World Cup of Hockey 47 || Everything Thread

by **Huron League** » Tue Dec 20, 2022 7:45 pm

going slightly out of order because i was stupid

GOALTENDING BATTLE AGAINST ATHEREA ENDS IN A HURONIAN SHOOTOUT WIN

Our prediction going in: HUR 2-1 ATH
FINAL SCORE: ATH 0-0 (0-2) SO HUR

In an intense battle between two mid-ranked teams, Huron League and Atherea duked it out without any score for 3 periods plus overtime, but a shutout performance from Barnum Cavalier through the shootout and two shootout goals from Arlo Archambault and Milo Armstrong put Huron League over the top. Atherean goaltender Tristen Van Collaster played a stellar game, blocking all 42 shots he faced in regulation and overtime. Similarly, Barnum Cavalier on the Huronian side allowed nothing on 33 shots. In the end, Cavalier had the easier time in the shootout, as Atherea's defensive team could not beat the goalie 1-on-1, while Huron League is known for it's offensive skill. Shutting down Huron League through three periods plus overtime is no small task, but the defensive Atherean delegation did just that, allowing Huron League just 2 points and keeping one for themselves. Falker Van Thierredot came closest to scoring in regulation for Atherea, on a breakaway due to a defensive mistake at the blue line. Cameron Ellis, on an attempted pass from Jonas Hakinen, decided to skate outside of the zone, then, a few feet outside of the line, lightly pass the puck back in to Van Thierredot, who was covering Ellis. Ellis fell over, and left Van Thierredot to his own on a breakaway, which was stopped by a diving Cavalier. Penalties were light in this game, with just one going to Mikael Granslin for tripping. The call was the right one, but even so Granslin just had unlucky stick positioning. In the shootout, first up was Arlo Archambault, leading scorer for Huron League to this point. He skated in slow, weaving and stickhandling and trying to get into the goalie's head. As he reached the hashmarks, he quickly faked left then faked going right and tucked the puck just behind the diving Van Collaster. Vallagry went up first for Atherea, and attempted a shot from the top of the right faceoff circle that went just over the net. Next was the superstar from the Wickleigh Comets Arlen Kestrel. Known for his sharp shot, that tends to be his go-to in high-pressure situations like these. Unfortunately, his shot from the faceoff dot grazed the goalie's glove, which tipped it just enough to hit the post and bounce out. Next up for Atherea, Van Thierredot attempted a sneaky fivehole shot that Cavalier blocked. To finish off the night, Armstrong (famous for his shootout skill) scored from a nice move similar to Archambault's.

HURONIAN RECORD: 2-1-1-0

Assist Leaders
Arlo Archambault - 2
Milo Armstrong - 2
Lucas Jonsan - 2
Arlen Kestrel - 2
Bennett Smazing - 2

Goal Leaders
Arlo Archambault - 3
Theo Eaton - 2
Florian Garner - 2
Wil Antony - 1
Milo Armstrong - 1

Point Leaders
Arlo Archambault - 5
Milo Armstrong - 3
Arlen Kestrel - 3
Theo Eaton - 2
Florian Garner - 2

by **Patriotlandia** » Tue Dec 20, 2022 9:20 pm

Mountaineers play with fire and get burnt

Roland Leduc
Han Wavel, Han Dold

The Mountaineers were facing an old foe in Valanora last night, the two teams had last met during the 44th World Cup of Hockey where the teams had split their two meetings with a 6-3 win in favor of Valanora and a 3-2 win for the Mountaineers. The few returning players on either team seemed to recognize each other and exchange pleasantries during the warm-up period but both sets of players would go back to preparing for the game ahead.

Continuing on the offensive style that has defined the Mountaineers this edition of the WCoH, Patriotlandia came out of the gates flying. However their carefree attacking style soon caught up to them and left backup goaltender Frederic Dagenais all alone. Despite his best effort, the Bears goaltender was hung out to dry multiple times which saw the national fall behind 3-0 into the first intermission. The second period would see Cassandra Gaulin and Alphonse Tremblay score for the Mountaineers but Valanora would also score two to keep their lead intact going into the third period. Trying desperatly to tie the game, Patriotlandia scored on an impressive solo effort from Max Galant. The 30 year old showed he still had pace and flew down the left wing and beat Felix Bråten on the glove side. Camille Danault would then score to bring the game to a one goal lead but two late, one of those an empty netter, would seal the Mountaineers faith and hand them their first loss of the tournament.

The offensive play has been really impressive since Brent Calhoun took over, the Mountaineers have scored more so far in this tournament then in all their previous appearances combined. The downside has been that they have also allowed the most goal and this type of play is surely not viable if they want to reach the playoff stage of the tournament. One big part of the defensive plan for past edition of the national team was leader and goaltender Hervé Terellien, however, Hervé has been out with a lower body injury since the end of the PLH playoffs. He made a brief appearance in the first round before his team was eliminated by the Port-la-Ville Anchors. Not much has been heard but rumors are circulating that the injury could be career ending. Sources from around the league could not validate those claims but Flames fans are starting to worry especially with the new season being just around the corner.

Roland Leduc has travelled all the way to the Squornshelan Remnant States with AeroLandia. If you are looking to travel this holiday season, AeroLandia is here for you with flights from as low as ₱150. Book your seats and enter code "WCoH47" to get ₱47 off at check out.

by **Valanora** » Tue Dec 20, 2022 9:29 pm

The last two games for the Calcuttas have certainly been a big change of pace for the team and her fans after the opening two games where the team was sputtering offensively and had been forced into a defeat early on here in the group stages. Two goals from the first games had many wondering if the team was truly up to scratch and if they were missing the so called big stars from former teams who had been able to put the squad on their backs and will them towards results. This tournament was the first time in quite awhile that there was no obvious star that was set to fill that role and lead the team, especially compared to the last two or three tournaments where there was that definitive star of the team ready to lead and score a lot of goals. It is safe to say with fifteen goals from these last two matches that the team had certainly found that groove that they were missing from the opening two games and have definitely reinstated the confidence that might have been wavering among the fan support back in the Empire that this squad was worthy of the mantle of the national team.

Yet for all that success in finally finding their stride in the offensive third of the rink, the defensive lines have found themselves breached quite a bit as well, giving up ten of their eleven goals in the last two games including six in one game. The defense was supposed to have been heavily improved from the past two editions of the team and it had more than looked so in the first two games of the group, yet when the team found their scoring boots it seems to have come at the cost of defensive sturdiness. To truly be a great team the Calcuttas are going to have to find a way to find a balance between the two, not being so defensive that the forwards are left tracking back so much the offence suffers, but not so offensive that the defensive pairs are left out on islands against the opponents skill players and having to constantly be trying to defend against odd manned fast breaks. When the Calcuttas where in their championship form in the years past, they had been able to strike that delicate balance that has thus far been eluding them in the first half of the group stage.

In the positive news, those seven goals from the last time out came against then group leaders of Patriotlandia and enabled the Calcuttas to leapfrog over their opponents in the group table, but it is not all the way into first but only second in the table. That's because that the team from Ko-oren continue to find ways of getting wins even if it is far from the easiest sort of styles on the eyes, with their seven goals four and only two given up, one of those to the Calcuttas. The entire group still remains awfully tight through the halfway point of the competition and the team has to hunker down and concentrate on securing the points in front of them so that they can retain a spot that will enable to qualify for the knockout rounds. Though pride would say that it is far better to win the group, which is still an option on the table but reliant upon outside forces at this stage, securing the progression into the next round is all that truly matters at the end. Making into the knockouts is the goal as we all know about the potential for all sorts of interesting things that might occur once you do get into the latter stages of the competition. With the team looking to rebound from a bad tournament last time out and perhaps a slow start to this one, that need be their only focus for the time being.

by **Independent Athletes from Quebec** » Tue Dec 20, 2022 9:57 pm

Once you were high up, everything had come down to perception. Not only would a man flying on his own have a hard time figuring out how to move effortlessly from one space to another, but he would also be faced with difficulty to navigate himself.

This was very much the case for young Joon-Gweon. It was already difficult enough for him to make his way here, especially after a couple of failures just minutes earlier, and it was even more difficult for him to figure out on how to defeat the Sea Monster. At least he was able to keep on flying, for Joon-Gweon had enough energy to sustain and extend the original force of power that Isabel had managed to set up by altering the split-second matter in travelling back time.

Now my feet won’t touch the ground, thought he, as he followed the gigantic, buzzing energy oozing from the Sea Monster in approach. Joon-Gweon did not move very quickly, moving in a zig-zag motion to distract and not give away his exact trajectory. In the surrounding vicinities, there were debris of ships, building structures and floating rubbish, as they, almost as if functioning like magnets, had managed to find themselves bound towards him.

And the closer we get… Joon-Gweon could feel the heat of the said creature. Every now and then he had to stop, just so Joon-Gweon would be able to rethink the plan, and avoid overheating by running into the heat source that was the sea monster. After a while, he would notice that the closer he had gotten, the stronger the debris held onto him, almost as if the pieces, when collected into thousands and millions, were starting to bind its movements.

Those pieces are being put together to stop it from moving, Joon-Gweon noticed, a couple of hundred metres apart. Slowing down once again, he listened to how it breathed. The gargling sound of its breath, as it inhaled and exhaled back and forth, was deafening enough to muffle away the surrounding noise of the sea.

The clouds were more than enough to provide him with a disguise away from being directly noticed, but Joon-Gweon’s presence, no matter how miniscule or unassuming the teenager had tried to present himself as, was apparent enough.

To seek and to be sought, was on his mind. There was a minor rumble of its stomach that moved the monster to take a step forward. And then followed a strange silence that had established between them.

Then, to the next moment, came a sudden, sideway motion of the sea monster’s right arm. The snatch attempt, so powerful in ways it had come out of nowhere, that Joon-Gweon had found himself almost losing control and risking being pushed back several kilometres.

Joon-Gweon was caught mostly unaware and tried his best to turn around in circles but he too found himself on a different trajectory to regain control, as the Monster caught notice of him. Its eyesight was nowhere near where it once was, but still serviceable enough at close distance, the monster turned around and continued to throw more punches, trying to beat away the fly-like presence of Joon-Gweon buzzing around him.

by **Squornshelan Remnant States** » Tue Dec 20, 2022 10:06 pm

MD5 RP Cutoff

I can't deny that tonight's cutoff song is a banger of a hockey song, even though I despise the Boston Bruins.

