World Cup of Hockey 45 [RPs/results]

by **The Cordian Isles** » Mon Jun 06, 2022 2:28 pm

“Uglies” to Debut Against Ko-oren, Justin Perreau is Weird - WCoH

Hockey Cordia announced the creation of a new “ugly” uniform for the Cordian national team via twii.tur yesterday. The post, which was brief and did not include an image of the jersey, did mention “getting one back on Ko-oren after the last World Cup of Hockey”. It appears that Ko-oren’s well-publicized stunt at the last tournament of taking every single practice slot at the Rink of Dreams will not go unavenged. Justin Perreau, grinning, freely discussed the topic after the North Stars’ 4-1 victory over TJUN-ia. “See, the thing is,” he explained. “If they can’t look at you it becomes very hard for them to play hockey against you. And if they can’t play hockey against you but you can play hockey against them, it’s a very good thing for your team.” He then tapped the side of his head dramatically before exiting the room, leaving a confused reporter who had asked a question about one of the day’s scoring plays.

North Stars Defeat TJUN-ia 4-1 in WCoH Showdown - WCoH

In a battle between 2 and 3 seeds with major implications for who could make it out of Group 2, the Cordians left no doubt as to their skill with a 4-1 victory over a team that is supposed to outrank them by a sizable margin. The first period saw TJUN-ia take the 1-0 lead, but Eric Eaton got the Cordians off to a hot start in the second with a goal just two minutes in, taking a pass from Svein Svensson and rifling it to the top corner, far side. Eaton proved to be a force in that period, scoring again a few minutes later to give the North Stars a lead they would not relinquish. Around halfway through the third, Jennifer Vosun drew a call on Kisei Nawakami, the latter reaching for the puck from behind as Vosun rushed up the ice, only to receive a hooking penalty. The resulting powerplay saw Cordia set up and get the puck moving perfectly. Finally, Randolph Karlsson sent a pass cross-ice to Justin Perreau, who crushed a one-timer into the net before Jakob Vaduz could get across. An empty-netter from Signy MacLeod with a minute to go sealed the deal.

Kress Thomassen Happy With Team’s WCoH Performance - WCoH

Kress Thomassen, coach of the Cordian national hockey team, took a moment to answer questions after the team’s 4-1 victory over TJUN-ia. “Yeah, of course I’m happy with that result,” she said of her opinion of the day’s game. “We really needed this opening game to go our way to advance. I mean, look, we’re the three seeds, two teams advance, so we have to beat one of the top two and TJUN-ia is by far the easier of the two. So we put a lot of emphasis on this game coming in.” When asked what she thought of the upcoming game against Ko-oren, she brushed off the question. “Other than the uglies, we haven’t been planning specifically for Ko-oren yet. The focus right now is on Baker Park. Just because we won the first game doesn’t mean we get to win the rest by default. We play the games for a reason, after all.” Asked about making it to the knockouts, she held up a hand. “Slow down there. There are four matches left, and we’re taking them one by one. If we play well enough and we do make it, then we’ll start talking about the knockouts. That’s still very much an if right now.”

by **TJUN-ia** » Mon Jun 06, 2022 3:27 pm

What can you do when you know that the end is in sight? That is the question that many in the Ice Hockey circles are asking themselves as the Ice Jaguars of TJUN-ia reaches an end of an era here at WCOH45 in Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland. Everyone knew that fresh blood would be coming once this tournament was over and everyone knew that this hard-working team, playing a Big 5 sport that hasn't set TJUN-ia alight as of yet, was going to play out of their bodies until the final siren goes off...but how will they be remembered? Valliant TJUN-ian athletes...or victims of a sport that hasn't been our favourite playground? Ølson Rasmussen hoped to push them towards the latter and not the former...but would that be enough?

Doppeleissportzgortzeinkellerhall in Neuntal will be our home for our Group B games, starting with what was slated to be an interesting contest against The Cordian Isles, the #25 North Stars. Their motto is to "Fear The North" and that would certainly be felt after we initially took the lead through, who else, Julian Visipils. Eric Eaton was the master of that 2nd period, scoring twice past Jakob Vaduz in an area that showed that these old dogs were running out of steam. Justin Perreau and Signy MacLeod would send us back to bed in the 3rd, the 4-1 final result an early blow to our confidence of trying to do something to cap off the old guard.

Four games left, plenty of time to bounce back here in an arena of 10,000 seats. Efnakia will be up next, debutants who were respectable in their first-ever game - and a team we need to beat ourselves to get back on track. GO JAGS!

OOC: This RP was mostly written before Cordio's came out. My apologies.

SCHEDULE (Group 2, all matches at Doppeleissportzgortzeinkellerhall, Neuntal, Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland)
MD1: vs The Cordian Isles (25) L 1-4 (T-4th)
MD2: vs Efnakia (UR)
MD3: vs -Anthor- (74)
MD4: vs Ko-oren (6)
MD5: vs Commonwealth of Baker Park (UR)

by **Caplostein** » Mon Jun 06, 2022 4:42 pm

THE KINGS' MEN
The Official Sports Network of Caplostein

THE DOVES FALL 7-3 TO SARZONIA

It was a rough and tough debut for the Doves in the 45th World Cup of Hockey. The unranked Caplosteinite team struggled immensely against an overwhelming Sarzonian team. Despite a strong showing from their young players and bottom 6, Caplostein's top players were nowhere to be seen in this game. Their chances and opportunities were quickly and efficiently snuffed out by a dominating Sarzonian defence.

"We weren't good enough, simple as that." Head Coach Emmanuel Åkerlund said to media in his post-game press conference. "They're a really good side, and we couldn't compete with them tonight."

Sarzonian forward, Brett Tanguay Jr. potted a hat trick. Goaltender Saku Löfgren was replaced by Ríkardur Booker in the second period following a shot from Erik Weingart that was deflected by forward Brock Willingham. Löfgren made 14 saves on 19 shots. Booker made 27 saves on 29 shots.

"I dunno what happened out there." Booker commented on his performance. "I kinda just went out there and played my game the way I should play it. It was a tough game though, and we'll rebound from this."

"I had an off night, that's it." A visibly frustrated and disappointed Löfgren said to media.

Caplostein's offence still managed three goals in this game, two of them coming after the goalie change. 19-year old Teppo Lager opened the scoring for the Doves following a quick break in the first period, utilizing his powerful wrist shot over the blocker of Owen Franks.

"I kinda just shot it and hoped for the best." Lager said when asked about his first international goal. "I really didn't expect it to go in, if I'm being honest."

22-year old Hródmar Sigurdbjörnsson also notched his first career international goal. Following a brief moment of pressure in the third period in Sarzonia's end, a snapshot from 6'7" Gunder Borg was deflected in front of net by Sigurdbjörnsson and managed to squeak between the pads of Franks, and trickle over the goal line.

-----

Caplostein will face Bollonich on June 8th.

by **Illdonya** » Mon Jun 06, 2022 4:45 pm

Illdonyan Hockey Team

(OOC: Hopefully I can still post this)

Illdonya is very new to hockey. Hockey was only a played sport around the time where Illdonya's lakes froze for the first time. Now snow is inconsistent and lakes rarely freeze but hockey is still played. Illdonya has one of the smaller team sizes because hockey isn't a popular sport here in Illdonya.

Coaches:
Head Coach: Quinn Faromar
Assistant Coach: Wallace (Wally) Mayjones

Team:
#01 Mark Helpenberger (G) (Age 25)
#02 Sam Choma (G) (Age 21)
#03 Vincent Speel (LW) (Age 28)
#05 Zander Kno (LW) (Age 26)
#06 David Wei (C) (Age 29)
#07 Joe Panthep (C) (Age 20)
#09 Norman Blu (RW) (Age 26)
#10 Hermes Blu (RW) (Age 28)
#11 Apollo Artemis (D) (Age 24)
#12 Zac Larsson (D) (Age 29)
#13 Funnynameguy McFunnyname (D) (Age 69)
#16 Manny Dawn (D) (Age 22)

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: No
Godmod Injuries to my Players: No
Assign Penalties to my Players: No
Eject my Players: No
Godmod Other Events: No

Style Modifier: 0

by **Delaclava** » Mon Jun 06, 2022 5:05 pm

DSGN.com Hockey

Abreu shines in WCoH opening win

Jehiel Abreu played like he never left.

The former Phoenixes captained scored two goals and added two assists in his return to the national team, and Delaclava rode a four-goal first period to a 7-3 win over Khacia to open their World Cup of Hockey campaign in Stenjerica, Schutzenphalia and West Runhtunhkuhnland.

"I was a little nervous, I have to say," Abreu admitted after the game. "We were really well prepared, but it's just that bit of butterflies getting started. But it was a great night on the ice and from the fans."

Abreu picked up both scores in the first period, including the opener just 87 seconds into the game, a trademark fast start for the Delaclava team. Edan Bullard forced a turnover around center ice before scooping up the puck and bringing it down the slot. His shot was stopped, but there was plenty of room for Abreu to corral the rebound and slide the puck to his backhand and into the net.

Delaclava also got two goals from Maxim Sevanov and one tally each from Bohdan Kirilenko, Jaylon Hester, and Garai Maalouf. The return of Kirilenko, the two-time World Junior medalist, was also highly anticipated after he saw little action in World Cup 44 due to an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Hester and Maalouf were impressive in their international debuts. Noah Kleiber stopped 20 of 23 shots to record the win.

