Sad

TPE: 3/16

a. I'm not sure many people would have seen this coming. Two teams that joined the league at the same time, both making the finals and competing against each other for their franchise-first cup. So... who do think wins it all? The first time to the Challenge Cup Seattle Argonauts, that have been dismantling higher seeded teams through their entire playoff run? Or the President's Trophy winning Atlanta Inferno that are back with a vengeance after a S64 Challenge Cup defeat?

This is definitely a tough match-up but an interesting one for the Simulation Hockey League’s Challenge Cup final. While both teams have been good, one team was dominant all regular season and one team has turned It on in the Simulation Hockey League Challenge Cup playoffs. If I had to choose one I would probably say the Atlanta Inferno just based off regular season and long-term dominance but I think Argonauts have a good shot.  (75 Words)


b. You can't talk about Seattle's run without talking about the dominant performance of starting goaltender Willie Miller, who has posted a .935 SV% heading into the finals. If your Atlanta, how do you solve this brick wall? If your Seattle, what do you do to make sure your guy stays hot?

The Seattle Argonauts goaltender Willie Miller has certainly been a major bright spot in the Seattle Argonauts Simulation Hockey League Challenge Cup run. If I am was the Atlanta Inferno I would just keep getting pucks to the net and get bodies to the net, because that is ultimately how you score goals in hockey. They cannot become frustrated. For Seattle the best bet is to keep supporting Willie Weber with goals but do not let Weber get shelled every game because you never know.  (80 Words)


c. Atlanta's big storyline is their incredible depth. They have eleven players that have logged 10 or more points so far in the playoffs. If you're Seattle, how do you try to contain three lines of unending offensive pressure? If you're Atlanta, how do you ensure everyone is able to continue to contribute against such a stellar defense?

The Atlanta Inferno have amazing depth as shown by the statistics. The Atlanta Inferno need to stay patient and wait for the opportunities as previously mentioned. They cannot get frustrated when things do not go the way they want to. If the Atlanta Inferno can keep their mental up they should see results. In terms of the Seattle Argonauts, have to frustrate the Atlanta Inferno whether it’s through defensive work or physical work. Get them off their mental game and see if they can hold. (85 Words)

d. Seattle's powerplay has been on fire contributing 14 goals up to this point, which comes out to almost 30% of their goals scored (50G total) in these playoffs. Atlanta on the other hand have managed just 5 power play goals, which is only 5% of their scoring (59G total). In your opinion-- is this a good thing for Seattle, or a good thing for Atlanta? Maybe a good thing for both? Do you think a dynamic team like Seattle that can capitalize on so many of their PP chances will lead to Atlanta playing scared-- worried about what might happen if they enter the box? Do you think a relentless Atlanta team that is so flush with even strength scoring is going to be too much for Seattle to take?

I think this is a good thing for Seattle but like previously mentioned if they can get the Atlanta Inferno off their mental game and frustrate them they will take penalties. Once they do that the Seattle Argoanuts can pounce and pot goals and ultimately win games. I think this will lead to Atlanta playing more cautiously or attempting to but this is the finals so teams normally do what it takes to win. I do not think Atlanta is too much for Seattle to take, but by the time game 5,6,7 come I wonder how much Seattle will have in the tank to hold on.
(80 Words)

TPE: 7/16


The Seattle Argonauts of the Simulation Hockey League has had a very successful season in Season 66 which could lead them to possibly a Challenge Cup. Looking to next year the Seattle Argonauts secret weapon is the fact they have a ketchup noodle bar in their locker room before games. Nice meal full of carbos and gives the players lots of energy, possibly more energy than most teams! Also the Seattle Argonauts will just run it back will all players playing the same way they did this season, with the same skillset, and no player will have an off season or get worse at all! This will allow the Seattle Argonauts to have a major advantage because other team’s players will get worse naturally but the Seattle Argonauts won’t because well, none of their players got worse or lost any skills! This is the Seattle Argonauts of the Simulation Hockey League’s secret weapons and no one can stop them! (153 words)

TPE: 10/16



Milestones

TPE: 13/16



Last season in the IIHF tournament we saw a ton of surprises and different teams near the top. I do not think last season was an anomaly. The IIHF scene is growing and teams are getting players via transfers and a lot of nations are growing. This is a sign that the Simulation Hockey League is growing as well as the game of hockey. It is great to see new teams near the top! Now, my predictions are going to be same old but I do believe Finland, Great Britain and Canada will round of the top of the IIHF this season. Finland is always strong. Great Britain has a great younger team which was strong last season and Canada is well Canada.  I think some other strong teams this season include Team Switzerland and Team Czechia. Both teams have been near the top before and have been good in recent seasons. I think we are in for an interesting IIHF season with the recent changes to the Simulation Hockey League setup.  (160 words)

TPE: 16/16