World Cup of Hockey 44 - Everything Thread

[Banija]

Banija National Men's Ice Hockey Team
Head Coach: Dieter Lobe(Siovanija & Teusland). 43 years old. Former head coach of the Rotmunde Hurricanes in the Ehrenliga in S&T. Second tournament in charge.

The Banijan Hockey Federation, as the national governing body for ice hockey in Banija, is the governing body for this squad.

All teams listed are in the Greater Banijan Hockey League, or post-secondary education institutions competing in the Banijan Collegiate Sports Group competition, unless otherwise specified. Players who are making their international debut at the senior level are italicized.

Goalie
Starter: #50 Mompoloki Olefile. 27 years old. Maal Pioneers.
Backup: #35 Lorako Thomase. 30 years old. Gold Coast Thunder.
Third-String: #44 Trophimus Raila. 23 years old. Plays for the Jaromirgrad Huskies.

Defenders
Partnership 1
Left Defender- #13 Alan Ceesay. Age 26. Plays in the Ehrenliga(Siovanija & Teusland's top hockey league).
Right Defender- #17 Antou Sene. Age 30. Plays in the Ehrenliga(Siovanija & Teusland's top hockey league). First Alternate Captain.

Partnership 2
Left Defender- #7 Enyinnaya Madue. Age 30. Plays for the Jaromirgrad Huskies.
Right Defender- #22 Gilead Obuo. Age 22. Plays for the St. Jakob Crusaders. Graduate of Loyola-Istria.

Partnership 3
Left Defender- #19 Chidie Chinweike. Age 34. Schemerdrecht Caribou
Right Defender- #18 Chukwuma Chinasa. Age 25. Quebec Grizzlies.

Forwards
Line 1
Center- # 40 Alanso Hairte. Age 37. St. Jakob Crusaders. Graduate of Northern Moravica University. Captain.
Left Wing- #33 #33 Laita Bairley. Age 30. Mansfield Warriors.
Right Wing- #16 Paul Misiani. Age 20. Plays at the University of Loyola-Istria.

Line 2
Center- #1 Saikou Suso. Age 34. Plays for the Gold Coast Thunder. Second Alternate Captain.
Left Wing- #10 Onyango Jow. Age 24. St. Jakob Crusaders.
Right Wing- #4 Kebba Corr. Age 31. New Istria Eagles.

Line 3
Center- #8 Somayina Chee. Age 29. Quebec Grizzlies.
Left Wing - #5 Omollo Oduol. Age 26. Stalliongrad Mountaineers.
Right Wing- #14 Banta Soley. Age 31. Maal Pioneers.

Line 4
Center- #13 Kamara Senghore. Age 33. Plays for the Rosaria Knights.
Left Wing- #2 Junkung Kambi. Age 26. New Istria Eagles.
Right Wing- #6 Malick Tiyan. Age 33. Plays for the Little Istria Tigersharks.

Notes:
The team's special teams tend to struggle, as they are more likely to score goals when it's 5 v 5.

As Banija is a country that lacks winter, the sport's popularity struggles inside the country itself. However, Banijans rank as some of the largest migratory people in the multiverse, as there are multitudes of Banijan migrant communities across Atlantian Oceania and far beyond. Therefore, a number of home games for the Banijan national team will be played off of Banijan soil, in foreign cities where there are large Banijan migrant populations- which are populations that tend to support hockey, considering that the sport is seen as the 'sport of emigrants' in Banijan society.

Group A Schedule (Must finish Top 4 in this group of 13 to advance to Life Stage. Banija is ranked #9)
Matchday 1: Banija(24) v. Vilita and Turori(36). Played at the Aoro-Herzegovina Convention Center(cap. 6,500) in Herzegovina City, Moravica Region, Banija.
Matchday 2: Banija(24) @ Kaldtfjell(UR)
Matchday 3: Banija(24) v. Rocky Canada(UR). Played at Arena-Internationale (Capacity: 8,790) in Quebec City, Quebec & Shingoyreo
Matchday 4: Banija(24) @ Ko-oren(5)
Matchday 5: Banija(24) v. HUElavia(7). Played at the Sankt Adelheid Campus Ice Arena(cap. 6,700) in Bwubanza, Bunyoro Region, Banija.
Matchday 6: Banija(24) @ Græntfjall(13)
Matchday 7: BYE
Matchday 8: Banija(24) @ Vilita and Turori(36).
Matchday 9: Banija(24) v. Kaldtfjell(UR). Played at the Prenzlauer Eispalast(cap. 17,500) in St. Jakob, Teusland, Siovanija & Teusland.
Matchday 10: Banija(24) @ Rocky Canada(UR).
Matchday 11: Banija(24) v. Ko-oren(5). Played at the Capitol Region Ice Arena(cap. 14,000) in Mukeruzi, Ankole Region, Banija(1 mile west from edge of the Banijan capitol city, Busukuma).
Matchday 12: Banija(24) @ HUElavia(7)
Matchday 13: Banija(24) v. Græntfjall(13). Played at the Igulu Indoor Arena(cap. 9,400) in Igulu, Hangaza Region, Banija.
Matchday 14: BYE

Style Mod: -2
RP Permissions: Anything is game, although you need my permission to kill anyone. No pandemics of any kind allowed. Hockey's not that big in country, so expect Banija's fanbase at each game to be much smaller than our opponent's. If you injure somebody, please specify what the injury is and how many games they will be expected to miss.

[Valanora]

Here we go again, another World Cup of Hockey and another chance for the Calcuttas to try and add to their record six titles, but it has been so long since the team last won one that there could be some speculation that Vanorian players are not quite as good as they once were. That this fall from sustained success in the tournament has coincided with the domestic league losing its vicegrip over the Hockey Champions' League has not gone unnoticed in the Empire, especially among the most rabid supporters of the sport who had become so accustomed to the national team and league simply being beyond reproach from any of their rivals. Rivals who seemed to come and go like the tide, especially in the domestic arena where the consistency in which leagues would submit their teams for entry into the HCL was and continues to be one of the major areas of concern outside of the EHL, especially when great rivalries like the Ice Bison of Gyatso-Kai and the Icy Elephant of Elejamie both had turn of being on hiatus away from the sport.

It is a bit of a kick in the teem then that it was one of those rivals, Elejamie, who upon their return from exile went on a run that was very reminiscent of their time as the only power to truly stand in contest to the Calcuttas and were able to lay claim to the championship last edition, defeating the Calcuttas along the way to that title. It is a disorientating and very disheartening set of circumstances for the fans in the Empire, to have one regional rival do what the Calcuttas never could en route to their own dynasty, only for that dynasty to then come to an end thanks to a former rival coming back from the grave to take that title away. When it seemed like at long last that the Calcuttas were ready to do battle not only for regional supremacy in the sport but also for the supremacy of the sport as a whole with the team from Siovanija & Teusland, that opportunity slipped them by and they were then undone by a team that they had thought lost to the annuls of time, like so many who had come before them and gone, such as Havl and Plutoni.

It is not all doom and gloom for the fans, nor for the team itself who took the loss on the chin and have moved forward with little fanfare in the time since, as the team has been ranked as the best team in the world following back to back second placed finishes in the tournament. It is a neat accomplishment, even if all the players on the team would tell you that they themselves would trade that number one ranking for a win in either of the championship games that they had come up short in in those previous two opportunities. A ranking may give you a bit of bragging rights before a tournament, but championships leave legacies that never go out of style or lose their must, can never be taken away from you at the end of the day. It is titles that leave the most long lasting impressions and titles is what the Calcuttas have been short on for some time now and a supply that they will be hoping dearly to bring back to the Eternal Empire at the end of the upcoming tournament, if they can live up to the billing of that number one ranking.

The tournament starts off as tough as it can get for the Calcuttas, as they will open up their tournament against the second pot team and fellow top ten ranked nation in the world in Abanhfleft, as the schedule has the Calcuttas on the first of their two byes on the official first matchday of the tournament. There will be a reunion with the darlings of last tournament in the group as well, with Le Choix having earned a third seed following a very memorable run in the last tournament where they pulled off several upsets before being defeated by the Calcuttas. Regional neighbors Equestria as well as the impossible to say Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland round out the rest of the apparent competition for advancement out of the group. Trolleborg and Patriotlandia however will be looking to play spoiler and perhaps pull of their own version of Le Choix' epic run from last edition, though they are unlikely to do so on the first glance. If the Calcuttas are as hungry as they claim to be for the title, they should learn upon their mistakes of the last two tournaments and start off on the right foot rather than having to fight their way back into it. Getting the hardest game first will definitely test that desire and if lessons have been learned by the team.

[The Cordian Isles]

The Cordasfjord Post

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CIHL Format: A Primer

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Cordasfjord, Cordia- With the CIHL set to open after the World Cup of Hockey and debuting a new format in its second season, we've got everything you need to know about the Cordian Isles' premier ice hockey competition.

Coverage of CIHL 1

Divisions
The CIHL this season is comprised of three ten-team divisions which only play within themselves; no interdivisional play. The divisions are a classic relegation/promotion pyramid, with the AAA Division at the peak, followed by the AA Division, and the A Division at the bottom. The top ten teams from last season have been placed in the AAA Division, the next ten in AA, and the remaining four in A, which has been supplemented with six former amateur clubs come to join the pyramid.

Minor/Major Split
This is the idea that makes the CIHL unique. The league plays an 18-game season to begin, a double round robin playing every other divisional team home and away. The top and bottom teams after this, the "minor" season, are promoted and relegated, respectively, with the top AAA team receiving a Champions Hockey League spot. Then comes the "major" season, a 72-game grind¹ after which the top and bottom two teams are promoted/relegated, and two AAA teams qualify for the Champions Hockey League. The split leaves open a bit of strategy for teams. Do they try for a promotion/first-place and risk early-major injuries which could bring them down, or do they conserve their energy for the major season, with more slots open and more prestige?

Playoffs²
The final game of the major is the end of the road for twenty-two of the thirty CIHL teams. But the top eight of the AAA Division will battle on in search of the Hjalmar Cup, the (soon-to-be) most prized trophy in Cordian ice hockey. The playoffs are a seeded bracket where each tie is decided by a best-of-seven series; four wins are required to advance to the next round. The Cup winner receives the first HCL seed, followed by the major season champion and runner-up, with the minor champion receiving the fourth seed. In the case of a club qualifying by multiple means, they take the top seed available and the next-best major season finisher receives qualification.

¹: Formerly 63 games, another round was added to even out home advantage.
²: A Cup comprising all 30 teams was the original plan, but CIHL management preferred the classic seven-game series, so that's what they ended up going with.

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

OOC: Northern Anaia Morning Post is, of course, a name parody of South China Morning Post. Same goes to Gaolhead Sports with Barstool Sports.

Northern Anaia Morning Post

Gaolhead Sports' CEO Craig O'Neill, over twenty people arrested, with the digital media company headquarters raided

Hector-Honore Fromm-Jeon

MONTREAL - In a 26-hour operation that involved 500 members of the Royal Quebecois Police, the Royal Quebecois Police on yesterday evening arrested digital mogul CEO Craig O'Neill and twenty-one others, and raided the headquarters of the Gaolhead Sports, under the compilation of twelve charges made against O'Neill and his digital media company.

Those swept up also include Gustave Fiset, a 50-year old college hockey commentator and former coach who was recently fired from the Abibiti Division of True North Sports+ after a personal threat made on a media conference that involved threatening rape of ain independent journalist, Grace Lee-Finchley, and lynching of a college lecturer, Xavier Santos, in response to their criticisms against him. The RQP said that most of the arrests involved nature of heinous crimes still being investigated after undercover operations that took years in making, and that more details will be out in due time.

The sudden nature of the arrests, which had taken place in middle of Montreal's Downtown is just the latest of a longstanding trend by Quebec City that would use its extremely strict laws on sexual violence and terrorism, as a weapon to crush popular digital media companies and online outlets, as well as users and businessmen involved in such ventures in Quebec & Shingoryeo. While such a practice has not been uncommon in Quebec, O'Neill is generally viewed to be the most infamous and highly profiled of all individuals to be arrested under a set of these laws.

At three in the morning, members of the Royal Quebecois Forces broke past O'Neill's home for the Royal Quebecois Police to arrest the 43-year old businessman. In the subsequent hours, Fiset, five other executives and eleven employees at the Gaolhead Sports co, and four yet-to-be-identified individuals associated with the company. Gaolhead Sports co. is a digital media company that promotes a mixture of podcasts, blogs, and video series with contents involving self-professed 'sports/smut online reality shows' that O'Neill founded in 2040 (12 years ago).

Shortly afterwards, around 100 members of the Royal Quebecois Armed Forces and more than 200 policemen entered the Gaolhead's offices, according to the Public Office of the Royal Quebecois Police, and searched the newsroom for twelve hours. By the end of the operations at 5 in the morning very next day, was said that the policemen and the soldiers had seized over 500 boxes of visual, videographic and audio material.

The Royal Quebecois Police was quick in response to mounting questions surrounding the arrests and subsequent raid, with its public statements made on the immediate hours after the end of search:

'The Royal Quebecois Police completed a twenty-six hour search-and-raid operation at the headquarters of Gaolhead Sports Co., located in 178 Avon Street, downtown Montreal, this morning, after receiving search warrant for twelve charges of anti-state terrorism (OOC: usually entails republicanism), sex trafficking, incitation of hate crimes, and violence against women,' Royal Quebecois Police Chief Julianne Noh-Robidas said in the press conference this morning.

'At this moment in time, those who were arrested, numbering twenty-two to be exact, are currently detained, with no bail permitted under any circumstance until the trial-day. The Royal Quebecois Police remains committed to the investigation and will get back to the public with its findings as soon as possible.'

The series of events over last two days, while a surprise to some, is not a surprise to those more familiar with the outlet that has been viewed by the general public and the intelligentsia as the 'inbreeding hotbed of misogyny'. Founded in 2040 as a sports blog by O'Neill and late Boris Katchouk, Gaolhead has since expanded its business over the past decade, expanding into podcasts, merchandise and controversial sponsorships of public events and betting outlets.

Gaolhead has a small but fanatic fanbase due to its infamous brand of sports commentary, which the members of public have criticised over the years of its juvenile language and sexist, racist and politically-aggravating content. In 2050, O'Neill posted an article that named the list of purge-able journalists who criticised his and his media outlet's use of racially-aggravating language. 'Good luck with that, I'm un-cancellable,' said O'Neill, on a l'Instagramme post made in response to the 2-million Quebecois pound fine the Gaolhead has received at the end of a trial that December.

In 2048, the TV1 was ordered to cancel the 'Delcora Show', a primetime television show with Jeremy Delcora, a major content creator with the company, under the orders of the Royal Telecommunications and Media Commission (RTMC), two weeks before its first episode. The decision came after the Gaolhead Sports were criticised by the Members of Parliament for its language that promoted active violence against the Huayramarcan-Quebecois diaspora under the disguise of joke against 'Ñucanchi Ñan' regime in Huayramarca.

