Pier 21: Hello Halifax!

[LucyXpher 1,439]

 

Today, I received the incredible news that I would be the next GM of the Halifax 21st and one of my first reactions was, "Amazing, I can't wait! . . . What is 21st?"  

 

Well, today I learned that the moniker '21st' refers to Pier 21 in the Halifax Harbour which was a terminal for ocean liners and was the point of entry to Canada for many new immigrants-- nearly 1 million new immigrants-- between 1928 and 1971.  Thank you to @samx and @Beketov for pointing me in the right direction, else I might still be lost at sea trying to figure out why the 21st have a boat on their logo. 

 

Something Bek said in our brief exchange really stood out to me, "I’ve always viewed it as the perfect name for a VHLM team given that the M is the first point of contact for the VHL".  And it's true, like Pier 21 in the Halifax Harbour was the point of entry for many new immigrants who landed in Canada after a long voyage across the Atlantic, the VHLM is the league of entry to the VHL that welcomes new players into the community from all over the world. 

 

Being the point of entry is well and good, but without a welcoming committee, it's easy to get lost-- Canada is huge country, after all, and the VHL forums can absolutely be intimidating for new members left to fend for themselves.   Recently being new to VHL myself, I had a fantastic experience with the Houston Bulls in the VHLM which has shaped my outlook on, and appreciation for, the VHLM-- but especially for GMs who really embrace their role to welcome and prepare players for the VHLE and the VHL. 

 

My GM last season, @AJW, was incredibly helpful and always seemed to have the time for us as players, whether it was answering repetitive questions about TPE and trivia answers, or just chatting and enjoying the company of the locker room.  Look, I've been banging this drum all season, but I'll hit it one more time-- it's great to add more players to the league, but without incredible GMs like AJ who really understand their role and what it means to players entering the VHL, I don't know where the league would be.  Just the simple things like being available to chat or answer a question goes a long way for new players who are enticed by the idea of joining a league where they can build a player, sign a contract, join a team, and work their way up to the big leagues.  I think what many new players-- and even some veteran players-- don't realize is that you join for the opportunity to create something for yourself, but it's often the community of the league that really keeps people around, continuing to earn TPE and building their player.

 

I know I've only been here a relatively short time compared to some, but the experience of being new is still fresh.  Like Pier 21 for many immigrants to Canada, the VHLM needs great GMs who can welcome new players to the community and give them a reason to stay.  Each player will have different motivations for joining and what appeals to some won't appeal to all, but that's also the beauty of a community-- like Canada-- like the VHL.  All good people should be welcome and made to feel like they have a place here.  

 

Sure, this may come off as overly sentimental as, at the end of the day, it is a sim league with fake teams, fake leagues, and an evil overlord called Simon who holds the hopes and dreams of every fake player in the palm of his hand.  What isn't fake or made-up, however, is the people.  If we wanted to play sim hockey against AI, there are manager sims for that and NHL24 is a thing.  We're here, presumably, because there's something different-- dare I say-- better about doing the sim hockey with humans.  And unlike AI, humans are complex, creative, compassionate, and at times unpredictable.  It's what really makes it all worthwhile, despite the fact that working with humans is far more challenging than manipulating an AI. 

 

I myself am American-- from Houston-- but I did live in Calgary, Alberta for about a year and a half.  While I was in Canada, I had the chance to make it out east and see the city of Halifax as we traveled around the maritime provinces, and I really enjoyed seeing that part of Canada, the natural beauty, and the distinct maritime culture.  And though I knew that the east coast was the point of entry for many European immigrants across the Atlantic, I guess I never realized how many actually came through Halifax. By last census, Halifax has a population of 431, 479, which is still a far cry from the million that would have entered via Pier 21.  Many of those immigrants would have made their way inland, some even crossing the country over time and settling out west.  

 

Every player wants to make it to the VHL (unless you're doing some funky experiment) and the only way to get there is through the M.  

 

I'm honored to be selected as the next GM of the Halifax 21st and I'm thrilled to be in a position to welcome new players to the VHL.  In my one season of experience, it has been a fantastic community and a fun pastime, and I'm excited to share that enjoyment with those that are next to land on the 21st. 

 

 

GM Lexie Leitner - Halifax 21st

Claimed 03/10/24

Edited March 8 by LucyXpher

[AJW 2,161]

You will do wonders for this franchise, so excited for you Lucy! Go Boats!!

[dylanjj37 340]

this is not eating!

[dylanjj37 340]

23 minutes ago, LucyXpher said:

 

Every player wants to make it to the VHL (unless you're doing some funky experiment)

 

 

(dont look at my player history please)

Edited March 5 by dylanjj37

[LucyXpher 1,439]

1 hour ago, dylanjj37 said:

this is not eating!

Lol press submit, grab a snack, you know how it is!

[dylanjj37 340]

2 minutes ago, LucyXpher said:

Lol press submit, grab a snack, you know how it is!

the snack should absolutely come first

[tcookie 903]

I've been to Halifax twice and love it there, and having been to Pier 21 myself, always thought that Halifax 21st was some of the best branding in the VHL. Though I can see how it's a weird name for anyone who doesn't get it, I think once you do, it's brilliant.

 

Congrats on the new GM role - I think as a pretty new member who picked things up very quickly yourself, you have a lot to offer new members who sign in the M. Best of luck!

[Scurvy 1,503]

Review:  Great article and love that you included a picture. Love your welcoming and included some stuff about your time in VHLM. Love the history you put in about Halifax which shows you either know a lot of stuff or did some research prior to writing the article. I liked how you weaved the historical facts into the story . The article is amazing but what truly impresses me is your level of commitment to the Victory Hockey League after just one season, and it shows in your writing.  You have built an impressive player and are now that you are a GM speaks so well to the future of the league.  10/10.