CW TASK 1: (Written, 3 TPE)
Both teams in our challenge cup series come in with a healthy set of talented young players. if you were to choose a player from either teams SHL roster or there prospect pool with a (start date of S45, S46, S47 or S48) to build your team around, who would it be and why? What qualities on or off the ice make them 'that guy' and how do you think they would shape the image of their franchise? (150+ words and *tag any player involved in this task)

Both the Winnipeg Jets and the Buffalo Stampede have solid groups of young players, but the top young gun from either team would have to be Buffalo's Alexander Selich. The German, who was drafted in S45, was a can't miss prospect coming into the league and though his first couple of seasons were somewhat underwhelming on a deep Buffalo team, Selich is now just beginning to show his superstar potential. After putting up a respectable 29 points in the regular season, Selich broke out during these playoffs, putting 16 points in 22 games, helping his team win the Challenge Cup. And he did all of this while centering the third line, playing only 14 and a half minutes a game. He's been stuck behind a pair of superstar centres in Viktor Marius and Dermot Lavelle, but as those two start to age, Selich is primed to step up and seamlessly take their place on this powerhouse Stampede team.

CW TASK 4: (Graphic, 3 TPE)
The league is looking to its graphic designers for some series preview pics to sell at the games. Create a challenge cup preview graphic which should include 1 player from each team to represent their franchise! The graphic should also there name and renders, the current season, the television channel that the series is on and some hype wording on the series.


CW TASK 05: (Written, up to 4 TPE)
Pick up to 4 challenge cup related topics to write about! Each topic is worth '1' TPE. Each answer must be '50' words or more.
1. 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.

C - VIktor Marius
W - Lil Manius
W - Louie Garett
D - Alexis Metzler
D - Slip McScruff
G - Cedriv Robinson

Marius and Manius are top fantasy threats, as both are elite goal scorers with a physical side to their game. Garrett is one of the most consistent offensive producers in the league. Metzler is getting up there in age, but has played exceptionally during the playoffs. McScruff may not put up many points, but he'll get you hits and shot blocks. Lastly, Robinson plays for the better team so hes the better fantasy pick.

2. 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?
While both the Buffalo Stampede and Winnipeg Jets have good defenses, the Stampede's group of defenseman are on another level. While Winnipeg's Gary Grease is the best defenseman playing in the finals, I'd say any one of Buffalo's top four of Tatu Makela, Charles Walker, Alexis Metzler and Connor Tanner could be the second best defenseman on the Jets. The Stampede's vets all have Challenge Cup experience and are still elite defenseman.

3. 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)
Winnipeg was able to make it to the finals because they possess elite players in Jason Visser, Gary Grease and Lil Manius. Having elite talent is a prerequisite to winning in the SHL. Even though the rest of Winnipeg's roster is somewhat lacklustre, their top players are good enough to raise the overall level of the team and drag them to the Finals.

4. Buffalo has made it to the finals in 2 of the last 3 seasons. Who or what has been a primary reason for the recent success of this franchise. (*tag anyone involved)
The Stampede have been one of the league's best teams for many seasons now, and that is due to their general managers, WannabeFinn and Tomen. These two have been in charge for all of Buffalo's current run of success, and have made all the right moves, drafting and trading well. This season, the team made a couple of big trades, acquiring retiring defenseman Connor Tanner and superstar Louie Garrett, both of whom contributed greatly to their Cup win.

CW TASK 10: (Written, 3 TPE)
CHALLENGE CUP HISTORY reports will be viewed instead of commericals for those watching the series online! pick any previous challenge cup finals from before your current player's time in the SHL and in 150+ words talk about the series including who won and in how many games, and who were some of the better players in that series. [include link to archives]
The S35 Challenge Cup Finals were played between the Toronto North Stars and the Portland Admirals, two franchises looking for their first Cup wins. The Stars had suffered heartbreak season-after-season in the playoffs, while the Admirals were in their second consecutive Finals after a miraculous comeback from a tampering scandal. The Admirals jumped out to a 3-1 series lead and it seemed the series was over. However, Toronto swapped starting goalies, benching young phenom Jeff Kirkstone in favor of veteran Mark Harter. Harter had been the franchise's star goalie for 10+ seasons, but had been traded away to the Admirals to make room for Kirkstone. With Harter's career winding down, the Admirals traded him back to the Stars at the S35 trade deadline. This would come back to bite them, as Harter turned the tide on the series, winning three straight games to steal the series for the Stars. The Stars also received great performances from the retiring Andrey Barbashev and their captain, Kristian Eriksson.
link

CW TASK 13: (*CASUAL MEMBER SPECIAL* Send answer in PM, up to 3 TPE)
Its trivia time with 4 questions related to our Challenge Cup participants!

1. What Buffalo Stampede player recorded a +28 which was the greatest +- number in franchise history?
2. Name 3 players in the Winnipeg Hall of fame
3. Who was Buffalos's 1st round draft pick back in S34?
4. When was the last time the Winnipeg Jets won the Challenge Cup Championship and who was it against?
SENT