Abreu praised the efforts of all of his teammates but particularly singled out Maalouf, to whom Abreu stated he awarded the Kappe (the team's internal player of the game award) after teammates initially tried to give it to Abreu himself. "That kid is so damn special. So incredibly slick with the puck, but tenacious. He can easily go 20, 25 minutes if he wanted and pester the other team the whole way. You saw how he got his goal just continuing to apply pressure even all the way to their red line and capitalizing on a mistake... The 23, 24, 25 year olds of this team are good. I'm glad to be playing alongside them, and the future of this team is very bright."

Delaclava next visits Trolleborg, who dropped their opener 3-0 to Valanora. Tjorl defeated Macbon 3-2 in a shootout in the other Group 4 game, a battle of the unranked teams.

by **Ranoria** » Mon Jun 06, 2022 5:54 pm

The Fall of Frederick, Part One

Frederick and Emilia Vrabel sat on opposite ends of the couch, Emilia's legs crossed and hands folded over her lap. The young woman showed signs of age, bags under her eyes, shoulders slouched as she seemed to try and hide from the other two people in the room, turning a gleaming diamond ring around her ring finger.

Her husband didn't seem as concerned. Frederick leaned over the arm of the couch, chin resting on his hand and legs splayed out. He pursed his lips, glancing from Emilia to their newest therapist.

"So, what brings you in?" Jocelyn Wright, the therapist they'd hired.

"Best shrink you could find?" Had been Frederick's reaction to that name about a week ago, and here they were.

Oh, where to start? The screaming and shouting? Holes in the wall? The bottles that seemed to litter the house? Maybe the more public incident Frederick had gotten into?

"What the hell did you just say?" Frederick Vrabel stepped up so his face was just inches from the other man's, towering over him.

"Freddie, please, let's go, it's not worth it." Poor Emilia tried pulling on his arm, but as small as she was she couldn't do anything to dissuade him physically. The star for Ranoria's Krauts growled, staring down the man in front of him while the bouncers started to move in.

"I asked little lady there what she'd like to drink, she's a nice p-"

And that was that. Vrabel caught him in the chin and the man collapsed immedietely. He picked his foot up to stamp down on him, but before he could go any further he was tackled by men twice his already impressive size.

It didn't take long before he was thrown out, and Emilia followed soon after, helping her inebriated husband to his feet and covering her face with her scarf as phones and cameras started to come out. "Please, can we go home?" She went to loop her arm around his, and started when he shrugged her off.

"You got what you wanted, didn't you? Flirting with little boys to make me jealous? That's what happens."

"Fred-"

"Save it. Forgot how much a pain it is to bring you out of the damn house." The national team star gave the bird to the small crowd that had gathered behind them as he waved down a taxi.

"We had a fight," Emilia muttered. Frederick scoffed and Jocelyn offered a knowing smile.

"Clearly. You wouldn't be here if you hadn't."

Frederick rolled his eyes before they flicked up to the clock. Emilia spoke again, "We haven't been seeing eye to eye lately, and the way he's acted out, I'm scared to confront him about it."

"Same as I've always been, sweets." He shot back, glaring over at his wife of nine years, "You knew what you signed up for."

"There's holes in the wall, Freddie." She couldn't meet his eye, and Jocelyn bit the inside of her cheek.

"So he's been violent?" Jocelyn pressed, and Emilia shook her head.

"No, he'd never hit me," she mumbled, shoulders still slouched - it seemed the longer this went on, the smaller she made herself.

"I got back late after a game, you know how it goes. She was flying off the handle about how late I was getting back and I lost it. My bad."

"Okay, so Emilia, how did that make you feel..."

Stay Tuned For Part 2!

Mammoths Bring Down 20th Ranked Eshialand To Start WCoH 45 On A Soprano

Frederick Vrabel scored two goals to help lift the team to victory - despite serving ten minutes in penalties for fighting

The reigning MVP of Ranorian hockey showed up in a big way in our first match since World Cup of Hockey 43, putting two more goals under his belt and getting off to a big win in a 4-2 shootout against Eshialand. In their stadium and with our history, we were far from favorites - his performance was the difference.

"Great game by Vrabel," said head coach Alram Isenbrand, "Our defense kept us in the game, and he was the one to score those two pivotal goals. Great start to this reboot we've got going on."

Isenbrand was widely praised entering his first campaign as the head coach of Ranoria's representatives on ice, but he's failed to deliver on any of the expectations of our fans at home in his tenure. His primary weapon is Ezekiel Huber, a perennial all-star defender back home in Ranoria, and it showed against Eshialand. If the Mammoths are to go anywhere in this tournament, his performances can and will be pivotal to our success. But early signs, and buzz, seem to indicate that this is finally the year that we show the world the quality of Ranorian hockey.

Next up, we've got the Gatchingerrak Union, who won a 5-4 shootout over Bendicion in their opener. If all goes well, it'll likely come down to a battle between our Mammoths and the juggernaut Græntfjall Ice Wolves in MD5 to decide the group - but we can't expect to go in undefeated.

The best prediction on our end would be managing stay within a game of the 7th ranked Ice Wolves in the standings and finding a way to pull off a miracle with a last-minute upset. Don't count on it, but hey - we can dream.

by **Srednjaci** » Tue Jun 07, 2022 2:13 am

WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY 45

KELSSEK BETTER THAN ICE BEARS IN THE OPPENING!

Kelssek 5–2 Srednjaci

Dear viewers, welcome to the third WAS channel. My name is Kevin Mateša and welcome to the show dedicated to ice hockey.
A new Word Cup in hockey has started, in which our national team is also participating. We have a young and well-coordinated national team for this World Cup, a team that is playing for the third cycle together with some minor changes. We don't even need to emphasize that in the beginning we didn't have a senior team at all, but a junior team competed in the senior competition. Today, those former kids play serious hockey. At the recently concluded Winter Olympics, our women's team played the Olympic finals. City Center, Liventia, hosted the games and the Ice Bears were defeated by Vilitan Union 5-2 in the final and won the silver medal.
However, in this competition, our team is mixed and Kelssek was better in the first match. Although the match was very even and our players were not outplayed, the Kelssek players were much more precise.

Head Coach: Tatjana Đureković
" I have been leading this team for a long time and what they showed today is good hockey. Tactically and skating we stood very well in the match. However, what worries me is the realization of the created opportunities. We scored very few goals for a lot of shots on goal. We certainly have to praise their goalkeeper as well. But it’s definitely a segment of the game we have to work on if we want to get through the group. "

Jakov Kotreški (23) Captain
"A tough opponent with a long hockey tradition. It's amazing how many chances we missed. It's the first game and obviously we'll need to tune in a lot more in this our orchestra. We were good in principle but the result is what counts in the end."

Let’s go back in time a bit to see how we played in previous hockey world championship competitions. The Ice Bears debuted at WCoH 42 in Graintfjall. Our young team came to that competition from the finished World Junior Championships where they were in the quarterfinals. Our team won 10 points in that competition, they had two clean wins and one after extra time. of the nine defeats they had, they lost twice after extra time.
Of the thirteen teams in the group, Srednjaci finished in eleventh place.
Slightly better the Ice Bears were at WCoH 43 in Kelssek.
In that competition, our hockey players won three victories and all three were without overtime. Of the eight recorded defeats, two were after overtime. They scored a total of 11 points in the group and finished the competition in ninth place. We expect maybe a slightly better placement from this championship. It will be difficult because currently the situation in the group is worrying for our team.

Group 3                                  Pld    W  OTW  OTL    L   GF   GA   GD  Pts 
1 Gyatso-kai                                 1    1    0    0    0    4    2   +2    3
  Kelssek                                    1    1    0    0    0    5    2   +3    3
3 Illdonya                                   1    0    1    0    0    4    3   +1    2
4 Strayan Rus                                1    0    0    1    0    3    4   −1    1
5 Kriegiersien                               1    0    0    0    1    2    4   −2    0
  Srednjaci                                  1    0    0    0    1    2    5   −3    0

by **HUElavia** » Tue Jun 07, 2022 7:57 am

Opening Woes!

HUElavia lose the opening game to Quebec and Shingoryeo in a passionate & high scoring match.

HUElavia 5-6 (OT) Quebec and Shingoryeo
Green Bay City Hall, Lahnshafen, Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland

HUElavia returns to the WCoH coming off yet another underperforming finish in the previous edition, going out in the Round-of-16 once again. Now, they are in a very odd situation that the team has never been in: a rebuild. With much of their best core aged out, the team is now filled with a mix of serviceable veterans and promising youth talent, looking to make progress for the team. With the tournament taking place in Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland, thousands of HUElavians came to the country looking to cheer on the team in yet another journey. Placed in Group F, with the likes of Minnkota, Greater Cebu, Banija, Quebec and Shingoryeo, and Lisander.

The match was a passionate one, with goals being scored. Despite two comebacks from HUElavia, the game went into Overtime with no scores, and in the shootout, a last goal by Deok-Seon gave the Quebecois the winning goal to get the opening win and a historic win in the rivalry.

