Following the Season 4 Playoff and International Tournament the following players have chosen to retire.   Players will be removed from team rosters and any remaining contracts will be deducted from the teams account.

Skaters - 

Goalies - 

Port City added Center Chris Neurauter this off season in a trade with St Paul.  Port City paid a big price sending 2 first round picks to the Razorbacks.    To say the move has paid off is an understatement.  Neurauter registered 65 points in the first 44 games to lead all scorers in the league before suffering an injury on May 24.  Tonight marked his return to play and of course he had an assist to get right back into the action.  Neurauter now has 66 points just 9 back from league leader Keegan Ramkema despite missing those 14 games.   Can he get back on pace and recapture the lead?  

The Port City Privateers made a trade with the New York Knights yesterday.  The details of that trade are as follows,  Port City sent Goalie Andrew Dumont to New York.  In exchange New York sends Goalie Dillion Valenzuela, Left Wing Nathaniel Miller and a future first round draft pick to Port City. 

Obviously this was a big decision to trade our very first draft selection and someone who has been a cornerstone of this franchise.  With Dumont on an expiring contract and the development we saw last year from our other young goalies it was clear we were going to have a problem with too many goalies.  After testing the market and seeing what options we had we believe this is our best path forward.  Adding Dillion Valenzuela in net still creates a crowd for sure but he's in a much different place in his career than Dumont.  It's clear that Andrew deserves a contract commensurate with his play and the term  would have closed the door on our two young goalies.  We believe strongly that these two young goalies will be outstanding players in this league and we need to get them time in games to develop them to that ability.  That just wouldn't have been the right thing to do for Andrew especially after working out a new deal.  So a decision was made and we have moved on.  

We look forward to having Valenzuela come in and be a part of our locker room.  We also acquired a player we believe will be a long term high level player in this league in Nathaniel Miller.  We do recognize he played on the left side for New York and we will see about possibly moving him or another winger over to the right but either way there's a place for him in this roster and we look forward to him being a part of our future.  In addition we picked up a first round pick for the draft in two years.   Our initial draft was heavy on veteran guys and we are making the transition now as our young prospects are taking over bigger roles in the organization.  We have the rights to 7 juniors players from the last draft that we need to look at for this season and we just selected 9 more I believe so we hope to have a good pipeline of young talent that we can build around.  We all saw what Edmonton did last year with a roster that many people thought wasn't yet ready for the bright lights but they certainly were as we saw first hand.  

We look forward to competing in games again very soon and seeing how these young players will fare on the big stage.  

Breaking News out of Port City this morning.  Overnight a deal was agreed to with the New York Knights to send the franchises best player Goalie Andrew Dumont to New York.  After leading the team to the Beacon Cup finals just a few weeks ago Dumont is now headed to New York.  

No word yet what the Privateers have received for Dumont.  It's expected that the GM will speak later.

All RFAs who have agreed to offers have had emails sent out to give teams the option to match the offer or accept the compensation.  The results are posted publicly in the forum.  Please check your emalis so you don't lose a player by not responding.  Deadline on todays notices is Wednesday at 10PM EST.  

Today's games will be run first thing Sunday morning.  As I previoulsy mentioned I will be at a wedding today so I can't sim.   

Game 4 will run early Sunday so please get your lines in on schedule tonight.  

Game 5 will run Monday around the normal time. 

After this disruption we will run playoff games 7 days a week straight through until they are complete.  The sim handles rest days in between so we don't need the off day each week.  

Both Pro and Farm league playoffs begin today.  Good luck to everyone involved.  Please get your lines set. 

The regular season has concluded, year 1 is in the books.  

The playoffs will begin tomorrow Wednesday August 30.  

Both pro and farm brackets will run on this schedule.  Please make sure you have your teams lines ready to go.  

The New York Knights have a new GM running things.  Craig Gorman has taken over the Knights effectively immediately.   Craig is a veteran GM.

All of the site contact information is updated for Craig and he should be joining the Slack group shortly.    Please welcome Craig to the league

Southern Conference All Stars Selections

On June 11th the leagues best will match up in the first annual All-Star Game in Edmonton.

The following players have been chosen to represent the Southern Conference.

Centers -

From the Tucson Muertos, Center Zackary Nowry - Nowry is the conference’s best at Center.  Currently he has 41 points in just 36 games.

