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***bluesfan55*** · 07-12-2023, 08:48 PM

task 1: faroe

11. Written, 3 TPE, Civil War (150 words min.)
How does your player feel about playing against SHL teammates in the IIHF? Do you ease up on your hits, or do you go harder? Do you grin at each other across the ice, or is this a point of national pride?

sebastien regazzoni is very proud to be swiss. one of the highlights of his season is pulling on that red and white jersey and representing his country on the international stage; it truly means a lot to the young steelhawks center. and while he loves his hamilton teammates and enjoys spending time with them on and off the ice during the simulation hockey league season, when it comes to playing for switzerland his game face becomes clear. he won't ease up. sure, he'll give his teammates a smile across the rink, but that's before puck drop. when the game starts he means business. he'll throw hard hits, if he scores on his teammates he'll give it a pretty hearty celly, and he just generally seems to care a lot more than he does during the season. winning a gold medal with switzerland would mean the world to regazzoni, so of course he won't back down when it comes to international glory.

12. Written, 2 TPE - The Procrastinator Special! (100 words min.)
Looks like [TEAM] won the cup! (Sorry, Micool.) What was your favorite part of the series? Who won and why? What could the other team have done differently to have a better chance?

so it looks like our arch rivals the buffalo stampede won the cup. i think buffalo won because their general aura is more threatening. a team nicknamed the aurora is not threatening. it makes you think of stars. it does not make you think of a very good hockey team. when you think stampede you think of a bunch of angry bulls running at you, and of course that means the team is more threatening due to said aura. (in all honesty buffalo has history of not choking in the finals, and them beating the forge basically made me think they'd win; the jets have the playoff experience but they don't have the gumption to finish so i doubted them). my favorite part was seeing my favorite german @Tomen (hiho) win his first cup as full general manager (i think). good job buddy.

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

chetib · 07-13-2023, 01:22 AM

1. CW TRIVIA, 3 TPE max - 1.5 TPE for participation, 0.5 TPE for each correct answer. This is completed through a Google form linked below. Make sure to spell your answers correctly or you will not get credit. Post your verification word in your CW post.

Verification: Chetib

2. Written, up to 4 TPE - Grab Bag: Pick up to 4 Challenge Cup related topics to write about! Each topic is worth 1 TPE. Each answer must be 50+ words.

a. Winnipeg has put together an impressive streak of Challenge Cup Finals appearances, but has no hardware to show for their dominance in the west so far. What do the Aurora have to do differently to get over the hump this year?

Just gonna say it. Winnipeg is a 1 dimensional team. I know I will probably take flack for it but you can't just score your problems away. It works in the regular season but playoffs you need to be a multifaceted team and Winnipeg has shown season after season they don't have it.
(53 words)

d. If it ain't broke don't fix it: Who you got? Who wins? Why?
I am giving to Buffalo. If there is one thing I have to expect and I think we can bank on it is Winnipeg losing in the finals. I know they are due and have a strong team but how many times are we going to see this storyline playout before we call it more than a fluke.
(58 words)

3. Written, 3 TPE, Guess Who's Back (150 words min.)
To say Winnipeg has been offensively dominant in their playoff run so far is needlessly charitable to their opponents. Lias Ekholm-Gunnarsson has *twenty nine points* in sixteen playoff games. Mikko Rashford has *twenty seven*. However, Rebecca Montaigne has a 0.888 save percentage for this run. Can Winnipeg's absurd offense finally get them over the hump, or do they need to patch up their defense if they want to outlast the Upstate Upstarts?

Let's talk Winnipeg and their luck. I honestly cannot think of a team with more snake bitten luck those poor souls trapped in that frost bitten hell. While they may have an offensively oppressive team it is hard to to watch when so many stats point to a team that only plays a 100ft game. I think seeing a starting goalie with a .880 save percentage should say a lot not only about the defensive side of the game but also where they put the emphasis on their game. This is hockey you can't win by throwing wave after wave of offense at a problem and expect it to win championships. I hope genuinely that Winnipeg win because the desire to get that championship must be untenable at this point and down right infuriating for those top end scorers who must feel like they are spinning their tires in championship after championship with no results to show for it.

