TASK ONE: 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.
Kristian Eriksson, despite a season which saw him post a career high 63 points and win the Jay McDonald Trophy, was once again not a part of the playoffs as his Toronto North Stars continue to rebuild.
To start off his off-season, Eriksson got some much needed rest and relaxation, heading to Los Angeles to spend a couple weeks on the beach. While there, Eriksson got the chance to catch some of the Challenge Cup Playoffs in person. He also got the opportunity to catch up with old friends in Chester Cunningham and Valterri Bottas, whose Panthers ultimately lost in the Finals. After that, he headed back to Toronto meeting up with his good friend and linemate Chris York, who was recovering from a major back operation after carrying the North Stars for all of S39. Then it was back to the grind for Eriksson. At his advanced age, he can’t afford to spend any more time off the ice


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 Maximilian Wachter of the Los Angeles Panthers. Wachter, a prototypical power forward, is one of the most underrated players in the league, and he has continued his stellar play in the post season. His physical play is excellent as always with 48 hits, and he has also contribute on offense with 14 points. He leads the league in shots, and with his relatively low shooting percentage, it can be argued that he's been unlucky not to put up even more points. Wachter isn't just a physical and offensive force though, he's also one of the best defensive forwards in the league. His nine shot blocks is tops in the league among forwards, and he plays a big part of LA's PK as well. Wachter's all-around game is tailor made for the playoffs, and the Panthers likely don't make the finals, or even the playoffs, without Wachter's excellent play

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.
PM Sent

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.
Timo Haas has long been the engine of the Los Angeles Panthers. When he's on his game, the Panthers are one of the toughest teams in the SHL. In recent seasons, Haas, and consequently the rest of his team, have struggled, but in what will be Haas's final season, he has turned in an MVP worthy performance during the regular season and the first two rounds of the playoffs. That will need to continue if LA is to have any chance at winning the Challenge Cup.
For Minnesota, the veteran Alonzo Garbanzo, probably the greatest defenseman in SHL history, will be doing everything he can to win his first Challenge Cup. From top to bottom, Minnesota has a very strong roster, but if there is a weakness, it is likely their defense. Garbanzo, despite his advanced age, is still their number one guy, and he will once again eat up big minutes in the Finals.