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Jearim · 04-02-2021, 12:09 PM

5. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)

Which SHL or SMJHL team was the best team to not make the finals this season and why?

Bias Aside, How can i not pick Texas. Presidents trophy winners, and within a game of making the finals. I know We lost to Hamilton ( the eventual champs) , But Texas climbed right back into it after going down 3-0 in the series to take it to a game 7. That series was almost all one goal games that could have gone either way. When you consider that the Texas Goalie ( White Goodman and Cillian Kavanagh ) had over a 0.924 save percentage each, you could obviously imagine how close that series went. Yes Toronto did well in their series against Buffalo and they deserve to be noticed but when you factor in how the finals went, You see who the better team was. Texas not only played the better team, But pushed them to a game 7 and almost walked into the Finals for the first time in a long time.

15. Milestones, up to 3 TPE
New this season, Milestones are folded in with CW. So just link your Milestone claim as task 16 for up to 3 TPE towards your 16 total.
SHL Milestones: https://simulationhockey.com/showthread.php?tid=114645
SMJHL Milestones (for senddowns): TBD

Claim 3 TPE

16. Written, 3 TPE
I loved this as a mPT when hotdog did it last season, so I'd like to bring it back as a permanent fixture. After all, we could all use a little positivity every now and then. Say something nice about another member or members, no word limit.

I want to start off with @Keygan for taking a chance on me when i first got here. I may have been the last pick the SMJHL draft that season but he took a chance and i'm forever grateful that he did.

@dankoa for picking me and making me feel like a vital part of the Texas organization. For allowing me to climb to Co-gm with him and believing in me to do a good job. @BarnabasCollins for helping me learn everything i needed to know about making money to help build and pad my bank when i had no idea, and making me his co in Montreal!

And @Nokazoa for jumping on a chance to have an expansion team with me. He's been an amazing Co-gm and there is no one else i would have loved doing it with!!

To countless others on this site, Thank you for all the help, Advice, and friendship. Much Love.

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karlssens · 04-02-2021, 01:04 PM

1. Written, 3 TPE - In a season of many surprises the most significant one to me was the rise of the Toronto North Stars. For years they've been the punching bag of a very stacked great lakes division to the point that some people argued for realignment. They fought through adversity and while they ultimately finished second to the highly favoured neighbour, the Hamilton Steelhawks, they certainly raised a lot of eyebrows. They have the pieces to build upon this successful season which is nice to see as well because for as long as I can remember they've just kind of been there. Another surprise to me personally is the play of linemate and defensive partner, FR Finn Rhys. Last season he found another level and was nominated for multiple awards. FR Finn Rhys repeated that performance in S58 and will certainly be in the discussion again. It's nice to see someone other than Pepperoni get some love Wink

3. Written, 3 TPE - Recently surpassing Theo Kane as arguably the #1 Blizzard of all time, Tony Pepperoni is absolute lock for the hall of fame when he retires. He's won the MVP title and been nominated a second time, multiple Dar and Razov noms, a Khan and a Karpotsov. Not to mention a pair of cups and over a point per game after 666 games played is insane. He still has several good season left too with over 70 points in S58. Another teammate that's an easy lock and much closer to retirement is Tor Tuck. Easily the best defenseman to ever wear the Blizzard blue he's one a of a very few defenders to have their name in the discussion for the Mexico. Toss in a pair of Stevens wins and a pair of cups and multiple all star entries and he's a first ballot guy no doubt. With just over 1000 games played retirement is in the very near horizon so I suspect we'll see him in the hall very soon.

12a. Written, 1 TPE - Despite the point differential I honestly see the Stampede as the better team. They finished the season with a better goal differential, a better powerplay and a better penalty kill. Full credit to Hamilton for converting more games in to wins, but I don't believe the Stampede as a big of an underdog as we're led to believe.
12b. Written, 1 TPE - Ooooh interesting. In real life I would definitely lean to the former, but in the realm of simulation leagues I think the Steelhawks have proven that offense is more valuable than defense. Season after season the top "defensive" team isn't rewarded nearly as much as the top "offensive" team in terms of regular season and post-season success.
12c. Written, 1 TPE - This is a tough one. Both are spot on. Hamilton is known for it's steel industry and the name Steelhawks just sounds absolutely bad ass. The steel and pale blue go perfectly together and the current iteration of the logo is much cleaner than the previous one they had when I joined the league. The Stampede on the other hand is a fun play on words with the city being Buffalo. Their logo is a bit more safe, but it works well and the green and gold pops. If I had to pick one though I'd go with the Hamilton Steelhawks.
12d. Written, 1 TPE - First name that comes to mind if Monkey D. Luffy and for good reason, the dude can score goals. Next it's a toss up between Sharp and Scarn, but I'll give the edge to Scarn as he's the more experienced of the two and has been here before. On defense I'm taking Augustus Wang who has shown to be on the top offensive defensemen in the game as of late. If I opt for 2 defenders I'm taking Samuel Michaud who has quickly become the top defender in Hamilton with the absence of Johnson and Murphy. If I'm rolling 3 forwards I'll take Aaron Wilson. The hulking winger is a bit older now, but he's a force.

15. Milestones, 3 TPE - here

16. Written, 3 TPE - Last time around I stayed pretty close to home and highlighted a few Blizzard people that have really stuck out to me. This time I'll step outside and pick a few people from other teams. First and foremost I'd like to thank @luketd for everything he does. As a member of the hall of fame committee and awards committee his work in the history section has been absolutely huge and it makes my life so much easier. The other is @reid. There was an awkward void at the top of the awards committee after Baelor disappeared and he stepped in and took the reins without anyone asking him to. He's since become head of the committee and has done a terrific job.

ckroyal92 · 04-02-2021, 02:45 PM

Code:
Affiliate PT, 3 TPE

PBE PT 24-4

Code:
1. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)

While these two teams are no strangers to the Cup finals, we did see some very interesting things this season. Looking back, what do you feel was the most surprising part of the season?

Let me start this by saying you hit the nail on the head in this prompt. The same few teams reaching the final every season, especially ones coming out a single division, is getting very old very quickly & something needs to change sooner rather than later. I guess if I had to pick a surprise from the season, it'd have to be that the best record in the regular season didn't come from a team out of the Great Lakes division. Don't get me wrong, having been around the Texas locker room the past few seasons, I'm not really surprised by what they were able to accomplish this time around, I just wasn't sure the league would allow anyone but Hamilton succeed & given how the postseason panned out, I guess they got their way anyway. I, for one, anxiously await the day when the league's curse is lifted & the Steelhawks' reign of terror finally comes to an end.

(161 words)

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2. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)

Oh no, the head honchos of the league are worried that there aren't enough story lines for the finals! Therefore they're changing the rules for the finals. The home team will get to choose to either a) play the whole game with 6 skaters on the ice at a time or b) be immune from penalties/offsides/icing. Whatever the home team chooses, the visitors get the other perk. Which one are you choosing, given the choice and why?

Not enough storylines? Maybe that has something to do with the fact that the same handful of teams have been running the league for basically the entirety of the FHM era so far & people getting quite bored of watching the same old same old. Now, to answer the actual prompt. As these scenarios are worded, there's a pretty obvious choice. Since option A clearly states that your team would play the entirely game with 6 skaters on the ice at a time, so that obviously means they would also be immune to taking penalties as well as being allowed an extra skater. While this would still leave you open to icing & offside calls, the constant power play would be well worth the risk.

(125 words)

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5. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)

Which SHL or SMJHL team was the best team to not make the finals this season and why?