(159 words)

8/8tpe

damienj10 · 07-13-2023, 01:24 AM

5. Written, Continuing an emergent tradition: this year's final features a god-bear of cosmic wind facing an unfamiliar rival on a familiar battleground: this year, the great glowing north faces a furious herd of buffalo! Tell me who wins and why! The arena and the rules of the fight can be whatever you desire. Get creative!

The ice rink was buzzing with excitement as the final showdown of the year's tradition was about to commence. This time, it was the god-bear of cosmic wind against a wild herd of buffalo. Talk about a clash of titans on familiar turf! The god-bear strutted onto the ice, its massive form sending chills down everyone's spines. Meanwhile, the buffalo charged in, full of rage and ready to rumble. The battle kicked off, and things got crazy. The god-bear whipped up icy tornadoes, gracefully dodging the charging buffalo. But man, those buffalos were relentless. They were like a stampede on steroids, hell-bent on taking down the god-bear. In a jaw-dropping finale, the god-bear unleashed an avalanche of frosty fury, freezing the charging buffalo solid. The poor guys were trapped, unable to move an inch on the slippery ice. When the dust settled, the god-bear stood tall, the undisputed champ. Its cool moves and supernatural powers owned the ice rink, securing an epic win and making this tradition one for the record books.

Buffalo hasn't put up the same offensive numbers as the Aurora, but they haven't needed to. Their points leader in Konstantin Selich has 19 points in 16 playoff games, an impressive number in its own right, but the Stampede's hero has been Casey Fantobens, their brick wall with a casual *0.929* save percentage over the playoffs so far. In a battle of unbelievable offense vs the stoutest playoff defense this league has seen in a while, does Buffalo have what it takes to bring home the trophy and send the Aurora back to Winnipeg yet again?

I don’t know I don’t really like either team tbh do they deserve anything of gloriousness? No only I and my team the Montreal patriots if of worth mentioning. My boy Hirano is going to carry the SHL team to the cup with a whopping 700 tpe. I have noticed a decline in these CW week questions and the ability to keep my attention none the less I guess I can answer this easily. In the FHM scoring wins games. Goalies are a coin flop and if you have high scorers you win. Defense can help but not if you can score and the FHM looooves hames ending 10 - 3 all the time. None the less selich with 19 points 17 of them being secondary aissists I bet you is a snoozer. Over hyped sleep fest of a match up. Never been softer than an average Taco Bell soft taco until I saw this match up. Then I saw this question on championship week and oh boy did a fall asleep what a snoozer. In conclusion go Winnipeg I guess. Buffalo ew.

150 words

3. Written, 3 TPE, Guess Who's Back (150 words min.)
To say Winnipeg has been offensively dominant in their playoff run so far is needlessly charitable to their opponents. Lias Ekholm-Gunnarsson has *twenty nine points* in sixteen playoff games. Mikko Rashford has *twenty seven*. However, Rebecca Montaigne has a 0.888 save percentage for this run. Can Winnipeg's absurd offense finally get them over the hump, or do they need to patch up their defense if they want to outlast the Upstate Upstarts?

Winnipeg's offensive performance in the playoffs, as indicated by the point totals of Lias Ekholm Gunnarsson and Mikko Rashford, is indeed impressive. Their ability to generate scoring chances and convert them into goals has played a significant role in their success thus far. However, it's important to consider that hockey is a team sport, and defensive performance is equally crucial for a team's overall success. Rebecca Montaigne's save percentage of 0.888 in the playoff run suggests that Winnipeg's defense has room for improvement. While save percentage alone doesn't provide a complete picture of a team's defensive capabilities, it does indicate that there have been instances where the opposition has been able to generate quality scoring chances against Winnipeg. In conclusion a balanced team approach that combines strong offensive production with solid defensive play tends to be the most successful in the playoffs. While Winnipeg's potent offense can certainly carry them far, shoring up their defense would likely improve their chances of sustained success and help them.