Will advance to knockouts
Cannot Finish Top-4
Cannot advance to knockouts

Group A
Canadian Dominion 6–5 Juvencus
Gyatso-kai 5–2 Texas Jaguarundi
Golyna 6–6 Abanhfleft (3–1 SO)
Trolleborg 3–0 The Greater Onvares

Pos                           Pld   W  L OTW OTL  GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Gyatso-kai                    5   4  0  1   0   21   6 +15   14
2 Trolleborg                    5   4  0  0   1   10   2  +8   13
3 Golyna                        5   2  2  1   0   19  17  +2    8
4 Abanhfleft                    5   2  2  0   1   17  19  -2    7
5 Canadian Dominion             5   2  3  0   0   23  24  −1    6
6 Texas Jaguarundi              5   2  3  0   0   18  18   0    6
7 Juvencus                      5   1  4  0   0   14  19  −5    3
8 The Greater Onvares           5   1  4  0   0    9  19 -10    3

*Canadian Dominion ahead of Texas Jaguarundi on H2H, Juvencus ahead of The Greater Onvares on GD

Group B
Ko-oren 0–0 Medzhumoramia (1–0 OT)
Zelena Planina 0–0 Caribbia (0–1 SO)
Patriotlandia 1–3 Lacfroid
Katterimunk 4–8 Valanora

Pos                           Pld   W  L OTW OTL  GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Ko-oren                       5   3  0  2   0    8   2  +6   13
2 Valanora                      5   4  0  0   1   24  15  +9   13
3 Lacfroid                      5   3  2  0   0   12  13  -1    9
4 Patriotlandia                 5   3  2  0   0   25  24  +1    9
5 Medzhumoramia                 5   2  1  0   2   11  14  -3    8
6 Katterimunk                   5   1  3  1   0   15  18  -3    5
7 Caribbia                      5   0  4  1   0    6   9  −3    2
8 Zelena Planina                5   0  4  0   1   14  20  −6    1

*Ko-oren ahead of Valanora and Lacfroid ahead of Patriotlandia on H2H

Group C
Saperetia 0–1 Atheara
HUElavia 3–4 Arjunnagar
Vilita and Turori 0–3 Nova Anglicana
Huron League 5–5 C.D. Karegnondi Lodge (0–2 SO)

Pos                           Pld   W  L OTW OTL  GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana                5   4  1  0   0   18   8 +10   12
2 C.D. Karegnondi Lodge         5   2  1  2   0   15  10  +5   10
3 Huron League                  5   2  1  1   1   16  13  +3    9
4 Atheara                       5   2  1  1   1    6   4  +2    9
5 HUElavia                      5   2  3  0   0   16  21  -5    6
6 Saperetia                     5   1  3  1   0    6   8  −2    5
7 Vilita and Turori             5   1  3  0   1    9  15  −6    4
8 Arjunnagar                    5   1  2  0   2   10  18  -8    2

*Huron League ahead of Atheara on H2H

Group D
Cordia 6–3 Jedinsto
Lorenthia 0–0 United Penguin Commonwealth (2–1 SO)
Kimi-Suomi 0–0 Darkmania (2–0 SO)
TJUN-ia 8–4 Cassadaigua

Pos                           Pld   W  L OTW OTL  GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 TJUN-ia                       5   4  0  1   0   28  16 +12   14
2 Cordia                        5   4  0  0   1   29  17 +12   13
3 Jedinsto                      5   3  2  0   0   11  11   0    9
4 Kimi-Suomi                    5   2  2  1   0   12  13  -1    8
5 Darkmania                     5   2  2  0   1   12  11  +1    7
6 Cassadaigua                   5   2  3  0   0   23  27  -4    6
7 Lorenthia                     5   0  4  1   0   16  22  −6    2
8 United Penguin Commonwealth   5   0  4  0   1    6  19 −13    1

Group E
Banija 1–0 Evinea
I.A. Quebec 1–4 Madrinpoor
Mercedini 2–1 Eden and Cambersey
New Folgore 2–3 Squornshelan R.S. (scorinated by Tumbra)

Pos                           Pld   W  L OTW OTL  GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Mercedini                     5   4  0  1   0   24   9 +15   14
2 Squornshelan R.S.             5   2  0  2   1   12   9  +3   11
3 Eden and Cambersey            5   3  1  0   1   23  15  +8   10
4 Banija                        5   3  1  0   1   18  12  +6   10
5 Madrinpoor                    5   2  1  1   1   18  17  +1    9
6 I.A. Quebec                   5   1  4  0   0    5  10  -5    3
7 New Folgore                   5   0  4  1   0   10  23 −13    2
8 Evinea                        5   0  4  0   1   11  25 −14    1

*Eden and Cambersey ahead of Banija on H2H

Group F
Placely Placington 1–2 St Saratoga
Delaclava 3–6 Elejamie
Huayramarca 4–3 Lisander
Ile de Richelieu 6–6 Arctic Hockey Association (7–6 OT)

Pos                           Pld   W  L OTW OTL  GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Elejamie                      5   5  0  0   0   27   5 +22   15
2 Huayramarca                   5   4  0  1   0   20  14  +6   14
3 Delaclava                     5   2  2  1   0   19  19   0    8
4 Lisander                      5   2  3  0   0   15  18  -3    6
5 Placely Placington            5   2  3  0   0   15  18  -3    6
6 St Saratoga                   5   1  3  1   0    9  14  −5    5
7 Ile de Richelieu              5   0  2  1   2   19  23  −4    4
8 Arctic Hockey Association     5   0  3  0   2   14  27 −13    2

*Lisander ahead of Placely Placington on H2H

Group G
Furilisca 0–4 Græntfjall
Depivik 4–5 Sannyamathland
Oursberg 3–2 Tjorl
Dod Rava 2–4 Kelssek

Pos                           Pld   W  L OTW OTL  GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kelssek                       5   4  1  0   0   23  12 +11   12
2 Græntfjall                    5   4  1  0   0   22  12 +10   12
3 Tjorl                         5   3  2  0   0   15  14  +1    9
4 Sannyamathland                5   3  2  0   0   12  14  −2    9
  Oursberg                      5   2  1  1   1   19  21  −2    9
6 Dod Rava                      5   1  2  0   2   13  15   2    5
7 Furilisca                     5   0  4  1   0    3  11  -7    2
  Depivik                       5   0  4  1   0   20  27  -7    2

*Kelssek ahead of Græntfjall on GD, Tjorl ahead of Sannyamathland on H2H and Oursberg on GD, Sannyamathland-Oursberg and Furilisca-Depivik ties cannot be broken

by **Independent Athletes from Quebec** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 7:15 am

OOC: As most of you know I don't really RP the matches, and the host knows that I am running under shorter timeframe to continue RPing a storyline that involves an obscure part of his nation at some point. So consider this a post from the future.

Northern Calania Morning Post

Historically-worst IAQ side sunk underwater as their freighter is lost Squornshelan waters

Jean Martel

RENEEGRAD, CAPITALE-NATIONALE - A Quebecois freighter carrying a hockey national team capsized in middle of Squornshelan waters this morning.

About forty people are thought to have died, officials said, with two passengers missing and three others critically injured. Five passengers have been rescued by the nearby Squornshelan coast guard ships, who were immediately dispatched to the site, in the area.

The process is still underway to figure out the number of bodies that are being recovered from the site, with the mid-Spring weather and difficult conditions, combined with the presence of late sea ice off the northern shores of the northern Atlantian Oceania nation. Traditionally the waters on this part of the region is considered to be particularly cold in temperature, especially due to its proximity to the Blood Sea that separates it and southern Rushmore, and the low temperatures, combined with glaciers floating on the waters, have often made it difficult to travel or transport by waterways.

The freighter, which was travelling from Arkintoofle, Squornshelan Remnant States, to Joongyeong in Quebec and Shingoryeo, had rarely been used for passenger service outside of the transportation of its crew over the years. Officials are checking out the reports that the ship suffered engine fire, which had caused major panic among its passengers before it capsized.

The freighter, owned and operated by the Quebecois shipping company Screaming Eagle Ltd, was carrying 50 passengers according to the Ministry of Tranport in Joongyeong. More notably, the freighter was carrying the Independent Athletes from Quebec ‘Skate4Love’ hockey team who were on their way back home after a historically poor performance at the 47th World Cup of Hockey.

No press release has been made about the Grim Reapers, who have lost almost all their winnable matches and were out of contention very early on, with the Skate4Love team openly booed and thrown objects by the fans. Their performance is considered to be the one of the worst the nation has suffered in recent memory, with an equivalent performance dating back to the 23rd edition of the world championships over forty years ago.

Neither Hockey Quebec nor the World Cup of Hockey Federation, both based on 15 Inhyeon Street, Joongyeong, were able to be reached out by members of our staff.

by **Madrinpoor** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 11:30 am

_{NEWSLETTER EDITION | 日本語 | | ENG | | 中文 | 한국어}

MADRINPOOR HOCKEY HOPES ALIVE

ARKINTOOFLE — Madrinpoor's first ever World Cup of Hockey side STUNS the world — a 4-1 victory over the I.A.Q. without superstar Kanada Aoi turns heads. The Blue Fire scraped their way out of elimination at the bottom of World Cup of Hockey Group E with a surprising victory over the 18th-ranked team. That does not mean we have a clear path to the knockout round — far from it. Madrinpoor sits at the bottom of the five teams still able to advance, albeit only one point beneath the two teams ahead of it. This means the Madris NEED a win next week against Mercedini, sitting at the top of the group, and against the already eliminated New Folgore side the week after.

The most recent match saw a new starting line — Handa Hayai replaced Seo Yasuhiro on the left wing, to better create opportunities for the injured Kanada's replacement Yanagi Kazuhiko and leading scorer Yuno Rishi. Hayai, a hockey veteran and frequent partner of Kanada, was far better than Mr. Seo at "leading from the front" and assisting in attacks rather than attempting to score as much himself. Indeed, Mr. Handa did not score once this game, but he assisted in three of the goals.