I touched on this briefly in one of the other questions, but the best team in the Simulation Hockey League to not reach the Season 58 Challenge Cup Final would have to be the Texas Renegades. They finished the regular season with a final record of 54 wins, 11 losses & 1 overtime loss. Let's just digest that for a second, FIFTY FOUR wins, that's absolutely insane for a 66 game season. An interesting stat I'd like to point out in the middle of that is that Texas only went past 60 minutes 4 times this season, but in none of those 4 was the game settled in overtime.

(109 words)

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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'd be lying if I said I've been paying a lot of attention to IIHF since I've been back, but a lot of that has to do with both my player not really being involved despite being on the Norway roster & being more focused on the World Junior tournament the last couple seasons as the GM of Team World. Thankfully, I'll have an uncapped build for this coming IIHF tournament, so hopefully I'll have more of a vested interest in it this time around. As for the tournament as a whole, I honestly couldn't even tell you who won it last season, so I'd have to do some digging to even really get started here. Okay, so it's looking like maybe Great Britain won? Can't say for sure as the index is pretty wonky when it comes to playoffs, but that wouldn't surprise me too much. With a forward group comprised of names like Forty-One, Brain, Zheng & Slothface, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they had another strong showing in this season's tournament.

(176 words)

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15. Milestones, up to 3 TPE

Milestones

Frick_Nasty · 04-02-2021, 02:51 PM

1. I would say the most surprising thing this season of the simulation hockey league would be that Toronto North Stars were as good as they were this season. I knew they would be getting pretty damn good soon just was not expecting it this season. Even with Chicago Syndicate getting bailed out of their cap hell for this season as well thanks to trades. In the end least surprising to everyone was that the great lakes division once again had their three playoff teams make it to the semi finals. Another surprising thing was Texas Renegades winning so damn much but since they had San Francisco and New Orleans to beat up on it is not that surprising when you dig deep into it. Another surprising thing to happen in season 58 of the simulation hockey league would be my player bork Lazer actually not being a liability and more of a threat on the defensive side of things. Holding down the defensive front of the third line with 75 defensive game rating on the season. Hits were up and shots blocked as well. Hell I even scored a goal and we did not lose that game breaking the curse of if I score we lose. +3
2. Alright buffalo stampede you can have six skaters out at a time I think us chads over here on Hamilton Steelhawks will be just fine with no penalties towards us. Literally Bork Lazer is going to be taking your players out left and right. It no holds bar Bork Lazer he could literally fight the entire buffalo roster and if they so much touch Bork Lazer they will be getting called for a penalty for fighting. So yeah Bork Lazer will be a goon and will beat up or cause the other teams players to be out by injury concussion or penalty. It will be a quick series if this is allowed. Hell we could designate one player to actually try to score and the other 4 just go around beating up the other team 4 players allowed to hit the other 6 seems like a no brainer to me. Gg stampede you lost. +2
5. The best team in the fifty eighth season of the simulation hockey league to not make the playoffs I think is obviously the Chicago syndicate. They had 2 points less than the buffalo stampede who made the finals. Why is that this good ass team not make the playoffs. Because they had to play in the great lakes division. The division that where the least amount of games won was forty two. So I think it is safe to say the only answer to this question is that the Chicago syndicate were screwed by the way playoffs is set up and the division alignment. +2
15. Milestones +3
16. Thank you @golden_apricot for being you and helping me be the Chad I am today. Wouldn't be in the league if it wasn't for you brother. +3
PBE AFFILIATE +3
16 TOTAL POINTS

JumpierPegasus · 04-02-2021, 04:24 PM

1. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
While these two teams are no strangers to the Cup finals, we did see some very interesting things this season. Looking back, what do you feel was the most surprising part of the season?

SFP v. Toronto round 1. What an absolute cracker of a round. As you say, these two teams are no strangers to the Cup finals, and the playoffs and seasons have gone about as expected for the last 6-7 seasons under FHM. The growing pains of figuring out a new sim, and having teams that were unbalanced in FHM, but were balanced in STHS because of the randomness. SFP took Toronto to 7 games, and almost beat them in game 7. This was completely unexpected. Most fans, pundits, and analysts noted that San Fran would be lucky to win a single game, let alone 3. The truth is that this brought back a lot of memories of underdog performances in STHS (I think Season 6 Minnesota vs. LAP final for two new expansion teams) that we just don't get in FHM. While FHM is a better sim overall, I do miss that kooky randomness and fun that STHS had. That series was incredibly interesting and I think had a lot of people on the edge of their seat. Can team #17 take out one of the head honchos?

4. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
If you're sitting at home watching the Finals: What do you plan on doing differently next season to help your team reach the promised land? If you're playing in the Finals: Is there anything different you plan on doing next season to continue your team's success?

I think San Fran made great strides this season. From a bottom feeding team, really trying to make it's way to maybe 5-7 wins, they became a team that netted 20 wins, and having a force of young talent lead them (Stromberg, Svensson, Simonsson, Bjerg, Antonescue... very Swedish huh). I think it's really just much of the same. Keep moving forward, keep earning, and training, and keep getting better day by day. For a young team, you don't stagnate, you constantly get better. During the season we even saw this. San Francisco started slow, pretty neck-and-neck with NOLA (who is an aging team), but over time they became better and had an over .500 end to the season. Then they took Toronto to 7 games as mentioned above. The team saw incredible growth and their young players benefitted a lot from it. The goal is to keep moving that forward, keep getting better every game, and take it one game at a time. I think SFP will be a playoff team for years to come with NOLA faltering, just need to take advantage and go on a roll and get better

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. Hamilton finished 13 points above Buffalo in the standings this season. What is one thing that Buffalo can do to give themselves a leg up despite this?

Buffalo would need to really outcoach Hamilton. While Buffalo has been a storied franchise over the last 10 seasons, they are starting to age. Their experience really showed in the playoffs so far (despite the season just being okay compared to Hamilton and Toronto in the Great Lakes), and their experience could help in the finals. Only problem is that now they face off against Hamilton who has also done this before. Their experience doesn't matter anymore. They will need to outcoach Hammy

b. Hamilton was 3rd in the league in GF this season. Buffalo was 2nd in GA. This begs the age old question: what will win out, a great defense or a great offense? Why?

Great offense. We have seen what Hamilton can do with their all out offense style, and really loading up 3 big, fast, skill lines out there. Their goalie -- A Jobin -- while I love the guy, he isn't the greatest goalie in the game. He's good enough to get the job done, and Hamilton can outscore the opponents. He just needs to make enough saves for the game to end 4-3. While Buffalo have done a good job supressing shots and goals, Hamilton's offense is just too dynamic, and they have talent all through the forward lines. You can't put your shutdown team out there 60 minutes

c. Which of these two teams' brandings do you prefer? Take into account colors, logo, name, location, and anything else you consider relevant.

Buffalo for sure. Hamilton's is decent, but the green and yellow just pops on Buffalo. They've had phenomenal branding since S25 when they came into the league (shoutout to Portland too. That was a beautiful expansion, no bias. Both teams looked phenomenal and differnet). It's a great location, giving a HUGE rivalry between Toronto/Hamilton/Buffalo geographically. I'm also just happy Buffalo has a team to cheer for other than the Sabres

d. It's all come down to this: game seven overtime. Which four players are you sending out to win the game for you. This is in a fantasy sense, so feel free to mix and match from both teams.

#1. Playoff overtime is 5v5 am I wrong? Either way, fantasy scenario? Joe McKeil, Mikhail Lokitonov, Chris McZerhl, and Alonzo Garbanzo. You said fantasy right? I can send out anyone at all. I guess if I have to choose form the teams, I send out Bobby Sharp, Monkey Luffy, Michael Scarn, and Samuel Michaud. Go 3 forwards, 1 D like I did above as well in the first example. It's a mix of offense, along with Michaud being steady at the line, but can net an assist. I think this lineup would absolutely kill in the first minute.