HUElavia will play next against Minnkota, who won 3-2 in SO over Lisander after 5-5 draw. HUElavia hopes to rebound and get a win to keep pace and possibly advance.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

by **Canadian Dominion** » Tue Jun 07, 2022 1:02 pm

We See the Fighting Geese take there first win in WCoH

We will now be talking to the captain Jakob Hawley

Reporter: "How do you think your teams performence was?"

Jakob: "Well, we played the game how it was supposed to be played, the team played hard and well i know coach is proud of the team and were all amazed with how Boyle played in the final shoot-out goal, all around, an amazing game and we know Canadian Dominion is happy for our proformence. Um.. That's all I really have to say and I am just happy that we won and beat a good team."

Reporter: "Well thats good to know, another question i would like to ask how do you feel about your goalies proformance?"

Jakob: "Oh Graham? i thought he did a great job for his first proformance, he saved some great shots made by the Bollonischian team, but he did have his struggles and i know he can inprove next game, and well i am exited to see how improves over the years and well how he shows his stuff durining the next game."

Reporter: "Well i am all out of questions for you, so thank your for having time to talk with me"

Jakob: "Thank you for having me."

by **Sarzonia** » Tue Jun 07, 2022 1:21 pm

At first, Owen Franks thought he just had a slight cough.

"Must be allergies," he said out loud. The cough had that feeling to it. There must be something in the Alphabet Soup II air that was making him cough.

The team went out to dinner after its 7-3 victory over the Doves. Franks was sitting in the seat next to Jacob Parsons when he got the steak, mashed potatoes and string beans he'd ordered. He went to smell the steak, a smell he was quite familiar with. He didn't get that waft he was expecting.

Damn allergies, he thought. I'll go take my allergy meds when I get back to the hotel and I should be fine. He used the steak knife to cut into the meat and it was perfectly medium rare, just how he liked it. He took a bite. He grimaced. The server, who was making their way over to the table just to check on the group flashed concern, thinking Franks didn't like the steak or there was something wrong with its preparation.

"Is everything all right, sir?"

"Uh, everything's fine. No worries!" Franks said with a flash of a smile. The server walked on their appointed rounds, satisfied enough with the answer. He was now aware that Brett Tanguay, Sr. had seen the look in his eyes after he took a bite of steak and now he was concerned. Franks picked up his mobile phone that had been sitting to his right. He knew he'd lose the "game" where the loser was the first player to pick up his mobile during the team meal, and that meant he'd have to pick up the cheque. He texted Senior.

"I couldn't taste my steak and I couldn't smell it either."

"Hold on," Senior texted back. He stepped away from the table and called the team doctor. After a brief conversation, Senior walked over and motioned Franks to come with him. Franks stood up and followed his manager.

"We want you to get tested," Senior said. "Whether it's the SARS 2 or COVID-19, we just want to make sure."

"But I'm fully vaccinated," Franks said. "Both viruses." And boosted twice, he thought.

"That doesn't mean you can't get the virus," he said. "Still, we want you checked on just to make sure." Franks agreed, then got tested. He would find out the results soon enough.

Positive for COVID-19. He had minor symptoms, Parsons would be tested and he tested negative. Franks would eventually test negative and be back with the team, but not before Parsons was named the starter once again. No one else in the vicinity would test positive for any viruses. More importantly for Franks, he'd get his sense of smell and taste back fairly quickly.

The team still followed protocols that required the use of facial coverings out in public and social distancing. That was a reason the "outbreak" was only Franks. But it would be an annoying footnote on the team's journey to Alphabet Soup II.

by **Trolleborg** » Tue Jun 07, 2022 2:33 pm

Greetings, compatriots!
It's TTV from the... World Hockey Cup. Our hockey players arrived in ... the country where it will be held, in advance, so that by the first match of the tournament the team would not be affected by at least the factors associated with acclimatization. Every else of factors can't be put out of the equation, so at least this one should be eliminated. The team settled in Stenjerica five days before the start of the championship, and spent time not only preparing for the matches. The head coach, apparently, decided to adopt the strategy of the first international tournaments of our team, visiting as many sights with players as possible, and taking them both to the snowy mountains and the capital.

Many doubted whether this is exactly the best option. In addition, they made bets about which one of the goalkeepers he would prefer to put under Elves hard shots? They wondered why the head coach needed so many players and who exactly in what lines he would put them. We asked ourselves whether it makes sense to shuffle the links if the opposition is still unlikely to come down to sort out who is who and which players is dangerous in our team? We wondered if the mysterious curse of our field, which had already beaten hockey players, basketball players and football players, would not have an effect due to the massive presence of our fans at the games?

The first opponent was Valanora, actual silver medalists on their seventh quest for gold. In the last tournament, the national leader had already dealt with this team, and in two matches he was defeated with the same score 0:1 - for our hockey players who are haunted by failures, this is undoubtedly a good result. But now hockey players from Trolleborg flew around so enthusiastically, jumped onto the ice with such enthusiasm when changing links, rushed to take the puck away so quickly, throw themselves under the shots to deflect them trying to prevent the threat to the goal, that it really seemed that this time they would be able to achieve something. But class and experience are things that are not so easy to level with pure dedication. At the beginning of the second period, Sebastian Idland made shot almost from the red line, and the puck somehow slipped past the legs and sticks of a whole crowd of players straight into the corner of the goal. It happened so quickly that many fans in the stands even wondered why elves were celebrating, because nothing happened. And at the end of the period, Kristian Simonsen made a shot again from the same sector, but now from the point closer to the goal, forced our goalkeeper to capitulate again. And in the third period, while our players, fired with enthusiasm, but unable to somehow direct efforts to change the score, are in the attack, Dag Nowak ran one on one and scored the third goal. The silver medalist confirmed his ambition to change his status to a gold medalist. Well, this, of course, is not a defeat from Neu Engollon 0:9 two years ago, but, in general, there is nothing to rejoice at. However, let's look at the results further.

by **Mercedini** » Tue Jun 07, 2022 4:10 pm

World Cup of Hockey XLV
Group Stage: Mercedini vs. Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland
@ Olympik Stadion - Uberwienerschnitzelstadt, Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland

Good afternoon one and all and welcome to Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland for the 45th World Cup of Hockey. As always, we are Mercedini Sports Daily and we are in the capital of the host nation to follow Mercedini at their tournament, and it's sure to be a fiery spectacle with a tournament as open as this one. Mercedini have been very lucky to draw the hosts in their group stage, as that has meant Dini have flown straight into the capital to face what is expected to be a competitive group. It doesn't get much tougher for the hosts as they play a tough Mercedinian side in their tournament opener.

S&WR hockey fans have turned out in their thousands to see their team in action at the Olympik Stadion. It is prime time viewing for those here in S&WR, with StrayaRoos and Sudilia picking up wins earlier today in this very arena. Both sides will want to take advantage of Savojarna losing to a solid Sudilia side, and start their tournament out on the right foot. Only 1,000 or so Mercedinians have made it into the Olympik Stadion for this match, with tickets snapped up by the home nation as soon as they went on sale. It's the place to be in Uberwienerschnitzelstadt, with the atmosphere building ever since the final horn sounded in the preivous match. We are currently on countdown for what is set to be a big occasion for both sides. Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland will want to take a big scalp in their own tournament's opener, while Lustik will want to get his managerial tenure up and running with a win, crashing what is already a lively Schutzenphalian party.

World Cup Of Hockey: Dini Beat The Krappen Out Of The National Eiskrappentanzhockey Team

GROUP STAGE
WCOH | MD1
MERCEDINI 8
SCHUTZENPHALIA & WEST RUHNTUHNKUHNLAND 3
(1-1) (6-1) (1-1)
Uberwienerschnitzelstadt, S. & W.R.

The party has well and truly ended in Uberwienerschnitzelstadt as the Kingfishers but the hosts to the sword in their tournament opener. A devastating second half spell saw Mercedini net six goals to but the settle the game with a period to spare. Dini ultimately ran out 8-3 winners to send them top on goal difference, while the hosts will need to reconcile their shortcomings if they are to make it to the knockout rounds. It certainly wasn't the start that the host nation was looking for, with over seventeen thousands fans in attendance to see their team concede the joint most goals out of all the teams on match day one. For Lustik, he left the ice smiling as his team passed their first major test with flying colours, and it was certainly a psychological test for his players on the ice with the vast majority of the arena against them. The two kits may share similar colours of blue and gold, but there was really only one team in it tonight. A shame for those who travelled to see their national team, but the Kingfishers bought the hosts back down to Earth with a thud.

Moving on to the specifics of the game and it was a tentative start for Mercedini and S&WR, who wanted to see through the opening couple of minutes or so without error. The Kingfishers held onto the puck during most of the opening exchanges, but the hosts clearly had their formations drilled into them by coach Friedrich Riederer. The noise in the Olympik Stadion was deafening as the Schutzenphalia fans clapped their hands and stomped their feet, keeping the players going out on the ice. Their resolve lasted for most of the period, but with eight minutes to go, the pressure finally told as Mario Supsai opened Dini's account with a well worked move. Kelodon flipped the play over to Supsai on the other side of the ice. Supsai faked a shot to weave past his marker, before firing high into the corner of the net, past the rising glove of Frankenberger in the net. S&WR weren't to be denied in the first period though. As Radomir Perko sent the Olympik Stadion wild, as he scraped a loose puck home for an almost immediate equaliser. Subnik couldn't hold on to a blistering shot, and Perko scooped it home for 1-1, which is how it stayed at the end of the first.

