1. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
This reality is just one of infinite realities existing alongside this one in parallel. Take us over to one of those realities in which everything is the same but these S53 playoffs have unfolded differently. What happened in that reality's playoffs and who's in the Challenge Cup over there?

In an alternative reality, the world will look very much the same, but there is one key difference though, New England Wolfpack is in the finals with LA Panthers. Hamilton and Edmonton both did not make that far.This dramatic difference took a drastic turn when Buffalo managed to win Hamilton in the first round, the series ended 4-0, so subtle change in a way, but still, Hamilton´s road to the final ended early.

What happened to Buffalo? New England kicked their ass 4-1 and it is indeed New England that made it into the finals.

Over on the other side, Los Angeles Panthers managed to beat Edmonton in a thrilling game seven series where every single game went all the way to the overtime, in the end, LA was victorious 4-3 and they made it into the finals.

Many could say that the alternative reality is more realistic than the real reality, but world is a mysterious place, no way to know what is real and what is not. (170)

2. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
With everyone getting a free redistribution this offseason, S54 is quite wide open at the moment. Before those redistributions take place, who would you anticipate being the top team(s) for next season?

I guess it will be fairly same group of teams, Hamilton and their advanced simulation league tactics will almost surely guarantee they will find something that will bring joy us to all. New England has same roster I believe, so should not be any reason why they wont be up there. Too much talent in the roster. Same with Buffalo and did they not trade for top level player? Buffalo a tough team for sure, could even win 40 games next year.

In West I think it will be trickier, LAP has a good team and I´m sure they will have a good year again, but also Edmonton, Calgary and New Orleans will make a push for the top positions. I´ll say either Calgary or Edmonton will have a lot better year next year, but overall I´m expecting close season in top-4. What all of these teams have in common is solid management, they will make tweaks and set training camps to focus on few key areas that will push the team forward.  (170)

3. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)
Which player from the Steelhawks or the Blizzard would you bet on to win a regular season individual award in a future season? What player and what award? What makes you think they'll live up to their potential and take home the hardware?

Conor Tanner from Edmonton is going to win some kind points related award, he is still young player, drafted in season 49, but almost at 1000 TPE and he plays as a center. You can see the offensive talent, but what is the most impressive thing is his defensive game, you don´t always have that side ready when talking about young players, but Tanner is perhaps the best young two-way forward in the league.

The fact he plays in the middle and he has the talent makes me think he will collect some serious point totals in the future. In all honesty could see him winning award for best two-way forward just as well, a complete player in the making.  (120)

5. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
Just like everything else in S53, IIHF is going to be an exciting mystery for us all! We've seen the introduction of a new format (all 14 teams in one group) and it's bound to be a very exciting tournament. What are your predictions for IIHF this season? What team or teams do you think have the best shot at taking home the gold? How do you think your team will fare?

First I would like to say that I like the new format, simple and fun! Interesting to see how the whole playoff part of it goes, do we see some dramatic surprises. What comes to predictions, Team Finland will be some kind of underdog, not exactly the favorite to win it, but a team that could make things interesting. That is a role and a position we want, so I´m expecting a good tournament, we will surprise many and force our way all the way to the finals!

Management of Finland will push the absolutely max out of the roster, we will play for the Finnish people and for the logo, once we get that winter war mentality going - there is no stopping Team Finland.

I´m sure the bigger nations will be up there again. They have a lot of great players and they also have a lot deeper talent pools than Finland has, but Finland will play as a team and bring glory to the motherland. (165)

13. 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 to qualify.
a. Who is the best player in this CC finals? Plenty of good candidates: Lagerfield, Phelps, Kryyst, McIntry, Pepperoni, Scholz, etc. Who's your choice for best player and why?
b. Based on player ratings, EDM has the advantage in speed and acceleration and HAM has the advantage in balance and strength. Which team's physical skills will give them the edge in this series?
c. Assemble your ideal fantasy team out of players in this series - F, F, F, D, D, G. Explain your choices.
d. Blizzard... snow... ok debate time - do you like snow? yes or no? why or why not?

A) Pepperoni from Edmonton, he is a big guy, but can skate fast and also make turns in tight spaces. On top of that he is one of the most skilled players in the league, he can do it all starting from making plays and even throwing that big body of his around, top player.

B) I have to think the speed and acceleration will win as long as they keep working hard, if you let Hamilton and their players who are made to have puck on their sticks any space, you are not going to have good time. Need to take the time and space away from Hamilton, speed is perfect for that. Either using the stick or body to control the space.

C)
G - Geezus Kryyst, excellent goalie who can steal games on his own.
D - Brady McIntyre, veteran defender who has been on top of the game for who knows how long, has seen it all.
D - Tig Murphy, great puck moving defender, always finds that open stick.
F - Tony Pepperoni, I like him for his versatility, more of a powerforward in this line.
F - Flacko Lagerfield, extremely high hockey IQ, always in the right place at the right time
F - Julio Tokolosh, great two-way winger who has all the tools to make things happen in the offensive end.

D)Yes! Snow is the best part of winter, nice feeling when you look out of the window and see a lot of snow. It´s also fun to just walk around outside in snow, and of course if there is a lot of snow and its cold you can hopefully skate, and perhaps play some hockey with in the local outdoor hockey rink!


16. CW TRIVIA, 3 TPE max - 1 TPE for participation, 0.5 TPE for each correct answer. This is now completed through a Google form linked below. Make sure to spell your answers correctly or you will not get credit. Post your verification word in your CW post.

Tree

= 16