ShotCloc™

PLAYERGAP
KANADA268
YANAGI246
YUNO505
HANDA134
SERGEYEV202

The scores came from Mr. Yanagi (P1 6:04) and Mr. Rishi (P1 8:45 and P2 18:00) in coordinated, well-planned attacks that suggest the line switches had been in place during practices since perhaps after the last match (a loss) against Banija; the I.A.Q. defense choked out many of the opportunities from the Blue Fire, but the offense faltered when attempting to score on the Madri goal. According to statistics, the puck had been on the side of the I.A.Q. for 84% of the match, and only on that of Madrinpoor for 12%. The I.A.Q.'s only goal came in the last six minutes of play, against a fourth-line Madri offense and a second-line defense. Madrinpoor's fourth point was a penalty shot by Shigomoto Minoru at 15:11 in the third period.

Notably, Mr. Seo did not play a single minute, only scowling from the bench. A (non-player) source we have confirmed that the team is being ROILED by internal drama behind the scenes. Our source would not explain what the drama is — only hinting that there were "physical fights" during practice and "it is unlikely [Mr. Seo] will ever play hockey for the Madrinpoor national team again...after what has been said" (Neither Mr. Seo, coach Luc Beauséjour, nor the Madrinpoor National Hockey Team would respond to a comment from MetroMadri). What does this mean for the future of the team? And can we pull off another miracle next week...at the most CRUCIAL time yet? •

_{READ ALSO: • Kanada Aoi Ruled "Out" For Match 6 Against Mercedini... • Investment Company PMX Goes Public... • Ichi Shaganashi Action Flick "Street War 3" breaks 4 Billion Yan Globally in First Weekend... •}

by **Dod Rava** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 2:29 pm

Is Król a better coach than Pasikonik?

After some success with the junior team, Król was promoted and now leads the senior team during the world cup. He has given them their first win ever, but is he really better than the previous coach, Damian Pasikonik? It is not possible for me to accurately compare the coaching abilities of Maciek Król and Damian Pasikonik. Both individuals may have different coaching styles and approaches, and their effectiveness as coaches could depend on a variety of factors, such as the level of play, the team they are coaching, and the specific goals and objectives they are working towards. We asked ex-national team player Henryk Gral for his thoughts.

I think that they both are on a similar level, but it is certainly an impressive accomplishment for a coach to lead a national team to their first win at a major international hockey tournament like the World Cup of Hockey. Such a feat would likely require a strong combination of coaching skills and strategic decision-making, as well as the ability to effectively motivate and lead a team of players at the highest level of competition. Pasikonik hasn't won a single game, but he drew three during our debut, and I don't think it was a bad result either. We'll give them both some time and see what they come up with.

(O.O) · by **TJUN-ia** » Thu Dec 22, 2022 11:06 am

After we took down undefeated Jedinsto to take the lead in the group, the Ice Jaguars of TJUN-ia were still undefeated and on track to make it into the knockout phase of this World Cup of Hockey...but things certainly weren't assured at all and nobody was about to assume anything was sewn up with 3 games to play. Ølson Rasmussen knew that his team had certainly played brilliant hockey thus far and many had taken note of that fact...but he also knew that all this attention puts a target on their backs and they have to make sure they fight for every point they can get. Chris Jeeves has certainly enjoyed what his team has managed to do thus far...but could that continue?

Our opponents today were undoubtedly familiar in the form of Cassadaigua, a team most famous back in TJUN-ia for beating us 14-2 in one of the biggest demolition jobs in WCoH history - and while we lost 1-0 in the rematch, we have never fully avenged that big blow. Maddie Tiriano's side, however, is still rebuilding from their Royally Imposed Exile and considering fucking Kimi-Suomi managed to beat them, everyone felt like we had a chance to pull something off...and we would certainly end up doing that. The first period was just fucking madness as an early goal from Crystal Shadrick was countered by 4, yes FOUR, goals as a brace from Lan Yih-Wen and goals from John Gallagher and Captain Jeeves turned this contest on its head. The 2nd period would be just as crazy, with a brace from Saffron Allen being countered by Hannah Regan and Julie Robinson. The 3rd would be the icing on the cake as while Regan got hr 2nd and the Dagans' 4th, a 2nd for Gallagher and a 1st for Fatma Alhaddad would put this game to bed and signify a historic 8-4 win. TJUN-ia had finally, after all this time, avenged 14-2...and with that, our position in the knockouts is secure.

Securing qualification with 2 games to go is certainly a job well done...but with seeding still to be decided, we don't want our final 2 games at Scolaidh Arena in Han Dold to go to waste. Up next will be Darkmania, our final ranked opponent who are currently 2-3. Being the first team to qualify from this group is brilliant...but we want more than that. GO ICE JAGS!

SCHEDULE (Group D, all games @Scolaidh Arena, Han Dold, Squornshelan Remnant States)
MD1: vs The Cordian Isles (2) W 5-5 [2-1 SO] (4th)
MD2: vs Lorenthia (82) W 5-3 (2nd)
MD3: vs Kimi-Suomi (41) W 6-3 (2nd)
MD4: vs Jedinsto (UR) W 3-1 (1st)
MD5: vs Cassadaigua (26) W 8-4 (1st/QUALIFIED)
MD6: vs Darkmania (53)
MD7: vs United Penguin Commonwealth (UR)

by **Kimi-Suomi** » Thu Dec 22, 2022 3:01 pm

After Cassadaigua was delivered a late sucker punch by us, the Leijonat of Kimi-Suomi were back to an even record and back in the hunt for a spot in the Knockouts of this WCoH. Hannes Lehtonen was certainly happy with how his team had fought from 1 goal down to beat the former 2-time champions...but he also knew that, with 3 games still to play, they had little time to celebrate their triumph. Captain Frans Seppälä was also happy with how well this team was climbing out of the hole...mutta tämä työ ei ollut vielä kaukana ja kaikki tiesivät sen.

Our opponents tonight would be #53 Pimeämaninen, or Darkmania to the English - who just so happened to be a direct rival of ours in the race to get into the knockouts. Both us and Danÿel Sëpeländ knew how big this game would be for both side's ambitions beyond this group stage and so, with that in mind, a defensive showdown would be played in Scolaidh Arena - and everyone in attendance certainly got their money's worth. Both starting goalkeepers, Lucas Tömmernes and Ërÿk Kälengöskop, would certainly be rock solid throughout most of this game, letting absolutely nothing go past them while the attacks kept on coming for 3 Periods and Overtime. We had a brawl in this contest, several penalties that both sides killed and a butt load of saves and rebounds...but nothing was getting through in regulation, or in OT at that. A Penalty Shootout sounded about right for this contest and while both goalies saved more shots here two, it would be Erik Ekman-Larsson who finally broke the deadline and when Tömmernes made yet another fucking save, it would end up being Marcus Rosenqvist who iced the game with a superb strike. This game was wrong and scoreless right up until the end...but it also was a fucking ice hockey classic and no one could really disagree with that sentiment.

Back-to-back wins mean our position in this group is looking better and better...but we cannot sit back and relax now. Games still need to be played after all and we cannot look back now. Up next will be the only group to be eliminated thus far in the form of Yhdistyneiden Pingviinien Kansainyhteisö, better known as the United Penguin Commonwealth. We must push on and considering we are facing the defending champions on the final day, tarvitsemme jokaisen pisteen jonka voimme saada. Vakavasti. NOSTA KUIN KARHUT!

SCHEDULE/AJOITTAA (Group D, all games @Scolaidh Arena, Han Dold, Squornshelan Jäännösvaltiot [Squornshelan Remnant States])
MD1: vs Lorenthinen [Lorenthia] (82) W 5-4 (3rd)
MD2: vs Jedinsto (UR) L 0-1 (5th)
MD3: vs JYK-inen [TJUN-ia] (13) L 3-6 (5th)
MD4: vs Cassadaigua (26) W 2-1 (5th)
MD5: vs Pimeämaninen [Darkmania] (53) W 0-0 (2-0 SO) (4th)
MD6: vs Yhdistyneiden Pingviinien Kansainyhteisö [United Penguin Commonwealth] (UR)
MD7: vs Cordianin Saaret [The Cordian Isles] (2)

by **Saperetia** » Thu Dec 22, 2022 6:22 pm

Back to old times?
Saperetia 0-1 Atheara

In the most recent match in the WCoH, Saperetia lost 1-0 to Artheara. Many have begun wondering if the team has returned to their former selves. When asked to comment on the issue, Blanchard responded "I don't think this is the time to think that. We have a goal in mind, and that goal is the knockouts. We have to put our minds on that."

As said above, the game ended dissapointingly with only one goal for Atheara, continuing our streak of not scoring in a game that we have lost. Blanchard said that "that's not bad if we're losing by one or two goals." Sepp and Nichols have refused to talk, citing that they have to focus on getting the team ready for their next match.

The next match that Saperetia will play is against the 12th ranked HUElavia, a nation that sits only 1 point above us. Like with Atheara, a win, even if in overtime would put us in 5th position, giving us a chance to qualify for the knockouts. A loss could spell the end of our first intenational tournament. But even if that happened, we would very likley be back for another try

.

OOC: I might come back for another roleplay before the next matchday.

by **Patriotlandia** » Thu Dec 22, 2022 7:02 pm

Patriotlandia frozen by Lacfroid

Roland Leduc
Han Wavel, Han Dold

In the fifth game of the tournament, Patriotlandia faced off against the host of the previous World Junior Hockey Championship, Lacfroid. The two nations never met before in competition so it was impossible to how the two teams would fare against each other. Coming in from a narrow victory over Zelena Planina, Lacfroid has had a reasonable tournament so far, with two wins through four of the seven games of the group stage. Meanwhile the Mountaineers were looking to bounce back from a bitter defeat to Valanora.

For the first time in this event, the defense seemed to have tightened up has both teams went back and forth. While the number of chances generated by either side was similar, Lacfroid were able to capitalize and score three times on Frederic Dagenais still covering for the injured Renée Latraverse. The Mountaineers' only consolation came from Axel Plouffe who scored to break the shutout.

At the post game press conference, Brent Calhoun had plenty to say about the game. "We came out with a game plan based on helping Freddy in net being more safe but Lacfroid also defended really and at the end of the day we didn't generate enough chances. I talked with the training staff, and it seems like Renée might be cleared to return for the next match. Hopefully we can build on the good things from tonight and save our spot over the cutoff line for the playoff rounds".

by **Gyatso-kai** » Thu Dec 22, 2022 8:05 pm

.:: From the ASPN Blog @TendTheGoalOrElse ::.
Retrieved 20224.12.21 at 0134 hours local time

After watching the Ice Bisons blank Abanhfleft at home, my brother and I travelled to Ravenheim to watch the Quadball World Cup, where we were treated to seeing the Flying Bisons handily defeat our regional partners in the Canadian Dominion 180-40; a quick match by quadball standards at just under an hour, it was the young Atil Saiyan who had started and was quick to get atop the snitch.

