Phil

Personally, I would like GMs to reach out to players more and create that personal bond.
 
I’m not necessarily talking about myself, but I’ve heard stories where players get tossed around, (specifically clickers), that have been active and they just get launched from one team to another. I have two friends in the VHL that are clickers who literally look at every single game they’re in and post their scores, with stats to me every simulation. Their GMs barely have any communication with them at all and it really takes away from the experience. Just reach out to your players, even if it’s a simple “Hello.” Keep in touch with your players, especially if they are forum only and don’t have discord. Send them a message! It’s going to go a long way and I think GMs should actually be held accountable for doing their job. I know we are around the holidays and people are busy, but it shouldn’t take that much time to do so.
 
At the end of the day, this is about the experience. We all have made up players that don’t exist, but behind every player is a real person. This isn’t some AI that doesn’t have emotions that you can ignore, or use as trade pieces. We should be getting to know the person behind the screen and ensure that they have a great experience, which then would help with retention overall.
 
I am not saying that every GM doesn’t already do this, because some do. I’d just like a collective effort that should already be the standard.
 
The community is what makes the VHL great, we should continue to welcome people into our community!

Selfishly, I'd like to see another Player Store option for a depreciation fighter for those brave souls that want to play 9 seasons in the VHL. We have one for 7 and 8 (along with Jagr) so I think we should also have one for the ninth season.

Selfishly, I'd like to see another Player Store option for a depreciation fighter for those brave souls that want to play 9 seasons in the VHL. We have one for 7 and 8 (along with Jagr) so I think we should also have one for the ninth season.

1. Helsinki. Because @Ricer13's Dixon is a living legend.
 
2. The proAM. Again, Ricer made me do it because he was sad there wasn't enough defensemen for it to start. Now I am a snowman
 
2. (expect really 3.) I am absolutely in the spirit! My front yard decorations are considered the best in my complex by my neighbours, I've strung up lights around my built-in cabinets and giant mirror to pair with my tree in the basement, I bought a shitton of eggnog and rum and my fav xmas ales. I am going to watch another xmas movie tonight. Etc. etc etc
 
4. oooo this is a hard one. I love my yorkshire puddings. Roast potatoes, while not exclusively confined to xmas are a staple side dish. I love my pepper jelly on crackers snack and pigs in a blanket. Breakfast sausauges as well. Terry's chocolate Orange. OMg i must be missing something.
 
5. No gifts. You're all adults. Let's just buy ourselves what we actually want and save our time and money. For the kiddies, that's easy though. As online as possible. 
 
6. I wonder where this question came from.... 
 
There is no "favourite" They just come out at appropriate times like the time my father-in-law ask "Phil, did you get a haircut?" and I replied " no, I got them all cut!"  Etc. Dad jokes are all situationally based.

1. Helsinki. Because @Ricer13's Dixon is a living legend.
 
2. The proAM. Again, Ricer made me do it because he was sad there wasn't enough defensemen for it to start. Now I am a snowman
 
2. (expect really 3.) I am absolutely in the spirit! My front yard decorations are considered the best in my complex by my neighbours, I've strung up lights around my built-in cabinets and giant mirror to pair with my tree in the basement, I bought a shitton of eggnog and rum and my fav xmas ales. I am going to watch another xmas movie tonight. Etc. etc etc
 
4. oooo this is a hard one. I love my yorkshire puddings. Roast potatoes, while not exclusively confined to xmas are a staple side dish. I love my pepper jelly on crackers snack and pigs in a blanket. Breakfast sausauges as well. Terry's chocolate Orange. OMg i must be missing something.
 
5. No gifts. You're all adults. Let's just buy ourselves what we actually want and save our time and money. For the kiddies, that's easy though. As online as possible. 
 
6. I wonder where this question came from.... 
 
There is no "favourite" They just come out at appropriate times like the time my father-in-law ask "Phil, did you get a haircut?" and I replied " no, I got them all cut!"  Etc. Dad jokes are all situationally based.

I don’t have just one. It’s more of the totality of his impact to my time these past few years and the environment he built. It’s fitting that he is stepping down during Christmas. He’s our St. Nicholas. 
 
