There were a few elements that were "surprises" this season. First of all, we cannot put to silence the stellar (don't pardon my pun) performance of the Toronto North Stars as a whole, and the earthquake their rise to power has provoked in the Great Lakes division. The ripple effect was felt, as last season's Challenge Cup winners, the Chicago Syndicate, could not secure a playoff berth after battling with the eventual runner-ups of this season, the Buffalo Stampede.

Second was the tightly contested playoff battles throughout the league. While they might have been fighting with less point totals than the aforementioned Syndicate, teams in the Atlantic and Northwest divisions were contesting the final spot in each division until the very last sim day of the season. Good on the Baltimore Platoon and Winnipeg Aurora for securing their berth, but both teams were only a few points from falling out of these spots, as Baltimore finished 5 points clear of both Tampa Bay and New England, while Winnipeg was only 2 points clear of Minnesota, and 3 points clear of Seattle. It really was anyone's game, and it shows how tightly the top of both divisions will be contested in the near future.

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I think this question hurts more than I'd like to admit. My player has been in the league for 7 seasons now, and I have yet to experience the SHL playoffs in my own locker room, save for some check-ins here and there as we make sure Calgary or Edmonton don't get another cup. Through a series of circumstances, I was tasked to hold the fort while a rebuild was happening with the franchise, as we needed to adjust to the new realities of FHM. But as the goalie and coach of a rebuilding team... Pain is an oft-repeated word.

I wish I could carry the Monarchs even more. I wish I could give my young defensemen even more confidence as they make their first steps in the SHL. I've had some good seasons, from a statistical standpoint, but the sheer volume of shots we surrender means that without McBride caliber numbers, we can kiss the playoffs goodbye. I know this defensive corps will get better, I see their potential, but in the meantime... I need to give my absolute best. This franchise needs it more than any other in this league.

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a. Seems easy enough in my mind, but it's much tougher to do it on the ice. Basically, the Stampede have to score first, and score early, if they want to have any ascendant over the Steelhawks. Hamilton's offense has shown that it's greatest strength is its relentlessness, so you need to destabilize it as soon as you can. (58 words)

b. The old saying is "defense wins championships". Doyle and the Buffalo defense have proved that they can win a Challenge Cup with it - but Hamilton has also shown, a few seasons ago, that an offensive power house can also break even the thickest wall. If I had to choose one or the other, I'd go for a repeat for Theo Morgan and his band of merry men. (67 words)

c. I mean no offense to the team, but the Hamilton Steelhawks' branding has always seemed a bit "bland" to me. I understand the reference to steel in a city that is known for such industry, but I'm not a huge fan of grey in sports. Whereas the Buffalo Stampede's moniker just works perfectly off the city name, and its logo is intriguing to look at (plus, I'm probably biased, but green and gold just works really well together!) (78 words)

d. Only four? Okay... Well, I would unite a pairing up top from the Steelhawks, Michael Scarn and Theo Morgan. They've shown how incisive each of them could be in critical situations all season long. As for the defense, I would simply turn to the Stampede's first defensive unit of Augustus Wang and Alexander Selich. These two have been asked to monitor the toughest opposition together for a while now, and I'd trust them with a do-or-die defensive assignment any night. (80 words)

https://simulationhockey.com/showthread....pid3007385

@JNH @SDCore it's still amazing to me how big of a contrast it has been in the locker room you built, since my first steps as a UDFA in Lethbridge, to now in Newfoundland. It's a totally different place, always buzzing with activity and camaraderie, and it's all thanks to your incessant efforts and dedication to this league. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

@Nhamlet @juke there couldn't have been better candidates to take over the helm of the Drakkar. You will forever be my S53 darlings. And now you're building another amazing generation of Berserkers, and your implication and helpfulness has been noted several time by newer members of this league. Keep on being lovely, you two.

@Carpy48 you were really close this season, my astral twin. Go get that Challenge Cup, you deserve it more than anyone else I know on this site... Except maybe us

@SpartanGibbles @Segi @Mutedfaith @BadWolf @Shmurph Thanks for always having my back when I'm going nuts over this hobby. Your positivity and council has been a blessing, and I thank my stars to have crossed your paths, and have shared an advisory staff with all of you for over a year now. Long may the Monarchs reign <3