So young, and so impressive to see! I really hope the ProQuad League gets off the ground quick and he can lead Sparrowkeep since its the closest pro-team to us and their jerseys have looked very good.

But unfortunately, while we succeeded in dismantling the Fleftic team on the ice, in the air it was a different story. Ten points scored against the Flying Bisons before the Fleftic team secured the snitch and punched their ticket to face off in the Quarterfinals against Græntfjall. For the Green, Gold, and Blue... they are facing the team that just went up 180 points over their opponent before grabbing the snitch and sending them home far earlier than planned.

The same could be said for how our own team went home... Blanked, and in so little time, a successful snitch grab and celebrations around...

Regardless, we'll be bamfing back to Gyatso-kai in the morning, and from there, travel on to the Remnants to see yet another Canadian Dominion - Gyasto-kai match in a different sport. Hopefully, this time, wearing the newest jersey of the Ice Bisons, my brother and I can bring a bit of luck to the team to finish the tournament strong.

Word Cup of Hockey 47 MATCHDAY 03 GYATSO-KAI 5 - 1 THE GREATER ONVARES
Stadium: The Macrodome – Brantisvogan, Squornshelan Remnant States (Attendance : 18,502)
Kit Worn: HOME – STANDARD Edition
NAT   	1	2	3 	|	T
GKI	0	2	3	|	5
TGO	0	1	0	|	1
GOALS:
First Period:
***No Goals Scored***

Second Period
01:32 --- TGO --- Casey [Quinn, Williams]
09:40 --- GKI --- Song (2) [Hed (3), Godorow (2)]
17:20 --- GKI --- Godorow (1) [Hed (4)]

Third Period
07:11 --- GKI --- Degour (2) [Unassisted] [SH]
14:40 --- GKI --- Nacer (1) [Wang (2), Hiteki (2)]
16:10 --- GKI --- Wang (1) [Nacer (2)]

STARS:
First Star: Ming Zhanshi (38 Shots Face, 37 Shots Blocked, 0.974 SV%)
Second Star: Wang Torsti (1 Goal, 1 Assist, Game Winning Goal)
Third Star: Barc'ay Godorow (1 Goal, 1 Assist, 11:45 TOI)

Summary: Facing an unranked opponent always goes one of three ways for any high-ranked team. The first and most desirable outcome is a blood bath; the unranked team never gets on the board, while the ranked team puts six or more pucks deep behind two different goaltenders who are helpless to stop the onslaught. The second, and most common outcome, is the unranked team struggles to hold off the higher ranked opponent, but through sheer will and determination, puts up quite the fight and keeps the game's scores a bit more respectable. The third, and most entertaining outcome, is where the higher ranked opponent takes the unranked team for granted, and they leave the matchday with a loss and some heartbreak.

Luckily for the Ice Bisons, it was mostly the first outcome...

After going the first period with no goals on either side, it would rightwinger Robin Casey who would score the first goal of the game: A strong center-ice poke check from Mathew Williams would see the puck be stolen from Hed Torvik and passed up to an uncovered Joseph Quinn, who with a 2-on-1 against Ming Zhanshi, pulled a classic feint to draw Ming to the right, only for the puck to be passed back to Casey who shot it into a wide-open net.

Unfortunately, that would be the only goal for the Onvares.

The one-goal lead would last just eight minutes, before the first-line of Hed, Song Unataq, and newcomer Barc'ay Godorow would strike. It would be Song who would fire the wrister behind Ernesto Martinez, and the Ice Bisons would be off to the races. Another eight minutes and Godorow would score his first goal of the tournament. In the third period, the frst seven minutes would go by without any scores, but on a penalty kill due to a high stick from Song, Degour Niyan would get through three defencemen before burying the third goal in a row behind Martinez. After pulling Martinez for Stephen Carr's first game of the tournament. Unfortunately, the Ice Bisons would push the pedal further down, scoring two more goals within two minutes of each other to finish off the Onvares in regulation.

PLAYER			G	A	P
SONG Unataq		4	1	5
DEGOUR Niyan		2	2	4	
HED Torvik		1	5	6
Barc'ay GODOROW		1	2	3
KIL’OR Ale'cyc		2	2	4
RELICYC Tho-An		1	3	4
HITEKI Kia		0	2	2
Ero'ki NACER		0	3	3
WANG Torsti		1	2	3
CHEUNG Sepi		0	1	1
HOSAKA Severii         	3	0	3  
WATANG Kouji		0	1	1
Jaster KAL'OKI		1	2	3
---------------------------------
PLAYER		GP	GAA	SB	SA	SV% 	GA
MING Zhanshi	5	1.40	195	202	0.965	7

by **Graintfjall** » Thu Dec 22, 2022 9:53 pm

Selection of articles from Græntfjaller news media.

Senior players step up following coach call-out

Government floats idea of gun restrictions for ‘no fly list’ names

Positive reaction as markets survive ‘Operation Ramraider’ in test of new VFJ rules

News from around the Græntfjaller Commonwealth:

Ha’Yaroki governing party increases majority despite ongoing corruption investigation into Prime Minister
Kijani opposition politician Mordecai Lukwiya, chief architect of the Adjumuli Accords, passes away of natural causes
200 year old Bundoko palace destroyed in fire
Zelena Planina plans huge artificial lake for water skiing, powerboating, paddleboarding
Verdean President calls for removal of statues of Græntfjaller colonialists

by **Huayramarca** » Thu Dec 22, 2022 10:20 pm

Huayramarca Hockey presents:
The Huayramarcan Ice Hockey National Team

La Selección Huayramarquina de Hockey Sobre Hielo (Spanish)
Huayramarca Mamallaqta Hockey Hayt'aqnin (Quechua)
Ukax Huayramarca Suyu Hockey Ukan Equipo Nacional Ukan Uñt’ayatawa (Aymara)

About Huayramarca: The Plurinational State of Huayramarca, also known as ”Huayramarca Mamallaqta” in Quechua and ”Huayramarca Suyu” in Aymara (literally: Windy Country), is an extraordinarily diverse nation in terms of geography that’s located in Anaia. Crossing three time zones, from the islands, reaching the coast, hiking the mountains and then sliding into the jungle, passing massive cordilleras such as the Andes, a nation with 36 million inhabitants that is composed by 9 different ethnic groups.

Huayramarca as such is a relatively new nation for the traditional standards of it, since it was constituted on 1822 (currently, we sit on 1984 according to the Inca Calendar), the main focus of building this nation was to help different ethnic groups to gather force into the region, in order to be recognized multiversally as a nation, hence, may gather some international protection in case their rights would be abused all of a sudden by an external force.

Being completely ignorant on what was happening around themselves, the Aymara, Quechua, Shuar, Guarani, Montubio, Tsáchila, Huaorani, Andoa and Candoshi ethnics decided to form the Republic with the support of neighbouring nations such as the Royal Kingdom of Québec & Shingoryeo. Migration from Québec happened in the late XIX century, mostly peoples known as ”Guayabalenses” decided to move in order to seek a stable place for their families, considering that their home soil was apparently brushed off the map by a dictator called “Gregory”. That last point forced the Huayramarcans into a stronger union in order to survive.

Until the middle XX century, Huayramarca managed to survive economically from llama, alpaca and vicuña herding, since its skins are highly valuable in neighbouring Québec due to their strong winters; also, coffee production helped Huayramarca to build some solid institutions that promoted national expansion near the Cocoabo Forest, that place is “La Selva”, a lush but quite dangerous forest with hundreds of rivers that come from the Andes. After some years of exploration, the authorities met the first indigenous peoples of the zone, which were exploited in order to produce rubber for tires and some mysterious chickens that were produced to do even more mysterious sacrifices to a deity, which the local people and even the rest of Huayramarca wasn’t able to understand how she works, granted, it’s not even a part of the Incan Mythology which includes Inti(the Sun god) and others.

During said period of time, and in a constant influx, a still unknown quantity of Huayramarcans decided to immigrate to neighbouring nations, especially the Kingdom of Québec & Shingoryeo. The Huayramarcans that managed to settle and refuge in said nation are group characterised by being easily adapted to their new home, they managed to assimilate many of the cultural preferences of the Québécois populace, and one of those was ice hockey, some youngsters decided to venture into the Québécois Hockey League (QHL) and a bare minimum of those were actually lucky to fit into a team. At the same time, a rare phenomena started among the Tsáchila indigenous people, they decided to play some kind of hockey in salt flats, imitating the same principles as their familiars did on Québec, with ice skates, pucks and sticks they were gifted from them.

That somewhat weird splitting was capitalized by a Huayramarcan-Québécois coach who envious of seeing nations from all across the multiverse taking part of the World Cup of Hockey, decided that it was time to see Huayramarca in the biggest scene that hockey has to offer. His job began after watching the WCoH 43 final, he started to investigate the background of the entire QHL, searching for players with Huayramarcan parents or grandparents, his work seemed useless until he got contacted by three QHL players who demonstrated that, in fact, they are Huayramarcans. Taking them into the pocket, he visited Santo Domingo, the city that's closer to the salt flats, where he saw a vibrant scene of teams from all across Huayramarca taking part of it, he arranged a meeting with the Tsáchila's patriarch in order to scout players from the salt flats tournament, he got approved and managed to get a team ready for the upcoming World Cup of Hockey, since those players considered themselves capable to jump from the salt flat to the ice rinks.

Quick National and Team Facts

Official Name: Estado Plurinacional de Huayramarca - The Plurinational State of Huayramarca.
Demonym: Huayramarcan (English) - Huayramarquino/a (Spanish - Sing.), Huayramarquinos/as (Spanish - Plural)
Motto: Revolución o Muerte ¡Venceremos!
[National Anthem: ¡Oh, Huayramarca! - Lyrics
Capital City: Huayramarca D.M. (Distrito Metropolitano) - Huayramarcan Metropolitan District.
Highest Point: Nevado Inti (7,920 masl)
Currency: Inti (I$ 1 = N$ 0.33)
Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara (main); Six other indigenous languages.



