VHLE Team Tier List (S80-S82)

[KaleebtheMighty 1,539]

Now that a few seasons have transpired in the VHLE, I wanted to take a look back at each team to see some overall trends. Not just a seasonal power rankings but a multi-seasonal power rankings. In this tier list, I want to identify each team based on the past 3 seasons (2 for Geneva and Oslo). Both Geneva and Oslo, although newer and have had fewer seasons, fall into a category that they for sure can make it out of. Based on the past track records, however, they have a steep mountain to climb.

 

So here are the tiers, broken down in the following categories (points are from each season cumulated together, W = 2 points, L = 0 points, OTL = 1 point):

 

Elite favorites: 260+ points

If, Then: 200 - 260 points

Jekyll and Hyde: 150 - 200 points

Lest of the Rest: <150 points

 

These tiers reflect the total number of points obtained through S80-S82 in the regular season (with Geneva and Oslo being S81-S82). Elite favorites are defined as teams who are expected to make the postseason. They have thrived in the VHLE and look to continue to do so unrelentlessly. If, Then teams are ones who usually make the playoffs, may occasionally fall out, but always provide a fight. If things were just a bit differently, whether through players they lost or mistakes made previously, then they could have had a chance to win the cup. Jekyll and Hyde are the Frankenstein teams who kick butt then drop off. And you never know what you’re going to get, sometimes in the same game. One period they kill you, the next they just flounder on the ice. Not to be taken lightly, but probably missing out on the playoffs. And then there’s the Lest of the Rest. The teams that have struggled since either joining or the start of the VHLE. It’s been a rough go and things just aren’t clicking. But of course, things can change in the next season or so!

 

**DISCLAIMER. Final season standings were also taken into consideration. Additionally, even with a season less than the other teams meaning less points, Geneva's and Oslo's ranking ultimately reflects their current cumulative situation and is not solely based on points obtained. Please note that rankings here are based solely on one individual and are entirely his opinion.**

 

So without further ado, the tiers as of the end of S82!

 

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These teams have been absolutely dynamite since the beginning of the VHLE. They have consistently made the playoffs and excelled in the regular season. The only team here to miss the playoffs was Cologne in S80, but they roared right back with 2 incredible seasons to snag a spot in this tier.

 

Stockholm is a powerhouse each season. There’s a reason @thadthrasher was named the VHLE GM of the season 2 times in a row. They finished 1st, 3rd, and 2nd respectively throughout S80-S82. While life may bring some uncertainties, there are a few things that are concrete thus far: taxes, death, and the Vikings making the playoffs.

 

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Lochlan Chisholm @Lochlan Chisholm (94G, 167A, 261P in 216 games)

 

Cologne missed out on the playoffs in S80 by a single point. And that fire in their engine from missing propelled them to chug straight up to 2nd and 1st in S81 and S82. @Advantage in S80 and @BarzalGoat in S81 and S82 have done a terrific job with the team. I don’t think they will slow down anytime soon, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they bring home a cup this season!

 

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Zeljko Ranogajec @ColeMrtz (17G, 223A, 240P in 216 games)

 

Rome doesn’t quite have the standings repertoire as the other two teams (2nd, 4th, and 3rd across S80-S82) but is still very much elite. @InstantRockstar has built an organization to challenge the likes of anyone in the league. While last season finished in a heartbreaking sweep in the finals, there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that they don’t deserve to be recognized at the top. Looking to make another run for the cup, I expect them to compete in the finals once again!

 

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Deke Rike @JCV (78G, 140A, 218P in 216 games)

 

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The If, Thens. The “oh if this had happened” or “if this had been a little different” teams. Not quite on the same level as the past 3 teams, but still strong enough to scare anybody.

 

Bratislava was swept in the playoffs in S80, missed out in S81 by a single point in the standings, and had to wait until the last sim of the season in S82 before punching their ticket to the playoffs. They constantly battle for a chance at the cup, but surprisingly remain one of the teams least likely to trade for players or roster pieces. Having only made a few exchanges, things could have been very different if more trades were conducted to acquire capital for either the draft or players able to push them into the postseason. We might be looking at a dark horse every season who quietly waits in the shadows to strike. Could this be the season they surprise everyone in the playoffs?

