World Cup of Hockey XL - Everything Thread

by **Kayangan** » Tue Aug 04, 2020 8:35 am

Cereta 5

Group H
Kayangan 3–5 Siovanija and Teusland

The state-owned Kayangan Telecommunications Company Limited (KayTel) which two Kayangan player, Andak Mambang Di Awan as General Manager, and Taat Obor Kelubi as Deputy Finance Manager was created in 1994 when the country’s postal and telecommunication services were separated. Jointly owned by the Kayangan government and private investors, KayTel is regulated by the Kayangan Communications Act 1993, which grants it legal monopoly over all landline installation and administration. While many private companies are sub-contracted by KayTel, it is thus the sole provider of basic fixed services in the Kayangan mainland, and the main gateway to international exchanges. Mobile Telecommunications Company Limited (Montel) has meanwhile been licensed to provide services in mobile sector. Following privatization attempts, KayTel has been strengthened in its status as an GLC.

While the number of fixed line operators in the country has not changed over the past decade, providers of other telecom services (licensed by the Kayangan Communication Regulatory Authority) have considerably increased: in 2012 Kayangan has eight licensed mobile phone operators, and data operators and internet service providers increased from 25 to 80 over 2004, currently mobile phone penetration in Kayangan stands at around 77%, and the number of mobile subscribers has risen by 22% over the past year, reaching 25.6 million by May 2012. Mobile banking is also on the rise since 2008, with KayTel-Paid as Kayangan's leading mobile payment services provider: the number of sim-cards registered for banking have almost doubled over 2010-2011. Likewise the number of internet users rose from 5.3 million in December 2011 to 6 million by May 2012. Mobile subscriptions now make up close to the totality of telephone subscriptions in the country, while fixed line subscriptions have only grown by 43% (compared to over 600% for mobiles) since 1998. This is indicative not only of the change in technology, but also of the poor running of the fixed-line telecommunications sector to date

And, oh yes, we will be at a sharp edge when facing HUElavia on next game. The VVIP Boys must wake and strengthen their will if they want further more.

MD6
vs. HUElavia (16)

by **Sarzonia** » Tue Aug 04, 2020 11:39 am

The first half of qualifying for the 40th edition of the World Cup of Hockey has come to a close, so now is as good a time as any to take stock in what we're seeing from Sarzonia's team.

Paul Bremerton's Stars have finished the first half with an expected loss to ninth ranked Ko-oren an currently sit with an 0-0-2 record at the brand new Bank of Sarzonia Arena in Nicksia. To make things even more strange, Sarzonia have an unbeaten and undrawn mark of 3-0-0 away from home ice, including one-goal victories over No. 3 Mercedini and No. 20 Terre Septentrionale.

Venue officials hoped the Stars would have at least one victory from the two matches they played at home to showcase the new rink as the Portland City Council explores the prospect of building a new arena to compete with Bank of Sarzonia Arena and the venerable Palestra in Woodstock.

"It's a beautiful new building," left wing Sylvan Turcotte said. "Great sightlines and the crowd's right on top of you. I just wish we could've gotten the win against Sylestone."

That 2-1 defeat against an unranked opponent in the opening match of the new arena will likely haunt the Stars. Sarzonia currently sit third in the Group C table at 3-0-2, three points behind first place Ko-oren and one point behind Mercedini for the second and final spot in the knockout rounds. They face Terre Septentrionale at Bank of Sarzonia Arena to open the second half of qualifying.

Unlike the first half, Bremerton said he expects to start Jacob Parsons in goal the rest of the way, at least until or unless the Stars get eliminated from contention. That rules out reserve netminder Yuri Evgenikov barring an injury to Parsons.

"Jacob has been a strength for us, especially in the Mercedini match," Bremerton said. "If we're going to surprise people, we're going to do it with Jacob."

Of the three teams level in the world rankings at 44th, Sarzonia currently are in the best position in their group as they remain within striking distance of a knockout round berth, but Turcotte is realistic about the team's chances to qualify.

"We're going to have to run the table in the matches against the two unranked sides," he said. "Plus, we're going to have to win the game against the Northmen and they're already circling our match on the calendar. We would have to beat either Mercedini or Ko-oren at their barn, and that's going to be a tall order."

Note: Former Stars goalie Matt Peterson is expected to be in attendance at the New Waldensia match for the Stars to retire his No. 1 sweater in a pregame ceremony. Peterson retired after the most recent Atlantian Oceania Hockey Championships, where the Stars finished fourth.

by **Taeshan** » Tue Aug 04, 2020 4:52 pm

"Wow"

"Absolutely stunning display tonight."

"Wow. Ladies and gentlemen I would not believe it myself but the Purple Knights have just stunned St. Saratoga 2-1 here in Machrobat Ice Arena. Coming from a 1-0 2nd break defecit to win the game 2-1 in the third."

"Incredible display, they never gave up defensively, and then just a stunning solo effort from Alex Gardener to tie it up, and two big penalty kills."

"Something will have to be said by the staff to the players, down a goal to the 14th ranked side in the world and a hook and trip could cost you some important points, but wow."

"Stunning display, a massive goal there by Alternate Captain Morten Packwell and the Knights, just incredible stuff. They never gave up."

"What a great job by the side as they pushed the play, they played well at home and that is all you can ask them to do. If it is not for that tie against Wack-i, we have a three way tie at second place. Recuecn and St Saratoga have split with the Knights but they are having a rough time with Wack-i. Basically need to win 4 of 5 to advance now."

"A respectable result nonetheless. Now a few weeks off and they get the home leg against Recuecn. That very well could be important. They likely won't get another chance to beat St Saratoga, especially on the road. They beat Receucn, keep things interesting and maybe this squad can compete."

"Do they have a chance against Quebec?"

"No, that is a stupid question."

by **Ranoria** » Tue Aug 04, 2020 11:10 pm

Ranoria Attains A Winning Record With a 4-0 Victory Over Solarampa

At last, Ranoria’s ice hockey team has emerged from the cellar. Now with two wins and two draws to one loss on the season, they are certainly not tearing it up, but performing well, at least. This win was also important, as Solarampa was third in the group, where two teams will be making the tournament. Ranoria’s win put the Krauts in third place, one slot behind a playoff bid, and caused their opponent to take their third loss of the year. Augustin Kahn And Richart Mathens, the two all-star caliber players on this team, each notched two goals in the outing.

Mathens, of course, was suffering from a shoulder injury that kept him out of the first few games, the result of a hit in the semi finals of the domestic season. It is tough to say which of these two players is superior. Kahn is younger, at 27, and a 3 time all star in the prime of his career. Mathens, meanwhile, has slowed down a bit at 32, but was an MVP runner up 6 years ago and winner a half decade ago. He has 6 all stars to his name. If anything, he is more of a savvy veteran presence while Kahn has the edge physically.

We’ll see you next week, folks, and let’s hope for some higher ratings. The Ranorian Hockey Club, has put out a statement saying that, with the generous pay they’ve given this roster, they are currently running at a loss and will be unable to continue next season if this issue persists.

by **Gyatso-kai** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 1:19 am

Pulled from Avatarian Sports Blog KickMeWhenImDown.blogstain.gki

Here we are, on the eve of the second leg!

That first leg… oh my spirits, was it exciting! To see the Ice Bisons winning game after game after so many campaigns of disappointment was quite the change from normal. In our last few tournaments, by this time, the boys were packing up their bags and going to the nearest golf course to practice their swing. But now, we are set to jump into the second leg of the round robin, switching our venues and traveling abroad to those countries who came to us first.

First we come to you, then you come to us.

Looking back, we had quite a run in the first leg. Never scored less than four goals, never let the opponent score more than four goals, and we won every game in confidence. With a new goaltender, one seasoned in the Kuruk Championship and in the Hockey Nations League, we have managed to find a rhythm in our playstyle that seems vastly different than the one we’ve come to expect from the Ice Bisons. Our teams has hit a stride that, in three previous tournaments, we seemed to trip over ourselves at every corner; look to the last tournament – the Coupe Jacques IX – where we beat Donnaconna 5-2, only to let Banija blank us with a single goal, and then to have Neu Engollon take us over the knee and shove seven unanswered goals down our throats. Look at World Cup XXXIX where our first game out we made four goals over Kandonica… only to score one goal in the next one-hundred-and-eighty-five minutes of play.

A tale of two bison.

Now, as we look to the next leg, we are left wondering which team will show up on the ice. Will the team that has been caught singing Vode An on bus rides from airports to stadiums, the team that has united behind a simple ritual, the team which has found its foundation in a ‘Permacrete Brick’? Or will it be the team that trips over their own skates, the team that even in locker rooms would sit divided, the team whose destiny is one of mediocrity.

History has shown throughout the multi-verse tournaments that the second half of any round robin is never the same as the first half. Many teams take longer to find their stride, some teams fall apart after the bye, and even Margaret herself will look down upon a certain team to either bless them with perpetual glory, or smite them with never-ceasing damnation.

