Task 1: Shooter McGavin definitely had a better year than last year. Last year he scored 18 goals and 31 points and was a minus 3 rating. This season, McGavin bumped up to 21 goals and 38 points as the driving force on the 2nd line. The most exciting stat was the amount of GWG he scored, as last year he only had 2, but Shooter was clutch and scored 6 GWG this season, which was a big reason why the Dragons snuck into the playoffs. With all that said, Shooter would like to score 25 goals and 45 points, and maybe with more puck luck he can hit those totals, as he was 3rd in the league in shots with 246, and a 10% (rounded up) shooting percentage would net him 25 goals. Shooter has never been a hitter, only gathering 18 hits this past season, but a more aggressive playing style might help on the forecheck, so an improvement in the physical play could lead to more chances and scoring, as well as just wearing down the other team.

Task 3: (Written, up to 5 TPE)
Pick up to 5 challenge cup related topics to write about! Each topic is worth '1' TPE. Each answer must be 50 words or more.


5. You have been asked by the league to choose a destination for next seasons all star game and its between New Orleans and Buffalo, which city did you decide should get this important league event and why?

I would go for New Orleans, as it is a great way to get the new fans involved in the league and really cement New Orleans as a hockey city. In addition, New Orleans is a party city (Mardi Gras!) , so the crowd is used to having fun parties and the best live entertainment, so this is right up their alley and should see an unbelievable turnout.

Task 5: The New Orleans Specters are a new team with a supposed unique identity. Well, Shooter went to check up on rumours that they have been stealing other team’s rituals. He looked into the locker room and immediately saw that those rumours were true. Joe Kurczewski (JKortesi81) and Roman Augustus (TheDangaZone) were sacrificing a cheesy, saucy parm sandwich to the Sandwich and hockey gods, as they passed the sandwich around the fire, each taking a bite before putting it into the fire to appease the gods. This was a huge shock to McGavin, as that tradition has been with Calgary for years, and these two ex-Dragons took it to their new team. Additionally, McGavin saw Vasily Horvat (slowpoke) strangling a couple chickens…which made Shooter laugh, since it was his ritual to choke the chicken before a game, but this was a misunderstanding of that ritual. Shooter reported what he saw to his Esa, as the Dragons GM must know about being ripped off. HO has been contacted, and it seems the Specters will no longer be allowed animals in their lockerroom, and are banned from having any sandwiches before a game…a huge price to pay, but we’ll see if it’s worth it.

@JKortesi81 @TheDangaZone @Slowpoke

Task 9: (Written, 3 TPE)
You have been asked to spend a few minutes on air with the series commentators during the game 1 preshow! During that segment they ask you to do a full break down on the series... in 150 words or more tell them who you believe is the favorite and who is the underdog of this series and why.. as well as your thoughts on what each team needs to do or not do to win the challenge cup.

Buffalo has to be the favorite, as they finished the season on top of the very competitive Eastern Conference and are the #1 seed in the SHL. They finished with 172 goals (Tied for 3rd in the league) and only allowed 139 (2nd best in the league) for a league best +33 Goal differential. Additionally, the Stampede finished top 3 in Shots for and shots against, as their solid two way, puck possession game leaves them in control most of the time, and they draw penalties which leads to the 2nd best powerplay in the league. The Stampede are led by arguably the most dominant player in the SHL, Viktor Marius, who does it all. Viktor scores (4th with 28 goals), sets up teammates (31 assists), and cranks out brutal hits often, as he racked up a league leading 221 hits.

With that said, the Specters are a solid team too, and can put up a fight. They will need to rely on their league best penalty kill and stingy defense to keep a dominant Buffalo offense at bay. Aleister Cain may be the X-factor in this series, as he had the best GAA, 3rd in Save percentage, four shutouts, and a knack for making key saves at the right time.

Task 13: This is an historic finals as both franchises come in with some amazing storylines to boast! Write a TV ad for a "History Will Be Made" script and in 150 words or more add the details and circumstance that warrant either or both teams for this television ad. details could include a memory from there team's history, whether recent or past, it is up to you.

(Announcement of team) "The SHL has expanded to New Orleans!!!"...
(showing the ice with players and fans celebrating) "and time expires, the New Orleans Specters have clinched a playoff spot and will be heading to the SHL playoffs!!!"...
(around the rink, showing fans celebrating outside after the division clinching game) "The New Orleans Specters have won their division in just their first season. How far will this Cinderella team go?"
(game 6 of series with the Panthers, after being blown out 6-2 and failing to close the series) "The Panthers have won two straight games, and it seems like the first year magic is gone. Is this too much for the new team?
(game 7 of series with Panthers) "Kurczewski flying down the wing, he spots Paquette...with the shot!!!! stopped by Marmeladov, rebound...SCORES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SCORES!!!!!!!!! SCORES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DEMARICUS SMYTH SCORES!!!!!!!!! THE NEW ORLEANS SPECTERS ARE MOVING ON!!!!!!!!!!!!! I BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"...
What if the Specters played like an expansion team?...History will be made.

Task 14: Sent