***JaytheGreat*** · 07-13-2023, 03:38 AM

1. CW TRIVIA, 3 TPE max - 1.5 TPE for participation, 0.5 TPE for each correct answer. This is completed through a Google form linked below. Make sure to spell your answers correctly or you will not get credit. Post your verification word in your CW post.

greatness

3. Written, 3 TPE, Guess Who's Back (150 words min.)
To say Winnipeg has been offensively dominant in their playoff run so far is needlessly charitable to their opponents. Lias Ekholm-Gunnarsson has *twenty nine points* in sixteen playoff games. Mikko Rashford has *twenty seven*. However, Rebecca Montaigne has a 0.888 save percentage for this run. Can Winnipeg's absurd offense finally get them over the hump, or do they need to patch up their defense if they want to outlast the Upstate Upstarts?

There's a saying in sports offense wins games but defense wins championships. Obviously Ekholm-Gunnarsson and Rashford have had great seasons and have been even better in the playoffs. Right now they are my favorites the win the series but the defense and goalie has to be better if they want to take home the Cup. If the scoring goes cold you'll need something else to rely on to steal you a game, right now Winnipeg doesn't have that and so far haven't needed it. You'd have to think Buffalo is going to try and slow the games down into slugfest. I would imagine a shootout would favor Winnipeg and a grinding type game would be in favor of Buffalo. Like I said I still really favor Winnipeg in this series because their scoring isn't just good it's elite and have been elite all season and it will probably be too much for Buffalo to keep up with, but FHM does like to throw in some randomness from time to time.

c. Two very different teams took two very different routes to the Cup Final: which of them impressed you more? Why?

Both teams have been very impressive for different reasons, Winnipeg's goal scoring ability is incredible, but Buffalo has pulled off upset after upset in very impressive fashion. Winnipeg on paper is one of the best if not the best team in the league so to be the Finals is to be expected although 3 seasons in a row is a great achievement. That being said I think Buffalo's route the Cup Final is more impressive.

d. If it ain't broke don't fix it: Who you got? Who wins? Why?

I honestly think this is Winnipeg's year, they've got the goal scoring including the 2 front runners for the MVP award (Lias Ekholm-Gunnarsson and Mikko Rashford). Not only do they have amazing forwards, but their defensemen are great as well, being led by Marcel Beck and Christian Kinsinger. Add it all up and I think Winnipeg finally gets that monkey off their back.

Rest In Peace Dangel

1st SHL Goal - S52 Game 1 vs Tampa 3. New England Wolfpack , Jakub Bruchevski 1 (Eko Van Otter 1, Delver Fudgeson 2) at 8:10

Scarecrows

JuOSu · 07-13-2023, 03:52 AM

PBE PT +3 TPE

Trivia: sloth +3 TPE

blakec1414 · 07-13-2023, 03:55 AM

CW pass

***Aleris*** · 07-13-2023, 10:59 AM

CW Pass

Lumosityfan · 07-13-2023, 11:14 AM

PBE Affiliate Claim for 3 TPE

Task #1: hello

*Keven* · 07-13-2023, 12:09 PM

Code:
1. CW TRIVIA, 3 TPE max - 1.5 TPE for participation, 0.5 TPE for each correct answer. This is completed through a Google form linked below. Make sure to spell your answers correctly or you will not get credit. Post your verification word in your CW post.

trade

Code:
2. Written, up to 4 TPE - Grab Bag: Pick up to 4 Challenge Cup related topics to write about! Each topic is worth 1 TPE. Each answer must be 50+ words.

a. Winnipeg has put together an impressive streak of Challenge Cup Finals appearances, but has no hardware to show for their dominance in the west so far. What do the Aurora have to do differently to get over the hump this year?

As far as I'm concerned there's nothing that Winnipeg could or should do differently this year. They've clearly found the secret to success in the regular season and they know how to win multiple playoff rounds so it's tough to know what needs to be done to finally clinch a challenge cup win. Sometimes good luck is more powerful than a strategy.

Code:
b. Buffalo, fresh off a rebuild, crushed their way through the first two rounds of these playoffs after coming in as a wildcard, scoring two consecutive sweeps against two of the best teams in the East. Have the Stampede convinced you? If so, what sold you?

