The VHLM Leading Up To S100

[dstevensonjr 402]

It is a rare thing that the VHL community seems to unite their opinion on something, but it looks as though one of those times has come. We are midway through S94 currently, but the buzz for S100 has already commenced. Talks about large recruiting drives to bring in new bodies, talks of players skipping a season to line their players up with the S100 draft, talks of players retiring their players early, and talks of the prestige that will come from the league reaching the 100th season. It is a remarkable feat for the league to reach that mark, and it's no surprise that players want to be a part of that historic draft class. The conversation has primarily revolved around the draft and season itself, but what hasn't really been discussed is the fact that the VHLM is going to see a massive influx of players prior to that season, and that will likely lead to the deepest spread of players around the league in a long time.

 

As stated in the rulebook, the largest goal in the VHLM is competitive balance and development. To reach that goal, there are limitations on draft pick ownership to maintain a competitive league. No team is allowed to have more than two each of first and second round picks, and must have at least three picks in the first four rounds. This means that everybody should have a good shot at adding multiple players from the expected deep draft class that will likely hit in S99, as well as any re-creates that come in mid-season in S98 that would also be S100 draft eligible.

 

With that in mind, I wanted to take a look at the last time that each of the teams won a Founder's Cup in an attempt to see who could benefit the most from the crop of players coming in. I'm going to go in order of shortest to longest drought, as well as taking a look at the total amount of titles for the teams. I will only be including the current teams in their current iterations for this list, so no previous locations will count.

 

 Saskatoon Wild 

Last Cup: S93

Seasons Without: 0

Total Cups: 13

 

 Philadelphia Reapers 

Last Cup: S92

Seasons Without: 1

Total Cups: 5

 

 Mississauga Hounds 

Last Cup: S90

Seasons Without: 3

Total Cups: 1

 

 San Diego Marlins 

Last Cup: S89

Seasons Without: 4

Total Cups: 2

 

 Ottawa Lynx 

Last Cup: S87

Seasons Without: 6

Total Cups: 17

 

 Las Vegas Aces 

Last Cup: S84

Seasons Without: 9

Total Cups: 10

 

 Miami Marauders 

Last Cup: S79

Seasons Without: 14

Total Cups: 3

 

 Mexico City Kings 

Last Cup: S76

Seasons Without: 17

Total Cups: 1

 

 Houston Bulls 

Last Cup: S68

Seasons Without: 25

Total Cups: 1

 

 Halifax 21st 

Last Cup: N/A

Seasons Without: 31

Total Cups: 0

 

Looking at the standings this season in the VHLM, there is a sizeable gap between the top 6 teams and the bottom 4 teams, a chasm of 22 points. That likely means that it's a safe bet that Las Vegas, Ottawa, Philadelphia, and Mississauga won't be in a position this season to drop their "seasons without" counter down to 0. The team in the most need of a Founder's Cup, the Halifax 21st, are currently the top team in the VHLM. Halifax holds a 9 point advantage over second place in the M, as well as a +36 goal differential better than the second best differential. This dominance could be just what Halifax needs to win their first Cup.

 

It's hard to know what the next few seasons will hold for the M, as the seasonal roster turnover is such a big part of the league, making it difficult to see who is in the best position to win over the next few seasons. Ottawa holds four 1st round picks in the next 2 drafts, the most in the league. That could give them a quick turnaround after this season. Las Vegas, Mexico City, and Philadelphia all hold three 1st rounders in the next 2 drafts, so they could improve quickly as well.

 

I would imagine that teams who are thinking ahead will plan their competitive window around the lead up to S100, and would be wise to load up on draft picks for S99. Working backwards from there, you'd likely want to be competitive now and rebuilding around S97/S98 to sell off pieces.

[LucyXpher 1,433]

18 minutes ago, dstevensonjr said:

 Halifax 21st 

Last Cup: N/A

Seasons Without: 31

Total Cups: 0

[dstevensonjr 402]

3 hours ago, LucyXpher said:

Just think of how special it could be to be at the helm of the first Cup ever in Halifax! You've certainly got the 21st in a great position to do it!

[LucyXpher 1,433]

37 minutes ago, dstevensonjr said:

Just think of how special it could be to be at the helm of the first Cup ever in Halifax! You've certainly got the 21st in a great position to do it!

That’s the dream— dare I say, hope…

[Victor 10,949]

Expand the league until Halifax can actually finished 21st.

[LucyXpher 1,433]

1 hour ago, Victor said:

Expand the league until Halifax can actually finished 21st.

Nobody wants this…