Running With the Bulls: BensonGPT

[LucyXpher 578]

 

"In the world of ice hockey, where tradition and discipline often reign supreme, Herald Benson emerged as a breath of fresh air at the tender age of 18." (BensonGPT, 2024).

 

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Tradition and discipline are two things the Houston Bulls seem to be in short supply of lately-- that, and a breath of fresh air could go a long way.  It's been an eventful week in H-Town, to say the least.  The team has been putting together wins-- and losses-- with regularity, which amounts to an even record of 6-6-2.  The youth and inexperience of this team has been on full display, but they will, no doubt, be happy to remain firmly in playoff contention as they continue to accustom themselves to the pace and physicality of the minor pro ranks. 

 

Let's start with a breath of fresh air and talk about some of the more positive story lines first. 

 

So far, it has been team captain, Trimiskez Artav @jake, who leads the charging Bulls, sharing the team points lead at 20 with Lucy Leitner. The Greenlander, Artav, has been a lethal weapon for his team through 14 games, converting shots at a 20% clip for 11 goals and pitching in with 9 assists.  Leitner, on the other hand, carries a basketful of apples (18), good for 3rd most in the VHLM, but has only converted 2 goals on 33 shots.  

 

Normally, with such a low shooting percentage you'd expect to see regression towards the mean, but one scout I asked had this to say: "Right now, she's a bona fide muffin factory! Someone needs to tell Leitner that goalies will gladly eat muffins for breakfast, lunch, and dinner," (Anonymous pro scout).  A basketful of apples-- and muffins, apparently-- maybe someone should plan a team picnic.

 

Meanwhile, Leitner's partner on the top pair, Benjamin Abenduct @Schnee, has continued his torrid start, converting defense into offense for 17 points in only 10 games.  Assistant captain, Chris Reynolds Jr. @Crstats23, has also been producing for the Bulls, albeit in spurts.  He cashed in 7 points across 2 games recently against Saskatoon and Ottawa, but has only managed 1 point in his last 3.  That being said, a high shot count is likely to work in his favor as he currently sits 4th in the league with 77 shots. 

 

VHLM veteran, Barry McOckiner @LanerDUST has been a stable presence in the Bulls' top scoring lines, contributing an even point per game so far, and young Czech sniper, Filip Zinek @FiZi, has also shown signs of heating up with 6 goals and 5 assists.  Though the points haven't necessarily been coming fast and furious for Nathan Ecker @Nathan_8, count him as breakout candidate as this season progresses.  So far, his underlying numbers are trending in the right direction, and if he can find some consistency and chemistry with regular linemates, the Bulls may begin to threaten opponents with a potent secondary scoring punch.  

 

In the same vein, 2nd pairing defenders, Losfeld @losfail and Toland @ctoland102, have eaten up important minutes for the Bulls, showing flashes of potential.  If they can both elevate their game with more consistency, it's going to be a lot harder for opposing teams to reach the Houston net.

 

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Ah, yes... the net.  Look, I'm not going to say that the Houston goalies stink, but in the world of ice hockey, where tradition and discipline often reign supreme, Herald Benson @Benson and Ondrej Vencko @Mutti haven't exactly emerged as a breath of fresh air.  

 

Last week, there was speculation about Vencko's connection to a Czech fugitive who was arrested outside the Bulls arena.  Authorities are still conducting an investigation, though there is no word yet on whether any charges will be laid against Vencko who continues to split starts in the Houston goal.  

 

This week, it was Herald Benson who became the center of controversy as he was found to be in violation of league media policies.  To his credit, Benson has dealt with the matter professionally and will not be appealing his weeklong suspension of pay. Despite the reprimand, Benson remained upbeat in the ensuing press conference, saying, "Let me be a crazy goalie, damnit!"  

 

Crazy indeed, but concerning, nonetheless. Benson sits at an .886 save percentage and Vencko owns an .881, with the two allowing a combined 49 goals through 14 games. If this run of form persists, the "Houston Crease" may soon refer to the furrowed brow of the GM @AJW who can't be happy with the negative attention his goalies have been bringing to the squad as of late.  

 

Unfortunately, the goalies weren't the only source of consternation this week as the sudden retirement and departure of Nathan Schwartz from the team sucked some of the fresh air out of the locker room.  There are no indications at this time as to why he opted for an early retirement, but his departure leaves a gaping hole at 1C that Bulls management will be scrambling to fill in the coming weeks.  

 

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Tradition and discipline-- perhaps, ironically, what the Bulls need most.  

 

So far, this team has lacked discipline on the ice, taking too many penalties and struggling to defend on the penalty kill.  There were at least a few games decided by these two factors and addressing this issue should be a priority for the Bulls if they want to help out their goalies who have been under fire lately.

 

With such a young roster and many new faces, the potential is through the roof with this team, though that potential can be a two edged sword.  As the Bulls experienced with Schwartz, a prospect trending towards boom can very quickly turn to bust.  It will be imperative for the Bulls to establish a culture of hard work and perseverance, to begin a tradition of winning with this new generation of players who are still only getting their feet under them.  72 games is a long season in the VHLM and it will require commitment from all members of this squad if they hope to achieve their goals.  This is a team that still has aspirations of winning the cup, what remains to be seen is the drive of these young rookies over the course of a long season to stay disciplined and motivated. 

 

Let's not be too quick to count them out-- or crown them champions a week and a half into the season.  There's a ton of hockey left to be played and I'm here for it. 

 

Notes: 

- In a quick turnaround after the departure of center, Nathan Schwartz, the Bulls announced the signing of a new centerman, SID THE FREAKING KID GOAT CROSBY, just this afternoon.  No, I'm not trying to shout at you, that's the player's name.  Take it up with who ever allows these wild birth certificates to go through.  

 

 

Lauren Lambert for VHL.com

Edited February 5 by LucyXpher

[jake 84]

Lmao this is funny as hell