After the break, it was nothing short of a slaughter as Dini put six goals past the hosts, with only a single goal netted in response. Lustik drastically upped the ante in the match and opted for a hard press style which was a big change from the more reserved style of play seen in the first period. It seemed to flummox the home side, who were caught off guard and lost the puck in many key positions. Kozhikina re-established Dini's lead with a slap shot following a 1-on-1 with the goaltender, and then it began to rain goals. Three more goals in five minutes looked to have won the game for the Kingfishers there and then. Kelodon, Gagliano and Kelodon again took the score up to 5-1 with only nine minutes gone in the second period. There was some rest bite for the hosts as Perko doubled his and his team's goal tally, there was a window to come back into it at 5-2, but that window was closed and boarded up with tape by the end of the period. Supsai's second and Kelodon's third rounded out a six-goal haul in the second period alone. At 7-2, the match seemed to be all but done, with the points already reserved in the Mercedinian column.

All that was left to do was to see out the game without mishap, and thankfully for Lustik, his second and third linesmen came in to complete the job. The big hitters were rested for the rest of the game, to keep them for future matches, with Lustik already having one eye on the rest of the group. A goal for Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland still prompted loud cheers from the crowd in the Olympik Stadion, with their fans staying for the entirety of the game despite the result. Lenny Kelsen finished a well worked move with a clean shot on goal to take the score to 7-3 early in the third. However, it would be Dini who would get the final say with tournament debutant Emilio Ellokina scoring in his first appearance, with seconds to go in the game. The final minute was ticking down, but an errant pass back from the attacking line meant ellokina could skate forward, scoop up the puck and guide the puck around the goaltender and into the net. An eighth which rounded out a big result for the Kingfishers. They have set their stalls out brilliantly with that result. Fill time in Uberwienerschnitzelstadt, it's Mercedini 8, Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland 3.

So the first match is done and it's Sudilia next for Mercedini. They beat Savojarna 2-0 in their first group game, so they could very well be the surprise package of the group with that result. We hope you can join us for that oe plus all of the reaction from around Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland as the teams take to the ice in order to lift the 45th World Cup of Hockey. Goodnight!

by **Elejamie** » Tue Jun 07, 2022 6:44 pm

"A good start."

That was what Coach Alex said to the press following his side's 5-3 victory over Huayramanca. While he wasn't exactly thrilled with the match, there were a few times when his side should've capitalised on their chances, a bad penalty or two and an offside that should've easily have been prevented. And that wasn't to mention the three goals that Ricardo Bejarano had let in. But a win was a win and it was the first stepping stone towards a spot in the next round. Plus he had to admit that there were a few highlights. The double from Lucas Madgwick, for a start. The fight between Kevin Mamani and Carlos Sierra for another. Maybe a few other moments too.

However, before the match, he had to address the elephant in the room. And he didn't mean the angry one in the team's logo. It was one Zayden McCrae, who seemed to be a pest. Not only did he deliver a check on Stacy Saunders that took him out for a little bit and got suspended for a few games as a result but he didn't seem to be apologetic about the whole situation. Saunders, who had to sit out one game and voluntarily sat out the next as a result, wanted to move on from the incident and told his team to just concentrate on the match in hand, which saved Alex a job of including it in his pre-game speech. It was fortunate that Stacy is the sort of player that his teammates listen to because, if he wasn't, then there was a huge possibility that McCrae would've left the arena in a stretcher. After all, when you've got two enforcers in Bill Judge and Francisco "Franny" Solano, a power forward like Ethan Swinburne, a few occasional fighters like Lupe and Carlos Sierra and even Bill Harrison, a 5' 7" right-winger who can still duke it out with people much taller than him (and come out on top from time to time too), sharing the same line as the guy you victimised you wouldn't want to poke the hornet's nest.

But poke McCrae did. After all, when your side is leading 1-0 thanks to a good shot from Ho-Man Young (and some assistance from Pablo Holguín and Mario Nieto) that just sailed out of Bejarano's lead, you might as well get things going. And what better way to get things going than by trying to kill Stacy Saunders with another cross-check 25 seconds after a goal. At least he braced himself this time so the damage was miniscule. Not to mention that it was just a simple minor penalty so he'd have to sit out for two minutes and watch his team kill off the penalty. Not without ease, as the Elejamian power play was fast and relentless but Bin-Seok was able to stop or deflect the pucks. In fact, the first Elejamian goal of the night came exactly four minutes after Young scored his goal, fittingly from Saunders. How did he do it? Lupe intercepting a pass from Felipe Puga and having a bit of a back and forth with Cerin Meloten, who eventually passed it to Saunders who netted it off the one-timer. It wasn't much but it did mean the two sides were able to keep it even throughout the period, although there were moments when it seemed like both sides were able to tip the scales in their favour. Even when Rafael Espinosa slashed Eduardo Pizarro with 10:09 left and a 4-on-4 when Walter Colque and Ethan Swinburne had to be sent to the box for two minutes for roughing, neither side were able to capitalise on those chances.

But, as the old saying goes, good things come to those who wait. At least, if you're a fan of the Ice-a-phants. With 16:45 left Lucas Madgwick and his linemates Espinosa and James Han found themselves in front of the net. They were fast and furious but Bin-Seok and defencemen Felipe Puga and Santiago Coronado were doing an admirable job blocking the shots. Eventually Puga managed to grab the puck and started a counter-attack, only to be met with a check on him by Han. The puck then sailed over to Madgwick who then buried it with a quick snap shot to give his side the lead. It seemed like the lead would be short-lived when Rafinho hooked McCrae in what he insisted was an accident but, on the resulting penalty kill, Bill Harrison scored a short-hander twelve seconds later when he deked the puck past Bin-Seok on a breakaway thanks to Saunders trying to get the attention on him; as Meloten seemed to be a bit iffy that morning when it came to face-offs and he felt it could break them more than it could make them when the other team had the player advantage, Alex put Harrison on as a centre due to him being fairly decent at it. It was only a one match stint, though, and Meloten would no doubt take PK1 face-offs as normal next game.

It wasn't necessarily doom and gloom for Los Fugitivos, though. Zayden McCrae pulled one back for his team with 10:01 left in the third, with a clever wrist shot and assistance from Simón Lugo and Ho-Man Young (who was no doubt in the running for one of the stars that game). McCrae was met with a shower of boos from the Elejamian fans, even though the goal and the moments leading up to it were very clean. Maybe they were still sore from the cross-check from earlier. Alex didn't particularly care that much, as his side still had the lead and it was only if that gap was closed then it'd be a cause for concern. Fortunately, that didn't prove to be the case as, with 9:19 left, Ethan Swinburne got some help from the Barajas brothers and doubled that lead once again thanks to a wrist shot through the five hole. Mario Huanca cut into the deficit again with a close-up one-timer courtesy of a pass from Dante Gallardo and some extra assistance from Kevin Manami, all with 7:17 left, but fortunately he was a respectable enough player that the Elejamian fans refrained from making the obvious joke. Speaking of Manami, he got involved in a scrap with Carlos Sierra earlier in the period with 16:03 left, although fortunately it was more to get the crowd pumped instead of any bad blood and the fight itself ended in a draw. A five minute break is a five minute break, after all.

Madgwick put the final nail in the coffin with a slapshot from the point with 3:12 left. Diego Pinto received the puck from Bejarano and had a bit of back and forth with Sierra while the Saunders-Meloten-Harrison line came off and the Madgwick-Espinosa-Han line came on. Once the line change was complete, Pinto passed the puck over to Han who tried to fire it in but the shot hit Bin-Seok's pads. A second attempt was stopped by the cross bar. A third attempt, the aforementioned Madgwick shot, just above evaded the Huayramancan goalie's grasp and hit the back of the net. That completely sealed the deal and, at this stage of the match, Alex was more interested in his side just keeping the lead they had rather than extending it. Not that they couldn't try but he did have them play a bit more defensively. It almost seemed to have worked too, if only McCrae didn't deliver yet another cross-check, this time to James Han. Fortunately Han was also unscatched but McCrae did catch the ire of Franny Solano who said "If you cross-check one more time, I'm going to take your stick and shove it up tu culo!" The switch to Spanish being an attempt to throw off anyone who didn't speak the language. Maybe the plan was to make sure Los Fugitivos wouldn't have to pull their goalie and, thus, allow an empty netter. It was a complete mystery to Alex and, to an extent, his side. But fortunately Huayramanca was able to kill off the penalty and, as a result, Elejamie had to settle for a 5-3 win.

Once that was out of the way, as well as the reveal of the three stars (Saunders, Young and Madgwick), it was time for everyone to get changed back into their civvies. One or two players would have to settle for a press conference. Fortunately, as head coach, Alex would have to go through it first. It meant that his side would have some time to relax and think of potential answers to hypothetical questions. Plus, as coach, he would have plenty to say about the whole game. They were some lowball questions, namely his thoughts on the match, who he would praise from each side, how he felt about Zayden McCrae. Nothing too out of the ordinary. After six or seven questions, he stopped taking them and allowed Stacy Saunders to answer questions. Then it was Lucas Madgwick's turn. There was no doubt that they kept mangling the host country's name. It probably didn't do them any favours but it wasn't really a name that one could remember off the top of one's head. Still could've tried harder than "Shooty place", though.

