How do you top the best regular season of all time? Well how about a playoff run where you actually make the finals! The Blizzard under their current management had become known as a bit of a post-season choke artist. Putting up big win and goal totals during the regular season they were unable to convert that in to substantial gains in the playoffs, often losing out in a critical game 7 to the darn Winnipeg Jets. This time around though things were different. They had an even deeper roster, an all-star goalie and most importantly, a matchup against a team not named the Jets.
In round one the Edmonton Blizzard squared off against the Los Angeles Panthers. Considered the favorite to win the series by a wide margin the Blizzard had fared well against the Panthers during the regular season going 5-0-1 in their 6 game series and outscoring them by a margin of 22-12. As is always the case though the playoffs is a different beast and while you can lean on performance in the regular it is never a true indicator of how things will go down. The last time these two teams met in the playoffs was back in S42. Edmonton eliminated Los Angeles as the lower seed in game 6 to earn their first playoff series victory since karlssens took over as general manager back in the S35 offseason. This time around they’d only need 4 games to dispatch the Panthers, securing their first four game sweep in the playoffs in who knows how long. While a sweep would suggest the Blizzard dominated the Panthers that was hardly the case as game two would require overtime and game three was decided by a single goal. Had Los Angeles had a bounce gone their way in game two this could’ve been a drastically different series, but the Blizzard were on a mission this season and weren’t looking to slow down.
Next up was the Texas Renegades, who also managed to sweep their first round opponent. Through regular season play they were arguably the second strongest team after the Blizzard and sat comfortably in the western conference second seed practically all season. An equally lethal roster, Louie Garrett was coming of a very strong regular season worthy off MVP discussion. In game one the Blizzard would get their first taste of post-season defeat as the Renegades secured a 5-3 win. Edmonton would battle back in a critical game two though to tie the series at 1-1. Taking the series back to Texas the Renegades were not to be outdone in their own barn as they shut out the visiting Blizzard in a commanding 4-0 win. Eager to put the Blizzard on their heels they went in to game four looking for the 3-1 series lead, but the Edmonton Blizzard had other plans as they answered back with their own convincing win, a final score of 4-1. With the series tied at two apiece the western conference champions’ bracket became a best of 3. Game five saw the two teams move the series back to Edmonton and thanks in large part to the home town fans the Blizzard would able to secure their first lead in the series on a nail biter overtime winner off the stick of Ensio Kalju, his first post-season goal in the Blizzard blue! The Texas Renegades were not ready to roll over though, tying the series 3-3 after a dominating 4-2 win in game 6, setting the stage for a winner take all game 7. Just like all series it was a back and forth affair. Texas would strike for two goals, then the Blizzard. Texas would regain the lead, but then Edmonton would take a lead of their own with just 5 minutes remaining the regulation! Long time Renegade Conklin Owen wasn’t to be outdone though as he’d tie the game with just over a minute remaining to force the best moment in hockey. Elimination overtime. Fortunately for the hometown Blizzard they’d need only a single shot as playoff phenom Teddy Cuddles would score just 53 seconds in to the extra frame. The Blizzard had done it.
They were back in the finals for the first time since S31. Their opponent? The West Kendall Platoon. The last time these two teams met was way back in S28 when the Blizzard defeated the Platoon in a best of 7 to secure the Challenge Cup. Would they repeat that performance or would the Platoon hoist the cup for the third time in just five seasons? After two games you’d be hard pressed to argue the latter as the Blizzard jumped out to an early 2-0 series lead on a pair of convincing wins. The Platoon were battle tested though and more than capable to overcome this challenge as they’d answer back with three straight wins of their own. This marked the first time in S45 that the Blizzard would lose more than two games in a row. Could they overcome the odds much like the Platoon did in games 3, 4 and 5? Game 6 was of utmost importance to the Blizzard. The Platoon would strike first, but the Blizzard would answer to end the first. After two periods the Platoon would hold the lead 3-2. A lone Edmonton goal was scored in the third frame to force overtime, setting the stage for more late game heroics. This time it was none other than Joe “playoffs” Kurczewski. Brought over from Calgary to help them over the post-season hump he did just that in a potential seasoning ending game. Once again the Edmonton Blizzard found themselves in a winner take all game 7. Fresh off an elimination game of their own you’d think the Blizzard had the advantage in this one, but never count out the Platoon. A pair of goals each way in the first period kept the game deadlocked. The Blizzard would regain their lead early in the second and finish the frame up 3-2. One period to go and the Blizzard would strike again to earn a much needed insurance marker. The Platoon answered quickly though to keep the game within one. Much to the delight of the fans though the Blizzard would net a power play marker to put this game out of reach for the visiting West Kendall Platoon, securing the win and ultimately the championship for the hometown Blizzard.
