Code:
1. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min)
VIP Status again babyyyyyyyy - your player has been invited to attend one of the first homestands of the CC finals as a VIP guest - all expenses paid, front row seats, any hotel you want - and it's all on the Commissioner's dime! Eggy has complained to me the past two seasons about having to pay for this so I'm graciously volunteering SDCore to front the costs for this season's splurge! Are you going to Games 1 and 2 in Edmonton or Games 3 and 4 in Hamilton? Why are you picking there? And what are you going to do in that city to run up SD's tab?? (This is the same prompt as in the past but we've got different cities! be creative! Don't re-use what was written last season.)

I used to live in Hamilton years ago, I didn't really like it all that much but I was a lot younger then, so I'd like to be able to go back there and experience the city as a VIP.  I went to college there so I experienced the exact opposite of being a VIP.  I'd likely want to stay close to where I used to live which is what a Hamiltonian would call on top of the mountain, even though it isn't even close to being a mountain.  I'd want to go see where the old Blockbuster Video (yes, I'm that old) was and see what it is now.  I used to spend a lot of time drinking in Hess Village as a college student, so if that is still a thing I'd probably want to go have a bunch of pints there after the games.  Long story short, I'd want to try and see if Canada's version of the steel city is better than I remember it being, I reckon being a VIP in the city will really help out here, so I would happily spend SD's money to do that.  Oh, and on top of that I'd get to see two great SHL teams battle for the Champions Cup!

Code:
5. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min)
The Most Generic Prompt of All Time - what is your player looking forward to in the offseason? What are they planning on doing? Training? Relaxing? Testing free agency? Whatever it is, let us know!

Lyle and the New Orleans Specters had a very disappointing playoff exit.  After finishing the regular season with the best record in the SHL, they hit a wall in their first playoff match up and after winning their opening game they lost four straight, knocking them out of these S51 playoffs.  Immediately after the fourth loss, Lyle attempt to get better. He took this playoff knock out hard a does not want to experience this again.  He cleared out his Specter locker and moved all of his gear to his family's hockey training center in New Orleans.  He has been there every day since then working on his game, he wants to be ready for next season, ready to take a step forward for the Specters.  He will be at the rink everyday until S52 kicks off, so if you need to find Lyle Odelein III, you know where he'll be.

Code:
8. Written, 4 TPE
Write a sonnet about an SHL-related topic. Be sure to follow the proper ABAB-CDCD-EFEF-GG rhyme structure or your HS English (or equivalent any-language Writing teacher) will track you down in and give you a failing grade.
SONNET: http://www.shakespeare-online.com/sonnet...style.html

Shall I compare thee to a SHL game?
Thou art more simulated and more test based.
Online players do type the shit talking words of shame,
And the regular season's standings determine where a team in placed.
Sometimes too hot for the regular season,
And often is our goal scoring ability dimmed;
And every unfair SimonT losing reason,
Leaves our anticipated playoff beards, untrimmed;
But thy eternal offseason shall soon fade,
And we'll be back again in S52 to start anew,
Nor shall S51 disappointment cast a shade,
When our superior lines worked hard and grew.
    So long as players can skate, or shots can score,
    So long lives this, the Specters desire for more.

Code:
9. Written, 1 TPE
Write a haiku about an SHL-related topic. Be sure to follow the 3 line, 5-7-5 syllable structure or Godzilla will stomp on your house/apartment while you sleep.
HAIKU: https://poets.org/glossary/haiku

Haikus are easy
But sometimes they don't make sense
Bitchin' zamboni

Code:
15. 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 to qualify.
A. Tommy Tuck posted a better SV% during the regular season, but Geezus Kryyst has been lights out during the playoffs. Which team has the advantage in goal for this series? 

I'm going with the hot hand here.  While Tommy Tuck did have a solid regular season, Geezus Kryyst has been the best goalie in the playoffs.  Kryyst has played lights out for Hamilton these playoffs and I can't see that stopping.  I've got to give the edge to the Hamilton keeper, while Tuck can definitely rise to the occasion, I think Kryyst will come out on top here.

B. Edmonton averages more hits per game than Hamilton, but also more PIMs - and Hamilton has proven pretty deadly on the power play this postseason while the Blizzard's PK has struggled. Be the coach: should Edmonton stick to a physical style of play or back off a bit in this series?

I've always been a fan of sticking with what works.  Edmonton's hard hitting, physical style got them to the finals so I think that they should stick with the game plan.  You can't alter your plan in hopes to not face a good power play, since penalties can be called many different ways.  Hitting hard does not always equal a penalty, so Edmonton should keep playing the body.

C. Who is your X-factor skater in this series? Who's got the intangibles? Who's gonna step up for their team when it matters most? Why do you think so?

I'm picking Roberts Phelps for the Hamilton Steelhwawks here.  Playing with Phelps for team Canada I know that he is a great all around player and that he has the ability to steal a game on his own.  Phelps is a great team player and can provide support when needed but also be a game changer and provide a much needed goal to get the team a big win.

D. Which player name is your favorite from the rosters of these two teams? (not your favorite player, but your favorite name)

Some solid names on these squads but I have to go with Hugh Jazz here.  It was a toss up between Jazz and Fouquette, two Hamilton rookies, but Hugh gets the nod from me.  It reminds me of one of Bart Simpsons prank call to Moe's Tavern and I have a little chuckle every time I read it.  Hugh Jazz wins this one for me, jazz hands down.

E. WOULD YOU RATHER: (a) eat a Pepperoni pizza with Tony Pepperoni (debatably cannibalism), (b) get a nice long hug from Teddy Cuddles, © have Tor and Tommy Tuck tuck you into bed at night, (d) do squats with Hugh Jazz, (e) have a tug of war with Tig, or (f) have Aaron Wilson uncover a brand new strategy for your team to use? Why?

Going with (a) on this one.  While I wouldn't say no to a hug from Teddy or a good tucking in from Tommy, I'm not a fan of squats so I'd say no thanks to Hugh's workout and I'm not too much of a strategist so I'd wouldn't be much help here.  So pepperoni pizza with Tony sounds pretty good, and pizza is great so that seals the deal.