15. Milestones, up to 3 TPE
New this season, Milestones are folded in with CW. So just link your Milestone claim as task 16 for up to 3 TPE towards your 16 total.
https://simulationhockey.com/showthread....pid3007561 (+3)

16. Written, 3 TPE
I loved this as a mPT when hotdog did it last season, so I'd like to bring it back as a permanent fixture. After all, we could all use a little positivity every now and then. Say something nice about another member or members, no word limit.

I would still like to say something nice about my teammates in SFP. When I joined that LR it was a bit of a ghost town. First of all, the team saw potential in me both as a player and as an LR member to foster a veteran presence for a team so young and fresh. Second, the locker room was quiet, absolutely no doubt about it. It has grown so much in 3 seasons it is insane. Henrik and Smith and fostered a culture of great members who have each others back. It's not a problematic team, it's not a problematic locker room. It's just a heck of a lot of fun. Everyone is kind of at the same poiints in their career (young, heading into the SHL as rookies) and I think that is big for bonding/growing together. This team is going to be an absolute force, and I love every single person on that team and in that discord (except jobin he is neither a teammate or a friend). I'm not going to @ everyone, but this is definitely the most fun I've had on SHL in a long time, and I'm really happy that I'm back, fully active, and enjoying the team and the league again

Andy · 04-02-2021, 04:28 PM

1. I think for me, the most interesting part of the season was the development of the rebuilding teams. In recent seasons there was a lack of parity in the league because multiple teams were going through rebuilds (BAP, TOR, TBB) for example. While their rebuilds are not done, they are taking big steps forward this season. BAP qualified for the playoffs for the first time in a long time, and Toronto finished second in the east with 98 points which was good for second overall in the SHL. I think their development of young talent and core is something that definitely showed up this season as they were able to win a wopping 12 more games than they did previously. Not only did they improve but BAP went from second to last in the league to doubling their win total in only one season (yes I know 13 - 26 isn't a lot but doubling is doubling). I think this season definitely showed that rebuilding in a league like the SHL is definitely possible even though Toronto got stopped by the Stampede and were not able to make the Challenge cup finals

(193 words)

3. This is a no brainer to me for who I would pick as a sure fire hall of famer currently in the league. That would be Michael Scarn. In the last few seasons Scarn has put up huge numbers both regular season and playoffs. Granted it may be because he is playing for a perennial power house in Hamilton but he is one of the main contributing factors to why he is so good. In the last two season alone he has scored 72 goals, 96 assists, which is good for 168 points. That total of points is something that players get in half of their careers (or for me at my current pace it would take 6+ seasons with only having scored 25 points this season). Yes, these stats are inflated because he did play 32 more games then he would have prior but these monsters numbers are still lead leaguing. In the past two season he has finished 1st and then second in points and has been in the top 25 for most of his career. Finishing his career so strongly could be what makes him a first ballot hall of famer.

(200 words)

4. This is sort of a silly answer for me to say but for me to help my team more is just get better. My player got better at turning the puck over less this past season when it came to helping BAP double its win total. Granted we lost in the first round of the playoffs and I didn't register a point, but that is part of being a rookie. I believe that for my player to be better next season as cliche as this also sounds is to be better at both ends of the ice. In the playoffs I had more Takeaway than giveaway which means that my player was improving defensivlely in making plays and not just being a one dimension player. This coming offseason I am already planning on doing more running to improve my stamina with Norm playing forward now as well as hitting the weight room to make sure that I am as strong as those I am fighting to take the puck away from.

(170 words)

5. This is the team that I picked to win the finals and I am a bit sad not to see them there. I thought that Texas was finally going to get over the hump. They have been building longer than the teams that are coming out of their rebuilds. You also saw them dominate the league with winning the presidents trophy with 109 total points which was quite dominant, including scoring the most goals in the league. I think for them, as their depth improves is where they will be able to compete better. As mentioned in article that I wrote that defense is so important in this league which means having good defenseman takes you from president trophy holder to challenge cup winner.

(127 words)

13. I think series MVP is a hard choice. There are two players who had fairly identical playoffs and probably finals between Michael Scarn and Aaron Wilson for Ham. I think for me the winner would have to go to Wilson over Scarn. While they are equal in points. I believe that Wilson scoring the goals gives him the nod with putting the puck in the net is definitely more important than just being the one who set up the shot. I also want to give it to Wilson as he is more of a grinding player. Scoring goals and lots of points in the regular season is great, but what really is important in the playoffs is how you are able to grind out days. Playing in any kind of professional hockey playoffs is a grindfest both physically and mentally and for a guy like Wilson who is built that way means that he is the player that I want in that big moment. So for my Challenge Cup MVP would be Aaron Wilson

(170 words)

16. For me I just want to give a shoutout to @mastersheep . I was having a rough day yesterday and we hung out on Discord for a while talking about the future of BAP and teaching me about FHM. He's a stand up guy and was an excellent choice to fill in for Zoone's shoes when he stepped down. I am looking forward to what he does in BAP and in the league Smile

*Festinator* · 04-02-2021, 05:23 PM

1. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)

While these two teams are no strangers to the Cup finals, we did see some very interesting things this season. Looking back, what do you feel was the most surprising part of the season?

I think that the most surprising part of the season was the entire dynamic of the Great Lakes division changing. Hamilton, of course, was still the top dog in the division but their lead and dominance over the division shrunk even more over the past season just like it did the season before. However, I think what not many people foresaw was Toronto climbing their way out of the basement in the great lakes division and pulling Chicago down there instead. After finishing at the bottom of the Great lakes division for at least the past 5 seasons, the Toronto North Stars, suddenly climbed up to 2nd in the division and gave Hamilton a run for their money in first. At points during the season, Toronto was even leading the division for extended periods of time. You could kinda see the improvement coming, as they had steadily become better and better as the past few seasons went on but I believe it still caught everyone off guard when they went on to have such a good season this year. (WC: 179)

2. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)

Oh no, the head honchos of the league are worried that there aren't enough story lines for the finals! Therefore they're changing the rules for the finals. The home team will get to choose to either a) play the whole game with 6 skaters on the ice at a time or b) be immune from penalties/offsides/icing. Whatever the home team chooses, the visitors get the other perk. Which one are you choosing, given the choice and why?

I think that I would most definitely choose being immune to penalties/offisides/icings, and I think that the big key here is being immune to penalties. Sure you will be constantly outnumbered by your opponent, but being immune to penalties? Drag them down, chop their sticks out of their hands, trip them up, hook them back, do whatever you need to stop them and get the puck back. No offsides? Any time you get the puck, one guy making a beeline for the net as fast as they possibly can, flip passes for days over to them, you can enter the zone with maximum speed and reallyyy back defenders off, open up that slot for the good good shots. (WC: 120)

4. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)

If you're sitting at home watching the Finals: What do you plan on doing differently next season to help your team reach the promised land? If you're playing in the Finals: Is there anything different you plan on doing next season to continue your team's success?

This was my rookie season in the SHL so I think my impact was never going to be that big, either positively or negatively. However there are definitely some things that I would like to improve and work on for the offseason in order to better help my team in the next season. First things first, my player was always supposed to be an offensive defenceman. Just due to being a rookie and wanting to not be a liability defensively, I had to focus on the defensive side of my game first and foremost. This took away a decent amount of the offensive production that Jonas usually has (although he still put up a respectable 22 points). This offseason i would like to bring his offensive game up to par while also slightly improving his defensive game. The season after that I want to focus on improving his physical stats as well as continuing to grow his offensive game. (WC: 159)

5. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)

Which SHL or SMJHL team was the best team to not make the finals this season and why?

