TASK ONE: There are two options for this task.

If you are a player in the Challenge/Four Star Cup: How is your player feeling for the Finals? Are they nervous or excited? Are they ready? Write at least 150 words about the few days before the beginning of the Finals for your player and how they prepared for the series.

If not: How has your player kicked off their offseason? Are they traveling? Meeting up with friends and partying? Following the games? Write at least 150 words about the beginning of your player’s offseason. Must include at least one other player.

I was pretty disappointed when the Hamilton Steelhawks and myself lost in the first round of the playoffs to the New England Wolfpack, but I couldn't let that slow me down. Instead of taking a break this summer I have doubled down on my training regiment. The reason? Free agency.

This will be the biggest offseason of my career as it dictates where I will finish off my career most likely. If this is to be the start of the end of my career I want to be in the best shape and play the best hockey of my life.

Aside from the training I have been trying to do as much research into potential cities I may end up living in if I end up moving. The SHL is in a ton of beautiful and interesting cities which could all be potential fits at this time. Now that my team is out of the playoffs I just want the season to be over with so I can make my decision.

171 words


TASK TWO: Who is your choice for the unsung hero of the S39 playoffs up to this point? Must be at least 150 words and include at least two statistics in support.


My choice for unsung hero of the S39 SHL playoffs is none other than Los Angeles Panthers resident goon, Danny Foster.

Foster is having an impressive post season so far, having put up 9 points in only 8 games. Along with his unusual scoring touch that he seems to have acquired, his physical game hasn't taken a step back. With 36 hits so far he sits in third place for hits given and is first among the players who haven't hit the golf course yet.

Foster sits third in scoring for defenders, and only a few points behind veteran Alonzo Garbonzo. Where did this sudden scoring touch come from? No one is quite sure but I wouldn't be surprised if he gets tested for doping here soon. Either way, doping or not, Danny Foster is having quite the post season and that is why I have chosen him as my unsung hero.

152 words

TASK SIX: Finals series always show surprises. Who will have to stand out the most from each team in order to win it? Make a prediction for potential series MVPs. Must be at least 150 words and mention at least one player from each team.

So I'm not sure if one of these guys would be a surprise MVP but here are my predictions none the less. Alonzo Garbonzo for the Minnesota Chiefs and Danny Foster from the Los Angeles Panthers.

Garbonzo is a grizzled vet with tons of SHL experience and his fair share of playoff experience to boot, so no one will be shocked if he is crowned MVP of the playoffs, win or lose. That doesn't mean the award will be gifted to him as there are tons of deserving players on both ends of the ice. If he continues with his calm presence on the back end and puts up points like he has been though he has a good chance.

Danny Foster on the other hand would be more of a surprise if he takes home the hardware. He is generally known as a goon but has been putting up points this series at an impressive pace. Can he keep it up and show the world that goons can score too? Only time will tell.


175 words


TASK FOUR: Unscramble the names of these four players who will be competing in the Challenge Cup Finals. Send the answers to me by forum PM. Please make the subject of the message “CW Word Scramble” or something along those lines. [Grading: 1 TPE for participation, 0.5 TPE for each correct answer]

PM’d

Bonus: Eric Pelletier