1. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
While these two teams are no strangers to the Cup finals, we did see some very interesting things this season. Looking back, what do you feel was the most surprising part of the season?

The most suprising part of this season for me is that Dick Clapper did not get more hits than Niccolo Livius. Clapper had almost 100 fewer hits than Livius despite almost playing 10 more minutes a game! If Buffalo is going to win a championship they will need Dick Clapper to step up and be a major physical force. Generally the surprise for me is that the team was not more physical. They have a reputation for being an abrasive bunch but having Dick Clapper leading the team in hits with only 150 is shockingly low. Where are the hitting defensemen? Why has Aumy JR and Emilia Bergman been so passive when it comes to taking the body? Very surprising stuff. This leaves us with a second major surprise… they could have signed Livius for free! He was a free agent just waiting for a call and could have been a beastly addition to the team’s fourth line. 158

2. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)
Oh no, the head honchos of the league are worried that there aren't enough story lines for the finals! Therefore they're changing the rules for the finals. The home team will get to choose to either a) play the whole game with 6 skaters on the ice at a time or b) be immune from penalties/offsides/icing. Whatever the home team chooses, the visitors get the other perk. Which one are you choosing, given the choice and why?

Oh I take Hamilton in a no penalty game. They have real hockey players on their team. Michael Scarn alone would destroy the entire Buffalo team with his physical play. Add the defensive core of Michaud, Jazz, Lazer and Bork and you easily see how no penalties would result in Hamilton running train over the pathetically weak Buffalo side. Yes losing the ability to score PPGs would hurt Hamilton. Considering Scarn scores over half his goals on the power play I can understand that argument but what people don’t realize is that no penalties will result in an intensely physical game which Hamilton will dominate. 105

4. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
If you're sitting at home watching the Finals: What do you plan on doing differently next season to help your team reach the promised land? If you're playing in the Finals: Is there anything different you plan on doing next season to continue your team's success?

This last season was my first in the SHL so I really had no idea what to expect. After a year I’ve seen that my conditioning needs to improve. I’m not able to truly be efficient on the ice because I’m gassed by the third period. This area of my game is what I’m focusing on this offseason. I need to be able to skate with these guys before I can think about what I’m doing when I catch them. Obviously I hit a lot of folks last season but I only generated a handful of turnovers. I think if I can get faster, stronger and in better shape generally I’ll see that improve as well. Plus I only had two fights last season! Pathetic. I’m at my best with my gloves off so if I’m faster I’ll likely be able to get into more fights and help my team get revved up so the stars can go out and produce! 161

5. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)
Which SHL or SMJHL team was the best team to not make the finals this season and why?

Easily the San Francisco Pride. They are the only team that values real traditional hockey. No other team reached out to me to give me a chance to play in the big leagues after five seasons of junior. Therefore this team deserves to get to the finals. Sure they may not be the best on the ice but as an organization they are pure class and deserve to be on top once more. Considering they bought in a great talent like myself for free I believe smart roster moves like this will result in us becoming a team to be feared in the future! 104 (10 tpe so far)
12. 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.
a. Hamilton finished 13 points above Buffalo in the standings this season. What is one thing that Buffalo can do to give themselves a leg up despite this?

Buffalo needs to get their nerves together. The only way they can level the playing field is by leveling their opponent. They don’t play physical enough. If they can get their bodies on Hamilton than Hamilton won’t have the time and space to create offense. Get them looking for incoming hits not looking for passes. 55

b. Hamilton was 3rd in the league in GF this season. Buffalo was 2nd in GA. This begs the age old question: what will win out, a great defense or a great offense? Why?

Great defense always wins. Offense is contingent on defense making mistakes. In playoffs mistakes are harder and harder to come by. When teams dial in they shut down the cheeky plays that teams like Hamilton use in the regular season. Also its a matter of confidence. If your team identity is built on scoring you’re a more fragile side. If you are built on shutting people down you are succeeding from the moment you step on the ice. 78

c. Which of these two teams' brandings do you prefer? Take into account colors, logo, name, location, and anything else you consider relevant.

Buffalo. The Blue and grey of Hamilton is boring and played out. The yellow and green is fresh and fun. That is the simple truth of it. Yes as a kit Hamilton’s looks more polished but they could be a handful of teams around the league. When Buffalo steps out on the ice you KNOW it is Buffalo. No room for confusion. 62

3 TPE from this


https://simulationhockey.com/showthread....pid3006771

3 TPE milestones

16 Total i believe.