World Cup of Hockey 51 - Everything Thread

[Valanora]

Valanora WCoH 51 Roster

My opponent if the RP first may:
Choose goalscorers: Y
Choose goal scoring events: Y
Godmod goal scoring events: Y
Penalize players/give game misconducts: No, the Calcuttas play a clean and fast paced game, committing few penalties, preferring to use skill over goon tactics.
Godmod other events: N

What is the name of…

…six time World Cup of Hockey and twice Winter Olympic champions?
Valanora (known prior as Elves Security Forces)

...the nickname of the team?
Calcuttas

...the other nations involved in Valanora?
Sabine and Caddonia, Vyinta and Dark Templara

…the nation in which this Commonwealth play their domestic league?
Elves Security Forces (sometimes ESF in shortphrase)

…people from the Commonwealth?
Vanorians or Vanors

…the person who created this mess?
Elves Security Forces

Modifier: +2

Manager: Sigurd Monsen, age 46
Assistant: Christian Tennfjord, age 38

Scoring Line 1
LW Johannes Utgård, age 28, Therathor Majestics
C Nikolai Stenstad, age 30, Raynor City Raptors
RW Camilla Berglund, age 28, Stormguard Lions (F)

Scoring Line 2
LW Johannes Holand, age 25, Raynor City Raptors
C Solveig Flatebø, age 27, Vaharia Rangers (F)
RW Nikolai Lunden, age 26, Gladerial Panthers

Scoring Line 3
LW Åsmund Hagen, age 30, Therathor Majestics
C Dennis Myhrvold, age 28, Turbani Titans
RW Noah Erlandsen, age 27, Soldarian Royals

Checking Line
LW Eline Bø, age 28, Longview Sabres (F)
C Jessika Lundqvist, age 23, Longview Sabres (F)
RW Tone Kleven, age 30, Hondo Guards (F)

Defense Pair 1
LD Sina Anwar, age 29, Therathor Majestics (F)
RD Magnus Sørli, age 25, Gladerial Panthers

Defense Pair 2
LD Vegard Rye, age 29, Hondo Guards
RD Maria Aske, age 32, Gladerial Panthers (F)

Defense Pair 3
LD Millie Engström, age 20, Longview Sabres
RD Matthew Lindstad, age 30, Hondo Guards

Goalies
Starter - Anine Haram, age 35, Gladerial Panthers (F)
Backup - Laura Holm, age 24, Travesian Giants (F)

Power Play 1
Johannes Utgård - Nikolai Stenstad - Nikolai Lunden

Power Play 2
Åsmund Hagen - Solveig Flatebø - Camilla Berglund

Penalty Kill 1
Eline Bø - Solveig Flatebø

Penalty Kill 2
Dennis Myhrvold - Noah Erlandsen

Extra Attacker
Åsmund Hagen
Johannes Holand

[Cassadaigua]

Fillies Hope to Build on Last WCoH,
by Kenzie Sherman, Concord Heights Times

The Cassadagan national hockey team entered the 50th World Cup of Hockey as the 24th ranked team in the world, but entered the tournament with massive turnover on the roster. Those changes began at the top, with then 49-year old Samantha Hudson being handed the responsibility of leading the team. Hudson would name Hailey Lockhart as her assistant, and they would get to work on assembling the team as they saw fit. This would result in many new faces to the roster, as a total of ten of the twenty regularly dressed players were complete newbies to the tournament. On top of that, four others were in the starting lineup for the first time. Even on the bench, with the players expected to be scratches to the lineup, seven of eleven players were first-timers. Now, this is different when talking about a national team than it would be if it were a domestic level club and you would be worried about all of the inexperience. On this team, they may have been mostly first time players, but they were obviously already superstars at home. It resulted in a great chance for them to shine.

They would do well, and won the group with a 5-0-1-0 record, with that “1" representing a separate overtime win. So, they were perfect, but it was certainly noted that they never had to play a road game during the group stage, since Dagan Airways Arena in Concord Heights was awarded the rights to host all of the games in Group E. That was a unique nuance to the last World Cup of Hockey, and something that is not going to be repeated this time around as all games are in the host nation of Valanora. Cassadaigua would be the #5 seed for the group stage, but would have a tough first round opponent in the host nation themselves, #12 Quebec. Some thought it was only fitting for the Fillies to now have to actually play a game against a hostile crowd, and the team was not able to get it done.

One loss, and they were suddenly done, but it was no secret that Team Cassadaigua had a successful tournament when considering all of the changes that went into it. Now, the Fillies enter the present World Cup of Hockey ranked 13th, and hoping to take another step forward. It gets more challenging at this point, but one thing that we will not be writing about is the international inexperience of the roster. With one exception, the entire starting lineup is back. The only difference is that Hannah Briscoe, but that is a big loss since Hannah was among the top point-getters on the team last year and certainly the top defensemen. But the now 35-year old has been slowed due to injuries at home, and is not quite playing at the level she was two years ago. Reportedly, coach Hudson gave her the opportunity to be named to the roster but not to play, but Hannah declined, not wanting to take a spot from someone more deserving. Addie Mitchell is elevated into Hannah’s spot, and it will be Jessica Barnett wearing the “A” that Briscoe had. Otherwise, this is the same team.

That means another year of watching Emily Barton, Cayla Wade, and Tori Davis on the top line, They found immediate chemistry last year, and Wade was named the team MVP in her first tour of duty with the team. However, the Fillies were not a one line team by any means, and we should expect to see more balanced production from this group of players. Team Cassadaigua will be in Group C, with Sarzonia the only team in the group with a better rank than the pink and black. The top two nations in the group will advance to the knockouts as well as four wild card finishers, but make no mistake that this team will be looking to duplicate their success in winning a group title. In addition to the Stars, Cassadaigua will contend with Delaclava, Abanhfleft, Raspotochje, Patriotlandia, and Equestria. Patriotlandia, the pot 3 team that is ranked 21st overall, is the first opponent for the Fillies, so our squad will get a stern challenge from the get-go.

“The key is to move forward,” Samantha Hudson said, “we had a great tournament last time but it ended too quickly and too suddenly. Not only do we want to do well in the group, but we want to have a strong showing the knockouts and show that we are a contender to win this title.” Naturally, thinking championship is a big thought, but we don’t want our team thinking any less than that, do we?

[Elejamie]

To put it simply, the match against Zenic didn't make Simón Montenegro a happy person.

How in the everliving hell did his team choke this badly? Did they not sacrifice enough things to Margaret? Was his tactics not particularly sound? Was the referee taking kickbacks to ensure a certain result? Was him replacing his established but aging veterans for some newer blood what essentially did him in? Or was he and/or his team just cursed, plain and simple? He honestly didn't want to remember that match, and who could blame him? There were a few moments where his team had calls against them that he felt were dodgy, though whether or not they were actually dodgy was anyone's guess. There were a few moments when his team completely dropped the ball which caused him to lose his temper at the bit. And there was the post-match handshake where goalie Adrian Lambert flipped off the Zenic player who had scored that goal which caused a bit of a fracas that could've seen him kicked off the team for good, but an apology to the player in question (and in person) and a few his teammates threatening not to take part is what managed to save him. But only barely; it was obvious that EIHB president Daniel Gomez wouldn't be so kind next time.

Whatever, new tournament. And it was probably going to be his last as head coach for the Ice-a-phants, or perhaps second to last if things go much better this time around. He wasn't expecting another victory and would be OK with everything, but another defeat like the last one and he'll probably kick his players up the arse so hard his prosthetics would get lodged there. And besides, he was voluntarily leaving his post because he had a feeling he was nearing the end of his shelf life. Other teams would start catching on to his tactics and, unless he tried to adapt, he'd just be left in the dust and his team would be losing again and again. It had already happened in the University League, the ENIHL2, his various coaching jobs in the ENIHL, and it may already be happening here in the international game.

And, of course, more abrasive coaches like him were more likely to spoil faster than more pally coaches. Granted, Simón was actually a nice guy behind his gruff exterior. He always acted as a lightning rod, he always made sure to praise those who deserved it and he was always understanding and helpful whenever a player or any of his staff had a problem. He even let his players celebrate the end of the season, whether it be a winning or a losing one, by having them get their revenge on him by usually chucking him into a body of water. Not to mention that he wasn't needlessly cruel; he would not bench a player with a dying relative in attendance, he would not bench a player before a milestone game for them, he would not tell any of his players to punch the ref as revenge for getting screwed out of a victory, and he never bothered playing any sorts of mind games with his players. However, he was still a gruff, demanding and aggressive coach who was not afraid to make it very clear to his players when he was displeased with them. He wouldn't shout at them, he'd just shout loudly enough that they know they can hear him.

Anyway, where were they going this time? Valanora. And it wouldn't be the first time the World Cup of Hockey had taken up residence there. They had hosted the 28th edition which saw Elejamie go 2-3-0 in the group stage with 7 goals scored and 4 conceded. No, they didn't adopt a more defensive tactic going into the tournament, either the ice conditions were so bad that neither side could get anything going for long or they just couldn't really get used to the Vanorian ice. They then went on to not only sweep The Sword Bloke in the Round of 16 but shut them out in both games, 2-0 and then 1-0. After that came Esparmuran, with Elejamie winning the first match 3-1. Yes, they didn't score more than two goals in a game until the quarter-finals, at which point conditions had either improved or they had managed to get used to playing on the surface. After winning the second game 5-3, which was also the first time all tournament that they had conceded more than two goals in a game, they were up against hosts and future rivals Valanora. Unfortunately the clock struck twelve in this Cinderella story when the Calcuttas were the ones doing a sweeping, winning game one 4-2 and game two 6-5. Fortunately Elejamie managed to take home the bronze medal with a 2-1 series win over Nova Anglicana, even if the Ice Lions had won that first game. As for Valanora, they went on to lift the trophy after a hard-fought 3-2 series win, with the first two games being goalless draws that had to be sorted out in OT and both sides being unable to put more than two goals past the opposition (except for the 3-2 shootout win in game two). So hopefully a repeat or even an improvement on that was on the cards.

