Code:
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?

Well to no body surprise the Buffalo Stampede stayed true to themselves and preached a defensive approach to the game.  Again a top team in the league in that regard even though they came out flat out of the gates and had many fantasy users worried about their goalie selection.  So on that note, I would have to say that was one surprise of the season on how they righted the ship!  But an alarming stat for me, even bigger than the one mentioned prior, is the fact that the Hamilton Steelhawks did not totally dominate the league....again!  This season they seemed some what normal, but why?  They still added huge pieces in the off season and one would think they would pony up on last seasons stats.  But the only stat that got inflated would be their defensive game as they gave up mush more goals than they are used too.  169 goals against compared to 147 last season.

Code:
7. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.) or Graphic, 3 TPE
These are two very storied franchises, what is each team's all-time top 3 forwards, top 2 defensemen, and top goalie? Why did you choose them? For graphics people, make a graphic showing both team's starting lineups and some key stats.

Well this is questionable and its up for debate, I have not been here too long and so I am electing to go with what I know best.  Lets start with the Steelhawks, and again, I warn you I will be choosing players that I know.  Aaron Wilson for me is the face of the franchise and also has 301 points in 398 games played in his career.  Michael Scarn also has impressive offensive numbers but he adds that bonified power forward look with 256 hits.  And to round off the forwards I go with Theo Morgan who compliments the other two quite nicely.  On defense I will go with Hugh Jazz cause his name is unique and also racked up the points collecting 41 last season.  My second defense man is Samuel Michaud, first off his name sounds french and I am from Quebec so yeah and also he is an offensive threat at every moment picking up 56 points last season.  in net, A Jobin, why not, he is all I hear about in Hamilton!

Code:
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?

Well looking back to the season series it is quite a toss up if you ask me with the series being ties 3-3!  So if Buffalo want any success they have to go back to watch some game tapes where they shutout their opponents on two separate occasions.  Hamilton does not compare defensively to the Stampede.
 
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?

Seeing I am a goalie I will lean towards defense for sure.  That said, I cannot pick one for either team, the bottom line is that the team has to buy what the management team is selling.  There is an old saying, " you can bring the old horse to the river to drink, but if the horse doesn't want to drink there is nothing you can do for him."

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

I will not choose but will make a ist of pros and cons, for you to decipher: I like blue more than green or yellow, Hawks seem like a cleaner nicer smelling kind of animal than a Buffalo, I've been to Buffalo and do not recommend it to anyone and for what its worth, I think for some weird reason I would prefer the Buffalo locker room! 

d. It's all come down to this: game seven overtime. Which four players are you sending out to win the game for you. This is in a fantasy sense, so feel free to mix and match from both teams.

Well this is an easy one, lets take a look at the top players from both team and pick inni minni minni moe!  And why 4 players?  Is it playoffs or not?  Anyway, Bobby Sharp, Michael Scarn and Monkey D. Luffy.  Yes I am going with the top 3 scorers of the league and  three forwards.  My one defenseman is Alexander Selich, snap I got this for sure man.

Code:
15. Milestones, up to 3 TPE
New this season, Milestones are folded in with CW. So just link your Milestone claim as task 16 for up to 3 TPE towards your 16 total.
SHL Milestones: https://simulationhockey.com/showthread.php?tid=114645
SMJHL Milestones (for senddowns): TBD

SMJHL Milestone +3


Code:
16. Written, 3 TPE
I loved this as a mPT when hotdog did it last season, so I'd like to bring it back as a permanent fixture. After all, we could all use a little positivity every now and then. Say something nice about another member or members, no word limit.

Wow well this will have to be a shout out to all my boys in the Colorado locker room for keeping it popping at all hours of the day/night and of coarse my future in Seattle, the management guys are always ready to help me.