Task 1: (3 TPE)

I helped build it.

Task 5: (2 TPE)

The best team that didn't make it to the finals is a very obvious choice. In the SHL, the top team, by far, was the Hamilton Steelhawks. They've been the best team in the league for what seems like forever and this season was no different. They dominated their way to 113 points and a staggering +163 goal differential. They entered the playoffs with a bye and then quickly dismantled Edmonton in a 4 game sweep in Round 2. In Round 3, they faced a very tough Texas team who finished third in the league, but Hamilton was still the better team. Well, wouldn't you know it, but Hamilton ended up losing in the series in Game 7. The far and away best team in the league just couldn't hang in there and get it done when it mattered the most. Fatigue from years of deep playoff runs? The end of a dynasty? They are facing these questions in Hamilton going into a very interesting off-season for them.

(168 words)

Task 7: (2 TPE)

The SHL has a cult following compared to the mainstream attention that the NHL has. It's a group of hardcore fans who have embraced the league since day one. Now, since that day, the fan base has grown a lot. There has been more coverage of the league in sports media which has brought in a few, more high profile, fans. One team in particular has gained a rather famous celebrity group as their super fans.

In Hamilton, they've built themselves a perennial juggernaut. With success comes popularity and a big name rock band from Hamilton has strapped on for the ride. I'm talking about The Arkells. Already embracing other Hamilton teams like the Tiger-Cats, you can find the Arkells in their box suite at most home games. They've also recorded their own Steelhawks anthem that plays at each home game. They've really embraced the team and the partnership has been great for everyone involved.

(155 words)

Task 12: (4 TPE)

a. Which of these teams has stronger offensive firepower?

Buffalo has the stronger offensive power and I don't think it's particularly close. In the regular season, Texas' leading scorer was Alexander Wachter with 71 points. Buffalo had 3 players with more than that, led by Aron Hernadivic with 93 points. They scored 33 more goals in the season as well. In the playoffs, Texas is led by Kondos with 12 points, while Buffalo has 10 players with more than 12, including the top 4 scorers in the playoffs. Give this one to Buffalo in a landslide. (87 words)

b. This is Texas’s first cup appearance since winning it in S36, while Buffalo is recovering from 2 recent final losses to Hamilton. Which team will have a bigger chip on their shoulder entering the finals.

I think this is Buffalo as well. Texas not being there for so long I don't know that you come with a chip on your shoulder. This team is completely different from the one that was here last so they don't carry those losses with them. This is their first chance to make an impact and they haven't had the chance to lose and get that chip. Buffalo, however, has been here very recently and with mostly the same players. Coming up short in the finals as many times as Buffalo, they have a whole bag of chips on their shoulder. They need to win, to prove to themselves and to everyone else that they belong at the top with the likes of Hamilton. The chip is squarely on the shoulders of the Stampede, and so is the pressure. (139 words)

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

I think both brandings are very clean looking, but I'm taking the Buffalo branding. Texas is a good look and a cool name, but Buffalo has the more unique look to them. The green and gold is not a colour scheme you see a lot, especially compared to silver and black. It's an uncommon team name as well, but works really well with the city. The logo is also very clean and has that classic circle look that teams seem to be moving away from. Thumbs up for the Buffalo Stampede branding. (92 words)

d. Would you rather have to spend a long weekend hanging out in Dallas or Buffalo? What would you do?

Much like the other answers, this one is a no brainer. I'm staying in Dallas. First thing I would do is get some famous Texas BBQ. Next, I would head out to AT&T Stadium where the Cowboys play. I want to see that magnificent structure with my own eyes and hopefully catch a Cowboys game while I was there. I would also want to rent a Jeep and drive out and experience the open desert. At night, I've heard some really good things about all those country bars they have down in Texas. I like a would rather enjoy my long weekend there in Dallas. (105 words)

Task 15: (3 TPE)

Verification: Strongo

Task 16: (2 TPE)

Hypotheticals can be fun to think about, they really get your brain working and get those creative juices flowing. However, sometimes those hypotheticals can get downright strange. Like this one, where we find ourselves in a situation with absolutely nothing to eat, except each other. Which SHL player would I hope to find so I could devour them for their nutrition? There is only one answer, and that is Tony Pepperoni. First of all, come on, he's actual pepperoni. Second, pepperoni has a decent fat content and that is what you need when food is scarce. The fat will turn into long term energy in your body so it will sustain you for a long period of time. Pepperoni is also cured meat so the shelf life is very long which is so crucial in this situation. Sorry Tony, but I'm coming after you first.

(145 words)