1 is the new 15 - VHL anniversary vs VHL birthday - Justin Rambling

[youloser1337 1,128]

Oh, what a difference a year can make. In October, I will be on the forum for a year now. A lot has happened and a bunch of changes with myself and my players. To think that almost a year ago I stumbled across a video when NHL20 came out and saw the VHL ad for the first time. For some reason, I checked it out and I stuck around. Now you are all stuck with me and my fantasy zone shenanigans. Plus it is a theme week focused around the VHL’s birthday at 15! I get to talk about my experience and get double TPE for it? I’d say that is a win.

 

The Butterfly Effect - The phenomenon whereby a minute localized change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere.

 

The butterfly effect is an interesting concept. I will say that if there was no Covid outbreak and mass shutdown, I don’t think I would be in the VHL today. The shutdown led me to find something to do. I was working from home and bored. This in turn made me look up NHL20 videos.

 

I remember the hype of NHL20 getting the new be a pro “overhaul” (yeah I believed it and was disappointed immediately) and I watched a bunch of streamers and youtube videos at the time. When I watched one, I don’t recall who it was. The VHL sponsored the video. Something about the pitch got me intrigued enough to give it a shot. I didn’t know what to do or what was going on. I remember talking to AL later down the line telling me that everyone uses their first name as their player's name at some point. Of course, I did that as well with Justin Lose. I only got one pitch for the Philadelphia Reapers in waivers so I signed there. I joined the discord and the rest is history as a first-gen.

 

I talked about my experience as a first-gen and who helped me in my Elmebeck Memorial award-win write-up. I was confused about how this whole system worked for a few weeks but I got the hang of it. I was max earning each week and actually excited for the VHLM and VHL draft. I wasn’t aware that Season 75 was the biggest draft class because of all the ads. I was drafted in the 2nd round of the VHL draft and in my opinion, I was the steal of the draft. I was in the top 5 of the earnings and exploded when I joined Seattle. As a first-gen though, I will say the streams and everyone excited about the draft made it very special which is something we have to keep in mind when a new wave of first-gens come into the league.

 

I’ve met a bunch of friends in my time here. I never thought that a forum league for hockey would lead me to meet some awesome people. I can’t name every single person but I know they know who they are. Some of the greatest people to just vent to or just shoot the shit with. Also talking about common hobbies or activities. If it wasn’t for them I don’t think I would still be here today, especially thinking that I got jobs in the league too.

 

Getting a job in the league really piqued my interest in the league. I remember how excited I was when Laine picked me as his AGM. I knew that I had to be the best AGM possible and help the team. I learned a lot about how the league was run and what management does behind the scenes. This led me to get enough confidence in applying for a GM position in the VHLM.

 

It’s crazy to think that I was a VHLM GM. I was a quiet GM, with no flashy trades or crazy drafts. I didn’t think the VHLM needed that. The VHLM was a showcase of new talent and a way for first-gens to get accustomed to the league. My interest in the league slowly dwindled though. I give props to all the GMs who can do multiple seasons without getting burnt out. By the end of my tenure, I was working in the office again with no time to assist my team and it showed. The league deserved better so I stepped down. I will be forever grateful that I was given the opportunity to prove myself and get Mexico City back on the map.

 

VHLM GM wasn’t my only job. Getting the VHL fantasy zone and the VHLM fantasy zone was a real test of my abilities. I remember having talks with AL getting excited about new formats and payout. Just getting to talk about how to improve it and get people involved in it again. And these weren’t one-and-done conversations, I spent a few hours going over everything. It was refreshing to have someone who was passionate about their job give tips and help me with the fantasy zone (*COUGH COUGH*). Just saying, AL was the only blue that I felt comfortable talking to and having a great conversation with. Not a knock on any of the other blues. Anyway… When the VHLE came about, getting that form ready and adding it to the VHL and VHLM fantasy zones. I remember thinking that I can’t do all 3 on form since they end at different points. Now I have a system and make sure that everything works out. When the playoffs rolled around, I figured I would use Quik’s format for the playoffs since people didn’t get the payout for it. Getting the approval and getting to reveal it was a great experience for me. Knowing that people enjoyed it and got a good payout meant I wanted to continue it.

 

To think, this all started because of boredom and Covid. The world works in mysterious ways. So here is a look at my experience in the league and what I think of certain things. Happy birthday, VHL! Here’s to 15 more years!

 

1012 words - claiming 2 weeks

[youloser1337 1,128]

Week 2 claim