Task 1:

Both the Stampede and Jets have a quality group of young talent. Each one brings something different to their team and will hopefully be a big part in the future success of their team as well. In that crop of talented young players, I think there is one in particular that I would like to build my team around. That player is none other than Jets left winger Noah Gallagher (@fever95).

There are many reasons why I'm picking Gallagher. First of all, he was just drafted in Season 47 and already making an impact in the lineup. Second, He comes from an established and experienced SHL history. He's been training with some former SHL greats and hall of famers, like John McBride and Carter O'Callahan, which gives him a huge boost compared to other SHL youngsters. His skill set is also one that I would like my group to be around. He's a defensively responsible sniper, which is a two way threat you need to succeed in the SHL. Goal scoring is always the hardest thing to do and Gallagher can do that. He's also defensively responsible so you can throw him on the ice in any situation and he'll thrive. That's the player I want to build my team around.

(210 words)

Task 3:

Well, my second year of regression is done and so I enter the off-season. I had a very up and down season. The good was I finally hit the 20 goal mark in a season. The bad was I finished with only 41 points and was a minus for the first time since my sophomore season. I knew regression takes a hit on you, but I at least think I'm hanging in there.

After every season I meet up with my general managers (@Keygan and @"TommySalami") to talk shop. This year we're going to discuss a new contract as I am entering free agency. Before that though, we looked at my play and talked about the direction of my player and the team. I held down the centre spot once again and was a goal scoring threat and I believe that they want me to retain that role next season. I would like to improve on my play-making to make my teammates better and they agreed with that.

Next season, they expect to compete once again because our top guys are still producing, but we're also bringing in some young talent that will bring us more depth. They want me to continue to be a top player for them and I think we'll hash out a contract in the next little bit.

(219 words)

Task 5:

Put together a challenge cup fantasy team using the 2 teams in the finals as the player pool. This fantasy team must include at least 1 young player (S44 or higher) and in 50+ words discuss your choices.

Forwards - Viktor Marius, Hippo Passamus, Michael Scarn
Defense - Alexis Metzler, Gary Grease
Goalie - Cedric Robinson

I think this fantasy lineup is a solid one based on this post-season's performance. Marius and Hippo have been fantastic for Buffalo, putting up a combined 45 points in 16 games. Scarn covers the young player quota, but he's been great at centre for the Jets, putting up 10 points and a +6 on the second line. On defense, Metzler is still going strong and has been Buffalo's best with 14 points and Grease has been steady and balanced in every area, including physically with 33 hits. A formidable combination. In goal, Robinson has been fantastic this post-season, especially with his 4 shutouts. He's been clutch for Buffalo.

(108 words)

This series boasts an interesting matchup at the blue line between star studded defenders! Which includes Troy McClure III, Gary Grease and Slip McScruff from Winnipeg.. & Buffalo's Tatu Makela, Connor Tanner and Charles Walker.. which group do you expect will outshine the other and why?

I'm taking the Jets trio of defenders in this one. McClure III, Grease, and McScruff have combined for 19 points in 13 games and have played solid defensively as well, with all three sporting a positive plus/minus. They are tasked with playing more minutes and they also bring a slightly more physical game. The Jets trio takes a slight edge in this comparison and I think they'll shine brighter in the Challenge Cup Finals.

(75 words)

Winnipeg making it to the finals was an unexpected surprise. What were some of the main reasons why this franchise was able to persevere into the leagues most important series. (*tag anyone involved)

While I don't think the Jets making the Challenge Cup Finals is all that surprising, I guess doing it against the Specters is the surprising part. The Jets have a really talented team, but there are a couple reasons why they made it to this point.

The biggest reason is usually the reason for most teams, and that's because of the play from their goaltender Cedric Moreau (@treant). Moreau has been fantastic, posting two shutouts and sporting a solid 0.937 save percentage. The man has only given up two goals a game, giving his team terrific support. The second reason is their depth, most notably their second line. Wagstrom (@StamkosFan), Scarn (@Trautner), and Blunt (@Gaia Mormont) are 1, 2, 3 in Jets scoring and killing their competitors on the ice. They might only be second line on paper. The Jets deserve to be here. No surprise in my eyes.

(144 words)

Both franchises come into the series with a hot Cedric! Between Winnipegs Cedric Moreau and Buffallo's Cedric Robinson which emerging netminder has the advantage over the other in this series?

Both Cedric's have been amazing between the pipes for their respective teams. There isn't much to pick between them, but I'm going with Buffalo's Cedric Robinson. Robinson has shown that he can carry a team to a Challenge Cup victory and he has done so in dominate fashion already. His numbers this year are ridiculous again. 2.19 goal against, 0.924 save percentage, and 4 shutouts. He's on fire and he's carrying Buffalo to the Finals once again. Moreau has been great as well, but I'll take the goalie who seems to love the post-season.

(94 words)

Task 12:

S48 CW Podcast - S48 playoff round up and S48 Challenge Cup finals Breakdown

Task 13:

PM'd