When I took over the team way back in S35 I had hoped to build a contending team through the draft. Although it may have taken a little longer than I would’ve expected we were finally able to achieve that goal here in S45. Cap that off with a Presidents, Uppercut and McKeil and you really can’t ask for much more. It’s been an absolute thrill to manage this team and I’d like to thank the following people for putting up with me.
Cory Knouse @ckroyal92 – the quiet leader. Acquired via trade back at the beginning of S39 he’s been a blessing to the Edmonton Blizzard ever since and a huge part of this Challenge Cup win. I know the top prize had eluded him for some time now, but his patience has paid off and he’s now a member of the exclusive four gold club.
Teodors Cukurs @iOBESE – We did it man. The longest serving active member of the Blizzard not name Scholz it’s been a roller coaster of a career for Cukurs and I. From some dreadful seasons in the mid S30’s to some better ones in the early S40’s to our recent dominance here over the last few seasons it’s been a privilege to ride it with ya. We both retired our players at the beginning of this season and it’s fantastic we’re both able to hoist the cup on our way out.
Teddy Cuddles @cpetrella – I’m not sure any player has been more tied to the Blizzard over the last decade than this man right here. Teddy has seen it all and has waiting patiently for this moment for quite some time now. I’m thrilled we were finally able to reach our goal we set out upon. Let’s see if we can repeat now. Also congratulations on earning the Ratsov. You're performance in the Challenge Cup finals series was unreal!
Nikolaus Scholz @me – I won’t sound off about myself, but I’m low key stoked my player was able to lift the cup one last time before fading in to non-existence.
Oisin Fletcher @Evok – You’ve made a hell of player. Although you took a bit of a step back from your league leading performance in S44 you were every bit as important to the Blizzard in S45 and even more so in the playoffs. It sucks to see you go, but I know you’ll carry on your player’s legacy in New Orleans.
Joe Kurczewski @JKortesi81 – I recall the wine drunk PM’s you sent me just days before Christmas. You seemed so confident you could come in to this team and deliver a cup. After a few disappointing post season runs in recent history I was hesitant to believe you, but I’m glad you and Keygan were persistent. You were an absolute delight during your time here and I know New Orleans is in good hands.
Hercules Rockefeller @Leafs4ever – For a guy who’s been here since S1 it’s tough to surprise him with something new, but I believe this is the first time he’s won the cup as a non-GM, as well as a forward no less. We dragged you through some pretty disappointing finishes against your darn Jets, and I’m thrilled you were willing to stick it out and lift the cup with us here in Edmonton.
DeMaricus Smyth @Blastmeaway – The only guy on the roster I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in real life. Several people vouched on your behalf before we traded for you and you did not disappoint. It’s awesome we were able to help you win your first ever Challenge Cup!
Tony Pepperoni @tommysalami – The rookie! Ok I’m sorry we sat you for most of the playoffs, but I promise your player will soon become a force to be reckoned with here in the future for the Edmonton Blizzard. We’ll have to win another cup here soon with you in a prominent role, you definitely deserve it.
Willy Mack @Mack – We snuck you in to the roster late after Montreal lost out of the SMJHL playoffs. I wish we could have done the same for Cain, Taylor and Freeman, but unfortunately they’re just too darn clutch down there in St. Louis. Much like Pepperoni I anticipate you’ll be a huge factor for the Edmonton Blizzard next season and we’ll need to win another cup here soon.