A nice historical piece that shows what a few of the players from this squad did back then, how the team itself did and what they could build off of. But that was then and this is now. They had to go through a whole group stage full of opponents before they could even think about reaching the semi-finals. Who do they have to deal with in Group F? Let's find out, shall we:

• Canadian Dominion: They're not a bad opponent per se, they've got some decent pieces and they've got plenty of experience to make it a good way into the tournament. They got unlucky last time with a 2-2-0-2 record putting them in fourth place in their group, not really anywhere close enough to see them through. In Banija they managed to finish second in their group with a 3-0-2 record and survived the Round of 24 with a 3-2 win over Vilita and Turori but were completely edged out 1-0 by Elejamie on their way to a title win. For the 48th edition, which they co-hosted, they also fell in the group stage with a 6th place finish and a 6-6-0-0 record. Insert "number of the beast" reference here. They managed to finish fourth in their group at the 47th edition, but were completely stomped by Græntfjall 8-1 on the Round of 32. There could be more but it'd probably take all day to go through it. Either way, while they seemed to be an easy opponent on paper, Simón didn't really want to take any chances.
• Imporia: They're new to the World Cup of Hockey but, fortunately, everyone had an idea of who they were up against. While they were mostly neutral when it came to defending or attacking, they did seem to favour the latter even if it was by a slim margin. They couldn't find much information about a league or any teams but they do know that a good amount of people get into the sport during the cold season. And that a good amount of players are in their mid-late 20s. Their youngest is 24 but they've got a surprising amount of players over 35. Hopefully they still have plenty of gas in the tank or else they'll just be proof as to why Simón had the right idea about concentrating on having younger players.
• New Rotterdam City: Surprisingly for a bunch of newcomers they're actually not half bad. Their inaugural tournament was the previous tournament and they actually managed to net wins against more established teams like HUElavia, Lacfroid, Equestria and arguable Juvencus. They even managed to narrowly lose to Valanora, 3-2, which was a complete surprise since everyone had expected the Calcuttas to absolutely stomp them. They did fall in the Round of 16 to the dynasty known as the Gyatso-Kai national ice hockey team but even it was a 2-1 shoot-out loss after overtime couldn't separate a 4-4 draw. Was it beginners luck or are they really that good? Simón doesn't care, he just needs to put up a solid defence to make sure that his side is able to come away with either a win or a draw.
• Bye day: No, this was not some new crazily named opposition, it was literally a bye day. Plenty of time for them to rest up, practice a few things and just have some time to relax. Pretty handy if you've got a very easy opponent to deal with afterwards.
• East Leaf Republic: A one-and-done team. Not much else needs to be said, really.
• Crpostran: A team that Simón was all too familiar with. They were also debutants in the 50th World Cup of Hockey and had gotten off to a great start. How great? A 9-5 win over the Gatchingerrak Union to start off with and then a 7-3 win over Jasnivad. Unfortunately they crashed back down to earth with a 3-2 OT loss to Geektopia and a 2-0 defeat to Elejamie. That must've been the moment that everything completely fell apart as they were completely destroyed 8-1 by Græntfjall and the remains were stomped upon with a 6-1 defeat to Devonta. So naturally they're hoping to bounce back from that massive collapse and hopefully restore some pride. Whether or not they'll be able to was anyone's guess but either way Simón was well-prepared for what was about to happen.
• Nova Calania: Simón was a bit confused about who these guys were until he found out. They were the long-named Saint-Jean-Jacques et Burnham-on-Stove, or SJJ et BoS as they were frequently shortened to. In the last tournament they finished 5-1-0-0 in their group, the same record as group winners Kelssek but they only missed out on the H2H, before they lost 3-1 in the shootout after their Round of 16 match against Zenic ended 5-5 after 65. At the 49th edition they finished second in their group with a rather fitting 2-2-2 record before the hosts Banija managed to trounce them 6-3 in the Round of 24. And in the 48th World Cup of Hockey, in which they participated under the name Saint-Jean-Jacques-sur-Mer, they finished near last with a 2-8-1-1 record, with only Darkmania below them. Much like the Canadian Dominion at the start, this is a team that is arguably decent but should ultimately not pose much of a threat.

And that was that. On the surface, an easy run to the elimination stage with quite possibly a few bumps along the way. Nothing that'll cause any damage to the car but still ones where you've got to watch your speed. However, it was still worth being a bit cautious. After all, one wrong move and everything you've been working towards will get wiped out just like that. Nova Calania and New Rotterdam City were the two teams he needed to keep an eye on, perhaps the Canadian Dominion as well. Crpostran might be wanting to avenge their loss in the last one but unless they manage to band together then that'd probably be unlikely. Imporia and the East Leaf Republic were not really any threat whatsoever, especially that last one.

What were the other groups like? Group A was pretty much Valanora's to lose since their biggest rivals were TJUN-ia and, even then, the Calcuttas could easily despatch them; they also had to deal with a Nova Anglicana side that's not as good as it used to be (but could potentially bounce back soon), the United Hawkland, Oclea, the Spartan Dominion (aka the second lowest ranked team in the competition), and the return of Placely Placington which should make a very entertaining matchup for all the wrong reasons. Group B was a bit more balanced as it was essentially Dod Rava vs Osterhalten vs the Squornshelan Remnant States with Anthor, HUElavia, Edsmontik and Pluvia and the Saxean Isles also thrown into the mix. Group C could be best described as the "Sarzonia and Cassadaigua Show" with Patriotlandia, Delaclava, Equestria, Abanhfleft and Raspotochje being the guest stars. Group D not only features fellow TEPers Kelssek, starting to be disliked by Ice-a-phants fans Zenic, and the perenially "good but never good enough" Huayramanca but also has Darmen, Juvencus, Fantier and A Place Somewhere (yes, that's their name); given that the lowest ranked team is 37th, it should theoretically be a bit tougher but nothing too tough for the big boys to handle. And finally Group E is made up of Ko-oren, fellow IBAers Darkmania, Kimi-Suomi, the Gatchingerrak Union, Srednjaci, Lisander (the lowest ranked team in the competition), and Kamijiro to round things up.

Were there any big names who weren't taking part? Yes, quite a few. Quebec and Shingoryeo, or more accurately the Independent Athletes from Quebec, weren't making the trip over. Eden and Cambersey were also absent. United Hawkland, Lacfroid, Banija, Græntfjall and the United States and Devonta are also not taking part. But, most notably of all, there were some Ice Bisons missing. Yes, Gyatso-Kai were not taking part in the 51st edition, which came as a massive surprise given that they would've been the reigning champions going into this one. Did they decide to step away for a moment so that someone else could finally have a chance to win? Did they get tired of the Elejamian fans and media constantly whinging about having to face them? Did they just flat-out forget to sign up? Or did something happen at home that forced them to skip the 51st edition? Whatever the reason was, they'll be sorely missed and hopefully they'll be able to return to the 52nd edition and play as if nothing had happened.

While Simón would normally be celebrating, as it'd mean that if his team reached the finals they'll finally be able to play someone else for once, instead he decided to concentrate on the opening match ahead of him. After all, no point thinking about a future you might not even make it to. And while the Canadian Dominion weren't a hard team per se, he still didn't want to take any chances in the opening match. Fortunately the warm-up matches went OK, training went OK and Simón and his team were able to come up with a solid gameplan. One their boys should have no difficulty sticking to, especially since they practiced it earlier and it mostly went off without a hitch. He should've been confident going into the match, given that everyone was fully prepared and it was against an opponent his side could possibly beat with little to no trouble, but the match against Zenic knocked him for six and as a result he was playing this next match by ear.

After all, if your opener doesn't go well then there's no guarantee the rest of the group stage will be smooth sailing.

[Osterhalten]

TEAM OSTERHALTEN

Nation Name: Osterhalten
Nickname: Otters
Demonym: Nationality: Osterhalter Adjective: Osterhaltienne
Trigramme: OST
Head Coach: Josefien Martens, Head Coach of Athletic Dreamcliff
Style Modifier: +1.5


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

Choose my Scorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP Injuries to my Players: Yes
Godmod Injuries to my Players: No
Assign Penalties to my Players: Yes
Eject my Players: No
Godmod Other Events: Yes: if you're going to, make it worth it!

Osterhaltienne Jerseys

CENTERS
 
LINE  #  NAME              TEAM                 AGE  
1     24 Theo EATON        HC Vigny             23
2     21 Nicolais VAILLANT HC Mauriac           23
3     30 Simon LA ROUX     Comyard Dukes        28
4     81 Arlo ARCHAMBAULT  Krisposaa Reindeer   36
E     12 Mathieu GIRARDEAU HC Ingny             25

LEFT WINGERS
 
LINE  #  NAME                 TEAM               AGE  
1     24 Jackson BRITE        HC Redchapel       26 
2     40 Arlen KESTREL        HC Ingny           26
3     46 Henrik MARAKER       HC Hauberg         25   
4     53 Noah KELLEHER        Comyard Dukes      26
E     29 Tommie HURLEY        HC Vigny           25

RIGHT WINGERS
 
LINE  #  NAME              TEAM                 AGE  
1     55 Jakub BERKELUND   Krisposaa Reindeer   29    
2     14 Florian GARNER    Lokomotive Ingny     28
3     15 Pascal MOREL      HC Mauriac           28
4     7  Adam DESCHAMPS    HC Redchapel         30
E     28 Fabian BEHRINGER  Colorac Giants       23

LEFT DEFENSEMEN
 
LINE  #  NAME                  TEAM                 AGE  
1     70 Adrien MONCADE        Athletic Dreamcliff  26  
2     16 Jackson DRAKE         HC Vigny             30
3     35 Johnathan SUTHERLAND  Athletic Dreamcliff  27 
E     13 Olivier ALINGUE       Lumala Pelicans      30

RIGHT DEFENSEMEN
 
LINE  #  NAME              TEAM                 AGE 
1     37 Wil ANTONY        Athletic Dreamcliff  30 
2     54 Icarus HARTMANN   Colorac Giants       24
3     10 Willem BECKER     HC Vigny             27
E     11 Rafael MAIELLA    Lokomotive Ingny     20

GOALTENDERS
 
LINE  #  NAME              TEAM              AGE  
1     35 Barnum CAVALIER   Ferris Wheelers   28
2     01 Sem VILHUIS       HC Hauberg        27
E     45 Yutaro AKAMINAI   HC Vigny          33

[Darkmania]

DARKMANIA

The Golden Eagles, the little national team that could.

OK, so the last WCoH didn't go well but to quote a famous darkmanian author, "Giving up is a sign of weakness. It doesn't hurt trying again". And with a contract extension to Andy Bailey, the elejamian coach hired last WCoH that now gives him his 2nd WCoH work with The Golden Eagles, and with a new carbonated water brand sponsorship in the bags, it don't hurt trying again. Things can only go up. Sometimes.

---

NICKNAMES: Dë Gÿldöns (The Golden Eagles)
NATIONAL VENUE: Dëritee Arena, Örkendrem
KIT: Green, blue and red in that order.
RANK: 14th (as of up to this tournament)
STYLEMOD: -2
OFFICAL GOALHORN: here.

MANAGER : Krÿster Gärlond
EQUITMENT MANAGER: Äleksaner Mërloker
COACH: Andy Bailey [EJM]

---

Bolded players indicates the generic starting lineup for TGE. Forwards and Defenders are listed as groups, with the first group of names being on top on each section.

GOALIE

(NUMBER – NAME – AGE)

1 – Danÿel Oremunn (23)
91 – Jäkup Hälsmen (24)

FORWARD

21 – Ërÿk Kälengöskop (22)
69 – Danÿel Nïsejök (25) (C)
23 – Jäkup Hälsmen (23)

3 – Erÿk Hälsmen (22)
5 – Gëorg Jülme (31)
12 – Kevïn Nïsejök (21)

92 – Härald Tÿlkem (24)
8 – Sänder Këiml (23)
32 – Gëroge Gärello (20)

83 – Rëubens Gërmerken (21)
88 – Kevïn Ësterëgg (20)
29 – Martÿn Ärölla (21)

DEFENCE

42 – Märtÿn Nämedübm (20)
20 – Pëtÿr Kälk (22)

99 – Härald Jënsen (24)
53 – Frÿdrick Wëlkermarken (20)

60 – Erÿk Hälme (24)
80 – Thömas Pënyr (21)

---

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

Choose my Scorers: Yes.
RP Injuries to my Players: Yes, but realistic.
Eject my players: Yes, but realistic.
Godmod scoring events: Yes.
Godmod Injuries to my Players: Yes, but no carrier ending or death.
Godmod Other Events: Yes but realistic. Darkmanian players rarely brawl as they are told not to punch the opponents.