She is a fickle Mistress…

Let us hope she stands by us this leg as she did the last.

by **Fluvannia** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 7:23 am

DIVISION STREET JOURNAL

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

1 Mark

NATIONAL TEAM NOTCHES FIRST WIN IN WC

ROCHESTER, Co. Monroe -- Finally! After the first four games of World Cup of Hockey 40 went in ways the Fluvannia national hockey team would have rather avoided, the Bears notched their first win of the tournament, at home no less. The win came against the third team in Group E making their World Cup debut, Chromatika. The Chromatik team plays a very defensive game, so a low-scoring bout was expected, and sure enough, the only goal of the evening came on a wicked signature slapshot from Frederick Rice.

Surprisingly, this game had a significant deal of end-to-end, back-and-forth action. The Chromatik team is known for their shut-down defense, but that does not mean they don't know how to work the puck in the attacking zone, either. Several occasions of pristine passes were foiled from ending up in the net only by the stellar performance of Teukka Salama, who notched his first shutout of the tournament. At the other end of the ice, Chromatik netminder Samuel Lomm was himself rather impressive, and to his credit he kept the score sheet clean until 18:43 of the second period. Fluvannia was in the Chromatik zone, and after trying to cycle the puck near the half-boards failed to produce a result, the puck was sent back to alternate captain Kurt Phillips at the blue line. A D-to-D pass to the waiting Rice signaled to the War Memorial Arena crowd -- familiar, sometimes agonizingly so with Rice's play as a member of a visiting Appleton Bears squad -- that one of his booming one-timers was imminent. It is fortunate for him that Lomm had traffic in front of the net, or else this puck likely would have been stoppable, even at breakneck speed. While fast, it was directed in such a way that a goaltender with good position probably would have simply been in the puck's path by nature. In this case though, with bodies in front of the net, Lomm was unable to see the puck until it was passing him, by which point it was too late.

While the pace of play was lively, the short duration of the game was aided by the fact that this was a pristinely clean game. We at the DSJ are not privy to the records of every World Cup of Hockey, but this would appear to be the first game in recent memory with no penalties called. Certainly, there were one or two offsides, and several instances of icing, but even counting these stoppages were kept to a minimum. "No complaints at all with our play tonight," said Coach Cassidy in a post-game presser. "Teuks was flawless, everyone kept their heads about them, and we got all the goals we needed to get two points. Now we get an off day before hitting the road."

Sure enough, at the halfway point of group play, Fluvannia's team sits in third in Group E. Banija sits atop the group undefeated, with 9 points. At their heels is Equestria with 8, then Fluvannia with 5. Poafmersia also has five points, but as the Bears are even on goal differential they lead Poafmersia, who sit at -1. While Fluvannia has a chance -- in fact, we have seen at least one instance of other nations' media predicting the Bears to advance -- they really must make the most of their games against Poafmersia and Flekkefjord before attempting to steal one from either Banija or Equestria.

The schedule for Fluvannia's group play is as follows:

Wed., July 29: vs. ur. Poafmersia, T 2-2
Thu., July 30: @ ur. Flekkefjord, T 4-4
Fri., July 31: vs. #7 Equestria, T 3-3
Sat., Aug. 1: @ #8 Banija, L 1-2
Sun., Aug. 2: vs. ur. Chromatika, W 1-0

Tue., Aug. 4: @ ur. Poafmersia
Wed., Aug. 5: vs. ur. Flekkefjord
Thu., Aug. 6: @ #7 Equestria
Fri., Aug. 7: vs. #8 Banija
Sat., Aug. 8: @ ur. Chromatika

(ur.: unranked)

Catch all the Action on Arena!
If You Can't Be There, BE HERE!

by **PotatoFarmers** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 7:40 am

Mancodas, Poafmersia.
Even though the match was held on Trimidau Island, Poafmers gathered in Mancodas Sports Complex, specifically taking up 2 indoor sports halls to allow another approximately 21 thousand ice hockey fans cheer on the ice hockey team as they play at home to Banija. The home allocations for the match in Trimidau Island was snapped up rather quickly. Suddenly, ice hockey's popularity within Poafmersia increased by two to threefold, as bars around Poafmersia saw demand for live streams of the ice hockey games.
According to some new fans to ice hockey, they found the game really interesting and "exciting", comparable to football or basketball games. Even then, many could point to Poafmersia's relatively good start in the World Cup of Hockey as a major reason why there has been more Poafmers that are attracted to the sport.
A survey conducted by Sporting Daily just barely a year ago on the population showed that ice hockey was the 9th most popular sport in Poafmersia, which isn't quite of a surprise. According to that particular survey, more than half of Poafmers rated football in the top 3, a clear margin as compared to the 2nd most popular sport, rugby. The list went as follows:

Poafmersia's top 10 followed sports
1. Football (Soccer)
2. Rugby (Rugby Union/Rugby Sevens)
3. Basketball
4. Volleyball
5. Tennis
6. Field hockey
7. Badminton
8. Swimming
9. Ice hockey
10. Baseball

So for Ice hockey to gain such popularity due to the team's participation in the World Cup, it has left other sports really thinking. Basketball and volleyball aren't popular sports in the multiverse, but Tennis, Baseball and Rugby could gain some popularity with athletes participating in international competition. There was also the question of the Olympics, which Poafmersia could not seem to have the ability to take part in. What is next for sports in Poafmersia? Will this mark an era where cheering on the national sports athletes become a norm? Or will this fad die off?
Nevertheless, the talk would be about the next 2 matches in the World Cup of Hockey held at home. Poafmersia would be looking for 2 wins in 2 as they aim to cause an upset in the competition, but fans are not overly optimistic of getting into the Round of 16. Some fans have said that 12 points might be something really good for the team, having debuted internationally for the first time. In fact, a good performance this time might convince the Ministry of Society, Culture and Sports to provide more funding to the Ice hockey community, as the community wants to build a pool of steady professional athletes. Is that possible? We can only wait and see.

Goal Box:
Poafmersia 1
Soner Elzinga 22:10

Banija 2
Alanso Hairte 6:18
Kutubo Gaye 48:39

by **Kohnhead** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 7:49 am

Kohnhead lose 5-2 to group leaders

Taking on Gyatso-Kai, the team that had won every match thus far we were not expected to win. In the end as expected we would lose but we put up a fight against them which is good to see.

Tyler Swift got the first score of the match and we were up 1-0. This happened extremely early as he put a fake on and hit the puck right by the goalkeeper. We celebrated the early goal and lead but from then on they dominated.

They had the speed, the discipline, and the skills to just blow us out. It was reminiscent of our match against Neu Engollon and our match against Kelssek. Top level teams will do that to you I guess.

Down 4-1, Charlotte Pittman would get herself a goal to make it a little closer with 7:02 gone in the third period. Gyatso-Kai would score their fifth just five minutes later.

Hockey is not a popular sport in Kohnhead, it just isn't. There's no league and Kohnhead is a very tropical by the ocean type of place. It just doesn't fit well here and that's a problem when you're trying to compete on the biggest hockey stage in the World.

Group B                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Gyatso-Kai                     5    5   0   0    26   16  +10    10
2 Neu Engollon                   5    4   0   1    29   10  +19     8
3 Kelssek                        5    2   1   2    13   12   +1     5
4 Kohnhead                       5    1   1   3     9   16   −7     3
5 Megistos                       5    1   1   3     7   13   −6     3
6 Trolleborg                     5    0   1   4     6   23  −17     1

The table shows us sitting in 4th, right ahead of Megistos the only team we beat, and two points ahead of Trolleborg whom we drew. The real battle is between Gyatso-Kai and Neu Engollon for first in the group which should be fun to watch. Our next match is against Neu Engollon and we probably will lose but I wouldn't be concerned if that was the case.

by **Savojarna** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 8:01 am

SavojarSports.sj - inside reports from all Savojarna
Savojarna enter second WCoH leg on a high

By Lars Jotansson
At the halfway point of the group stage, Savojarna are one of two teams in their group that have survived the World Cup of Hockey unbeaten. Abahnfleft, whom the Northlights drew in a spectacular matchday two game, have also managed this feat but lie behind Savojarna notably, as the Fleftic conceded three draws to Savojarna’s one. It increasingly becomes apparent that the group will be decided on the basis of one’s ability to beat lower ranked opposition, rather than in the direct clashes of the top teams. Even a loss in TJUN-ia would have preserved Savojarna’s position at the top of the table, as the Savojars avoided stumbling against Jeckland - a nation that managed to trip up both Abanhfleft (who drew them on the fifth matchday) and TJUN-ia (who lost their home opener) but was defeated soundly by the Northlights.