From the St Paul Razorbacks, Center Randy Meritie - Meritie runs the show for St Paul leading the team in scoring and on the ice.  His knack for scoring in the clutch has earned him top star honors 6 times already.

From the Atlanta Royals, Center Joe McKinlay - McKinlay leads the Royals in goals scored with 18.  This veteran has been instrumental in keeping the Royals at the top of the division.

From the Motor City Mustangs, Center Ugo Talawant - The Motor City faithful love Ugo and his flashy style.  Among the leagues fastest skaters despite is age, Ugo has highlight reel skills.

Right Wing -

From the Memphis Blues, Right Wing Duma Dodrescu - Highly coveted in the draft Dodrescu the 25 year old Romanian has a lot of GMs wishing they had the chance to go back and draft him.  Over a point a game and leading the league with 6 game winning goals this young man is a lock to be in the discussion for the end of year awards.

From the Minnesota Dockheads, Right Wing Rawley Boney - The first round selection in Minnesota Boney has lived up to the hype for sure.  With 40 points in 34 games he has almost doubled the teams second leading scorer.  It’s clear that he is the one that makes this team go offensively.

From the Rochester NorthStars, Right Wing Derrell Hults - Hults leads the North Stars in goals and assists at this point.  He is a fan favorite in Rochester and for good reason.  At just 26 years old he continues to get better and should be a fixture here for Rochester.

From the Miami Trident, Right Wing Marc-Andre Larochelle - Larochelle has surprised in Miami as an unheralded rookie he’s quickly become the clubs go to performer on the ice. Logging top line minutes over his older teammates and making the most of his opportunity.  Miami found a gem here.

Left Wing -

From the Memphis Blues, Left Wing Wes Pushka - Pushka leads the Conference in scoring with 42 points in 37 games.  Pushka is outstanding with the puck on his stick and has one of the best shots in the league.

From the San Francisco Orcas, Left Wing Aston Critchley - Critchley is a power play specialist leading the Orcas in points on the advantage.  He’s been in the mix for more than half the teams tallies on the power play.  A natural scorer but even more deals when his team is up.

From the Atlanta Royals, Left Wing Anton Vekselberg - Vekselberg is a gifted playmaker getting two assists for every goal he scores himself.  With outstanding skating and a great ability to control the puck he’s the kind of guy that makes lines successful.

From the Los Angeles Dynasty, Left Wing Josef Dolnicek - This Czech is made for the end to end game.  His speed is unmatched and his willingness to fire pucks on net makes him someone to watch every time he’s on the ice.   His style was made for an All Star exhibition.

Defense -

From the Las Vegas High Rollers, Defenseman Rhyse Andison - Andison may end the season leading all blue liners in scoring.  With 30 points and a +13 rating already he will be a favorite for some year end awards.

From the Memphis Blues, Defenseman Ikki Miyamae - The Blues got a good one in Miyamae.  Fast, smart ,responsible with the puck and logging over 23 minutes per game.  This young man is a prototype for what all teams want in a defenseman.

From the Las Vegas High Rollers, Defenseman Glynn Simpson - Simpson is a very smart player, always positioned well and making the right reads.  He keeps his club out of bad situations and is just outstanding getting the breakout going.  He won’t light up the scoreboard but you probably won’t light it either when he’s on the ice.

From the Port City Privateers, Defenseman Chris Touhey - With 10 assists and a +11 rating he’s the kind of blue liner every team wants.  More than just helpful in the offensive zone but always with a focus on his defensive responsibilities.

From the St Paul Razorbacks, Defenseman Montgomery Faulkner - Faulkner is a classic defenseman.  Good skating, smart moving the puck and loves to make opponents pay for every inch of real estate in the zone.

From the Minnesota Dockheads, Defenseman Harper Frick - Frick just eats up ice time for Minnesota.  Not the biggest, not the fastest but always ready to go over the boards and give you another quality shift.  At just 25 years old we are looking at a guy who will continue to grow which is scary considering the player he already is.

Goalie -

From the St Paul Razorbacks, Goalie Barron Dowler -  No surprise here seeing this 20 year olds name.  He leads the conference in wins and goals against average and sits near the top in save percentage.  St Paul hit the lottery with this kid.  He’ll be a fan favorite for a long time.

From the Minnesota Dockheads, Goalie Cooper Fornataro -  Fornataro is a goalie every team would love to have.  15 Wins already with a save percentage among the best in the league.  He has outperformed almost every net minder in the league so far.