[Darmen]

Darmen National Ice Hockey Team
presented by the
Darmeni Ice Hockey Association

Head Coach: Ernest Swallow

Pos Name                Age Club
Line #1
LW  Antoine Kuhn        36  Vogler City HC          CAPTAIN
CN  Rudolf Hunnisett    33  Scott City Oilers
RW  Maurice St. Martin  30  HC Cotdelapomais
LD  Myron Summers       32  Scott City Oilers
RD  Camille Rome        31  HC Cotdelapomais
GK  Clemens Brett       34  Darmen City Flames

Line #2
LW  Garbhán McGuinness  34  Brham BK                ALTERNATE
CN  Daniel Couture      32  HC Cotdelapomais
RW  Addison Watt        30  Upper Township Unicorns
LD  Renaud Waller       28  Liverpool Lakers
RD  Patrick Oliverson   28  West Scott City Toons
GK  Merritt Gunnvaldson 29  Liverpool Lakers

Line #3
LW  Daniel Perreault    31  HC Cotdelapomais        ALTERNATE
CN  Jay Dukes           27  Upper Township Unicorns
RW  Barnabas Moreau     27  Brham BK
LD  Alfred Danell       21  Tempala Tundra Foxes
RD  Nash Martins        30  Eau Claire Jets IF
GK  Auston Joyce        23  Vogler City HC

Line #4
LW  Achille Milford     33  Upper Township Unicorns
CN  Henry Beaumont      29  Brham BK
RW  Wayne Chancellor    23  Scott City Oilers
LD  Barney Derricks     22  Hendricks City Huskies
RD  Mitch Nesson        29  West Scott City Toons

Alternates
CN  Trey Gilliam        27  West Scott City Toons
RD  Arthur Lévêque      29  HC Cotdelapomais

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

Style Modifier: +1

[Valanora]

The World Cup of Hockey is once more gracing the shores of the Eternal Empire, as after a prolonged period without the nation has once more been awarded the hosting rights to the tournament. It is a tournament that Vanorians would put right up there with the World Cup (of Football) in terms of importance and pedigree, though that might have something to do with their beloved Calcuttas being the most decorated side in the tournament's history, much like the Marauders are on the pitch. Like the Marauders however, the national team on the ice has not added to its trophy cabinet is some time and has seen rivals supplant them at the highest levels. Coupled with a near on decade of the EHL also losing some of its luster and ability to compete in the Hockey Champions League, for a time it seemed like the game was starting to drift away from Vanorians. However recent resurgent both at the club and country fronts as well as the awarding of this tournament has brightened spirits and renewed the vigor that the Empire has with the sport as well as the tournament as a whole, with quite a few believing that this might be the edition that the Calcuttas finally win another trophy.

Playing on home ice is definitely going to be to the Calcuttas' advantage, but will it be enough to be the edge that the team will need to compete with the best of the best? They have seen both of their fiercest rivals call it quits, unretire, and win titles since the last time that they have lifted the Cup as well as numerous new nations and some older heads who seemed to come into their own as the Calcuttas were finding the ice rough. Of course the big rival is that of Elejamie and the last time the Empire was hosts, the two teams clashed in a titanic championship series that the home team eventually went on to lift winning the best of five three games to two. That was twenty-three editions ago now and those memories are faded blots of ink in the annals of history as far as most of the modern crowd is concerned, a crowd who has never known the Vanorian might in the sport. Elejamie however has won a title recently, as had Gyatso-kai, though the reigning champions and Arrosia rivals for some reason decided not enter into this tournament and thus a new champion will be crowned at the culmination of the tournament in Stormguard in just about a month's time.

Fortunately it seems the group draw was a bit kind to the host nation as they have a collection of teams who mostly were in the middle of their pot and not at the top of it. That can not be said for Group D, where most of the teams in the group were either best or second best in their pot and that looks to be quite the spicy group as to who will be able to overcome that adversity and rise to the top. The VSC and VHF had opted for a format that does allow for most third placed sides to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament, which provides a bit of outside hope to those third and fourth seeds who might consider themselves unfortunate at the wrong end of a draw. For the Calcuttas however, progression out of the group is by no means assured, they still need to hit the ice hard and play their game as everyone believes that they are capable of doing. TJUN-ia looks to be the biggest threat but it would not be wise to overlook the likes of Nova Anglicana, United Hawkland, or Oclea, all who will be battling to grab a surprise top two finish or at least in the conversation for one of the four best third placed teams to advance out of the group.

The team itself has embraced the youth movement that was started last edition with new manager Sigurd Monsen, as only two players are over thirty and another two are thirty for the tournament. What is expected to be the second line chosen by the head coach is perhaps one of the most dangerous with left winger Johannes Holand having a wicked shot and the ability to play far bigger than what their frame would suggest. Getting some depth scoring is going to be the key for the side, especially if they make it to the knockout stages, not allowing opposing teams to key in on the top line and thinking they if they stop them, they stop the team completely. If the second and even third line can chip in with some offense and the fourth line can be those high energy guys who make the opponents work for it, this is a team that on paper is able to compete with every team out there, even teams like Elejamie, Ko-oren, Kelssek, and Sarzonia who all think they had a real shot at winning the title here in the Empire. They lack the home ice though and that edge could be all the difference between a good tournament and a great one for the host side.

[Valanora]

Matchday 1

Group A
United Hawkland 2–3 Valanora
TJUN-ia 1–3 Placely Placington
Nova Anglicana 1–0 The Spartan Dominion

Group B
Anthor 2–1 Dod Rava
Edsmontik 1–5 Osterhalten
Pluvia and the Saxean Isles 0–1 HUElavia

Group C
Raspotochje 0–1 Sarzonia
Abanhfleft 4–5 Equestria
Cassadaigua 2–3 Patriotlandia

Group D
Kelssek 6–3 Zenic
Juvencus 0–1 Huayramarca
Darmen 3–2 A Place Somewhere

Group E
Gatchingerrak Union 1–6 Darkmania
Kamijiro 0–7 Kimi-Suomi
Srednjaci 3–6 Ko-oren

Group F
Nova Calania 2–3 East Leaf Republic
Canadian Dominion 2–5 Elejamie
Imporia 3–8 New Rotterdam City

[Edsmontik]

INTER SPORTS NETWORK - 5/25/24
EDSMONTIK'S DEBUT AND DEFEAT

---

WCoH51 - GROUP B - MD1
VS OSTERHALTEN

PRE-GAME
The day is arriving.
Hundreds of thousands of Edsmons line the stands.
Edsmontik's WCoH51 debut was here, and they wanted it to be like their HWC28 debut- a simple and easy win.
But here, that wouldn't be the case.
They were playing the 10th best team in the world- Osterhalten.
There'd be no way the unranked and inexperienced Edsmons could win.
But they kept their hopes up as they entered the rink.
"Today is our debut! We must show our opponents that we can be a threat." coach Viskolaj says, with der-Hollsperhal nodding next to him. "If we lose, it will be a great learing experience for us. Remember, play defensive! Now head out there boys!"
The team enters the rink.
Thousands of fans cheer around them.
It's their time to make something happen.

GAME BEGINNING
"Hello folks, good afternoon, I'm Vektor Reichovich, your match commentator, and today we will be seeing Edsmontik, VS Osterhalten! This goes far in favor for Osterhalten, being 10th ranked and all, but who knows what will happen! The game begins now.
The faceoff begins, and Osterhalten wuickly push the inexperienced Edsmons around.
With some quick passes, Brite gets the puck right past Aesdta, who nearly stumbles as he tries to defend properly.
But a shot at net is quickly stopped by Meichnan, the goalie of the Edsmon squad.
"Only the 2nd minute and they almost scored, we were definitely screwed." Reja tells ISN reporter Daav Tuskehav after the game.
The Edsmons fought on, pushing against the force of the Osterhaltienne players.

FIRST PERIOD
10th minute now, and Reja quickly performed a tactical formation change, pushing him and his wingers into more defensive positions.
But with an unlucky pass, Heigenreich gives it up to Eaton, who shoves the puck forwards, and fires at the net. Meichnan throws himself at it, but barely misses as it slides past into the net.
Already, it seemed as the Osterhaltiennes were sailing off.
1-0.
Later, around the 17th minute, Reja pulls off a sneaky move and receives a pass from Vergraent.
He fires from a wild distance, but the puck slides wide of the net.
But the Osterhaltiennes would make it worse- right before the first intermission, Brite sent a pass right through Aesdta, where Eaton smashed it in before Meichnan could make a save.
2-0, 20th minute.
The intermission began right after.

SECOND PERIOD
The Edsmon fans had been silenced, but they still hoped Edsmontik could atleast score one.
The game began again, and with some more quick passes, Edsmontik intercepted and Reja sent it to Vergraent.
With as much power as he had, Isos Vergraent slammed it into the back of the net.
"THE EDSMONS AREN'T OUT JUST YET!" Vektor Reichovich, match commentator screams.
Even the crowd cheered on, knowing that a comeback was possible. They still had a whole 37 minutes anyway.
As long as Osterhalten didn't score.
But infact, they did, and with a 30th minute shot from Brite, the score changed to 3-1.
Meichnan had dived for it, but it was too fast, sliding into the bottom corner of the net.
Nearing the second intermission, the Edsmons tried and tried to score.
"It's not possible. They have way more experience and we are just a bunch of amateur league players." Meichnan says.
The Edsmons kept going, but each shot seemed to be effortlessly stopped.
With some quick thinking, the Edsmon defenders came off for the next pair- Lenknhus and Minovr.
But substitutes didn't improve the game for the Edsmons, as again, before intermission, the Osterhaltiennes scored again.
This time, it was Berkelund with the beautiful shot right across Meichnan.

THIRD PERIOD
During intermission, Edsmontik had their 2nd Forward line and 3rd defense pair, as well as their substitute goalkeeper.
Things went mostly to plan, with Vikonsenen and Iichten making good passes that would lead to multiple shots on target.
However, by the 50th minute, Osterhalten was putting lots of pressure onto the fresh batches of players.
Pass after pass, the attack grew.
Confidence was the lacking thing in the Edsmon squad.
Minute after minute ticked off the clock.
It was still 4-1.
Many Edsmon fans had left, and few remained to watch them lose.
Because it just wasn't winnable.
And then, Eaton came in. He was going to get 3 goals, and nothing would stop him.
He burst straight through Haazerd and Midvegon, slamming in his third goal.
And Edsmontik's Majheilanke could only sulk in defeat at Osterhalten had just beaten them 5-1.
Eventually, the final whistle blew.
It was an expected loss.

GOALS

OST 5-1 EDS
10' Eaton (OST)
19' Eaton (OST)
23' Vergraent (EDS)
30' Brite (OST)
39' Berkelund (OST)
52' Eaton (OST)

EDSMONTIK LOSE MD1 TO OSTERHALTEN

[Patriotlandia]

National Ice Hockey Team

RP Permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my Scorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP Injuries to my Players: Yes, but I'd prefer to choose the severity.
RP Fights: Yes, while Patriotlandians won't instigate fights in international competition, they will defend their teammates.
Godmod Injuries to my Players: No
Godmod Other Events: If it's possible at a hockey game, I'm okay with it. If you are not sure, just TG first.

