I think going into the season, there were rumblings about the potential for Toronto to make it into the playoffs ahead of one team in Buffalo, Chicago or Hamilton. I don’t know how many people took it seriously, thinking that at best that it would be a close race for 3rd. While that did end up being the case in the end, maybe the most surprising is how comfortably Toronto held 2nd over Buffalo and Chicago. They simply were consistent where Buffalo and Chicago regularly dropped opportunities throughout the season and that was the difference in them securing a playoff spot for the first time in ages. Buffalo had possibly much lower lows and incredibly higher highs than Chicago. Even in the start of the season where they started off the season winless, they were still able to pick up a few overtime wins at the beginning. Unlike Chicago who lost in regulation more often than they should have and just enough that it mattered in the end as opposed to picking up a few overtime points.

It easily has to be the ability to play without any punishment from penalties/offsides/icing as the home team. While the extra man advantage would be a boon especially to either teams as deep as either Buffalo or Hamilton, the fact that they could play at their full potential and possibly even beyond as they would be allowed to make as many illegal plays as possible, gives an inevitable edge that all 5 players would have over their opposition even with an extra body. You’d almost be able to commit murder, absolutely smash the ever living soul out of them and continue to benefit if they were to make an illegal play.


Every season for the J it seems that inevitably that the top bracket half is the topic of choice because of how the semifinals is the true finals, with the winner of the semis being the cup winner just about every single time. I’m going to go in a different and biased route with saying that Newfoundland was another best team not to make the finals. Going into the series, Anchorage seemed to have Newfoundland’s number all season and the playoffs were no different. While the Berserkers had a dominant defense in allowing the least amount of shots of any team, struggled to prevent Anchorage from scoring with those limited chances, and failing to score despite controlling possession the majority of the games.


a. While Buffalo did finish behind in points, much of it is due to their lack of consistency at the start of the season. After adding Dick Clapper who was recently on Hamilton last season as a bit of an irony, they may have the depth to make a difference in a shorter series. At least, they have heartbreaker Steve Harrington

b. I think I would have to ultimately lean with defense. There’s nothing quite like the frustration of being able to put up shot attempts one after another for one of the best goalies to stymie every seemingly guaranteed goal. Or on other nights where it doesn’t even seem like you can get anything going, is a relatively quiet game with no chances, only to fall behind.

c. Buffalo all the way, I think it does well in both making a play on its namesake as well as inspiring some color and interest whereas Hamilton does perfectly capture the dullness of Hamilton but not exactly something I care for. Otherwise both places are very much a toss up as not being particularly attractive as an option to live in I don’t think.

d. Aaron Wilson, Monkey D Luffy, Michael Scarn and Elizabeth Doyle. There isn’t a defenseman as part of this 3 person group but I believe that the two-way play of Wilson and Scarn are more than capable when needed but more than anything, is the raw talent and puck protection of this team to both create space as well as chances.


+2 TPE


Oh boy, I feel like I should shout out a few different folks this season.

@Sopath, I hugely appreciate you taking the effort and step forward in a lot of Zerk based initiatives from Zerk of the Game, to wanting to take over the Awards show. It’s not an easy task and trying to keep up with all that writing is a commitment but also making the experience better for everybody else.

@Patty, it’s crazy how you went from IA to being part of WJC, SHL HO and tampering connoisseur. I appreciate you and everybody in the management group for helping level out my crazy thoughts and intentions and repeatedly pulling me from the ledge I so desperately enjoy looking over.

@juke, I probably say it a lot but if anything I still don’t say it enough. This ride is still as fun and crazy as the day we both took the job. I’m also looking forward to being one of those old people like Tez and J and being able to look back at our picks and our history.

@bdu754, I knew that this job would be a tough one, and stepping into the big shoes of my predecessors would especially be a high bar to reach. Thanks to you it has been an absolute privilege and pleasure in growing into this role given what you bring to the team on and off the ice. If I could keep you down with us forever, I would but the beeg yoshi has become too beeg for the J. Go on and vibe on my friend.

@Naosu ily too thanks for being there