This team will be led by Noah Dawson GM Atlanta Royals

Northern Conference All Stars Selections

On June 11th the leagues best will match up in the first annual All-Star Game in Edmonton.

The following players have been chosen to represent the Northern Conference.

Centers  -

From the Massachusetts Militia Center Pavel Boyko- Boyko leads the Militia in scoring with 39 points in the first 36 games.  He’s currently tied for 3rd place in the league for scoring.

From the Quebec City Harfang Center Dillon Salerno - Salerno at just 22 years old has already established himself as one of the brightest young players in the game.  Leading the Harfang’s top line both even strength and with the power play he’s racked up 35 points in just 32 games.  With 19 goals scored he’s 2nd in the league at this point.

From the Portland Twisters Center Maksim Rutenka - Rutenka handles all the prime ice for the Twisters and it’s no surprise that he leads the club in shots on goal as well as points with 40 in just 35 games.  Currently the 2nd leading scorer in the league he leads all players with 14 points on the power play.   

From the New York City Knights Center Tomas Rydval - The 25 year old Czech has been an instant success in New York with 25 assist and 35 points total so far.  Rydval is without a doubt the top player for the Knights and a fan favorite in the Big Apple.

Left Wings -

From the Halifax Chaos Left Wing Maksim Lalancette - The 31 year old Canadian is making a name for himself in Halifax and throughout the league.  Lalancette has attempted over 240 shots already this season so it’s no guess what’s going to happen when he gets the puck on his stick.  He’s already accounted for 31 points this season.

From the Maine Mighty Moose Left Wing Juha-Pekka Kaukola - The 32 year old Finn is outshooting everyone the league at this point with over 180 registered shots on goal.  Not surprisingly he is tied for first in the conference in goals scored with 19 and sits at 10th league wide in points.

From the Seattle Samurai Left Wing Kenneth Pehrson - At just 26 years old this young man looks to be a star in this league for quite some time.  With 30 points so far he’s an offensive force for sure.   Pehrson is part of a dynamic top line in Seattle which is 2nd league wide in goals scored.

From the Laval Redbull Left Wing Darel Lubanski - This young man logs top minutes for Laval and earns everyone of them.  With 26 points and over 100 shots on goal he’s a talented offensive player.  His 75 hits recorded shows he’s not afraid to do the dirty work either.  Make sure you let him know this is an exhibition.

Right Wings -

From the Denver Bandits Right Wing Vladilen Kanareikin - This top pick has done nothing but exceed expectations in Denver.  With 39 points in 32 games he leads the team in goals, shots and ice time for a forward.  At 1.3 points per 20 minutes he leads all players in the league who qualify in that category.

From the Seattle Samurai Right Wing Ragnvald Myntii - The Samurai’s Captain will be doing his linemate in Edmonton.  Myntii is a dynamic playmaker who can beat you with his passing or finish himself.  With 15 goals and 17 assists it’s almost a perfect split, no wonder the goalies can’t figure him out.

From the Portland Twisters Right Wing Dalton Millar - Millar is an absolute force for Portland.  His 37 points would lead most teams in the league.  Sharing top line ice with Rutenka certainly helps but Millar is the guy making space for his line mates and setting them up for the finishFrom the Laval Redbull Right Wing  more often than not.  Together they are 1 and 2 league wide in power play points.   Should be fun if we get to see them on the same line in Edmonton.

From the Laval Redbull Right Wing Donavon Linlithgow - This 22 year old is absolutely ready for the bright lights.  At 6’3” tall and 211 lbs there isn’t anywhere on the ice he can’t go.  He plays tough on the boards , dominates in the corner and finishes from in front.  26 points already in his first year of professional hockey is just the start for this young star.  Laval’s got a good one and the fans love him already.

Defense -

From the St Paul Maulers Defenseman Jyrki-Petteri Hyytia - This young Finn is one the leagues biggest hitters on the blue line.  At over 22 minutes per game Hyytia is a long term cornerstone for the Maulers.

From the Edmonton Blizzard Defenseman Ramazan Buranbayev - The young import from Kazakhstan looks to be a fixture for the Blizzard for years to come.  With 19 assists in a second pair role he certainly has room to grow.  And at just 23 years old there’s no reason to expect he won’t continue to improve as he develops.

From the Halifax Chaos Defenseman Rasmus Koso - Koso is a big body who fills out the Chaos top pair.  With 18 assists and 80 shots on goal before the halfway point it’s clear that he loves to get involved form the blue line.