With this solid performance, Savojarna will enter a home stretch that sees the Northlights play at home twice more, receiving Abanhfleft to a pre-decisive matchday 7 game in the Norsk Palace for the only game scheduled in Ejana, and potentially celebrating qualification at Sjoedrhavns Stadsstadion against TJUN-ia on the final match day. This return stretch with three tricky away games is not to be underestimated, and there are many tripwires set up in the surprisingly even Group G. Compare us to the soaring Valanora or Royal Kingdom of Quebec, and you will immediately see that an unbeaten Savojarna has not been a commanding Savojarna, and there have been significantly more problems to win games for us than for some of the competition. Is this cause for concern?

Probably not, to be frank. First of all, some difference was to be expected as the Savojars are entering this tournament as a number two seed. While their draw was grateful in that they got Abanhfleft, who are performing rather poorly for the second best seed in the entire tournament, it also was punishing in that they were drawn into a fairly equal group with many contenders, meaning that some more competition could be expected. But also, it needs to be remembered that Savojar hockey is in what may very well be its roughest spot since its international inception. Being ruffled by a corruption scandal and the bankruptcy of the league, Savojar players currently struggle to find their best form, and it is expected that there are some casualties along the way. We need to give this team time to find its best shape, and it is very much on the way there.

Captain Erik Kristiansen commented on the team’s assessment of its situation: “It’s a rough spot for some of the guys. We’re noticing a dearth of middle age talent, some of the older boys are here for I don’t know how long and we can’t replace them yet except with some newbie who hasn’t had any pro experience. But everyone here is super motivated to make it work anyway, and I swear some of those young guns are just so confident that it’s great to watch. Look at Roman [Kasajev] and Boris [Aljekhin], you wouldn’t guess they’re so young aside from the occasional whoopsie in defence, that’s what I’m here for. We’re doing amazing on this team and I’m looking forward to the second stretch, the fans were great and now they’ll have to be great from home”.

by **Recuecn** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 8:21 am

"This team is out of shape. If you want any chance of making it to the playoffs, you have to whip yourself back into form." The coach paused for a moment. "I know we're in Quebec. I don't mean literal whipping."

The players stared at each other. "But coach," said Lynn. "We're tied for second. We're doing alright."

"You're damn lucky you're in second. That game against St. Saratoga was the most important one and we let it slip through our fingers. And we had no right to count on them losing to Taeshan. It's the only thing that kept this race interesting, and kept us in it with half a chance."

The locker-room fell silent. It wasn't like the coach to just launch into the team like this and start tearing them apart. Usually she had a better sense for team morale. Truth was, the win about Quakmybush had come at a good time. Two tough back-to-back losses had been rough on the team's spirit, and the 5-3 pick-me-up in front of a home crowd had been needed. Now it seemed the coach was doing her best to destroy what little momentum the team had accumulated.

But the coach seemed to sense that feeling from the players, and insisted otherwise. "I'm not here just to yell at you. We're still in contention. If we step up the pace, we can do this. So I've called you here to announce that we're doubling our practic sessions as a team, and that your coaches in the league or at school will be essentially sending me scouting reports on how you're playing and training with them. We all know this tournament has a tough format; a lot more travel than last time and longer breaks between games which means we can't all train together all the time. So I expect individual efforts from all of you, all the time. When we get on the ice together, then we'll play as a team. But in the meantime, whenever you're out of my control, you're responsible for your own training and fitness regimen."

Elea Lörtscher, goalie and team captain, grabbed a cup of chai with her starting center Berthe Arceneaux after the match. Elea showed Berthe a favorite place of hers, a small tea shop in a mall just a block away from the rink. After a long, hard session on the ice, it was nice to just sit in a comfy chair and hold something hot in one's hands. Elea needed to destress and had warned Berthe, when she invited her, that she was purely using her—she needed to rant to someone. Although their teams were rivals when they weren't playing for the nation, being on the national team together they had developed a fast friendship, and Berthe was perfectly happy to drink a cup of chai and listen to a rant... not to mention a little curious.

"What's going on?" she asked once they had sat down.

"I mean it's just the world cup. Coach is right, I'm not in form. All that stuff she says about how we all need to put in an individual effort really gets to me. As a goalie that's so much more true. There's no one else who can cover for you when you mess up. And I just haven't been up to par lately. Fourteen goals in five games? That's like the worst in our group—"

"It's not," Berthe cut in.

"It's almost the worst in our group then, and I don't know what to do about it! It's not like I've been slacking off! It feels like I'm putting in the most effort, and getting the least results!"

"We can't all be Gerauld Firaut."

"Berthe! That's not helping!"

"It's not empty condolences! I'm serious! You're being too hard on yourself. You need to go a bit easier and remember that if goals are getting in, that's not just on you. That's on the defense, on the line, on all of us. That game against Quebec—you didn't collapse. We were outmatched everywhere, on defense, on attack... we're coming together as a team, playing more cohesively. So when we make mistakes that's something we all are responsible for."

"I don't know," said Elea. "It just feels like—"

"HEYYY! Berthe!? Elea!? What are you guys doing here?" A yell like that from across the mall could only be Lynn Kerf. She kept going as she drew nearer. Berthe rolled her eyes. "You guys are right here!? We're so close to the rink! Imagine that! I hope you weren't hoping no one else would find you, you should've gone somewhere further away." Lynn sat at their table. Somehow she already had a giant cup of chai. "You should've told me you were coming here!"

"What's up Lynn?" said Elea. Elea and Berthe both loved Lynn. Everyone did. Her enthusiasm was contagious. But it seemed she could never turn it off, and sometimes it just wasn't the right moment.

Berthe looked at Elea, as if to say, is this okay with you? Elea shrugged and nodded. "We were just talking about how the team's performing in the tournament, Lynn," said Berthe.

"The world cup?"

"Yeah..." Berthe looked at Lynn like she was stupid. But Lynn had a twinkle in her eye.

"You guys should've gotten extra-large teas like I did, then," she said. "After all, is is World Cup of Hockey Extra-Large."

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 8:40 am

In Continuation from Here...

Asher Lundrigan was tired. It was as clear as it could get. Even after eating a smoked beef sandwich, watching an entertaining movie, and of course sleeping for a solid ten hours didn’t help him at all. Instead, what happened was that Asher woke up in the morning cranky, deprived and in despair, and walked his way to the cafe downstairs like that.

Since then, a solid hour has passed. Now Asher was considering buying another cup of tea, but he also knew that this hotel’s cafe did not necessarily have the best morning tea. Having travelled from place to place for travel, he had gotten used to the notion of being a cafe frequenter, hotel night traveller and all that grime and ritz that came with it. That was something he didn’t have so much back when he was younger- the teenage Asher ran under a different state of mind anyway- but he was still finding this style of life adequate for a wretched being he saw himself as.

But if there’s one positive thing he found with the cafes in the middle of these business trips is that he could always watch people and how their lives rotate, almost as if they’re the subjects of his sociological experiments, in a downtown setting with just enough privacy and openness coexisting. That’s what he was doing as he waited for Plongeon to show up - he slowly checked his MyPhone and the latest notifications on the screen. There were few- mostly subscription emails that he deleted upon sight, and FaceBooke Messages that he placed on read, hoping that he could answer them immediately after the interview.

He knew this was a solid middleground for them to meet, as the studio, where the additional photoshoots by the Landslide Quebec staff were going to be taken for the Landslide International’s cover story, was only five minutes away. It also gave him a solid spot five minute away from his hotel, which would give him short enough of a walk back in case he fucked up.

Asher knew he was not to hurry, for he knew to just nod along to the commonly raised suggestions of beauty sleep in people’s daily lives. Of course, he wasn’t a fan of such- he had long preferred to live and die by the pace and the daze of the night and wake up early just so he could come up with something crazy enough for the morning- but that wasn’t up to him anyway.

Still, the wait pained him enough to just lie and wander around, as he quietly thought back to the past. Of course he wished he could have employed a ghostwriter to conduct the interview, pay them few hundred bucks and take the credit, but such suggestion wasn’t really something he had on his agenda either. Was he too desiring to see her after all this time? As much as he wanted to deny that fact, Asher also knew that his feelings were as fickle as some of his idols in literature, history and of course sports (he grew up cheering for Leonardo Conavacio, which should say enough to those who know the Quebecois football fans). So the only thing that he was left to do without getting fired was to just embrace the M.O. and go through the interview.

At least this ache should be just enough for me to start swiping right to these profiles tonight.

Still tired and disturbed, Asher really wasn’t feeling the mood he had wanted to feel. He knew he was being disingenuous by thinking about other girls he knew he had a realistic chance in trying his luck at, but he couldn’t help it. He knew enough of them were looking good enough, and as long as he was being careful enough to avoid those who may catch feelings to the ex-college athlete, then that gave him enough to anticipate for the remainder of the trip.

