Task 1 – 3 TPE – 3 Total – In the much better reality than the one we’re currently residing in, the New Orleans Specters, riding the league’s best goaltender in Aleister Cain, would have made their way to the Challenge Cup finals to take on the New England Wolfpack. In this world, there wouldn’t have been any drama along the way to the Finals. New Orleans wouldn’t have submitted illegal lines for a couple of games that sent the SHL into a tizzy, nor would Charlie Serpe have been suspended for stealing 30 TPE. On the New England side of things, Ace would’ve never moved his franchise goaltender to Tampa Bay after blaming the franchise’s failures squarely on the goaltender that got them there. In this reality, New Orleans would’ve defeated New England in Game 7 to capture the franchise’s first championship in what would amount to be the best series in SHL history, and the SHL would have nothing to bitch or troll about. (157)

Task 2 – 3 TPE – 6 Total – Even before the SHL allows some complete redistribution of TPE for some players heading into S54 (which was a good call by the corrupt HO), you’re most likely going to see a lot of familiar faces be the top teams in the league. The Eastern Conference is going to be a three team shootout between the New England Wolfpack, Hamilton Steelhawks, and Buffalo Stampede. New England and Hamilton already were on the right track this season, and while Buffalo wasn’t far behind, they’ll be able to couple the redistribution along with the addition of Matt Kholin from Tampa Bay to jump right into that mix. In the West, look for the top three over there to be the usual suspects as well: The Edmonton Blizzard, Calgary Dragons, and New Orleans Specters all of the TPE and the goaltending to have them stand about the rest of the conference. This is less of a slam dunk than the East however, as Los Angeles or San Francisco could enter that realm and nobody would be surprised. (174)

Task 5 – 3 TPE – 9 Total – The IIHF is going to mirror real life more than ever this season. The truth is, there are a lot of “not great” countries that may have performed shockingly well in STHS in the past. The move to FHM is going to shut that shit right down, and you’re going to see the power nations with more TPE battle for the gold every season. That means you’re going to see the United States, Canada, and that tampering powerhouse from Czechia actually do something this year. Gone will be the magic runs by some lesser nations like a Switzerland until they gain more TPE. As for my team this season? The USA is fantastic, as most players smartly want to play for the best nation in the world. We have a stud goaltender, and some of the SHL’s best skaters on the squad. There’s a very good chance that the Gold Medal runs through the USA, and that it will for many seasons to come. (164)

Task 16 – 3 TPE – 12 Total: Trivia Verification Word: JoeK

Task 13 – 4 TPE – 16 Total:

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?
The best player in this series is Tony Pepperoni. He has the most TPE, which is notable, but he’s also been sort of carrying his team to the Challenge Cup finals. He has less help than all of the players on Hamilton, who work together like a well oiled machine. He may not be on the better team, but Pepperoni is the best player. (64)

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?
If anyone has been paying attention all season, Hamilton’s blend of balance and strength was the way to go for FHM. They realized it before most of the league, and that’s why they’ve had such a great season. They worked hard for this advantage though. Edmonton is fast, sure, but the Steelhawks have the right combination to win the cup. (60)

c. Assemble your ideal fantasy team out of players in this series - F, F, F, D, D, G. Explain your choices.
F – Tony Pepperoni – he’s an absolute stud all over the place.
F – Aaron Wilson – nobody works harder in the league for success.
F – Robert Phelps – because you need the handsome veteran presence.
D – Brady McIntyre – The best defenseman in the series, McIntyre has a real chance to win an award or two this season.
D – Tig Murphy – Just a monster on the ice, and he’s just a click behind McIntyre in terms of talent. It’s actually really close.
G – Geezus Kryyst – easily the most talented goaltender on either team, he’s a monster in his prime. (95)

d. Blizzard... snow... ok debate time - do you like snow? yes or no? why or why not?

I live in Buffalo, so snow has just been a part of my life since birth. I mean right now, as I type this, on May 9th, it’s snowing here. So I don’t “hate” snow. It just exists to me. It’s a damn near year-round occurrence for us here it seems. It’s pretty fun to go snowmobiling, and I was at the Bills – Colts blizzard game a few seasons ago. It’s not bad. It doesn’t bother me. (77)