From the Quebec City Harfang Defenseman Elijah Sanner - Sanner has not disappointed one bit.  Lots of scouts had him at the top of their board pre draft and he is showing us all why.  23 points, over 24 minutes per game, he’s a machine out there.  This guy is someone you can plug into all your top lines and just know he will get it done.

From the Cape Cod Stingrays Defenseman Chipper Sammons - Sammons was an early season acquisition for Cape Cod and he has quickly taken over their blue line.  With 28 points, 103 shots and over 23 minutes of ice per game he is clearly among the best in the league on the blue line.

From the Maine Mighty Moose Defenseman Alexis Pitsadiotis - The Moose certainly have a cornerstone piece here in Pitsadiotis.  Among the leagues leaders in minutes played Pitsadiotis seems to always be on the ice for Maine.  With his production it’s no wonder why that’s the case,  21 points, a +4 rating and solid play at both ends of the ice.  Pitsadiotis was a lock to be here representing his club.

Goalie -

From the Massachusetts Militia in Goal Andrew Wiewel - Wiewel is a key reason for the Militia’s hot start.  With 14 wins a 935 save percentage and a goals against below 2.50 he keeps his team in every game.

From the Denver Bandits in Goal Karim Hogdal - Hogdal is no surprise to see on this list.  Leading the league in Wins with 16 and a save percentage of 925 he is clearly among the best in the conference and the league.

This team will be led by Neil Oliver GM Halifax Chaos.  We will see who will be representing the Southern Conference against this group shortly.

To follow up and so everyone is clear on why a GM was removed.   There were several issues most important that the team wasn’t being cared for on the most basic level.   There were no line file uploads despite having played 22 games.  For context there are 7 other teams with over 40 line files uploaded in that same time.    The teams roster has numerous players with condition issues that aren’t addressed and at this moment doesn’t have 18 pro players eligible to play.   

I reached out to this GM several times offering to help and was not taken up on that offer.   I messaged the GM to say in no uncertain terms that this needs to be addressed.   Some others may have seen similar emails from me so you know when I express concern about your team I’m always looking to help solve whatever the problem is.    When I got no reply I then sent a final email with several days notice to get compliant or be replaced.   

Regrettably we got to this point.   There is no joy in letting someone go but at the same time I owe it to the other 23 GMs to have a league with active GMs who answer emails and run their team at or near the same level as their fellow GMs.   The game is best when we are all involved.    I have no bad feelings towards anyone in this process.  If the situation changes and someday he can re join us I wouldn’t oppose that but the standard for being a GM can’t be compromised.   How you run your team is up to you but you must be running your team.   Rosters being legal is the most basic ask.   

So we move on now and we welcome Joe as the new GM.    

If anyone is ever in a bad spot and needs help I am always available to help.   We have a great group of GMs some with over 20 seasons of experience so there are plenty of resources to lean on.   

Now, back to the game.   

The Maine Mighty Moose have a new GM.  The former GM has been let go and a new GM is joining the league to takeover the Moose.  Joe Larson will be taking over effective immediately.  I will add Joe to the slack group and we will be removing the previous GM from there as well.   Joe has a lot of previous experience with STHS leagues so he should fit in well.  

Gentlemen, as a reminder all trades are being looked at by the admin group.  Here's why - It's year 1 of a new league, no draft has taken place with Juniors yet in this league and we have many new GMs some coming from other leagues and some never having played an STHS sim before.   So in an abundance of caution if we see a trade that gives us pause I am going to error on the side of caution.  I had such a trade come in today and I've asked the newer GM to reach out to a veteran GM in the league, like Wes, Kelly, Matt and Neil to review the trade idea.   If he comes back to me and says he's sure then so be it.  Waiting a day won't have hurt anyone.   

As we move forward, GMs get experiencewith our player database and we see the results of juniors and rerates we should all have a good handle on the value of players and picks.   But we aren't there yet, we're roughly 20 games in to season 1.   So i'm going to be cautious.  Please understand, I'm not judging anyone or playing favorites.  I just want to ensure that we are all having a good time and playing the game on equal footing.  If we had a new GM join us down the road I would want them to get the lay of the land as well before they made big decisions.  At this point we are all still getting our balance here so this is how I'm handling it.  

If you want to discuss it I'm always available on slack.  

Thank you