This was something that he really developed during his college days, sometime after breaking up with Eileen. He remembered how he, still sober even after a couple of litres of hard liquor, would simply go on and spend many nights in different house parties, few cheap nightclubs, and on beds of some stranger or a friend of a friend’s room. This was his form of rebellion, I guess, as he moved from the comfy, green-filled residential zones of Midtown Kingston and then to the Eternal City of Lights in Quebec City. It was fun, it was swell and even if this may have caused enough pains of his own then and now, and were just bad for him, he knew the fun-seeking half of him didn’t mind it at all.

But what if there’s the chance again?

He wondered exactly that, and just as he was about to sigh, a girl was approaching. He had secretly hoped she would look away from the flabby man that was him, but there was no need to worry about it.

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 8:42 am

World Cup of Hockey XL - MD6 Result!

With the second half of the Group Stage about to kick off, will you be able to turn the page?

Group A
Quakmybush 2–4 Royal Kingdom of Quebec
Wack-i 3–2 St. Saratoga
Taeshan 1–1 Reçueçn

Group A                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Royal Kingdom of Quebec        6    6   0   0    28   13  +15    12
2 Reçueçn                        6    3   1   2    17   15   +2     7
3 Taeshan                        6    2   2   2    12   16   −4     6
4 St. Saratoga                   6    3   0   3    11    9   +2     6
5 Wack-i                         6    1   2   3     9   14   −5     4
6 Quakmybush                     6    0   1   5     8   18  −10     1

Group B
Kohnhead 3–6 Neu Engollon
Megistos 0–2 Kelssek
Trolleborg 1–5 Gyatso-Kai

Group B                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Gyatso-Kai                     6    6   0   0    31   17  +14    12
2 Neu Engollon                   6    5   0   1    35   13  +22    10
3 Kelssek                        6    3   1   2    15   12   +3     7
4 Kohnhead                       6    1   1   4    12   22  −10     3
5 Megistos                       6    1   1   4     7   15   −8     3
6 Trolleborg                     6    0   1   5     7   28  −21     1

Group C
New Waldensia 3–7 Mercedini
Sylestone 1–2 Ko-oren
Sarzonia 0–1 Terre Septentrionale

Group C                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Ko-oren                        6    5   1   0    13    4   +9    11
2 Mercedini                      6    4   1   1    24   14  +10     9
3 Terre Septentrionale           6    3   0   3    20   18   +2     6
4 Sarzonia                       6    3   0   3    15   15    0     6
5 Sylestone                      6    1   1   4     9   14   −5     3
6 New Waldensia                  6    0   1   5    10   26  −16     1

Group D
Solarampa 0–3 Cassadaigua
The Jovannic 0–2 Vilita and Turori
Logon 1–2 Ranoria

Group D                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Vilita and Turori              6    5   1   0    23    8  +15    11
2 Cassadaigua                    6    5   0   1    25    7  +18    10
3 Ranoria                        6    3   2   1    10   10    0     8
4 Solarampa                      6    2   0   4     9   17   −8     4
5 The Jovannic                   6    0   2   4     4   18  −14     2
6 Logon                          6    0   1   5     5   16  −11     1

Group E
Chromatika 0–2 Equestria
Fiekkefjord 2–6 Banija
Poafmersia 3–2 Fluvannia

Group E                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Banija                         6    5   1   0    22    7  +15    11
2 Equestria                      6    4   2   0    17   11   +6    10
3 Poafmersia                     6    3   1   2    15   15    0     7
4 Fluvannia                      6    1   3   2    13   14   −1     5
5 Chromatika                     6    1   0   5     5   14   −9     2
6 Fiekkefjord                    6    0   1   5    14   25  −11     1

Group F
Natanians and Nosts 2–4 Valanora
Delaclava 1–0 United States of Devonta
The Sherpa Empire 4–3 Gergary

Group F                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Valanora                       6    6   0   0    26    9  +17    12
2 Delaclava                      6    3   1   2     8    6   +2     7
3 The Sherpa Empire              6    3   0   3    14   18   −4     6
4 United States of Devonta       6    1   3   2    13   14   −1     5
5 Natanians and Nosts            6    1   1   4    13   20   −7     3
6 Gergary                        6    1   1   4     9   16   −7     3

Group G
Lovisa 0–5 Abanhfleft
Jeckland 2–8 Savojarna
TJUN-ia 4–1 La Florita

Group G                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Savojarna                      6    5   1   0    26   10  +16    11
2 Abanhfleft                     6    3   3   0    20   11   +9     9
3 TJUN-ia                        6    3   1   2    18   15   +3     7
4 La Florita                     6    2   0   4    10   16   −6     4
5 Jeckland                       6    1   1   4    11   22  −11     3
6 Lovisa                         6    1   0   5     4   15  −11     2

Group H
Graintfjall 2–3 Siovanija and Teusland
Kayangan 1–2 HUElavia
Adyatin 1–0 Lorenthia

Group H                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Siovanija and Teusland         6    6   0   0    27    9  +18    12
2 HUElavia                       6    4   0   2    12   10   +2     8
3 Kayangan                       6    2   2   2     6    7   −1     6
4 Adyatin                        6    2   1   3     7    9   −2     5
5 Graintfjall                    6    1   1   4     4   11   −7     3
6 Lorenthia                      6    0   2   4     6   16  −10     2

by **TJUN-ia** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 9:47 am

The first half of this WCoH Group Stage could've been better, but it also could've been so much worse. 2 wins on the road were followed up by only 1 point in 3, but that point came in unexpectedly in Abanhfleft and might be important if results go our way. The 2nd half of the campaign begins with a 2-game stretch in The Rink in The Gardens - but we have not won at home thus far in this campaign. Luckily, La Florita is a team we have beaten before but as the game got underway in New Washington, many hoped that the Ice Jaguars could finally break their home duck.

The first period was the most difficult of them all, which gives you an idea of how this match went in The Rink. La Florita was looking for revenge after a 1-0 loss in (what many would describe as) San Marino, so they took an early lead. Danil Svengren scored to level things up just before the first break, but this looked tight and many were getting a bit nervous. But in the 2nd period, team captain Christian Kalsters decided to take matters into his own hands. It's rare to see a TJUN-ian score multiple goals in the same game, but he did just that with 2 quickfire goals in the final 5 minutes of the period. 1-1 turned to 3-1 in a flash. The final period was more composed by the Jaguars, who added a fourth by Viktor Orban.

A good start to the 2nd half, but we know we need the leaders to slip up if we are to have any chance of making it to Quebec. The next game in this 2-game home stand is against Lovisa, who we have also beaten before. However, we must not be complacent - the aim is to go up in the order, not down. GO JAGS!

SCHEDULE (Group G)
MD1: @La Florita (27) W 1-0
MD2: @Lovisa (UR) W 2-1 (1st)
MD3: vs Jeckland (UR) - The Rink in The Gardens, New Washington L 4-5 (3rd)
MD4: @Abanhfleft (2) D 5-5 (3rd)
MD5: vs Savojarna (11) - The Rink in The Gardens, New Washington L 2-3 (3rd/2W-1D-2L)
------------------------OFF DAY------------------------
MD6: vs La Florita (27) - The Rink in The Gardens, New Washington W 4-1 (3rd)
MD7: vs Lovisa (UR) - The Rink in The Gardens, New Washington
MD8: @Jeckland (UR)
MD9: vs Abanhfleft (2) - The Rink in The Gardens, New Washington
MD10: @Savojarna (11)

by **Terre Septentrionale** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 12:19 pm

Terre Septentrionale blanks Sarzonia

Nicksia, Sarzonia - The World Cup of Hockey resumed yesterday with matchday #6 between Terre Septentrionale and Sarzonia, and, by the way, I'm back from my one week vacations in Côte Austral, Ko-oren. Surprinsingly, coach Georges Grondin is still keeping his job, I honestly thought he would be fired. I don't mean I'm suggesting anything but anyway... Nico Eggenberger was in net for this game and the Nordiques won 1-0. It was an epic goaltending duel between Eggenberger and Sarzonia's goalie Jacob Parsons who suffered a minor inury on game 1 against us. It's sill unexpected because you would expect more goals between these two teams but Eggenberger and Parsons are the two stars of the game.

If you remember, Terre Septentrionale inserted Zofia Stepniewska in the line up on game 1 cuz they thought Alan Donald could cause some trouble, but this time for game 6, Stepniewska wasn't in the line up.

The score was still 0-0 after 20 minutes. Late in the 2nd period, Terre Septentrionale attacked when Kasandra Wojcinowicz carried the puck on a two on one and she passed to Pierre Sanschagrin who shoots. Jacob Parsons makes the save but he doesn't control the rebound, Wojcienowicz takes the puck and passes backward to Antoine Lusignan who shoots in the five hole and he scores. 1-0 Reprezentacja Nordycki. Both teams were scoreless in the 3rd period. The highlight of the 3rd period was Calan Leftwich's hit on Antoine Lusignan. It was a clean hit but Lusignan went to the locker room after that hit and didn't come back into the game. The final score was 1-0 Terre Septentrionale.