 
 
a couple things, mostly just no chemistry offensively. We needed to find better ways to stick the puck in the net. 
 
fight depreciation. It’s going to be very tough but I think I’ll have the banked TPE and money in my account to do it well
definitely one of the two in the finals. Who? I do t know it’s probably 50/50
 
 
if ghosts exist in our world then it would stand to reason that they would be able to make or create audible words, yes.
 
 

I would never have thought I would have wanted to spend 2 full careers with the same team but just days after being acquired with The Rock I knew this was a good home. Thank you for given me the chance to call it so. ❤️

I would never have thought I would have wanted to spend 2 full careers with the same team but just days after being acquired with The Rock I knew this was a good home. Thank you for given me the chance to call it so. ❤️

Hello friends, 
 
   I am officially announcing my retirement as General Manager of the Calgary Wranglers. There are a few reasons as to why I have made this decision and now is the best time to take a step back from this role to better spend my time in other areas of the league and in my personal life.
 
    I hold a pretty high bar for myself when it comes to maintaining a certain level of activity for any locker room that I am in charge of. The day that became a chore is the day I knew it was time for a much needed break. I also live a super busy personal life and this has also made it harder to give the locker room my full attention.
 
    There is nothing to worry about in terms of my participation in the league. I still very much enjoy and love being apart of this league. I will have better focus on my player and the locker room I’m apart of there. I have my moderation gig that I’ll have more time to focus on and one day I do plan on stepping back into a GM role because it truly is a passion of mine.
 
    Lastly, thank you to all the GMs I have had a pleasure to work with since I’ve started, all the AGMs who have worked along side me over the seasons and the players who grinded it out and bought into the way I wanted things to run in Calgary. I am not going to ping everyone who’s been an important part of this journey, I think you all know who you are at this point. 
 
Ricer, out!! 🎤 ⬇️ 
 
**I do recommend that @leandrofg be considered to step in as replacement. He has been running the team behind the scenes this past season and has a really good handle on how things are going in Calgary. He also has a long history with the organization. I will respect whatever decision is made for my replacement.**

S90 Calgary Wranglers Captains
 
Assistant Captain: AirRig GoodBrandSun @Rhynex Entertainment
 
Calgary legend AirRig GoodBrandSun is back in his final season in a place he used to call home. Clearly he is still beloved and respected by the Wranglers organization as he gets voted on to the be the Assistant Captain. I’m excited to see him lead the team in his swan song season. 
 
Assistant Captain: Malum Maellard @frescoelmo

Veteran defender Malum Maellard has joined the Wranglers back end for his final two seasons. He’s made an immediate impact in the locker room and has been chosen by his team to be an Assistant Captain.
 
Assistant Captain: Randy Bobandy @AJW
 
For the first time in GM Rices’ career he has announced a third Assistant Captain. Randy Bobandy will be leading the charge for the forwards this season and has also made an immediate impact with his new team this season. We are very excited to see what he can do for Calgary this season.
 
Captain: @Phil Phil Strasmore
 
He’s back! Captain Strasmore will retain his title as Captain next season. He did an amazing job leading this team through a tough season and will get a chance to lead a much more competitive roster in S91. 
 
Congrats to our captaincy group for season 91. Let’s go show this league what the Wranglers are all about. 

Calgary Wrangler's S90 Team Awards
 
We are back! Gettin' them done before the next season begins. Season 90 was an anomaly for the Wranglers as they took a step back in order to rebuild the system. They have coined the term "Losing Sucks" and are ready to turn the ship around for S91. Let's have a look back at last season and hand out some awards for the player's hard work.
 
DJ Badge (Leadership)

The Daniel Janser Badge is given to the player/s that exemplify the best leadership qualities over the course of a season. A few players stood out last season as leaders for this group through a tough season and deserve to have earned this award. Congratulations to Phil Strasmore @Phil and Fradin McGryer @Fradin99 on being our co-winners of the DJ Badge.
 