I think that the best SMJHL team not to make the finals was definitely the Newfoundland Berserkers, and I say this with a lot of bias because Kelowna were the best team in the league did not make the finals but here me out. Newfoundland had an amazing turnaround from last season, going from finishing dead last in the league to finishing top 3 in the league. They dismantled everyone they faced in the playoffs until they came to anchorage, and even in that series all the stats showed Newfoundland outplaying anchorage in that series, but getting a bit unlucky with their finishing. I think Newfoundland would have really given Quebec a run for their money in the finals had they made it. (WC: 123)

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. Hamilton finished 13 points above Buffalo in the standings this season. What is one thing that Buffalo can do to give themselves a leg up despite this?

One thing Buffalo could do is to somehow use their tactics to counter whatever it is that Hamilton has been doing so well up to this point to this point to get them wins. Hamilton is just such a complete team that if both teams play to their strengths I don't think Buffalo would come out of top more times in a 7 game series. (WC: 65)

b. Hamilton was 3rd in the league in GF this season. Buffalo was 2nd in GA. This begs the age old question: what will win out, a great defense or a great offense? Why?

I will always say that a great offence will win out against a great defence because a great offence is more likely to be more consistent whereas a great defence can depend a lot on the goaltending behind that defence. Goaltending can be very up and down, and is less likely to be consistent, and that consistency of being great is far more likely to be challenged against the best offence in the league. (WC: 74)

c. Which of these two teams' brandings do you prefer? Take into account colors, logo, name, location, and anything else you consider relevant.

I honestly probably like the Hamilton branding better. I like that they are a canadian team, and I like their colour scheme of grey and blue. For whatever reason those are my two favourite colours to mix and match for clothing IRL. As well, I like the name steelhawks, very cool sounding to me. Nothing wrong with Buffalo's branding though. (WC: 60)

d. It's all come down to this: game seven overtime. Which four players are you sending out to win the game for you. This is in a fantasy sense, so feel free to mix and match from both teams.

Game 7 overtime and I can pick up to 4 players. I would definitely go with 3 forwards and 1 defenceman to start. For my forwards, I think I would take Michael Scarn from Hamilton, Elijah Jones from Hamilton, and Bobby Sharp from Buffalo. For my defenceman, I would take Augustus Wang from Buffalo. (WC: 54)

15. Milestones, up to 3 TPE

New this season, Milestones are folded in with CW. So just link your Milestone claim as task 16 for up to 3 TPE towards your 16 total.

Milestones (2 TPE)

TOTAL: 16

awils13 · 04-02-2021, 06:48 PM

Code:
1. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)

While these two teams are no strangers to the Cup finals, we did see some very interesting things this season. Looking back, what do you feel was the most surprising part of the season?

While it's true that FHM is not as random and is easier to predict, there were some surprising things this season for sure. The playoff race in the great lakes division, for starters. Before the season started most people would've predicted the top 3 being ham/buf/chi in some order, and it was kind of unexpected that Toronto clinched a playoff spot long before the regular season ended. Then in the playoffs, I don't think anyone could've predicted the TOR-SFP series going to 7 games, not even SFP players. I talked to a certain SFP player (hint: he's a racist) after they won game 3 and he told me they were celebrating like they won the challenge cup. But I think the biggest surprise was the TOR-BUF series, not the outcome but just how it played out. Toronto had maybe 20-30% odds to advance before the series started, probably like 0-5% when they were down 1-3. No one expected them to force game 7 and come 27 seconds close to making the final.

Code:
5. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)

Which SHL or SMJHL team was the best team to not make the finals this season and why?

The best SHL team that didn't make the finals was probably Texas. They had an incredible regular season, led the league in goals and ranked 3rd in GA, and almost beat Hamilton's record from last season. Even if you take into account that they play in a weaker conference which, you know, is a fair point, their season was still very impressive because not every team could've done that. We knew it was gonna be difficult to beat them in the playoffs, we won the first 3 games and it was looking like a sweep but each game was close and could've gone either way, then Texas won 3 straight and forced game 7.

Code:
7. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.) or Graphic, 3 TPE

These are two very storied franchises, what is each team's all-time top 3 forwards, top 2 defensemen, and top goalie? Why did you choose them? For graphics people, make a graphic showing both team's starting lineups and some key stats.

I'll give a more detailed answer about Hamilton because I obviously know more about Hamilton's history
F - Robert Phelps, the greatest Steelhawks of all time, no debate. Has most of the team's records.
F - Joe McKeil, he was long before my time but I know he was the greatest before Teddy
F - probably Odjik as the third forward, he was drafted the same year as Teddy and while he didn't have the same longevity, he was quite good for a while
D - Ben Dover, HOF defenseman
D - Tig Murphy, if you asked Tig who was the worst player in the entire league he'd probably pick himself, but he did in fact have quite a good career
G - Geezus Kryyst, was one of the best goalies at his peak and won multiple playoff mvps

For Buffalo, I think it's Victor Marius, Hippo Passamus, Alexander Selich, Alexis Metzler, Charles Walker and Cedric Robinson. All spent their entire careers with Buffalo (Hippo and Selich are still playing, but I don't think they are going anywhere), and were part of the core that won multiple cups

Code:
13. Written, 2 TPE - The Procrastinator Special! (100 words min.)

Welp, you waited until the last day to grind out your CW and the CC finals are longggggggg over by now. congrats to [TEAM], woo! Reflecting back on the series, who gets your vote for series MVP? Make the case why this player deserves it over any other.

The series MVP should be me because I'm the GOAT

(10 words)

Wait, I need 90 more words. Ok, well, joking aside, this was the best playoff series of my career but I'm gonna talk about someone else because multiple people deserve the finals mvp, as well as playoffs mvp. I would say the finals mvp is Jobin because he was the difference-maker in this series. These were two evenly matched teams and the shots were around the same overall, we won because Jobin posted a much higher save percentage than his counterpart, especially in games 2-5. 40 saves on 42 shots in the cup clinching game, for example. We don't win this series if Jobin doesn't bail us out a few times.

Code:
15. Milestones, up to 3 TPE

New this season, Milestones are folded in with CW. So just link your Milestone claim as task 16 for up to 3 TPE towards your 16 total.

SHL Milestones: https://simulationhockey.com/showthread.php?tid=114645

SMJHL Milestones (for senddowns): TBD

https://simulationhockey.com/showthread....pid3010018

Code:
16. Written, 3 TPE

I loved this as a mPT when hotdog did it last season, so I'd like to bring it back as a permanent fixture. After all, we could all use a little positivity every now and then. Say something nice about another member or members, no word limit.

Jobin is funny and is also a good goalie. While he coasts during the regular season, he shows up when it matters, like in the finals this season.

Z-Whiz · 04-02-2021, 07:56 PM

1. 3 TPE – While this might sound like a homer pick, I truly do think Atlanta was a decent surprise this season. The over/under on the season was set at 26.5 and I immediately included them in my parlay. It was never really a sweat. To be honest, neither were my other two. Feel free to subscribe to my gambling channel for easy money next season. Anyway, I digress. Why was Atlanta surprising? Well, they’re still in the opening few seasons of expansion and their counterpart, Seattle (yuck), is not fairing nearly as well. To actually make the playoffs and win a game too is more than most of the league expected. It’s all thanks to our fearless leader on the ice Eko van Otter. The dude is a machine on offense and defense and without him, we wouldn’t have made the playoffs. I really hope he brings home some individual awards, cuz the dude deserves it. He also helped me earn 5 TPE in fantasy, so thanks!