Team Nickname: Los Fugitivos - The Fugitives
Goal Horn - To the tune of the Edmonton Oilers' horn 
Victory Horn and Song - La Bamba
Style Modifier: +5 - Host note: If a different range is used, always input the highest style possible.
Local Venue: Domo del Altiplano. Huayramarca D.M.. - Capacity: 18,367

Coach: Sebastián Ferrer - 45 y/o - Mindset: Offensive

The reason of why this hockey team exists is here, a coach who didn't wanted to see World Cup of Hockey from his sofa any more, instead, he wanted to jump into the big

scene by building from scratch a team for his native Huayramarca, the country he fled in order to pursue a better life in Québec & Shingoryeo. Involved in hockey since his arrival to his new home, he has managed some local teams from Sherbrooke, he was earning his name as a promising coach for youngsters in the area, even helping some of those to jump into the QHL. His training methods are considered to be more focused into collective playing, optimisation of space and focusing in speed and elegance rather than force while attacking, although, a complete fan of somewhat brutal force while defending, he's known for always choosing strong defenceman lines, trying to build an iron curtain on the attempt.

For his venture on Huayramarca, expectations are low since it's taking a group composed by, mostly, amateur players that used to play on salt flats and reinforcing them with five professional QHL players forming the starting lines for the Fugitives. The sole fact of building the team and managing to get support from the Tsáchilas' chief and the National Government is a victory for what was, until today, a completely unknown figure in hockey.

Forward Lines

Line 1:

 Number      Name             Age       Height       Weight    Hand          Team
  47      Simón Lugo          31        186 cm       86 kg     Right   Montréal Koreana (QHL) 
  87     Ho Man-Young         24        193 cm       99 kg     Right   Winnipeg Giants (QHL)
  31     Pablo Holguín        28        185 cm       89 kg     Left    Saint John Acadiens (QHL)

La crème de la crème that Ferrer has to offer for the Fugitives, a trio of moderately strong but extremely fast players from the Québécois Hockey League, featuring Ho Man-Young, one of the best players that the Winnipeg Giants has among their lines, Ho is a skilled player that loves to exploit cracks in the rival defence, using his speed and technique to break them for good, he has a great sense of anticipation and tries to be in right place before the puck, instead of chasing it; he has a bright future forward and pretends to showcase with Huayramarca as much as possible. Simón Lugo and Pablo Holguín accompany Ho at the wings, both are fast enough players but Holguín excels due to his stamina, he is known for playing long periods of time without being substituted, while Lugo tends to be the opposite, since he's a player that tends to be very fast and collaborative on counterattacks, he might be one of the fastest QHL players and that tends to have a toll in his stamina. The trio may try to exploit speed and pass the puck in a space via filtered passes, while Ho would try, if possible, to pull out a five-hole or dribble the defenders and goalie in order to confuse them.

Line 2:

 Number      Name             Age       Height       Weight    Hand          Team
  20   Alonso Ballesteros     31        199 cm       89 kg     Left      Sechura Oilers (HHL)
  42    Héctor Medina         26        198 cm       94 kg     Right   Parcoy Highlanders (HHL)
  91    Eduardo Pizarro       26        200 cm       94 kg     Left    Guayaquil Coastals (HHL)

A line composed by fast moving players, but stronger compared to the first one. Ferrer has this line in consideration as a technical alternative in case a defence decides to lockdown and there's need of force to crack it. Ballesteros is a left winger that might like to start from behind or receive a pass to test his one-timer, a strong shot that might have some accuracy, his stats at the Huayramarcan Hockey League (HHL) demonstrates some success as he took the Sechura Oilers to win la Copa del Salar in the inaugural season. Medina is a centre forward that prefers to fight when needed, he might be extremely rude if we compare to the standard of this team, he might be involved in fights constantly; despite that, Medina has a great dribbling capacity and couples nicely with fast wingers such as Ballesteros. Pizzaro, in the other hand, is the slowest, but smartest, player on this line, he will always try to anticipate the movements and prevent offside by playing close to the line, he likes to receive passes right to where he is, so it's safe to say that he doesn't move a lot, still, he manages to control the puck nicely and shoot from mid range.

Line 3:

 Number      Name             Age       Height       Weight    Hand          Team
  44    Benjamín Quispe       30        196 cm       88 kg     Right     Tulcán Eagles (HHL)
  76     Marco Huanca	      31        186 cm       82 kg     Right    Illimani Warriors (HHL)
  11     Walter Colque        27        191 cm       98 kg     Right   Metropolitan Condors (HHL)

This third line has a stronger feature compared to the one we had earlier, to the point that some of the players here are considered into special teams such as Walter Colque, this player always chooses violence as his preferred method to solve problems, so, he's almost always involved big time in one, despite that, he has managed to get a great sense of concentration that, if used properly, could help to protect the puck and serve passes to the other two players of his line, specially to Quispe. Benjamín is an agile skater, he has the capability to manoeuvre among the rivals with simplicity, having preference to go behind the goal and serve passes to Huanca. The latter is a player that possesses a rather good one-timer, so, if he considers capable, he will always aim to goal, although his shot capabilities from mid or long range isn't the very best out there.

Line 4:

 Number      Name             Age       Height       Weight    Hand          Team
  30      Diego Rojas         23        182 cm       85 kg     Left    Putumayo Scavengers (HHL)
  19     Anthony Mamani       28        182 cm       91 kg     Right       Lima Fire (HHL)
  26     Ángel Chambi         27        176 cm       75 kg     Left    San Carlos Turtles (HHL)

A significantly better in terms of speed and stamina, the fourth line may not be as technical as the first, but it's one with players that can resist prolonged periods of intense game on ice, specially for the smallest player of the team, Ángel Chambi may look as a non-threat for rival defenders, but it's a player capable to rush in counterattacks and provide some good passing for his teammates. Diego Rojas is a motivated player, his hockey career is starting and he might look promising for some teams in this World Cup, since he's the most technical player in this line, he's able to appear from the rival's back and shoot surprisingly. Anthony Mamani is your average Huayramarcan hockey player, an individual that might look dull on the ice sometimes, but has a great decision skill while receiving the puck, he might want to come from behind the goal and then shoot the goaltender when he doesn't expects.

Defence Lines

Line 1:

 Number      Name             Age       Height       Weight    Hand          Team
   51    Zayden McCrae        28        199 cm       111 kg    Left     Prince Eric Orca (QHL)
   15     Mario Nieto         30        187 cm       104 kg    Right    Saint John Acadiens (QHL)

The stellar defensive line features two strong QHL defenders such as Zayden McCrae and Mario Nieto. McCrae is a Huayramarcan because of his father, who immigrated to Québec & Shingoryeo by the age of 24, this player tends to be excessively physical while trying to recover the puck, but also possesses high speed, so he could be a vital piece for Ferrer's counterattack idea when needed. Mario Nieto is the classical hockey defender that tries to chase the puck, hence being somewhat easy to distract at certain occasions, Nieto tends to use his strength to deter players to be close to the goal, also he's versatile as he likes to keep defending position behind the goal in order to avoid a sudden turn from a rival forward that could end in goal.

Line 2:

 Number      Name             Age       Height       Weight    Hand          Team
  01      Felipe Puga         24        193 cm       108 kg    Left        Sechura Oilers (HHL)
  66   Santiago Coronado      30        186 cm       112 kg    Right       Sechura Oilers (HHL)

This line features what perhaps is the most reliable line in the Huayramarcan Hockey League, both are Oilers and had kept a solid performance during the last season of HHL, specially Puga that led the league in recoveries and puck stealing, a formidable player in terms of physique and speed, Puga can place decently positioned pucks to the forwards in order to help them while transitioning from a defence to attack. Meanwhile, Santiago Coronado is the kind of player that tends to not be aggressive but smart, as he prefers to play nicely with the stick, trying to perform high-style puck recovering from the rivals, he tends to support himself on Puga in order to get out of defensive troubles, so the fastest of the two could led a counterattack when needer. Coronado will always chase the rivals and deter him from shooting.

Line 3:

 Number      Name             Age       Height       Weight    Hand          Team
  81    Dante Gallardo        24        192 cm       94 kg     Right   Guayaquil Habitants (HHL)
  64     Kevin Mamani         24        197 cm       80 kg     Left    Andahuaylas Spartans (HHL)

Gallardo and Mamani are, perhaps, projected to be big things in the HHL, this WCoH will provide them in first row an incredible chance to measure their quality and see if they are capable enough to handle the big leagues or if they could suffer scenic panic in this event, that will be seen but they will prove to be helpful and skilled defenders for the Fugitives. Gallardo is a physically and mentally strong player, capable to take out of their minds his opponents and get into brawls to provoke power-plays, still, he can help on controlling the puck and playing with the goaltender in order to kill some time. Mamani, in the other hand, is a swift player that manages to compensate his lack of physical strength with mental speed, he's a talented player that obstructs rivals moves with ease, and provides his team with a scape valve to release pressure behind and transfer it to the forwards.

Netminders

 Number      Name             Age       Height       Weight    Hand          Team
  45       Bin-Seok           24        202 cm       99 kg     Left    Prince Eric Orca (QHL)
  97      Isaac Choque        25        196 cm       95 kg     Right   Guayaquil Habitants (HHL)
  62      Evo Morales         29        196 cm       103 kg    Right   Santo Domingo Bruins (HHL)

Huayramarcan goalies tend to be strong physically and able to cover most of the goal in order to block shots, but they have some disadvantages because on how tall can they be, so five-hole is a real possibility to beat them but not so easily. Bin-Seok is one of the best QHL goalies (0.94 save average) , he has great reflexes and capability to block from short range hits to fast one-timers, his experience, despite being young, can provide motivation and a confident player in the riskiest positions that the game has to offer. Isaac Choque and Evo Morales are local league players, they were the two best goalies in the last HHL season, they have proved to be consistent and reliable goal tenders for their teams, having saving average of 0.92 and 0.91 each and they will be always ready to support the team when needed.

Special Teams:

Powerplay 1: Lugo - Ho - Quispe | McCrae - Nieto
Powerplay 2: Ho - Ballesteros - Chambi | Puga - Gallardo
Penalty kill 1: Ho - Holguin | Puga - Coronado
Penalty kill 2: Huanca - A. Mamani | K. Mamani - McCrae

Jerseys: Keeping up with the traditions of Huayramarca, the kits for the national team are always tailored by local companies that manufacture sport textiles, hockey wasn't the exception considering the large indigenous and nostalgic immigrant fanbase. The company on charge was SportPlus, who decided to select traditional patterns for a hockey uniform, putting the crest of Huayramarca Hockey in the middle of it. SportPlus has decided to add technological components in order to enhance performance to the best possible, trying to replicate what jersey makers from the best hockey-playing nations usually do, and also has decided to keep those technologies for the fan version, in order to create a sense of professionalism for those who buy it and make them feel like pro hockey players.