After that was all over and done with, it was time for Alex to relax and turn his attention towards the next game. Another evening game at the Nachtkrapt Arena in Ebenbühel. But this time it'd be against Sainterris who had also grabbed a win, 4-1 against the Snow and Ice Caps. Originally he was planning on having his team play on low power during that game just so they wouldn't wear themselves out against Le Choix later on but, with a scoreline like that, he had to change his plans. They seemed to be a one-and-done team on paper, yes, but he didn't want to take too many chances. A few risks, yes, but he didn't want to lose in humiliating fashion to a team that no one expected to do much, like what happened in Kelssek. Luckily he had some help in the form of a cup of coffee, a wide array of previously used game plans that he could still get some mileage out of and his girlfriend Barbara offering some input. It wasn't much but at least it helped give him an idea of what to do. It was just a question of whether or not the actual game would go according to plan...

by **Kelssek** » Tue Jun 07, 2022 7:42 pm

WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY 45
Kelssek survives torrid third against Srednjaci

Kelssek survived a third period onslaught to come away with a win against Srednjaci in their first match of the World Cup of Hockey. While they looked comfortable heading into the second intermission with a 3-2 lead, Kelssek were outshot 26 to 4 in the third period as their opponents pushed hard for the tying goal. Bradley Donovan made some crucial stops to preserve the lead and ended up with a tally of 48 saves.

Justin Stewart opened the scoring at 7:33 into the first period as Kelssek were rewarded for working to establish themselves in the offensive zone. Jeanne Hakemi worked the puck to the half-wall on a cycle play and Stewart got the timing just right to take the pass and lift it over the pad of Dominik Patković. The teams traded goals as Mirko Buvač levelled the scores with 2:23 left in the period and Matej Halmana restored Kelssek's lead pinching in to sneak unnoticed into the slot on a powerplay.

For a while in the middle of the second period, it looked like Kelssek were cruising when Eamon Coady made it 3-1 with a goal that deflected off his foot which took some reviewing over the possibility of a kicking motion. But Srednjaci struck back with 13 seconds left in the second period, a goal which seemed to give them some momentum coming out for the third. Kelssek struggled to get out of their zone for much of the third period and Donovan must take a lot of credit for holding off the barrage. Forced to pull the goalie, it was still rough going before Dylan Saranack's smart interception let him through for an empty net goal. Such was the pressure Srednjaci had applied it still came as a relief when Erkka Roord made sure with another one.

Head coach Darren Duncan said he expected their opponents to come out strong after the way the second period ended. "It's always a momentum thing when teams get a goal at the end of the period like that. We needed to play smart and disciplined, and I know the shot clock looks bad, but we kept them to the outside and limited the high danger chances, we got some very focused and top-tier goaltending from Bradley, and in the end we deserved to win the game."

by **Valanora** » Tue Jun 07, 2022 9:45 pm

All players and team strive to be the best, if there was not that drive to be the best that you could be then why would you even be participating in competitions in the first place? Yet when you dig a little deeper, there is something more to it when it comes to Vanorian teams and athletes and the pursuit of that excellence that is needed and comes with the territory of being the very best in a given league, competition, or the sport as a whole. There is much talk about the likes of the footballer Laborious Hawk and his insane work ethic and the alleged pursuit of a perfection that can never truly be achieved, whether that sort of mentality and the working towards it is in fact something that is healthy and to be replicated. Hawk obviously is an extreme example of this but he seems to represent a greater insight into the mindset of athletes born in the Empire as well as those who end up spending long periods of there time in it, as they adjust to and take on the mentality of their surroundings. There is an elevated sense that a hard pursuit of betterment is needed and admired, to always be looking for ways to improve yourself and/or those around you.

That being the case, the perplexing problem comes when those teams and athletes reach the pinnacle of success and what they can achieve, where then does the fall take them and is there a way to remedy the eventual emotional and mental toll that will come with an inevitable decline or apathy from having achieved all that can be achieved. It is a hypothesis that has been put on the table by a handful of people who are trying to explain how both the Marauders and the Calcuttas reached the top of their respected sports for long durations and have seemingly been able to capture that same sort of focus or to replicate the same level of dominance that was once in their grasp. This can extend further still towards the club competitions as well, where once the Elven Hockey League was the most dominant force in the Hockey Champions' League, to where now it is seemingly a shadow of itself or where Raynor City United who is supposedly the best club in all of football finished dead last in their Champions League group and third in the one previous to that.

Is the psyche of the Vanorian athlete fragile after it has reached the pinnacle, are they susceptible to complacency that eventually leads to degradation of skill and tenacity? There is also the question of expectation, as it is generally accepted that the fanbases of the respective national teams seem to have this deep held belief that success is right for the Vanorian national team programs. While Vanorian athletes are tremendously skill and often are considered among some of the best in their sports, there is work to be done to earn success and while Vanorian athletes and teams are putting in that work, so are all of their foes that are trying to achieve the very same thing that our own teams are attempting to. There are few nations who could boast such lofty expectation of their teams in nearly every single competition that they enter in a variety of sport and yet it is because of vast success in the past in these sports and competition that the bar is lofted as high as it is and why the fanbases have a certain right to believe that success should be on the cards regardless of whom is on the teams or who the competition is.

Teams and athletes alike are going to have a bad day or game, nobody is able to be perfect at all times and in all situations. The teams that win international tournaments routinely have had instances where they have failed to get the desired result and yet still in the end they have found a way to overcome those poor outings and still win the competition. This is where resiliency and a steely resolve comes in handy, something that which is not easily measured until you are in adverse circumstances already and they are needed the most. Even then, in some circumstances an athlete or team will be able to steel themselves and move forward, overcoming whatever adversity has been placed before them, but there are times where they are not able to for whatever reason. Results are not singular won or lost by the effort of one player or team, there is a myriad of circumstances that are part of the equation of the fixture and why certain events play out the way they do. Knowing this, still we know that Vanorian teams have a certain edge and desire for that betterment and pursuit of being the best. Is it healthy, is it wise to encourage? Currently it is unclear and will often depend upon your own perspective, as things of this nature are often subjective and speculative. Better still to just sit back and enjoy the performance of the team, rooting them on and hoping for it all to come good when the final whistle is blown.

by **StrayaRoos** » Tue Jun 07, 2022 10:56 pm

GoalTenders
01:Roberto Suyia,23,Pale State
02:Jack Vica,20,Panem State

Defencemen
03:Luke Jiaku,30,Duomji United HC (StrayaRoos Barrier Islands)
04:Hamish Jiaku,23,Pale State
05:Aaron Subban,20,South Island Hockey (StrayaRoos Barrier Islands)
06:Adam Seider,15,Panem U17s (StrayaRoos U17)

Forwards
07:Jack Coalaj,19,South Island Hockey (StrayaRoos Barrier Islands)
08:Tim Hughes,30,Circunses HC
09:Chandler Marchessault,21,Pale State
10:Jonathan Stephenson,19,North Archipelago Rebels (StrayaRoos Barrier Islands)
11:Seth Debrincap,33,North Archipelago Rebels (StrayaRoos Barrier Islands)
12:Alex Jones,16,Duomji United HC (StrayaRoos Barrier Islands)

Stadium

Jol Arena (17,000) in Eay,StrayaRoos

Kit

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my Scorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP Injuries to my Players: No
Godmod Injuries to my Players: No
Godmod Other Events: Yes

Style Modifier:4

by **Le Choix** » Tue Jun 07, 2022 11:27 pm

WCoH 45 MD1: Le Choix 8-2 Tralfamdore
NAT   1  2  3  |  T
LCX   4  2  2  |  8
TFM   0  0  2  |  2
Goals: Forton (4),Valliere (2), Magnier (1), Hedin (1)
Assists: Tourigney (3), Magnier (2)
MVP: RW Prewitt Forton (4 Goals)
Summary: La Lumière win comfortably against unranked Tralfamdore, with Prewitt Forton scoring four goals and Heloise Tourigny getting three assists. Mathias Adnet gave up two goals on penalty kills, but the Chosen had gotten too big of a lead by then, as they were given up at the end of the game.
Next Game: vs. Snow and Ice Caps (0-0-0-1)

by **Gyatso-kai** » Wed Jun 08, 2022 1:06 am

.:: The “Mine of Bifurr” Arena, Selfoss, Isstrǫnd County, Arendalle ::.
2245 hours local time, 2 May 2022.2

In the frigid north, your future lies.

The town of Selfoss was indeed the frigid north, though for Hosaka Severii, it could stand to be a bit colder. He was the son of a Water Tribeswoman and a Fire National man, and having grown up in the northern province of Kiwatik, he had grown accustomed to frigid times, even into the late spring. Though now, Hosaka knew that back at his family’s home the weather was warming and the last of the season’s snow would have melted in all lands below the River Simmik; even in the lower mountains, the snow would remain for several more weeks until summer would see the currents in the Dyrcordkai Sea shift to bring warmer water to Kiwatik’s coastline.

And Selfoss sits further north. I still have to wear two layers when I walk around our house.