Style modifier:+1

Nation Information
Full Name: The Republic of Patriotlandia
Short Name: Patriotlandia
Capital: Jolicoeur, Province of Abelanne
Demonym: Patriotlandian
Nickname: The Mountaineers

Roster and Staff:
Head Coach: Brent Calhoun
Assistant Coach: Gael Wilson, Heather Tomlinson

Centers

 #     Pos    Name                     Gen   Age    Team                        Depth Chart    
15      C     Jeremy Faraday           M     27     Alexandrie Cosmos        	First Line
 9      C     Karl Nivien              M     24     Couen Lancers            	Second Line
98      C     Jason Calico             M     25     Port-Crotay Cleaners     	Third Line
 9      C     Daìre Recnacht           M     27     Oreilly Irish            	Fourth Line
22      C     Nathan Furtier           M     25     Grand-Ours Bears         	Reserve

Left Wingers

 #     Pos    Name                     Gen   Age    Team                        Depth Chart    
13     LW     David Veronne            M     26     Blackbay Islanders       	First Line
55     LW     Axel Plouffe             M     33     Grand-Ours Bears         	Second Line
12     LW     Veronique Gauret         F     25     Couen Lancers            	Third Line
20     LW     Mark Biron               M     30     Asche Flames             	Fourth Line

Right Wingers

 #     Pos    Name                     Gen   Age    Team                        Depth Chart    
67     RW     Marion Prunel            F     27     Blackbay Islanders       	First Line
57     RW     Camille Danault          F     35     Grand-Ours Bears         	Second Line
23     RW     Blaise Parmentier        M     25     Conflans Flankers        	Third Line
10     RW     Raymond Quesnel          M     25     Port-Crotay Cleaners     	Fourth Line

Defense

 #     Pos    Name                     Gen   Age    Team                        Depth Chart    
 2      D     Jerome Dartagne          M     30     Oreilly Irish            	First Pairing
42      D     Francis Vergne           M     25     Sherguy Guys             	First Pairing
 6      D     Terry Saltera            F     24     Chaville Sabres          	Second Pairing
35      D     Fernande Dupuis          F     26     Batille Bataillon        	Second Pairing
26      D     William Varocher         M     27     Couen Lancers            	Third Pairing
88      D     Frank Dunlop             M     30     HC Jolicoeur             	Third Pairing
16      D     Guillaume Faucher        M     25     Blackbay Islanders       	Reserve

Goaltenders

 #     Pos    Name                     Gen   Age    Team                        Depth Chart    
80      G     Erin Cullen              F     29     Blackbay Islanders       	Starter
31      G     Claude Juvais            M     25     Conflans Flankers        	Backup
60      G     Charles Bureau           M     23     Alexandrie Cosmos        	Reserve

[Sarzonia]

Group C in the 51st World Cup of Hockey may not be the Group of Death. Group B, featuring three teams among the top 16 and Group D, which boasts two top 11 programmes have stronger claims to that distinction.

What Group C does have, however, is a collection of teams included amongst Sarzonia's biggest rivalries in all of sport. Sarzonia faced unranked Raspotochje in the opening match of group play before the Sarzonian national ice hockey team face off against one such rival in Abanhfleft.

Manager Brett Tanguay, Sr. was left thinking he should've dusted off the customary "trap-match" speech one contest early because his Stars played a frustrating, disjointed match and only just defeated Raspotochje 1-0 courtesy of a Brett Tanguay, Jr. power play goal with at the 13:21 mark of the third period.

"We looked the part of a team that didn't have a training camp, never mind one that didn't play any friendlies," Brett Tanguay, Sr. said when he was asked about the team's decision to forego friendlies before the opening match against Raspotochje. "We really haven't played them that much. We need to get better moving forward. That's our takeaway from this match."

Brett Tanguay, Jr. said the team was "lethargic" in all phases of the match and pinned some of the blame on a power play unit that was only one-for-six and only had one legitimate scoring chance other than his goal.

"We played with very little passion, no focus, no intensity," he said. "We left Jake [goaltender Jacob Parsons] hanging too many times. If he doesn't stand on his head, we don't win that match." Parsons saved all 35 shots he faced as Raspotochje outshot the Stars 35-27.

The tide turned for the Stars after an icing call set the puck in the Sarzonian defensive end. As Brett Tanguay, Sr. sent the fourth line onto the ice, he yelled out, "wake the f*** up out there!" Right wing Chas Price heard that admonishing and saw Parsons issue a dirty look in his own right. After some pre-faceoff jostling caused the referee to banish both centres, Price skated in. He won the draw, then he sprinted down ice and drew a hooking penalty at the 12:06 mark of the third period.

"We needed that spark," Price said. "We were a lot better out there after Tanger's goal."

The Stars said to a player they would have to play better against Abanhfleft. Despite their 55th rank, centre Alyssa Hannigan said the Stars would take the Fleftics seriously.

"It's a rivalry match and that's how we're gonna treat it," she said. "They might not be a team we see a lot on the ice, but they're a country we know all too well across a lot of sports. We're not treating them like a nothing opponent, that's for damn sure."

[Zenic]

Grover Per paced back and forth in the locker room.

The players and staff were strewn throughout, some at their lockers with others getting treatment in the available open areas. There were murmurs here and there but everyone was mostly waiting for Coach Per to go over the game. The matchup against Kelssek was always going to be a tough opportunity to win; that was a fact everyone knew. But 6-3 was an unacceptable scoreline for every squad, ESPECIALLY one that prided itself on their defense.

It also put them in a big hole as they were now technically at the bottom of Group D. Granted the other matches in the group had yet to be played, but it was unlikely that anyone would lose by the same or greater scoreline. Zenic would have to win at least 4 of their next 5 games in the group stage in order to have a CHANCE at qualifying while winning out would guarantee the knockout stages. But that would be no cake walk: three more matches against top 40 opposition and two debutants that were expected to hold their own would be a gauntlet that Per could only hope he had prepared his squad for.

“All right folks,” spoke Per, mainly with authority but with a twinge of tension. The locker room quickly went silent and had all eyes on Coach. “It wasn’t the game I or any of you expected to have. We all thought we would be a bit more competitive than how we played.” A mixture of disappointed looking away and grunts of acknowledgement echoed throughout the room. “2 goals per period is bad and should never happen, even against a team as talented as Kelssek. We definitely should be doing better against physical play like we experienced just now. We basically relied on our fast line to score most of our goals. I can’t really call out our goalies as both struggled to deal with the plethora of shots they were dealing with. Overall, definitely a game to leave out of the history books.” Per paused to catch his breath and steady himself.

“But we had some positives that we can focus on.” The players perked up, interested in what the coach had to say. “We had a great start to the game: not many teams can go 3-2 up after the first period against a top 5 squad. Vlastimir, Linda, and Yukiko came through early and already made it on the score column. Our fourth line and third pair battled well through most of the game. We’re a bit banged up but Dr. Corin confirmed that everybody appears to have avoided anything serious. Just a bit of rest and we can start getting ready for Juvencus.” The players nodded and started hyping themselves up a bit.

“We will do better, we MUST do better,” spoke Aesop Stevo. The room dropped everything in an instant. “We need to prove that last tournament wasn’t just a fluke; that we EARNED our way to being the fourth best team in that edition.” The nodding and hyping came back with an intensity. “So, let’s get our heads on right, improve our preparation, and show the rest of the tournament why we’re nicknamed the Frozen Survivors!”

The room exploded in excitement and morale appeared to have improved greatly. Per glanced over at Surya and Dr. Corin with a wry smile on each of their faces. Each appeared to be thinking the same thing.

I think we finally found our captain.

[Ko-oren]

Aevarea League - Ice Hockey Season 12 Previews

You play each opponent six times: three away, three at home. Playoffs are best-of-3 with the top six teams qualifying: 3v6 and 4v5 in the first round, with the top two teams earning a bye. That's not all: the Ko-orenite champion has to face one more challenge after that...

As far as history goes: the sport goes back decades, but the modern, professional, 'Aevarea' era started with a new season one. The playoffs have been around since season 5 - so take that into account when you look at the number of playoff appearances.

Island Teams
Ehbanna: Scouts, Wanderers, Storm, Explorers-Mariners
Rest of the islands: Islanders, Northerners, Vortex

Mainland Teams
East: Hunters, Ice, Elks, Polar Bears
West: Blizzards

Aevanna Scouts
Stadium: The Dome (17000) in Ehbanna (Aevanna), Aerellen (Aerellen)
Titles: 1
Playoff appearances: 4
Rivals: Aevanna Explorers-Mariners
Projected finish: 1
First Line: Aduse Aedevo; Ushku Shadongudhen, Audupu Aunopial; Aenva Avdu, Aohise Aemenenna, Birtle Montrose
Second Line: Aehlo Auhesalin; Aegdi Aumufe, Aimefo Aehnella; Aodni Aohg, Aemeve Aenetinia, Aubdu Aovufi
Third Line: Arnout Gidworwizuten; Aelige Airaf, Aoluta Aacial; Ingmar Mereleend, Galara Lyorrara, Ledull Wyodall
Star: Aduse Aedevo / Best Unit: Goalie
Coach: Aelu Aerolan

A few strange years for the Scouts have passed. Season 9 champions, season 10 runners up, and in season 11, with arguably an even more stacked team, Aerolan's plans fell apart and the Scouts didn't get anywhere. The prime team from Aevanna city - nearly all of the other teams from the northeastern islands are at the bottom of this list - should have an easy time getting the moral victory over nearby rival teams. The window is right open for more success, with easily one of the best First Lines, powered by stellar goalie Aedevo. Interestingly the team is powered by non-local plaeyrs in Shadongudhen and Montrose, but there's a good reason they're the top earners on this title-bound squad.

Straudum Ice
Stadium: Marten Kuijper Stadion (12500) in Seterdahn (Straudum), Libahilotalhaun (Sudaefjoll)
Titles: 1
Playoff appearances: 4
Rivals: Lamau-Dartha Hunters, Mahrkioren Elks
Projected finish: 2
First Line: Kristo Laaksoog; Gerhild Casselaer, Petrus Roodplataan; Woutre Heerekornuit, Robert Dartett, Tiele van April
Second Line: Dieboud Sizura; Aghata Rozenden, Johannes Waldekker; Reinier Regenboog, Baul Corwild, Eward Hoogadel
Third Line: Helena van Honingsweg; Kyorlish Filigana, Angela Witmaat; Hildegrim IJzerkroon, Wijnand Honojevuthen, Joanne Munjejaten
Star: Tiele van April / Best Unit: Centre
Coach: Jeanne-Luce Varelin (f, QUE)

The Ice were the talk of town: after Varelin was given room to improve, and with some local sponsors on board, and with the Noordrug Bi-State moving elsewhere, there was more room for Straudum to flourish. They did, by winning the regular season and then beating the Vortex in the final of season 11, finally getting this team the title they've been craving as one of the better teams at reaching the postseason in the first place. The Ice are, with the Blizzards, the big old two teams from the mainland, so it's always nice to see them up here. What sets them apart is their recruiting further down the depth chart, with Waldekker and Regenboog as some fantastic finds for relatively cheap, in top of a solid starting line that is downright frightening with the wingers and centre.