Even after sweeping two great teams and beating a third good team, I'm still not convinced Buffalo is the real deal. I think a lot of their success rides on the fact that Casey Fantobens is having a run of a lifetime and that sort of success isn't necessarily sustainable over the course of yet another series.

Code:
c. Two very different teams took two very different routes to the Cup Final: which of them impressed you more? Why?

There's no doubt that Winnipeg being the favourites to win makes their run to the finals less impressive, so I'm definitely inclined to say Buffalo has had the more impressive route. Coming in as the 5th seed overall, they've had the unfortunate fate of being the lower seeded team in every single matchup somehow. Sweeping twice as the underdoog is an amazing feat.

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d. If it ain't broke don't fix it: Who you got? Who wins? Why?

Even after losing two consecutive finals, I still have Winnipeg winning the series. They've been so dominant for multiple consecutive seasons so their success should probably translate to a cup at some point. Buffalo seems to be relying on a hot goalie for their success so far and I think a streak like that has to come to an end at some point.

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

Looks like [TEAM] won the cup! (Sorry, Micool.) What was your favorite part of the series? Who won and why? What could the other team have done differently to have a better chance?

At this point it seems like there's nothing Winnipeg can do to clinch a cup win in the finals. After dominating both the league in the regular season and the western conference in the playoffs, they once again weren't able to find a series win in the challenge cup finals. Buffalo had an insane run this year, going undefeated in their first 10 games and beating all 4 top teams in the league. They relied on an incredibly hot streak by their goalie Casey Fantobens who should no doubt be the standalone MVP of both this series and the playoffs as a whole for them.

Nictox · 07-13-2023, 12:38 PM

Task 1:
Verification Word: Monarchs

Task 2:
a.
Winnipeg is an all out offensive threat that can enforce their will on other teams. While that is good in the regular season, defense wins championships. If the Aurora want to win, they need to change how they think about their opponents. I would expect their opponents to know they have offense first mentality and use that to their advantage. [60]

b.
Yes they have convinced me. They have always had a top notch coaching staff and know how to get the job done.It is very hard to vote against them when they are dismantling teams that were higher in the regular season standings. Plus, who doesn’t want to root for the ‘underdog’ winning it all. [55]

c.
Winnipeg has been strong arming their way into the finals for a few seasons now using their all out offensive style of play. What slows them up though is a team that can shut down their top players and rely on their depth to pick up the slack. That is what Buffalo did. Coming in as a wild card and winning 12 out of 14 games is insane and showed that their tactics were sound. [75]

Task 12:
Man what an exciting series, am I right? I would not know as I did not watch like usual. Congrats to Buffalo for winning, I’m sure it was a fun battle! Defense and depth win championships, Buffalo showed that against Winnipeg’s onslaught of offense. Winnipeg could have played a bit more defensively, but I’m not sure if that would have changed the outcome in their favor. The Stampede have not won a cup since S62, which in reality is not that long ago. The Stampede have always found a way to win and this is just another feather in their cap. That or Finn rigged the system.
[107]

RIP Dangel #AD26 | RIP TDZ

jbay7 · 07-13-2023, 01:03 PM

Code:
1. CW TRIVIA, 3 TPE max - 1.5 TPE for participation, 0.5 TPE for each correct answer. This is completed through a Google form linked below. Make sure to spell your answers correctly or you will not get credit. Post your verification word in your CW post.

selenium

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

Buffalo hasn't put up the same offensive numbers as the Aurora, but they haven't needed to. Their points leader in Konstantin Selich has 19 points in 16 playoff games, an impressive number in its own right, but the Stampede's hero has been Casey Fantobens, their brick wall with a casual *0.929* save percentage over the playoffs so far. In a battle of unbelievable offense vs the stoutest playoff defense this league has seen in a while, does Buffalo have what it takes to bring home the trophy and send the Aurora back to Winnipeg yet again?

