Phil 5,129 Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 (edited) Stand Out Above the Crowd "The dream is over." The words of John Lennon echoed in the empty hallways of the hearts of Riga Reign's players and fans. The hearts that were filled with hope, optimism, and anticipation all throughout the season and into the playoffs vanished instantly, like a guy would the morning after a one-night stand. The Reign were forced to abdicate their Continental Cup run when they were dismantled by Davos Dynamo last night, by a shocking score of 6-1, losing the series in 5 games. The loss hit no one harder than Kameron Taylor, the veteran all-star, who played his last ever game in the VHL that night. In spite of the emptiness of his heart, he hung up his skates with a heavy one. Emptiness weighs you down perhaps more than anything else. "What can I say?" Taylor reluctantly asked. "We gave it our all in this series. I'm not sure where we went wrong but what does it matter-". Taylor paused and bowed his head. He seemed to be holding back tears in his proud eyes, although he'd try not to show it. Taking a deep breath he say: "I just want to thank everyone at Riga - the players, the coaching staff, Mike [the GM], and the fans. They've always been there for me and it brings me great pain to have to leave this wonderful group of people." Kameron Taylor, who started out his illustrious career with Cologne, was traded to Riga in Season 37 with 2 other teammates for a couple of first round picks and a second rounder in the hopes of winning a Continental Cup. The stage was set and hopes were high for success in Riga During the Season 37 Cup run, the Reign fell to the Dynamo in heart-breaking fashion. Undoubtedly the two best teams in the league the series was expectedly close throughout the series. In game seven, with the score tied at 1-1, during the last minute of the second period, Guido Schwarz Esq. took a stupid hooking penalty, which Davos scored on early in the third. Despite the loss, Riga confidently went into Season 38 with high hopes. They now had the most talented team in the league and statistically speaking, the best overall team in the league. Riga fans and players were lobbying hard for Taylor to lift the Continental Cup and end his career on the highest note possible - the same as the letter on his jersey. However, something in game 5 went wildly astray. After dispelling Vasteras in 5 games, the Reign once again met Davos to battle it out for a spot in the finals. This series, although only went 5 games, was one of the closest we've ever seen in the VHL. All except that last game were won by 2 goals or less (the most memorable being the game 1 double OT victory for the Dynamo). Game 5 was the anomaly. It was 1-1 going into the second and everything hung in the balance. During the second period, Riga took 5 penalties to Davos' 2 (not an uncommon amount to take based on this series) but Davos scored on 3 of those and added an even strength goal. In fact, 5 of the 6 goals were scored on the powerplay. In the end, it was the undisciplined play of Riga that lost them this hockey game. They accumulated 28 penalty minutes - no majors, while Davos were only called for 5 minors. This brought into question the officiating. The series was a hard fought one and there was some nastiness happening on both sides. Critics have called into question the reffing based on the involvement of 2 of the 3 commissioners, who are heavily invested in Davos. However these half-hearted appeals seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. Commissioner Victor doing his victory dance So brings to a close another of the VHL's top talents. Kameron Taylor, who finished second in the league with 115 points this season, will retire. This leaves Riga in a vulnerable position up front. It is not easy to replace someone of that high quality. "He is a great guy. I am definitely going to miss him," said Phil Villneuve about his teammate. "He showed great leadership on and off the ice and was a brilliant role model for me. He was definitely a stand-out forward of our generation. I wish him the best in his new life and hope that he will pop by from time to time and say hi, for old time's sake." The Dynamo will face either Toronto Legion or New York Americans. Toronto Legion are currently up 3 games to 2. Which teams will Riga bitch up next year? Edited July 3, 2014 by ssdd911 scoop and Kendrick 2 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/9620-claimedclaimedstand-out-above-the-crowd/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 Thanks Phil! Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/9620-claimedclaimedstand-out-above-the-crowd/#findComment-88842 Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoop 3,447 Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 I liked it for the pictures. Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/9620-claimedclaimedstand-out-above-the-crowd/#findComment-88845 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil 5,129 Posted July 4, 2014 Author Share Posted July 4, 2014 Thanks Phil! My pleasure buddy. Good career. Now stick around asshole. I liked it for the pictures. Good man. A goofy movie is one of the best of the 90s Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/9620-claimedclaimedstand-out-above-the-crowd/#findComment-88977 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike 708 Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 So much right with this Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/9620-claimedclaimedstand-out-above-the-crowd/#findComment-88998 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Svoboda_3 Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 Content: 3/3 792 words. It's sad to see a good player retire, but thankfully Kendrick didn't leave outright without re-creating. You did a really good job detailing the emotional effects of the team and Taylor too. Nice length, and excellently written.Grammar: 2/2 all-star = All-Star matter-". = matter?" he say = he said by 2 = by 2 commissioner = Commissioner Villneuve = VilleneuveAppearance: 1/1 Goof Troop <3Overall: 6/6 Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/9620-claimedclaimedstand-out-above-the-crowd/#findComment-89092 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Trifecta 1,902 Posted September 27, 2014 Share Posted September 27, 2014 Claimed Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/9620-claimedclaimedstand-out-above-the-crowd/#findComment-127534 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendrick 4,741 Posted December 4, 2014 Share Posted December 4, 2014 Claimed Link to comment https://vhlforum.com/topic/9620-claimedclaimedstand-out-above-the-crowd/#findComment-157424 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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