Serevne Northerners
Stadium: Aurora Centre (6000) in Saudhabihn (Serevne), Aerellen (Aerellen)
Titles: 1
Playoff appearances: 3
Projected finish: 3
First Line: Alca Aegumelin; Aomo Eadalin, Aenoi Alrella; Arinia Aolopei, Aoroe Aogosara, Aiaa Aolunelin
Second Line: Asafi Aurea; Aogne Asum, Ste Hartskamp; Adoda Aedise, Eltu Aivubelin, Aelocu Aurtinia
Third Line: Ursula van Straudum; Rudolf Hooihaag, Feiluto Tsuseizein; Christiaan van Tuinderbeek, Aonele Aem, Ahole Aerabelin
Star: Aiaa Aolunelin / Best Unit: Centre
Coach: Aobuvu Aohofen (f)

Serevne are the yo-yo team, one year making the postseason and winning a series, the next year dropping out of the top six. And it's easy to find reasons, number one being that Saudhabihn is so far up there that few players are willing to relocate to by far the most remote part of Ko-oren. Aohofen is a local, and so is part of the squad, but pickings are slim. Very slim. That said, it's easier to convince players to join a contender, so that's what they became. Contenders. The Northerners are a defensive team first and foremost, with Eadalin and Alrella the best and most balanced duo out there. A solid second shift and an above average third shift carries them further.

West Coast Blizzards
Stadium: Lacharrailu (10000) in Nyashawill (Nyashawill), Tarrashalli (West Strand Riding)
Titles: 1
Playoff appearances: 4
Rivals:
Projected finish: 4
First Line: Wugeld Zudalu; Connagana Kyachegana, Losigul Yyommou; Figgall Dyannara, Koddagana Perral, Vigisaruu Lumjagau
Second Line: Kyumigana Byunigana; Lisiku Lurthesinkhinten, Gyuggeld Wimegul; Jano Darlalu, Teteo Tyorregul, Hecagana Syorlirla
Third Line: Yunull Wyurlegul; Telamak Maulurugdin, Kaddarra Nammagun; Limirla Riddeo, Jyugya Bonneld, Durrall Kyotalla
Star: Vigisaruu Lumjagau / Best Unit: Centre
Coach: Lyujara Noshagun (f), Chun Jaragun

The future's looking bright for the Blizzards, who are bringing on a lot of talent with more development happening on the mainland than on the islands. They've always done things their way, not because they wanted it, but because they were so far removed from the initiatives and innovations on the islands, and that's finally reversed now. And now it turns out that that, as well as a really strong local scene, propels them to new heights. A good attack - that is, a long list of capable centres - and incredible depth down the lines should keep them competitive in every game.

Launott Polar Bears
Stadium: Jonsson's Backyard (7900) in Launathi (Launott), Sahmanaubahl (Nordoren)
Titles: 3
Playoff appearances: 6
Rivals: Mahrkioren Elks
Projected finish: 5
First Line: Per Janszoon; Riquard Winterhaag, Moen van April; Adome van Haarberg, Moen de Zwaluw, Edward Heuvelarend
Second Line: Amfa Aemul; Didhadhan Gagepunau, Emdo Aesarure; Hendrika Hazelaar, Reinare Veldnoot, Albert van Eikland
Third Line: Evi Aesigella; Goswijn Honojevuthen, Aesfu Aurtinia; Octavia Hazelarend, Tolligana Rigyuni, Obdhuk Genoruden
Star: Per Janszoon / Best Unit: Goalie
Coach: Marten Kuijper

No longer the stars they once were, they're still a better than average team. The window for championships has closed, but they can still get upsets and frustrate better teams, and it's not like this is a terrible team these days. Janszoon is one of the better goalies, Winterhaag is still a league-defining player, and De Zwaluw is one of the best at his position as well. The main problem is the age of the roster: they're unlikely to get much better soon.

Lamau-Dartha Hunters
Stadium: Tachibana Arena (6300) in Elinum (Elinum), Libahilotalhaun (Sudaefjoll)
Titles: 2
Playoff appearances: 5
Rivals: Straudum Ice
Projected finish: 6
First Line: Bertus Bitterboom; Logwekwolauk Vedwegun, Reinier van Angelwoud; Detger Veldappel, Jacob IJzerkroon, Mathias Loenaren
Second Line: Arend Lepelaar; Theodoor van den Brug, Otaulune Monokudhen; Hannes Malmstroom, Robbrecht Geneend, Pieternella Donkerhazelaar
Third Line: Nathijuas Dagwevan; Gerwin Reigervlier, Aohie Egibinia; Kyarlall Gyonnegul, Danielle Houdewerker, Nerlimbee Bemmyo
Star: Bertus Bitterboom / Best Unit: Goalie
Coach: Esther Devante (f, NPH)

Just two years removed from a championship, the Hunters went all in and are now paying the price. That's not to say they're pushovers, but they're not the unit that broke the league with back to back titles. These days, they're still riding on very young goalie Bitterboom, but Loenaren with IJzerkroon as support isn't bad either. In fact, they have one of the better first lines, but it's the depth that separates the top four of this list from the rest. They have dropped the ball on recruitment in an era of the Aevarea League that requires more commitment from the lower lines.

Mahrkioren Elks
Stadium: () in Seterbohdu (Sterrenwolde), Mahrkioren (Intermare)
Titles: 0
Playoff appearances: 3
Rivals: Launott Polar Bears, Straudum Ice
Projected finish: 7
First Line: Leonard Oosterhulst; Paulus Versnip, Aedeti Aenec; Tiele Loenaren, Merten Merelabeel, Pieter Zwanenzanger
Second Line: Vikhorwizuan Gulwigara; Wolfram Senveld, Catharina Blawers; Adelhard Avondster, Patricia Riemaker, Willem Gaaidoorn
Third Line: Reinaard Wildregen; Aelada Aubime, Fommash Humou; Moen Maedal, Hadebrand Zwanensnip, Zadhemane Tethauhusoradden
Star: Leonard Oosterhulst / Best Unit: Goalie
Coach: Floris van Overheem

Ah, the recently relocated Elks. Previously on the north coast which frankly, economically and otherwise, had no business supporting two teams, they're now on the bay and with that they're immediately the biggest market, especially considering Ehbanna's completely fractured scene. Success in the next few years could mean another boom for the sport in Ko-oren's more populated areas... but success in the next few years also means that questions will be asked about the league's neutrality and fairness. For now, the Elks are a fairly middle of the road team with an upside on goal with Oosterhulst, a pretty good second line, but a complete mismatch of players - of debatable level - in the third.

Arboren Vortex
Stadium: The Cathedral (11000) in Roboren (Arboren), Azuren (Azuren)
Titles: 0
Playoff appearances: 3
Rivals: Egevea Islanders
Projected finish: 8
First Line: Arame Augoven; Etbo Sethraden, Vilokatsu Akinaga; Gen'ichirō Kawasato, Aoralin Aniamisa, Aoere Aegomenna
Second Line: Aeopa Asar; Ago Aove, Aovmu Aonep; Shapas Parenanen, Ailoa Agidolin, Avofu Aeva
Third Line: Aodica Ehuve; Motofumi Ōhata, Ahuse Aegoen; Aevagu Alet, Lilu Shisonra, Maduwias Mithaden
Star: Aoere Aegomenna / Best Unit: Centre
Coach: Aeromu Aelilure, Kilu Telain

The Vortex looked like they were ready for greatness, with a spot in the final last year after half a decade of dedicated roster building. And yet... The more things come together for the team in Roboren, the more things fall apart. They still have the single most talented skater in the country with Aegomenna, but they just fail to give him a decent supporting cast. Defensively, the team's just not there, and that's across lines. The team doesn't neecessarily need more players on roster, but rather a clear plan as to how to cover for weaknesses.

Aevanna Plains Wanderers
Stadium: The Dome (17000) in Ehbanna (Aevanna), Aerellen (Aerellen)
Titles: 0
Playoff appearances: 4
Rivals: South Aevanna Storm
Projected finish: 9
First Line: Shurelak Tehithennen; Arisife Alinise, Evsa Aehiv; Aenime Aivobelin, Aone Aenec, Aorinne Aelloma
Second Line: Aesame Aubelin; Azava Aielure, Abilu Aorogo; Aodeo Aomecara, Aovile Aovuu, Aoseso Aodatinia
Third Line: Ahici Aebudial; Mathilde Touwer, Kyannalu Jollya; Adelhelm Tranenhout, Aifa Aelise, Zidal Rigy
Star: Evsa Aehiv / Best Unit: Defencemen
Coach: Aehou Ahenna (f)

The Wanderers switch between good years and bad ones, and this might be a bad one coming up. It's all defence here, put together to balance out the potent offences from other Ehbanna teams, and demand for players in the area is high while supply is dwindling compared to other places. The Wanderers do have the option to stay ahead of other Ehbanna teams: the Scouts are better, but the rest are all in a worse position, looking at the tail end of this list.

South Aevanna Storm
Stadium: The Dome (17000) in Ehbanna (Aevanna), Aerellen (Aerellen)
Titles: 1
Playoff appearances: 3
Rivals: Aevanna Plains Wanderers
Projected finish: 10
First Line: Ausugo Aurtinia; Aennirin Ehoni, Aodofe Aoalen; Aemu Ainaru, Augane Evos, Aobde Aes
Second Line: Aedana Aobsa; Aihoba Aomrella, Agapu Aubrolin; Cicheld Tally, Aidira Aelora, Aurao Aegofise
Third Line: Aorgo Aognos; Egoni Aihivalin, Aedde Aosaure; Aevagu Esap, Tejerla Kitarla, Gjur Bergman
Star: Aennirin Ehoni / Best Unit: Defencemen
Coach: Hiroto Shizuka

An absolute, shocking lack of depth is something we can't overlook, no matter how decent the starters are. Yes, Ehoni and Aoalen are fine, and Evos/Aes is an alright combination, but we're wondering whether nearly the entire third line would have earned a spot on nearly any other team in the league. As mentioned, supply is the same in Ehbanna but demand is larger, and islander teams are paying a premium these days. It's why we have three teams from that one city in the bottom four of the list right now.

Egevea Islanders
Stadium: The Boombox (8500) in Egihedaea (Egevea), Aerellen (Aerellen)
Titles: 1
Playoff appearances: 0
Rivals: Arboren Vortex
Projected finish: 11
First Line: Elsbet Amandelaar; Aolare Aemo, Aeroi Aogus; Aerca Aedeise, Aonoru Aovufolin, Gertrude Nalegagun
Second Line: Ennu Aosdu; Fredewij Toreneik, Udzhel Dhanokuthen; Aiholu Aivedibel, Aemapa Aoatenna, Auloo Anevure
Third Line: Aonou Aevebara; Jannimbee Jyanash, Agefe Esrella; Sochara Marall, Aelmi Aehu, Hilaru Tethauhusoradten
Star: Gertrude Nalegagun / Best Unit: Centre
Coach: Tom Finngeirsson (GRÆ)

What went wrong with the Islanders? They were upstart challengers not too long ago, but the wheels have fallen off and we're not sure what's next. There are holes on the roster, and there wasn't a decision there to focus on one strength to mask the rest, and instead it's just a little dire everywhere. You can't really expect Aemo and Aedeise to pick up the slack on one wing while the other is too light.