BOXSCORE

1st period
No goal

2nd period
3:38 - Antoine Lusignan assisted by Kasandra Wojcinowicz and Pierre Sanschagrin

3rd period
No goal

Tied at 3rd

With this huge win against Sarzonia, Terre Septentrionale catched them in 3rd place but they're still far away from the playoffs. The Northmen have 3 wins and 3 losses in 6 games for 6 points. Ko-oren have 11 points and Mercedini, 9. There will be some changes in the line up for the game against Sylestone. First, Antoine Lusignan will miss the game with a shoulder injury and Fryderyka Krzyszczyk will replace him in on the 2nd line. Zygfryd Zurkowski will be inserted in the line up and will take Krzyszczyk's spot on the 4th line. The Northmen will recieve Sylestone at OSiR w Ostrzeszowie in Ostrzeszow, Silesia.

Lines vs Sylestone

Zyskowska-Gaudreault-Zyskowska
Krzyszczyk-Sanschagrin-Wojcinowicz
Lainé-Woodbury-Schützenauer
Zurkowski-Niemczynowicz-Zawistowski

Germain Coutu,
La tribune Septentrionale

by **Ko-oren** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 12:54 pm

Part I: Selpernim 1, WBC
Part II: Selpernim 2, RLWC
Part III: Selpernim 3, WBC
Part IV: Selpernim 3, RLWC
Part V: Selpernim 4, RLWC
Part VI: Selpernim 5, WCOH
Part VII: Selpernim 6, WCOH
Part VIII: Selpernim 8, RLWC
Part IX: Selpernim 10, AOCAF
Part X: Selpernim 11, RLWC

A summer of sports with Leligun Thernasthen

Selpernim 11/Sweltersky 11

Dartha
Well, I made it. The nation's most overhyped town. Dartha, the tech hub. Dartha, the place where we make the impossible possible. The 'Dartacenter' (pronounce with non-rhotic accent).

Also, finally, for the first time, I'm in ice hockey country while there's actually a WCOH game on. And we're well into the second half of the group stage, at that.

The struggle of ice hockey's semi-professionalism is well documented. I will try not to touch that subject at all, because I feel like that's the one thing that people talk about here up north. So I won't. As in, I had to mention it to get it out of the way.

Ok, maybe I'll touch on it. How about this: there's these data companies here now, making big money, and nothing to splash it on. Sponsor the ice hockey, propel it into fourth or fifth place in terms of finances, and that's it! I don't understand that nobody's talked about this.

Or maybe, it's because Dartha is a wasteland sports-wise. Financially and technically, it's amazing here. 50% of buildings are built in the last 6 years. 60% of the population of the town only moved here in the last 10 years. The only clubs here were the ones that have been here for a long time. And there's actually three of them. In gridiron, one in soccer, and one... in rugby league. Why.

That's probably the big topic for today: the lack of grassroots ice hockey outside of Aerellen. With eight out of twelve teams from Aevanna, that's really where the heartland is. Some towns have a proud tradition in the sport as well, but it really does not measure up against an entire province adopting it as a religion.

Walking through Dartha, it's already not like the pictures I've seen before going in. Several office buildings and apartment blocks line the town's eastern border. It's pretty warm but mostly just very humid, inheriting all of the water and none of the niceness of the climate of nearby Alara and Etena.

In this technical town, I'm having a very hard time finding some people to watch the game with - it's screened everywhere, but it's on just so the screens have something to do, I suppose. A few locals - from before the boom - are sitting in the corner of a small pub off the main road. Not that there's that much more to Dartha than that at this point.

I'm barely sat down as Eriren deflects a puck into the goal - that's the 1-0 at three
minutes of play. This should be a good game, between a team that really should be
winning this and a team that's hell bent on making it very, very difficult on team 1.
The gap in quality is apparent, and the Dragonflies spend a lot more time in possession than the Sylestoneans. Emu was close to a few threatening shots, but launched them from far away in plain view of the goalie, so Alacia had little trouble. In the second period, the Dragonflies were even more overwhelming but ludicrously inaccurate, Aeretina and Yallerman close to a few goals of themselves, but Yallerman was still stuck on zero on the tournament for now. Eriren was boxed out for the most part, winning pucks behind the goal but not a lot of help in the deflection department. Mirre undertook some adventures as well, leaving Haarstad dangerously alone in the back, hoping that Hermanszoon would cover (but never did), and luckily came away with a goal. Mirre was then taken off and talked to sternly for these attacking tendencies - despite having scored the 2-0 - but it was clear enough that Sylestone thought there was something to be had here. Mirre was on again, left his post, lost the puck, and Alacia then stared at a 1v1. Not his strongest suit, and it was 2-1 soon enough with most of the third period to go. Aiaros and Wamallu closed out the majority of the period, keeping Quokka and Chicken in front of them, and never getting caught out of position - that's what we want to see. It's only the fourth goal conceded of the entire tournament, and Mirre should see the consequences.

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 8:38 pm

He wondered exactly that, and just as he was about to sigh, a girl was approaching. He had secretly hoped she would look away from the flabby man that was him, but there was no need to worry about it. Eileen, the girl of her dreams, was too aware of Asher's habits and movements. Spotting him right away, giving a lean curve to the smile, she quickly made her way. She was approaching him, almost as if they were being transported back to that rainy afternoon in Quebec City again.

It was Eileen De Ramaut.

Like that she came back to his life, and now it seemed as if the stars themselves are aligning again, too unreal to be mortal but too real to be dead. He could not have believed that he was the lucky one back then - Well, Asher was still the one who went through all sorts of rumbles and tumbles. Yet, he felt that it was the opposite right now this beautiful, elegant lady well beyond his stature, would have been more proud of her journeys than he had over his twenty three years of life. Experience =/= Liking it.

'Hello, nice to meet you.' She slowly walked to the avenue, approaching him slowly and with all the time in the world. 'You must be from Landslide International?’

‘Absolutely, mademoiselle.’ Asher smiled, trying his best to look strong, as he tried to pick out his mental handbook where the Amendment 17 had said that he maintains all forms of professionalism in greetings and gestures when it comes to dealing with somebody from the past. ‘Asher Lundrigan. I had hoped that all’s been well with your album.’

Then, like that, the flicker in the candle flowered like a Quebecois fireflower that grew in the Tundras of the northeast. For it was her who brought it to me the first time. Eileen, she was the light of her soul, the goddess of his temple. His grail, his heart, that was Ey-lee-in that held. The lift of the tongue, followed by a light buzz, and then letting it go as if a gentle bird was flying over the sky. She may have been best remembered by many fans as Plongeon. She was known as Mille. De Ramaut on passport and guest lists. She was, of course, called Leanne. But somehow he kept calling her the same.

‘I heard lots of good things about it, and will be looking forward to the release in Quebec next week..’ He continued to say. ‘It’s once again, my- I mean, Landslide International’s privilege to be here with someone special for such a major interview session….’

He tried. He really did. But then it took five milliseconds of realisation that after all this time, that he couldn’t hold it back. The voice wasn’t responding to change the course, so he knew what he had previously set up was moot. Instead of reaching hand forward per normal greeting of a businessman-to-businessman, he briefly let the fuse loose and hugged her.

Then Asher seemed to wish to add something, but his voice wasn’t saying anything. The strength wasn’t there. He was only able to cry and cry and cry. So after a minute or two Asher, having recovered his energy and any semblance of a dam of broken feelings, he finally opened his mouth in a repetition cycle:

‘I’m so sorry...I’m so sorry...I’m so sorry…’

Asher knew this was like the very same setting from six years ago, when they had first met in a quiet, old-fashioned cafe in the heart of Quebec City. That afternoon, as Dr. Jurado had once said over an office hour sometime his junior year, was one of those occasions with highly Shambolic Quotient (SQ) and the rain. All the rain, the rain, the rain….

by **Siovanija and Teusland** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 10:36 pm

Hockey Today Magazine

International Hockey

Interview: Stelburg Kaisers and Goldhorns Centre Edwin Ranger

He’s the Ehrenliga’s reigning MVP and goalscoring champion, the first player in several years to score 60 goals in one season. He’s the face of the most famous hockey club in this country, the Stelburg Kaisers. And he’s developing into a star for the Siovanija & Teusland national team so far at World Cup of Hockey 40. Hockey Today’s Lubomir Kaspar sat down with Edwin Ranger to ask him about his Ehrenliga hopes, his World Cup of Hockey hopes, and more.

Lubomir Kaspar: Thanks for sitting down with us, Edwin

Edwin Ranger: For sure, not a problem.

LK: Let’s jump right into things here. The Goldhorns are a perfect 6-0-0 at the World Cup of Hockey so far, what’s the atmosphere like around the team right now?

ER: It’s a lot of fun. We’re a good group, really, and that makes it a lot of fun. There’s a ton of younger guys, Timo (Schlager), myself, Aleksej (Knejz), Vitomir (Glaskov) and more, plus some of the more veteran guys like obviously Gunter (Pfenning) who has been such a big influence on us all. You love coming to the rink everyday, you love getting out and playing with the guys, and when you enjoy your hockey you usually play better.

