1. Written, 3 TPE, Ups and Downs (150 words min.)

So this was a tough season for everyone in the SHL. Dealing with trolls online, horrible PR from product endorsements, and on top of that all some minor identity fraud to add to the pile. Are these the worst things to happen to your player this season, or did something unimaginably horrible happen? On the flip side, were there any bright spots hidden in the countless nuisances and problems? What good things on and off the ice happened this season for you?

I have to admit that Rinky McDangle certainly had an "interestingly challenging" season.  The events now referred to as "The Waterford Crystal Jock Deception" and the "Hardened Fibre Fiasco"  would be enough to drive a lesser being to drink.... or worse.  Rinky was fortunate enough, and had the mental and physical fortitude to overcome these bumps along the road of life and, actually, put together a relatively good year in his second season with the Colorado Raptors .  Rinky maxed out on TPE for a second year player.  He was able to contribute 28 points to his team's offence, a nicely balanced 13 Goals and 15 Assists.  He was able to amass 3 points before the Raptors were eliminated by Anchorage in a hard fought 7 game series.  Anchorage has since moved on to the Finals.  Not being selected to an IIHF teams was another disappointment that Rinky handled gracefully, vowing to return next year bigger, faster and just better.  He has returned to his summer residence in Swords to begin his off=season training regime.

3. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)

Freaky Friday.. or Monday. Tuesday? Anyhow, I think the finals will be over by Friday barring some kind of Re-sim :grimace: Anyways, I forgot the plot of the movie but there's something about a fortune cookie and now you're in your mom's body! But actually, it's the body of an SHL player, one from Chicago or Buffalo! (If you are on Buffalo or Chicago, you can't be yourself, pick a teammate or opponent). Now that you are them and they are you, what do you do during the big game? Play amazing and turn a scrub into a superstar? Play like a bum and try to help the other team win? Oggle yourself in the mirror? The world is so exciting in a new body...

With a sudden flash and a loud bang, there I was..... transmuted into the body of Hippo Passamus.  Now, I realized that Hippo (a.k.a. Sir Passalot" has aged since his prime, but he still has something to contribute to Buffalo's run for the Cup.  I look around the room and I am humbled by the talent which which I am surrounded.  I begin my routine of dressing, everything goes on left to right.  I tie my skates twice.  I adjust the equipment bits and pieces for maximum comfort and flexibility.  I make sure that I have sufficient sticks to get me through the game and that all my lumber is taped in my own special fashion.  Led by our goalie, Elizabeth Doyle, we file out onto the ice surface.  The crowd roars on our taking the ice and my emotions soar.  After a brief warm-up we get to our respective spots on the ice (or bench) and remove our helmets for the National Anthem.  The referee approaches center ice and drops the puck............................


5. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)

We're adding 2 teams to the SMJHL this season. Do you think we should keep the current SMJHL playoff format of everyone makes it? Or is it time to just take the best 8 or 12 teams and let em duke it out? Defend your stance.

I have to say that I have mixed feelings about this issue.  Firstly, with regard to all teams making the playoffs, I have issue with that.  I mean why should a team that has played exceptionally poorly all season be rewarded with a playoff spot.  Conversely, it makes for a long period on inactivity for those players whose teams are not included.  This is a period of time where we could lose some players who would otherwise remain active.  So, from the point of view of retention, perhaps we should continue to include all teams in the playoff tournament.  So, in conclusion, I have one foot uncomfortably on each side of the proverbial fence.


7. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)

We're at a point in the SHL where a good chunk of the playerbase played back in the STHS era, and a good chunk has known nothing but FHM. If you're in the latter part of the league you must have heard the horror stories... so: Let's make a hypothetical.

Players who played in both eras: What would have happened if we just had one sim engine? Posture how your career would have gone if we stayed in STHS (sans exploits). Or what if you had created in FHM the whole time? Would things have gone better or worse?

For you FHM babies: What if we were still in Simon T land? Would your career be where it is now? Or would randomness have stunted the dynasties you may or may not have been part of?

So, I am kind of a hybrid.  On this website I have only experienced FHM (Franchise Hockey Manager).  However, in a different simulation league I have become all too familiar with STHS (Simon T Hockey Simulator).  I really don't mind FHM,  I like the online live sims.  The only knock is that the system doesn't produce a box score for faster reference to individual and personal performance.  STHS is another critter altogether.  Its randomness leaves a lot to be desired.  I was on a team that, in terms of individual stats, we should have made the playoffs easily.  We didn't even come close.....  This certainly sours the experience for a player and a team that have worked very hard to max TPE and not get rewarded for it.  Another personal example of the vagaries of STHS is when I was assigned second line minutes and some power play time. My player was just not performing very well given his attributes and opportunity.  When I finally looked at my Time On Ice, I discovered that in several instances I was actually on the ice for significantly less time than our FOUTH LINE center.  That just wasn't right !!!  
Thanks for allowing me to rant a bit about sim engines.  One of my favorite topics !!!


9. Graphic, 3 TPE

Create a magazine cover that highlights either a player in the finals or a standout player from the regular season.





16. slash's secret bonus prompt SHHHHHH. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)

Luke let you keep the money you stole from him in the heist, and won't tell the authorities. But you have to take him on a wonderful date using the money. How does your evening go? What dining and activities do you have in store for good ol' Lukey boy?

The heist went extremely well and a large sum of cash was available for each of the heist gang,  Because ol' Lukey was such a forgiving person I decided to invite him to my Northern Ontario Haven.  He would be picked up at his door by limo which would deliver him to the nearest small airport where he would be bizjetted to an equally small airport in Northern Ontario.  There I would pick him up in "Big Blue" (my rattletrap pick-up) and set out on a 2 1/2 hour drive to McDangle's Haven, located on a relatively remote lake.  Here we would spend the day fishing and sipping cold beverages.  Dinner would consist of freshly caught pickerel, double baked, stuffed potatoes, and a green salad.  A chocolate and cherry pie piecaken would be our dessert.  This repast would be followed by plenty of strong coffee (or stronger beverages of choice.)  Campfire, tall tales and a good sleep before we leave the next day.




15. CW TRIVIA, 3 TPE max - 1 TPE for participation, 0.5 TPE for each correct answer. This is completed through a Google form linked below. Make sure to spell your answers correctly or you will not get credit. Post your verification word in your CW post.

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