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?
It was a tough season all around for HLO and San Francisco. After losing some much beloved locker room guys to the expansion draft, the team failed to resign their trade deadline acquisitions and again failed to land any players in Free Agency. Morale was down all around and you could tell that the group just did not feel great about the overall situation. This is the first season since the rebuild that the team had a downward swing and I think much of it can be attributed to morale. On a positive note, the team is still young and is just starting to enter their prime and there is much excitement surrounding the future and what the team will be in a couple of seasons. There are plenty of young players coming up this season to add more life to the locker room and spur on improvement and there is a feeling of cautious optimism surrounding free agency and attracting young players.

6. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
What's your prediction for this season's IIHF tournament? Which teams do you expect to do well (or not well)? Which players?
I always say Sweden is going to win because I am a homer and I want to get that gold medal but I really do think we have a great chance this season. Our core is hitting their prime and the young guys are making us incredibly deep. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a team with a better outlook for the future than team Sweden at this point. I fully expect this team to be a dominant force in the IIHF for a long time to come, being able to compete with powerhouses like Canada, team USA, GB and Japan (lol). As far as what players will do well, I expect Abel Skinner to crush it. He always does. Great player and it really shows whenever he plays internationally. I also think Jimmy Wagner will have a breakout IIHF season. Him and HLO seem to have great offensive chemistry so far and I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up scoring the most goals in the tournament.

12. Written, up to 4 TPE - Pick up to 4 Challenge Cup related topics to write about! Each topic is worth 1 TPE. Each answer must be 50+ words.
a. The salt special: Do these teams deserve to be here? Or were they gifted a trip to the finals through puck luck and bullshittery?
I think the definitely deserve it, although Chicago had the easier way to the finals. I really thought they had the series locked in 5 games into it but we all know the FHM gods are fickle.
b. Buffalo has been here many times in the past 20 seasons, this is only the second (I think I'm too lazy to check) time for Chicago. Which is more impressive? The continued dominance of Buffalo? Or the solid couple of runs Chicago has made despite the team only being 15 seasons old?
Buffalo going to Buffalo. Hamilton and Buffalos dominance in the recent era is very impressive and with how many picks they keep getting a hold of its likely only going to continue. They are being run well, they are coached well and they attract free agents. Very impressive by every metric you could possibly think of.
c. Everyone's a critic: Nitpick one thing about either team's logo, jersey, rink design, goal horn, or general site demeanor.
I'm not going to lie, I'm not a huge fan of the Syndicate branding. I'm aware of the history in Chicago and maybe its because I'm not from North America but it just seems a little stale and boring to me. Doesn't really feel like a real branding for a sports team. Never been a fan of it but I've never really been able to put my finger on why. Bunch of great guys in Chicago but the branding just isn't to my taste.
d. Who is the best player to play for either team? Is it a current player? Retired? Traded? Make your case.
Tough one. Both teams have had so many great players over the seasons. There are some people that I absolutely love that have played for both teams that I looked up to when joining the league. I'm going to have to pick someone that was active in the league when I joined so I'm going with Hippo Passamus. Over 800 games played, great scoring pace and plays hard with an average of over 2 hits per game. Great playoff performer too.

Milestones. 3 TPE 4. 3/3 TPE Claimed

Trivia, 3TPE. Trivia word: Yes

16/16 TPE