LK: You didn’t waste any time getting started at this tournament, scoring just 5 minutes into the first game against Graintfjall, and actually scoring twice in that game. How big of an effect did that have on your mentality here?

ER: Well, I’ve been on the national team before, been around the group, but in a limited capacity. And before the tournament, Aaron (Kuhn) and Gunter were really clear that this is our team now, the younger guys, and we really need to take hold of it. So being able to get things off to the best start possible was just such a big confidence boost.

LK: You haven’t really stopped since then, with 7 goals in the tournament so far - including the winner in the last game, a 3-2 win over Graintfjall. You must be liking playing with linemates Torsten Bohm and Alex Schnyder?

ER: Oh definitely, yeah. Torsten just sees the game so well, and obviously everyone knows how good he is in pressure situations. And Alex, he’s another shooter like me, but we’re a bit different, and I think it really helps us on offence to have those two options available, we create space for each other.

LK: This is a great lineup for the Goldhorns up and down the lineup. Is there any guy not on your line that you’d like to play with the most?

ER: I’d love to try out a few shifts up playing wing with Heider and Schlager. Those guys are just so fast, so skilled, and I think Timo and I would actually work really well together. We work pretty well on the powerplay, and at the All-Star game last year with Team Teusland we actually played a few shifts together.

LK: Is that something that you’d talk to your coach Aaron Kuhn about?

ER: Actually we’ve talked about it before, it’s something that he’s interested in trying. I know he mentioned putting us out there after a penalty kill sometimes when the other team’s big guys are just coming off after the powerplay, but we haven’t got the chance yet.

LK: Is there any rivalry between you and Timo Schlager, given all of the talk in the media about you too? You know, for MVP this year, and in the Strauss Cup Final of course.

ER: No, actually, we got on from day one. Obviously we’ve played on teams together before, but we’ve also competed for things our whole lives - junior, Ehrenliga, and so on. We were talking about how it’s good to be on the same side for once - we’re both fierce competitors, obviously, so just knowing what to expect from your teammate night in night out is great - we both want one goal.

LK: And that goal is?

ER: We came here to win, and I think every guy on this team wants to be lifting that trophy at the end of the tournament. Obviously, it’s the most difficult thing to do in international hockey, so we also know how important it is to stay grounded and take it one game at a time. But that is definitely our goal.

LK: Moving on now Edwin, let’s talk about last season. A great season for you individually - 60 goals, 101 points, the winner of the Wolf Bleich Trophy as league MVP. How good did that feel?

ER: It’s always nice to be recognized, but I’d trade all of it to win the Cup.

LK: Let’s talk about that Cup Final series. You guys lost in 6 games against a very strong Seelowe Marlesee. You did manage 3 goals in the series. What were the biggest takeaways for you in that series?

ER: I wasn’t good enough. It’s one thing regular season vs playoffs, and it’s another thing playoffs vs Cup Final, and I wasn’t ready for that jump. Winning the Cup takes a certain amount of hard work, of commitment, of just will - you want to win so badly that you’ll give anything to do it. And I know that now, having been through that series. It’s the worst feeling in the world.

LK: You were quite harsh on yourself after game 6, taking all the blame for the loss and saying that you’d let yourself and your teammates down. Do you still feel that way?

ER: Look, it’s a team sport, and obviously all the blame isn’t on my shoulders - I was too emotional at that moment to look anywhere beyond myself. We talked as a team, and everyone has things they want to do better this season, but I’d say it again. I have to do more for our team in those situations, I can’t afford to be a passenger.

LK: Will the Stelburg Kaisers be better than ever next season?

ER: Definitely. I’ve never seen a group so motivated as we all are right now, everyone wants to get better every day and our only goal is to get back and prove what we are really made of.

LK: And will Edwin Ranger match his exploits from last season?

ER: I try to be the best I can each year, and do as much as I can to help our team. Hitting 60 again would be nice, but it’s only happened once in the last 8 seasons.

LK: You have to say, though, that if anyone could do it, it would be you - widely considered one of the best goalscorers in the league. Hockey Night in Siovanija & Teusland’s Oskar Kirsche says you have the best wrist shot in the world. Do you agree?

ER: Haha, I love Oskar, and the wrist shot is something I’m proud of, the level it’s at. I do think I have one of the best in the league, yeah. But best goalscorer in the league? I don’t know, Razvigor Tsvetanov would have something to say about that - Razzy’s up above 50 pretty much every year, I’ve hit 60 once. I’d love to have a one-timer like he does.

LK: Razvigor Tsvetanov says his one-timer came from passing to himself off the garage door in his driveway. How did Edwin Ranger’s wrist shot come to be?

ER: Also on the driveway, but shooting at targets - I loved picking that top right corner, still do today of course!

LK: Edwin, it’s always a pleasure to chat with you. Best of luck to you in the rest of the World Cup of Hockey, and in the upcoming season with the Kaisers!

ER: Thanks Lubomir.

That concludes Hockey Today’s interview with Edwin Ranger. We’ll be back soon with another edition of Ehrenliga’s Finest. Until then, let’s go Goldhorns!

by **Delaclava** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 11:23 pm

DSGN.com Hockey

Phoenixes stay on schedule with suffocating defense

Breton Valley, VLH -- Logan Wynne scored the lone goal of the game in his tournament debut and Delaclava's defensive corps shone in a 1-0 victory over United States of Devonta in front of an enthusiastic sell-out crowd at Panthers Arena.

While the likes of Radovan Nemec and Antoine Clement were spectacular in their physicality, teamwork, and anticipation of the Devonta squad's every move, Tom Sutton also deserves credit for his third shutout of the tournament with 23 saves. Sutton is arguably one of the stars of the tournament for any team, with a 3-1-2 record, and a .965 save percentage and 1.00 GAA in addition to his three shutouts.

Wynne was making his first appearance for the Phoenixes in the World Cup. Despite being a standout player on the AOHC finalist team, the 19-year-old ran into disaster when misfiled paperwork ended up leaving him off the team. By the time he was able to join the team, coach Arthur Lemaire was hesitant to disrupt a successful lineup, but chose to put Wynne into a scrappier, more energetic checking line for this match, and it paid off.

The result allowed Delaclava to stay in second place in Group F with seven points and giving the Phoenixes a significant head-to-head advantage over the second seed Devonta in potential tiebreakers. Valanora remains red-hot in first place with a 4-2 win over Natanians and Nosts, although their recent close call against Delaclava seems to have made the Calcuttas somewhat more earthly. Meanwhile, The Sherpa Empire defeated Gergary 4-3 to remain hot on Delaclava's heels at six points. It would appear that Delaclava's next home game against Sherpa, at Domara Square in Kalinin, will be a decisive one, and it'll be hard to imagine that the Phoenixes can advance with two losses to Sherpa along with the one Valanora loss to boot. But a victory could well put Delaclava clear of their nearest rivals.

Delaclava next travels to Gergary; the two sides squared off at Lemaire Dome, named after the coach and located in his hometown of Spaulding. The Phoenixes got the 2-0 win there and will look to be similarly dominant in continuing their push for the playoffs. With the second-stiffest defense in the entire competition, it will be difficult to imagine them left out of the playoffs in the end, and the Gergary contest is a small but important step towards that goal.

Delaclava 0-1 Valanora
1st: VAL, Gustavsson (Soderstrom) 13:14.
2nd: None
3rd: None

Saves: DEL, Sutton 12-12-9--33; VAL, Dahlberg 5-6-12--23.

Delaclava 1-0 Devonta

1st: None
2nd: DEL, Wynne 1 (Condon 1, Neal 1) 35:01.
3rd: None

Saves: DEL, Sutton 7-6-10--23. DEV 11-8-8--27.

by **Graintfjall** » Thu Aug 06, 2020 5:19 am

Posted on the winter sports blog Icy Dead People.

Ice Wolves Warm Up (Thus Accidentally Melting The Ice And Almost Drowning)

Posted by ScrapingTheBarrel

by **HUElavia** » Thu Aug 06, 2020 5:27 am

HUElavia Takes 2nd Place in Late Winner!

Kayangan 1–2 HUElavia

HUElavia came into Matchday 6 looking to take what they felt was rightfully theirs: 2nd Place in Group H. A position that many pundits felt was appropriate for Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos, Their match was up against surprise package Kanyagan, who had defeated HUElavia on Matchday 1 with the scoreline of 0-1. The arena was filled to the brim once again, as HUElavians flocked to support the team in what was being put as a decisive match that could shape the group. Both teams came with their squads healthy and ready to go. The puck was dropped and the match was underway!

