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S77 Championship Week Due: Sunday, July 28th @ 11:59 PM PST

Prompt 11 286 words 4 TPE
This was far and away the peak of Mary Hollywood's SHL career so far. One can only imagine that Mary is pleased with how she performed. However, it's a bittersweet feeling as she looks back on how the season went. If you were to look at her season through an optimistic lens, which no one could fault you for doing, you'd see a tremendous career high in production across the board. You'd also have no choice but to take note of the fact that Mary was named captain of the Regina Elk after incumbent Troy McClure IIII's midseason call up to the big time. Indeed, Mary was the final captain in Regina Elk history, as the franchise will be taking its talents to Thunder Bay (wherever the hell that is) and changing its name to the Walleye (whatever the hell that is). That aspect provides one of the sadder points of Mary's season. Her final season in the J is also the final season of the Elk, a franchise which gave her her very first taste of Fake Sim Hockey Stuff. It's been a tremendous experience playing for Da Regina Elk Hockey Club, and while the colors and the structure of the team aren't going anywhere, and nobody here is actually in Regina, there's something sad about it nonetheless. I hope that Thunder Bay wears Elk throwback unis sometime. Additionally, Mary spent most of the season leading the league in goals. That production was extremely fun and dope as fuck, and she ended up with a heaping helping of them to end the year. However, much like Regina in the playoffs, she choked the lead away like a real moron and everyone forgot who she was.

Prompt 13 203 words 4 TPE
The question of who is the main rival of Team USA is not as cut and dry as you may or may not have been led to believe. I don't know. Who knows what you've heard. Anyway. There are really two answers. The first is obvious: those scoundrels up in Canada. Canada would have you believe that they are the greatest hockey nation to ever do that hockey, or whatever it is they said on that SNL skit that got beat into the ground some years ago. God I hate that joke. Anyway. The fact of the matter is, Canadians believe they are the coolest and goodest at hockey, but when's the last time a Canadian team won the Stanley Cup, hmm? They even had a chance with this so-called GOAT McDavid this year, and then the Oilers fumbled the bag by losing to a team from Florida. Come on now. USA clears. Another secret second rival for Team USA is one that I like to ironically push, which is that my biggest Team USA SHL rival is Team USA White. This is because of that one WJC where I was co-GM of Team USA Blue, which is clearly the coolest Team USA.

Elk  Rage
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1. TRIVIA

Verification: huh

2. Lasse Zeigler and Nathan Cormier each come into these finals tied for the most assists in these playoffs at 21. Who do you think will have more impact as a playmaker in this series?

I think that Nathan Cormier will have a bigger impact in the finals as a playmaker. Lasse is a good player, but I think that Cormier just has the little bit extra both on and off the ice that'll really alllow him to elevate his game here in the finals. He's a player that's made for the big moments, and what bigger moment is there than the Challenge Cup finals? Again, this isn't a shot at Lasse as he's a hell of a player and playmaker in his own right, but I just have a feeling that Cormier is going to be a difference maker in this series.

(~110 words - 2 TPE - Total 5 TPE)

4. Hodor and Seamus O'Slapahan have both been important parts of their teams offensive but they also have a noticeable lead in blocked shots in the playoffs. We know that one goal can change the game so each block is one puck on goal less to worry about, but can one person do it all or should the rest of their teams follow their example and start focusing more on blocking shots?

I'm answering this prompt, but admittedly I think it's a tad silly because I feel like both old and new age hockey minds agree that in the playoffs its all about buying in and going that extra mile. If you only have one player on your team thats willing to sacrifice their body at all costs in the Challenge Cup finals of all series, what are you seriously expecting your team to win? Everyone has to be willing to go out there and focus on blocking shots. Ideally you carry play well enough that you don't have to block many at all, but if the other team is bringing the puck into a dangerous shooting area, at no time should they ever have a clear lane to the net. Hockey isn't like basketball where one player can really carry the load and win you the series. Hodor and Seamus can go out there and block all they want, but you need buy in across the board otherwise for 37 minutes a night while they're on the bench, the other teams are going to be having the times of their lives offensively.

(~196 words - 3 TPE - Total 8 TPE)

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Berserkers     -       syndicate      -     Berserkers

1. Verification Word: vagabond (up to +3)
11. My player performed well below my expectations/hopes at the start of the season. I have come to expect this, sadly, because that’s how it’s been all three seasons I’ve been capped, but I think I just came to accept my player would always be a primarily penalty-killing, bad statistical player based on my role. It kind of makes me regret building my player the way I did. (67 words, +1)
12. This year, the IIHF is going to be pretty competitive – and I don’t think Sweden will be able to come out on top this time (I guess that’s easy to say, since “the field” versus any one team SHOULD heavily favor the field). I expect that the US team will probably perform closer to their expected value given their amount of TPE – especially since they heavily underperformed last season relative to their talent and have had another season to work on their strategies. I would anticipate that Group A gets dominated by Canada, with Sweden as a semi-close second, followed by some smattering of Japan, France, and Germany. Group B has a bit more ambiguity to it: I think Finland and USA could easily top the group, but I think there’s an argument to be made for Ireland and even possibly arguably Switzerland.