Aevanna Explorers-Mariners
Stadium: The Dome (17000) in Ehbanna (Aevanna), Aerellen (Aerellen)
Titles: 0
Playoff appearances: 0
Rivals: Aevanna Scouts
Projected finish: 12
First Line: Ahici Aomip; Aesivo Aibivea, Aebubu Aol; Mikahes Shadongunen, Léopold Duchesneau, Aemu Aebure
Second Line: Théodoric Gauvreau; Dorel Ridionura, Auhege Amnure; Adriaan Regenboog, Aovla Aenil, Anoru Aohoi
Third Line: Anobe Aducise; Aomopi Asapi, Area Aitea; Yoshitarō Nagakawa, Erpi Amonibel, Goswijn van Angelwoud
Star: Aebubu Aol / Best Unit: Defencemen
Coach: Auri Atirailu

Yes, the Ex-Ma. Once the proud counters of the Scouts, but since the merger and the pivot to the mainland, they're relegated to the role of laughingstock.

[TJUN-ia]

The gang was back again to try and cause some noise again, but could Saffron Allen pull it off in her last dance? That was the question a lot of people had entering this 51st WCoH here in Valanora. On the one hand, we showed progress in the last edition that showed we could be something in this competition, but consistency has always been an issue...could that improve here?

Well if our first match against Placely Placington was anything to go by, this could be a long campaign. The team of Test Subjects took the lead through #9, but Graham Cox got one back to level things up before the 1st interval. Many hoped we could press on from here, but it just simply wasn't to be. #1 was just too tough to beat in that net and that allowed both #10 and #15 to end up on the scoresheet before things concluded. 1-3. We wanted a warmup before the challenge of the hosts...instead, we got a reckoning.

Valanora is next. Lord help us all. GO ICE JAGS!

---

SCHEDULE (Group A)
MD1: vs Placely Placington (UR) L 1-3
MD2: vs Valanora (3)
MD3: vs Oclea (49)
MD4: vs United Hawkland (20)
MD5: vs BYE
MD6: vs Nova Anglicana (28)
MD7: vs The Spartan Dominion (78)

[Kimi-Suomi]

Ice Hockey is a way of life for those in Kimi-Suomi. So much so, that their nation is more than happy to send youth and collegiate teams out to compete against the very best in the universe. This sport is one the nation stops to watch, even more so than football and motorsports, and it is with this in mind that the #18 Leijonat come out to play in Valanora. Their mission? To try and cause some chaos wherever possible and prove that Kimi-Suomi deserves to be here after all this time.

Game 1 would be up against a debutant in the form of Kamijiro, who are competing in what they describe as their 23rd Most Popular Sport out of all the ones they play. We knew that we had to sweep this team aside if we wanted to make an early statement and so with that in mind, it made sense that this game ended up at 7-0. We didn't mean to go that hard but considering our mission, I guess this was the only way to get things on track. Poor Shaun Johnson did not stand a chance as Marcus Rosenqvist and Noora Tulus both ended up with hattys while the 7th came from Renate-Ly Mehevets. Unecessary? You can argue that...but 1-0 is still 1-0.

Srednjaci is next. NOSTA KUIN LEIJONAT!

---

SCHEDULE (Group E)
MD1: vs Kamijiro (UR) W 7-0
MD2: vs Srednjaci (44)
MD3: vs Ko-oren (4)
MD4: BYE
MD5: vs Pimeämaninen [Darkmania] (14)
MD6: vs Lisander (83)
MD7: vs Gatchingerrakliitto [Gatchingerrak Union] (29)

[Elejamie]

"Espera un minuto, ¿por qué estaba preocupado en primer lugar?"

That's what Simón wondered to himself following the opener against the Canadian Dominion. After all, his side had been working very well in training, they had warmed up to a more than satisfactory level, the team they were playing was a team that was alright but nothing truly spectacular and his job was pretty much safe for the time being. Why was he worrying in the first place? Especially when his team went on to get a comfortable 5-2 win. Maybe he worked better under pressure or under fear, who knows.

All he knew was that the Canadian Dominion came very close to an early goal. In the first twenty seconds of the match, Sawyer Lee fired a shot that barrelled towards Ricardo Bejarano. Worse, it was a shot that seemed to be low on the ground and Bejarano was a rare standing-only goalie. The puck made a beeline for the five-hole and there wasn't a defenceman nearby who could block it. Fortunately he managed to get a skate to it to block the shot and threw himself down to cover it so he could freeze the puck and force a face-off. Luckily for him, Cerin Meloten won it and began a counter-attack. It sadly didn't lead to anything but it did mean that he had a load off of his shoulders for the time being.

In fact his side was the first to score a goal. With 7:11 left in the first, Bejarano saved a shot from Xavier Ostell and passed it over to Anthony McLaren. Granted Nicolas Lake intercepted the puck and fired another shot but Bejarano saved that shot, said "Let's try that again, shall we?" and threw the puck back over to McLaren for take two. McLaren then passed it over to fellow second line defenceman Alex Martin who skated up the ice and managed to pass it over to Kiko Carpio before he got an armful of Ostell; fortunately the North Saultbe-born centre managed to change course just in time to avoid getting a stay in the box for interference. Carpio then made his way up the ice and passed it over to Charlie Spreitzer, who fired it off the one-timer. No dice, as it bounced off of George McDonald's pads and back in front of Spreitzer's stick. He tried again, but it hit the post. Rather than risk a third attempt, especially with Bastien Cohen looming, he instead passed it back to Carpio who managed to get it in. Only barely, though, as it scrapped the post on the way in and a few millimetres in the wrong direction and it could've bounced back into play. Still, a 1-0 lead at the end of the first was nothing to sneeze at.

Especially if you're able to double up. With 14:09 left, the Canadian Dominion had to bring out their penalty kill unit for the first time this match when Michael Holder was sent to the box for two minutes for tripping Harrison Blackburn. The Elejamian power play didn't have to spend a huge amount of time on the ice as, nineteen seconds after it all started, Stacy Saunders made it 2-0 when he, Meloten and Bill Harrison fired a flurry of shots and did a series of passes to try and throw McDonald off balance before Saunders fired the lucky shot that made it in. At least the Goslings were finally able to pull one back, even if it took them a few tries. Arjun Jacks fired a shot at the net but Bejarano was able to save it. Jakob Hawley won the resulting face-off and Holder came close to scoring, but Bejarano managed to save and freeze that one too. The second line tried one more time but that too lead to more of the same. As they were running out of steam, Ganders head coach Hugo Simmons took the opportunity to take them off the ice and brought the first line back on. And while Clark Gosling's first attempt lead to yet another freeze and face-off, he was able to set up a Nolan Dawson shot that hit the back of the net to get his team on the scoreboard. All with 1:17 left in the period. No matter, the Ice-a-phants were leading 2-1 at the end of the second. It was narrow and one wrong move could send him and his team tumbling into the depths of defeat, but it wasn't anything he couldn't traverse.

The fact that his side were able to push themselves back out in front early on probably came as a small relief. Not long after his line came out onto the ice Adrian Backer received the puck from Blackburn (who in turn got it from Martin) and managed to find himself on the breakaway. With McDonald being the only obstacle between him and the back of the net, he did a bit of clever deking before he managed to slip it past the opposing goalie and into the back of the net. All of this within the first 90 seconds of the period; 82 seconds if you want to be precise. As much of a relief as this was, the Canadian Dominion were quick to bring it back to one again. With 11:24 left in the match, Rui Calderón got a two minute minor for cross-checking Gosling. This shouldn't have been anything to worry about since they had gotten two penalties earlier (Bill Harrison receiving two minutes for slashing and Rafael Espinosa getting two minutes for hooking) and both of those were killed off easily. However the CD power play managed to finally click and, with 10:43 left, Sawyer Lee managed to bury it into the back of the net. With any luck, they could get a shock win here.

They did not. The complete opposite, actually, as Simón called a quick time-out and quickly reorganised his team. He didn't give them any barrels, he just calmly explained what they needed to do and how to do it. That seemed to have done the trick as, with 7:08 left the Ice-a-phants had managed to push themselves out in front again when a hard-fought battle in the front of the Ganders' net eventually resulted in Saunders doubling up when a simple shot bounced off of McDonald's skate and into the back of the net; he was assisted solely by Cerin Meloten. And the fifth goal came with 3:17 left in the period, with Bejarano saving the puck and passing it over to Paul Sinclair, who in turn passed it over to Kiko Carpio. Carpio then passed it over to Mike Keller, who decided to go for a slapshot from the point. It bounced off the crossbar but he managed to get close enough to scoop it up and go for a rebound, which was fortunately successful. Eventually McDonald was pulled for an extra skater and the puck did go into the empty net... a couple of seconds after the match had officially ended. Still, a 5-2 scoreline wasn't anything to scoff at.

With that match out of the way, meaning that the rest of the group stage could actually go well, he decided to take a look at some of the other group stages and how they went. Kimi-Suomi absolutely stomped Kamijiro 7-0, that's one way to kick off a tournament. Darkmania stomping the Gatchingerrak Union 6-1, looks like Andy Bailey might've finally gotten everything in gear. Kelssek beating Zenic 6-3, that's . A few narrow wins as well like the host's 3-2 win over the United Hawkland, Anthor's 2-1 win over Dod Rava, Huayramanca scoring the only goal in their bout against Juvencus, the entirety of Group C, and even the East Leaf Republic somehow beating Nova Calania 3-2. Looks like the one-and-done might not be so one-and-done after all. Placely Placington somehow managed to beat TJUN-ia 3-1, which was amazing considering that two of their players somehow crashed into each other and became one albeit very dead being, which resulted in the Clonomat being brought out to clone them back to life. Test Subject labour, you get what you pay for.

And of course, there was New Rotterdam City absolutely smashing Imporia 8-3. An interesting score for, say, rugby (league or union) but in ice hockey where it's a point whenever the puck goes into the goal it's either the sign of a bad defence or a really solid offence. Maybe their goalie/s had a bad night. At least they were able to put three on the board so it wasn't a total wipeout. But still, at least it meant that he could rest easy. He wouldn't have to strain himself to come up with some good tactics in order to come out on top, he wouldn't have to stress with some shocking defeat eating away at his self-conscious, he wouldn't have to try and make the opponents suffer in a rather pragmatic and unfettered fashion in order to come away with the W.

He still needed to be solid tactically, it just meant he had a bit more leeway with things.

[Cassadaigua]

Moving on from a tough opener,
by Kenzie Sherman, Concord Heights Times

Cassadaigua outshot Patriotlandia 44-21 for the game, including a 17-5 differential after the first period, but that didn’t mean much of anything after the Mountaineers 3-2 victory in the opening game of World Cup of Hockey 51. Despite the big shots on goal advantage after the first period, the Fillies were actually down 1-0 going into the first intermission on a tap in front of the net by David Veronne. The story of the day was Erin Cullen, the female netminder of the Mountaineers, who stymied our shooters. There was not that one save that you look at in the first period that was complete highway robbery, and you could argue that the pink and black could have been more selective with their shot opportunities.