Jubis Memorial Trophy (Long-Term Success)
 
This award is given to the player who demonstrates the potential to have long-term success as a member of this league. This player went through his fair share of personal issues this season and even through it all has managed to stay active in this league. If he can continue on this path I have no doubt that he will be a mainstay for seasons to come. Congratulations to Fradin McGryer @Fradin99 on winning this award. 
 
Young Buck Award (Top Prospect)
 
We like to shine a light on our players as well as our prospects each season. One player stuck out above the rest and had an exceptional season down in the VHLE. He has continued to put in the work and will be a mainstay in Calgary as he moves up to eventually take the role as our number one centreman. For his hard work and dedication, Raimo Tuomenin @SlapshotWrangler is our Young Buck Award winner!
 
Last Line Award (Top Defenseman)

This award is handed out to the top defensemen over the course of a regular season. This defensemen played in every situation and was not only the best defensemen but the best skater for our team last season. Congratulations to Phil Strasmore @Phil on winning the Last Line Award.
 
Top Shelf Award (Goals Leader)
 
Two players are the winners of the Top Shelf Award for S90. Both players came into the season playing their first with Calgary and one of them was a rookie for our squad. They each scored 24 goals to earn themselves this award. Congratulations to Steve Lattimer @pugsood and Zac Martinez @Sam_19.
 
Rybak Trophy (Points Leader)
 
We had one player lead the team in points last season and he did so with 60 points. This is very good seeing as how we had a very down season. He did have a new career high in goals scored with 13. Congratulations Phil Strasmore @Phil on winning the Rybak Trophy.

The Most Valuable Wrangler
 
There is one player on this team that stands above the rest. He did everything in his power to ruin the tank. He set new career bests in save percentage (.928) and goals against average (2.7) even though the team has been its worst since he's been a part of it. We are looking forward to seeing what he can do with a contending roster in front of him next season. Congratulations to Merome Dilson @MexicanCow123on being the Most Valuable Wrangler.
 
Thats all for our season 90 awards. We are very excited to have turned this ship around and are looking forward to who will be fighting for these awards next season. 
 

1. Already near the end of the S90 regular season! Will we secure the Victory Cup?!
YES!!!!
2. Why do people keep underestimating the power of DAVID?
I honestly have no idea. I think it's very obvious that DAVID is OP!
3. If your player could win one VHL award, which would it be and why?
Probably the defunct Best Leader award or whatever it was called. @Phil just kept winning it over and over, he like won it automatically because he won already so many times in a row.
4. Imagine that you have been put in charge of adding a new team to the league! What would your ideal VHL team be named and what would its logo look like?
Bring back Turku!!!! Vancouver will move to Quebec eventually, not worried about that anymore.
5. If you participated in VHFL this season, how has your team fared thus far?
 
6. Alfred Champagne has crushed his previous season high in points! How would you describe the impact he’s made on the team this season?
Massive impact, he stepped up when it was needed and he has been crucial to our success this season.
7. Which point task is your favorite out of: media spots, graphics, and podcasts?
Podcast, I don't do any other media spots.
8. Is there anything about the VHL that still confuses you or that you have questions about?

For this week’s VHL article I want to throw a “tough guy tribute” out.  Now, I love old school hockey, especially enforcers.  I grew up collected all the tough guy player cards and have every Bob Probert card ever produced.  I know fighting is subject to many opinions today but frankly I don’t care.  So, as I surf the forum for shit to write about I figured I’d honor one such tough guy in the VHL, Phil Strasmore @PhilPhil.  
 
Strasmore is an imposing dman for Calgary.  At 602 214 he plays well above his weight class and has put up some impressive numbers in the physicality dept.  In 6 seasons he has 1209 hits, 1004 PIMS, and 755 blocked shots.  
 
More impressively this season he already has a league leading 6 fights. Now playing with a pansy like Rip Wheeler @ScottyP I am sure PS must fight his battles too but that’s another story.  Phil has over 200 PIMS in the last three seasons and he’s on pace to keep that number.  Strasmore could be on pace for a record number of fighting majors this season which is impressive.  Congrats Phil!
 