However, none came so sudden as the recent months, as the series of news exposes have come out that suggested years of troubling cases in the company. In a 3,000-word feature piece released on Le Mazepa, over twenty men and women had come out and said that there were decade-long practices of sexual abuse involving O'Neill and employees of the outlet that had 'turned into mini-nightmares that have become a chain of events that continued to haunt them via its maniac followers named "Prisoners"'. At least four said that O'Neill actively sought out underaged individuals into his parties and encouraged content hosts of his members to keep detailed CCTV reportage of their bedroom activites, per the report...

To initial round of questions hailed at him on social media, O'Neill remained calm, denying the allegations made by the Mazepa article. According to O'Neill, he's never been involved in a sexual altercation and that his crime history, as have proven by his level-A criminal check (OOC: lowest level stuff really).

'I do not know what they are talking about, period,' O'Neill responded to the media allegations, saying that it's just a part of the daily job he has on the profession. 'Listen, we have guys who come at me for the sake of views and likes and shit. Cancel culture always wants to come get me, and I'm not going to let them get to me on that...'

To read more, please click here.

[Elejamie]

"Ref drops the puck near the Elejamian net and Saunders wins the face-off."

That was what Puck Drop commentator Ben Morrison was saying as both sides did just that. This was because, just a few seconds ago, Elejamian goalie Ricardo Bejarano was just able to get a glove to the puck to deflect it. It was still live, however, so he needed to be quick to actually freeze it lest he leaves it up to chance. It could've gone to one of his defencemen, it could've gone to the opposition. He couldn't risk it. So he leaned to his side and rested his glove on top of the puck. He kept it there until the whistle blew to stop the play, at which point he let go of it and went to take a quick drink from the water bottle on top of his net.

It wasn't an easy road to this moment in time. In fact, both sides had wished it had ended much earlier albeit for differing reasons. And, indeed, there were a few moments where it seemed like that was going to happen only for the other side to snatch a goal. The first to score was Valanora, the opposition for that match, courtesy of a low shot from Vanorian captain Eva Strömberg with 9:43 left in the first and a bit of assistance from line-mates Dag Nowak and Aleksander Olsen. Elejamie, however, were able to respond before the period was over (37.2 seconds to be precise) thanks to James Han, who managed to tip the puck in close-range in the midst of a mad scramble to either clear it or score a goal. The Ice-a-phants would go on to get the only goal of the second half when, with 11:55 left in the period, Bill Harrison scored off a one-timer after he received the puck from Cerin Meloten (who in return got the puck from Adam Keane). There was also an interesting incident when a poorly-timed line change saw the Vanorian bench get a minor for having too many players on the ice, although everyone involved knew it was an accident and it was easily killed off with nary a hassle or a complaint.

Though there were a couple of other penalties from the away side in the match, the most notable one was a double minor that Ethan Swinburne had to serve after he accidentally high-sticked Vanorian defenceman Anders Sharif with 9:03 left in the period. This lead to a brace of goals from Valanora. The first was with 7:20 left when Kasper Nielsen managed to bury it thanks to a well-aimed slap shot and assistance from Sana Axelsson and Jonas Haugen. The second was with 5:13 left when Sharif enacted some karma when a simple wrist shot gave his side the lead. Things seemed hopeless for the Elejamian side and, with a possible disappointing end to the Cindarella story on the horizon, it looked like Coach Alex was going to have to pull Bejarano for an extra attacker. Only for Stacy Saunders to score the tying goal with 1:02 left in the match, thanks to a snap shot sailing through Noel Norberg's legs and assistance from Harrison and Carlos Sierra. They were still in it but barely. The klaxon went not long after which meant the dreaded 3-on-3 overtime.

Fortunately, things went a bit smoother here. While the Calcuttas seemed stronger on the offence despite only being limited to a single player, Elejamie were stronger on the defence as evidenced by the repeated closing-downs of Strömberg and Nielsen. Every time they tried to get close to the net, the double teams of Lupe and Keane or Pinto and Sierra would easily cut them down or help divert the shot to avoid its target. And that's if Bejarano didn't freeze the puck, deflect it or pass it to a team-mate. Which is what happened when we left off.

Saunders won the face-off and immediately passed it to Lupe. He then passed it to Adam Keane and the three of them went back and forth with passing the puck to each other. Whenever it looked like a Vanorian player was about to poke the puck away or in rare cases deliver a check they managed to pass the puck away, with just enough time for the opponent to stop what they're doing and go after the new guy despite how juicy it would seem to bait the opposition into an interference penalty. A little bit of this was purely to frustrate the opposition because they now had to change their plans the main reason was simply that, despite the massive rivalry between both teams, there was still an underlying respect between both sides as evidenced by the fact that Elejamie would drop their usual tactics whenever playing Valanora and instead concentrated on putting on a show to delight both sets of fans. And it looked like that was going to happen. Saunders managed to do a saucer pass over to Lupe, who along with Keane were now on the breakaway. Norberg had to be alert and he had to be quick, especially since Lupe fired a shot that seemed like it was going to go in.

It seemed like it was going to go in, but it didn't. Instead the shot hit the post and ricocheted into the path of Stacy Saunders. He was in a prime shooting location, or rather he would be if it weren't for the double team of Dino Håkansson and Jesper Nordström in some less than idea places. Even Keane could've been in a better position. But rather than just waste time by finding a new place and thus risk losing the puck, Stacy had to make an attempt. Without breathing or even thinking he just fired home a shot. Nothing fancy, just a simple wrist shot into the top left corner of the net. Everyone was watching with baited breath and everyone on the Elejamian bench leaned forward. Much to their delight the puck cleanly sailed just over Norberg's glove and into the back of the Vanorian net.

"And Stacy Saunders shoots and he scorrrrAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHS!"

They had done it. Since their last victory, they had to deal with a trio of tournaments with some issues, a self-imposed hiatus as a protest to how the tournament was faring and two tournaments spent trying to rebuild their brand. The first go was clearly not a proud moment and the second was merely a "either we finish mid-table at best or we will never return", though fortunately they got the place they wanted because, while they still failed to make it out of the group stage, a sixth place finish where they were at least three points off of qualifying for the next round was still an admirable feat. But now, not only had they finally vanquished their past demons but they also went the distance and became an unlikely victor. Players hugged, fans cheered, opponents consoled each other and ultimately one side and their fans celebrated in the wee hours of the night.

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A pleasant memory and an excellent way to end a story but the saga would have to continue. There would always be a new story to tell but the details of it would have to be written. Some stories would be about avenging painful losses, some stories would be about coming back from humiliation. Some stories would be about small teams trying to make it as far as they can while a few stories would be about teams who did just that trying to repeat history. There were a few stories about teams who only existed to pad stats, job to the stars if you will. And there are some teams who are just there for the ride, there to do the best job they can and see where they can go in this crazy competition.

In the case of Elejamie, however, their story would be about whether or not they could go the distance again and get back to back trophies. This would've been a massive feat for them, not only because it would see them tie with the now defunct Plutoni team for the most WCoH trophies with five (placing them joint second behind Valanora with six) but it would be the first time that the nation were back-to-back winners in any sport. They made it to four consecutive Rugby World Cup finals but only won one; they were even the losers in Ko-oren's back-to-back wins in 28 and 29. They made it to four consecutive World Cup of Hockey finals but it was a win-loss-win-loss pattern. They would win silverware in sevens tournies but very rarely would another one follow it. And that's not getting into tournaments that they've only won once or the WorldVision Song Contest, a competition where they've been repeatedly unlucky to the point where it wouldn't be too much of an exaggeration if you called them "cursed".

But Alex Sorenson wasn't worried about that. He was feeling pretty good about things. Most of the side that had won the last tournament had been retained, although there were a few changes. Some were superficial, like Adrian Lambert going up a number and having another name on his helmet. Others were big changes like Lambert and Cristian Serrano being starting and back-up goalie respectively due to Bejarano getting injured a week before they were due to set off for Quebec, with an old face having to settle for being the third-string goalie. And that wasn't mentioning the new kits, as the EIHB felt that the old kits were getting a bit stale and that something new would be nice to have to celebrate that fourth star. At least the alternate kit was mostly black like in the past as opposed to a potential blue-red-yellow design that may have been a way to honour the Iyilim population as it's their traditional colours but also seemed a bit eye-bleeding.

But there was the most important aspect of all of this: The opponents. He quite liked the quality of opponents he had so far. Nothing too easy but nothing too difficult either. First The Cordian Isles, then Cassadaigua, then a day off. Afterwards it was Fluvannia, then Chromatika, then Mapletish and then Pius Desurongrandis before the cycle started all over again. The only real challenges there were Cassadaigua and maybe Chromatika; the former because they were in the top five in the rankings whereas the latter were in the same group as the Ice-a-phants in Kelssek and no doubt were looking for revenge. Everyone else seemed to be fairly OK. Alex wasn't banking on a clean group stage run. He was expecting a couple of draws and even a loss or two, especially against those teams he had singled out. Not to mention that at the last WCoH both Ko-oren and Siovanija and Teusland, the latter of whom were winners of the last three tournaments, had near perfect group stage runs with only an OT win each preventing pure perfection... only to lose in the round of sixteen. Call it complacency, bad luck or them being affected by the poor ice surfaces that hampered them in the two matches he wanted to forget, but he wanted to avoid that at all costs.

Still, he had to get out of the group stage first and then he could worry about the elimination stages. And he had to start with The Cordian Isles. A team who were new to the competition but had plenty of experience in the sport even if it was domestically. With a coach who won their league three times and a young squad with the oldest player being only 27 years old, it seems like they would be a formidable opponent out of the gate. And that's not getting into their tactics like "the ABC forecheck" and "the Pull", both of which need some fairly aggressive defending to counter. And that relatively pleased him because he could come up with a solid game plan to try and close down as many of their aggressive offensive chances as he can. What didn't please Alex, however, were how his opponents seemed like a bunch of pests with trash talk and what appeared to be dirty play (although he could've just been reading it wrong) being the norm. Them being an intergender squad probably didn't help because it would reflect badly if one of his players fought a female opponent as a result of something going wrong. On the upside, at least the opener was in Davenport so they could have more of a home ice advantage. Sure he was playing it a bit risky with this new line-up but he was still confident that he could get things done once he finished finalising his game plan for that day. He was drawing a couple of blanks for how to tackle some of the more skilled Cordian players but there was one upside to his whole endeavour.

At least there was a coffee place not far from the hotel.

[Trolleborg]

TROLLEBORG NATIONAL HOCKEY TEAM

Head Coach – Vladimir Finn

Goaltenders:
Tomas Heg (31)
Peter Shelburn (28)

Defenders:
Zeger Nieuwenburg (31)
Bargash Holmgren (28)
Torbjorn Ronning (25)
Lucius Halst (24)
Trond Kleft (25)
Joakim Hammersland (25)
Utseth Bjornholm (25)
Egil Kjellerud (24)
Tord Salte (25)
Rolf Runar (26)

Forwards:
Torfinn Strow (32)
Egil-Johan Loondblad (31)
Ruud Halgren (33)
Drake Drakeson (35)
Mogren Brass (30)
Morten Bagger (27)
Jasper Irwin (25)
Vidar Riseth (26)
Hendrick Reuter (26)
Yakob Valgren (27)
Tobias Hafstad (25)
Finjord Ringberg (26)
Torben Haldrup (25)
Hendrick Nordstrand (25)
Jorgen Finne (23)
Jesper Sederland (24)
Knut Reinhart (27)
Per Hestad (25)

Head coach don't express any hints about which players assigned to which defensive pairs and attacking lines, but it was known, that powerplay team will be composed of Zeger Nieuwenburg, Bargash Holmgren in defence, Torbjorn Ronning, Torfinn Strow and Ruud Halgren or Morten Bagger as forwards.

First kit: green
Second kit: blue

PERMISSIONS
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my Scorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: No
RP Injuries to my Players: Yes, but I determine severity
Godmod Injuries to my Players: No
Godmod Other Events: No (but if you have something spectacular in mind, contact me and we try to find middle ground)

Assign penalties to my players: Yes, except fighting penalties.
RP fights: Only with prior coordination

Style Modifier: -5
And team definitely prefer the beauty and speed of the game to the contest of might and fistfights.

[Trolleborg]

Greetings, compatriots!
It's TTV from Quebec and Shingoreo, where our long-suffering ice hockey team is back on the ice in international competitions after two years of absense. As you know, after terrible and painful failures in the two championships in row, it was decided that team will not participate in world competitions anymore, since hockey players, as it was believed, showed themselves unprepared to fight at the proper level while being flagbearers of the country. But not so long ago, by a vote of fans and the general public, it was decided to participate in the forthcoming World Ice Hockey Championship. But even this is not the main news, but rater the fact that it was decided to entrust the leadership of the team to the national leader Vladimir Finn, and after some thought he agreed. “It's not my habit to refuse citizen’s wishes. And although I absolutely do not see how my personal leadership can help the team, I can assure you that I will do my best”, he said at a press conference. His task is indeed difficult, since we have two teams from the top ten in the world in our group. As far as can be judged, Vladimir Finn intends to achieve results by the use of internal resources, he refused to make drastic changes in the lineup - in the form of, for example, of replacing the entire squad with talented youngsters. Probably, he believes that teams problems is mainly a matter of psychology - in two championships and a dozen and a half matches, the hockey players from Trolleborg while being definitely not worst in the world, were able to win only one game. By the way, this lonely victory was immortalized in the very popular movie “Such an important first victory”, and we will show it again before the broadcast of the first game of the national team in the championship. With a hope that this team will give our cinema themes for a such spirit-lifting films.

* * *

Vladimir Finn had difficult feelings while arriving for the last instruction of the players before the game. He was worried about the tendency of citizens to assign new and new tasks of a completely unusual nature to their national leader, and they expect that he, as if by magic, will solve everything that is offered for him. The basketball adventures of the national leader in the two championships can hardly be called successful, the team under his leadership won and lost an equal number of matches, even if they defeated the future vice-champion of the championship. Part of the inconspicuous result can be attributed to the unfavorableness of the judges in the first of the championships, as well as the need of national leader to participate in the work of the international convention on climate change during the second of the championships. But one way or another, the result is far from meeting the huge expectations of the fans and not even close to footballers successes. Nevertheless, hockey fans demand his participation as the only way out of the situation, or, maybe, at least some kind of result that allows them to consider their favorites not the worst in the world. Their tortured souls yearn for someone to give them hope and support in difficult times, while the wounds of defeat heal.

Here is the door of the changing room, where his players have already gathered. “Hello, coach,” the captain greets him. "My greetings, eagles!" - Vladimir Finn answers. He takes a seat in the middle of the dressing room and looks directly into the eyes staring at him.

