Quote:1. (3 TPE) Reflection on your season - how did your player fare on the ice this season? Did you meet or surpass your individual player goals or did you come up short? Whether you excelled or disappointed - what can you attribute that to? What will you try to do better next season?

I would say that this season was a step backwards for Burlok, despite performing about the same as last season. With only one more point than in S54, I would have expected a veteran Burlok in his final year to be a little more dominant, even when Detroit as a whole took got weaker. He took on some additional PP and PK responsibility this year which was nice, along with getting some reps on the first line. That being said, he never really found his game and struggled for the majority of the season. Most of the 19 points that he earned were earned in the last ten or so games, with a few multi-point performances.

Sadly this hotness didn't continue into the playoffs, as he finished with only one goal and one assist in four games. Ultimately it was a bit of a disappointing end to an amazing four seasons in Detroit. I would've loved to have a more competitive final series and get a few more games in with the guys I've grown to know so well-- but it was not meant to be. Hopefully I can find my game again maybe be more versatile with more points available to me in S56. I feel like my defensive game was pretty great, so I'd like to develop at least a little bit of a scoring touch so I can help out on the scoreboard sometimes. 

Quote:2. (3 TPE) This offseason will be extra exciting, as it features the rare expansion draft! Write about how you think the expansion draft will play out, either for one or both of the expansion teams or from an SHL team's perspective.

I'm particularly excited about this, as it's the first big league expansion that I'll be around for! My theory is that, right off the bat, it should quantity over quality. I loved the NEW and SEA trade because I think that's a fantastic representation of what these new teams should be looking for in their first moves. Stock up on as many people as you can, and hope they hit.

When it comes to the expansion draft itself, I think that's the tactic too. There will be a handful of big ticket older guys available, but they're not likely to be of much use to you by the time your competitive window opens up. They might be good trade chips to pick up even more quantity, but for me, I'd be looking for the youngest and most active guys-- even if they're lower TPE. S45-49 guys that are ~1500 TPE are going to put up a lot of points for you and maybe win you a few games, but in a few seasons they'll be regressing while your young guys are coming up. Take quantity, and secure a competitive future. Trade wins now for wins future.

Quote:3. (2 TPE) It's too late for this go-around of expansion, so hypothetically - should there be SHL franchises in other continents? I saw some interesting European proposals in the PT. Should these - or proposals for any other continent that's not North America - become a reality in the SHL?

Absolutely! As someone that proposed a flawless concept for a team in Munich, I think it's a great idea! What better reason is there to pull the trigger than to be the world's first trans-continental hockey league? As a league not bound by the laws of reality, we're in a unique position to completely forgo travel time and jet lag! Also, the marketing writes itself! "THE SHOT HEARD AROUND THE WORLD-- LITERALLY." "OCEAN TO OCEAN, COAST TO COAST, POST TO POST." It's too easy. I believe that we can and should have teams in any and every location that can support them. A 200 team global league? Why the hell not. If we have enough talent, let's do it!

Quote:4. (2 TPE) Which SHL or SMJHL team was the best team to not make the finals this season and why?

This season, I gotta say Edmonton. They got so red hot towards the end of the year, and it really looked like they were going to be strong contenders. Not to mention, if my memory serves, they loaded up a little bit in the S54 off-season to try and make a strong push this time around. I was a big believer, as I think I put them in my finals bracket against Buffalo! Despite a seven point regular season lead on New Orleans, they just couldn't best them in the playoffs. I guess the veteran experience that New Orleans picked up in their victory last season was enough for them to dig in outlast the Blizzard this time around. 

Quote:9. (3 TPE) Design a Challenge Cup championship ring for one of the teams in the finals. (A four-star cup championship ring for the SMJHL is ok as well.)

Quote:16. (3 TPE) Post your verification word in your CW post.

Verfication: barn.

TPE Total: 16/16