A GM's first season ramblings

[leandrofg 1,222]

I'm halfway through my first season as a GM in the VHL. Well, VHLE, to be more exact.

 

Coincidentally, this season's Theme Week is about General Managers' general managing. I was thinking about taking the easy route, taking one of my graphics and making little adjustments, so I get those sweet extra 6 TPE easily and quickly!

 

But I've decided otherwise. This is my first season, and the team I've assembled in Cologne is worth mentioning. So, this will also turn into an appreciation task...

 

As I discovered that the Cologne Express job was mine, excitement coursed through my body. A farewell to my former team, the Bratislava Watchmen, was due. After two incredible seasons behind an even better person and GM, @FrostBeard, it was time to say goodbye. Memories of that season 83 title will stay with me forever.

 

It was time to introduce myself to the new team and start a new era in Cologne. With that introduction to the team and quite some changes to the Locker Room, it was time to study the Rule Book - heavily.

 

It wasn't enough, though. So thank you to @Acydburn for not ghosting me, ever. Every question I sent his way got a swift reply.

 

One of my biggest challenges came from someone who is now our captain in Cologne. @Bojovnik, our back, and forths in the forum were pretty cool. Your storyline for skipping the VHLE would have been quite peculiar and interesting. Still, I thank you for the moment you decided to sign with us every day!

 

Free Agency had started, rosters were being worked on, and players were moving around. @Sen and @Mattylive3k decided to join us and have been on a tear. Internally it was time to share some knowledge between the players under contract. "What do you want your player to do?" that's an important question.

 

@Budnik and @CDS_Leb agreed to make some changes. Together, we worked on their re-roll, and now they are on career seasons, individually. It's always good to see these things panning out as they're supposed to.

It was time for the draft.

 

The team had holes everywhere, but one need was glaring... defense. And so, with the help of a couple of trades, we moved up. With the 9th overall selection, we had a few candidates under the spotlight, and in hindsight, we couldn't have picked any better. @TMGSosa has been an incredible voice in our locker room, and Isamu is everything you need in a defenseman.

 

The third round came, and with it, a challenging dilemma. We had a position secured by an efficient goaltender, but where did we find value on the board? Exactly there. Jesse Teno, a.k.a. @aimkin, was there but unscouted. So, with a quick message, we asked them about their willingness to play in Cologne. Even with our goalie situation settled, there was no backing down in them.

 

Now, we're in the middle of the season. We've gone through ups and downs. My GM inexperience has shown at some points, but everything has been a learning experience for this team. Not only so, but we are contending, and we will continue to do so.

 

Thank you for our season so far. And for what's coming next!

 

Choo choo!