Fight Totals so far:
Strasmore 6 (1 win)
Champagne 4 (1 win)
Lamb     3      (1 win)
Maple.  3 
Payne 2 
Jason   2 (1 win)
Abass Jr 2 
Probert 2 (2 wins)
 
 

S90 Calgary Wranglers Captains
 
Assistant Captain: @Fradin99 Fradin McGryer
 
Calgary is going against the grain and naming one of their rookies as part of their leadership group. Fradin McGryer has been an active voice in the locker room since being drafted and has continued that trend since moving up to the organization. Calgary will rely on him to continue to be that voice as they push through this rebuild.
 
Assistant Captain: @ScottyP Rip Wheeler
 
A 2nd year player with the Wranglers has shown he has what it takes to be consistent working on and off the ice to get better. We hope to see this continue in S90 as he helps lead this team through what looks to be a tough season and cements himself as a core piece of this team.
 
Captain: @Phil Phil Strasmore
 
The last remaining piece of the previous core who has been a part of this leadership group for quite some time. He moves up into the role as Captain with the retirement of Daniel Janser and looks to be a veteran leader for all of the young talent making their way into the Calgary Organization. 
 
Congratulations to our new Captains, let’s try to have some fun while also getting our asses kicked all season! 

Callum was wondering, how he could possibly improve his checking game as well as defensive prowess. So he called his dad, which is a retired two-way forward and knows a thing or two on the matter. 'Dad, can you give me some tips how to improve my body work and my defence?' 
'Son, if you want to learn something, you need to learn from the best. Luckily for you, I still have the contact deets of the guy I learned my trade from. I think his sorry ass is in Mississauga right now, which is of course an advantage. I mail you the specifics.'
'Thanks, dad.'
'Don't mention it.'
So young Callum called the player upon receipt of the phone number, and three days later he was seen doing workout in his gramps' yard. And who was lying in the deck chair, shades on, ice cold margarita in hand, shouting instruction to the Swiss talent?
 

 
None other than Calgary legend and former captain Phil 'The Rock' Johnson.
 
With such a mentor, what could possibly go wrong?
 
 

@Phil Yes, KnightTime 

Sass with Stras #21

 
Treat me like a joke and I'll leave you like it's funny.    KnightTime Radio is proud to present an all-new Podcasting series!!   Another epic journey in podcasting!  Join me for some chill hangs, good vibes.
  Featuring a fantastic interview with Ollie and some sounds effects too.    Sass with Stras Podcast Question Thread   Songs: 2005 - Story of The Year   This is a division of KnightTime Radio.    Run Time: 52 minutes

Sass with Stras #21

 
Treat me like a joke and I'll leave you like it's funny.    KnightTime Radio is proud to present an all-new Podcasting series!!   Another epic journey in podcasting!  Join me for some chill hangs, good vibes.
  Featuring a fantastic interview with Ollie and some sounds effects too.    Sass with Stras Podcast Question Thread   Songs: 2005 - Story of The Year   This is a division of KnightTime Radio.    Run Time: 52 minutes

Callum is sitting on the pier of his temporary home at the bank of Lake Ontario. He just came home from a tour to the off-licence around the corner and the bait and tackle shop in the neighbourhood. Kurt gave him free reign of his rods to fish. He has a comfy bean bag to sit on and a cooler box full of stubbies next to him. He is just applying the bait to the hook. He chose spawn for today. 'I wonder whether the steelheads will bite today.' While he is luring the fish to fall for his bait, he reflects on the past week. 'I am curious whether VLG thinks I am a good addition to the team. I have almost half a point per game, which I personally am happy with, considering my hardly developed offensive skills. The negative +/- vexes me, but the trajectory is right. I blocked a decent amount of shots and laid in with my body. All in all, I think it is a good start, but I can do better.' His train of thought is rudely interrupted by a hard pull on his line. He yanks on the rod to hook the steel head and starts reeling it in. 'Slow and easy does it, Cal. Just like uncle Marcel taught me. Don't rush it, patience is key. Huh, not much different from hockey then, come to think of it.' He takes a pull from his IPA and keeps fighting the steelhead. 'I hope he is big enough to keep it, I fancy some battered fish for dinner.' he thinks to himself. 'Maybe, if I get a good haul today, I should invite the team over for a fish bbq. These two Moth-boys look constantly starved.' Finally he gets the steelhead out and it is indeed big enough to be fair game. 'Seems I am lucky today. Dinner is secured.' 
 