Selfoss was by no means a small town; while not the capital of the County, it was the largest town. It was home to a few colleges – Selfoss Provincial, Her Majesty’s Culinary Academy at Selfoss, Her Majesty’s Maritime College, for example – and was a deep-water port which served as a vital link between Arendalle and Gyatso-kai. The airport was where Hosaka had first flown in after the agreement was made between the Avatarian Hockey League of Gyatso-kai and the Imperial Hockey Association of Arendalle; where fanfare by the local team, the Selfoss Miners, had welcomed Hosaka as if he were a conquering hero returning from war. The mascot for the Miners – a teal and orange dwarf known as Bifurr – had given him a golden hockey stick and a pickax to wield… something that the team apparently awarded the best player of each home game.

Not that there were many…

Unlike the AHL, the IHA was significantly smaller; with just eight teams vying for the championship, teams played four games against each other for a thirty-two game season that lasted mere months. Hosaka felt the season was too short, and he found himself significantly less exhausted after the end of his first season away from Gaoling. The Miners went 22-3-7, making the playoffs for the first time, but had an early exit with a 4-2 series in the semifinals against the Isarendal Jarls, who would later sweep the finals 4-0 against the Jotuns of Hœnvinriva. Hosaka had spoke with his former coaches when he returned to Republic City for the training camps for the National Team: Worried he would be at a disadvantage to his AHL brethren, Hosaka endured a three-week training before trials began. He was pleased to discover he was still in great shape following the shortnened IHA seasoned. He fought hard during trials, and much to his own surprise, he made it back on the first line with Song Unataq and the newcomer Barc’ay Godorow.

Godorow… Spirits above, I hated him whenever we faced Itakawai…

Godorow was an impressive player; four years Hosaka’s senior, he had done amazingly well under the banner of the Lightning. Graduating from the University of Enceri, Godorow was drafted in the second round by Itakawai, and spent the better part of his developmental years in the GHL – the second-tier Gyatso-kai Hockey League – with the affiliate of the Lightning, the Adirolf Thunder. He had been their captain in his final year before being called up to Itakawai, where he championed the third line during Itakawai’s last two Kuruk Cup championships before the emergence of the Omashu Badgermoles. In the last couple years, his stock had risen, and in the last negotiation, Godorow earned quite the increase in pay, and thanks to his performance during the World Cup championship run for the Ice Bisons , he had managed to earn a top spot in the first line.

I’ll enjoy getting to know him better on the same side of the puck this campaign…

by **Graintfjall** » Wed Jun 08, 2022 5:09 am

Selection of articles from Græntfjaller news media.

Edgy return for rusty Ice Wolves

Ice Wolf Pack vow not to be overshadowed by ‘the other’ World Cup

Financial liberalization on the agenda as government preps for new legislative agenda

by **Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland** » Wed Jun 08, 2022 5:11 am

MD2 cutoff

Group 1
Tralfamdore 4–4 Huayramarca (4–5 OT)
Sainterris 2–7 Elejamie
Le Choix 1–0 Snow and Ice Caps

  Group 1                                  Pld    W  OTW  OTL    L   GF   GA   GD  Pts 
1 Elejamie                                   2    2    0    0    0   12    5   +9    6
  Le Choix                                   2    2    0    0    0    9    2   +7    6
3 Sainterris                                 2    1    0    0    1    6    8   −2    3
4 Huayramarca                                2    0    1    0    1    8    9   −1    2
5 Tralfamdore                                2    0    0    1    1    6   13   −7    1
6 Snow and Ice Caps                          2    0    0    0    2    1    5   −4    0

Group 2
Ko-oren 4–0 -Anthor-
TJUN-ia 5–1 Efnakia
Commonwealth of Baker Park 1–6 The Cordian Isles

  Group 2                                  Pld    W  OTW  OTL    L   GF   GA   GD  Pts 
1 Ko-oren                                    2    2    0    0    0    6    0   +6    6
  The Cordian Isles                          2    2    0    0    0   10    2   +8    6
3 -Anthor-                                   2    1    0    0    1    2    5   −3    3
  TJUN-ia                                    2    1    0    0    1    6    5   +1    3
5 Commonwealth of Baker Park                 2    0    0    0    2    1    8   −7    0
  Efnakia                                    2    0    0    0    2    2    7   −5    0

Group 3
Srednjaci 4–5 Illdonya
Kriegiersien 3–0 Strayan Rus
Kelssek 2–4 Gyatso-kai

  Group 3                                  Pld    W  OTW  OTL    L   GF   GA   GD  Pts 
1 Gyatso-kai                                 2    2    0    0    0    8    4   +4    6
2 Illdonya                                   2    1    1    0    0    9    7   +2    5
3 Kelssek                                    2    1    0    0    1    7    6   +1    3
  Kriegiersien                               2    1    0    0    1    5    4   +1    3
5 Strayan Rus                                2    0    0    1    1    3    7   −4    1
6 Srednjaci                                  2    0    0    0    2    6   10   −4    0

Group 4
Valanora 3–3 Tjorl (1–2 SO)
Khacia 2–0 Macbon
Trolleborg 2–1 Delaclava

  Group 4                                  Pld    W  OTW  OTL    L   GF   GA   GD  Pts 
1 Tjorl                                      2    0    2    0    0    7    5   +2    4
2 Valanora                                   2    1    0    1    0    6    4   +2    4
3 Trolleborg                                 2    1    0    0    1    2    4   −2    3
4 Delaclava                                  2    1    0    0    1    8    5   +3    3
5 Khacia                                     2    1    0    0    1    5    7   −2    3
6 Macbon                                     2    0    0    1    1    2    5   −3    1

Group 5
Huron League 3–3 Bendicion (4–3 OT)
Ranoria 1–0 Gatchingerrak Union
Græntfjall 3–0 Eshialand (scorinated by Tumbra)

  Group 5                                  Pld    W  OTW  OTL    L   GF   GA   GD  Pts 
1 Græntfjall                                 2    2    0    0    0    5    0   +5    6
  Ranoria                                    2    2    0    0    0    5    2   +3    6
3 Gatchingerrak Union                        2    1    0    0    1    5    5    0    3
4 Huron League                               2    0    1    0    1    4    5   −1    2
5 Bendicion                                  2    0    0    1    1    7    9   −2    1
  Eshialand                                  2    0    0    0    2    2    7   −5    0

Group 6
Lisander 2–2 Banija (2–3 OT)
Quebec and Shingoryeo 7–6 Greater Cebu
Minnkota 2–3 HUElavia

  Group 6                                  Pld    W  OTW  OTL    L   GF   GA   GD  Pts 
1 Banija                                     2    1    1    0    0   11    3   +8    5
  Quebec and Shingoryeo                      2    1    1    0    0   13   11   +2    5
3 HUElavia                                   2    1    0    1    0    8    8    0    4
4 Minnkota                                   2    0    1    0    1    8    8    0    2
5 Lisander                                   2    0    0    2    0    7    9   −2    2
6 Greater Cebu                               2    0    0    0    2    7   15   −8    0

Group 7
Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland 3–3 StrayaRoos (0–1 SO) (scorinated by Tumbra)
Sudilia 3–5 Mercedini
Oateria 2–3 Savojarna

  Group 7                                  Pld    W  OTW  OTL    L   GF   GA   GD  Pts 
1 Mercedini                                  2    2    0    0    0   13    6   +7    6
2 StrayaRoos                                 2    1    1    0    0    8    3   +5    5
3 Sudilia                                    2    1    0    0    1    5    5    0    3
4 Savojarna                                  2    1    0    0    1    3    4   −1    3
5 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland   2    0    0    1    1    6   12   −6    1
6 Oateria                                    2    0    0    0    2    2    7   −5    0

Group 8
Bollonich 5–2 Caplostein
Vilita and Turori 4–6 Sarzonia
Canadian Dominion 3–6 Nova Anglicana

  Group 8                                  Pld    W  OTW  OTL    L   GF   GA   GD  Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana                             2    2    0    0    0   10   5   +5    6
  Sarzonia                                   2    2    0    0    0   13    7   +6    6
3 Bollonich                                  2    1    0    1    0    9    7   +2    4
4 Canadian Dominion                          2    0    1    0    1    8   10   −2    2
5 Caplostein                                 2    0    0    0    2    5   12   −7    0
  Vilita and Turori                          2    0    0    0    2    6   10   −4    0

by **Gyatso-kai** » Wed Jun 08, 2022 1:25 pm

.:: The “Mine of Bifurr” Arena, Selfoss, Isstrǫnd County, Arendalle ::.
2250 hours local time, 2 May 2022.2

It’s awfully late… those negotiations took too long…

Hosaka Severii walked out of the back entry of the Mine of Bifurr Arena in Selfoss, another day spent in a suit rather than in a hockey kit. It was not his usual role – he was not a Captain for the Selfoss Miners, the Imperial Hockey Association of Arendalle – yet, it was his new role as the elected the Player Representative for the Avatarians Abroad Players Association. As such, Hosaka was very involved in the continued mission of the joint AHL-IHA deal to bring more Avatarian players over from Gyatso-kai in an attempt to expand the fledgling IHA, while also providing developmental opportunities for native Arendallish players in the much-more advanced AHL. Sure, Hosaka did not need to sit in on these meetings – listening to General Managers sell themselves to any Avatarian player they were attempting to lure away from the much-more-lucrative AHL. But, as one of the twenty players that had made the initial jump after the 2022.1 AHL Season, he was in a unique position to help these players chart the uncharted.

