Task 1

Despite Texas ending their playoff drought, it was definitely a down season for Kubinec. I didn’t surpass my expectations and I felt like I regressed. In Season 54, I was playing alongside Kvalheim and Goetze and we were finally clicking. We were a force to be reckoned with. But due to some new additions I was bumped off of that line and I just didn’t have time to gel with my new line. We never really got anything going and I wasn’t able to elevate my game. If we are in the same place this season I would expect us to be far better but with Goetze gone, I’d image there will be some changes. Scoring was down for the top players but the younger guys finally stepped up. So I’m not complaining. We were a far better team this past season, I just wish my individual contributions were a little better. But I’d rather make the playoffs, so all is well.

Task 2

The expansion draft has come and gone but it played out as I expected. Buffalo made a deal before the draft so they weren’t hit very hard. We lost two important players but thankfully we have plenty of young guys to step up. I’m honestly not sure who “won” the draft. Atlanta did well and with the new playoff format they might be able to sneak in at a lower seed. But the east is full of killers and they will have their work cut out for them. So I’d say Seattle has a better chance starting out based on the draft and being in the west. The elite teams are softening and it’s all ripe for the taking. The draft went about as expected though and both teams did very well, all things considered. This is also great for the league as it will hopefully stop super-teams and also give some good earners more ice-time. Expansions are always exciting.

Task 3

It’s a sim-league so why not? I’m not really feeling it personally but I think you should be able to put a team there. I’m just not sure how that would work in FHM, if there are customizable options like that. I have not toyed with it enough but I’m sure it’s possible. I’d honestly like to see a whole league overseas at some point even if it’s only 6-8 teams. Get players out of Juniors faster if there is still a bottleneck and have them play a season or two overseas until they are actually ready, from a TPE standpoint, for the SHL. So sure, expand overseas but do a small league instead.

Task 4

Edmonton handled Texas so I might be biased but I think they were the best team not to make the finals. I will not comment on New Orleans but I thought Edmonton definitely deserved a shot at Buffalo. Could they have won? That’s doubtful but anything can happen. I think their window might be getting a little smaller but I like their chances this season again. If Texas doesn’t find success I’d like to see Edmonton represent the West in the Finals. They had our number all season. Hopefully that changes soon and if we meet in the playoffs again, we can prove we belong.

Task 5

Well hopefully Finland finally gets out of the round robin. I’d expect the usual suspects at the top of the table like the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Czechia. But some of the mid-level teams could change. Teams like Ireland, Norway, and Finland might find themselves in the medal round if Japan or Switzerland fall off, which is possible. Maybe not Japan as they have some remarkable players on that team. Some of the middling teams just have one, maybe two, really good lines which is why they can rarely compete. The top teams just have too much depth. It usually balances out but the United States and Canada just produce too much talent to never be competitive. I rarely make bold predictions and I won’t start here but I think Finland will do enough to escape the first around but after that, they’ll probably be sent packing. Still, progress is progress.

Task 7

Buffalo and New Orleans have decided to raise money to create a sonic speed railway system between both cities since they meet in the finals every season. This will cut down on fatigue from travel, as the train can do a round trip in just under an hour. It will also cut down on emissions in both cities as the train would be fueled by saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico. This will also benefit the ecosystem. Some sea creatures are dying out due to the overproduction of salt in Tampa Bay and fueling the train will help reduce the salt content in the Gulf. Both cities were praised for their decision to go green. However, when the two teams met to commission the train, which has been called the Agitator Express, they got into a huge brawl. The whole deal fell through but both sides have agreed to sit down for discussion again after Season 56 concludes.