1. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
Thanks to groundbreaking technology that allows us to re-sim the playoffs with FHM, we are able to see an alternate version of the SHL playoffs! In the Eastern Conference, the New England Wolfpack would take out the Manhattan Rage in 6 games. In the other Matchup the Hamilton Steelkhawks would take out the Buffalo Stampede in 6 games as well. This would once again lead to a matchup between the Hamilton Steelhawks and the New England Wolfpack, arguably the two best teams in the league this season. Hamilton would win in 7 and go the finals. Over in the west, the LA Panthers would beat the Specters in 6 and the Edmonton Blizzard would win in 7 again against the Calgary Dragons. However this time in the Western conference finals, the LA Panthers would sneak past the Blizzard in 7 games. In the finals, Hamilton would have a convincing victory winning in 5 games. While there are some changes in the alternate reality, overall things unfolded out mostly the same.

2. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
Before the redistributions take place I would expect very similar results to what we saw this season. Teams with strong builds and high TPE such as the Hamilton Steelhawks and the New England Wolfpack will mostly likely be at the top of the league barring any unexpected rebuild or sudden loss of players. Some teams may also be able to improve. However, after redistributions I think a team like the Buffalo Stampede could be at the top of the league. They have a lot of TPE and can easily fix their builds to be a top team. Over in the West you will probably see the same 4 teams make the playoffs game though the order may be different depending on how much each team grows in TPE or loses due to regression or retirement. Ultimately I think before redistributions results would be very similar but with redistributions a couple of things might shake up and some high TPE teams will have the ability to perform better.

3. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)
I think at some point in the future, Aaron Wilson of the Hamilton Steelhawks will win top goal scorer and potentially even Most Valuable Player. Currently Robert Phelps is the big goal scorer on the Hamilton Steelhawks however he is quickly getting hit hard by regression. I think there is a good chance Aaron Wilson steps up to fill his shoes as the team’s top goal scorer. Furthermore, Hamilton as a team has proven over the last few seasons that they work a lot with the sim engine to find the strongest attributes and tactics to ensure team success. I don’t expect this to change anytime soon and thus expect Aaron Wilson to capitalize on this.

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. I think Tony Perpperoni has a great case for being the top player in this series. He has a ton of TPE and has really led the offense for Edmonton during these playoffs with 20 points in 17 games! He is extremely talented and plays a strong two-way game. He would definitely be a star on any team in the league.

b. I would say balance, strength, and checking are much stronger attributes to have in FHM and thus the edge will be given to Hamilton. All of the players on Hamilton are strong in these attributes which has allowed them to shut down many top TPE teams. On the other hand Hamilton players might be some of the slowest in the league which may surprise some people, but they clearly have done their homework and know that those attributes aren’t as important.

c. At center I would take Tony Pepperoni, he has 20 points in 17 games and has been carrying Edmonton in the playoffs. I would slot in Robert Phelps and Aaron Wilson on his wings who are both strong two-way players that can score and check well. On D I would take Brady McIntryre who also has a ton of TPE and Gabriel Johnson who is a strong offensive D. In goal I would grab our lord and savior Geezus Kryyst.

14. Written, 2 TPE - The Procrastinator Special! (100 words min)
It’s tough to choose a MVP for the series but assuming Hamilton wins, I would say Geezus Kryyst should get the nod for Most Valuable Player of the Playoffs. The Hamilton team plays a very balanced team game, points are often spread around, and they don’t really rely on one superstar to score. Robert Phelps led the team in scoring with 13 points in 15 games which is impressive, but a lot of other players also contributed a lot. Kryyst on the other hand really stood out in net sporting 2 shutouts, a 0.941 save percentage, and a 1.71 GAA. While he definitely had help from the team in front of him to limit quality shots, stats like that should easily get him the MVP.

16. CW TRIVIA, 3 TPE max - 1 TPE for participation, 0.5 TPE for each correct answer.
Submitted - velv