While I may be biased as a member of Buffalo, after opening the playoffs with a sweep of New England and Montreal the general feeling has been that we absolutely can beat anyone in the league despite being tagged as the underdog in basically every series. While TPE certainly is correlated with success, it certainly is neither a guarantee nor a condemnation and Buffalo has consistently played above their TPE level of 9th best in the league in finishing 5th overall in the regular season, followed by defeated 3 of the teams above them on their way to the finals. While their offensive numbers aren't as gaudy as Winnipeg, they faced a much tougher path and are battle tested in a way that the Aurora simply may not be. Winnipeg also has been shown to be vulnerable in the past, losing the past two finals despite dominant regular season performances. Buffalo needs to simply continue their solid defense and goaltending, and get balanced offensive contributions up and down the lineup to come out on top. (176 words)

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

Looks like [TEAM] won the cup! (Sorry, Micool.) What was your favorite part of the series? Who won and why? What could the other team have done differently to have a better chance?

The series looked tough for Buffalo after going down 2-0 after 2 games, but coming back to win the next four was a great feeling as a member of the Stampede. The formula for Buffalo was mostly the same as it had been throughout the rest of the playoffs: excellent goaltending and defense combined with timely scoring up and down the lineup. Most of the Buffalo wins came on the back of keeping Winnipeg off the scoreboard, limiting them to 1, 3, and 2 goals in games 3, 5, and 6. The odd one out was a crazy, up and down shootout in game 4 which saw Buffalo come out on top 8-6. This shootout type of game was a bit out of character for Buffalo, but coming out on top and scoring 8 goals showed that they could also bring out the offensive firepower when needed. (149 words)

JT3 · 07-13-2023, 01:25 PM

Quote:1. CW TRIVIA, 3 TPE max - 1.5 TPE for participation, 0.5 TPE for each correct answer. This is completed through a Google form linked below. Make sure to spell your answers correctly or you will not get credit. Post your verification word in your CW post.

verification: loserweek

Quote:11. Written, 3 TPE, Civil War (150 words min.)
How does your player feel about playing against SHL teammates in the IIHF? Do you ease up on your hits, or do you go harder? Do you grin at each other across the ice, or is this a point of national pride?

It's pretty common to play against teammates, former teammates, and good friends over the course of your career. Whether in IIHF, or after joining a new team or having a teammate leave, you do end up playing against people you know quite well. I think most players would agree that it's not something you think about much at all when you're on the ice. Your sole focus is to win that hockey game and battle for your team, and in the moment knowing that person doesn't come into the equation. You can't hold back otherwise you will be taken advantage of in that split second moment. Of course, you typically aren't going out of your way to injure them or anything like that, but it wouldn't stop Noel from throwing a hit in the slightest. Hell, even in a hard, high intensity team practice you end up bumping your own teammates pretty good, so nothing should stop you in a game. Look out, fellow Aurora!

Quote:12. Written, 2 TPE - The Procrastinator Special! (100 words min.)
Looks like [TEAM] won the cup! (Sorry, Micool.) What was your favorite part of the series? Who won and why? What could the other team have done differently to have a better chance?

I was away during the latter portion of the finals and wasn't paying much attention to discord, but based on the lack of reaction I figured Buffalo took home the championship, which they did in 6 games. It's disappointing to say the least, three straight trips to the finals now, and this season with probably the best matchup we've had to this point (no disrespect to Buffalo whatsoever, just talking on paper). Still couldn't get the job done. I'm starting to feel cursed with my personal cup draught going on 5.5 years and and over 30 seasons. Just gotta keep working in Winnipeg and we'll get that trophy eventually.

Credits to OrbitingDeath, Tweedle, Incite, Wasty, and Slothfacekilla for sigs!