In the middle period, Cassadaigua kept on the offense, and finally, on their 25th shot of the game, they were able to put on in the net on a Carlee Carrigan snipe (Brittany Hedstrom and Darrell Wesley assisting at the 8:06 mark), but more frustration set in when the veteran Camille Danault put her team back in front. At the time of the goal, Cassadaigua held a 28-10 shot advantage. Towards the end of the period, the Fillies got the equalizer from Hailee Cortez (Jessica Barnett and Amanda Norton assisting at 18:44), so there was still a chance to pull this out in the third. That final period was a little more evenly played, but the only goal was scored by Jeremy Faraday five minutes in, and the Fillies could not find a way to get another tying goal.

There will be a lot of questions following this result about goalie Ashley Christain, but coach Samantha Hudson was adamant in declaring that Ashley is still the starter and that she will be able to shake off a game that was probably not her best effort, statistically. However, in her defense, none of the goals that went against her would be the type that you consider a soft goal.

There were not many penalties in the game, with Patriotlandia going 0-for-1 on the power play, and the Fillies going 0-for-2. Equestria is up next.

[Kamijiro]

Ouch.

Miro stood still in the team's box, even hours after the match. Yes, he knew that going up against a country with actual professional hockey players right off the bat was going to be a tall order. And yes, he knew that even some of his starters (ahem, Luke Hamilton) still couldn't really skate that well. But that didn't change the fact that a 7-0 drubbing was the worst loss of his career. He watched on as Shaun Johnson was pelted with shot after shot after shot. Marcus Rosenqvist had a hat trick by the end of the first period. Then, in the second period, it was Noora Tulus who blasted three past Shaun. The white flag came up at 6-0, with Miro essentially giving the "please take your foot off the gas," pleading with his eyes to Hannes Lehtonen. Renate-Ly Mehevets scored one more in the final period, but that felt merciful compared to the other two periods. Perhaps the lowlight of the match was Rika Tsutsumi trying to take a shot and accidentally letting go of her stick and launching it while simultaneously missing the puck. Maybe it was the defensive pairing of Baku Matoi and Ryuta Nomura accidentally slamming into each other while trying to get the puck away from the net, which led to the most open shot of all time?

As Miro finally came back to reality, after day-dreaming about a world in which he didn't take on this half-baked plan to boost hockey's popularity in a tropical country with one ice rink, he realized that the main achievement for this "qualification" round would be to score a goal. One goal would be nice. Even if it's a complete and total fluke.

He called a team meeting and said:
"Listen. It's my fault. I really should've realized how much more training the other teams we'd be playing against would have. I mean, these are players who have grown up playing hockey. And as a group, we've picked it up about two weeks ago. This... this is on me. I should've warned you guys about how much this might hurt to play in. I'm sorry."

The mood around the room was definitely down. But he had a back-up plan:
"Let's go get wasted and forget this ever happened!"

And with that, Plan B opened up:

HAVE FUN!

[United States of Nova Calania]

A disappointing start

Valanora - Saint-Jean-Jacques et Burnham-on-Stove had a good run in the World Cup of Hockey 50, losing against Zenic in the round of 16. Since then, Saint-Jean-Jacques-sur-Mer and Burnham-on-Stove are both states within the United States of Nova Calania, alonng with 3 other former nations. On paper, Nova Calania should be better, but apparently not. On matchday 1, the Tapirs played against East Leaf Republic somewhere in Valanora and lost 3-2 against this unranked nation. East Leaf Republic scored midway in the 1st period when Nagao Masato had the puck on a 2 on 1 with Ozaki Tsuneo. Masato passed the puck to Tsuneo who shoots it past Jackson Dieujuste. While Tsuneo was celebrating his goal, Mason Bartoszkiewicz pushes him from behind and East Leaf players rushes to Bartoszkiewicz in reaction while Nova Calanian players joins in and we have some pushing and shoving on the ice but no one dropped their gloves. Bartoszkiewicz is penalised 2 minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct and he's the only player going to the sin bin. East Leaft Republic has a 2 minutes power play and less than a minute later, Ose Katsuro's shot from the blue line is deflected by Yamamoto Isamu who'se standing in the crease and it's a power play goal. In a snap of a finger, the Tapirs were losing 2-0. Nova Calania scored late in the 1st period when Bianca Châteauneuf-Descôteaux takes the puck in the corner of the ice and passes to François-Alexandre Gaudreault, standing in front of the net. Gaudreault tips the puck into the net and the score is 2-1 East Leaf after 20 minutes.

We have a staged fight early in the 2nd period between Mason Bartoszkiewicz and Kobe Yoichi who didn't appreciate Bartoszkiewicz's behaviour. Both players recieves a five minutes major for fighting, a game misconduct and a 1 game suspension as per international hockey rules. Neither teams scores in the 2nd period and the score is still 2-1 East Leaf Republic. Nova Calania scores early in the 3rd period on a 3 on 1 when Emily Wojciechowski carries the puck and passes to Ethan Wojciechowski who gives the puck to Guillaume Champoux-Rinfret who shoots it past Kitamura Arata and the game is tied at 2-2. late in the 3rd period, Bianca Châteauneuf-Descôteaux is penalised for interference after a late hit on Ikeda Yuudai and East Leaf Republic has another power play. Tamanaha Hisoka's wrist shot finds it's way behind Jackson Dieujuste and East Leaf Republic takes a 3-2 lead and this is the final score.

Nova Calania starts off the Worlc Cup of Hockey 51 with a cruel loss against an unranked team. Our closest rival is considered to be the Canadian Dominion and they lost their tournament opener 5-2 against the 2nd best team in the world, Elejamie. On matchday 2, the Tapirs will play against Crpostran without Mason Bartoszkiewicz, who's suspended for 1 game. Rodrigo Gonzalez Rojas will move up to the 2nd defensive pair while Élodie Robidoux will be inserted in the line up on the 3rd pair.

GAME SUMMARY

1st period
11:38   GOAL EAST LEAF REPUBLIC   Ozaki Tsuneo assisted by Nagao Masato and Hayashida Hiroshi
10:55   GOAL EAST LEAF REBUBLIC   Yamamoto Isamu assisted by Ose Katsuro and Tamanaha Hisoka (PPG)
3:19    GOAL NOVA CALANIA   François-Alexandre Gaudreault assisted by Bianca Châteauneuf-Descôteaux

2nd period
No Goal

3rd period
15:48   GOAL NOVA CALANIA   Guillaume Champoux-Rinfret assisted by Ethan Wojciechowski and Emily Wojciechowski
4:21    GOAL EAST LEAF REPUBLIC   Tamanaha Hisoka assisted by Yamamoto Isamu and Uno Teruo (PPG)

Charlotte Escobar-Constantineau

[Srednjaci]

World Cup of Hockey 51

DEFEAT IN FIRST MATCH!

Srednjaci 3 ( Petra Jurešić, Goran Tuđman, Ai Toyotama) 
Ko-oren   6

We hoped that our team could make a surprise in the first match against Ko-oren, but that did not happen. Simply, Ko-oren's players were eager to win and were too good at this moment. Although it seemed that we could handle the great players of Ko-oren, the Ice Bears are still not at that level. Too many mistakes and too little fluency in the game from our side.
But Ko-ren gave a hint with this high victory that he will fight for one of the top 3 places. They are currently the top ranked team in our group and it will be a surprise if they don't win our group.
On the other hand, we will have to work really hard to get to some of the positions that would take us to the playoffs.

DARKMANIA - this is the second ranked team in our group. They are currently 14th in the world, but Darkmania already beat Gatchingerrak Union with a high score of 6-1. Danÿel Nïsejök, Ërÿk Kälengöskop and Jäkup Hälsmen were unstoppable at the very top of the attack for the defense of Gatchingerrak Union.
They will be very hard to beat.

KIMI-SUOMI - one of the very tough opponents aiming for a high ranking. They are currently in the top 20 teams in the world, 18th to be exact, but they certainly won't stay there after this competition. They are the third highest ranked team in our group and will be fighting for the second position in the group. After a resounding 7-0 win against Team Kamijiro, Kimi-Suomi took the lead in the group. They are our next opponent.

Gatchingerrak Union - they are a higher ranked team than us but they haven't fielded a team this season that we can compare their strength to. They are currently the 29th hockey team in the world and in the first round they suffered a heavy defeat against Darkmania.

LISANDER - Lisander is a verry common team in multiverse sports. They can often be seen in almost all sports. They are also represented in tennis, football and hockey. However, they are a lower ranked team than Ice Bears, the 83rd hockey team in the world. They were free in the first round. We will see how they will present themselves today.

KAMIJIRO - this is the only unranked team in our group. Which makes them dangerous. Unranked teams can surprise and be the dark horse of the competition. However, they did not perform well in the first round. They lost convincingly 7-0.


Goran Tuđman - 1 goal scorrer vs Ko-oren


GO ICE BEARS !!!

[Crpostran]

---

Nation Name: Karmic Republic of Crpostran
Demonym: Crpostranian
Trigramme: CRN
Hockey Federation: Crpostranian Ice Hockey Federation
Nickname: Red Eagles
Kit Colors: Red, Blue & Yellow
2nd Appearance
Style Modifier: +3

General Manager: Philippe Dubois
Head Coach: Laurent Martin
Assistant Coaches: Jean-Claude Lefevre, Antoine Dupont, François Moreau
Physios: Dr. Alexandre Leclerc & Jacques Blanc

---

Goalies:

Sébastien Leroux (31) Jersey Number: 30
Alexandre Beaumont (28) Jersey Number: 35
Pierre Lefevre (34) Jersey Number: 1

Defenders:

François Laurent
Age: 27, Position: LD, Jersey Number: 4
Thierry Bernard
Age: 26, Position: LD, Jersey Number: 22
Antoine Lefevre
Age: 29, Position: RD, Jersey Number: 6
Michel Dubois
Age: 25, Position: LD, Jersey Number: 2
Jean-Paul Martin
Age: 32, Position: RD, Jersey Number: 15

Forwards:

Nicolas Dupont
Age: 28, Position: LW, Jersey Number: 9
André Martin
Age: 30, Position: C, Jersey Number: 12
Mathieu Lefevre
Age: 27, Position: RW, Jersey Number: 18
Pierre Lambert
Age: 29, Position: LW, Jersey Number: 11
Julien Martin
Age: 31, Position: C, Jersey Number: 19
Étienne Moreau
Age: 26, Position: RW, Jersey Number: 24
Paul Blanc
Age: 28, Position: C, Jersey Number: 17
Vincent Lambert
Age: 27, Position: LW, Jersey Number: 10
Olivier Dupont
Age: 29, Position: RW, Jersey Number: 23
Henri Lefevre
Age: 25, Position: C, Jersey Number: 13
Bernard Martin
Age: 30, Position: LW, Jersey Number: 7
Luc Moreau
Age: 26, Position: RW, Jersey Number: 16

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my Scorers: Yes
Choose Lineup: No
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP Game Events: Yes (if they're funny)
RP Injuries to my Players: No
Godmod Injuries to my Players: No
Godmod Other Events: Yes, but do consult with me, either through telegrams or on Discord (username: e_w_)

[HUElavia]

Pluvia and the Saxean Isles 0–1 HUElavia
(Belluci Sato 37:22)

The Oasis of a Victory!

HUElavia earn their first victory in many years in a small and slow attempt to rebuild back up!