6. 3 TPE – The obvious answer would be Canada or USA, but that’s no fun. As a recent defectee, I am obligated to say that Russia is the best and will absolutely win the IIHF tournament. I won’t hear any other arguments. If you’re not for the historical powerhouse to return to the top, then you better get ready for it. Why do I think Russia will win? Well it’s definitely not because we’re doping. That has been proven to be a coo by the IIHF Rules Committee. We will win purely due to strength, speed, and intelligence (all three of which we have the most out of any other nation). Now is the time. Mother Russia will defeat the westernized nations and bring glory back to our frozen tundra. Smart investors would buy stocks in vodka because the victory celebration will last for years. The cup is ours and we will not be denied. All hail!

12. 4 TPE
a. Regular season is for chumps. Real teams know all that matters is the post season. It was clear that Buffalo was just coasting in the regular season in order to maintain their stamina for when the games actually mattered. I think all Buffalo needs to do is keep playing their brand of hockey. It was built for the playoffs and should serve them well.
b. Everyone loves cheering for a great offense. Especially the casual fan. Gimme goals, gimme goals, gimme goals goals goals! Although, that said, everyone also knows defense wins championships. It is hard to ignore Hamilton’s fire power in the offensive zone, but Buffalo is familiar with what they do and I think they can provide a wrinkle of defense to slow down Hamilton. So I’ll pick Buffalo.
c. In my pre-draft article I rated Buffalo as a 13/30 and Hamilton at a 9/30 (both respectable numbers when you look at Seattle #yikes). Not to completely regurgitate what I posted, but I’m not overly fond of either teams overall logo, but Buffalo has the green and yellow combo which in my completely unbiased opinion is the best. Go Ducks!
d. Well I’m not a coward, so I’m going empty net to start over time. 3 Forwards and 1 Defenseman. First two are easy, the top two points getters this season in Bobby Sharp and Michael Scarn. Since they’re both Centers, I’ll give sharp the nod since he was better by about 1%. Throw Monkey D. Luffy in there to round out the Forwards. For my only defenseman, I’m grabbing Hugh Jazz (only cuz I wanted to use that in a sentence).

15. Milestones Link for 3 TPE

16. 3 TPE - Hopefully he doesn’t read this cuz it would ruin my schtick in the locker room, but hotdog is a really great user. I’m his GM in the ISFL and he was one of the guys who convinced me to join the SHL. I wasn’t sure if we would end up on the same team here, but I’m really glad he took me last season. Also hotdog, if you’re reading this, it’s a joke. Also, if we don’t win our next game then I’m going to request…wait I can’t make those jokes anymore. Another shout out to Micool who has been an awesome user to hang out with in the ATL locker room. Hopefully we can bring him back in the upcoming draft.

16 TPE PLZ & THX

DollarAndADream · 04-02-2021, 07:58 PM

Here are this season's tasks for CW. [b]The maximum is 16 TPE
The deadline is Sunday, April 4th at 11:59pm ET

Code:
1. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)

While these two teams are no strangers to the Cup finals, we did see some very interesting things this season. Looking back, what do you feel was the most surprising part of the season?

Code:
2. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)

Oh no, the head honchos of the league are worried that there aren't enough story lines for the finals! Therefore they're changing the rules for the finals. The home team will get to choose to either a) play the whole game with 6 skaters on the ice at a time or b) be immune from penalties/offsides/icing. Whatever the home team chooses, the visitors get the other perk. Which one are you choosing, given the choice and why?

Code:
3. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)

Which players, if any, do you see as locks for the Hall of Fame? As in, if they're career ended today they're in. Anyone on the cusp? Anyone on the right track, but still needs to put up a few more great seasons?

Code:
4. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)

If you're sitting at home watching the Finals: What do you plan on doing differently next season to help your team reach the promised land? If you're playing in the Finals: Is there anything different you plan on doing next season to continue your team's success?

Code:
5. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)

Which SHL or SMJHL team was the best team to not make the finals this season and why?

Code:
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?

Code:
7. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.) or Graphic, 3 TPE

These are two very storied franchises, what is each team's all-time top 3 forwards, top 2 defensemen, and top goalie? Why did you choose them? For graphics people, make a graphic showing both team's starting lineups and some key stats.

Code:
8. Graphic, 3 TPE 

Design a Challenge Cup championship t-shirt for one of the teams in the finals. (A four-star cup t-shirt for the SMJHL is ok as well.) Hey maybe if your design is good enough it'll make it to the merch store!

Code:
9. Graphic, 3 TPE

Create a magazine cover that highlights either a player in the finals or a standout player from the regular season.

Code:
10. Graphic, 3 TPE

Design a Challenge Cup/Four Star Cup Championship banner for one of the teams in the finals, like those which appear on the side of the site.

Code:
11. Podcast, 3 or 4 TPE

Record a mini-podcast on any of the below topics!

- Highlights of the S58 season (on or off the ice)

- S58 playoff round-up

- S58 Challenge Cup/Four Star Cup finals Breakdown

- S59 predictions

1 person Mini-Pod: 3 TPE for 5 minutes or 4 TPE for 7 Minutes

2 person Mini-Pod: 3 TPE for 6 Minutes or 4 TPE for 8 Minutes

Post the direct link to your podcast.

Code:
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. Hamilton finished 13 points above Buffalo in the standings this season. What is one thing that Buffalo can do to give themselves a leg up despite this?

b. Hamilton was 3rd in the league in GF this season. Buffalo was 2nd in GA. This begs the age old question: what will win out, a great defense or a great offense? Why?

c. Which of these two teams' brandings do you prefer? Take into account colors, logo, name, location, and anything else you consider relevant.

d. It's all come down to this: game seven overtime. Which four players are you sending out to win the game for you. This is in a fantasy sense, so feel free to mix and match from both teams.

Code:
13. Written, 2 TPE - The Procrastinator Special! (100 words min.)

Welp, you waited until the last day to grind out your CW and the CC finals are longggggggg over by now. congrats to [TEAM], woo! Reflecting back on the series, who gets your vote for series MVP? Make the case why this player deserves it over any other.

Code:
14. Graphic, 3 TPE - The Procrastinator Special!

Welp, you waited until the last day to grind out your CW and you also like doing graphics instead of writing. That's cool, too! Create a Series Recap broadcast graphic - the contents can be whatever you want, but your graphic must list both teams and at least 3 stats for each.

Code:
15. Milestones, up to 3 TPE

New this season, Milestones are folded in with CW. So just link your Milestone claim as task 16 for up to 3 TPE towards your 16 total.

SHL Milestones: https://simulationhockey.com/showthread.php?tid=114645

SMJHL Milestones (for senddowns): TBD

Code:
16. Written, 3 TPE

I loved this as a mPT when hotdog did it last season, so I'd like to bring it back as a permanent fixture. After all, we could all use a little positivity every now and then. Say something nice about another member or members, no word limit.

//

***Pythonic*** · 04-02-2021, 09:17 PM

Code:
2. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)

Oh no, the head honchos of the league are worried that there aren't enough story lines for the finals! Therefore they're changing the rules for the finals. The home team will get to choose to either a) play the whole game with 6 skaters on the ice at a time or b) be immune from penalties/offsides/icing. Whatever the home team chooses, the visitors get the other perk. Which one are you choosing, given the choice and why?