Player Profile | Update Page

LordBallGag · 07-13-2023, 03:13 PM

1. Trivia link. Verification code: Bazooka +3 TPE

5. Continuing an emergent tradition: this year's final features a god-bear of cosmic wind facing an unfamiliar rival on a familiar battleground: this year, the great glowing north faces a furious herd of buffalo! Tell me who wins and why! The arena and the rules of the fight can be whatever you desire. Get creative!
One weird glowing cosmic rave bear against a herd, of sharp pointed Buffalo. Define a herd? how many are we talking about here? Well since I was drafted by the said Herd or Stampede im a little bias in this but bear with me... Pun intended. A large group of animals, especially hoofed mammals, that live, feed, or migrate together or are kept together as livestock is the definition of Herd. No real number given out here but still, good to know. When defining a Stampede, a sudden panicked rush of a number of horses, cattle, or other animals. Still no number but I have to give it to the Stampede as again. One bear that loves to listen to Bob Marley and look at the Stars wont win in this fight. So, after all my testing and looking up on google I give you my best college try. Thanks for reading and im sorry you waited this long to stop reading as this has been a complete waste of your time.
172 Words +3 TPE

12. Written, 2 TPE - The Procrastinator Special! (100 words min.)
Looks like [TEAM] won the cup! (Sorry, Micool.) What was your favorite part of the series? Who won and why? What could the other team have done differently to have a better chance?

Stampede BABY!!! Super excited for them and to be a part of their franchise. My juniors team that I was on, The Timbers won the cup and my SHL squad who I will be joining soon took the cup as well. What a time to be a Timber and a Buffalo Stampede. Favorite part of the series has to be the down 2-0 in the series and they storm back to win 4 straight against a very very good Aurora team. Not sure what else they could have done to slow Buffalo down. When they won 3 straight I figured the series was over and they did winning 3-2 in a nail biter.
113 words +2 TPE

8 TPE

the5urreal · 07-13-2023, 03:25 PM

Code:
1. CW TRIVIA, 3 TPE max - 1.5 TPE for participation, 0.5 TPE for each correct answer. This is completed through a Google form linked below. Make sure to spell your answers correctly or you will not get credit. Post your verification word in your CW post.

moist
+3 TPE

Code:
3. Written, 3 TPE, Guess Who's Back (150 words min.)

To say Winnipeg has been offensively dominant in their playoff run so far is needlessly charitable to their opponents. Lias Ekholm-Gunnarsson has *twenty nine points* in sixteen playoff games. Mikko Rashford has *twenty seven*. However, Rebecca Montaigne has a 0.888 save percentage for this run. Can Winnipeg's absurd offense finally get them over the hump, or do they need to patch up their defense if they want to outlast the Upstate Upstarts?

Stop me if you've heard this before - the Winnipeg Aurora dominate for the majority of the regular season, winning the President's Trophy by a comfortable margin. In the playoffs, they win two of the first three series handily on the way to the finals. Winnipeg faces off against an overmatched underdog team from the Eastern Conference, ultimately losing. I don't really care how offensively dominant the Winnipeg Aurora have been in the playoffs up to this point because they have proven before that it doesn't matter. What they should be concerned about this time around is the fact that Rebecca Montagne is struggling in net. On the other side, it's nearly the opposite story. The Buffalo Stampede don't have a dominant offense, but their goalie Casey Fantobens is playing extraordinarily well (along with their defense). If Montagne continues to struggle and the Buffalo defense along with Fantobens can continue to shut down their opponent's offense, this series could go the same way for Winnipeg as it has the past two seasons. [171 words]
+3 TPE

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

Looks like [TEAM] won the cup! (Sorry, Micool.) What was your favorite part of the series? Who won and why? What could the other team have done differently to have a better chance?

Another season, another Winnipeg Aurora Challenge Cup Finals loss. I almost feel bad for them. However, as division rivals and perpetual thorn in my side, my favorite part of the series was witnessing Winnipeg ultimately lose again. Maybe I'm a little envious of their success, but it's got to be painful to put in all that work and not win it all. Buffalo came out of nowhere and made a nice run to the finals, eventually winning in the end. It's anybody's guess what Winnipeg could have done differently. It really blows my mind that they could dominate in the regular season, waltz into the finals, and lose to a lesser team over and over again. [116 words]
+2 TPE

goilers · 07-13-2023, 04:35 PM

1. CW TRIVIA, 3 TPE max - 1.5 TPE for participation, 0.5 TPE for each correct answer. This is completed through a Google form linked below. Make sure to spell your answers correctly or you will not get credit. Post your verification word in your CW post.

Cooper

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