“Today we have to go to the World Championship. The country looks at us with hope. I understand that 0:9 in the last championship stuck in your memory. I know that you are afraid to upset the whole country with mistakes and failures. I also know that we will surely upset the country. And I know how this affects citizens - I assure you that experienced the same emotions when heard the news about the failures of hockey players. But we need to get up and fight as best as we can. Everyone will forgive you if they see that you are fighting. I will take you to the field personally right now, and here is where our difficult struggle begins".

The hockey players remained silent, and Vladimir Finn saw mixed emotions in his eyes. And when he announced which of the two goalkeepers will play, did he hear a sigh of relief from the other one?

[Patriotlandia]

Playing for a nation

By Roland Leduc

With the selection being announced ahead of Patriotlandia's first foray into international hockey, the team assembled at the Jolicoeur Municipal Centre for meatings and practices. A small contingent of fans were present to cheer on their favourite players and get autographs at the entry to the venue. There, we also talked to young Islander phenom Marion Prunel who is the youngest member selected for the national team. "Obviously sitting in the press box is not what you envision when you hear your name called for a tournament like this, but all I can do is work hard in practice and be ready for the moment when I get to play." "Also it's a real opportunity to learn from players from around the league you wouldn't usually talk to and it should be really helpful for my developpement", she added. The 19 year old is part of a group of 5 women who made the selection with 3 of them being named on the opening day lineup. "I think they've shown, in the PHA, that women can play just as well as the men." said head coach François Saumure, "this selection based on on-ice merit and every single one of them proved that they belong on this team." For the unaware, the PHA has a rule specifying that at least 3 women must be in the lineup and severe fines are handed out to teams who do not respect this rule.

The team is also preparing for it's first set of games against 10th ranked team Abanhfleft and 16th rank Le Choix. Both teams are going to be a challenge for the newly minted squad. "Obviously, we looked at videos from previous tournement, we're also practicing different looks because some of these playing styles are not something we encounter in our local league" said assistant coach Romain Durivage. During practice, the Mountaineers worked on their special teams, Janna Friedova quaterbacked the first powerplay with brio and seemed to develop instant chemistry with her new line mates. Starting netminder Hervé Terellien looked in great form making quite a few acrobatic saves to the cheers of the few fans in the stands. The 35 year old seemed undeterred by his recent injuries which caused his Asche Flames to sink in the PHA standings last season. 42 year old defencemen Gael Wilson was all smiles after being named the first ever national team captain. He could be seen talking to every player on the ice during practice. We caught up to him after practice; "I wanted to get to know everyone and learn what motivates and drives them. When you've been in hockey as long as I have you pick up on the nuances that make a great team captain." Other reporters asked him if his age could be an issue heading into a competition against much more talented teams. "I'm not getting any younger" he said with a laugh "but I wouldn't have accepted this challenge if I didn't believe in my abilities."

Overall, the excitement for the competition is quite high with players and fans eager to see how how the Mountaineers fare in international competition. However, expert analysts aren't very optimistic of Patriotlandia's chances at getting out of the group stage. As a whole, group E looks like it might offer some great games. Valanora, Abanhfleft and Le Choix are likely to fight for the top two spots in the group. Equestria and Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland can probably play spoilers for the top teams and snag a few important points away from them. It will be interesting to see how Patriotlandia shapes up against Trolleborg. This match up represents one of their best shot at racking up points and gaining momentum for the rest of the competition.

[Eshialand]

The Eshian Hockey Federation
17th World Junior Hockey Champions
Roster for World Cup of Hockey XLIV

The past year has been a bit of a weird one for the Eshian hockey system. Normally, they'd expect to have a World Junior Hockey Championship to draw new, aspiring players from, but this year, scheduling issues led to the World Cup of Hockey being held first. Hence, Eshialand will send the same players this time around, with a couple of minor changes.

Trigrams: ESH (common use), ESL (for archival/statistical situations where ESH would cause problems)
Nickname: the Owls
Style: +2

Arena: Denneman Gardens, Eshialand City (capacity 34,650), home of the Eshialand City Gryphons.

Coach: Alexander MARAN (M, 52)

After the WJHC and WCoH results from last year each made their own headlines, Maran returns to coach the senior team for another season. Though the last campaign didn't start out well for him, he was able to bounce back and take a 3-0-0-4 team to within one goal of the final 16. It's clear that there's nobody in the country who could quite replace him, at least not yet.

Roster (starters in bold):

Goaltenders:

G #1 Dustin BANKS (M, 19)(Alternate Captain)

The goalie who made Eshialand's miracle run in the World Junior Hockey Championship possible, he was a shoo-in to at least be on the bench for the Owls in the last World Cup of Hockey, but, when circumstances intervened and he was asked to start, he more than rose to the occasion and saved the tournament, earning him the starting role and the A this year.

G #28 Carter BUISA (M, 26)

The last tournament didn't go quite as planned for Carter, with multiple absolute batterings knocking him onto the bench within just two games. While he's still able to make magic happen for the London Wolves, don't expect him to be used as a starter unless something happens to Dustin.

G #51 Martin LENCHIN (M, 27)

Defenders:

D #16 Jessica LAMBEAU (F, 25) (Alternate Captain)

Jessica is the epitome of a two-way player, not only being one of the most consistent defenders in the country, but also being able to score with the best of the forwards. When asked why she played so aggressively, she only had one answer: "don't we all want to put the puck in the net?"

D #9 Penelope RALEIGH (F, 19)

Despite her amazing work in the WJHC, nobody ever pegged Penelope to make it to the first defensive pair in just a year, but yet, thanks to a surprising performance in WCoH XLIII, here she is. It'll be interesting to see how she adapts to being paired up with the hard-skating, hard-shooting Lambeau.


D #42 Andrej HEPERUDA (M, 30)
D #6 Michael KAUSY (M, 20)

D #24 Logan BARROW (M, 24)
D #15 Charlie THOMAS (M, 28)

Forwards:

LW #31 Jason MENTEE (M, 23)
C #8 Devon ST. JOHN (M, 29) (Captain)

Another year, another EHL Championship ring for Devon St. John, proving to the entire country that his style of fast and agile hockey can still be played in Eshialand in 2023. However, with him being at least somewhat upstaged by the WJHC crew in the last World Cup of Hockey, questions have been raised about whether his play hold up internationally and just how long he could be the captain of this team.

RW #32 Mason MENTEE (M, 23)

LW #3 Jonas DEGLE (M, 20)

Without a doubt, Jonas Degle made the difference between the WCoH that Eshialand had and that which they almost had. If it weren't for him, there would be no way the Owls would finish ahead of 8th place, let alone 6th... so why wasn't he put on the first line? For what reason is he stuck in the second line? Some pundits have come up with wild theories about why, but nobody's ever given a concrete reason... maybe there is none, however.

C #12 Lukas JOHANSSON (M, 27)
RW #86 Bianca JEFFREY (F, 22)

LW #4 Quentin BRADLEY (M, 24)
C #10 Brayden WILLIAMS (M, 19)
RW #19 Danica JOSEPH (F, 18)

LW #23 Daniel HAVERN (M, 24)
C #11 Emily RIDLEY (F, 26)
RW #43 Xavier GRANT (M, 29)

RP Permissions: You can do pretty much anything, but if you want to injure or suspend my players, please TG me first. Also, please keep in mind that the Hartley Sportsmanship Award is one of the most coveted awards in the EHL, so my players will try to play as cleanly as they possibly can.

I love collaboration, so please do feel free to TG me if there's anything you'd like to collaborate on!

[Sarzonia]

Brett Tanguay, Sr. made it a point to turn off his mobile phone before his trip to Woodstock General Hospital.

The Sarzonian national ice hockey team were still training, but it was assistant coach Joe Crosson who was running the drills. Goaltender coach Pete Peeters was talking more with the defence whilst Crosson was discussing scenarios Senior wanted the team to run in his absence. There were the five-on-three shorthanded situations drills, the five-on-three power play, plus various overtime scenarios.

Tanguay's focus was on Jacob Parsons. It didn't matter to him whether Parsons started another match for Sarzonia. What mattered more to the head coach was that Parsons was safe and OK. The ride sharing vehicle pulled up to the visitors' entrance behind the building. Tanguay made a mental note to pay his fare as soon as he turned his mobile back on, and walked into the doorway.

"Good evening, sir, may I help you?" Receptionist Clarissa Bancroft looked up with a wide smile, one that belied her years of experience as a hospital receptionist who's been in a place where there was plenty of death, plenty of sobs, and plenty of people whose lives would be forever altered.

"I'm looking for Jacob Parsons," Tanguay said.

"Of course," Bancroft said as she typed a few keystrokes into the computer on her desk. She tapped a few more keystrokes, then pulled something up.

"Mr. Parsons is in Room 324 in the Southwest Wing," she said. "If you go down that hall," she said, pointing her arm to her right, "then make a left at the end of the hall, you'll see six elevators on your right hand side. Take one of them to the third floor. Then you'll be able to access the walkway that leads to the Southwest Wing. The room numbers will be available on signs."

"Thank you," Tanguay said. He followed the directions and eventually made it to the room. He saw a nurse standing outside the room with an empty tray. She looked at Tanguay.

"Visiting hours are over," she said coldly, but then she looked and immediately recognised Tanguay. She was a big hockey fan and knew Tanguay from the day he took over for the fired Paul Bremerton.

"Um, coach, I'll probably get in big trouble for this, but I'll make an exception in your case."

"How's he doing?"

"He's had some good moments and some bad moments," she said. "Our psychiatric ward and staff psychologists have been discussing a treatment plan for him."

"What have they been talking about?"

"For one thing, they're checking with the [World Cup of Hockey] Federation to make sure none of the meds they've been discussing are on the banned substance list. We've been contacting the Federation to work on obtaining permission if necessary."

"Do you think he'll make it?"

"Yeah, I do," the nurse said. "I'm no psychiatrist, but my husband is and he's been working on the team that's been evaluating Parsons. He thinks they've found a regimen that will help keep the lows from getting too low and the highs from getting too high. What about the team?"

"We're all concerned for his welfare," Tanguay said. "We've got a team psychologist but I don't know if he's well trained on psychiatric meds."

"What's his name?"

"Dr. Manley. Uh, I believe it's Carson Manley?"

"Oh yeah, I know Dr. Manley," the nurse said. "He's well versed in psychiatry. He's almost as good as our psychiatric lead nurse. But don't tell them I said that," she said in essentially a stage whisper as she leaned into Tanguay. She moved back into a standing position, then said, "Dr. Manley and my husband have known each other for 22 years," she said. "I know Charlie's been talking with Dr. Manley about Parsons in particular over the past few days. They're pretty sure they can develop a treatment option that will help him and may even give him a chance to regain his spot in the lineup."

"I'm not worried about that," Tanguay said.

"I know," she said. "She looked at her watch then looked down the hall.

"The charge nurse just went on her dinner break, so I can let you walk in. Just a moment. She opened the door to the room and Tanguay walked in. He saw Parsons sitting up and watching the tele. There was a junior hockey match on between the Saugerties Slash and the Rypien 88ers.

"Hey, Jake," Tanguay said as he walked up to Parsons' bed. Parsons sat bolt upright and turned the television off.

"No, you don't have to do that," Tanguay said with a smile, putting his right hand up in a "stop!" motion.

"It's OK," Parsons said. "I was just watching because I was bored."

"How are you, Jake? Really?"

Parsons looked up at his coach and saw the look in Tanguay's eyes as he said "really?" and could tell it wasn't just small talk and a simple "Fine" or "I'm OK" would work. Unless, of course, Parsons really was OK. Of course, if Parsons truly were OK, he would be at the team hotel in Nicksia preparing for the team's opening match against unranked StrayaRoos rather than sitting in a hospital bed in Woodstock General Hospital's new mental health wing.

"Um, I'm kind of having a good day right now," Parsons said finally.

"Jake, what happened the other night?"

"I just," Parsons said before he looked toward his right and stared at the wall. "I'm just feeling like shit mentally right now. And I can't exactly put my finger on why."

Tanguay smiled and nodded his head.

"That can happen," he said. "Sometimes you can feel great and then, all of a sudden, something can happen or you can just get self-doubt for no reason." Parsons looked up at his coach. For a man who wasn't a psychologist, he seemed to get mental health challenges.

"There's no logical explanation for feelings," Tanguay said. "I know. I've been through it too."

The two men continued to sit and talk as the outside lights began to brighten in the late evening in Woodstock. When the conversation finally started to die down, Tanguay turned on his mobile so he could get on his ride sharing app and pay his fare and request another ride share for the trip back to Nicksia so he could coach the team. As he left the room, he saw another man standing at the door waiting to visit with Parsons.

It was his predecessor and former boss, Paul Bremerton.

[Eshialand]

Back in the Fire, Back on the Ice

"So, I assume you'd like to talk about the World Cup of Hockey?" Andrew Kinnervie, the president of the Eshian Hockey Federation, asked the man who entered his office.
"Yeah, I was... have you seen the group yet?" the man, who turned out to be Alexander Maran, asked.
"No, no I haven't... what's going on in it?"
"Well... would you like to see the group?"
"Please."

"Well, first we have Poafmersia... I'm not sure what sort of threat they may pose, but I think we could beat them if our luck holds out."
"Okay, and then?"
"Then... we have a break, actually. A nice, relaxing... break."
"I love to hear that! Who after that?"
"A team that's liable to explode, Mr. Kinnervie."

The Federation President blinked in disbelief. "...explode?"

"Yes, Placely Placington. They are liable... to explode."
"Uhhh... will the next opponents manage to stay in one piece?"
"That depends, I don't know much about the team from Taxonomic Kingdoms, but tardigrades are said to be the most durable animals in the multiverse!"
"What... the fu--"
"Then ignore our next two opponents they totally don't have four championships between them..."
"Mr. Maran?"
"I said don't worry about it! They totally aren't Gyatso-Kai and Siovanija and Teusland or anything that'd be silly..."
"Mr. Maran?!"
"And after all of that, we get to cap it off against Delaclava to settle that score once and for all! Don't you love a good Owls-Phoenixes game?"
"Oh yes, that would be nice!"
"Great, because then we get to do it all again!"
"...what?"
"And half of the games are gonna be at home! By the way, do you have an arena we can borrow?"
"Please don't tell me I have to call Director Henry Desmond of the Public Venues Portfolio of the Eshian Department of Sporting Affairs..."
"...you may have to call Director Desmond."
"...of course I do. Have a nice day Mr. Maran, I'll get started on this paperwork then..."