My choice for this would probably be the immunity from all of penalties, offsides, and icing. Six skaters seems like it would be too many players to keep track of at once, and would probably end up crowding the ice far too much - just look at how a five on five scenario looks out on the ice, then imagine that as a six on five. It'd be chaos. Plus, with the immunity to penalties, offsides, and icing, you could: hit players as much as you want with no fear of repercussions (unless you get into a fight, in which case, congrats! The opposing player now has to sit out for five minutes.) You could have one guy dangling across the offensive line and sitting near the goalie for a sharp breakaway, or you could dump and chase as much as you would want to. All in all, that is my case as to why compared to having six skaters on the ice at any one point, having immunity to penalties, offsides, and icings is far better.

Code:
5. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)

Which SHL or SMJHL team was the best team to not make the finals this season and why?

The best team to not make the Simulation Major Junior Hockey League's Four Star Cup Finals this season around was, in my very unbiased opinion, the Vancouver Whalers. Sure, you can say it might've been the Kelowna Knights. But the Whalers took them to a seventh game in the pair's series matchup, which means they clearly weren't as good as everybody likes to think they were. While the Whalers may have struggled through the regular season, that can be pinned down to one issue, which was the team's fitness. When each Whaler was fully rested through the playoffs, they all clicked on every single cylinder they had, scoring goal after goal. In the end, however, they fell to the Knights in seven games due to the fact that both GMs were sadly unable to make a complete change to the team's tactics in order to counter Kelowna's own.

Code:
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?

There are a lot of things that I could say about this season's International Ice Hockey Federation tournament, as well as the World Juniors Championship tournament on top of that. All that I really need to get out though is that Finland is going Winland once again and winning a gold medal in the tournament. Of course, it's going to be an extremely difficult journey in order to get to that medal winning game - we have to go up against the Canadian juggernaut, the nation which is home to current Simulation Hockey League legends Matt Kholin, Augustus Wang, the current Challenge Cup champions from the Steelhawks Aaron Wilson, Theo Morgan, and Hugh Jazz, and of course a number of other extremely great players from teams throughout the league. The Finns also have to go up against a few other pretty great teams, such as Czechia and Russia - though they aren't as much of a threat as the previously stated Canucks from America's Hat.

Code:
8. Graphic, 3 TPE 

Design a Challenge Cup championship t-shirt for one of the teams in the finals. (A four-star cup t-shirt for the SMJHL is ok as well.) Hey maybe if your design is good enough it'll make it to the merch store!

Code:
15. Milestones, up to 3 TPE

New this season, Milestones are folded in with CW. So just link your Milestone claim as task 16 for up to 3 TPE towards your 16 total.

SHL Milestones: https://simulationhockey.com/showthread.php?tid=114645

SMJHL Milestones (for senddowns): TBD

https://simulationhockey.com/showthread....pid3010094
6/3 milestones, claiming 3 TPE

Code:
16. Written, 3 TPE

I loved this as a mPT when hotdog did it last season, so I'd like to bring it back as a permanent fixture. After all, we could all use a little positivity every now and then. Say something nice about another member or members, no word limit.

@boom Thanks for being such a great GM these past couple of seasons in mills' absence. I enjoyed my time in Vancouver, especially with helping you and @Dextaria out every now and then with tactics (even if I didn't do it that often lol.)
@Dextaria Be sure to help boom out, like you already are. You're a good fella. I don't have much else to say other than thanks for being cool, sorry.
@dmills3 You're short, but you're a winner despite that fact. Thanks for choosing me way back when, my homeslice.
@KenitohMenara My apprentice. Do well in my absence as a player in Vancouver, though I'm sure you will and that I don't need to tell you that.

2.) 2 TPE
5.) 2 TPE
6.) 3 TPE
8.) 3 TPE
15.) 3 TPE
16.) 3 TPE
-------------
16 TPE

JayWhy · 04-02-2021, 10:56 PM

Quote:1. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
While these two teams are no strangers to the Cup finals, we did see some very interesting things this season. Looking back, what do you feel was the most surprising part of the season?

While it isn't the typical surprise, the Toronto North Stars actually finding success and making the playoffs is absolutely ridiculous to me. Let's face it, it's been such a long time that they haven't been all that competitive and here we are with them not only being successful, but really dominating play most of the time. I could see it coming, I knew it was about to happen, but it still takes you by surprise when it's been just so, so long.

There's of course more that can be considered a surprise. I didn't expect New Orleans to be as bad as they were, as much as I knew they had issues. I didn't expect to see such a tight race in the Northwest or the Atlantic, though there are arguments to be made regarding coaching in one of those divisions. This is a season that was probably the most unpredicable and fascinating in the FHM era. I'm glad to see it, obviously. It just wasn't something I expected going in after being so conditioned for what would happen every season.

This is a good thing, and the ultimate example is the main point I made. Toronto finally found success, the rebuild is over and we're seeing just how amazing a team can be when they have time and patience.

Quote:Word Count: 220

Quote:2. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)
Oh no, the head honchos of the league are worried that there aren't enough story lines for the finals! Therefore they're changing the rules for the finals. The home team will get to choose to either a) play the whole game with 6 skaters on the ice at a time or b) be immune from penalties/offsides/icing. Whatever the home team chooses, the visitors get the other perk. Which one are you choosing, given the choice and why?

This is legitimately one of the most fascinating questions I've read on here. I don't know. I just can't decide. Let's just talk it out in a pros and cons list.

If you choose to play the entire game with 6 skaters, you have an obvious and constant advantage at all times. You can control play more easily, as you can double up on players and especially take advantage of bad match-ups. You know you'll always have someone open. Or would you?

Now with offsides in place, there's only so much space you have in the offensive zone and with an extra player there are you really getting that much space? In all actuality, you're kind of limiting your own space to work with. And with the other team able to ice the puck at will, they just have to get a stick on the puck and you could be completely screwed. One misstep and you have issues. This isn't the only thing -- you have to also consider how exhausted your players will get. You're putting out an extra person on every shift, you have to be careful about who you're putting out by situation. It's already difficult enough to track with five, and you have to plan around it for minutes. This is going to be a mess.

Now, you get past that and look at the reverse, sure you can ice the puck any time but the other team has an extra player. If they want to, they could just sit somebody back with the goalie to be ready to make stretch passes, keep you from really being able to ice the puck and get a change. You'll be exhausted, it's difficult to get free space and so you're going to have to score in the rough areas. You can do whatever you want to keep them near you, but it doesn't take much for them to just control the game completely.

I think there is no right answer. Both have their merits, both have their faults. I'd say I would take the six men, but really, it's a coin flip at best.

Quote:Word Count: 355

Quote:3. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
Which players, if any, do you see as locks for the Hall of Fame? As in, if they're career ended today they're in. Anyone on the cusp? Anyone on the right track, but still needs to put up a few more great seasons?

There are so many in this Finals match up who are guaranteed to make the hall of fame. Let's face it, these are the dominant teams and so it's way easier for you to put up numbers and set yourself up really. Aaron Wilson is probably a lock, Monkey D. Luffy I think ultimately gets in as well. Elizabeth Doyle is absolutely going to be in the Hall of Fame one day as one of the greatest goaltenders of all time. Is it easier with this kind of team in front of you? Yes. That doesn't change that this is a hall of fame resume already.

What this question ignores is the most obvious people to be guaranteed a hall of fame spot. There is no way these general managers -- both Hallsy and Finn -- aren't going to be in the Hall of Fame one day. With the number of Cups, Finals appearances, Uppercut trophies, everything. These are two people who are locks and are still adding to their resumes that way as well. It's undeniable, and is ridiculous that we would only look at the players in a series like this. These players are only in the place they are because of the general managers they have.

There will be a lot of hall of fame players out of this Finals, and it may be looked back on as one of the best and most iconic rivalries years down the line. But without the builders behind them, this would be just an after thought.