Piotr Czerkawski @majesiu – I can’t say I’ve met a guy more interested in SHL stats and history as this man right here. Although things didn’t go exactly as planned during your time here I’m stoked we were able to accomplish such a strong regular season and cup winning post-season together.
Tor Tuck @ErM – I can’t believe how good your player has become over the last few seasons. It was like 3 seasons ago you were just pumping out 20-25 point seasons. Now you have a Stevens and a strong follow up season to boot and you don’t even look at the sim! Okay jokes aside it’s truly been a privilege to call you a teammate and a friend over the last 10 or so seasons. If you were to leave I’d probably die or step down or something bad.
Brady McIntyre @caltroit_red_flames – Speaking of absolute gems, how about this guy. I honestly can’t name a more hardworking or caring individual in this league. He oozes so much determination he had to go make his own damn league and still pops in regularly to help out with the Blizzard. From breakout star in S44 to Challenge Cup winner in S45 I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Connor Tanner @Keygan – Replacing ace is no easy task, but you’ve done it and then some. 2 seasons, 2 president’s trophies and now a challenge cup? I couldn’t ask for a better co-gm. I’m exciting to see where we can take this team next season given all the changes to our roster and the league as a whole. As a player you’re great to, but you’re no Tor Tuck or Brady McIntyre, let’s be honest here.
Ensio Kalju @jRuutu – Unfortunately I haven’t had the opportunity to get to know you as much as some of these other beauties, but the few times we have chatted have been very enjoyable. I love your upbeat personality and your late night pop ins to the LR, or I guess midday for you. I’m thrilled we were able to lock you up long term to the best top 4 in the league. Let’s go get us another cup!
Chippy Chiclets @Whikadoodle – Gone, but not forgotten. Old Chippy has been through a lot for the Blizzard and it’s fantastic we were able to give him the cup he long deserves. If you happen to see this, don’t hesitate to pop back in to activity. We can always use more Cantina Band on loop in the voice call.
Tommy Tuck @Muford – I didn’t mean to hide you all the way down here, just copy/pasted the Challenge Cup roster post haha. You created as a Tuck way back in S39 and we’ve wanted to bring you on board badly ever since. Always a delight in the locker room you delivered what could arguably be the most dominant single season by a goalie EVER. I love hearing your long term plans to knock off that punk Aittokallio. Let’s see if we can help.
Aleister Cain @SlashACM – Oh Slash. I wasn’t happy on how we ended your career (or potential career) with the Blizzard, but it goes without saying you will be severely missed here. A fantastic dude since day 1, we had to pick one and opted for the other. Would have been swell to etch your name on the cup, but you and your scarecrows are too darn good.
Loved the two seasons i spent in Edmonton and to cap it if with a cup is the icing on the cake. Leaving on a high note was bitter sweet. @karlssens lets boogie again another time soon, buuuuhhhhhhhd.
Shout out to ml002, schultzy, slashacm, tedward!
I I I I
09-05-2018, 10:04 PMBeaver Wrote: Wow look what the PT affiliation has done to our pristine league.
12-19-2018, 12:31 AMBeaver Wrote: I personally blame the PT affiliation for handing out massive amounts of free TPE to all these players, inflating the TPE they're at when they get called up.
karlssens![[Image: Edmonton.png]](https://simulationhockey.com/images/Edmonton.png)
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Cal Juice ![[Image: RyzkmSj.png]](https://i.imgur.com/RyzkmSj.png)
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Tomas Zadina ![[Image: tkMQzhf.png]](https://i.imgur.com/tkMQzhf.png)
Brady McIntyre ![[Image: ice-level.svg]](https://cards.simulationhockey.com/images/ice-level.svg)
organisation and teammates from that S45 memorable season
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I ![[Image: gs89eGV.png]](http://i.imgur.com/gs89eGV.png)
I ![[Image: Capture21.PNG?width=400&height=90]](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/472659919678603265/639207463412957185/Capture21.PNG?width=400&height=90)
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