I mean, besides the awesome colors of the sweaters, what more do these guys want, Hosaka laughed, thinking of the green, purple, and gold of the Miner’s kit.

Yet here Hosaka was, strolling through the parking lot of the arena that his IHA team called home, and his mind had already wandered from the office back to the ice. Just weeks away from the start of the World Cup, Hosaka was already wondering just how well the next campaign would go for the Ice Bisons. He had grown accustomed to life up here in Selfoss, and other than the training camps in Republic City, he had not returned to Gyatso-kai since the trade. He missed home, and relished the opportunity to spend a week back there before travelling to the host nation. While he was experiencing the unique ‘thrill’ of playing abroad, it was important for him to remember that he was not the first Avatarian player to be sent off to a foreign land: His childhood favorite player Ishida Arnook had spent several successful seasons abroad in Cotedelapoms playing for the Albionpool Oak Leafs, along with Ko Piando at the St-Fortunat Saints and Feng Tao in the Ile-d’Elisabeth Osprey club. The fact that he had two of those three players as coaches on the national team, and all three of them on speed dial now, was not lost on Hosaka. He often wondered how the AHL would have developed had more and more players gone abroad; before The Silence there had been talk of the AHL allowing foreign-born players to come over and play in the AHL, and even establish relations with several major hockey national leagues throughout the multi-verse. Of course, that all was placed on hold, but now, nearly fifteen ji later, the National Sports Council had signed an agreement to help develop the IHA through player and staff exchanges. Along with Hosaka, over twenty other players of varying skill degrees had been ‘traded’ to IHA teams – one of his teammates, Go’shank Merli, had been traded from Kyrimorut to play with him in Selfoss – and they had helped bring quite a few Avatarian fans with them.

Even ASPN was showing IHA games… In primetime no less…

As he reached for his keys and approached his vehicle – luckily Arendalle drove on the right just as they did in Gyatso-kai – Hosaka wondered where the team would draw for the World Cup. He had hoped for a better schedule of games; double round-robins to spend more time with his teammates that he had missed while in Arendalle. However, the World Cup of Hocket Federation had announced that the host would be having single-round tournaments in groups of six, which meant five matchdays for the tournament qualification round. Not ideal… thought Hosaka opening the door of his ID.8 and sitting inside. He looked to his phone for the first time since he had left the offices within the arena and sighed;

A missed call? Better return it, Hosaka smiled before tapping the CALL button. A few rings later, and a very familiar voice was on the other line.

Góðan daginn Severii.

“Su cuy mhi cyar’ika. You summoned?”

The voice on the other end laughed at the sound of Mando’a, as well as the pet name for “sweetheart”, and Hosaka smiled.

I was just calling to see when you’d be home for dinner, the voice said, and Hosaka could hear his partner on the other end fidgeting with something metal. Probably a mixing bowl or something…

”I’m pulling out of the Mine now, Freyjia,” Hosaka said, placing the phone in his lap as he drove. He listened as Freyjia went on about her day and what her plans for dinner were as he weaved through traffic and thought back to how he had met Freyjia; back in the AOHC during the AOlympics Winter Festival, Freyjia Gurdrnsdottir had started off as the third on the Avatarian Curling delegation, and soon became a good luck charm for the team. First seen by Hed Torvik in the stands during the first match of the tournament, it was noticed she was at every game the Ice Bisons won. In her second game, Song Unataq – whose jersey she wore – tossed her a puck, and in her third appearance before the semifinal victory of the Squornshelan Remnant States, she had been invited back to the locker room post-game. Which, of course, was where Hosaka first met her. Her knowledge of the Avatarian nations was very impressive – of course, her father being Mandalorian certainly helped her recognise Hosaka’s family sigil when she came in after the team had already washed and changed. Unfortunately, do to schedule conflicts, Freyjia missed out on the Finals matchup.

A good thing… Losing to a new team in their first tournament… damn ‘Cinderella’ stories…

At the final medal ceremony celebration, Hosaka had been pushed by Hed to ask Freyjia for her contact information, and it might have taken a bit more than a shove from “The Mandalorian Shield” to get Hosaka moving – the big goon practically dragged Freyjia over to talk to me, and forced us together – and when the opportunity came down from the National Sports Council, Hosaka took it as a sign to take a ji-long relationship and move it up a step. He purchased a house on the outskirts of Selfoss, knowing he would be in Arendalle for at least five ji, and asked Freyjia if she wanted to move in with him. ‘A bit fast for an Avatarian’ Freyjia said; compared to the Arendallish cultural norm of going from ‘dating’ to ‘engaged’ within a matter of months, Hosaka had waited an entire ji before making the move. ‘By this point we should be divorced,’ Freyjia joked with him at the time, and still she laughed whenever she brought up how they met.

But either way, I’ve got to start this kel’shopak if its going to be ready when you come home. I don’t need anything from the store, but if you want to get anything else, might be a good idea to stop.

“Okay, cyar’ika. I’ll probably just head home. I really want to get out of this suit.”

You didn’t wear your armor?

“No,” Hosaka sighed as he got off the highway. ”Brisenson thought it might be a bit too aggressive for such a ‘casual meeting’, as he described it.”

Oh, you’ll have to tell me all about it when you get home. Vertu sæll, Sev.

The call ended, and Hosaka just laughed. Another cultural difference between Arendalle and Gyatso-kai. No lengthy ending conversation, no waiting for the other party to say goodbye. Just a quick statement, the traditional “Vertu sæll” and the phone call ending.

Have to admire the frankness of it all…

Word Cup of Hockey 45 Matchday 02: Kelssek 2 - 4 GYATSO-KAI
NAT   1  2  3  |  T
KSK   2  0  0  |  2
GKI   1  1  2  |  4
Goals:
-Song (3) [Godorow (1), Hed (2)] (1st, 17:40)
-Song (4) [Kil'or (2)] (2nd, 03:22)
-Hosaka (2) [Song (2), Degour (1)] (3rd, 9:45)
-Hed (2) [Ming (1)] (3rd, 18:56) [EN]
Stars:
First Star: Song Unataq (2G, 1A, 19:03 TOI)
Second Star: Hed Torvik (1G, 1A, 18:30 TOI)
Third Star: Ming Zhanshi (36 SA, 34 SV, 0.944 SV%)
Summary: Despite falling behind 2-nil going into the final three minutes of the first, the Ice Bisons were able to mount a comeback, shutting down the Kelssek offence for over 43 minutes, and with four unanswered goals, gave the Ice Bisons their second win of the tournament.
Next Game: Matchday 03 vs Srednjaci₄₂ [(0-0-1-1), 1 pt]

by **TJUN-ia** » Wed Jun 08, 2022 4:12 pm

After The Cordian came back and tore us a new one on Opening Day, the Ice Jaguars of TJUN_ia knew that they had only 4 games to bounce back from that loss and try to advance into the knockout rounds of this WCoH. The ice of the Doppeleissportzgortzeinkellerhall needs to be a place where we can be successful and everyone knew that this would be the least that this old guard deserved. Ølson Rasmussen knew that fact too, knew he would be under pressure to treat them well on this final ride, so bouncing back from that 4-1 defeat was certainly crucial.

Our 2nd opponents in Neuntal would be debutants Efnakia, who were respectable in their opening game and were looking for a similar result here. Ssuksuk Kakol, the team's backup goalie, is also acting as their head coach and while he's certainly doing a great job with what he has, maybe he would've wished that he was out on the ice instead of on the sidelines. Efnakia did take the lead in this game, Kem Taffnou Ccabekso - The Swift Blades - taking the early advantage through Daksa Kamorbuf, but then the Ice Jaguars came roaring back. Julian Visipils was our goalscoring king once more, with a hat trick that felt very sentimental and could be one of the last he ever pulls off. Teemu Pukaninen and Viktor Orban were the other goalscorers in a 5-1 win, the best result we can muster in a situation such as this.

1-1 is certainly a better record than 0-1, but we have to keep this up for everyone's sake. The team we are tied with for 3rd in the group, -Anthor-, will be up next - a crucial game for us all in this regard. GO JAGS!

SCHEDULE (Group 2, all matches at Doppeleissportzgortzeinkellerhall, Neuntal, Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland)
MD1: vs The Cordian Isles (25) L 1-4 (T-4th)
MD2: vs Efnakia (UR) W 5-1 (T-3rd)
MD3: vs -Anthor- (74)
MD4: vs Ko-oren (6)
MD5: vs Commonwealth of Baker Park (UR)

by **Sainterris** » Wed Jun 08, 2022 7:43 pm

❁ Blossoming Empire of Sainterris ❁ | ❁ Ntaitora Toemma / National Team ❁ | ❁ Current Year: 1975 ❁

A small empire in the multiverse, but huge as one in the Kwandoan continent, it was unbelievable that a proud nation in Sainterris had signed up for only the most recent junior hockey competition and in the scheme of things their first participation in a sporting event ever. This is because of a preconception where people who have visited the country on it's edges noted proud behavior from natives and from this, folks would be thinking that if Sainterrisiots were so proud of themselves they'd ought to have a sporting establishment by now. Fotios Jill Bubu reinforced this stereotype by introducing to Sainterris and the multiverse the strong-willed hockey institution of HAoS (Hockey Association of Sainterris) which owned it's philosophy, and proud, competitive youngsters who did take themselves to the Quarter Finals after going oh and three to start and dispatching Quebec and Gergary in Ro20 and Ro16 matches respectively. Romane Ride, Janile̊ Brilloe Doe Ijosia, Selayah Rubono, Daijour Dayune̊, and Zalie Puda Soguere move up a token into the HOCKEY WORLD CUP from the World Junior Championships.

