My GM/AGM experience - Theme Week

[Greg_Di 1,028]

 

For Theme Week the topic has been selected as GM'ing/Team Management and for me I will write about my time as AGM with the Wranglers and GM of two WJC teams.

AGM's are the unpaid, unsung heroes of every teams backroom staff. How much you get to do all depends on the team and the GM that you currently have. Some AGM's only get to do the weekly pressers or scouting for the draft while others get to do much more.

My time as the AGM for the Wranglers was very productive and hand's on. @Ricer13 gave me the opportunity to put my hand into many of the GM aspects. From scouting, to actually attending the draft and drafting ( having trust in me to draft a first round pick), setting lines, be involved in trade discussion and team awards it was a very rewarding experience that showed me and trained me for what a role as a GM might entail. I was very appreciative of getting those opportunities as I know many other AGM's in the league might not get that opportunity.

I think some of my favorite moments were being in the war-room with Ricer and discussing upcoming draft picks and how they can help out the team. I fought for a few players (will remain unnamed  ) that I thought we as a team needed not just for the skill but for LR presence and some of those players ended up being chosen. It's always a great feeling when your opinions are heard and taken into consideration. Same goes for trade talks that we had, Ricer would always share with me what he was thinking and if I had any thoughts or other ideas on the trades. I think (if not already being done) all GM's should involve AGM's to that degree. It becomes more fun and rewarding. I had to step down due to time limitations (son's birth) and not being able to fully give my all to the position but the short time I had in the role, it was very rewarding.

 

I have also been selected twice to be a GM in the World Junior Championships. This was a fun experience as I got to GM a team on my own and ended up being pretty successful. Bronze with Team Asia in S68. I was happy to get a medal as a first time GM and with a team that was not expected to actually get a medal. It was a great effort from the team and it was fun putting together line combinations to try and counter the other teams players. In S69 I was selected once again as a GM in the WJC, this time with the powerhouse Europe team. This time with the amount of talent available to me, I was able to help guide the team to a gold finish.

I have always thought about GM'ing a team in either of our 3 leagues but due to the birth of my son, that has had to take a back seat. In time, I hope to eventually pursue that path as I believe it adds another dimension to this game. It let's you experiment with different strategies and lines while also dealing with real live players. It's always an extra element when you have to negotiate contracts and free agency with a real person versus in a console game where you are only dealing with AI.

Hopefully in the next few years I will have some time to pursue the great world of GM'ing.

Edited September 26, 2022 by Greg_Di

[Ricer13 2,824]

22 minutes ago, Greg_Di said:

 

For Theme Week the topic has been selected as GM'ing/Team Management and for me I will write about my time as AGM with the Wranglers and GM of two WJC teams.

AGM's are the unpaid, unsung heroes of every teams backroom staff. How much you get to do all depends on the team and the GM that you currently have. Some AGM's only get to do the weekly pressers or scouting for the draft while others get to do much more.

My time as the AGM for the Wranglers was very productive and hand's on. @Ricer13 gave me the opportunity to put my hand into many of the GM aspects. From scouting, to actually attending the draft and drafting ( having trust in me to draft a first round pick), setting lines, be involved in trade discussion and team awards it was a very rewarding experience that showed me and trained me for what a role as a GM might entail. I was very appreciative of getting those opportunities as I know many other AGM's in the league might not get that opportunity.

I think some of my favorite moments were being in the war-room with Ricer and discussing upcoming draft picks and how they can help out the team. I fought for a few players (will remain unnamed  ) that I thought we as a team needed not just for the skill but for LR presence and some of those players ended up being chosen. It's always a great feeling when your opinions are heard and taken into consideration. Same goes for trade talks that we had, Ricer would always share with me what he was thinking and if I had any thoughts or other ideas on the trades. I think (if not already being done) all GM's should involve AGM's to that degree. It becomes more fun and rewarding. I had to step down due to time limitations (son's birth) and not being able to fully give my all to the position but the short time I had in the role, it was very rewarding.

 

I have also been selected twice to be a GM in the World Junior Championships. This was a fun experience as I got to GM a team on my own and ended up being pretty successful. Bronze with Team Asia in S68. I was happy to get a medal as a first time GM and with a team that was not expected to actually get a medal. It was a great effort from the team and it was fun putting together line combinations to try and counter the other teams players. In S69 I was selected once again as a GM in the WJC, this time with the powerhouse Europe team. This time with the amount of talent available to me, I was able to help guide the team to a gold finish.

I have always thought about GM'ing a team in either of our 3 leagues but due to the birth of my son, that has had to take a back seat. In time, I hope to eventually pursue that path as I believe it adds another dimension to this game. It let's you experiment with different strategies and lines while also dealing with real live players. It's always an extra element when you have to negotiate contracts and free agency with a real person versus in a console game where you are only dealing with AI.

Hopefully in the next few years I will have some time to pursue the great world of GM'ing.

I miss having you buddy! It was a pleasure working along side you and I hope one day you’re able to get back into it. You’d make an awesome GM!