 

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Jlloyoid Blloyoiderson @Cxsquared (111G, 148A, 259P in 216 games)

 

Istanbul had a rocky start to the VHLE. In S80, their top 3 picks in the draft all went up to the VHL. Left with a diminished roster, they finished at the bottom in S80. However, they quickly rebounded back in S81 for a 1st place finish which translated into a game 7 loss in the semi-finals. S82 left them outside the playoffs once again, being edged out by Bratislava at the very end. Had the first draft not been as rocky, things might have been very different with the Red Wolves. They looked primed to add some serious firepower in the S83 draft, could that be the season they really show the E who’s elite?

 

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Julia Waffles @Edustava (43G, 164A, 207P in 216 games)

 

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It’s always hard to watch a painful fall from grace. Vasteras roared to a cup victory in S80, and then missed the playoffs in both S81 and S82. While not as competitive, they still show a sense of prowess in games. One game they can beat the best team in the league. Then next they get demolished by a low ranking team. It’s honestly a toss up each sim, and it led to a 2nd to last finish this past season. However, with a multitude of 1st round picks in the next draft, Vasteras could return to glory next season. Will they buck their recent trend of mediocrity and rise back up to cup contention?

 

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Arno Blugers @bukss_a (30G, 92A, 122P in 142 games)

 

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The lest of the rest. The unfortunate among the dominant. While these two teams joined in S81, their performance thus far has been lacking. Even if a season with 100 points were added to their score, they would just inch into the category with Vasteras. But what separates them from Vasteras are the choices made and decisions declared. It’s been a rough go for both teams, and it will be up to the current GMs to make some big decisions in order to improve their situations.

 

Oslo has been a GM turnover ordeal every season, and just haven’t been able to click since moving up from the M. They’ve made some trade moves but the change in management has severely dampened their ability to compete. With no 1st round picks in the next draft, I’m not sure they will be able to put together a competing roster after the draft. Then again, they could make some big moves next season, but from this point of view, it looks to be a big uh oh.

 

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Brussels Sprout @Liberty_Cabbage (75G, 89A, 164P in 144 games)

 

Geneva started out in last place in S81 when they joined. They looked however to make a splash this season, acquiring some significant players to create some offensive power. But it never really translated into a winning team. The Rush stalled, and then began to drop heavily. And unfortunately, a lot of the players added will leave after this season, giving Geneva a skeleton roster in S83. From the trades, Geneva just has a typical draft pick selection, meaning the roster next season could look bleak. And with no 1sts in S84, things could be very middle of the road in Geneva for some time.

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Barry Bonds Jr @Jim Kovtrash (49G, 83A, 132P in 144 games)

 

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Thank you for reading! These ranked tiers were finalized at the end of S82 with this analysis being typed up right before the start of the playoffs (March 9th, 2022). Please note, this does not entail any bashing but does bring forward a simple analysis of team performance. Any team has an equal opportunity to excel and this is in no way outlining GMs who are not up to the task. I appreciate each GM in the E and look forward to the many seasons to come!

 

1525 words, using for PT weeks 3/13, 3/20, and 3/27.

Edited March 12, 2022 by KaleebtheMighty

[Shindigs 1,771]

8 hours ago, KaleebtheMighty said:

things could be very middle of the road in Geneva for some time

Hey now! Isn't mid reserved for DC?

[KaleebtheMighty 1,539]

2/3 PT claim: weeks 3/20

[Victor 11,037]

On 3/12/2022 at 5:02 AM, KaleebtheMighty said:

It’s always hard to watch a painful fall from grace. Vasteras roared to a cup victory in S80, and then missed the playoffs in both S81 and S82. While not as competitive, they still show a sense of prowess in games. One game they can beat the best team in the league. Then next they get demolished by a low ranking team. It’s honestly a toss up each sim, and it led to a 2nd to last finish this past season. However, with a multitude of 1st round picks in the next draft, Vasteras could return to glory next season. Will they buck their recent trend of mediocrity and rise back up to cup contention?

This is the most Vasteras way to restart a Vasteras franchise - love to see it