depends much more on his long reach to knock the puck away as opposed to body checking. However, this also means that he doesn't have nearly as many penalty minutes as another defenseman might. He's currently 21st in penalty minutes. If a team already has a body checking defenseman, then Kovalenko could be an excellent fit to balance that pairing so both don't find themselves in the box. Positive: points While not necessarily having as many goals as others, Kovalenko has found the back of the net over 20 times and with more games left to play, his total could reasonably be expected to go up. With his defensive vision high as well as excellent skating skills, Kovalenko scoops up loose pucks easily and either turns those into goals or passes them on to his teammates who in turn put those chances away. Kovalenko currently has a 12.57 shooting percentage, placing him seventh in the VHLM. Possible minus: goals If a team is looking for a true two-way defenseman, Kovalenko may not quite fit that build. However, if a team needed him to work on adding a wrist shot to his arsenal, there is no doubt that with his work ethic, such a thing could and would be worked on as he already has a fairly impressive slap shot. In summation, there is very little not to like about Kovalenko's overall game and given his consistency, his ability to not only shoot but also block shots and get the loose pucks to an open teammate or put it away himself, he would be an excellent addition to most teams. Anyone finding themselves in need a of a defenseman would do well to give Kovalenko's agent a call to discuss things. Given how low his penalty minutes are as well, it also speaks to him not putting his team into uncomfortable situations, which mean a mature, consistent game which is impressive, given that this is only his first full season in the VHLM after just 12 games as a waiver wire pick up in season 94. If a hardworking, consistent and steady defenseman is what is required, then look no farther than Slava Kovalenko. (word count: 511)

Simon did the same thing to Slava. Maybe he’s just making sure everyone stays humble!

What is a rookie? That might depend on who you ask. To a veteran, a rookie could be someone annoying, someone who hasn't earned their place yet. Or to the more charitable, it could be a stary eyed dreamer who hasn't seen the dark underbelly of the sport, hasn't known the hardship of working hard for a dream only to be stuck on a team that isn't going anywhere. To a fan, a rookie could be a symbol of a brighter future for the team. A spark that will ignite the fires of victory someday. A possibility that hundreds and perhaps thousands will be willing into existence. But that kind of hope also comes with pressure, the kind that can make a diamond out of a lump of coal or else utterly obliterate a wavering light and leave nothing but a faint memory of a time when the future seemed as bright as the sun itself. To a general manager, a rookie is a risk. A gamble. A game of chance with no way to know which way fortune's wheel will spin. Sometimes, a risky gamble leads to a great reward and then the manager is lauded for their foresight, for their ability to pluck someone from obscurity and watch them rise to the top. But if that bet happens to fail, then all of the proverbial money heads straight back to the house, leaving the manager with nothing and perhaps scratching their heads, trying to comprehend where they might have erred. To their families, rookies are those sons and daughters sometimes long missed. Endless nights spent on the road in juniors, sometimes living far from home with billet families to care for them while their loved ones back home spend their nights wondering if this is the right call, allowing them to be so far away. But then comes the thought that they also don't want to be responsible for holding them back, for not at least allowing them to try their luck, see if they can crack the big leagues. They are sources of pride, not just for their immediate families but also for the communities where they came up. A rookie who does well is the talk of the town but someone who failed out of the league could be nothing more than a whisper on the wind over the water cooler at work. But what about the rookies themselves? What do they think of such a label? For them, it can serve as inspiration. A desire to set themselves apart and prove why they're in their current position. For some, it could even be a chip on their shoulder, a word that brings bristling shoulders and gutsy moves on the ice, just to show the old timers that the game is going to be theirs someday and everyone had better be ready for it. For some, it's a reminder that the game is just beginning. Making it to a lower league just means that there's more hills to be climbed, more paths ahead to tread but if they continue to place one foot in front of the other, there's no reason why they can't be standing at the top of the mountain someday. A rookie by any other name is just as worthy of time as anyone else. (word count: 552) (posting for uncapped this week, claiming for week of 9/8 for capped)

