Teams and Players Defining the League Landscape in Season 90

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As we cross the midway point of the 90th VHL season, fans from both sides of the Atlantic are tuned in more than ever to the action unfolding on the ice. The competition is fierce, and the excitement palpable, as teams and players push their limits, all eyeing that ultimate prize—the VHL Championship Trophy. Here’s an update for fans who’ve been tracking the league’s development.

 

North American Conference

Los Angeles Stars have been stellar this season. Currently at the top of the North American Conference with 65 points from 41 games, they are the team to beat. With a goal difference of +51 and a winning streak of two, they're in excellent form.

Toronto Legion, the dark horse this season, isn't far behind. Just two points separate them from the top spot, despite having played an extra game. Their recent form has been impressive, indicated by a three-game winning streak. Players like Ronan Lavelle and Mac Atlas are having a banner year, with 62 and 50 points, respectively.

D.C. Dragons and Vancouver Wolves fill the next two spots, separated by only two points. Both teams have formidable offenses, but Dragons have the edge in goal difference.

Teams like Seattle Bears and Chicago Phoenix are yet to find their stride consistently, while New York Americans and Calgary Wranglers have been struggling at the bottom of the table, facing significant goal deficits.

 

European Conference

The Prague Phantoms have dominated the European Conference. They are leading with 62 points and have a healthy goal difference. However, their recent form has been a concern as they lost their last game.

 

HC Davos Dynamo have been the closest competitors to Prague. With 53 points, they have been consistent, although their recent loss is bound to raise questions about their championship capabilities.

 

The Riga Reign have been in a tumultuous situation. Their goal difference is zero, and they recently suffered a loss, yet they remain in a somewhat comfortable third place.

 

Helsinki Titans and London United hover around the .500 mark, making it difficult to predict if they'll move up or down as the season progresses. Moscow Menace and Malmo Nighthawks have the same point tally but have struggled to get consistent wins. Warsaw Predators are at the bottom, with a goal difference of -68, signaling a season they would rather forget.

 

Players to Watch on Toronto - Potential MVPs

Ronan Lavelle (Toronto): With 62 points in 42 games, he's the engine driving Toronto’s surprising season.

Mac Atlas (Toronto): Not far behind Lavelle, Atlas has been a crucial part of Toronto’s success. Either guy could easily be MVP. 

Siyan Yasilievich: A defenseman with 48 points and a whopping 114 shot blocks, Yasilievich is a two-way threat.

Tomas Sogaard: 45 points in 42 games are impressive numbers for the winger, adding depth to an already strong team.

 

Goalie Watch

Joel Castle (Toronto): His 0.923 save percentage and 2.27 GAA are commendable, especially in high-stress games.

 

Evan Bihler (Toronto): In just four games, Bihler has managed an extraordinary 0.938 save percentage, indicating that Toronto has enviable depth in goalkeeping.

 

As the VHL season rolls on, the competition continues to heat up. The fights for playoff spots are intense, and the jostle for individual awards is equally intriguing. The road to the championship is long and arduous, but that's what makes it worth watching. So to fans everywhere, keep your jerseys on and your hopes high; it’s going to be a thrilling ride to the finish line.

 

FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY (Theme week)

 

Montgomery Burns, the right winger for the Toronto Legion, is arguably one of the most overlooked talents in the VHL this season. Despite putting up respectable stats, including a +20 plus/minus rating in his rookie year, the buzz around Burns as a potential candidate for the MVP or Rookie of the Year awards has been conspicuously absent. The culprit? Low ice time.

 

While he's managed to tally 7 goals and 12 assists in 42 games, making a noteworthy impact when he's on the ice, Burns has often found himself eclipsed by high-scoring teammates like Ronan Lavelle and Mac Atlas. These stellar performances by other players have limited Burns' time on the ice, subsequently restricting his opportunities to contribute more decisively to the game and to shine in the stats department.

 

Often, MVP and Rookie of the Year conversations are driven by headline numbers like goals, assists, and points. Yet, these metrics can be deeply misleading when not contextualized by factors such as ice time. When Burns is on the ice, he's not just a player; he's a game-changer, evidenced by his strong plus/minus rating. His efficiency and effectiveness in the limited time he’s been given should make him a serious contender for both awards. Yet, due to the traditional emphasis on raw stats, Burns remains unjustly FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY from the award conversations, a disservice to his skill and potential.

 

 

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