Task 1

In this alternate reality things happened VERY differently. The Challenge Cup Finals consist of one of the better story lines to grace the SHL, and maybe even hockey, in a very long time. The Challenge Cup Finals is between the Los Angeles Panthers and the Toronto North Stars. You may ask why that’s a good story line, well this is why.

Prior to the SHL season beginning, @ml002 had plans to rebuild his Toronto North Stars and traded himself, Mikhail Lokitonov to the Los Angeles Panthers. In a miraculous effort, the North Stars held down a playoff spot and played spoiler to the Eastern Conference. Now, they go up against the Panthers and Lokitonov’s final quest for a Challenge Cup. Will Lokitonov use his insider information to sabotage the Panthers and bring a Challenge Cup to his GMing career, or will he throw the series as a GM to bring Lokitonov the Challenge Cup he deserves to end his career on? This makes for a very interesting series.

Task 2

I’ll start this off by going to the worst odds, as I think most, if not all, will go the same route and say the Toronto North Stars. The North Stars are in the midst of a rebuild, and the number of active members on the team is quite small compared to everyone else. In addition, they’ve also got the lowest average TPE per player in the league (I believe it’s around 600 TPE!?!?). There are no expectations for the North Stars to win and I don’t think giving them the lowest odds is a slight against them. I think they’ll end up being just fine.

When it comes to the highest odds, I have a tough time deciding. However, as much as people may not want to hear it, I have to go with the Hamilton Steelhawks. This team is built to win. They’ve got a fantastic roster from top to bottom, and on top of that they have a staff that includes Teddy. Teddy (and I’m sure others do too, don’t hate me) has extensive knowledge of FHM and this could give their team a significant advantage going in to the unknown. They’ve also got the one person who’s destined to learn the ins and outs of any engine we use in Aaron Wilson. Together, they pose a deadly combo of knowledge and willingness to learn. I have to give them the edge going in to S53.

Task 3

FHM is a very interesting engine and I’m looking forward to the change. For my player, though, I’ll be looking to be a dual offensive threat, someone who can set up his teammates and pass the puck as well. I’d like to be more on the playmaker side, but the team needs a goal scorer. Therefore, I will be focusing my efforts on becoming a good goal scorer.

I’m looking at getting that Shooting Accuracy up as high as I can, be one of the elite goal scorers in the league, someone who the opposition does not want getting the puck in their own end.

Task 5

I think I’d have to say Luke Thomason. His activity level, TPE and his constant willingness to get better tells me he’d be the one who’d win an award. I think his game is very versatile, but I would have to say he’s definitely someone I can put a lock to win the scoring title. Thomason has been getting his point production up over the years after being a very good two way player, his offensive game is finally shining. There are a ton of good players, but with someone who has eclipsed the 2000 TPE mark and has not hit regression yet, I would have to put my money on him to win a title. I would even say he’s in contention for the Dar.

Task 6

AGAINST
I am all for the environment, but unfortunately, I have to go against this one. The crowd at home games is a huge boost to a team and their outcome. I think having it at a neutral site would downplay the ability to gain home ice advantage, and it’s a big reason for teams to gain points in the standings. Without home ice, the regular season standings don’t really mean anything and anything can happen once teams make it in to the playoffs. Not to mention, players love playing in front of their home crowd where the atmosphere is much better and can get the players pumped up and excited before a game, even when some players may not have something going for them.

Task 14

1. I don’t know much about the management group in San Francisco, but I do know Luke from my days in Vancouver and I know he is constantly trying to improve his teams. For that reason, I’m going to give Manhattan the edge in this one. They’ve been constantly improving and I think they’re going to give themselves the best chance to win.

2. I think when it comes down to it, depth wins games. While having top end talent is important, I think most teams have their top end forwards, but having good depth to go up against the weaker/more tired lines of the opposition helps wear them down and win. That being said, STHS is super random, so who knows who the hell is gonna win.

3. I’m going Pride here. I like the simplicity of the Rage logo, but I love the Pride colors and think they work really well together. The lion works well and the logo is super clean. While animal logos are usually overdone, I think this one looks great and wouldn’t be opposed to having those colors and that logo on my jersey.

Task 17

PM Sent