Player                                  #          Pos         Ht          Wt          Born          Birthplace                    G/D/F               Shoots/Catches
Neythan Benal Bafer                     25         X           5’6         184         1950-02-15    Dosse Seprere Mue Isa         G                   R
Jametra Trenouver                       1          X           5'11        102         1932-05-07    Dosse Seprere Mue Isa         G                   L
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Zalie Puda Soguere                      3          X           6'5         207         1950-02-04    Punomå Luo                    D                   L
Otakar Zaza Elle Mare                   4          X           5’2         195         1942-08-11    Cuno Toberia Luso             D                   R
Phenyx Be̊rer Bearde Doe Isker           7          X           5’10        180         1944-10-06    Samerella Nso Ima             D                   L
Arke̊ Roverler Doe Onseller              8          X           5’11        138         1937-12-06    Spira Buso-ia                 D                   L 
Martain Marakoz                         9          X           7’0         202         1941-02-03    Cuno Toberia Luso             D                   L
Cassade̊ Setoda Pudmat Fim Babo̊          14         X           5'1         175         1958-03-20    Hamna Sele Buso-A             D                   R
B.J. Lipol                              17         X           6’7         181         1952-10-31    Dosse Seprere Mue Isa         D                   R
Potvin Bakuarin Doe Campose             55         X           5’6         191         1934–11-19    Hamna Sele Buso-A             D                   L
Lethel Sifidom Fim Denku                77         X           5'9         156         1938-11-30    Purito Eye                    D                   L
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Romane Ride                             73         C           6’1         195         1950-06-09    Nitre Mopre Mue Imasso        F                   R
Ansis Belal Cather                      10         LW          5'4         200         1930-03-02    Samerella Nso Ima             F                   L
Olaiya Chedilow                         13         C           5’6         213         1952-05-11    Purito Eye                    F                   L
Janile̊ Brilloe Doe Ijosia               58         LW          6’0         194         1951-03-16    Nato Balisia Luo Imasso       F                   R
Rasaun Herin Doe Campose                14         RW          6’8         211         1934-07-08    Cuno Toberia Luso             F                   L
Daijour Dayune̊                          75         C           6'0         188         1951-09-04    Dossene Tone Doisa            F                   L
Nieck Nekefejapfu                       16         C           5’7         180         1947-08-31    Kuppaor                       F                   L
Shinnosuke Puntduller (A)               18         C           5'9         172         1933-11-05    Kunosbatuna Quira Toe Musa    F                   R
Selayah Rubono                          47         LW          5'9         181         1949-08-22    Dossene Tone Doisa            F                   R
Shemuel Andratox                        19         C           5'8         116         1946-05-19    Nato Balisia Luo Imasso       F                   L
Itzep Depbe Secoifs                     22         RW          6’11        161         1935-07-23    Dosse Seprere Mue Isa         F                   L
Noby Tyne Blow                          26         LW          5'6         199         1957-07-26    Spira Buso-ia                 F                   R
Fioretta Tepbu Iagino Fim Esazo         27         C           5'8         172         1944-10-23    Bubi Daroa                    F                   L
Hiler Maran Quiller                     28         C           5'10        103         1946–11-15    Dane Truisa                   F                   R
Mekih Gankaipu (C)                      41         RW          7'1         177         1930-03-13    Bideso Luer                   F                   R

Style M: +1.51

If my opponent RPs first, they may:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes.
Godmod scoring events: Go all out!
Injure my players: You can certainly injure or kill these players if you want to, a replacement will be made instantly.
Godmod injuries: Yes.
Penalise my players: No more than five penalties.
Eject my players: Yes.
Godmod other events: Yes, as long as you think these events contribute to your roleplay.

World Cup 81/82/83/84

© Sporting Times Daily 2022
Elks look for answers against Efnakia
by David Dahl, National Hockey Editor

Heading into their third game in the World Cup of Hockey against fellow winless side Efnakia, the Baker Park National Hockey Team are looking to find some consistency to build on after managing just a single goal scored in the first two games against Ko-oren and The Cordian Isles in Group 2 here in Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland.

While the Ko-oren game was a strong showing against one of the best teams in the tournament, the following defeat to the Cordians was a stark lesson in how wide the gulf of competitive quality of the CHA to other nation's domestic play actually is.

Head Coach Rich Wainwright discussed the obstacles that the team have discovered while here in S&WR.
"Paul (Gomez, head coach of Lima Chargers, which defeated Wainwright's Ocean Zephyrs in the CHA Cup Finals) and I were watching the Efnakia game (a TJUN-ia 5–1 win over Efnakia) live, and we kept looking over at one another in shock. We have such high minded ideas of what our league is supposed to be, and this game we're watching is so much faster. We've got a lot of catching up to do."

Asked what he thought could be done in the near term to counter the disadvantages they would have to cope with for the rest of the tournament, the coach admitted he would have to adapt on a game by game basis.
"We really did pretty well on the deep forecheck against (Ko-oren), but that really wasn't a very good way to attack Cordia. So we'll try to open up the middle and work our way through center ice, get a sense of the Efnakian skating. I expect we'll be making period by period adjustments to how we play the remaining three teams on the schedule."

by **HUElavia** » Thu Jun 09, 2022 6:40 am

Minnkota 2–3 HUElavia
(1-1, 1-1, 0-1)
Green Bay City Hall, Lahnshafen, Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland

Post-Game Questions

Assistant: Coach Mateo Rossi will now begin to take your questions.

Reporter: Good evening Coach Rossi, it's Danila Padilha Teixeira from "Slapshot!", how are you feeling after tonight's game?

Rossi: Good evening Ms. Padilha, I'm more content with the result this time around. Compared to the first game, we managed to hold out with getting an important late goal from Castilho to prevent yet another overtime, and we had a solid game on the attack.

Reporter: And what about the defense and goaltending?

Rossi: Well, we're still having the issue with hemorrhaging goals during our games, which it's been an issue for years now. There is room for improvement, but we cannot let ourselves expect that we will always get many goals whenever we're tied or we're behind in a game. We'll just have to continue practicing until we can put it into good use on the rink and make defensive stops. Plus, we are dealing with youngsters who are getting their first starts in multiversal competition, so it'll take time for them to feel comfortable during their playing time.

Reporter: Thank you for your answers.

Reporter 2: Good evening Mr. Rossi, it's Francisco Racionero from Xports, how are you feeling about the upcoming match against Lisander?

Rossi: Good evening Mr. Racionero, I'm feeling optimistic for the upcoming game. Up to now, we haven't seen any sort of info on the players or style of play, so we'll have to see come game time on who shows up and we can work from there. While the opening loss against Quebec and Shingoryeo was pretty tough to swallow, the team is beginning to show more confidence and positivity in their play and I'm feeling like we can get a win and keep pace for a possible spot in the Knockouts.

Reporter 2: Thank you Mr. Rossi, I appreciate the sentiment.

Reporter 3: Hello Coach Rossi, it's Virginie Bougie from Le But, would you say that this upcoming game is a big rivalry game against Lisander?

Rossi: Personally, I don't think this game has the same kind of hype it had roughly 30-35 years ago. Back then, HUElavia and Lisander would meet in different sports, especially in Futsal where they met each other in all three Finals of the NS Futsal World Cup. Not to mention, HUElavia's original run in the IAC knockouts began with a Round-of-16 game against Lisander, most people who were alive back then would remember that. Today though, it's been many years since these teams have met in a truly big competition, so I don't expect it to be as hardcore as the rivalry is with the likes of Squidroidia, TJUN-ia, Quebec and Shingoryeo or Drawkland.

Reporter 3: Thank you for the response Coach Rossi, I hope you can give a good game.

Reporter 4: Good evening Mr. Rossi, it's Junichi Nagase from Goaru Shimbun, how are you enjoying your time in the country so far?

Rossi: Good evening Mr. Nagase, I'd say that I like the country so far. The weather is pretty cold compared to the more elevated regions in HUElavia. The weather is ideal though for the players to practice outside, especially since you'd never see that back home due to the humidity and heat, it's always indoors training for the team. Although, it's nice to see we got placed in the "Summer Town" of the country for this group stage. As for the people, the team enjoys their friendliness, which we help them out by getting some food there, keep things clean and enjoy a bit of the local attractions. Of course, we take the tournament seriously, but these kinds of competitions allow us to enjoy the host nation and take in a different culture to our own.

Reporter 4: Thank you Mr. Rossi, I appreciate your answer.

Rossi: Any more questions? No? Well, thank you to you guys who questioned me, I look forward to coming back here and hopefully giving you guys a great game coming up.

World Cup of Hockey 45 [RPs/results]

Puck Watch!: Not The Best Of Starts

CD News Sorce: Shoot-Out win!

Puck Watch!: A Good Bounceback Win

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