Task 1

I think this one is pretty simple for me, I’m going to Tampa Bay. Has nothing to do with the teams in the Challenge Cup finals or who I think will win, I just think with the time of the year and the weather getting colder, I much rather go to Tampa Bay and enjoy some sunshine. I’ve been to Tampa, and there’s not too much to do, but I can sure as hell find some very expensive restaurants, I can find some bars and/or clubs – depending how I feel – and if all else fails, I’ll just spend a ton of money for drinks at the beach.

I’ve never been to Calgary, and I’m sure it’s nice, but when we’re currently in November, Tampa has the very nice sunshine that I would love to enjoy. All I need is a few good drinks, some sun, some music, and I’m going to be more than alright. Take me to Tampa boys!

Task 2

I think this one is pretty self-explanatory: Tampa Bay Barracuda. Firstly, I’m in the West and the Dragons and Panthers aren’t the friendliest of enemies. Secondly, I’ve got my friend Joln Dubolk in in Tampa, who was a part of the Whalers Four Star Cup win when I was down in Vancouver. On top of that, Dubolk is also the Whalers GM and I’m part of the management team there, so I still have ties with him there. Would like to see a friend of mine win the Challenge Cup. That being said, I look forward to watching a good series, but I’ll be cheering a little more for Tampa.

Task 3

Playoff format change? I like this. Lots of debate over the wildcard format, the old NHL format of playing 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, etc. However, why not go back to the old school ways and seed all the playoff teams from 1 to 8 and match them up this way? We’re in a sim league, we don’t have to worry about travel time and fatigue and this would be the true test to see if the top teams really can find themselves in the finals, even if they’re in the same conference.
I think this would add some excitement and some potential interesting matchups we never get to see. This could feed and create some interesting rivalries that we don’t get to see simply because of the nature of the schedule. Members can go up against friends they normally don’t, and could be for a very interesting post season. Bring it on, lets see something different!

Task 4

In my alternate reality, it’s simple: The Los Angeles Panthers are in the Challenge Cup Final. They beat the Calgary Dragons in the first wild card round. After that, they follow it up by beating the New Orleans Specters in a thrilling 7 game series! The Panthers go off to the Western Conference Finals where they meet the Cinderella Texas Renegades who have miraculously made the playoffs and beat some very serious competition. However, their Cinderella run ends at the hands of the Panthers in 6 games. The Panthers go on to the Challenge Cup Finals only to meet the Hamilton Steelhawks. Theo Morgan goes up against his S47 buddies from Vancouver Aaron Wilson, Dale Miller and Jax Duggan. Who will win? Well it’s my alternate reality so the Panthers win. Theo Morgan performs exceptionally and gains bragging rights over his friends to remind them over and over again. I think I would like this reality.

Task 12

A. As much as I like Soderberg, I’m going to side with Izzy on this one. I think Izzy is the more dominant player overall. Not only has he been around the league and dominated at the highest level, he’s also been on the biggest stage before and dominated at that level. I think Soderberg is going to get there, but in this case, I’m going to go with Izzy.

C. I’m going with a mixture. I think both teams have the firepower, but both teams also have some of the best goaltending in the league. Goalies can steal games, but the offense is bound to break out at some point, so I would put my money on a mixture. Overall I think the series will provide plenty of excitement either way.

E. EASY. Chicken Parm from Esa. Why? I like Chicken parm. Who doesn’t? It’s delicious and I would love to see just how good it is, considering he’s made a reputation around this sandwich. I’m Italian and I think I could tell if this chicken parm is any good. Bring on the parm!

Task 15

PM sent