It’s halfway through the VHLM season and there’s been a steady presence on the defenseman leaderboard, though it might not be a name that everyone would expect. Playing his first full season in the VHLM, Mississauga Hounds captain Slava Kovalenko rose quickly through the ranks and has staked his claim rather emphatically. With 53 points in 36 games, Kovalenko has been a consistent name on the scoresheet, with 18 goals and 35 assists to his name so far. He also currently leads the VHLM in shots blocked, with 93 and he is second in power plays goals with 8 and in the top ten for hits. Even he’s been surprised with what he’s been able to put together this season. “I really did my best to train hard during the off season, work on my defense as well as my slap shot so I could try and chip in where I could.” he said when asked about his current success. “But I don’t take any of it as guaranteed. I still have to keep working and pushing myself and as cool as it is to see my name up there, it’s not going to stay there if I get complacent.” Given Kovalenko’s worth ethic, that seems unlikely to happen and it will be interesting to see where the defenseman ends up at the end of the regular season. (word count: 228)

Dear River, It seems like time has been getting the best of both of us right now but we're in the thick of the season at the moment and doing our best to play hard and help our teams. But that doesn't mean I don't think about you a lot. I really miss you. Sometimes when I'm out on the ice, I could almost swear I can see you out of the corner of my eye as I'm winding up for a slapshot or hear you snickering over a joke someone made. But I suppose that just means that everything good to me is woven through with you somehow. Hockey has always been my focus, the one thing that made me light up. Even when I was little, my family wondered if there was something that would draw me from my tight little shell of books and math and being content on my own. Hockey did that in part, sure, but these days? I smile a lot more knowing that I have you as a part of my life in a way that I never dreamed I would. I know we haven't really talked about it but at some point, it would be nice to let the rest of the world know that the dashing and tenacious River Harrington is mine. But we can discuss that the next time we see each other in person (which will be in five games from now, not that I've been counting that down or anything). Obviously, we would need to decide what we want to say and how we want to say it but as with most things, I'm pretty confident that we can come to some kind of agreement and if I need to throw in some varynyky to sweeten the deal, I'm not above using my baba's dumplings to aid in convincing you. Five games aren't long, but it also feels like a lifetime. But I think this is a good test for us for how things might play out in the E and the VHL proper. As much as I would love to play with you again, I don't know if our careers are putting us on parallel paths. We're going to have to wait and see how all of that plays out. But no matter where you are in the world? You're always going to be the one on my mind. I haven't had a chance to tell you this myself, but I will as soon as I see you and I'm going to say it in Ukrainian first: Я тебе кохаю. In case you were wondering what that means, it's "I love you", which I do. I'm not sure when I knew that or how, but that's the only thing I can think when it comes to you. You've been a part of my life for a long time, and I can't even fathom a time or a place where that wouldn't be true. I love you, River Harrington and I'm always going to. Yours always, Slava (word count: 511 words)

I really hope Ashoka gets her hat trick soon but the song parody made me crack up. Excellent work!

Playing hard in the VHLM doesn't mean that one player has let their education sit by the wayside, unfinished. Slava Kovalenko, captain of the Mississauga Hounds, has finished his bachelor's degree in business from the University of Alaska Fairbanks online. "It feels good to have that done." Kovalenko said over the phone when we reached out to him. "My parents and my grandparents really wanted me to make sure to finish that. Hockey sometimes doesn't last forever, and I also thought that majoring in business would enable me to make smart decisions with my finances later on." He minored in anthropology, noting an interest in the cultures of others from the time he was very young and able to read. Part of that, he believes, comes from living quite close to some First Nations reserves. The ever-modest Kovalenko studied hard and graduated summa cum laude with the highest gpa in his graduating class. While not going to be able to take part in any of the graduation festivities, Kovalenko was invited by the university to record a valedictorian address to be played at the ceremony in a couple of weeks and he is hard at work, trying to decide what he wants to say. But given his work ethic, both in the VHLM as well as school, there's no doubt that he'll find the words and move on to excel at whatever comes next for him. (word count: 236 words)

