1.
Oh Buffalo and Hamilton. If you were to ask me who could be considered the Lakers and Celtics in the SHL, I would say that it would be these two teams. I just seem to see them as perennial contenders. I think the biggest surprise is how Buffalo just bossed their way into the finals. Heading in, it looked like Buffalo were the #2 seed, not Hamilton. Although both teams beat their respective teams in the conference finals as the lower seed 3-1, Hamilton had to grind to 7 games in the conference semi finals against the #7 seeded Edmonton, #5 seeded Buffalo took number #4 seeded Manhatten to town, absolutly bullying them in 5 games. Now that they made it to the Challenge Cup Finals, I have high hopes for Buffalo management to pull a few cards out of their deck. And even if they win or not, they sure made a major run that they should be proud of.

4.
I will be referring to RESO in terms of his and the Raptors' goal of reaching and winning the Four Star Cup.
RESO: Me personally, I am still improving my craft in the J, trying to get myself refined for when I do come up to, what my cousin would call the SHL, The Show. At this point, the main growth won't come from just me, but also from aiding my teammates growth. I will help the recent draftees improve their craft. Fedor will be looking to absolutely prove that he is a 1st round talent. Jack is confident in gaining a scoring touch, and as for Angus, well his flame is definitely on…..must have been at the Highland games. Either way, the goal for the Raptors is the Four Star Cup, and with our team as it is, with lots of our players hitting their peaks, we have reached our zenith of this window.


5.
Easy Answer: SMJHL, Colorado Raptors. Sure they had the struggle hard against Anaheim Outlaws, getting forced to go to 7 games against them, but as heavy underdogs against Quebec City Citadelles, they pushed them all the to, ironically, 7 games, only this time on the wrong end of this result. No other team got close to what the Raptors did that playoffs against Quebec. In the semi finals against the #1 seeded Kelowna Knights, Quebec comfortably dispatched the Knights in 5 games. In the Finals against Anchorage Armada, Quebec again gave another 5 piece Popeyes meal to win the Four Star Cup. The only issue they had was against the Raptors, and with how hot they were entering the playoffs, Colorado looked like the best team not to make the finals.

6.
I think that the 50s in the IIHF has been summarized by the dominance of the current big 3 nations. The old powers of the US and Canada still vie for medals on a constant basis, but the duopoly they held has been shattered by the emergence of Team GB.

Currently on a 6 season medal streak, with 2 golds included in that haul, Team GB are eyeing up yet another run for the IIHF gold medal this tournament. However, compared to the early days where the pride came from the defense, team GB's strength is now their forwards. Look out for Jon Forty-One, as he looks to be the man in charge of this rambunctious bunch.

Reigning gold medalists team Canada will also look to be defending their crown this season. Easily the most stacked team in the tournament, Team Canada will be looking to defend their throne from all intruders.

Those are my two teams to win the IIHF, but watch out for USA, Germany, Sweden and Japan to cause some surprises.

12.
c.
Oh, I much prefer the Buffalo branding. The circular log fits with the minimalist yellow in that sea of green. It looks so tidy and clean, and yet it makes such a simple logo look stunning. It matches well with the Stampede branding, taking great inspiration from the NHL Buffaslug logo for the Sabers.

d.
The four players I'd have… Monkey D. Luffy is a surefire pick, as is Michael Scarn. Both of them are vets that know what they do. As for defense, I'll go for a combo of Samuel Michaud and Augustus Wang to lock up the pain. This is the team I feel confident playing in a 4v4 mash up.

16.
Hey @st4rface, how are you doing in Buffalo. I hope you found a home that truely cares for you in the SHL, I think we're learning how ruthless things can be. You have truely set yourself right, and I think that you have a great track ahead of you. I wish the best, and keep pound away, man. You're shining bright, star face.