I’m actually not sure if I will play IIHF or WJC this season based on what I’ve been told. I have previously been transferred to Team Iceland, but I have used my banked TPE, so I’m not sure if I am eligible. I certainly would not make the national team for Sweden at this point (they’re all like 1,500 TPE or something ridiculous) so I may just have to sit out. Last season really only surprised me with how poorly the US played – I think there was sufficient variance possible within the rest of the top teams that everything else fell within the realm of realistic outcomes. (250 words, +4)

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Thanks @Amidships!

CW Trivia – 3 TPE  CODEWORD: Varied
 
Writing Prompt 6
This is an interesting question that is sure to drive debate within the league. I think you can make an argument for both sides depending on the setup given. Renegades have a higher ceiling depending on the arena of battle and the equipment given. Are the renegades given prep time or would these two teams simply be dropped into a field and let loose? The floor is higher for a pack of wolves as it would ultimately be quite hard for a group of humans to deal with multiple wolves with their bare hands. If we then have this fight take place in a wooded environment or somewhere that wolves can prowl it becomes even harder. If this fight though takes place on the ice then it’d be really entertaining. I think the renegades would have an easier time being effective on the ice. The wolves may be confused as to what’s going on but their balance is probably better off since they have 4 limbs to utilize here. Ultimately, I think eighty percent of the time the wolves will simply inflict more damage on the renegades. If the renegades had pistols then the fight may be slightly more even but the risk is much higher for the renegades. (209 Words +4 TPE)
 
Writing Prompt 11
Slowpoke had an exciting season and minors career with the Newfoundland Berserkers. He felt bad for the organization and fans that they weren’t able to get the final goal completed but proud of the work the team has done over the last four seasons. A constant playoff team with multiple wins is surely something to be proud of. At the end of this season it came as no surprise that he would be called up simply due to eligibility requirements. He’s hopeful to be a contributing member to the Buffalo Stampede and is excited to get his change in the major league next year. (104 Words +2 TPE)


8 Total TPE Completed

ISFL (Dindog)

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.

bingo

Code:
11. Written, 50 to 200+ words. One Season Closer to Retirement
One season behind all of us. How did your player perform compared to your expectations? What do you expect from next season? Are you being hit by regression so hard that anything close to this season's performance would be a win in your books? Or maybe you are reaching your peak, in either of the leagues and hope to compete for some awards?

I was really hoping I would at minimum reach a point per game this season but I unfortunately fell short of that goal with only 58 points in 66 games. I was put on the top line and got the first line powerplay ice time so I was put in the best possible position to succeed which is very nice. I did make a big jump from the previous seasons because of that with 35 points. Detroit as team made huge strides this year, we were one of the better regular season teams and although our playoff run was short it was still a successful season. Next year is going to be a very important years for us, as it is the first year where our draft class should be hitting it's prime. We still have guys like Point and Soderstrom too! I am really hoping I can have a huge season and be one of the top producers in the league. It would be REALLY nice to get in the 85-90 point range but I would be happy with an 80 point season. In the end, if we as a team end up dominating that is all the really matters though!

Code:
14. Written, 50 to 200+ words.- The Procrastinator Special!
Looks like [TEAM] won Season 77! Who won and why? What could the other team have done differently to change the result? What was your favorite part of the series?

The New England Wolfpack won the championship in a tough game 7 battle! It's really hard to critique a series that went the distance because clearly both teams were giving their all. With that being said, the Texas Renegades did hold a 3-1 series lead at one point and you really would like to see those large series leads get finished. I don't follow the SHL too deeply but looking at their roster I'm not fully confident their are going to be a better team on paper next year so it could be a huge missed opportunity. They need to work on their ability to lock down a game defensively so even a 1-2 game lead is enough to secure a victory. None of the games they won were they able to keep a low scoring game.

8/8 TPE

Falcons Canada

Trivia verification: dibs on winning

Written prompts.


Code:
Ivan Lacksamus is once again leading his team in points and has
already tied Aaron Wilson’s record for career playoffs points at 242.
While they are not the only one in New England to be producing points,
do you think Texas should worry about Lacksamus who seems completely
unaffected by their age?
Word count: 51

Lacksamus is a one a generation player and until they lose a step every team should have a specific game plan to neutralize their threat.  It just so happens that the only remaining team in Lacksamus' way is Texas and they should be terrified of the inevitability that is Ivan Lacksamus.