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:

Choose my Scorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes - Feel free, just keep it real.
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes - Keep it real.
RP Injuries to my Players: Yes - Details about it will be set by me.
Godmod Injuries to my Players: Yes - Contact me first.
Godmod Other Events: Yes - Permission focused mostly for fights.

by **Ko-oren** » Sat Dec 24, 2022 12:34 pm

Prime Ministers, Elders, Chancellors, Leaders Meet in Santa Teresa

Invited by minister Marten Zuidveld of Territorial Interests, and welcomed by minister for Local Affairs Irimia Padin and minister for meritocracy and integrity Martin Nottingins, the leaders of the members of the Ko-orenite Constellation arrived in Santa Teresa. Not a typical capital, the southeastern city is home to Zuidveld's ministry, and it's far easier to secure as well. Leaders could fly or sail into the complex without complicated security escorts through the rest of the country.

The Ko-orenite Constellation is the group of nations in free association with Ko-oren, also known as a Commonwealth for other countries. These nations are often ruled indirectly by Ko-oren, though underpinning it all is a structure of treaties that leave the nation room for autonomy and independence. Two such nations that most Ko-orenites can easily name in this way are Arhoren and Irithoren, part of the Constellation for many decades, leading to fruitful cooperation. Arriving slightly later were the representatives of Synephoren, a post-Anaia addition, as well as Vesturvindoren and Nonosorororen, both part of the Constellation for several decades but with a much less defined relationship to Ko-oren. After the arrival of some prospective members, the delegation for Taloren arrived. They outnumbered the rest of the party, sending elders and leaders representing all parts of Taloren - which older Ko-orenites might remember as the Thaulandi hinterland. Thaulandi's independence left Taloren for us to take under our wing - while the land was interesting to the Thaulandians for mining, the situation almost turned violent and the city state backed down. Taloren is a landmass populated by barely two hundred thousand, spread across the area into countless peoples, groups, and families. There's no real central administration to speak of, but the people have a very good idea of who lives where - at least for the season. The most important voices are those of the leaders of the Anarkan, who take up a chunk of space closest to the Thaulandians, as well as the leaders of the Meltööröi, a nomadic people setting up in central areas. The Mistikowaskiy, Samana, Saqsaarsuk, Seetka, Sillasi, and Uummanmiut leaders are more coastal peoples with higher population densities but living in smaller spaces. The leaders of all Talorenian peoples meet up at least once per year in the Khuraldai, typically in Tsentsagaan, a semi-permanent settlement of the Meltööröi. They hold their Khuraldai in Santa Teresa this year, hence the dozens of visitors.

The most well-known prospective nation is Libelluloren, believed to have ties to Gehrennan peoples from before their settlement on the Ko-orenite archipelago. Mostly from their capital of Garan Elunore Elath Esari Imynthalas - Garan Elunore for short - the purpose of their visit isn't only to decide on membership of the Constellation. It's also to deepen ties with the scholars of Libelluloren with plenty of anthropologists from all over Ko-oren convening in the capital of Finisterre as well. It's a very busy time out there: fewer visitors than during the Dragonfly Day celebrations, but way more security measures.

The reason to establish the Constellation is two-fold: one, it allows the Ko-orenite government to trial policies before enacting them in Ko-oren in the realm of meritocracy and the vulnerable ethics and integrity behind it, while walking the tightrope that at no point, people can live worse lives because of these policies. That's why Arhoren and Irithoren have been such long term members: their previous government already had similar traits and looked to Ko-oren to get rid of democratic, feudal, and autocrat influences. Two, we believe that the Ko-orenite government and academia can protect the ecosystems, languages, and cultures far better than other nations. Most members of the Constellation join for the second reason, obivously.

by **The Cordian Isles** » Mon Dec 26, 2022 2:32 pm

The Cordasfjord Daily - Sports

North Stars Take Down Jedinsto

Jedinsto was on top of the World Cup of Hockey for most of the tournament until their loss to TJUN-ia brought them down to third. Last night’s game featured a chance for them to rebound, facing the second-placed Cordians. The Cordians, meanwhile, were continuing to chase TJUN-ia after an MD1 overtime loss put them a point down to the Ice Jaguars. A win against Jedinsto in the morning game would put pressure on TJUN-ia to succeed against third seeds Cassadaigua in the night game.

For any Cordians expecting a blowout against unranked Jedinsto, who have played far above their expected level, the first period was a nailbiter. Jedinsto opened the scoring, silencing the Cordian contingent that has populated the majority of Scolaidh Arena in every game so far. Austin Sharrow drove wide into the Cordian zone and let a shot go, aiming for the short side. Chris Ericsson proved the victim of the game’s first shot, bringing his shoulder up too slowly to block the very first shot of the game, only thirty seconds in. But from that point on, the Cordians dominated the first period. Their two goals came within three minutes of each other. The first saw a Ivar Leifssen shot from the point deflected high by Harald Ericsen, going top shelf to tie the game at one. Two and a half minutes later, it was the Cordian first line producing again, Justin Perreau picking up a weak Jedinsto faceoff win in the Cordian zone, chipping it off the boards, and getting a step of the Jedinsto defenders. Electing not to go for a deke, he simply shot, going five hole on Jefferey Woods, who clearly was prepared for a deke rather than a shot. The last goal of the period came against the pace of play, as the Cordians held the puck in the Jedinsto zone as the unranked side killed off a penalty. A Halfdan Leifssen shot was blocked by Jedinsto’s Kaeden Thatcher. The puck rebounded out and settled at the Cordian blue line, and Thatcher outran the Leifssen brothers to pick up the puck. He faked a shot and got Chris Ericsson to bite - no easy feat - and put the puck over an extended Leifssen to tie the game at two apiece.

Thatcher’s PK goal lit a fire under the Cordians, and they came out for the second period looking dangerous. And they backed that up. With forty-some seconds left in the Cordian power play carrying over from the first, the North Stars took full advantage and managed to convert. It took a pretty spectacular Ivar Leifssen one-time on a pass from Justin Perreau, and the Cordians led again, 3-2. Just under six minutes later, The Cordian third line got on the board as Magnus Bjornsen found Alicia Sorensen in the slot, the latter firing in the mostly-open right side to give Cordia a 4-2 lead. Just a few minutes after that, it happened again. Verna Fredriksson won a battle against a Jedinsto defender in the corner and quickly put a pass up to Charles Larsson, who walked to the middle and fired - going bar-down thanks to an impressive screen for the Cordian forwards. The goal gave both of the team’s newcomers points, and the team celebrated more than for any goal yet. The fans got into it too, and the noise was deafening. By the time the buzzer sounded to end the period, the game had gone from tied to domination.

The third period was considerably less high-scoring as the Cordians entered protect-the-lead mode, having scored five goals already and not needing more. As a result, the first fifteen minutes of the period were uneventful. But Jedinsto’s first line - who had been playing far more minutes than anyone else - pulled out an impressive passing play with just over four minutes to go, breaking into the Cordian zone and putting the North Stars on the run. The chaos resulted in communication, and Florence Coleman was left open at the point, and received a pass from Payton Dule. The Cordians soon realized their mistake - Rurik Dirsson who missed his coverage - and he came screaming out to the point. Coleman took a quick shot and Dirsson finished the check. As a result, when Coleman realized the puck had gone in, he began celebrating while on the ice, still a bit disoriented from a powerful Dirsson hit. Dirsson would redeem himself with just over a minute to go, lofting a pass out to Martin Kordsen that gave the center a breakaway and ultimately a goal - getting Woods to move and sliding the puck under his pad and through the five-hole. That goal set the final score - a 6-3 victory for the Cordians.

Next up for the North Stars is Lorenthia. They’re certainly not a good team - needing a shootout to win over the UPC is hardly ideal - but they’re not that bad either, and may prove a bit of the challenge if the Cordians rest on their laurels too much. With the knockouts coming up, every win means a lot for momentum and could make a huge difference in seeding come the Round of 32, so the North Stars cannot look past Lorenthia.

WCOH Group D Power Rankings - Pre-MD6
1    TJUN-ia                       100.01
2    Cordia                         99.82
3    Jedinsto                       97.93
4    Kimi-Suomi                     97.45
5    Darkmania                      97.44
6    Cassadaigua                    96.86
7    Lorenthia                      96.13
8    United Penguin Commonwealth    95.02

by **Kelssek** » Wed Dec 28, 2022 11:06 am

FOLLOW TOPICS: Business | Sports | Kelssek Hockey League

KIRKENES -4° cloudy

Clubs want more clout as Kelssek Hockey League meetings begin

by: Gary du Toit

Revenue sharing demands are on the agenda for the meetings of Kelssek Hockey League club executives, as the doyens of professional hockey chew over how to address a bevy of issues in the nation’s top league. One of the most interminable debates is the gap between the big clubs and the rest in the National tier and the gulf between one step down to the Regional tier.

Popular big-city teams generate far more revenue and have ambitions that reach across the world in the Hockey Champions League. In contrast, below them in the National tier are clubs scrabbling just to qualify for the Desjardins Cup tournament and mark series victories as important achievements.

The sport of hockey plays a crucial social role in many of the rural heartlands of the country, and the supporters of the likes of Val d’Argent or Kardinia Cats value this community role – and affordable ticket prices – over paying out big salaries and chasing big prizes. Few begrudge the fact that players will move on to the richer clubs and, much like the people themselves, will have little choice but to uproot themselves and leave their home ground for better opportunities.

Joseph Brink is general manager of Torbay Storm, which has been approved to enter the National tier next season to replace Glen Éira. Brink is philosophical about the situation clubs and cities like his face. “It’s the tragedy of life in the modern world. Hearth and home don’t count. Ideally everyone could make something of themselves in the place they’ve grown, but we don’t live in that world.”

“It’s sad but I don’t begrudge that players who do well need to leave if they’re going to make a mark. The club itself, however, it’s a part of our fabric that’ll always be here, and it’ll always be somewhere all these sons and daughters can come back to.”

