PBE affiliate PT (3 TPE)

1. Written, 3 TPE, Ups and Downs (150 words min.) (3 TPE)
Honestly, the best thing that happened to me this season was just the camaraderie that I was able to build in the Hamilton locker room. For the most part, I didn't know anybody in there when I first joined. There were just a couple players from other leagues that I had run into before, but for the overwhelming majority, it was meeting them for the first time.  I definitely got more comfortable not only on game days, but just in practice and seeing everyone in the rink for practice and prep.  That really helped my performances in practice and in games and was one of the main reasons I was able to have some success this season with the Steelhawks.  Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the disappointment in the playoffs. That was definitely the most "down" part of this campaign, but I know for a fact that we'll be back better than ever next season.  That series lost has only added fuel to our fire for the coming season in Hamilton.
(175 words)

4. Written, 3 TPE (60 words min.) (3 TPE)
Ugh, poetry is so 17th century, we're ditching that prompt. Earlier in the season I had you flex your songwriting in an SHL style parody, but this time you don't have a song to lean on. You're writing your very own diss track about something SHL related. A player, A team, A GM, anything. You can write a diss track about CW if you want.

Imagine playing for a team,
With not a chance to win,
You'll never take home trophies now,
'cause you're not Hamilton.

The Steelhawks brand is quite unmatched,
And reign supreme do we,
Despite our early loss this time,
Just wait next year you'll see.

Back atop the league we'll be,
With yet another 'ship,
This season was a minor thing,
Twas simply just a blip.

So for all the other teams,
I'll pray for all your fans,
Because we know they'll never see,
A trophy in your hands.

But that's not us, no we're the best,
The envy of the league,
In fact we'll win so many more,
There will be Ham fatigue.

And this does end this poem now,
Back to this ice I'll go,
And back to catching L's you'll be,
As our trophy case will grow.

5. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.) (2 TPE)
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 used to think that the J league format was whack...where everyone makes it and the regular season is devalued.  But after spending so much time not only playing in the J league but being in the Maine War Rooms and admin channels, I realized how important it is for the newcomers to the league to have fun and get a full immersive experience.  So I'm in favor of everyone making the playoffs, officially.  Even with the new teams being added.  It doesn't hurt anybody (because J league is all about fun) and it adds a whole lot of extra hockey for young players, first time GMs, etc. to really enjoy the league and spend more time getting the hang of things.  Who doesn't love more hockey?
(127 words)

6. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.) (3 TPE)
What's your prediction for this season's IIHF tournament? Which teams do you expect to do well (or not well)? Which players?

One word: Sweden. I fully anticipate Sweden to run through the round robin and take home the gold medal.  From top to bottom, they have the best roster, best management, and best strategies.  The Swedes were so deep in fact, that we had to leave a whole heck of a lot of talented players back home!  Karl Krashwagen is a player who I know will stand out for the Swedes and I also look for Jobin to lock up the goal from day one.  Jobin was a crucial part of our success in Hamilton this past season and I know for a fact he'll help the Swedes to the medal podium.  Whether it's offense, defense, goalkeeping, or depth of their bench, it's hard to find an area where the Swedes don't stand out among the other countries in this year's tournament.  I know this - if I was the coach of a rival nation, I would be nervously awaiting the draw of the elimination round.  I wouldn't want any piece of this Swedish squad.  Hard to score on, hard to stop, and they've got perhaps the best chemistry of any nation's team.  Get that gold, Sweden!
(195 words)

17. Milestones, up to 3 TPE (2 TPE)

16 TPE total