With the start of a new VHL season upon us, there have been many changes to staff, general and assistant general managers moving to new places and new faces coming in. VHL correspondent Steven Glynn was fortunate enough to be able to sit down with Oslo Storm Assistant General Manager, Olivia Walker, to ask her about her path to the VHL, why she chose Oslo as her first team to help with and what her plans are for the future. SG: Olivia, thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to talk with me today. How did you decide on trying your hand at being an assistant general manager? OW: A pleasure as always, Steven. I think for me, I took a rather unusual path to the VHL. I played professional rugby so while not involved in hockey, I know what it takes for an athlete to go pro, the unique challenges they face day in and day out. My family never missed a VHL game and due to my unfortunate early retirement from rugby due to a knee injury, I had a choice to make. I could wallow or I could look ahead, find a new challenge for myself to sink my teeth into. I applied for the position with Oslo almost on a whim. I saw it and wasn’t sure that I was properly qualified but thought I would throw my hat in the ring anyway. Mikko Borisyuk, the new gm of the Storm, decided to give me a chance so here I am, doing something completely new but I’ve been enjoying the challenge and coming to know the team and know Mikko. He’s very intentional in his methods and is always striving to make the team better and I want to do whatever I can to support him as well as our players. We had a bit of a rough start to the season but it’s been really inspiring to be in the locker room and see the way the players rally together after a loss, keep the faith for the next match up. I really feel fortunate to be around their energy every day. SG: What was it about Oslo that made you want to try for the position? OW: I know what it feels like to have your back against the wall and have to dig deep to climb your way over the obstacles in your path. I felt like I could bring my own tenacity, my own drive to help and better things however I could and fortunately it feels like it’s been a good fit so far but you’d have to ask Mikko more about that! SG: What is the grand plan for the future? Are you thinking beyond this season? OW: I don’t know that I think in terms of “grand plans” any more because life is going to life and break those apart. I plan on staying in Oslo as long as I can and learning more about the behind the scenes work. I may move on to an actual general manager position at some point but right now, I’m genuinely happy with where I am. SG: We look forward to seeing how Oslo do this season and once again, thanks for taking time to talk with me! OW: Thanks for the invitation, Steven. Any time. (word count: 556)

1. After a somewhat rocky start, things seem to be evening out for the team. What do you think has contributed to this? 2. Are there any players in the current or past VHL your player looks up to? Whom? 3. What points total or goal do you have for your player this season? 4. If you could bring a VHL expansion team (VHL, VHLE or VHLM) somewhere, which city would you choose and why? 5. What do you like to do in your free time? 6. If you had to eat one food for an entire year, what would you pick?

As a first gen player, this was really interesting to read through, especially since I haven't been around very long yet. I hadn't built Slava really for offense and was kinda wondering myself why he was getting so many points but the breakdown you did really shed some light on that.

May he live long and prosper.

I already told you this on Discord but dude this is dope!! Thank you so much for this!!!

1. I feel like every line and player has stepped up to the challenge and are working hard. 2. I had a feeling we would do well but we’re doing better than I had dared hoped. 3. No one was more surprised than me to receive the C, and I hope I can continue to lead the locker room and team in the right way, supporting both the management as well as my fellow players in whatever way I can or is most needed. I don’t take the letter or the responsibilities that come with it lightly and I will do my utmost for the Hounds, on the ice or off. 4. I would say hits because if you can knock them off the puck, they don’t even get the chance to shoot. 5. Oh yes and I try to make sure I’m always picking those up. Every little bit helps. 6. I’m a staycation person all the way. I like to explore my local area or just have time to do the things that I want to, not that I have to.