In fact, many Regional tier clubs decline promotion to the National tier because the higher travel and other expenses eat up any potential monetary gains, as well as balancing the reward of drawing fans to watch the KHL’s stars against the risk of turning away fans used to winning ways with the inevitable piling up of losses against the big clubs. Moreover, club members tend to staunchly oppose ticket price increases, which after all come out of their own pockets and their own community. Ironically, since most Regional tier clubs already have high attendance figures, in such a situation they stand to lose out if they move up.

One club that recently made the jump is Anciens-Baillages, based in northwestern Outineau. It’s gone from comfortably adding to capital to carefully balancing the books as a result, but having invested in arena and practice facility upgrades over the years they’re confident they can eventually make progress.

“We think it’s important for future growth,” says elected board member Angéline Brisson. “We have a big city here and it’s dominated by CH Outineau, and it’s a very showbiz experience when you go downtown to watch at Arena St-Jacques. For us, we offer a different kind of show, more ‘chez nous’, more grassroots like you say, but still the highest level of professional hockey.”

But this has also meant several years racking up losses and lying at or near the bottom of the standings, while often being outnumbered by visiting fans of the bigger clubs in their own barn.

“Our fans and our members have been very dedicated. It is hard to go from winning a lot as we did in Regional Premier, to being a small fish in the Southwestern League. But if we want to build something bigger than what we are, this is the struggle we have to go through.”

by **Trolleborg** » Wed Dec 28, 2022 11:19 am

Greetings, compatriots!
It's TTV from SRS, where World Hockey Championship is unfolded right now. Our lads won another game, and this is real miracle, if we take a look back two or three years ago.

This time our head coach returned Shelburn to the goal, and he did not disappoint, again protecting the goal from all shots. And he had to work as he can: although our team achieved a confident victory, if judging by the score, the opponents were not far behind in terms of the number of shots. And it seemed to many that something like the first link had crystallized - a combination of players that appeared on the ice more often than others, but for now we will refrain from assumptions and considerations.

Greater Onvares' is one of the teams that debuted in the world of hockey at this championship, arriving at the tournament almost earlier than everyone else, at a time when the hosts had not yet made public the exact information even about the schedule and stadiums. The linep of the team impressed all the specialists as extremely carefully balanced for any obvious threats, even the goalkeepers were chosen so that they could cope with the attackers, no matter what flank they would prefer use in their team tactics. And according to the first impression, the players tended towards a strict game in defense, however, although the first match seemed to confirm this, in the second match the team gave out a scoring extravaganza 6:5 with the Canadian Dominion, and then continued in the same spirit, but luck did not accompany it.

Fortunately for us, and in this match too. Jesper Sederland opened the scoring, finishing off the puck, which was not without difficulty repulsed by the goalkeeper, in the fifth minute of the game. In the second period, Ruud Woldring found himself in a position to the left of the net, from where he could either shoot or make a pass to two different associates at once, but he made a feint and suddenly threw the puck into the goal - and successfully, to the surprise of many. And at the beginning of the third part, Hendrick Reuter took advantage of the moment when the opponents of the whole team all jumped out of the locker room and rushed to even score, and caught them on it. Soren Jespersen sensibly disposed of the puck after taking it away in his own zone, sent it far ahead with an accurate pass, where Reuter picked it up already at speed, rushed forward and outplayed the goalkeeper. 3:0, the victory of our lads, and two more games are ahead, which will undoubtely test our team for strength.

In our group, everyone scored more goals than we are before this round, but at least after this game we were ahead of our opponent in this indicator: now we have 10, and he has 9, and we are on a par with Ko-oren in terms of conceded goals in the whole tournament.

In other matches of our group, Golyna again gave a scoring extravaganza, this time with Abanhfleft, throwing 12 goals for these two and 4 more in the shootout, another 11 scored in the duel of Canadian Dominion against Juvencus, and 7 more in the game Gyatso-kai against Jaruarundi. Officially, our team got a ticket to the playoffs two rounds before the end of the group stage, but it must be said, that while players having achieved a result that seemed absolutely unattainable two years ago, the team should not relax. The watershed that the fans have so high hopes for, namely, finally bringing the balance of wins and losses to equality, can only be achieved at this tournament with exceptional dedication, considered with discipline and organization at the proper level.

by **Huron League** » Wed Dec 28, 2022 8:45 pm

FIERY OFFENSIVE GAME ENDS IN DISAPPOINTING HURONIAN LOSS

Our prediction going in: HUR 6-0 CDK
FINAL SCORE: HUR 5-5 CDK (0-2 SO)

If someone told a Huronian fan this would be the score of the game before the tournament, the Huronian would laugh and tell them that was a good joke. But it happened. Continuing on their stellar run from out of nowhere, the Celestial Dancers beat Huron League 6-5 in the shootout in a tantalizingly close game. According to the Huronian head coach, “We lost this game because of selfish play”. Huron League did have a number of players coasting to their positions, playing bad positioning in hopes of a breakaway, and took a few bad penalties that were caused by laziness. At least 3 goals for Karegnondi were directly the result of weak Huronian work in the defensive zone, and the Dancers capitalizing on them. Meanwhile, in the offensive zone, Huron League put out one of their most potent performances yet, scoring an impressive 5 goals. Arlo Archambault, the team’s captain, continued to showcase his skills by putting up three points (1 goal, 2 assists). Theo Eaton wowed the world with two highlight reel goals, both courtesy of assists by Jackson Brite and Leo Masaryk. The other two goals were from Arlen Kestrel on the power play, (assisted by Archambault and Eaton) and Milo Armstrong who’s goal came assisted by a pair of defensemen, Samuel Small and Wil Antony. In his first international men’s appearance, young goaltender Louis Harvard appeared shaky, yet was let down by a terrible defensive game. He allowed 5 goals on 39 shots, but as said earlier, 3 of the goals can be attributed to defensive gaffes. He played well through overtime, but was unfortunately overcome in the shootout. Huron League’s possession time was slightly in their favor (6:30-6:04), and they took a few more shots (42-39). Huron League’s special teams were one good bit out of this game, going 2 for 3 on the power play and 4 for 4 on the penalty kill.

Next up: Nova Anglicana, the team to beat in Group C. A win is crucial to cementing a knockout berth for Huron League, as well as the evergreen morale booster that is beating a favored team. Barnum Cavalier will be starting in net.

FIRST
PP 13:20 Archambault (4), from Melli (3), Smazing (3)
 SECOND
1:49 Eaton (3), from Brite (2), Masaryk (2)
PP 13:23 Kestrel (2), from Archambault (3), Eaton
19:00 Armstrong (2), from Small, Antony (2)

THIRD
10:32 Eaton (4), from Brite (3), Masaryk (3)

HURONIAN RECORD: 2-1-1-1

Assist Leaders
Arlo Archambault - 4
Bennett Smazing - 3
Jackson Brite - 3 
Leo Masaryk - 3
Milo Armstrong - 2

Goal Leaders
Arlo Archambault - 4
Theo Eaton - 4
Florian Garner - 2
Arlen Kestrel - 2
Milo Armstrong - 2

Point Leaders
Arlo Archambault - 8
Theo Eaton - 5
Milo Armstrong - 4
Arlen Kestrel - 4
Will Antony - 3

by **Jedinsto** » Thu Dec 29, 2022 10:01 am

Jedinsto prepares for MD6 with whatever morale it has left after suffering two major blows in a row. The team is aware of the stakes of this next game as excitement and nerves alike brew in the locker room. Jedinsto had left the arena defeated twice in a row now against two of the greatest teams in all of hockey. Was it a surprise? No. Was it upsetting? Surely. The team had played their hearts out and left it all out on the ice. With two more games left, against Cassadaigua and against Lorenthia, Jedinsto clinches a spot in the knockouts with a win and a Darkmania loss. More updates will come soon after the game against Cassadaigua.

by **Darkmania** » Thu Dec 29, 2022 1:53 pm

MAKING DARKMANIAN ICE HOCKEY GREAT

Cäer, Darkmania

Rÿkard Astly
@RykAstDaTV

While Darkmania is going not great but not horrible either, the home fans at home feel optimistic. In the 2nd biggest city, at the home venue of the local ice hockey team, we meet both fans and players. The full team was not there as few of the players, namely Danÿel Nïsejök, Thömas Dahlström, and soon-to-retire Krÿster Kälami playing for the same team, namely Cäer Crash.

The venue has seen better days and was not chosen as one of the darkmanian host cities at WCoH46 due to the venue not meeting the requirements to host matches. But ever since WCoH46 and the exposure darkmanian ice hockey has had on the international stage the cash flow from sponsors has reached the grassroots, and the venue is scheduled for an NS$400 million renovation in 2023. The revenue from ticket sales for the top league ËisLüga has also increased. This is happy news for the manager and coach for Cäer Crash, Jësper Käsaneve.

"It's making darkmanian ice hockey great. It is great to see fans flocking to the halls and it's great to see we can finally afford badly needed repairs and renovations. The last time this hall was renovated was in 1999, so it screamed to be fixed" Jësper told us before we get interrupted by a puck hitting the walls at the exact spot where the interview was held at. The wall held but markings from pucks hitting the walls reveals that the rink is old. We continue the interview after Käsaneve instructs the remaining players on what to do during the training.

