Task 1

This one is pretty easy for me. 100% surpassed my expectations. When the season began I was not sure what to expect as I had a PPG season last season, but before that hovered around the 40 point range. However, when I got dealt to Edmonton, I was coming in to a team with a lot of firepower and guys who were better than I was, so I wasn't sure where I would fit in the lineup right away. However, I meshed well on the top line and started rolling. I have always known I can score goals with the best in this league, but leading the league in goals and recording the 2nd highest goals in a season since the FHM switch was not something I was expecting whatsoever. I am ecstatic at the season I had. I would definitely have to attribute that to Edmonton's management and usage of my player. Although the forward lines were even in ice time, they were able to maximize what the forwards were able to bring when out on the ice, and it made a huge difference and allowed me to put up the numbers I did.

Task 2

Expansion is going to be an interesting time. With every team guaranteed to lose 2 pieces, it is going to take a lot of strategy from the GM's perspective, either to get the guy that you want or block the other GM from taking someone you don't want them to have (or both). With some of the available options on the board, I think the expansion teams will be leaning towards being a little more competitive earlier on and not going completely the route of drafting younger guys. Personally, if I were an expansion team's GM, I would be focused on bringing in a bit of both and not necessarily focusing on playoffs in the first season. There are a lot of good, young players available and would make great cornerstone pieces to build a franchise around, while at the same time bringing in a veteran to not only help the franchise immediately, but also aid in the youngsters getting a feel for the SHL and being the face of a franchise. I do believe the expansion teams won't be competitive off the bat (a lot of the top end guys available are FAs, so they'd have to be convinced to play there), but I think they will be built with a well structured plan in place.

Task 3

For the simple purposes of realism, no. However, I'm not one to harp on the little details like that. Personally I think European teams would be pretty cool and would probably bring some exciting and very interesting teams and branding to the league. I like the current set up, but I wouldn't be opposed to it. That being said, I would probably limit the expansion (if it were to happen) to Europe and not go too far off from there. It's an interesting concept and would love to see what some people would come up with for team branding ideas and team names, even the different cities and countries which could be included. I know the VHL has European teams and they seem to be doing just fine.

Task 4

I don't think any other answer besides Edmonton is acceptable for the SHL. Tied for Buffalo for the most points during the season and scored the most goals during the regular season as well. Edmonton's depth on the roster and great management team is one of the league's best, and not making it to the finals this season is a major disappointment, as everyone believed they would be going head to head with Buffalo in the finals. As someone who is a part of the roster, I can honestly say I am extremely disappointed in the fact we didn't make it. Not disappointed at anyone on the team, just unhappy that our season came to an end in the Western Conference Finals and we weren't able to go up against Buffalo and see who came out on top.

Task 13

a. I have to go with Buffalo. I don't think the SHL has ever seen a roster which bolsters 3 Dmen who are at approximately 2k TPE. It's unbelievable to try and come up against a defensive juggernaut like that. To add to it, Buffalo allowed the fewest goals against in the regular season (98), which is over 20 fewer than New Orleans did (120).
b. Absolutely. I think with the advantage NOLA has in goal, they are going to keep the series close and it will likely come down to whichever team drops an away game first. I think Buffalo is the heavy favourite, but NOLA has the depth to contain the Stampede and will need all they have from Cain.
c. I personally don't think so. Buffalo's roster is the deepest we've ever seen, and matching a lineup like that will be a nightmare. They have been the clear favourite all season, and when you have their offense and defensive abilities coming at you, I don't think the toughness will make that big of a difference. Matching their offensive capabilities, and their ability to shut down the opposition, will be the big test.
d. Hippo Passamus. There's something about the name that I've always liked since I saw it. Not sure what it is about it, but I think it's both clever and funny, so it's the one I would go with. It's pretty fitting when he clearly excels as a playmaker as well, which just brings everything together nicely.
e. Is Kirby an actual animal? If it refers to the video game character, then that's an easy choice and it wins hands down. Who doesn't love Kirby? He's super strong and extremely cute and adorable. However, of the actual animals, I'll say otter. I've always liked otters and think they're super cool and seldom known/talked about. Their elusiveness has to be admired.

Task 16

Verification