1. Milestones  -  +1 TPE

https://simulationhockey.com/showthread.php?tid=141055&pid=3627360#pid3627360

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9. Written, 50 to 200+ words. Snubbed M&Ms  -  +4 TPE

Montreal

With leading point score Xavier Beausoliel being selected to represent the Patriotes, we need to look closely at their roster to find other worthy candidates.
The easy choice could be someone like Jussi Mutou who led the team in goals with 29, which accounted for nearly 13% of their goal scoring totals on the season.
Another option could be Charlie Slurpe, who had 29 goals and led the team with 5 game winning goals.
However, my choice for Montreal would go to Rodrigo Barnes. Playing in just his fourth SHL campaign, his scoring totals might not jump out at you. But as the only positive player (+7) on a team whose goal differential was -61, I'd say that was an impressive feat worthy of an all-star nod.

Minnesota

Like with Montreal, Minnesota's highest scorer, Kevin Kim, was ultimately selected as their lone representative. Unlike Montreal, finding a secondary candidate isn't as easy.
For this one, I've gone with one of their elder statesman in long-time Monarch Julian Florsch. Playing in his 12th season, all in Minnesota, he's a fan favourite and deserves a trip to the ASG for a bit of fun after enduring a tough campaign in the "State of Hockey".


As for who I think should be dropped from each team....in the Central, all three of Winnipeg, Texas and New Orleans have 5 players each. Nothing against any one from those teams but I'd just pick someone at random.
I wouldn't change my strategy much with the North East division. Except this time, instead of picking from three teams I'd drop a player from Buffalo who are sending 6 players.

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11. Written, 50 to 200+ words. Offseason Plans  -  +4 TPE

дорога мама,

Hello from Edmonton. I hope things are going well for you and Tato back home in Kramatorsk. I know that we do talk quite regularly, what with all of the fancy technology that exists these days. I mean, it's not like international phone calls haven't been available since the 1960s or anything.
With that being said, you might be wondering why I'm writing you a letter in the first place. I just thought it would be a nice thing to do and also a good opportunity for myself to practice my English writing (which is highly counterintuitive since you can't read English at all and will have to find someone in town to translate it for you).

I digress. The offseason has been short for me. With playing in the IIHF tournament for the first time with Czechia, I haven't had as much downtime as I normally would. Unfortunately, we fell short of our expectations as we did not progress into the playoff round. After competing in the Bronze medal game last season, we had hoped we could take another step and win a medal this time. Not so much.

It has just been that kind of year for me. Nothing has seemed to go my way. I try not to beat myself up too much but I haven't played as well as I know I can and I feel like I am letting my teams down. I really wanted to have a big second year with the Blizzard but all of my stats dropped from my rookie year. Maybe I am trying too hard or clutching my stick too tight as they say. I know that if I play better than it is better for my team as a whole, whether it's with Edmonton or Czechia. When we don't play well I can't help but think that the results are directly my fault. I know that isn't fair to myself but it's just how I'm feeling at the moment.

It would be nice to be able to come home and see you both, to just relax and take my mind off of hockey for a little while. Of course, we know that isn't possible, especially with next season fast approaching. Before you know it we will be at training camp and playing preseason games.
Maybe the experience of playing on the world stage will be good for me. I already play with some incredible players in Edmonton, but being out on the ice with a champion like Dominik Winters really shows me what it takes to succeed. One thing is for sure, I'll take the lessons I've learned playing with Czechia and apply them to my game for next season and have a better year.

I'll leave it at that for now. I've only recently arrived in Edmonton so I'll use whatever downtime I have left to try and wind down before S81 starts ramping up. Nothing too exciting planned though. Probably meet up with a few of the players from the team and hang out, do some things around the city. I've got some commitments with the animal societies as well, which is always a treat as I get to go and hang out with some truly good people and of course see all of the animals.

Say hello to everyone for me.
Talk to you soon.

На все добре
- Matviy

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Total TPE earned  -  +8 TPE