[Kelssek]

Stewart     Duneasler        Lee
Saranack   Carter-Jenkins  Torrhen
Hesselboe      Machouf       Charron
Easley         Roord         Hakemi

     Betand          Kirkland
      Ostend        Malley
     Alwyn       Halmana

PP1: Duneasler, Hesselboe, Charron, Ostend, Halmana
PP2: Stewart, Carter-Jenkins, Lee, Betand, Malley

Forwards
Sean Duneasler C/RW, age 28, Dinamo Lupinissia
Jordan Lee RW, age 29, CH Outineau
Justin Stewart LW, age 23, Kirkenes Dragons
Ryan Carter-Jenkins C, age 31, Burnaby Ravens
Riley Hesselboe LW, age 35, Internationale C
Roch-Olivier Charron RW, age 25, Olympique Langlois
Erkka Roord C, age 25, Faucons de Saint-Rémy
Jeanne Hakemi RW, age 21, CH Outineau
Dylan Saranack LW, age 24, Faucons de Saint-Rémy A
Brad Torrhen RW, age 26, Red Star Clayquot
Pierre Machouf C, age 26, Redswyth Union
Eamon Coady C, age 31, Breton Emeralds
Aislinn Easley LW, age 31, CH Outineau
Evan Louw C, age 27, Kirkenes Rangers
Trey Davies RW, age 22, Alavarian
Laird Baalbaki LW/RW, age 21, Colwyn Wanderers
Luca Kilkenny C/RW, age 30, Cantons de l'Est
Marius Gagnon RW, age 27, Ad Astra
Mélanie del Lungo LW, age 24, Pingouins de Lescure
Natalia Houde C, age 26, Llandewi Brewi
Valérie Clintock LW/C, age 32, Olympique Laneux
Eoin Shaw LW/RW, age 23, Natanel HC

Defenders
Kirk Betand LD, age 35, Neorvins Wolves
Rory Kirkland RD, age 32, Dinamo Lupinissia
Lucas Alwyn LD, age 27, CH Outineau
Pieter Ostend LD, age 28, Vickery Vikings
Matej Halmana RD, age 30, Kirkenes Dragons A
Sean McCann LD/RD, age 26, Redswyth Union
Andrew Binion LD, age 20, Glen Éira
Oskari Bergeron LD, age 25, Clayquot Partisans
Katie Renaud RD, age 28, Olympique Langlois
Madison Lafontaine LD, age 29, Novonaya Rangers
Sean Sanderson RD, age 31, Neorvins Wolves

Goaltenders
Bradley Donovan, age 26, Faucons St-Rémy [starter]
Theresa Powell, age 22, Internationale
Eunan Miyamoto, age 26, Escadron Dorval
Anthony Boulefrère G, age 33, Kalista Renegades

Head coach: Peter Dalton

Home arenas: If you're the first to RP the match, pick one according to your preference. All have a capacity of around 18,000.
Aréna Olympique, Langlois
Federation Arena, Neorvins
False Creek Arena, Burnaby

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
Assign penalties to my players: Yes
Fights: with prior coordination
RP injuries: Yes but I will determine severity

[Siovanija and Teusland]

Siovanija & Teusland National Hockey Team

World Cup of Hockey 40, 41 & 42 Champions

Facts

Nation Name: United Republics of Siovanija and Teusland
Short Names: Siovanija and Teusland, the United Republics
Demonyms: Siovanijan, Teuslander/Teus
Governing Body: Hockey Siovanija and Teusland
Colours: Blue, gold, white
Anthem: ‘High Mountain Skies’
Highest Domestic League: Ehrenliga
Nicknames: The Goldhorns
Style Modifier: +1.5

Coach: Aaron Kuhn (Stelburg Kaisers)

Aaron Kuhn’s name will live long in the memory as one of the greatest coaches Siovanija & Teusland has ever produced: multiple Strauss Cup titles with the Stelburg Kaisers, and, of course, his crowning achievement, the three World Cup of Hockey titles. The 4-1 victory over Valanora in the WCoH 42 tournament will live long in the memory as one of the finest games this team has ever played. Kuhn’s style has, at the international level, built the Goldhorns into a force, undefeated in their last 46 games and bringing home three world titles. It’s a game that is based on playing quick, able to keep the pace with any opponent, while also making sure there’s a physical edge in the game and being capable of running the other team down. The team is quite similar to the team that captured the WCoH 42 title, with the noted absence of former captain Gunter Pfenning who retired after the tournament. Siovanija & Teusland joined an exclusive club then, as one of only 2 nations (Havl, WCoH 20-22) to win 3 championships in a row. The goal in Quebec is to return to the top.

Forward Line 1

RW -- Razvigor Tsvetanov -- Admirala Pomorie -- 31y/o -- #19
C -- Timo Schlager -- Seelowe Marlesee -- 29y/o -- #97
LW -- Frank Heider -- Seelowe Marlesee -- 30y/o -- #16

This line has been the most dangerous for the Goldhorns over the last few World Cup of Hockey tournaments, with Timo Schlager getting the infamous winning goal in the WCoH 41 Final and Razvigor Tsvetanov grabbing 2 in the WCoH 42 Final. A speedy, dynamic centre, Schlager is an explosive skater who uses incredible puck skill and hockey IQ to dominate the game. Tsvetanov is a big-bodied power forward, capable of using his body, and a menace in front of the net. Watch out for his one-timer on the power play. Joining these two on the left wing is Frank Heider. Heider is an excellent playmaker who seems at times like he has eyes in the back of his head - especially when on the ice with his Marlesee teammate Schlager, with whom he has an excellent partnership. Expect the Goldhorns’ top talent to lead the way again.

Forward Line 2

RW -- Aleksej Knejz -- Felsenkirchen Jets -- 23y/o -- #93
C -- Edwin Ranger -- Stelburg Kaisers -- 28y/o -- #34
LW -- Vitomir Glaskov -- Energija Chernovets -- 26y/o -- #20

This line was put together at the start of WCoH 41, and despite being somewhat patched together - Vitomir Glaskov plays centre for his club - they had a great deal of chemistry right away. Since then, they have been on fire, and a dominant performance in the spectacular semifinal with Quebec & Shingoryeo helped the Goldhorns to the third straight title. Vitomir Glaskov beside him might be more on form at the moment, having just won the Strauss Cup after leading his Energija Chernovets team on an underdog run through the playoffs. Aleksej Knejz had a strong year with the Jets again as they improved, scoring 30 goals, and continues to have the chance to make things happen for his country. Knejz has been called by many ‘the next Razvigor Tsvetanov,’ and is a big-bodied power forward as well. Knejz is somewhat faster than Tsvetanov, however, and is a big threat down the right side as it doesn’t take him long to get going. Probably the fastest line on the team, this group will be relied on for plenty of scoring.

Forward Line 3

RW -- Frank Keric -- Raketa Bukovets -- 26y/o -- #44
C -- Erhard Lasker -- Eisbaren Stelburg -- 31y/o -- #37
LW -- Leon Goss -- Marzig Wolves -- 24y/o -- #61

The Goldhorns third unit has traditionally been a more grit-and-grinding line, but with the excellent performances of each of these players in the Ehrenliga last season, it’s hard to keep them on the bench. Erhard Lasker was the league’s MVP last season with an incredible year for Eisbaren, as they finished first place, and he put up 101 points in the league. Frank Keric was the lone bright spot on a Bukovets team that really struggled, but Keric’s speed and skill will make him a good addition to this line. Leon Goss is a big, strong player who normally plays at C for his club, but is another example of this team simply having too many centres for the 4 positions available. Lasker was the best defensive forward in the league last season, and you can expect this line to share in some of the defensive responsibilities as well as being perhaps a unit that can catch opposing teams sleeping - all three of these men are capable of putting up the points if required. In WCoH 42, this line was capable of shutting down other countries’ top units as well as putting up points - Goss had a goal in that Final win over Valanora.

Forward Line 4

RW -- Christian Hasselberger -- Pinguine Ternau -- 33y/o -- #24
C -- Erhart Kuhn -- Stahlberg Steelers -- 22y/o -- #74
LW -- Vincent Schell -- Eisbaren Stelburg -- 32y/o -- #21

Gunter Pfenning’s retirement, the end of a storied international career that included 3 world titles, means the Goldhorns had a hole at 4C - and Erhart Kuhn (no relation to Coach Aaron) gets the call. He has been exceptional as a skilled two-way forward for Stahlberg so far, despite being so young, and with a big body he is capable of playing in front of the net. This line for the Goldhorns will be quite energizing - Christian Hasselberger, of course, one of the grittiest players in the Ehrenliga today and has always had a big role for the national team. The thing about Hasselberger is that he’s more than just the big hits - he can score, too, and has put up 20 for Ternau in the past. He has good chemistry with Pfenning, the star centre who these days is a bit slower, but hasn’t lost any of the hockey IQ that has made him one of the all-time greats. Vincent Schell is one of the best players in transition on this team, and can catch opposing defenders off guard with just how quickly they can flip the script on the ice. It’s another mix of lines, with parts from the 3rd and 4th units last time found here, but undeniably a strong mix.

Defensive Pairings

Defence Pair 1

D -- Toni Mihelic -- Olympia Borograd -- 28y/o -- #5
D -- Evgeni Tomic -- Energija Chernovets -- 24y/o -- #2

The Goldhorns’ top defence pairing sees Toni Mihelic, the reigning Stanimir Slezak Trophy winner as best defenseman of the Ehrenliga, hoping to pick up right where he left off last time around. Mihelic led all Goldhorns defencemen in points at WCoH 41 and 42, and the smooth skating defender was clearly the Goldhorns’ best puck mover. He’s an excellent passer, who will be vital in the set-up play for this team, but also can surprise with a strong shot from the point. Lining up beside him is Evgeni Tomic, one of the best young defencemen in the Ehrenliga. Tomic is a mean, brutal defender who hits hard and isn’t afraid to throw around his size. At 6’6, 225 pounds, he’s a hard hitter and beware if you have your head down coming over the blue line. What’s even more terrifying about Tomic is how quickly he can move around despite it - an excellent skater. Tomic also has a cannon of a slapshot, officially now the hardest in the Ehrenliga, which he isn’t afraid to use from the point, and it can lead to opportunities for deflections for his team-mates - if not already in the back of the net itself. Tomic added a Strauss Cup to his resume last season, making him one of a few players on this team who have a world and domestic title in their resume.

Defence Pair 2

D -- Jorg Gottschall -- Seelowe Marlesee -- 32y/o -- #3
D -- Stefan Schiele -- Marzig Wolves -- 25y/o -- #8

Jorg Gottschall has consistently been one of the best defencemen in the Ehrenliga during his career - as a key player for the Seelowe Marlesee team that won the Strauss Cup three seasons ago. He’s adept at knowing when to jump up in the rush, but is well-rounded and quite capable in his own zone as well. He generates a great deal of offence for this team, and can be counted on as a skilled puck-mover. This time, he’s paired up with Stefan Schiele, the Marzig Wolves defenceman who has such a good reputation at a young age. He has great vision on the ice, seeming at times as if he can see the entire rink when he moves the puck. Skilled and quick, Schiele is a great powerplay quarterback as well. He’s creative, and this duo is one that can generate plenty of offence. When they are on the ice with Edwin Ranger and the second line, look for them to try to pin the opposing team in their own zone for the entire shift.

Defence Pair 3

Defensive Pair 3

D -- Volen Atanasov -- Olympia Borograd -- 27y/o -- #26
D -- Ladislav Hlavac -- Vrnovo Islanders -- 29y/o -- #66

Volen Atanasov is Toni Mihelic’s partner at Olympia Borograd, and is another point-producing, puck-moving defencemen. He’s quite quick, and is perhaps a bit more willing to shoot than Mihelic - a powerful wrist shot that is rarely off target. One thing Atanasov is excellent at is leading the rush - he always seems to know when to hang on to it, or when to send a pass to a teammate. Ladislav Hlavac was arguably the Goldhorns’ best defensive defenceman in his debut at WCoH 42, and the same level of strong performance will be expected of him here in Kelssek. He’s strong in front of his own net, but he can also move the puck a bit too, making him a solid two-way defender that will be valuable in a role with Atanasov, who is a bit more forward-thinking. The two brought some chemistry from their days together in junior at WCoH 42, becoming one of the team’s most formidable defensive pairings.

Goalies

G -- Robert Schock -- Stelburg Kaisers -- 27y/o -- #29
G -- Volker Seiden -- Eisbaren Stelburg -- 31y/o -- #30
G -- Jozef Prijatelj -- Olympia Borograd -- 31y/o -- #31

When David Wagner announced he would retire from international hockey after WCoH 41, it was thought that the succession in the crease wouldn’t be too difficult to figure out: Robert Schock was the clear heir apparent, starting in the WCoH 41 Final - and posting a shutout. There’s also Volker Seiden, too, who has been excellent for Eisbaren Stelburg. And then, Jozef Prijatelj posted a 0.927 save percentage in the Ehrenliga season, won the Sebastian Seitz Trophy for best goaltender, and put his name directly into the conversation. Each got their chance at WCoH 42 - and Robert Schock won the day, with excellent performances throughout the playoffs including stopping 23 of 24 in the final against Valanora. Seiden and Prijatelj are both great options to back him up, and both will likely see minutes in a long tournament.

Special Teams Units

Powerplay 1: Tsvetanov - Schlager - Heider; Mihelic - Tomic
Powerplay 2: Knejz - Ranger - Glaskov; Gottschall - Schiele
Penalty Kill 1: Lasker - Schell; Atanasov - Hlavac
Penalty Kill 2: Kuhn - Hasselberger; Mihelic - Tomic

Leadership Group

Captain: Timo Schlager
Alternates: Edwin Ranger, Toni Mihelic

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my Scorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes, as long as it could realistically happen in a hockey game
RP Injuries to my Players: Yes, I determine length/severity
Godmod Injuries to my Players: Yes as long as it could realistically happen in a hockey game
Godmod Other Events: Yes, as long as it could realistically happen in a hockey game

These jerseys, designed by Donnaconan company infinite, have achieved near-mythical status in Siovanija & Teusland hockey circles: the junior team won WJHC 14 wearing them, while the senior team have made it 3 WCoH triumphs in a row in the iconic blue and gold colours. The three edelweiss in the middle represent the three values of the nation: unity, patriotism and freedom, or the national motto, ‘Concordia, Patria, Libertatem.’ They are fan-favourites, and around the world, you know when you face the team in blue and gold, you are in for a tough competition. Some journalists in the media have referred to the senior team as the ‘Big Gold Machine’ for their recent run of success; the juniors will hope to be a little machine in them as well.

[Gyatso-kai]

.:: Avatarian Guard Barrack Aurek-Zero-Six-Tau, Linangzhonghai Complex, Zhongyang District, Republic City, Gyatso-kai ::.
2103 hours local time, 1 December 2021.3

The light shinning through the windows of the barracks were just bright enough to illuminate the room. Most of the blinds were down, but open so that you could look out the window without anyone seeing into the room. On a desk in the corner of the room laid a single scroll; its endcaps ornately carved with a white painted lotus and gold filigree outlining the petals. The seal of the scroll had been broken earlier in the day, in a televised show for the people to see. The words on the scroll were overly flowery, and written in an older type of Avatarian, with modern Mando’a beneath it to help those who were not as educated to understand what they were reading.

