The Rise of Europe

[Devise 4,475]

Season 53 figures to see the rise of a European conference that last season and for the better part of the last several seasons has been constantly mocked. You've seen suggestions for moving European teams over to the NA by some VHL radicals, and of course it all culminated with what was a 4 team race last season by all NA teams. Thankfully Season 53 marks a shift in some of those trends, and as most who know the VHL and have been around long enough not to overreact can see, the pendulum shifts. The Stockholm Vikings and Helsinki Titans both made significant strides in the early stages of the off-season, heading into the season. While both teams are riding younger goalies, the potential of both players is high and both GM's decided to make the necessary trades to fill out more of their roster. While as of now it is my belief that the pay off for the Titans is a few more seasons down the road, and the acquisition of studs such as Velvet and Axelson is meant more to compliment a competitive young roster in S54 and 55, the moves by the Vikings put them in contention for best team in the league. 

 

Meanwhile this comes at a time when the NA conference bubble has finally burst. Quebec has made moves to remain competitive, and with a young core coming out of a solid rebuild they figure to sit a semi competitive rate. However Calgary and Toronto are now fully in rebuild, and with New York and Seattle remaining some of the leagues best, the balance of American vs European dominance once again fits a more healthy level. While there is obviously some concern about total quality of teams, there is going to be some pretty bad teams in the VHL next season, it's good to note that Europe is on the rise. Stockholm and Helsinki will feature heavily not just in Season 53 but beyond, and all at this stage the jury is out on which of the rebuilding teams in either conference will begin to stand ahead and look to take that next step. 

 

What may be even more interesting than the rise of Europe, is also the variety of builds competitive teams feature. Seattle presents a more balanced approach, complete with the best goalie in the league and a healthy mix of star power and depth at both the forward and D positions. Helsinki has two very star power players, one at D and one as a forward but otherwise is a rather young team. Stockholm features nearing their prime younger core, complete with star power in the all important forward position. And New York features a highly heavy forward roster, with a weak D core lead by one talented D and a rookie goalie. Every roster has strengths, every roster has weaknesses. While overall parity may not exist in the VHL, it is interesting to see how roster make ups can work, and how you could legitimately make the argument that anyone of Seattle, New York and Stockholm could win it all this season, as well as a fringe chance for a team like Helsinki, especially if they are able to make moves at the deadline. 

[Da Trifecta 1,896]

I actually like this one

[NotAVHLM-GM 1,858]

All this time I had a Bear as an avatar.... Go Bears!