The 1st Period saw both teams go at each other's throats, getting deep into their goals looking to score over each other. But great saves by Vasilevskiy and Mambang Di Awan kept the scoreline at 0-0. When all looked like the 1st Period would end in a scoreless draw, a high stick by Artaruna Raja on Roux allowed for a 2-minute Power Play to be done. On the ensuing play, a pass from Roux to Petit, allowed the attacker to blast the puck past Mambang Di Awan and into the goal with a minute left in the period, making it 0-1. The crowd jumped up and cheered with passion, making the arena rumble once again, as HUElavia finally got the goal against the team that previously shocked them. The 2nd Period saw Kanyagan play with more ferocity, as they began to pile on the HUElavian defense. Eventually, halfway into the period, a pass from Sripagar allowed Suasa to get in front of Vasilevskiy and put the puck into the goal to make it 1-1. The Kayangenese in the arena celebrated with joy and passion, while the HUElavians were left stunned but frustrated that they let in another goal from "these minnows." In the 3rd Period, both teams began to attack each other in waves, as neither looked to end the match in a draw. Time ticked away, and the draw looked to be coming, until the final minute of play came in, and Kariya sent a pass to Pavluchenko, who got in front of Sepanggar and Mambang Di Awan to blast it into the goal with 25.3 seconds left, scoring a definitive 1-2. Pavluchenko was mobbed by his teammates while the HUElavian crowd erupted, cheering and jumping with passion, making the arena rumble once more. HUElavia played defensively for the remaining seconds, sending the puck out wide to finish off the match. HUElavia got their vengeance and got a vital victory in Group H.

Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos are now in control of their own destiny to advance into the Round-of-16, as they are in 2nd Place with 8 Points, following a record of 4-0-2. After the horrible 0-0-2, HUElavia have found themselves to be on a hot streak winning 4 in a row coming into Matchday 7. The next match will be against group leaders Siovanija and Teusland, who have 12 Points and a record of 6-0-0. It will not be an easy match for the hockey team, but Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos know that a draw or a victory will be enough to retain 2nd Place in Group H. Although, should Kanyagan draw or lose their game against Lorenthia (which ended on a 0-0 draw previously), it would be enough for the team to stay in contention. Regardless, the HUElavians want to be in control of their destiny and not rely on other scores to keep pace and advance. Fans will flock to the arena once again to support the team, while millions back home in HUElavia will watch the match to support these men that are making a name for themselves.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **PotatoFarmers** » Thu Aug 06, 2020 6:03 am

For Bosco and Rey, every win is of equal weightage, even if everyone else would tell them that it is more important to grab wins against Banija or Equestria. After all, for a team making their international debut, there is no such thing as "underperforming" - all wins are considered as "overperforming".
You and I would realise how optimistic the managers of the Golden Phoenixes are. Even if a team was making their debut, who would have told the team something like "I just want all of you not to get last", especially with the knowledge that you won't be the only unranked team in the entire competition? Just no one. However, Bosco and Rey would say that. At the start of the competition, Bosco publicly mentioned that their target was not to get last. "Give me 6 points out of a maximum 20," said Bosco. "I would consider that to be a really good performance for our first try." Clearly now with 4 games to spare, the Phoenixes have crossed that target of getting only 30% of the points, reaching the 7 point mark and having a 2 point gap over 3rd seeds Fluvannia. And that comes with a win and a draw over them coming to this stage.
We shall not bore you with the manner Poafmersia committed this win here in Rukiya, because you would know it yourself through other match reports. You would have probably heard that Fluvannia's Patrick Cleary scored 2 goals past veterans Dempsey and Sharma. But Sharma and Dempsey also scored a goal each with power shots from the neutral zone, with power similar to Cleary's shots. Talk about ice hockey experience in Poafmersia. (Loud Giggling Noises) Dalaris Sports HC also got 1 up with Elzinga scoring the winner with 2 minutes on the clock. Late goals have became a recurring theme with this Poafmersian side, simply because that is how the PIHL matches typically work out For big teams, all the goals come in the 3rd period because they typically start with the 1st line, then pile in all the checking lines and energy lines before pushing at the very end.
So you know what happened. We should turn our attention to Diogo Aita, who we have largely ignored apart from talking about the goals he made in the competition. His experience with ice hockey didn't come easy. In fact, he didn't want to play ice hockey (another recurring theme with Poafmersian ice hockey players which you will notice). He tried to join the Sarim Potato academy as a footballer back when he was 13, but his batch of players was too strong that he couldn't even make the shortlist. Among his close friends, many of them also attended the trials with him, and 4 of them made it out to the senior team. Dargis Walshor, Riya Keil, and Yeong-Suk Becker now stay with the club, attempting to bring the club to prominence just like how Trimidau Rukiya did. His best friend, Joel Haodao, is now in Chromatika, with Tihon. What made him join ice hockey was simply a surprise. He likes skating when he was young, going to ice rinks frequently. It was his ability to skate freely that caught the eye of scouts, and together with his physique, he was invited to join a training camp, where he loved ice hockey. He still aspires to be a football player, if not a manager, but he thought that joining ice hockey would partially fulfill his dreams as he is a professional sportsmen to some extent. (Even though one could point out that Poafmersia's PIHL clubs are not exactly professional clubs, since players do take part-time jobs.)
Aita's abilities in finding really nice shots make people think about why he wasn't picked to be a football striker. He calculates the angle really nicely, ensuring that the puck gets in at a good angle such that they are mostly on target. The goaltenders are mostly scared of him when he plays. His shots' are not the most powerful shots, but you need to really be on the lookout whenever he holds the puck, because you never know when he would attempt a shot even at the most impossible angles. Which was why Mancodas Athletic HC signed him in really early on.
Back when Poafmersia visited Chromatika in Matchday 2, Haodao went down to the Rodwan Centre to watch the match. (We couldn't put a time to when that would be within the Chromatik football calendar, but well we could guess that he was just free and had no training.) After the match, he went up to Aita to talk to him, as both of them went into their usual conversations. The two of them would always talk about training, talking about football back home in Poafmersia. While Aita is really happy that Haodao is doing well in Chromatika, Haodao would more often than not notice that Aita is holding back some strong emotions. After all, football was Aita's childhood dream.

Box Score:
Poafmersia 3
Bartholomaios Dempsey 27:35
Dan Sharma 43:17
Soner Elzinga 58:00

Fluvannia 2
Patrick Cleary 16:48, 34:12

by **Neu Engollon** » Thu Aug 06, 2020 7:21 am

“Neu Engollon and our international viewers, hello and welcome again to the NETV 7 Sports Update. I’m Karl Demais, your host. Magda, my regular co-host, will be on later in the show with Rugby League World Cup coverage live from Copper Cuprum. In fact, most of the show will cover the RLWC tonight as they're heading into the playoff rounds, but I'm going to just get in a little bit about the continuing 40th World Cup of Hockey group stage.
We are still getting great response on the foreign players/coaches interview series, and we will continue that tomorrow night. Surprise guest to be announced. So, onto our Ibexes progress...

They won against Kohnhead and it was their second victory against the Brains...Sorry, I still have to chuckle a little bit about that. Nothing against Kohnheadians, but it's quite an amusing moniker for any hockey team. Score was 6 to 3 for the Ibex, and as you can tell from the scoreline, this was a tougher show than the first match up out in the group, which the Ibex won 5 to 1 goal for the Brains. The very first game in the group stage...ah, it seems so very long ago, doesn't it?

I suppose you could write that off to jitters for an unranked team in their first ever game in a World Cup, and they certainly seem to have tried to hold steady. So far they've won one game and drawn another to maintain the best record of all the new, unranked teams in Group B. All their defeats have come from the higher ranked teams, which is par for the course. They had a great game against Megistos, where they held them to one goal and dominated their side of the red line. Strong defense led by the Captain and primary goalie of the team, Nelson Calhoun, although they have struggled as we said, against the likes of the Avatarians, Kelssek, and our boys.

Credit has to go to Nils Telhoffen, who had two goals this game, one in the first and one in the third. With his third line mates of Alex Weissbaum and Tomas Swenssen, who each took several shots on the net, and came away with one goal each, he was impressive in leading the charge. Briefly we saw Sameaux in there, along with Velper. Gazzana got in a rare goal for a defensemen, but it was a clutch one in the second period to shut down what looked to be a Kohnheadian rally. It was a 'gem nestled in a great big pile of turds', as the Ibex defense was stumbling tonight and even Coach Manon made that comment in the after game press conference. He was not happy with those three goals let in and it doesn't portend well for some of the Ibex defense after this 40th run is over, if they don't start whipping up some redemption.

As always though, not all blame can be put on the defense as the opponents first had to get through our offense. Despite it being a victory, Ibex management isn't celebrating the implications going into these next two big matches against difficult, higher ranked, veteran teams. We'll see what tomorrow night brings when the Ibex take to the ice against Kelssek.