Code:
One season behind all of us. How did your player perform compared
to your expectations? What do you expect from next season? Are you being
hit by regression so hard that anything close to this season's
performance would be a win in your books? Or maybe you are reaching your
peak, in either of the leagues and hope to compete for some awards?
Word count: 167

After my third season in Tampa I continued to build on the trend that started in my second season.  I got more ice time this season and my point production dropped.  I went under 30 assists this season down from 36 last season and only scored 2 more goals. Still fewer than my career highs that were all set as a rookie.  As a budding talent still entering the prime of my career there is plenty of time to turn this thing around and carve out a semi respectable legacy in Tampa.  It's ambitious coming off of a 50 point season, but even so for me to count S78 as a success I would want to become a point per game player again.  I'll hit the 1500 TPE benchmark before the regular season starts and at some point that has to mean something right? If Lacksamus can keep playing like they continue to do so with under 1300 TPE why can't The Murray pick up the slack.

Code:
After long last Minnesota managed to make their way to second
round, but were not able to push further just yet. Since switching to
FHM we have had multiple teams that have won the cup but there are still
quite few teams that haven't been able to make it all the way.
Baltimore, Calgary, Manhattan, Minnesota, Montreal, Tampa Bay and
Toronto have not won the Challenge Cup during the FHM era, some have
been close, but which one you think will be the next one to win and why
do you pick them over the others?
Word count: 71

I've gotta pick Tampa Bay for a whole bunch of reasons.  Running down the list step 1 is the promising core they've built with players just now hitting their stride as leaders in the league.  Most notable on that list of young players is The Murray, a punishing forward from Colombia.  And uh yeah, my player is on Tampa and that is why I'm picking them to get that FHM championship



1.
Tea

11.
It's incredible, to have reach this point where time itself appears to remain at a standstill. There are no ways to describe how the days, weeks and seasons go by one by one yet all of it begins to blend together. New faces, teammates, even teams all seem to mix with one another. It gets to a point where there could be reason to stop and rest but yet the legs continue to move. One foot in front of another. Thoughts of rest come up time to time but yet again, another foot takes another step forward.

At this point, what is the goal? Simply for the sake of because? Would it even be feasible? To be a furniture or simply the background to the stars that continue to come and go?

Is longetivty now becoming more of a negative than a positive on the career and resume towards moving towards a potential hall of fame ballot? To be taken on a competitive team is increasingly out of the question. Even Chicago themselves appear to be at the period in which their stars are beginning to shine brightly and take on higher aspirations. Aspirations that once burned for this aged soul. Would it even be fair to continue to sit in the same room as those who aim so high?

Even with these questions the steps continue. One foot in front of another.

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1. Banana Split

11. For Cade de Vries, this season was a welcome uptick of season capabilities for him. His abilities did increase over the season, leavening the slap shot specialist with 17 Shot Power, making him tied for most shot power in the SJMHL (tied alongside his line mate in NBB). He also increased his defensive read up by one, his bravery up by 2, and his balance up by 1. Why you may ask? Well, to hit people more efficiently and more bone crushingly (is that a word?). de Vries had 124 bone crushing hits this year (up from 123). He most markedly though increased his blocked shots from 96 to 110. Now, on the offensive side he was a top 10 point producer for defensemen, tallying up 15 goals and 34 assists on the year, increasing from 10 goals and 25 assists from last year. 49 points total was good for 5th best point generating defenseman in the SJMHL this year. Next year, he hopes he can keep up the pressure he puts on defenders and be an excellent 2 way defenseman that he has been his entire career, and maybe even earn some awards for next years performance. We won’t know though until de Vries gets back out on the ice. (211 Words) +4

9. I believe Toronto will be the next to win the cup. Why? Well, it’s very simple. It’s because Cade de Vries is coming up to the north stars lineup next year, and he can make an impact for being their lone s76 draftee. I also love this team and think that they can go all the way any time we want, and this team will be a force for years to come (73 words) +1

8 TPE total

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.

3 TPE

scruf


Code:
11. Written, 50 to 200+ words. One Season Closer to Retirement
One season behind all of us. How did your player perform compared to your expectations? What do you expect from next season? Are you being hit by regression so hard that anything close to this season's performance would be a win in your books? Or maybe you are reaching your peak, in either of the leagues and hope to compete for some awards?

175 words - 3 TPE

Another old man season for Slip McScruff in the books.  I continue to regress like a sack of bricks but I'm not kicked out of the league yet.  -73 is a best for his time on Montreal so far, and he's hit another high in points at 17.  Slip McScruff was never an offensive threat, even during his peak he only hit 22 in the FHM era.  This season was a bit more return to form on the blocked shots with 157 but I really wish he would rack up more hits.  He solidly holds the games played record and shots blocked record, but there is still a large hill to climb for the hits record.  I could probably get their by force of will, but it would be great to put up even the low end of his WPG numbers around 150.  He somewhat recently entered into the top 5, but he's still behind Kvalheim by about 500 hits.  At this rate, he'll need another 8 or 9 seasons to get to the top.