You are hereby assigned to the security detail for the 2021.3 Campaign of the National Ice Hockey team as they travel the multiverse,

The words were etched into the mind of the young soldier who had received the scroll, and he could finely recall the moment he unrolled it on the steps of the National Sports Council’s Hall of Endurance. It was an elaborate hall, one reserved for high-level meetings and conferences, and one the young soldier had never been inside of. He remembered stepping out of the Komodo 4x4 transport that he and his men had rode in from the Linangzhonghai Complex in the Capital District to the adjacent district where the Complex for the National Sports Council was. Much more modern in construction, it reminded the soldier of a fortress, where as the Linangzhonghai was more like a palace. The steps up to the Hall of Endurance – eighty-eight to be precise – were some of the steepest steps the soldier had ever climbed, metaphorically of course. And at the top, there was a single man, a legend amongst ice hockey fans in Gyatso-kai since the beginning of multi-verse play.

I can still feel his hands in my own gloves… I actually shook the hands of Ishii Hakoda…

The young soldier was seated on the bunk at the head of the barracks. Not communal like many in the Grand Army of the Republic, these barracks were essentially small rooms; one for each trooper, with each room having a bed, a desk, two chairs, and a storage unit for armor and clothes. Dressed in the dark black undersuit of the standard trooper’s armor, the soldier looked to the storage unit across from his bunk, and could see his armor in the evening light. The traditional red and gold color highlights adorned his new armor in higher prevalence now, and across his chestplate a black baldric which at the shoulder, carried a large gold lotus flower, that this morning was not present. It meant he had been promoted to command of an Avatarian Guard unit.

His first command.

Sure, he had been serving in the rank of Second Lieutenant for the last two years; he had been the ‘Prime Lieutenat’ of a Avatarian Guard platoon, but he still reported to his Captain. He had even been given command of squards before, but never placed in direct command of an assignment, or a detachment. But as of this afternoon, when he was summoned to the Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms and greeted by both the actual Sergeant-At-Arms – a grizzled man by the name of Võ Lành Xuân – and the Presiding Major General of the Avatarian Guards, they handed him both the official scroll of his assignment, and the new shiny rank bar.

’Don’t worry… the extra gold won’t be as heavy as the new armor.’

The voice of Major General MG-01-3328 boomed inside the young soldier’s ears in the office, and he could still feel the vibrations now. As he walked to the armory for his new armor, he could not help but look into his old helmet, now situated at the top of the storage unit with his new one. The color was so much more garish than he had expected. Sure, his original suit bore the red and gold highlights of the Avatarian Guard – a unit within the First Territorial Army assigned to protect The Avatar and other high-value politicians and public figures when representing the Republics – but now they were more prominent. Gone was his single thigh holster, gone was the magnetic mount on his back for the longer rifles he carried as the designated marksman of his former unit. Now, he had two thigh holsters and no mag-mount or long rifle. His weapons now were dual Mk57 service pistols, a long ceremonial dao which he had already tested was far sharper than he had imagined, and if he felt it necessary, a modified Mk07 personal defence weapon which would now be slung from his shoulder. His new helmet still just felt off; for a man who spent so much time in gear, he had grown to see the old helmet as his face…

Changing helmets was like shaving off a beard, getting a nose ring, and wearing colored contacts… It just felt wrong.

bzzzzzzzzm

The compad on the desk light up, and the young soldier reached for it. By the second ring, he had already answered.

”Hello?” An oddly civilian answer betrayed how nervous the young soldier was about answering the comm. ”I mean, CL-23-0192, sir.”

Relax, Beviin, the voice on the other end was jovial. You can just say ‘Go ahead’ if it’s more comfortable. No need for ceremony with me.

But you’re THE Ishii Hakoda…

”Yes, sir. It might take some time.”

That’s fine, Lieutenant. We have quite some time to get familiar with one another. What are your plans for the morning?

Beviin – CL-23-1092, the young soldier in question – looked to the calendar on the wall next to the door. Tomorrow he was free, but the day after was his first Team Meeting with the eight soldiers on his detachment. He had already met all of them in the month prior to this official promotion, and he had even had the help of the National Team’s previous Security Chief in their selection.

”My schedule is wide open, sir.”

Well, how about you get some rest, and when you wake up, dress in your civilian gear and meet me for breakfast and a brief. I’ll pick you up at oh-six-hundred, if that’s alright with you.

“Well,” laughed Beviin as he looked back to the compad. ”I’ll have already been up an hour by that point.”

I know just the place for a good traditional lor’vram just outside the Complex. Know the owner pretty well.

Breakfast…with THE Ishii Hakoda. The man I used to call ‘HakHak’ on the online forums when we were talking about the team.

”Sounds great, sir. I’ll be ready for your arrival.”

I’ll call about ten minutes out. Remember… Civilian gear. None of that white armor, okay? Ishii out.

The line went dead, and Beviin sighed a brief relief as he leaned back into the bunk. He had some civilian clothes in the storage unit next to the Guardsman armor, though the sudden realization of what he was missing sunk his heart as though it had taken a full broadside.

I left my beskar back in the main barracks! I cannot eat breakfast with Ishii Hakoda and not wear the mando-armor!

Do I have time to get it tonight? Beviin thought as he ran out of his barrack and out into the cool Republic City night.

[Kaldtfjell]

Kaldtfjeller National Ice Hockey Team

Head Coach – Steinar Brandrsson

Style Modifier – +4 – Kaldtfjeller hockey is aggressive, attacking hockey. Expect lots of fighting and roughing on the ice, along with a team that’s willing to throw players forward, and pulls the goalie more often than the average team would. This is a team made up entirely from the top team in the nation, SIK Hornungsvagr, so the team are well-drilled and familiar with each other.

---

Squad:

Goaltenders:

G – Torbjorn Gustavsson – 28 years
G – Dan Torleifsson – 24 years
G – Bjarni Adalsteinnsson – 20 years

Centre Backs:

Line 1
D – Hakon Flemmingsson – 28 years
D – Amund Snorrisson – 26 years

Line 2
D – Torgny Arvidsson – 31 years
D – Baggi Eindridesson – 22 years

Line 3
D – Gustav Olafsson – 29 years
D – Alvar Hemmingsson – 23 years

Substitute
D – Folke Karesson – 29 years

Forwards:

Line 1
RW – Aki Egilsson – 23 years
C – Oscar Torgnysson – 30 years
LW – Bjarne Selbysson – 21 years

Line 2
RW – Bo Ebbesson – 27 years
C – Sigurd Sigmundsson – 22 years
LW – Ingvar Hallesson – 32 years

Line 3
RW – Halle Thorsson – 26 years
C – Torvald Amundsson – 24 years
LW – Gunne Bjarnesson – 25 years

Line 4
RW – Roald Svensson – 20 years
C – Vragi Dansson – 25 years
LW – Oyvind Viggosson – 28 years

Substitute
W/C – Thor Torvaldsson – 27 years

---

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Preferred starting lineup: the bolded players are most likely to start
Preferred Goalscorers: no preference
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but I decide severity and how long they will be out for
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Discuss by TG/Discord
Godmod other events: Discuss by TG/Discord

I will not tolerate the introduction of any virus or other world-changing thing to Kaldtfjell without prior permission. If you have another idea that you would like to RP I am happy to collaborate by Discord or TG.

Player ages are correct as of the first matchday.

[Savojarna]

Hockey in Savojarna

Ice hockey is immensely popular in Savojarna, although recent international exploits and domestic conflicts have led to a situation where football surpassed it as the biggest sport in the country. Still, the World Cup of Hockey and the Savojar Hockey Serien are popular TV events in the country of Savojarna, and the most popular of all teams is of course the Savojarsk National Team. It is frequently dominated by players from PT Hovikkära and ESK Storevik, the two most prestigious sides in the country, but other clubs are sending their best to the team as well to represent Savojarsk hockey at its peak. Coaching the national team is a prestigious full-time job, offered to the most respected coaches in the nation only, and few players usually refuse to join the side. Fans from all over the country frequently travel with the team, notable for their propensity to wear spectacular props and costumes ranging from Savojarsk historic helmets to shields with the national emblems on them and fake cups all the way to matching Zavoyari uniforms for a particularly famous Sjoedrhavn fan group. They are also notorious for waving tons of flags, turning stadia into seas of white and blue.

Savojarsk hockey is tactical and smart, but without being slow. Speed and passing are emphasised over physicality from a young age, although due to the generally very bulky and tall physique of many Savojars, they are usually able to hold their own there as well. Savojarsk teams often employ quick counter-attacks from a balanced game, aiming to win the puck in the offensive or neutral zone and sending one of their notoriously fast wingers off on a breakaway or a two on one with their linemates. On controlled zone entries, the teams often circle the puck around looking for openings, rather than looking for a quick shot. The focus on passing is maintained in the national team, among other things, through attempting to keep players from the same club together where sensible, leading to lines that play well together and know each other well. On the powerplay, Savojarna employ an umbrella formation with two snipers on the circles, often using four forwards and one defenceman, although they sometimes switch it up with two offensive D’s. On the penalty kill, they pressure their opponents, aiming to prevent easy zone entries, and cycle through player formations quickly. Savojar players rarely or never engage in fighting unprovoked, but they will come to the aid of their teammates if needed.

Style Mod: +0.75

Coaching team: Haakon Risveidt (53), Oleg Terjanen (48), Carl Johnsen (50)

Savojar National Team
Pos.	#	Name			Club			Age	Style
GK	1	Alexei Sabrikov		RHK Savojagrad		27	BFY
GK	30	Halldor Gylfison	ESK Storevik		30	BFY
GK	35	Kjetil Zackrisson	Union Sjoedrhavn	32	HYB
1st Line
D	23	Anssi Juutala		PT Hovikkära		27	DFD
D	3	Andrei Aranjev (C)	PT Hovikkära		29	TWD
LW	42	Arngeir Haraldsson	ESK Storevik		24	PLM
C	61	Ingvild Haukason	ESK Storevik		24	PWF
RW	22	Jotan Asgrimsson	ESK Storevik		24	PLM
2nd Line
D	2	Sveinn Magnusson	ESK Storevik		32	TWD
D	74	Haraldur Sigurdsson	ESK Storevik		23	DFD
LW	52	Juri Stepanek		PT Hovikkära		25	SNP
C	80	Simon Grilov (A)	HK Torpedo Pawlograd	23	PWF
RW	77	Pekka Linturi		PT Hovikkära		20	PWF
3rd Line
D	41	Ulf Andersson		Union Sjoedrhavn	26	DFD
D	37	Aksel Forsberg		Union Sjoedrhavn	28	OFD
LW	17	Nikolaj Mortensen (A)	Thorsborgs Technik	26	SNP
C	45	Jesper Grönberg		Kjellberg IF		24	PLM
RW	4	Oleg Miljukov		Kjellberg IF		22	PLM
4th Line
D	7	Igor Triparenko		CASK Thorsborg		27	TWD
D	3	Mikhail Ranjatev	RHK Savojagrad		26	TWD
LW	64	Petteri Holmgren	CASK Thorsborg		26	PWF
C	15	Olaf Nybron		CASK Thorsborg		27	PWF
RW	36	Timofei Rodjenko	RHK Savojagrad		24	TWF
Reserves
D	15	Tuukka Esonen		Union Sjoedrhavn	27	TWD
C	28	Daniel Svedberg		Union Sjoedrhavn	27	TWF
RW	24	Lauri Otanen		PT Hovikkära		29	GRN

Goalkeeper order: Zackrisson - Gylfison - Sabrikov, unless indicated otherwise.

Special Teams:
PP1: Forsberg - Stepanek - Linturi - Haukason - Grilov
PP2: Aranjev - Mortensen - Asgrimsson - Haraldsson - Nybron
PK1: Juutala - Aranjev - Haukason - Rodjenko
PK2: Sigurdsson - Andersson - Nybron - Holmgren

Jerseys



Permissions

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my Scorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes, as long as it could realistically happen in a hockey game
RP Injuries to my Players: Yes, I determine length/severity
Godmod Injuries to my Players: Yes as long as it could realistically happen in a hockey game
Godmod Other Events: Yes, as long as it could realistically happen in a hockey game

[Graintfjall]

Team name: Græntfjall
TLA: GRÆ [GRF when not available]
Demonym: Græntfjaller
Team nickname: Ice Wolves

Kit: White with blue detail and blue socks; alternate is the reverse. Because all Græntfjaller names are patronymic, players typically have their first name on the backs of their shirts.

Coach: Marís Finnsson
Assistants: Jeremías Eisson, Þorvarður Helmútsson

Two playoff berths but two Ro16 eliminations mean KG have decided to move on from Freybjörn Fabiansson, promoting his former assistant, Marís Finnsson, to head coach. Marís Finnsson has spent some time coaching overseas, and continues the trend of incremental improvements from Græntfjall’s traditionally uncultured, rough-and-tumble style towards more sophisticated tactical refinements.

Squad: A 22-person squad has been named for the tournament.

• The Pavolan Hockey (PHL) is the national hockey league and rivals the GPL (football) for popularity in terms of the national sport.
• Græntfjaller players tend to be on the bigger side [by human standards], and very physical, fore-checking and back-checking with equal vigor. But this means trading off for speed and most are not skilled puck-handlers by international standards. They hit a lot of one-timers.
• PHL rules are laxer on charging, cross-checking, and shots to the head than international rules.
• Fighting is a basically unknown phenomenon in the PHL.
• Players in italics are new.

1. Tom Finngeirsson – G
3. Kristoffer Rudisson – RW [A]
8. Karim Raknarsson Zain – C
13. Vígþór Patrekursson – G
17. Ríó Ferdinandsson – D
20. Þorkell Magnþórsson – LW
21. Eiríkur Hálfdánsson – LW
26. Dýrmundur Asbjørnsson – RW [A]
32. Bjarni Davíðsson – D
34. Skorri Mikaelsson – C
39. Auðunn Friðlaugursson – LW
52. Erlingur Holgeirsson – D
58. Ben Espensson – D
59. Orfeus Herbertsson – G
60. Lukas Jalmarisson – C
73. Jason Bensson – D
77. Þórlaugur Skíðisson – RW
79. Víkingur Gunnólfursson – RW
85. Alexander Steinnsson – C
87. Bjarnleifur Asgeirsson – D [C]
89. Christian Sofusson – LW
90. Róbert Grímúlfursson – D

Lines will be flexible and adjusted over the course of the tournament but provisionally:

GK1: Tom
Tom is a 25 year old 6’3” hybrid-style goalkeeper who has already proven himself the most consistent of the PHL goalkeepers, even if he's generally played on teams without the offensive power to deliver many wins.

