In an alternate reality where FHM makes a little more sense (not as bad as STHS though), Hamilton doesn't sweep the Stampede, they actually give the Steelhawks a little bit of a fight, and they take it to a 6 games series. Also, the Calgary Dragons and the Edmonton Blizzard don't go all the way to game 7. I feel like the Blizzard really should have won that more easily, so in here, they win the series in 5 games. The other difference is that the New England and Hamilton's series go on for longer. They go all the way to a game 7, since both teams were really strong in the regular season. Finally, the last change is that Los Angeles wins all 4 of the overtimes, instead of Edmonton winning them. LAP was just the superior team, and they really should have won those games. LAP ends up winning the Challenge Cup in 7 games.
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I think we'll see pretty much the same teams performing well. New England brought a little improvement in front of the net, and they still have their core players. We can expect New England to be first or second in the East. Hamilton will also be another team that will do well. They have one of the best goalies in the league, and their main core of players is holding strong. Buffalo is a team that I believe will do better, with the recent acquisition of Matt Kholin. He will be an important part of their offense, and it could very well be Buffalo's year next year. In the West, things probably will also look similar. Edmonton will lose Tuck due to retirement, but they have Spector, so they should be fine. LAP is getting a little old, but could still dominate the West, same thing for Calgary and New Orleans. In short, things will probably look the same for the most part.
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I think Jean-Paul Boivin will win the League MVP award in the near future. Jean-Paul has everything that you would want in a player. He can get on the scoresheet pretty often, he has a big presence on the ice physically, and he also has a big presence in the locker room. He's a player that all the teams will try to get in the future. Right now, with his mere 19 points, he might not look like a MVP worthy player. But this is only his second season in the big league. Trust me, he will definitely be a top player in the near future.

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a. Phelps is surely the best player here. He might be a little old, but he's a grizzled veteran who can still score very well and show his presence on the ice. He's a role model to everyone on Hamilton for a reason, and he could be the one that makes the difference that could lead to Hamilton winning. (58 words)
b. Hamilton for sure. Yes Edmonton might be quick, but if Hamilton can knock them off balance easily, they won't get anywhere. Also, if they can't knock down the Steelhawks' offense, they won't be able to stop them. Speed might be ok, but balance and strength is superior in this case and will give the upper hand to Hamilton. (58 words)
c. As my first forward, I choose Jean-Paul Boivin. Can't pass on the opportunity of having a future MVP player.
As my second forward, I choose Phelps. One of the bests here, can't really argue with that.
As my last forward, I choose Lagerfield, he seems to me like a solid guy offensively.
On defense, I would take Gabriel Johnson, just because he's kinda decent, and Brady McIntyre, because he's one of the best defenseman. The best goalie available here in my opinion is Geezus Kryyst.
d. I'm fine with snow, until there's a big amount of it. I think snow is pretty when it's small, I actually like walking while it's snowing. But when you get 5 feet of it and you have to shovel it in the cold and in the wind, it gets very frustrating very quickly. (53 words)

16. jpb