Quote:Word Count: 254

Quote:4. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
If you're sitting at home watching the Finals: What do you plan on doing differently next season to help your team reach the promised land? If you're playing in the Finals: Is there anything different you plan on doing next season to continue your team's success?

God, at this point what can I do differently? I have done everything I could. I've gotten bigger, bulkier and more physical. I upped my speed and agility. I worked on my mental acuity. I worked on my puck handling. I've worked on everything. Literally everything.

So let's just think this over, what do I do differently? I'm aging. I'm slower. I can't stop that. I'm working as hard as I can just to keep my defense at a reasonable level to keep myself from falling apart. I can make the team better. I can push others. But I don't know that there's anything for me to do differently.

I will do whatever I need to. I will do everything I can. However, the older you get, the harder it gets to change yourself to fill a new gap that opened because you worked on something else. I'm just patching holes, but I'm not expecting to do much more.

Quote:Word Count: 159

Quote:15. Milestones, up to 3 TPE
New this season, Milestones are folded in with CW. So just link your Milestone claim as task 16 for up to 3 TPE towards your 16 total.

+2
https://simulationhockey.com/showthread....pid3010178

Quote:16. Written, 3 TPE
I loved this as a mPT when hotdog did it last season, so I'd like to bring it back as a permanent fixture. After all, we could all use a little positivity every now and then. Say something nice about another member or members, no word limit.

Oh where do I go with it. @Buster is easily the best Fall Guys player on this site, and the most fun person to play the game with. @Toast is one of my best friends on this site and I love having him join us when he can for gaming sessions. @ImShiny is the most incredible and kind person this site has probably ever seen. @"Luketd" is a horrible commissioner in all the right ways, and yes that's a compliment.

An old man's dream ended. A young man's vision of the future opened wide. Young men have visions, old men have dreams. But the place for old men to dream is beside the fire.

Thanks to Jackson, Copenhagen, and Harry Hans!

GOING DOWN IN STYLE. TOAST4LYFE

HanTheMan_ · 04-03-2021, 12:32 AM

Code:
4. Written, 3 TPE (158 words)

If you're sitting at home watching the Finals: What do you plan on doing differently next season to help your team reach the promised land? If you're playing in the Finals: Is there anything different you plan on doing next season to continue your team's success

For my rookie season, I’m quite pleased with how I performed. Rookie season right into playoffs? Don’t mind if I do! Given it was my first season with the big boys, I was expecting to be stomped on a little. But to my surprise I managed quite well. I racked up over 20 assists and almost 10 goals! Pretty sweet starting point if I do say so myself. There were some real clutch moments in the playoffs as well, getting the game winning goal against Edmonton in Game 7 pulling us farther into the playoffs. We managed to pull through and claimed victory against the Buffalo Stampede! The rivalry shall continue. I’m hoping to keep growing with the Hamilton Steelhawks as the seasons continue, and maybe snag a couple more cup wins. I want to get better each season and really contribute more to the team so I am hoping to get a good lead on that too.

Code:
9. Graphic, 3 TPE

Create a magazine cover that highlights either a player in the finals or a standout player from the regular season.

Code:
10. Graphic, 3 TPE

Design a Challenge Cup/Four Star Cup Championship banner for one of the teams in the finals, like those which appear on the side of the site.

Code:
12. C. Which of these two teams' brandings do you prefer? Take into account colors, logo, name, location, and anything else you consider relevant.

I think out of the two teams in the finals, I prefer the Hamilton Steelhawks branding. I find there are so many green and yellow colour schemes on the site, in the SMJHL and SHL alike. I like the greys and blues that Hamilton uses and how there’s a little pop of yellow on the jerseys.

Code:
15. Milestones, up to 3 TPE

New this season, Milestones are folded in with CW. So just link your Milestone claim as task 16 for up to 3 TPE towards your 16 total.

SHL Milestones: https://simulationhockey.com/showthread.php?tid=114645

SMJHL Milestones (for senddowns): TBD

3 TPE

Code:
16. Written, 3 TPE

I loved this as a mPT when hotdog did it last season, so I'd like to bring it back as a permanent fixture. After all, we could all use a little positivity every now and then. Say something nice about another member or members, no word limit.

Nour,, I love u so much. You work so hard and I am so happy to be able to call you my friend.

Gooney, goobis, gooby, gooneyman, :wph3: that is all

Waters, I know i'm not super great at league but u have been super helpful and i appreciate u so very much <333

Hallsy, u stinky <3

Rotti Motti Mo Rott Man, keep being u man u are the ultimate hype man

gecko, e

grok · 04-03-2021, 01:49 AM

Task 3: +3 TPE (164/150 words)
Focusing on Challenge Cup Final performers alone, Theo Morgan is the first and most obvious choice for Hamilton. Three scoring titles, every MVP award in S56, multiple cups as a part of the Steelhawks dynasty. He’s an easy lock for the Hall. Scarn is in a similar situation, although he’s a bit behind Morgan. With a scoring trophy, a players’ MVP, 3 individual award nominations, the Hamilton cups, and a S55 cup with Buffalo, Scarn has a pretty good case if he can keep his production up and get a playoff MVP nomination this season. From Buffalo, Doyle could retire today and get in the Hall on her first ballot. Two McBrides plus a nomination, a Jesster, a Razov, and two consecutive Honchos plus a Challenge Cup will absolutely get Doyle into the hall. Monkey D Luffy likely has a path if he puts up one or two more dominant seasons, but he needs to find awards in order to really make that happen.

Task 4: +3 TPE (165/150 words)
For Seattle, the direction has not changed significantly. Missing playoffs was obviously a big disappointment, but we learned a lot of quality lessons and kept it competitive all the way to the end of the season. For next season, we just keep improving. The majority of our forward core is getting better and better with each passing week, we still have one of the best defensive corps in the entire league, and key prospects like William Salming, Zdenko Beracek, and Vaseline Podcalzone are poised to make a big impact next season. Getting further next season is simply a matter of trusting the system, continuing the process, and getting better week over week. Finals might not be in the question today without some huge free agency adds, but it’s certainly not in the rear view mirror for the current Argonauts roster. Next season will be competitive, the season after that will be more competitive, and we will keep getting better until we find that postseason success.

Task 5: +2 TPE (108/100 words)
Very straightforward answer here, the Toronto North Stars were the best team to miss SHL finals. The Great Lakes were tremendously competitive this season with all four teams tallying over 40 wins. No other division came even close to the success that the Great Lakes had. Even if you only include the three playoff teams’ 138 wins, they come only 4 wins behind the entire Atlantic division’s combined wins total. Toronto had a stellar coming-of-age party with 46 regular season wins and a throttling round two victory against the Manhattan Rage, but could not hold it together in a series against the Buffalo Stampede that went the distance.

Task 12: +4 TPE
a. Points differential doesn’t tell the whole story--in the head to head, you see that Buffalo and Hamilton traded a 3-3 series in the regular season. Buffalo’s key to victory will be keeping the defense going. Two of their three wins against Hamilton were shutouts, and despite scoring an average of 4.5 goals per game they lost every game Hamilton scored 5 or more. Buffalo needs to shut down Hamilton’s offense to win, no matter how heavy their offense plays.
b. Frankly, Hamilton’s offense is better situated to win in this matchup. Buffalo is good at shot suppression, but Hamilton’s offense is oppressive and can make a lot with just a little space. Buffalo will have to keep the defense going and get their two-way oriented offense firing in order to win the series. It seems more likely that Hamilton can overwhelm with offense from the blue line and take over games, while playing easy defense minutes against Buffalo’s perimeter shooting style.
c. Buffalo, for sure. The green and yellow makes great contrast, the logo is iconic, the city and brand work extremely well together. Hamilton’s branding is fine, but uninspired compared to the bombast of the Buffalo brand. Hamilton could use a refresh or increase the use of their secondary and tertiary colors to improve their branding.
d. In a 3v3 situation, I would take Buffalo’s chances any day of the week. All due respect to Jobin, but you need elite goalkeeping to survive a 3v3. I’d take Elizabeth Doyle in a heartbeat. Sticking with buffalo, Bobby Sharp and Monkey D Luffy have been an extraordinary pairing that can both find the back of the net and work well with extra ice. Finally, I’d take Matt Kholin covering the defense. A little extra firepower if you get to set up a 3v3, and he can lay a hit as well.