D1: Ben – Bjarnleifur
D2: Bjarni – Jason
D3: Erlingur – Ríó
7th: Robert
With captain Florian Sigurfinnursson retiring, Bjarnleifur Asgeirsson takes over the captaincy. By far the best two-way player, he’s partnered with the defensive bruiser Ben, a big, heavy, hard-hitter. Most of the rest are even bigger, even heavier, and even harder-hitting. Robert is the closest thing the team has to a designated enforcer. Ríó will become the first non-white player to represent the Ice Wolves.

L1: Auðunn – Lukas – Þórlaugur
L2: Christian – Skorri – Kristoffer
L3: Þorkell – Karim – Dýrmundur
L4: Eiríkur – Alexander – Víkingur
Auðunn is a bruising sniper, Lukas is a reliable poacher and big-bodied presence checking back on D, and Þórlaugur a big, aggressive poacher. Christian, who leads the second line, is emerging as the best goal scorer in the PHL. Younger and less experienced than the defensemen, the offense is still big and slow by international standards. They have undoubtedly been weakened by the absence of star center Jack Jokulsson. Karim will become the first Muslim to represent the Ice Wolves, though he is not religiously observant.

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my Scorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Maybe, ask first if you have something unusual planned
RP Injuries to my Players: Yes, but let me determine the severity
Godmod Injuries to my Players: Maybe, ask first and let me determine the severity
Godmod Other Events: Maybe, ask first
Other: You can sign any of my players should you wish (or draft from the WJHC), given how bad my own league is I'm happy to send them overseas, just shoot me a TG

A note on penalties: Græntfjallers will probably be perceived as dirty players by international standards, but they are not intentionally out to inflict cheap shots, but rather used to league rules that are laxer on checking. Most could not even spell ‘concussion protocol’.

A note on fighting: Be reasonable. Our players are here to skate, not fight, but will fight if provoked. Most should be physically able to handle themselves; I don’t object to you RPing your players ‘winning’ fights but don’t have them mop the ice with mine.

A note on pictures: Please do not use photographs of RL people/teams/stadiums and say they are my players/team/country.

Style Modifier: -3

Arenas:

Græntfjaller arenas are safe and well-constructed, if rather boring. Small allocations of tickets for visiting fans will be available. (You can RP fans coming to the country for games if you wish, but please do not RP acts of violence in Græntfjall without asking me first).

New Hofvinger Community Arena (cap.: c. 12,845)
The frosty northern exclave of Hofvinger doesn’t love ice hockey, but it hates being excluded and has built a new arena, co-sponsored by investment bank Marcusson Samuelsson. Visitors can enjoy the local delicacies such as spicy fishcakes and honey-beer, and then be glared at by locals until they hurry back to the ferry to the mainland.
To host: Kaldtfjell (MD1)

WMM Arena, Ilsburg (cap.: c. 16,000)
Sponsored by telecommunications giant WMM, Ilsburg are a leading GHL team. Ilsburg itself is located south of Háttmark. An industrial city built along the Odinsfluss river, it has a strong manufacturing tradition as metals and ores mined in the south would be brought north along the river, which continued into the present era with the construction of a huge nuclear power plant. The arena itself is some way outside the industrial hub, however, set among the suburbs built in the mid-20th century to accommodate the population surge. It’s one of the best arenas in the country, both in terms of capacity and facilities.
To host: Ko-oren (MD3)

Valhalla Hockey Arena, Kangasdorf (cap.: c. 15,000)
Kangasdorf was once an independent city, swallowed up whole by Háttmark’s growth and today regarded as nothing more than a suburb of the capital. Its strong local team, regularly competing for the GHL title, are sponsored by Valhalla, a brewing company. An unusual quirk of the large, though rather sterile arena, is that beer can be bought in (imitation) horns, plastic drinking receptacles that are very much an acquired taste as they’re difficult not to spill but add a certain ‘Viking ambience’ for those who go in for that sort of thing.
To host: Banija (MD6)

Enlundhallen, Þingsnitz (cap.: c. 7,000)
The Enlundhallen was the first all-seater ice hockey arena ever built in the country, although it’s seen better days. Not so much rebuilt as built-upon, it’s had additional seating hacked in via various ugly additions. This activity doesn’t seem to have extended to the notoriously dilapidated changing rooms while the guest boxes retain a certain commitment to communist-era brutalism-meets-functionalism. Þingsnitz is a city that lies a few miles to the east of Altendalur, the other side of the Bay of Blood. It’s more cosmopolitan and less industrial; more welcoming of foreigners and easterners; dominated by the fishing trade; oh, and, relatedly, it stinks to high heaven. Many Græntfjaller jokes involve something smelling as bad as a ‘Þingsnitzer fishwife’. Cruder variations of this joke also exist.
To host: Rocky Canada (MD9)

IceBank Arena, Hinteram (cap.: c. 17,000)
One of the largest arenas in the country is based in Hinteram, a southern district of Háttmark that’s more middle class and residential. It’s sponsored by financial services company IceBank who’ve invested money in improving the arena to a standard far beyond the poor performing local hockey team. Until the construction of the Grand National Arena, the IceBank Arena served as the de facto national hockey arena.
To host: HUElavia (MD11)

Grand National Arena, Gunzlach (cap.: c. 14,000)
Based in the working class neighborhood of Gunzlach, the GNA is a huge multi-sports complex. The ice hockey arena is separate from the football stadium, but it’s all part of the same mega-complex that will be familiar to those who’ve played in Græntfjall before in football or basketball. Gunzlach retains its white, Catholic, working-class identity far more strongly than surrounding neighborhoods, and is fiercely proud of its links to the military, being near the former Royal Arsenal (hence ‘the Gunners’ nickname’ for the local team.
To host: Vilita & Turori (MD14)

[Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland]

Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland (SWR) National Eiskrappentanzhockey Team
[img]hugeunnecessarylogo.jpg[/img]

Coach: Friedrich Riederer
Experienced domestic coach with limited international experience, charged with the unenviable role of bringing the Blue Men back to WCoH standards. A gruff disciplinarian rather than a tactical mastermind.

GK: Sebastian Kasper
GK: Laurin Bischoffshausen
GK: Theodor Amstutz

Line 1
D: Anton Zippe
D: Sebastian Resnik
LW: Frenk Ledinek
RW: Radomir Perko
C: Gojko Džafiæ

Line 2
D: Paul Webern
D: Noel Abel
LW: Niklas Ringel
RW: Torsten Heim
C: Flori Rathenau

Line 3
D: Sandro Mahler
D: Christoph Ransmayr
LW: Jakob Buber
RW: Emil Schuster
C: Jörn Sprecher

Line 4
D: Željko Jurca
D: Ben Ehn
LW: Matthias Hausle
RW: Alexander Frankenberger
C: Samuel Harrer

The team's kits are Schutzenphalian blue with gold trim and helmets; the alternate kit is reversed.

Style modifier: 0

Pick scorers and assign stats: Y
RP injuries, ejections, and other things: Y
Kill players, invade my country, ridiculous godmoding: N
Anything else: Probably, but ask

All games are played at the Schutzenphalian Ice Arena (cap. c. 5,000) in Braubrunn am Ruhntuhnkuhn.

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

Cutoff, Matchday 1-2

---

Group A
Matchday 1 BYE: Quebec & Shingoryeo (HOST-14)
Kelssek (09) 3–5 Huayramarca (UR)
TJUN-ia (19) 5–1 Adyatin (82)
Nova Anglicana (21) 8–2 Nephara (33)

P Group A                                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                                          
1 Nova Anglicana                                   1    1   0   0     8    2   +6     2              —    —    —    —    —   8–2
2 TJUN-ia                                          1    1   0   0     5    1   +4     2              —    —    —    —   5–1   — 
3 Huayramarca                                      1    1   0   0     5    3   +2     2              —    —    —    —    —    — 
4 Kelssek                                          1    0   0   1     3    5   −2     0              —    —   3–5   —    —    — 
5 Adyatin                                          1    0   0   1     1    5   −4     0              —    —    —    —    —    — 
6 Nephara                                          1    0   0   1     2    8   −6     0              —    —    —    —    —    —

Matchday 2 BYE: Nephara (33)
Adyatin (82) 2–6 Nova Anglicana (21)
Huayramarca (UR) 4–9 TJUN-ia (19)
Quebec & Shingoryeo (14-HOST) 6–2 Kelssek (09)

P Group A                                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                                          
1 Nova Anglicana                                   2    2   0   0    14    4  +10     4         —    —    —    —    —   8–2   — 
2 TJUN-ia                                          2    2   0   0    14    5   +9     4         —    —    —    —    —    —   5–1
3 Quebec & Shingoryeo                              1    1   0   0     6    2   +4     2         —    —    —    —   6–2   —    — 
4 Huayramarca                                      2    1   0   1     9   12   −3     2         —   4–9   —    —    —    —    — 
5 Kelssek                                          2    0   0   2     5   11   −6     0         —    —    —   3–5   —    —    — 
6 Nephara                                          1    0   0   1     2    8   −6     0         —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
7 Adyatin                                          2    0   0   2     3   11   −8     0        2–6   —    —    —    —    —    —

Group B
Matchday 1 BYE: Ko-oren (05)
HUElavia (07) 1–1 Rocky Canada (UR)
Graintfjall (13) 6–3 Kaldtfjell (UR)
Banija (24) 6–1 Vilita & Turori (36)

P Group B                                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                                          
1 Banija                                           1    1   0   0     6    1   +5     2              —    —    —    —    —   6–1
2 Graintfjall                                      1    1   0   0     6    3   +3     2              —    —    —    —   6–3   — 
3 HUElavia                                         1    0   1   0     1    1    0     1              —    —    —   1–1   —    — 
  Rocky Canada                                     1    0   1   0     1    1    0     1              —    —    —    —    —    — 
5 Kaldtfjell                                       1    0   0   1     3    6   −3     0              —    —    —    —    —    — 
6 Vilita & Turori                                  1    0   0   1     1    6   −5     0              —    —    —    —    —    —

Matchday 2 BYE: Vilita & Turori (36)
Kaldtfjell (UR) 3–5 Banija (24)
Rocky Canada (UR) 0–2 Graintfjall (13)
Ko-oren (05) 5–0 HUElavia (07)

P Group B                                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                                          
1 Banija                                           2    2   0   0    11    4   +7     4         —    —    —    —    —    —   6–1
2 Graintfjall                                      2    2   0   0     8    3   +5     4         —    —    —    —    —   6–3   — 
3 Ko-oren                                          1    1   0   0     5    0   +5     2         —    —    —    —   5–0   —    — 
4 Rocky Canada                                     2    0   1   1     1    3   −2     1         —   0–2   —    —    —    —    — 
5 HUElavia                                         2    0   1   1     1    6   −5     1         —    —    —   1–1   —    —    — 
6 Kaldtfjell                                       2    0   0   2     6   11   −5     0        3–5   —    —    —    —    —    — 
7 Vilita & Turori                                  1    0   0   1     1    6   −5     0         —    —    —    —    —    —    —

Group C
Matchday 1 BYE: Cassadaigua (04)
Elejamie (08) 5–1 The Cordian Isles (UR)
Fluvannia (20) 4–4 Pius Desurongcrandis (53)
Chromatika (22) 7–0 Mapletish (48)

P Group C                                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                   
1 Chromatika                                       1    1   0   0     7    0   +7     2              —    —    —    —    —   7–0
2 Elejamie                                         1    1   0   0     5    1   +4     2              —    —    —    —   5–1   — 
3 Fluvannia                                        1    0   1   0     4    4    0     1              —    —    —   4–4   —    — 
  Pius Desurongcrandis                             1    0   1   0     4    4    0     1              —    —    —    —    —    — 
5 The Cordian Isles                                1    0   0   1     1    5   −4     0              —    —    —    —    —    — 
6 Mapletish                                        1    0   0   1     0    7   −7     0              —    —    —    —    —    —

Matchday 2 BYE: Mapletish (48)
Pius Desurongcrandis (53) 2–4 Chromatika (22)
The Cordian Isles (UR) 6–5 Fluvannia (20)
Cassadaigua (04) 2–2 Elejamie (08)

P Group C                                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                                          
1 Chromatika                                       2    2   0   0    11    2   +9     4         —    —    —    —    —    —   7–0
2 Elejamie                                         2    1   1   0     7    3   +4     3         —    —   5–1   —    —    —    — 
3 The Cordian Isles                                2    1   0   1     7   10   −3     2         —    —    —    —   6–5   —    — 
4 Cassadaigua                                      1    0   1   0     2    2    0     1         —   2–2   —    —    —    —    — 
5 Fluvannia                                        2    0   1   1     9   10   −1     1         —    —    —    —    —   4–4   — 
6 Pius Desurongcrandis                             2    0   1   1     6    8   −2     1        2–4   —    —    —    —    —    — 
7 Mapletish                                        1    0   0   1     0    7   −7     0         —    —    —    —    —    —    —

Group D
Matchday 1:BYE: Siovanija and Teusland (02)
Gyatso-Kai (06) 3–3 Taxonomic Kingdoms (UR)
Delaclava (17) 11–4 Placely Placington (50)
Poafmersia (23) 5–2 Eshialand (31)

P Group D                                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                                          
1 Delaclava                                        1    1   0   0    11    4   +7     2             —    —    —    —    —   11–4
2 Poafmersia                                       1    1   0   0     5    2   +3     2              —    —    —    —   5–2   — 
3 Gyatso-Kai                                       1    0   1   0     3    3    0     1              —    —    —   3–3   —    — 
  Taxonomic Kingdoms                               1    0   1   0     3    3    0     1              —    —    —    —    —    — 
5 Eshialand                                        1    0   0   1     2    5   −3     0              —    —    —    —    —    — 
6 Placely Placington                               1    0   0   1     4   11   −7     0              —    —    —    —    —    —

Matchday 2 BYE: Eshialand (31)
Placely Placington (50) 5–5 Poafmersia (23)
Taxonomic Kingdoms (UR) 2–4 Delaclava (17)
Siovanija and Teusland (02) 2–5 Gyatso-Kai (06)

P Group D                                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                                          
1 Delaclava                                        2    2   0   0    15    6   +9     4        —    —    —    —   11–4   —    — 
2 Poafmersia                                       2    1   1   0    10    7   +3     3         —    —    —    —    —   5–2   — 
3 Gyatso-Kai                                       2    1   1   0     8    5   +3     3         —    —    —   3–3   —    —    — 
4 Taxonomic Kingdoms                               2    0   1   1     5    7   −2     1        2–4   —    —    —    —    —    — 
5 Placely Placington                               2    0   1   1     9   16   −7     1         —   5–5   —    —    —    —    — 
6 Eshialand                                        1    0   0   1     2    5   −3     0         —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
  Siovanija and Teusland                           1    0   0   1     2    5   −3     0         —    —   2–5   —    —    —    —

