Task 3: (Written, up to 5 TPE)
Pick up to 5 challenge cup related topics to write about! Each topic is worth '1' TPE. Each answer must be 50 words or more.

1. Between Buffalo's (WannabeFinn, Tomen) and New Orleans (JKortesi81, TheDangaZone) which set of GM's have the tactical/managerial advantage in this series and why?

Having two players drafted and played under Joe during my times in St. Louis, I have to say, in a perfectly biased way, New Orleans has this one. Joe just knows how to win. 3 4-star cups, and multiple Challenge Cups with his player on both Alberta teams. They’ve drafted and cobbled an expansion roster again that, not really to the surprise of most, challenges for top of the conference and league, and made it to the Cup Finals.

4. Choose 1 young player from each team (either on their roster or a prospect of theirs) who you believe will be there teams next important player and why? *tag that player*

Buffalo - Cassius Darrow @hhh81
Already having stepped up on the third pairing in this playoff run, Buffalo has to be pleased with the progress of their S45 defenseman. Already exceeding 600 TPE, look for Darrow to get more and more minutes on the big club next year and beyond, and all signs point to him being a top-pairing defenseman for the Stampede going forward.

New Orleans - Michael Fox @FuzzSHL
One of the challenges facing an expansion franchise is the older players drafted to the squad need to be replaced in quick time, so you need your initial draftees who can answer the call in relatively quick time. Drafted from the St. Louis Scarecrows in the 2nd round of the S46 SHL draft, Fox is a dynamic offensive player who is already at over 400 TPE, and still growing. Look for Fox to be one the first called up as the post-expansion draft wave of new New Orleans players.

5.You have been asked by the league to choose a destination for next seasons all star game and its between New Orleans and Buffalo, which city did you decide should get this important league event and why?

With the recent IIHF expansion, I thought it would be a good idea to hold the all-star game in one of the two new expanded countries. How did i choose between the two? Easy. My player is Swiss. Suck it Japan, you can have the next season’s. One of Switzerland’s more populated cities and a birthplace of many NHL players, Zurich would be an excellent choice to host the SHL’s next iteration of the All-star game, showcasing the game to the new markets.

7. Who has been there teams surprise player/unsung hero in the post season and why?..must include at least 1 stat to back up claim.

For the New Orleans Specters, one of the surprising stories of the playoffs has been Xavier Paquette, who has stayed 3rd in team scoring despite being on the 2nd line and only being 10th on the team in ice time. Four goals, five assists,

TASK 1: (Written, 3 TPE)
For most players season 46 is over and you have had a bit of time to reflect on your season. Talk to us about how you did.. what were some of your players best and worst moments? what were your overall numbers? did you meet your individual goals? what areas in your game were you happy with and what areas fell short? Must be 150 words or more.

Stepping into a larger role this season, Basil Magnicotta moved from the third pairing to the top pairing, forming a dynamic duo with defensive stalwart Slip McScruff. Magnicotta finally stepped up his offensive game, albeit after being incredibly snakebitten on goals for most of the season. A shoot-first defenseman should aim for more than six goals, but Magnicotta still helped drive the play, racking up 27 assists and almost doubling his point total rom his rookie season. The Scarecrows completed the three-peat this postseason, and Magnicotta held the 4-Star Cup aloft for the second time is as many seasons. Being so far undefeated in his SMJHL career when it comes to team success, Magnicotta has to be happy with what he’s done so far. The Swiss skater looks to return to the SMJHL next season, and hopes to continue the streak of Scarecrow success, and dominate the league another season.

Task 9: (Written, 3 TPE)
You have been asked to spend a few minutes on air with the series commentators during the game 1 preshow! During that segment they ask you to do a full break down on the series... in 150 words or more tell them who you believe is the favorite and who is the underdog of this series and why.. as well as your thoughts on what each team needs to do or not do to win the challenge cup.

Well, let’s have a look at the Finals, Between the New Orleans Specters and the Buffalo Stampede. Basil Magnicotta giving his thoughts: “I’m really excited to be a part of this Specters organization, so I know I’m a bit biased, but i really think New Orleans will win this out in the end. To win the series, the entire group of skaters need to contribute - they got a lot of great players in the Expansion Draft, but are a little more top-heavy than Buffalo. Depth could lose them this series, but not if they find offense from less likely places. Buffalo is the opposite - incredibly deep and also with top-line talent packing the roster, Buffalo now just needs its stars to outshine those of the Specters. If they can win the big matchups and the top players win their matchups, Buffalo’s depth can carry the team the rest of the way to the Challenge Cup.

Task 11: (Written, 3 TPE)
There will be many SMJHL players watching this Challenge Cup series and dreaming of the day that they are involved in the SHL's biggest staged event. but first things first,, you have to make an SHL teams 20 man roster. Talk about where your player is at within your SHL organization, who are the prospects that you'll be competing with for a roster spot? when do you hope to make the big clubs roster and what are your individual expectations in that rookie season? Must be 150 words or more.

Looking at the incredibly stout New Orleans Specters roster, and the blue-line that brought them to the Challenge Cup Final, I don’t think Magnicotta will crack that roster for a while. It will take the regression of at least one of the New Orleans blue-line, barring something drastic like a trade, to make an opening that Magnicotta might step into. The only benefit to Magnicotta is that New Orleans has a smaller prospect list than most teams due to being a recent expansion franchise, and is therefore one of the first in line to earn a spot on the roster after a retirement or other vacancy. It is rumoured that New Orleans will have the same top 6 in their lineup for next season, and Magnicotta has been asked to extend his tour with the St. Louis Scarecrows, who just completed the three-peat as 4-star cup champions. At least one or two more seasons will likely be needed before the Swiss skater can crack the Specters regular roster.



EDIT: Also sent in Task #14