The Mississauga Hounds management announced their team leaders for this season and no one was more surprised about his being named Captain of the team than the man himself, Slava Kovalenko. “Coming into the M as a waiver wire pickup and only having a few games before the end of season was an interesting way to start things off and honestly, I thought no one was really looking at me.” Kovalenko, resplendent in his new jersey, explained after the conference was over. “But management clearly has faith in me to lead the team and I’m going to continue to do the things I was doing before, even more so honestly because I want to lead by example and make sure that we’re playing the best hockey we can together. We’ve gotten off to a good start and if we can continue to grow our game, continue to improve then I don’t see any reason why we can’t be serious contenders in the playoffs. I feel very honored to be named as captain of the Hounds, to be on a team and work with a gm and agm who clearly wanted me to be there and I’m excited for what this season will hold. I know my family will all be excited too so hi mom and dad, Sergei, Irina, Anya, Dido and Baba!” The Hounds are 6-2 in their first 8 games, only one point back of Vegas in the overall standings at this time. (word count: 245)

Slava Kovalenko's fingers drummed lightly on the table in front of him as he waited for his mother to answer his FaceTime call. The family had decided to gather at his dido and baba's house this Sunday, which would make it easy for Slava to check in with his grandparents as he always did on Sundays and also be able to talk to his family. His brother Sergei wouldn't be there but as he was a pilot, he was always coming and going, and Slava usually texted with him when both of them could spare a moment. His mother was a nurse, and his older sister Irina had recently gotten her R.N. license, which the entire family was proud of her for, and Anya was currently in her studies, planning to go into nursing as well. His call was finally answered, and Slava smiled brightly when he saw his family clustered around his mother, all of them waving and he waved back. "There's the VHLM's power play goals leader!" Anya said and Slava shook his fair head, already flushing at his sister's words. "There's still a lot of season left to go, Anya." He pointed out and she rolled her eyes, her favorite response when she thought he was being too modest. "You're still the leader right now and you're also in the top ten for a few other things too, Slava." she pointed out. "You're doing really well in your first full season in the M and we're all proud of you." Even though playing hockey had been his dream from the time he was young, there had been so many things in his path that had felt like he was trying to be dissuaded from that route in life. But perhaps all of those challenges had been laid before him so that he had the fortitude to keep pushing for it anyway. Going pro was something that so many others dreamed of as well but not everyone would be able to achieve it in the end. Slava was cautiously optimistic that he would be one of those to make it to the VHL proper, like so many of the players he had grown up admiring. "That means a lot to me." Slava said softly and it truly did. His family had always been in his corner, even when it had been hard for him to keep the faith in his plans. "How's River?" his baba asked, arching an eyebrow and Slava's face ended up a rather rich tomato red as his family hooted and whistled at him. "He's good. Things aren't going Ottawa's way, but he'll keep pushing. I know him." Slava said simply and it was the truth. He knew River's work ethic but these days, he was also coming to know River in a completely new way as well and his delight in that was evident, even though he was also embarrassed as hell that his baba would call him out like that. "Hopefully you can see him soon." Irina said sympathetically and Slava smiled faintly. "I've already got a countdown going on my phone. It can't come soon enough for me." That was the truth of the matter and Slava was always going to be honest about that, especially since he was talking to the ones he cherished the most (apart from River, naturally). They asked him about his Hounds teammates, how his GM was and other such things before Slava took note of the time. "I'm going to need to get going to the rink pretty soon." he said, and his family let him go with well wishes and hopes that his game would go well. Getting to his feet, Slava sent a short text to River, wishing him well for his own game and even though he knew he could, Slava still couldn't keep his face from going a bit red when he included a kissing face emoji. So many things were new for him now, but he was going to do his best to enjoy all of it and do what he could for the Hounds. (word count: 684)

Excited to help Oslo reach new heights and get to work!

Willing to help however I can!

Transaction ID: 3UP02117KU947451W Free Week 5 TPE Uncapped Doubles Week (claimed week of 11/24/24)