 

Hey VHL @Members!
 
Old hands of the league have surely been waiting for this but for any youngin’s out there that aren’t aware July 18th, 2007 is the day the VHL opened. That means today marks the league's official 16th birthday. Our little league can officially drive! Fucking wild. Anyway, it’s been an absolute wild time over the past 16 years but we know you all didn't click on this to read about how fucking ancient I am. You came in for the TPE and I intend on delivering it!
 
To commemorate the league's 16th birthday, we are giving all members a Triples Week, which adds 12 Uncapped TPE to any 6-TPE Point Task (Welfare/Pension/Affiliate PT are not included but as usual if your pay covers your PT that counts), as well as 4 Uncapped TPE. To claim these perks, which naturally add up to 16 Uncapped TPE (aren’t we so clever) all you need to do is post in this thread and then link to that post in your update; that's it! No scavenger hunt, no clues, no catches! Do a PT, make one post, and the sweet TPE is all yours.
 
That’s not all though! We’re gonna also put everyone who claims this birthday TPE into a draw for even more TPE, we know what you all like after all. At the end of this season we’ll draw for 16 prizes of 10 more uncapped TPE each.
 
So, to summarize quickly, that's 16 uncapped TPE just for commenting and doing a PT with the possibility of even more later curtesy of the VHL. All you have to do is post in here and you're good to go!


 
Notes:
• This thread will remain open until 11:59PM PST on Monday, July 24th.
• All claims for the birthday bonus must be made by the end of the playoffs this season.
• Birthday perks may only be claimed on one player per member (IE if you are re-creating you can't claim them on your current player, re-create, and claim them again, pick one or the other).

Hey, for once I am not going to write about Strasmore…. Oh dammit, I ruined it. Oh well, I can still salvage this.
 
Calgary young gun Vincent L”eandro”-Gagnier, is having an amazing season so far. Through 60 games, he’s collected 36 goals and 34 assists for 70 points. It’s a fantastically balanced effort and he absolutely has to be one of the favourite for the Dustin Funk Trophy - the VHLs Most Improved Player.
 
he has really come out of his shell and the buzz in Calgary is that with this type of production, and Calgary legend, Daniel Janser, hanging up his skates after the season, that VLG is slated to take over as the new face of Calgary.
 
Calgary GM Ricer, VLG, and Janser we’re unavailable for comments to this investigative reporter, mostly because he was late on his deadline and didn’t actually reach out to them (please don’t tell my editor. What do you mean he will find out anyway when he proofs this? Oh fuck me.)
 
Well, I suppose I must end this article and explain to the editor why it’s such a shit article. The point does remain that VLG is having a banger of the season, that Janser will be missed in Calgary, but that the future of the Wranglers has a bright spot in it! 

Hey, for once I am not going to write about Strasmore…. Oh dammit, I ruined it. Oh well, I can still salvage this.
 
Calgary young gun Vincent L”eandro”-Gagnier, is having an amazing season so far. Through 60 games, he’s collected 36 goals and 34 assists for 70 points. It’s a fantastically balanced effort and he absolutely has to be one of the favourite for the Dustin Funk Trophy - the VHLs Most Improved Player.
 
he has really come out of his shell and the buzz in Calgary is that with this type of production, and Calgary legend, Daniel Janser, hanging up his skates after the season, that VLG is slated to take over as the new face of Calgary.
 
Calgary GM Ricer, VLG, and Janser we’re unavailable for comments to this investigative reporter, mostly because he was late on his deadline and didn’t actually reach out to them (please don’t tell my editor. What do you mean he will find out anyway when he proofs this? Oh fuck me.)
 
Well, I suppose I must end this article and explain to the editor why it’s such a shit article. The point does remain that VLG is having a banger of the season, that Janser will be missed in Calgary, but that the future of the Wranglers has a bright spot in it!