Group E

Matchday 1 BYE: Valanora (01)
Abanhfleft (10) 6–0 Patriotlandia (UR)
Le Choix (16) 4–0 Trolleborg (89)
Equestria (26) 1–0 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland (39)

P Group E                                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                                          
1 Abanhfleft                                       1    1   0   0     6    0   +6     2              —    —    —    —    —   6–0
2 Le Choix                                         1    1   0   0     4    0   +4     2              —    —    —    —   4–0   — 
3 Equestria                                        1    1   0   0     1    0   +1     2              —    —    —   1–0   —    — 
4 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland         1    0   0   1     0    1   −1     0              —    —    —    —    —    — 
5 Trolleborg                                       1    0   0   1     0    4   −4     0              —    —    —    —    —    — 
6 Patriotlandia                                    1    0   0   1     0    6   −6     0              —    —    —    —    —    —

Matchday 2 BYE: Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland (39)
Trolleborg (89) 3–3 Equestria (26)
Patriotlandia (UR) 0–0 Le Choix (16)
Valanora (01) 3–0 Abanhfleft (10)

P Group E                                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                                          
1 Le Choix                                         2    1   1   0     4    0   +4     3         —    —    —    —   4–0   —    — 
2 Equestria                                        2    1   1   0     4    3   +1     3         —    —    —    —    —    —   1–0
3 Abanhfleft                                       2    1   0   1     6    3   +3     2         —    —    —    —    —   6–0   — 
4 Valanora                                         1    1   0   0     3    0   +3     2         —    —   3–0   —    —    —    — 
5 Trolleborg                                       2    0   1   1     3    7   −4     1         —   3–3   —    —    —    —    — 
6 Patriotlandia                                    2    0   1   1     0    6   −6     1        0–0   —    —    —    —    —    — 
7 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland         1    0   0   1     0    1   −1     0         —    —    —    —    —    —    —

Group F

Matchday 1 BYE: Mercedini (03)
Sarzonia (11) 4–3 StrayaRoos (UR)
Savojarna (12) 6–0 Atheara (55)
Gergary (25) 6–3 Sannyamathland (30)

P Group F                                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                                          
1 Savojarna                                        1    1   0   0     6    0   +6     2              —    —    —    —    —   6–0
2 Gergary                                          1    1   0   0     6    3   +3     2              —    —    —    —   6–3   — 
3 Sarzonia                                         1    1   0   0     4    3   +1     2              —    —    —   4–3   —    — 
4 StrayaRoos                                       1    0   0   1     3    4   −1     0              —    —    —    —    —    — 
5 Sannyamathland                                   1    0   0   1     3    6   −3     0              —    —    —    —    —    — 
6 Atheara                                          1    0   0   1     0    6   −6     0              —    —    —    —    —    —

Matchday 2 BYE: Sannyamathland (30)
Atheara (55) 3–0 Gergary (25)
StrayaRoos (UR) 0–3 Savojarna (12)
Mercedini (03) 2–4 Sarzonia (11)

P Group F                                        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts                                          
1 Savojarna                                        2    2   0   0     9    0   +9     4         —    —    —   6–0   —    —    — 
2 Sarzonia                                         2    2   0   0     8    5   +3     4         —    —    —    —    —    —   4–3
3 Gergary                                          2    1   0   1     6    6    0     2         —    —    —    —    —   6–3   — 
4 Atheara                                          2    1   0   1     3    6   −3     2         —    —   3–0   —    —    —    — 
5 Mercedini                                        1    0   0   1     2    4   −2     0         —   2–4   —    —    —    —    — 
6 Sannyamathland                                   1    0   0   1     3    6   −3     0         —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
7 StrayaRoos                                       2    0   0   2     3    7   −4     0        0–3   —    —    —    —    —    —

[Quebec and Shingoryeo]

OOC: Only 'The Taegukgi' piece will count as RP grading, as most of the Marijuana Island Gaol piece has already been written in past when it was used for NSCAA or WCQ88.

World Cup of Hockey 44 - Quebec & Shingoryeo Home Venue : THE MARIJUANA ISLAND GAOL

Woo! Quebec & Shingoryeo's love affair with weirdness continue as FASANDA Sports and Entertainment Group announces the agreement with the Hockey Quebec and the World Cup of Hockey Federation to host the Quebecois home matches of the World Cup of Hockey 44 group stage in The Marijuana Island Gaol, Quebec and Shingoryeo.

The Marijuana Island Gaol is an isolated, multi-purpose gaol complex in Marijuana Island, Nunavut, Royal Kingdom of Quebec. Built in 1884 to house republicans caught attempting to plot a terrorist movement six months prior, it was regarded as one of the most dangerous, isolated and most importantly fun gaols in the Multiverse in terms of the purpose it's supposed to serve: to incarcerate any dangerous sources out there in the society. 167 years later, the Marijuana Island Gaol remains one of the most intriguing gaols in Multiverse (since it already has that achievement set in Anaia). Multi-purposed, as stated earlier, the Gaol contains a multipurpose arena whose capacity can be expanded to seat as many as 6,666, but of course do not expect any of modern facilities we've come to expect in a college basketball arena. Wrong place for that. Quebec and Shingoryeo, as one of the powerhouse nations in hockey with long traditions for both men, women and non-identifying creatures, is honoured to once again bring the fun back into this dark place.

Use: Well......bruh. What do 888 prisoners incarcerated there say? The Marijuana Island Gaol hosted some of the most beloved sporting events in the Royal Quebecois Gaol System, such as Northern Anaian Prisoners' Cup (Basketball) and the annual Inmates' Hunger Games championships, the latter of which incorporates all the space available within the jail property of around 45km2. Its regular tenants are the physical education and health classes held in the gym and the weight rooms. The Gaol Rink, with its floors converted, cleaned and with an ice rink added after two months of refurbishments, is going to be hosting its first ever World Cup of Hockey home matches, in line with its annual hosting of the biannual Cannabiscorp Pioneer Bowl of NSCF and recent hosting of NSCAA conference championship tournaments.

Location: Well, it's near the Quebecois North Pole, just 35km south of the northernmost point in this country, located right in Northwest AO. The Gaol is situated right in flat fields, surrounded by mountains roughly 894-1,497 metres tall, in a very long-shaped peninsula. The weather here in June isn't so bad, stays somewhat in -3 to -14'C range for the course of this tournament. Snowfall is of course expected, but it's Quebec so what can we say?

That said, due to the unpredictable weather conditions in northern Nunavut, it is not recommended for any visitor to head outside the Gaol or their planes / helicopters, et cetera. Way too many prisoners have attempted to escape that way and well, none had managed to successfully escape. RIP.

Access: Marijuana Island, being isolated from everywhere else, is only accessible by so many modes of transportation. The nearest city from Marijuana Island Gaol, Iqaluit, is roughly 2,194 kilometres away and from there, you can only go to here by once-weekly icebreakers and aeroplanes; icebreakers will land on shore 5 kilometres south of the Gaol and planes will land on a 5,000m runway 7 kilometres north of the Gaol. Two vans will be provided for the team and the supporting delegations, but for others it is expected that they bring their own voitures on the icebreaker.

As for Iqaluit, its international airport is open 24-hours, 365 days, but expect delays here and there because of weather.

Other Features: Gaol contains a visitors' wing that is certified maximum security, contains 777 beds and has Wi-Fi and all the modern amenities. A large selection of food, alcohol and marijuana should also be available, and those with specific dietary restrictions will be given priority as long as they send their meal plan requests two weeks in advance. Should there be way too many people coming to watch the conference championship tournament, however, the excess population will be given beds in the prisoners' wing. No heating, no water and only a loo and a mattress is given there, so it won't be the most pleasant of all venues but hey! It's a fucking Quebecois gaol so don't be too surprised about it.

---

The Taegukgi: The Korean-language voice of the Quebecois Commonwealth

'100 Years of Sporting Films': Amy Byeon wanted to make something special at the end of a tunnel. So came 'Your Name Hurts', a musical film with rural tragedies

★★★★★

June-Claire Hong

At the end of every distinguished career comes challenges, and that's something that Director Amy Byeon felt as she came to associate with many of her fellow fellow filmographers in her fifties. Fear of ennui, loss of touch, matching the reality. And tristesse. 'There was that five year period when I witnessed my children going to college, and both my mother and my husband passed away,' she tells The Taegukgi. 'The sense of loss felt during that half-decade period did send me into a particular spiral that I had to take time off from my career just to recover.'

It was after coming to terms with such loss that Byeon found the rejuvenated self and a determination to go back to the beginning. 'I remember spending a year beyond the Interrealm Portal, and just travelling across the so-called Earth just to watch films,' answers Byeon. 'I watched the sporting world evolve, but for most part kept myself out of the realm, and just observed from the perspective of a woman in her fifties. It helped me regain perspective.'

While the Quebecois director had spent most of her three-decade career on documentary (Romain Alcade Didn't Kill Himself) and biopics (Newton and the Golden Seal), she found herself being drawn back into the collegiate sports that echoed the detailed the life within multi-sports organisations in her 2034 masterpiece 'The Giant Penguin'. 'It is a weird feeling being back to boards to something where I have maintained strong grasp of awareness over, but kept myself out of it for such a long time,' Byeon says. 'And there are always ways to go about it as well.'

It was January 2051 when Byeon had received a manuscript of 'Your Name Hurts', an adaptation of the 1746 classical play 'Somebody Desperate' by Park Yeong-Man. Set in an unspecified town of 'X' and its high school, it is a musical film involving a hockey-playing senior Fabien, a beautiful woman in her twenties named Sarah, and a charming but socially incompetent cadet named Ferhat.

Fabien, the talented wordsmith, loves Sarah and admires her from afar, but due to his hidden self as an informer for the regime on this town of predominantly resistance fighters, practically gives up on his hopes. Ferhat, who hates his occupation and has different plans despite passing the ROTC program with flying colours and earning favours from the unidentified regime, meets Fabien and listen to his pitch that Fabien helps Ferhat woo Sarah through a series of romantic letters, signages and other gimmicks that would draw the entire town's attention.

When Byeon eventually met with her longtime friend, corporate Jean-Iamon Suarez of Moohwangwedo Films with full availability of the script and the film proposal, Suarez only said one sentence about it. 'Put all your life into the tragedy,' recants Byeon with a deep voice.

21-year old Francois Novosjolov, who just graduated from Gaegyeong School of Dramatic Arts at the Iggulden University in Montreal, shares the Cyrano-esque appearanace with past editions of 'Somebody Desperate' in major theatres. Traditionally, it is about his crooked back, something that alters his appearance and adds a monstrous nature into his physical specimen. 'Of course, Francois had to look slightly different than conventional versions,' Byeon says. 'Extremely long chins, the sixth finger that is normally hidden underneath a set of gloves he wears, and exceptional hearing skills that he views more as a curse than a blessing. It wasn't easy for Francois to really embody all of that, but he's done excellent job with the tragic nature of an informer, whose ways of life had just started changing...and he still has to put on brave, unassuming face in the presence of his lover, even as the town falls apart around him.'

Natalie Gregoris makes her first film appearance in two years after a teleseries stint that include the QBC periodical 'Highington Grove' and TV1 miniseries 'Peppermint Chocolate'. This is first time in a decade Gregoris has worked with the renowned director, with her portraying Sierra in 'Newton and the Golden Seal' (2043). Of course, she was the first person Byeon had contacted. 'I've known Natalie for over fifteen years now, all the way to her early days as an actress, and there was no doubt that she's going to do a great job with it,' she says. 'This was an idea that caught her eyes early on, especially since Natalie hasn't done a lot of play productions over her career, so it's something different that really drew her right off the bat.'

Devin A. Connaught (who plays Ferhat), Joel-Yassine Mahmoudi, and Park Ye-Rim completed what's a really impressive cast out there, with Moohwangwedo serving as the producer of the film. Now Byeon just had to add the historic flesh into the setting of a contemporary rural town that would have provided a compromise between the early-modern period and now. 'We had to underline from the beginning that the focus was always going to lie on giving tiniest of details to what could be a bleak town in middle of snow-filled north,' Byeon says. 'Keep it simple on surface, but go microscopic to it all. Every detail, every paint.'

In the musical aspect of the film, he keeps relatively laissez-faire approach, experimenting with urban and folk genres considered heretic to those loyal to the traditional Gugak soundtrack this play would be addressed with. The soundtrack, created by a wide range of artists including Plongeon, the Broadsheet Coughlins, Soulwave and of course, Natalie Gregoris herself, oozes an auditorial atmosphere that resembles more of contemporary tastes. 'I remember asking Francois, Natalie and Devin early into the process and what they wanted to get out of the play that cannot be played like how it's played back in the ancient courts of nobles and maybe the gentry,' says Byeon. 'We had to reimagine their world via our ears and mouths, and that's where the process began. We knew the recordings weren't going to be perfect and all that, because to me that's not what a genuine musical film is about. Breath marks, miscued vibratos and all that...you needed them there because of the heartbreak, the conflicts and the fear.'

When the film's manuscript first arrived at the start of the year, Byeon really thought about how a film can bring the thrill into the lives of those who have lost that sense of touch to what elates them. With the film expected to be released in May, five months too early to be considered for Halifax International Film Festival but likely to be available on public screen in time for World Cup of Hockey 44, to be hosted in Quebec & Shingoryeo, it could may as well being the 'unexpected hockey film of the summer'. He remains confident that regardless of its box office and critical reception, the film aims to bring back lost feelings for the humanity in this day and age.

'The conflicts themselves...they are artificially made by their own self-judgments and inability to fully escape it,' says Byeon. 'And there is where the element of tragedy lies, whether on rink or classroom or pavements, but within it you see the lovers kiss and children born. My heart remains hopeful like the muses themselves.'

Read this article in:

English | Français | The Taegukgi Indigenous

[HUElavia]

Devastating Debut!

HUElavia fails to win either opening games in the Group Stage, suffering a blistering defeat to Ko-oren.

HUElavia 1-1 Rocky Canada
(HUETech Center, San Franco, HUElavia)

Ko-oren 5-0 HUElavia

Entering the World Cup of Hockey, HUElavia was coming off a surprising Round-of-16 exit to Sarzonia in the previous edition of the tournament. Despite the elimination, the team managed to save face and be ranked as the No. 7 team in the multiverse, an absolute high for the team. Coming into the round-robin Group Stage for WCoH 44, HUElavia (7) was taking on the likes of Ko-oren (5), Graintfjall (13), Banija (24), Vilita and Turori (36), Kaldtfjell (UR), and Rocky Canada (UR). A pretty complicated group with tough trap games from some of the biggest sporting nations, such as
Graintfjall, Banija, & Vilita and Turori. The opening match saw Os Amarelos/Los Amarillos host Rocky Canada in HUETech Center (17,500) in San Franco, while the second match saw the first major match, with HUElavia traveling to Ko-oren. Both matches saw The puck was dropped and HUElavia's Icy Journey was under way!