Code:
13. Written, 50 to 200+ words. National Rivalry
Which team do you see as your main rival in either IIHF or WJC? Maybe it is the closest neighboring country or someone who you have met in the playoffs countless times? Or maybe your team got split for WJC and you now have eternal hatred for the other team or the other way around, did your teams get merged and you want to show to your old partners in IIHF why they were bringing you down? Do you think that most of your team agrees with your pick or is it for more personal reasons?

221 words - 4 TPE

I have been somewhat disconnected since Slip McScruff regressed so far out of IIHF contention.  He had a strong showing with the USA federation over a sim decade ago, but there is no real way for him to get back into the dance.  I am stuck in the past where Canada and the USA were the two powerhouse nations which could field stacked rosters every season.  We were the default choice of nation for a lot of newcomers to the league.  While other nations had to actively recruit to fill their roster, we primarily had to build a locker room of players who were willing to wait much longer before hitting the ice.  You can still see this playing out where both of these teams can lose 3-4 each season to recruitment but have a min TPE on the roster well over 1k.

In terms of results, the top three teams were some arrangement of Canada, USA, and Greate Britain for the first five seasons of FHM.  Since then, it's hard to say if we are still rivals because the results are more mixed.  Sometimes Canada is riding high while the USA is struggling and sometimes the opposite.  However, they should continue to measure themselves against each other to show what can be done with the largest potential pool of players.

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credit to Flappy, ToeDragon, and Carpy

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Trivia Code: Banana
+3 tpe

6. So a regular pack of wolves generally ranges is size from 2 to 12 members. The renegade groups from my research generally are about 3-5 members. Now assuming this is a fight to the death and both the people and the wolves know that it is a fight to the death then the battle really comes down to terrain and distance. Now if the renegades can’t get their guns into an effective firing range only have enough time to get off a single rough volley then the fight is almost certainly going to the wolves. Now granted most of the wolves will almost certainly succumb to their wounds but the beast will still probably win. Now if they have actual have some room to let their rifles and six shooters properly come to bear then the Renegades almost certainly have it. So that being said ladies and gents, IT’S TIME FOR A DEATH BATTLE!!! In the red corner we have the daring rebel ne’re-do-wells. In the blue corner we have the fearsome pack of grey wolves. Now obviously folks we can’t show you this bloody and gruesome battle not for censorship reasons of course. We’re a hockey league after all. Which hockey fan wouldn’t want to see man and beast rip each other apart limb from limb. Sadly our budget is not nearly high enough for that so y’all have a good rest of your day and take a look at this.

242 words +4tpe

14. So New England won and good on them but seriously how did Texas blow that lead like damn. As for what they could have done differently I think Texas’ defense had a problem of being on the wrong place at the wrong time while New Englands offense did a fantastic job exploiting that oversight and busting through their weaker defenses and keeping up the pressure until the Wolves had the Renegades dead to right and finished off their targets faster than you could shoot fish in a barrel.

88 words +1 tpe

+8tpe in total

1. CW TRIVIA, 3 TPE max - 1.5 TPE for participation, 0.5 TPE for each correct answer.
Imrahil

Written Prompt 6 - In a one on one fight, sheer ferocity and force of will may carry the day but as soon as a third person enters the ring you have to employ tactics, quick thinking, make a plan. This is where wolves come out on top in a fight. At least in namesake here. The renegades have such a hot winning streak, but the wolves know this and are certainly coming in with a strong plan. Fast members of the pack on the flank to corral renegades into tougher wolves. Hit and run tactics, the works. They know what to expect from a fight. (102 words, 2 tpe)

Prompt 9 - I have Calgary on lock to achieve the championship of the teams that haven't next, with absolutely no bias to be found in my opinion. Joking aside though a slew of talented players are coming up from the SMJHL over this season and the next few, meaning that the team's lineup is only going to get more solid over time. It also has a good foundation with the players currently on board, ready to help train these newer players in the way of the dragon. Plus, I think if I believe hard enough in my player's team I can manifest a victory. If I want the Challenge Cup hard enough it will come to us. (115 words, 2 TPE)

Written Prompt 13 - James Howlett has a couple of choices for IIHF rivals, namely Canada and Japan. He chose to join Czechia, but he was born and raised in Canada. His rough upbringing means that he still has something to prove, and the ice is a perfect place to do that. Japan is the other option for very similar reasons, it's where his mentor Ogun comes from and his trips there are not pleasant memories because of his mentor’s presence in them. (79 words, 1 TPE)

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