16/16 TPE

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?

There was a lot to be surprised about this season. Some good, and some bad. Let's go with what we thought was bad here, since I'm sure all the other replies are going to be about their surprise regarding how well their team played. Let's instead talk about how surprising it was that some teams were not good. Its no secret that the New Orleans Specters are in a rebuilding mode. After numerous seasons at the top and a few cups, it was going to come sooner or later. And, unfortunately for the purple boys, it finally arrived in the last few seasons. But while the team took a big step back last season, this season was even more of a difficult showing. They just squeaked by the double-digit win total and let in an absolutely preposterous amount of goals by the end of the season. Fortunately for the Specters, there's light at the end of the tunnel but who could have predicted their performance this year?

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?

Its hard to feel bad about our season in Vancouver. Despite the fact that our roster was heavily depleted, we still managed to make it to the second round and dragged a very strong Kelowna team to game seven. Personally, my season was a big improvement on last year, so its hard to know where to go from there. Next season, in the SMJHL, I want to continue my streak of excellence and capture as many Vancouver records as I can. But I'm also starting to shift my focus to the SHL side of things, and sliding into goal for the New Orleans Specters. I'm not ready to be called up full-time just yet, but I'm anxious to at least get some starts in the big leagues and prove myself to the league and my new teammates. I have some big shoes to fill in New Orleans, but I think I'm equal to the task and can't wait for the challenge.

Quote: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?

Hamilton finished ahead of Buffalo in the standings by a lot in terms of points, but that only tells part of the story. When looking at the actual differential and stats, the teams were much closer than their overall record would admit. If Buffalo is able to control the pace of play and keep that Hamilton offense penned in, they are in good shape.

Quote: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?

The defense usually wins the day, mostly because the offense can be inconsistent. If you're used to scoring four or five times a game and then all of a sudden score one or two, you might be in trouble. Buffalo, however, is comfortable in those games and a low scoring affair suites their play.

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

I have to be honest, the Hamilton branding has to be some of the most boring in the league. There would probably be less people upset at their continued dominance if they were an actually interesting team to look at. Muted colors, nothing that pops, and an overdone bird logo. Boring as hell. Buffalo has a great color scheme and an interesting name.

Quote: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.

Honestly this is a tough question, as both teams have some absolutely dominant players that will go into the Hall of Fame some day. If I had to pick a lineup, I'd start with Bobby Sharp at Center and Monkey D. Luffy at Right Wing, both players coming over from Buffalo. Next I'd want Theo Morgan at Left Wing, and then Hugh Jazz at left defense and Alexander Selich at right defense. Finally, give me Elizabeth Doyle from BUF between the pipes and I'm all set.

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.

SMJHL Milestones

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.

This area is going to be a shout out to the GM's I've had in my time here at the league. Starting off with @boomand @dmills3, who welcomed me to the league and the Vancouver Whalers. Both were supremely helpful and friendly, which is all you can really ask for as a new player in the league. If I ever had a question, they were there to answer it. They made my first season in the league one I'll never forget. Also a special shout out to @Dextaria, who took over for Mills and has done an awesome job in Vancouver as well. In the SHL, @Nictox and @JKortesi81 have been a lot of fun, and I'd like to thank them for drafting me and making me part of such a historic and illustrious franchise. Can't wait to get called up and help get the team back on track and continuing to fill the franchise trophy room!