Until then, I'll be seeing you. After the sponsor break, Magda will be here to talk about the Goats in the Rugby League World Cup and what to expect from the playoffs...Stay tuned right here to NETV 7, folks..."

by **Fluvannia** » Thu Aug 06, 2020 7:22 am

Wayne Cassidy walked into what was a sullen locker room at the Trimidau Arena in Rukiya, Poafmersia. The expression on his face could only be described as a simmering pot on the verge of boiling over. The Bears had held a 2-1 lead going into the third but had that one-goal lead turned into a deficit of the same size late in the game. Team captain Patrick Cleary was the only Fluvannian player who managed to score. This moved Fluvannia to 1-3-2 overall, and 1-1-2 against newcomer teams; hardly the mark of a team that ever had any hope of success.

"Do any of you actually care? Seriously! Do any of you give a flying shit about this tournament? Because you're not playing like it!" A wastebasket found its way diagonally across the room. "I shouldn't have to tell you that every game from here out is a must-win. This game was basically a must-win though, so who knows if any of you have the spines to actually play like you want it. Every single ass in this room is on the hot seat, so if you ever want to play for your country again you need to actually do something with the opportunities you're given. Of course, based on what I've seen none of you want to play for your country anyway. I'm not even sure I would call what I saw today 'playing'. Our passes were sloppy, our defense looked like Waldensian cheese, and the fact that we had any goals at all is nothing short of a miracle with how damn terrible our shot selection was. Some of you have some particularly impressive hockey IQ but you need to use it! Tomorrow is one of your last two games in front of your own fans. Try not to embarrass me too badly, thanks."

The silence in the room was palpable. Every player there knew that what Cassidy had said was right. That didn't make it feel any better.

Suddenly his expression changed. Weirdly calm, the coach grabbed a whistle and continued. "Alright. Everyone back on the ice."

by **Gyatso-kai** » Thu Aug 06, 2020 7:31 am

An ASPN Production, Brought to you on ASPN.co.gki
ICE BISONS STILL VICTORIOUS!!! TROLLEBORG SCORES ONCE!

ONLINE EDITION

6 AUGUST 2020.3

TOURNAMENT – WORLD CUP (Hockey)

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Written by Shay ISHIKAWA

Group B

MD1 at Trolleborg₄₄ –W 6-4
MD2 vs Megistos_UR –W 6-3
MD3 at Neu Engollon₁ –W 5-4
MD4 vs Kellsek₁₉ –W 4-3
MD5 at Kohnnhead_UR –W 5-2
MD6 vs Trolleborg₄₄ –W 5-1
MD7 at Megistos_UR
MD8 vs Neu Engollon₁
MD9 at Kellsek₁₉
MD10 vs Kohnnhead_UR

With the second half of the Fortieth World Cup of Hockey underway, the Ice Bisons continue to surprise everyone back home! After a resounding 5-1 victory over the Blue and Green of Trolleborg, the Ice Bisons have extended their win streak to six; the longest winning streak the team has had since the Twenty-Sixth World Cup before The Silence.

A return to glory perhaps?

As we look into the remainder of the Group Stage, we are motivated with the promise of the longest win streak in Gyatso-kai; our longest streak as of yet happened way back in World Cup XVII, at ten games from the start of the tournament through to the first match of the semi-finals. To bring such victory to the Ice Bisons would go a long way at redeeming Head Coach Hakoda Ishii in the eyes of our fans back home; after so many unsuccessful campaigns, to see the team break out of the group stage would be a first for Ishii, and many wonder where this new-found confidence and ability comes from.

It all goes back to that game against Megistos…

After a strong run and garnishing six goals to the Megistos, deep in the bowels of the Capital Centre, a call was made that hasn’t been heard in the locker rooms of the Ice Bisons for nearly sixteen jì; resounding words that were once uttered before every game and after every victory that have long been silenced for whatever reason. Yet, it cannot be ignored that once our team embraced the Ruug'Resol'nare, we have secured victory time and time again.

Now to keep it going strong.

The game tomorrow, against Megistos, is the last of our lower-ranked matches before we face-off against the one-two combo of Neu Engollon and Kelssek, and then end the Group Stage against unranked Kohnhead. Should we continue to push through the group stage, victory would see us step into the Playoff stage of the World Cup for the first time since we re-emerged from The Silence and our last adventure in World Cup XXVI, were after losing our first game of the tournament in the second match of the Quarterfinals against Torisakia, we made it all the way to the Finals where we lost the best of five tournament to Quebec and took home the commiserations of the multi-verse.

I can only hope we never suffer such a fate again…

Copyright 2020.3 Avatarian Sports Programming Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
URL: http://www.aspn.com.gk/articles/ahl/23476643
© 2020 Avatarian Sports Programming Network

by **Recuecn** » Thu Aug 06, 2020 7:52 am

The flight to Machrobat, Taeshan, was uneventful. Lynn was, as always, hyping the team up the whole way there. Elea was, uncharacteristically, keeping to herself and stressing out. She gazed out the window of the plane, but she wasn't looking at anything—outside was nothing but gray as they flew through thick clouds. Elea's mind was elsewhere—on her game, on her duties as captain... she felt that the amount of stress she was under regarding her own role on the ice was adversely affecting her ability to lead the team. Plus, it was a bit weird to be captaining the team from the goal. Elea had always taking pride in her role as captain, in part because she felt that as a goalie she had something to prove about her position's ability to fill that role. But maybe it was time to resign? Would coach understand? Berthe would move up to being captain...

Berthe. Elea's mind went back to their conversation from a little while back. Berthe was encouraging, but had that just been her being a good friend? Elea turned away from the window and looked at her, sitting further up the plane and fully engaged in Lynn's mini pep rally. Berthe had come to sit in the back with Elea at first, but when it had become clear that Elea was a bit moody and not going to talk much, she'd moved further up. And now, watching her, she seemed just as excited and energetic as anyone else. Berthe is good at that, thought Elea. I can't put on a front well enough to be the enthusiastic captain this team needs.

Berthe looked back over her shoulder, and Elea's eyes met hers for just a moment. From five rows away, Elea could see how full of worry and concern they were, but unlike Elea, Berthe was not concerned for herself; her thoughts were for her friend and teammate. But the glimpse lasted just a moment, for Berthe turned back to give her attention to the teammates at the front of the plane, now loudly singing along to songs from Lynn's portable speaker. The compassionate anxiety disappeared from her face just as quickly as it had appeared, and she too began happily singing. She was so charismatic that way. Clearly Berthe was a natural leader.

Elea turned back to the window and pressed herself against the wall of the plane, as if to hide. What was she going to do?

Machrobat Ice Arena was no different from any other hockey rink—it was loud, and the yells of the players and fans echoed and reverberated, intermingling with the noises of sticks and skates hitting the ice. They were only seven minutes into the first period, and already Taeshan was pressing them much harder than they had last game. Abby and Ramona were on at the moment and they were finding it difficult to clear the puck. Marei and Sylviane made a desperate two-on-one effort against Parson Smyth and managed to finally get—well, not really possession, but they got the puck out of the Reçueçn third. Bella got on the end of it and made the breakaway on her own while Sylviane and Marei skated for the bench. Berthe and Caroline threw themselves over the wall as the two skaters clambered through the door, just in time to cut off the Taeshani counter-attack. Bella now got her chance for a substitution, and Marleen joined the rest of her attacking line on the ice. Audrey and Lynn were hanging out of the box, gesturing at Abby and Ramona to come in as well, but with the constant pressure, they couldn't find the right moment to do it. They'd have to wait just a bit longer—

And then it happened. Abby and Ramona were covering Morton and Kordell, with Marleen and Caroline in front of the net, challenging for the puck. It was Gagne who had it, and Berthe went for him, throwing out her stick—that was tripping, surely, and a ref's hand went up for a delayed penalty. But Gagne had managed to flick back to Syvret, who only needed one touch...

From that far out, there should have been no way for the puck to fly past Elea, certainly not on the glove side. Yet somehow the slapshot took her by surprise. Had she been expecting Syvret to come closer before shooting? Maybe, but that was no excuse. She should've been ready—but she wasn't, and as the light behind her came on the crowd roared with approval, and she felt the anger boil over within her—anger at her own shortcoming.

Taeshan continued to dominate. They hadn't been supposed to: Reçueçn had beaten them before, not once but twice. Yet now they seemed in control of the game. The second stayed scoreless, and that was exactly what the Purple Knights were aiming for.

The 'sports miracle' format is so reused as to be a total cliché. It's always exciting to watch a team tie it up or win at the last minute in real life, but when you read about it, the response at this point is more of a "come on, really?" Reçueçn fell into the cliché trap this game, at least to external appearances. But the narrative didn't change. Marilen's goal with two minutes left in the third to put les licornes at the top of the group was no redemption for the team—well, except in the coaches eyes. In the locker-room after, she congratulated the team. "We need more comebacks like this," she said. "You got the result, that's what mattered." Apparently she knew that that particular moment, right after the draw-that-felt-like-a-win, was not the moment to mention that the team had played like crap.

But Elea knew. Elea knew she had failed.

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