Task 13: +2 TPE (111/100 words)
The finals are over, the Hamilton Steelhawks have taken home yet another FHM Challenge Cup, and this time it was A Jobin’s time to shine. Jobin had a fantastic finals appearance, holding the Buffalo Stampede to 12 goals in 5 games including 4 consecutive games at a 2.00 GAA. Hamilton was repeatedly outshot in the early games of the series, but it was Jobin’s stellar play that kept the team in the game long enough to mount huge comebacks off their forward performances. After last season’s finals being a story of two high flying offensive teams, Jobin gets his chance to shine as the clear MVP of the S58 finals.

Task 15: +2 TPE
https://simulationhockey.com/showthread....pid3009402

Task 3: 3
Task 4: 3 (6)
Task 5: 2 (8)
Task 12: 4 (12)
Task 13: 2 (14)
Task 15: 2 (16)

jtam · 04-03-2021, 04:25 AM

Code:
1. Written, 3 TPE (150 words min.)
While these two teams are no strangers to the Cup finals, we did see some very interesting things this season. Looking back, what do you feel was the most surprising part of the season?

While some may not find it super surprising, but seeing Toronto emerge as another Great Lakes powerhouse after several seasons stuck behind Hamilton, Buffalo, and Chicago, has been a sight to behold. Not only did they put themselves into the playoffs, but they were also able to leapfrog BOTH Buffalo and Chicago into 2nd place in the division, pushing last season’s Challenge Cup winners Chicago out of the playoffs. With their core locked up and multiple 1st round picks this season through shrewd asset management, Toronto looks to solidify its place as another Great Lakes powerhouse. Their core is just entering their prime in terms of TPE and many of Toronto’s players enjoyed career years in terms of offensive production. Their run this season in the playoffs was spectacular, reaching the semi-finals against a very strong Buffalo team, pushing them to 7 games. There will be many finals in the future for this squad.

Code:
2. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)
Oh no, the head honchos of the league are worried that there aren't enough story lines for the finals! Therefore they're changing the rules for the finals. The home team will get to choose to either a) play the whole game with 6 skaters on the ice at a time or b) be immune from penalties/offsides/icing. Whatever the home team chooses, the visitors get the other perk. Which one are you choosing, given the choice and why?

Option B is definitely the better option. While playing the whole game with 6 skaters on the ice gives you a numbers advantage and can allow skilled players to be able to have extra options to choose from for offensive and transition plays, the immunity from penalties, offsides, and icing is far too valuable. Sure, offsides won’t get called that much when you are against 6 skaters, you will likely be in your defensive zone more often. Icing will be used for line changes. BUT being immune to penalties is what makes this option overpowered. Sure you may have 6 skaters on the ice, but if they are unable to play because the shorthanded team is constantly tripping, holding, grabbing, checking, tackling, any penalties that they can think of, what is the point of having that extra skater?

Code:
5. Written, 2 TPE (100 words min.)
Which SHL or SMJHL team was the best team to not make the finals this season and why?

In my mind, Chicago Syndicate. As much as I begrudgingly pick them because they were able to defeat the Steelhawks last season in the finals, the Great Lakes has been a bloodbath this season, with Toronto leapfrogging over Buffalo and Chicago into the playoffs. A team like Chicago has no place being outside of the playoffs amassing an 88 point season, 29 points (essentially 14 wins and 1 overtime loss) above a team that made it into the playoffs. The top four teams in the Eastern Conference had a 14 point gap (7 wins) above the 5th place team. It is unbelievable how competitive the Great Lakes division has become, and it is absolutely criminal that one of the 4 teams from the Great Lakes is unable to reach the playoffs despite being significantly better than the next best team outside of this incredible division.

Code:
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. Hamilton finished 13 points above Buffalo in the standings this season. What is one thing that Buffalo can do to give themselves a leg up despite this?

What they did this season to give themselves a leg up in this series has already been completed. Buffalo made a significant trade this season prior to the trade deadline in bringing in Dick Clapper, the former Steelhawk that was dealt back to New England this season in the Mitchell Van Der Heijden trade. With the trade for Dick Clapper, Buffalo increased their offensive firepower and has been arguably the better team since the trade deadline.

b. Hamilton was 3rd in the league in GF this season. Buffalo was 2nd in GA. This begs the age old question: what will win out, a great defense or a great offense? Why?

To be honest, this is totally up in the air. But recent series shows that a hot goalie is able to do anything he or she wants. Even if the team in front of the goaltender is leaking shots against massively, if the goaltender stands on his or her head, (see Chicago S57 Finals, Hamilton S58 Finals). Despite throwing a staggering amount of shots against Chicago (Hamilton), Hamilton (Buffalo) was defeated in 5 games after stellar performances by Tibuk Soonika (A Jobin). You win, if you let in one less goal than the opposing goaltender.

c. Which of these two teams' brandings do you prefer? Take into account colors, logo, name, location, and anything else you consider relevant.
I am personally not a big fan of the color green. So I will have to choose Hamilton. Hamilton’s name and brand has ties to the community in which Hamilton is a part of. Known as a steel manufacturing town, the name Steelhawks brings in an imagery of the surroundings that the team plays in front of and fosters a type of community for the team that team brands should strive for.

d. It's all come down to this: game seven overtime. Which four players are you sending out to win the game for you. This is in a fantasy sense, so feel free to mix and match from both teams.

Only four? Are we playing 3 on 3 or 5 on 5 OT in the playoffs? I always thought it was 5 on 5. Regardless, My picks this year for Hamilton’s 3 on 3 would be Michael Scarn, Theo Morgan, and Samuel Michaud. These three have been the most consistent players along with Aaron Wilson, scoring the most points for the Steelhawks these past several years. If its 4 on 4, I would add Hugh Jazz as a defenseman. If its 5 on 5, I would add the aforementioned Aaron Wilson to complete the lineup.

Code:
13. Written, 2 TPE - The Procrastinator Special! (100 words min.)
Welp, you waited until the last day to grind out your CW and the CC finals are longggggggg over by now. congrats to [TEAM], woo! Reflecting back on the series, who gets your vote for series MVP? Make the case why this player deserves it over any other.

Series MVP definitely has to be A Jobin. In a scenario where Hamilton were the team that were under the gun for most of the series, getting absolutely outshot in significant portions in the finals, it was Jobin’s stellar performance that kept the Steelhawks in the games and in the series. Coming from last season where Chicago’s goaltender was able to absolutely dominate despite the significant amount of shots that was thrown in his way by Hamilton, it feels very interesting to be on the other side of the equation this season. Giving Hamilton a chance to win despite getting outshot every game earns Jobin the MVP honors.

Code:
15. Milestones, up to 3 TPE
New this season, Milestones are folded in with CW. So just link your Milestone claim as task 16 for up to 3 TPE towards your 16 total.
SHL Milestones: https://simulationhockey.com/showthread.php?tid=114645

+/- 36 > 25 – 1 TPE
28 Giveaways < 30 – 1 TPE
Challenge Cup – 1 TPE

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