There were, as written earlier, fans at the venue as Cäer Crash often holds what is dubbed "Open Training" where fans are allowed to watch. Sitting is 17-year-old fan Sändur Gälosta. Gälosta has been a blood fan since he was 5 and there is not a surprise when it is become known that his father is the goalie for Cäer Crash. "My friends often talk ice hockey with me and it's nice to see it becoming popular. WCoH46 did made wonders for darkmanian ice-hockey even if they got eliminated at the group stage.

by **HUElavia** » Thu Dec 29, 2022 5:14 pm

HUElavia National Hockey Team

Uniforms

Goal Song

Goalies:
#1: Vitomir Levin Petrovich (38 Years Old)
#29: Georges Hennequin (29 Years Old)
#30: Maxime Badeaux (26 Years Old)

Defenders:
#4: Illary Manco Huaricancha (30 Years Old)
#8: Justin Saunier (27 Years Old)
#13: Jelanee Chydee (28 Years Old)
#25: Chuks Uchi (27 Years Old)
#38: Sergey Tokarev (39 Years Old)
#50: Maxim Vadimovich Strelnikov (37 Years Old)
#67: Maximo Schmidt (38 Years Old)
#88: Jelanie Munachiso (36 Years Old)

Attackers:
#7: Vítor Castilho de Salles (38 Years Old)
#18: Antoine Delafose (27 Years Old)
#21: Pablo Tarragona (38 Years Old)
#31: Khuyak Chalco Huayta (26 Years Old)
#49: Angel Mazzi (39 Years Old)
#55: Chibueze Chidike (26 Years Old)
#69: Adam Dudnyk (28 Years Old)
#77: Gabriel Joachim (35 Years Old)
#87: Diogo Sato de Souza (34 Years Old)
#97: Chimaijem Zikoranaudodimma (33 Years Old)

Head Coach:
Mateo Rossi (48 Years Old)

Assistant Coaches:
Xavier Goicochea (46 Years Old), Éric Bertillon (40 Years Old)

Goaltender Lineup:
Petrovich
(Hennequin)
(Badeaux)

Defenders Lineup:
Tokarev, Strelnikov
(Manco, Saunier)
(Munchiso, Schmidt)
(Chydee, Uchi)

Attackers Lineup:
Castilho, Dudnyk, Tarragona
(Zikoranaudodimma, Sato/Joachim, Delafose)
(Chalko, Chidike, Mazzi)

Captain: Castilho
Alternative Captains: Tokarev, Tarragona
Style Modifier: +1.5
RP Permissions: Anything goes, except giving career-ending injuries or death.

by **Golyna** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 8:25 am

"I don't know how it happened, but it's a win nonetheless" said Axel McDrummond. Team Golyna, after scoring six goals in this game, is still in it, placing third in the group (not guaranteed to advance to knockouts) so far. "I think we can do it" said Alex Childers after her second game as assistant coach. "We're gonna win this" the team posted to Twitler after the game. "Send rubber chickens to our boys in purple to keep this going." Despite the win and return of Jack Dawson to the ice, another saddening injury has befallen the team. During overtime, Freddie Allen blocked a slapshot with his head. The puck struck him in the temple, knocking him unconscious. "When I came out onto the ice, his pupils were wide open" said Brian Needles, the athletic trainer for the team. Allen is now hospitalized for fear of severe brain trauma, his condition is unknown at this time. "This may be the end of the season for Freddie" said Needles.

by **Elejamie** » Fri Dec 30, 2022 2:42 pm

"Well, I got what I asked for."

That's what Alex said to himself. After all, he wanted a repeat of his opponent's first game of the tournament, the one where they had lost 5-3 against who will be his side's next opponents. The only caveat is that he wanted his side to concede fewer goals. After all, they had one of the best defensive records going into the match, had THE best point differential and were the only team who had won all of their games in regulation time so far. And yet, despite asking them to try and at least put up a better show defensively than Huayramanca did in that opener, the match still ended 6-3 in Elejamie's favour. At least they went one goal better?

Alex's first mistake was probably having Adrian Lambert start instead of Ricardo Bejarano or even Cristian Serrano. Not because Lambert was a bad goalie, far from it, but rather because he was a more aggressive tender so the risk of him going into the wrong place was fairly higher than normal. And, indeed, that's what lead to one of the goals that he let in. His second was not really getting much in the way of a solid defensive plan going on. In all fairness, his team were already quite solid defensively going into the match so he didn't really feel the need to tell them do anything different. He probably should've paid attention to how moderately strong they were offensively and planned accordingly. Oh well, too late to do anything about it now.

The first period didn't go too badly, with Stacy Saunders very nearly getting an early goal in with 29 seconds on the clock, with the goalie's quick reflexes resulting in a well-timed stick deflection that stopped the puck going into his side's goal. Of course, that very nearly lead to them scoring a goal, had Lambert not dived just in time to freeze the puck. It was a defensive deadlock for the first five or so minutes before one side was finally able to score. Unfortunately, it was Delaclava who scored. With 14:33 left in the period, Neil Cuevas would be sent to the bench for two minutes for hooking, which lead to a surprisingly weak penalty kill that eventually saw an opposing player deke the puck past Lambert exactly six minutes into the match.

Fortunately, Alex's men were quick to respond. With 12:01 left in the period, Cerin Meloten won a face-off inside Delaclav ice and passed it to Bill Harrison. Harrison then skated into a better position and fired it towards the goal. The first shot his the goalie's pads but the second managed to slide its way over and into the back of the net to level the scores. And then, with 6:27 left, Elejamie found themselves on the right side of a two-on-one with Lucas Madgwick and James Han making their way up the ice passing the puck between one another. Madgwick then passed it over to Han who proceeded to fire it in off the one-timer to give his side the lead. There was a good chance for a third when Delaclava was down a man for two minutes for high-sticking but they managed to kill off the penalty with a good amount of ease, even if there were one or two close called. Either way, a 2-1 lead at the end of the first may be a bit of a tricky spot but with the right amount of grit it could be smooth sailing. A bit of an oxymoron, sure, but then again Eduardo Carreras was never one to talk much for this very reason.

Whatever, they managed to get a third goal with 15:39 left. And this one was on the power play too, with Stacy Saunders, Bill Harrison and Cerin Meloten trying to fire it at close range, never letting the opposing goalie have a moment of rest unless he manages to freeze the puck, before Meloten got lucky with a simple shovel shot that went over the goalie's stick and past the line. Unfortunately, the goal streak had to end sometime and, indeed, it did with 11:02 left in the period. It wasn't because of any bad mistakes or anything like that, it was just some bad luck, a well-timed snap shot and a blocker that couldn't make it quick enough. At least it was followed by back to back goals, the first an unassisted shot from Ethan Swinburne with 9:56 left when he intercepted a pass and fired a slapper that was just about lucky to make it in; the second was a second from James Han with 6:44 left, where he received the puck from Rafael Espinosa (who, in turn, got it from Diego Pinto) and managed to get it to bounce off the post and into the back of the net.

Unfortunately, they managed to get a third goal and it was from a rather stupid mistake. With 4:29 left in the period, they were charging up the ice and trying to get into position. Fortunately, the defence were doing their job and were managing to close down the goal while the forwards were trying to close down the opposition. Unfortunately, Lambert moved a bit out of position, which meant that one of the Delaclav forwards had a good shot on goal, which they managed to take. And while Lambert realised his mistake and flung himself backwards to try and catch it, it still went in. Alex had briefly considered benching him as a result of that but, instead, he decided to call for a time-out. Mostly because he had a change of plans but also to fit in a quick word or two on other areas:

"OK, here's what I want you all to do. Just defend. Keep back when you're not needed but still make an attempt to shoot on goal when you have the chance. If you see them with the puck just fall back and try and keep it out of there. Burn out the clock, tire them, do whatever it takes to just keep this lead while not letting any more in. Some of you can do that but for those who can't, just stay in your lane and keep it tight. Alright? Alright. Now, let's get back out there and keep this train on the track."

After that, the match became a bit of a defensive slog. Delaclava tried their damndest to move the puck up the ice only to face some strong resistance. However, rather than try and move up the ice for an attempt of their own, the puck was more often than not cleared by the Elejamian defence. Again, it was more to burn out the clock and frustrate the opposition rather than gain any real tactical advantage. It may not have been the smartest thing to do, especially when Rafinho accidentally got his team a delay of game bench minor for it. That wasn't to say that that was all they did, as they still managed to get a few good shots in towards the end of the second period and at points in the third. Some of them were even on target, it was just that the Delaclav defence either managed to close them down or the goalie managed to get a glove to it. They did try and get a rebound if they could but more often than not the Elejamian defence fell back to try and let Delaclava have a go.

Was it boring? Yes. It was also fairly safe and, eventually, the Delaclav coach pulled his goalie for an extra attacker. A risky manoeuvre, sure, but having one extra skater up front might put the heat on their defence. Besides, they were down two goals with a minute left so they pretty much had nothing left to lose. Solid reasoning but, unfortunately for them, not only were they able to put the heat on the Elejamian defence but they had pretty much let in an empty netter. With thirty seconds left, Lupe managed to intercept a pass from one of the opposing players and passed it over to Adam Keane. Keane then passed it over to Danilo Barajas who skated up the ice with his twin brother Felipe in tow. Delaclava had a few people hanging back but the Barajas brothers managed to get them out of position. Danilo fired a shot from a good enough distance, if only so he could at least get an attempt in before the Delaclav defenceman would check him out of position. That very same defenceman would then try and lunge in an attempt to block the puck with his body. The good news was that he managed to avoid getting a lump of vulcanised rubber to the body. The bad news was that it went past the goal line and into the back of the net with 14.8 seconds remaining to make the final score 6-3 in Elejamie's favour.

Despite being a little displeased with his defence being a little out of sorts during that match, he was fortunately in a jovial mood when he realised what had happened. With his side's fifth consecutive RT win, they were now automatically through to the elimination stage. It wouldn't matter if they choked away their next two games, as improbable (but not impossible) as it seems. After all, their next opponents weren't that far behind them and while their final opponents were near the bottom they weren't exactly down and out just yet. So Alex would need to remind them that, while the next two games aren't really that important, they should still put some effort into it just so they would have a good seed by the end of it. After all, no point in looking like the top dog only to have a massive collapse and fall down to #22 or something.

A few hours after his side's game, he decided to check on his next opponents and see how they had fared. And he was a little unnerved by what the table now looked like. Huayramanca were now one point behind Elejamie, only thanks to a 2-1 shootout win against Île de Richelieu after their match had ended 3-3. Apart from that, all of their games had ended in regulation time wins: 5-3 against Delaclava, 3-2 against St. Saratoga, 4-3 against the Arctic Hockey Association and now 4-3 against Lisander. His sole saving grace was that they weren't super strong defensively, something he could take advantage of by re-using his plan of "score enough to get a cushion and then just hang back so they don't come close to scoring". A risky gamble given that he had deployed it against Placely Placington not too long ago but if his boys can repeat what they did there with the barest of fusses then maybe it'd pay off. A solid game plan, now all he needed to do was work on it.

That and get to work on ordering some cola to celebrate making it through to the knockout stage, given that he forgot to do it earlier.

From the staff and players of the Elejamian national ice hockey team, as well as its B-team, junior squad, women's team and all the people working behind the scenes at the Elejamian Ice Hockey Board, we hope you've all had a very Merry Christmas, a very happy Hanukkah, a very joyous Yule or even just an amazing December 25th and we wish you all a Happy New Year.

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