The first game saw strong domination from HUElavia, but goaltending from REDACTED did not allow the HUElavian attackers get a goal in. It was not until early in the 3rd period, where a pass from Brousseau to Bourgeois allowed him to take a shot that was saved, but took a deflection for Castilho to blast it past REDACTED into the goal to make it 1-0. The crowd jumped up and erupted into a great cheer to make the arena rumble, while Castilho was hugged and patted by his teammates for the goal. In what looked like HUElavia would get another late in the 3rd, Meghni lost the puck to REDACTED, who passed it to REACTED, where he took a one-time shot past the reach of Mayhuasca into the goal, making it 1-1. With no time left, Rocky Canada salvaged a point in their debut, upsetting HUElavia in the opening game for the team.

The second match was truly one to forget. At Ko-oren, it was expected to be a tough match going back and forth with goals. Unfortunately, the team was just outplayed and outclassed by the Dragonflies. Two goals each by Acilea and IJsberg, as well as a lone goal from Nedergard gave way to a 5-0 beatdown for HUElavia on Matchday 2. One of the most disparaging and largest defeats ever suffered by the team, and it was a loss that saw Beaton receive plenty of criticisms for his choice of players and the coaching in the match- with plenty calling for his resignation. Truly, the match showed that some of the players are not up to par for the standard of being the National Hockey Team, and even less so for a team that is expected to make a deep run.

With the results, HUElavia sits in 5th Place with 1 Point (0-1-1). The team will have their 1st bye on Matchday 3 to regroup and train well, followed by a home match against Graintfjall, which is set to be played at HUElines Arena (18,500) in Sao Salvador. In a surprise change, Petrovich was named by Beaton to be the starting goaltender for the match against Graintfjall. The team is hoping to turn things around, especially since there are still 10 games left in the Group Stage. But being in 5th place with a tough start is a tough hole to climb out of. Regardless, here's to a better match next time by.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Sarzonia]

The players noticed Brett Tanguay, Sr. as he looked like he was fighting against trying to fall asleep behind the bench at Bank of Sarzonia Arena in Nicksia.

It wasn't boredom from the Sarzonian national ice hockey team facing an unranked StrayaRoos side in front of a seemingly uninterested crowd of 14,092 in a rink that held 18,090 seats. It wasn't from the action on ice, as the coach's son Brett Tanguay, Jr. scored the match-winning goal with 1:37 remaining in the third period to give Sarzonia an opening victory that made them look really vulnerable heading to Mercedini to take on the third ranked team in the multiverse.

Junior saw his father stifle a yawn as he sent on the checking line after an icing call set up a faceoff with 37 seconds remaining deep in Sarzonia's end in front of goaltender Owen Franks. He walked up to Senior and whispered, "Dad? Are you OK?"

Senior looked at his son, lowered his voice to a whisper and said, "I saw Coach Bremerton last night outside Jake's room at the hospital." Junior's eyes widened.

"And? What happened?"

He was there to see Jake. We talked for a brief moment, nothing major. He sent his regards to the team."

"Thanks, Dad," Junior said before turning his attention back to the ice as centre Cliff Sauerchuck won the faceoff and the defence were able to get the puck beyond the blue line. Sauerchuk fired the puck toward the empty net, but it just missed wide for another icing, this time with 12 ticks remaining on the clock. He would win another faceoff and the defence were once again able to get the puck out of the zone and Sauerchuk fired another attempt on goal as the clock expired to give the Stars a 4-3 opening victory over StrayaRoos.

**********************************************************************************************************************

The team's flight to Mercedini was fairly uneventful, but Junior wasn't on it. He would end up flying out on a red eye flight and land the morning of the match. He was given an excused absence from the team's final pre-match skate before the match against Mercedini.

He spent time with Parsons to find out how he was doing.

"I'm doing better," Parsons said, looking into Junior's eyes. "The doctor thinks they can discharge me tomorrow. He thinks I can rejoin the team for the Savojarna match."

"That's up to Coach," Junior said, taking care to not refer to the coach as Dad in front of one of his teammates. That was the understanding the Tanguays had come up with, for Junior to address his father as Coach in front of the players and limit "Dad" to private interactions. "I think he's going to want to make sure you're mentally fit before you start for the team."

"Who's starting for us now? Owen?"

"Yeah," Junior said. "We got Yuri out of retirement to back him up."

"Oh wow," Parsons said. "I thought he was done with hockey for good."

"I think he may have been done with Coach B, but not with hockey," Junior said. "Listen, have you heard back from the Federation about your meds?"

"Not yet," Parsons said. "I understand there's some discussion because one of the medications appears on the banned substances list." Junior nodded. That would be a challenge. Fortunately, the team's psychologist would also be there, and Parsons's personal psychologist would be a Zoom conference away. Junior also decided to be there for Parsons as well if he needed a sounding board without a professional credential, one who understood hockey in ways that a doctor likely wouldn't.

"Let me know what they say," Junior said. He looked at his mobile.

"I've gotta get downstairs. My ride share will be here in a few minutes. I've gotta get out to Mercedini for the match. The two players hugged as Junior got ready to leave for the match against Mercedini.

**********************************************************************************************************************

The match felt surreal, even though this one pitted a Stars team that just lay outside the top 10 in the multiverse against a top-three Mercedini side. The Stars had won both group stage matches as a plucky underdog against Mercedini a few World Cups back and they fully expected Mercedini to play with vengeance on their minds.

Mercedini certainly played motivated in their opener after they'd had a bye in their first match of the World Cup of Hockey coming off their bye. But they heard from folks in the stands that being motivated to face the next highest-ranked opponent in their debut at home was motivation, not revenge. It wasn't like they were the Stars facing Valanora in a knockout round. This was merely an opponent who happened to be really good, and that was enough to bring the energy into the rink.

When the final whistle sounded and Sarzonia earned a 4-2 regulation victory thanks in part to Junior scoring twice and Franks making 29 saves on 31 shots, the Stars suddenly found themselves at 2-0-0, level with their next opponents Savorjarna in the Group F table on points. Savorjarna embarrassed 55th ranked Atheara 6-0 and blanked StrayaRoos 3-0 to give them a plus-nine goal differential, compared to Sarzonia's plus-three. The Stars would be coming off their bye whilst Savorjarna would face Mercedini at home before making the trip to Nicksia to face the Stars.

When Senior was asked after the match if Parsons would be ready to be on the players' bench in Nicksia, he demurred.

"That's going to depend on a lot of factors," he said. "I want to make sure he's mentally ready for joining us, whether it's on the ice or on the players' bench. For now, we'll play who we've got. I just want to make sure Jake is OK. That's my main focus with him."

[TJUN-ia]

Icould've been more creative with that title, but I didn't know what else to write. WCoH44 is finally here, a tournament that is increasingly looking like the last for some of TJUN-ia's originals as the Ice Jaguars look to try and make the playoffs for only the 2nd time in their history, as the pre-season #19. Ølson Rasmussen has certainly tried to get his unit to where he believed they deserved to be, but he also understood that maybe he himself could be out the door if his ambitions aren't realised once more. The tournament is operating a similar format in terms of game schedule to what the football World Cup has been using for some time now, so you're all going to get 2 games for the price of one until the group stage is over!

We begin, where else, but at The Rink in the Gardens of New Washington as TJUN-ia took to home ice for the first time in almost 6 years to the thunderous delight of the 7,500 in attendance. This crowd has had to spend the last few years either watching from afar or going on some long road trip to follow this team but finally, they were back home and the fans were ready to see them in action. Our opponents on Opening NIght were Savojarna's frosty neighbours in Adyatin and to say The Rink was reintroduced to Ice Jaguar Hockey in style would be an understatement. Julian Visipils was, once again, his goal-scoring self as he managed a hattrick to send the crowd home happy, all 3 happening in different periods. In between those goals you had Viktor Orban finding the net before the end of the 1st while John Gallagher sneaked up on everyone to go find the other goal in the 3rd and while the visitors did score once themselves in the 2nd, TJUN-ia were the obvious winners tonight by 5-1.

Then came the first road test of the campaign against Huayramarca at the Domo del Altiplano, a Los Fugitivos side who knocked off top-seeds Kelssek ON THE ROAD on the Opening Day. This would be the first-ever home game in the WCoH for Sebastián Ferrer's team and considering our history with losing against unranked teams in their home openers, Rasmussen was keen to ensure that didn't happen again. While the scoreline wasn't good for the hosts this time, the 13 total goals scored tonight has to make up for that in some way. Yes, thirteen goals were scored in this game - and TJUN-ia got nine of them. In Q1, Visipils got 2 and Teemu Pukaninen got 1 while Ho Man-Young got the first goal at home for the Fugitives. In Q2, Kisei Nawakami and Vasil Cherysezsky both ended up with 2 goals each while Alonso Ballesteros also managed a brace to make it 7-3. The final 4 goals came in Q3, all from 3 different players: Danil Svengren, Christian Kalsters, Marco Huanca and Pablo Holguín. If you love goals, you'd loved this game and both sides at least knew that they could score when they can...right?

The next doubleheader is supposed to be very important, hosting tournament hosts and #14 Quebec and Shingoryeo before making the rough trip to Kelssek to play #9. Quebec is currently 1-0 after their 6-2 over Kelssek on MD2 which means that entering MD4, the #9 team will have a losing record when they play us. The icy road will certainly be interesting but hopefully, Ølson Rasmussen can take us to the promised land once more. GO JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group B, all matches in Kelssek)
MD1: vs Adyatin (82) - The Rink in The Gardens, New Washington W 5-1 (2nd)
MD2: @Huaryamarca (UR) - Domo del Altiplano, Huayramarca D.M. W 9-4 (2nd)
-----------------Puck Watch!-----------------
MD3: vs Quebec and Shingoryeo (14) - The Rink in The Gardens, New Washington
MD4: @Kelssek (9)
-----------------Puck Watch!-----------------
MD5: BYE
MD6: vs Nova Anglicana (21) - The Rink in The Gardens, New Washington
-----------------Puck Watch!-----------------
MD7: @Nephara (33)
MD8: @Adyatin (82)
-----------------Puck Watch!-----------------
MD9: vs Huaryamarca (UR) - The Rink in The Gardens, New Washington
MD10: @Quebec and Shingoryeo (14) - The Marijuana Island Gaol, Marijuana Island, Nunavut
-----------------Puck Watch!-----------------
MD11: vs Kelssek (9) - The Rink in The Gardens, New Washington
MD12: BYE
-----------------Puck Watch!-----------------
MD13: @Nova Anglicana (21)
MD14 vs Nephara (33) - The Rink in The Gardens, New Washington

[Atheara]

I, Uh, What?
Atheara starts the World Cup of Hockey with a bang, but not by Atheara.

MD  Teams        P1  P2  P3  FTR
1   Savojarna    3   1   2    6
    Atheara      0   0   0    0 

2   Atheara      1   1   1    3
    Gergary      0   0   0    0

The start to the 44th World Cup of Hockey for Atheara was very mixed, to say the least. Atheara was facing off against 12th ranked Savojarna on the first matchday and then 25th ranked Gergary on the second matchday. Surely there could be nothing that goes wrong. Well if you were one of those people then you better think again. Atheara was thrashed and embarassed 6 - 0 against Savojarna. The first thing that comes into your mind is probably "What?" But the ranks don't lie. Well, to be fair we did know a win would be near impossible, but at the very least some had expected for Atheara to just, not concede six goals on the first matchday? But to justify this, Placely Placington did get smashed eleven goals, but they scored four. Other victims of a first matchday thrashing are Vilita & Turori, Mapletish, and Trolleborg just to name a few.

Gergary however, was a much more different experience from that of Savojarna. Atheara registers it's first goal on the first period, with a simple shot made by Michael Harris on the 17th minute. As the third line was fully playing this second game. The first and second lines splitted the match time between them against Savojarna, as to give the young third line more of a chance to shine. Two more goals from Alexander Kurov and Erik Gledden secured Atheara's first win against Gergary, a simple and elegant 3 - 0 victory. The team would be happy with a win, for now.

The Athearan viewers and fans however are in a mixed and split situation. Some say that the first and second lines are aging, saying that they need to be replaced or at the very least, have a replacement. Some say that the game against Savojarna was expected and that it was a hitch, saying that Atheara has a good future with the third line and future young players that will be coming through the World Junior Hockey Championships. Overall, Atheara still needs to prove the viewers that Atheara is in fact a hockey loving nation, despite the lack of a professional league.

Who's next? Sannyamathland, and a bye. Also, we really need a national chant.

[The Cordian Isles]

"You guys actually want to make the playoffs?"

"Yeah!"

"You sure?"

"Yes, coach!"

"Good thing you're all sure. Because I'm not. The way that looked, you guys barely wanted your local house team championship. I don't care if it's the world champions out there or the local C team, you put it all out there and never quit. That was disgusting. We've got Fluvannia next time. You want to show them Cordian hospitality or Cordian grit? Kordsen, what do you think?"

"Grit, coach!"

"Right answer. Now prove it to me. Svensen, pick a number from ten to ten."

"Ahm, how about three?"

Afraid of the consequences, nobody says ten when asked that question by Coach Thomassen. It's almost a game, though a very serious one.

"Bad choice, but thirty laps it is. Get changed and go."

Groans. Laps are fine. Thirty isn't. And thirty after a game is torture. But Coach does have a point. It was a shitty game. They might deserve this one. They better win against Fluvannia. Though maybe a loss would make Thomassen go be quiet?

---

Line change. Kordsen skates to the defensive faceoff circle, taking note of the scoreboard. 5-5 5:55, 3rd Period. All fives. Cool. They were holding their own against a top-20 ranked team. Or at least scoring their own. Defense needed work, but oh, there's the whistle...

"Kordsen wins the draw back to Walker, Walker sends it around the boards to Svensen..."

Got possession. Come on, let's break it out...

"Svensen, up to MacLeod, MacLeod chips it up the boards past [REDACTED]...

You're ahead of them - go, go, go! He picks up the puck...

"Never gives Kordsen space, it's like he's got afterburners on his skates..."

... and accelerates. The Fluvannia forwards got caught flat-footed and are too far behind. It's a 1-on-1.

"Kordsen bearing down..."

Fake left, go right. Been practicing this for years. He sells it perfectly. Time moves slowly. He's on the right side of the net. Fake shot, move across the crease...

"Kordsen breakaway - PULLS IT TO THE BACKHAND - SCOOOOOORES! WHAT A PLAY, WHAT A GOAL FROM MARTIN KORDSEN"

This is the best part of scoring. Everyone skating in, hugging you, yelling. The fans, too. It's one thing for your team to cheer, quite another for tens of thousands of fans to go absolutely wild when you score. Bumping fists with the team on the bench. Then going in for the next draw with the wind at his back.

...

"5, 4, 3, 2, 1... That's it! Cordia's first World Cup of Hockey victory, at home against the 20th team in the world! Thank you for watching tonight.