How the VHL has Given a New Perspective to Hockey

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With the invention of the Internet in the 1960s, little did people know how much the world would change as a result of using a computer to find answers, watch videos, etc. I'm sure no one back then thought that a hockey league would result because of it as well. 

 

15 years ago yesterday, the VHL was created to bring an enjoyable experience to not only hockey fans, but to also sports fans throughout the world. As a big hockey fan (and player, currently in college), I learned that my skills were not comparable to those of NHL players. I felt upset that I would never see myself in the big leagues, and wanted to get some type of experience with others like myself of a "professional career". Finding the VHL was not only an opportunity to see "myself" venture through a professional career, but as a way to meet others around the world and learn more about their cultures and hockey surroundings.

 

New players are given a sense of welcome when they enter the VHL forum. Many VHLM GMs, such as @Shindigs, contact these new players, giving them an opportunity to showcase their personality and talent. With all of the stress of learning how to spend TPE, certain player builds, etc. it can be very confusing to start (trust me, I know). However, the reason GMs are there is to help their team with development, and learning from @badcolethetitan in the Junior Showcase Tournament helped me get started and led me to where I am today (can't forget @Shindigs either ;)). This gives a feeling of development for the new player and they want to continue to see themselves rise the ranks of the forum. 

 

The opportunity of running one team must be an exciting one, as someday I think I would enjoy exercising this privilege within the forum. Somewhat comparing it to the NHL 22 Franchise Mode, the ability to build a team to glory is one that many players on the forum dream about. Along with the responsibilities of being a GM, one must build a strong friendship and be willing to teach the newer players how to build themselves. Learning from the GMs I have been on a team with and the numerous Stanley Cups I have won with the Philadelphia Flyers (6 in 9 seasons, still looking to grab more), I feel like I could be a candidate eventually to take the reins and rebuild a weaker team to glory. 

 

Though I have only been in the forum for a couple of months, I feel connected to the population more than any team I have been a part of.  The drive each GM has to make your player better is outstanding, and the fact that you can simulate your professional career from the comfort of your own home has shown a dramatic innovation of sports. As we watch several gaming leagues, including NHL 22, NBA 2K, Madden, and League of Legends, we will see more like the VHL rise and hopefully expand hockey's reach to others who may not be familiar to the sport. This is only the beginning of technological innovations, as well as computer sports leagues like the VHL.