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Phobospwns · 11-22-2017, 12:17 PM

Some of you may know, but I doubt all do, that there has been a change of management within the Texas Renegades this off season. Geoffrey Allen, long time Head GM of the Texas Renegades, has stepped back from his role, to play out the final years of his career as a roster player on the team. There was little fanfare, as Allen wanted a low key transition.

Before stepping down, he felt inclined to approach me about taking over the reigns, and I accepted- after which I immediately had a feeling of "what did I just get myself into?!". I don't say that because I don't want to head up the team, but because I've got some big shoes to fill, we're talking about a cup winning head GM, here, and I've been a lowly Co for a single season. But, with Allen helping be along last year, I took care of all the head GM duties.

Last season, we were not active in FA, and we were minimally involved in the trade market. This was a function of me not wanting to fix something that was't broken, with us coming off a Cup winning year, and most of our roster returning, I felt I owed it to them to give it another shot as essentially the same group. Obviously that didn't work out that well... Thanks for the sweeping blow to bring us back to Earth, Winnipeg. So, now we're 1 season removed from that Cup win, and it's time for me to get to work with reloading this team with talent- because let's face it, our roster is getting old.

That said, I plan to grow the team in several ways, utilizing all avenues available to me to bring in and cultivate talent. I will be more active than Texas has been historically in the draft, I'll try and hold onto a 1st or 2nd round pick at the very least in any given year. That, of course, means that I'm open to trading away my 1st or 2nd rounder in any given year, so other GMs out there, if you're looking to off load some cap, or maybe a player who doesn't quite fit in, Texas' top picks are available for the right player. Clearly, I'm open to trades as well. Right now, I've got a number of vets who want to finish out their careers here, and I've informed them that I will honor that wish, but that doesn't apply to every player on my roster. If you've got an idea, let me know.

As for free agency... if you are on the market, you'll likely hear from me after the draft, unless your goal is to break the bank. I am not looking to add high dollar contracts to our roster; frankly put, I cannot carry several big cap hits and run this team the way I want to run it, which I will touch on later. I won't always offer the minimum, because if I want to add your player, I know I'll have to dangle a nice carrot- but Texas isn't doling out 8 figure contracts anytime soon. I understand that all of us have our own goals in this league, and they're all different. I'll try and honor your goals the best I can, but we want team oriented players who are excited at the prospect of good chemistry with line mates, and success as a unit as a whole. For example, if you're a player who just hit the 1000 TPE mark, who has been loyal to our team, and you want to move up from the 3rd line to a top 6 role, I'm willing to make moves outside the box to make that happen. I want to cultivate talent, and players who respect that it's a process (and don't demand to be put on a top line at 700 TPE) will be rewarded.

As for "how I want to run the team" - those of you who may have played for me during my GOMHL time as a Head GM will know. As for here, I know that the ice time/lines debate has been raging over the last 2 seasons or so (and probably for longer than that, even). I plan on fielding a top 9 F group and a top 6 defensive corps every season. I've had some players on my own roster express concerns that it could cost us regular season wins. That is very possible, and I accept that fact. My goal is to get this team into the playoffs each and every season, and make a run at the Cup, with a goal to win it all. I could give two shits about winning the Presidents' Trophy if it means me taking the 26th-30th minutes away from the top 6 forwards means I can give 3 active players respectable playing time on the third line, without keeping them in the minors until they have 800 TPE. In S36 we were the 3rd seed in the playoffs, beating out the Riot on ROW alone- yet, we won the Challenge Cup. No one remembers what seed you are when you win the Championship, and Championships is what I want Texas to deal in. So if that's how it plays out every year, sign me up. I will admit now, up front, that in the playoffs, you've sometimes got to "beat them at their own game," so 3rd liners would probably see a reduction in minutes. Hopefully rule changes will happen soon that will cut back on that some, but until they do, it is what it is.

I'm sure some folks will come in here and poke and laugh at this announcement. They'll throw shade at the tone I used above. Some players will probably write Texas off because of my ideas on running a team, and what types of players I want to bring in. That's all fine and dandy, to be honest. If you saw this and you think I'm full of shit, I don't blame you, that's your prerogative. But, please don't judge Texas in this upcoming FA year, and in years that follow (or if you're drafted or traded here), based on preconceived notions you may have about our team or our locker room. No one knew me when I showed up here in S30, and the team took me in and treated me awesome. Now, here I am, at the helm, and I'm telling you, you'll get the same treatment, regardless of your background. I wouldn't have stayed here if that wasn't the case, and if you join us, you're going to feel the same way.

Thanks for listening, I look forward to working alongside my fellow GMs, working with players currently on our roster, and those who will come, and playing against those on other teams in the league. Good luck out there, and don't forget to have a little fun along the way.

Conklin Owen
Head GM - Texas Renegades

***Ace*** · 11-22-2017, 12:21 PM

Good luck with your role there, Phobo. Nice article.

MWHazard · 11-22-2017, 01:02 PM

Good luck with it my dude. Looking forward to more battles.

Cheers

***bluesfan55*** · 11-22-2017, 01:22 PM

ily phobo, good luck!

ty to @High Stick King @EvilAllBran and @Ragnar for the sigs

Durden · 11-22-2017, 01:51 PM

Phobos is a ruthless GM and will do what it takes to win Championships. Dis gun b gud.

Ghost · 11-22-2017, 02:15 PM

Texas in good hands

Phobospwns · 11-22-2017, 03:13 PM

Thanks guys, appreciate it. I'm looking forward to the challenge, I know it's not easy to win a cup in this league. It's an intimidating world, being SHL GM, because the league is just so big. It'll be an adjustment, but I'm ready for it.

RHolder71 · 11-22-2017, 04:36 PM

I'm offering all new signees free VIP status at all of my China Club locations. Come get it !

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