Returning after a languishing 4 long years, HUElavia came into Matchday 1 looking to get something started against an unranked Pluvia and the Saxean Isles. Pluvia & Saxean Isles, despite being essentially amateurs (although, HUElavia wasn't too far ahead of that moniker), would prove to be resilient to the HUElavian attack, as REDACTED would block shots while the rotating defense of players would put their sticks out there in an attempt to prevent Los Amarillos/Os Amarelos from opening the scoring. The HUElavians also had to play on the defense at points, as REDACTED and REDACTED would take shots, only to be saved by Bernardes Monteiro. In what was pretty much a dull match overall, the lone goal came towards the end of the 2nd period, as a pass from Klostermann reached to Delaunay, who took a shot that was blocked by REDACTED before the puck fell loose and Belluci Sato took the one-time shot to send it into the goal, making it the lone 0-1. In the end, HUElavia held out with their decent defense, as it was a victory and a shutout of meager proportions. While not explosive of a match compared to other matches throughout the World Cup, there were plays that showed promise and there is hope that the team can grow to the powerhouse it once was.

The team now has a bye going into Matchday 2 as they seek to practice well and study film in order to do their best on Matchday 3 when they return to the ice against Osterhalten, the 10th ranked Hockey Team in the Multiverse. While a daunting opponent, nothing is guaranteed in this sport that is filled with so much chance. Here's to hoping we can put up a great fight and maybe an upset against one of the favorites.

FORCA HUELAVIA! VAMOS HUELAVIA! GO HUELAVIA!

[Raspotochje]

RASPOTOCHJEAN ICE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

Our hockey association is sending a team to WCOH 51.

HEAD COACH : Tiberie Vrašić
COACH ASSISTENT : Darija Biždarić
PHISIOTHERAPYST : Juraj Anić
PRESIDENT : Luka Bulić

CENTERS
 
LINE  #  NAME              TEAM                 AGE  
1     27 Ivana Kožić      HK Zmajevi Kotiga            22
2     33 Mirko Jozić  HK Višnjevac                         25
3     24 Ivan Boždarić     HK Joha 1984          22
4     30 Ana Pliškova  HK Zmajevi Kotiga            28
E     10 Jukko Pekka-Nikola HK Zlatni Pak             25

LEFT WINGERS
 
LINE  #  NAME                 TEAM               AGE  
1     28 Vudan Mudan Hasse        HK Morski Lavovi (SRE)      24 
2     36 Benjamin Hrnić        HK Višnjevac          28
3     29 Bojana Mijatović       HK Zmajevi Kotiga        23   
4     40 Ingrid Rassmudsenn    HK Gromovi      25
E     18 Tomyasu Harada        HK  Joha 1984           25

RIGHT WINGERS
 
LINE  #  NAME              TEAM                 AGE  
1     20 Anika Rosso  HK Višnjevac   26    
2     25 Ozren Kuratić    HK Kula (SRE)     24
3     19 Mirel Konjić     HK Gromovi          30
4     11  Robert Kwirtzill  HK Zmajevi Kotiga         33
E     6  Gordon Halliwell  HK Zlatni Pak      26

LEFT DEFENSEMEN
 
LINE  #  NAME                  TEAM                 AGE  
1     59 Goran Jutrešić        HK Zlatni Pak  26  
2     36 Vedran Kortuš        HK Joha 1984           32
3     12 Julija Safina  HK Kraljevica  23 
E     8  Juli Medina       HK Kraljevica     28

RIGHT DEFENSEMEN
 
LINE  #  NAME              TEAM                 AGE 
1     57 Ana Deronić       HK Zlatni Pak  26 
2     52 Ivan Bodul         HK Zmajevi Kotiga      27
3     22 Luka Trbutac     HK Višnjevac             27
E     5 Mirela Jusmanić    HK Roko         25

GOALTENDERS
 
LINE  #  NAME              TEAM              AGE  
1     35 Zoran Žanko   HK Zmajevi Kotiga  30
2     1 Vera Filipović       HK Višnjevac       27
E     60 Hrvoje Bledić   HK Zlatni Pak        19

STYLE MOD . : +3

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

Choose my Scorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP Injuries to my Players: Yes but please be jentle
Godmod Injuries to my Players: No
Assign Penalties to my Players: Yes
Eject my Players: No
Godmod Other Events: Yes

[Lisander]

Lisander National Ice Hockey Team
Ranked 83th, -; Style Mod +2

SOME INFO:
Lisander National Men's Ice Hockey team is overseen by Hockey Lisander, the entity that governs all codes of skating hockey of Lisander, not to be confused with the Royal Lisanderian Hockey Federation, which governs field hockey. Ice Hockey is the main sport of the communes in Northern Lisander, included but not limited to Salinas, Beaumont, Grandeville and Dalena, where snow and ice are common in the winter, but with the popularization of indoor ice hockey, there are also teams in the southern part of the nation. There's also a growing community of Roller and Inline Hockey fans who are also regarded as part of the community, even without the ice. Competition-wise, the LNH (Liga Nacional de Hóquei) is the main professional tournament in the nation, involving 18 teams in a triple round-robin + playoffs tournament. Hockey Lisander oversees amateur tournaments, while Liga Academica Nacional oversees College Hockey. High School Hockey isn't that much developed, with local tournaments only however seems to be an increase in the attention given to this level, after École Secundaire Gallienoise de Beaumont won the NSAH High Schools Tournament last winter.

With the LNH reaching the end of the regular season, it was already expected that most of the professional players wouldn't be allowed to participate in this event. So, this national team isn't exactly the top of the crop. However, returning to the World Cup was a priority to Hockey Lisander, to gain a boost on its own finances, not necessarily to LNH, that seems to live its own share of problems caused by the aleady known rivalry between South and North. The manager, Alan Croiset, selected the following 23 players:

THE TEAM:

FORWARDS
First Line
#22 Filipe D'Amisso
#7 Frederico Segard
#16 Miro Vincennes

Second Line
#12 Julian Vieira
#10 Raphael Molineux
#19 Taciano Sastre

Third Line
#34 Diego Lorens
#26 Kauã Martins
#21 Patrício Aldana

Fourth Line
#60 Heitor Navarro
#23 Bernardo Campos
#94 Alexandre Becker

DEFENDERS
First Line
#2 Gaetan Drummond
#14 Leon Ecker

Second Line
#15 Louis Cardenas
#44 Stefan Castan

Third Line
#6 Tiago Montagne
#24 Matias Segard

Fourth Line
#17 Lucas Cavalli
#5 Fabrício Henriques

GOALTENDERS
#1 Kiese Spaletti
#30 Yarin Lecastel
#48 Laerte Ávila

UNIFORMS:

Lisander National Hockey team uses green jerseys at home and yellow jerseys as a clash uniform. Hockey Lisander comissioned new uniforms for this season, replacing the older threads used for some years now, in which the number of stripes could be confused with Ko-oren's jersey. The process of developing new jerseys seemed to be somewhat complex, with many people suggesting and pointing opinions, with plenty of possibilities on the final product. In the end, manager Croiset was the one to make the final decision, disregarding most of the "creative ideas" and keeping with the traditional colours. As he said in an interview:

After being presented with eight different concepts, I was feeling at unease. It was like a fashion show or something... Yes, I know that jerseys are supposed to be a statement piece. You wear it to represent your nation in our beloved sport... But as I watched them, I felt like I was getting more and more out of touch with our national colors. There were so many fashion possibilities, dark greens, bluish greens, striking greens. I felt they were all beautiful, but not quite what they should be.

When I couldn't take it anymore, I simply stopped the presentation, and said to the people who were presenting the proposals: “It's not working. I'm very grateful for your work, but it's not working. Can you go to the online encyclopedia and get the national colors, the exact ones? Okay. I like these two stripes. Not three stripes. South Korea uses three stripes, that's enough of the beatings they give us in rugby. A green shirt with two gold stripes. Colors like on the flag”

In the end, I think simple is the best and I used my authority for it. However, now that I think about it, I think the manufacturer is going to have a lot of complaints to make to Hockey Lisander about me interfering in their work.

PERMISSIONS:
No killing, no creeping. Otherwise yes to all.

[Valanora]

Matchday 2

Group A
Placely Placington 1–3 Nova Anglicana
Valanora 2–1 TJUN-ia
Oclea 0–3 United Hawkland

P Group A                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Nova Anglicana                   2   2  0  0    4   1  +3    4
2 Valanora                         2   2  0  0    5   3  +2    4
3 United Hawkland                  2   1  0  1    5   3  +2    2
4 Placely Placington               2   1  0  1    4   4   0    2
5 The Spartan Dominion             1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
6 Oclea                            1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0
  TJUN-ia                          2   0  0  2    2   5  −3    0

Group B
Osterhalten 5–0 Pluvia and the Saxean Isles
Dod Rava 2–2 Edsmontik
Squornshelan Remnant States 3–0 Anthor

P Group B                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Osterhalten                      2   2  0  0   10   1  +9    4
2 Squornshelan Remnant States      1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    2
3 HUElavia                         1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    2
4 Anthor                           2   1  0  1    2   4  −2    2
5 Dod Rava                         2   0  1  1    3   4  −1    1
6 Edsmontik                        2   0  1  1    3   7  −4    1
7 Pluvia and the Saxean Isles      2   0  0  2    0   6  −6    0

Group C
Equestria 0–3 Cassadaigua
Sarzonia 5–2 Abanhfleft
Delaclava 3–2 Raspotochje

P Group C                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Sarzonia                         2   2  0  0    6   2  +4    4
2 Patriotlandia                    1   1  0  0    3   2  +1    2
3 Cassadaigua                      2   1  0  1    5   3  +2    2
4 Delaclava                        1   1  0  0    3   2  +1    2
5 Equestria                        2   1  0  1    5   7  −2    2
6 Raspotochje                      2   0  0  2    2   4  −2    0
7 Abanhfleft                       2   0  0  2    6  10  −4    0

Group D
Huayramarca 8–7 Darmen
Zenic 3–1 Juvencus
Fantier 1–5 Kelssek

P Group D                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kelssek                          2   2  0  0   11   4  +7    4
2 Huayramarca                      2   2  0  0    9   7  +2    4
3 Darmen                           2   1  0  1   10  10   0    2
4 Zenic                            2   1  0  1    6   7  −1    2
5 A Place Somewhere                1   0  0  1    2   3  −1    0
6 Juvencus                         2   0  0  2    1   4  −3    0
7 Fantier                          1   0  0  1    1   5  −4    0

Group E
Kimi-Suomi 3–4 Srednjaci
Darkmania 0–1 Kamijiro
Lisander 3–6 Gatchingerrak Union

P Group E                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Ko-oren                          1   1  0  0    6   3  +3    2
2 Srednjaci                        2   1  0  1    7   9  −2    2
3 Kimi-Suomi                       2   1  0  1   10   4  +6    2
4 Kamijiro                         2   1  0  1    1   7  −6    2
5 Darkmania                        2   1  0  1    6   2  +4    2
6 Gatchingerrak Union              2   1  0  1    7   9  −2    2
7 Lisander                         1   0  0  1    3   6  −3    0

Group F
Elejamie 2–1 Imporia
East Leaf Republic 2–9 Canadian Dominion
Crpostran 3–3 Nova Calania

P Group F                        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Elejamie                         2   2  0  0    7   3  +4    4
2 Canadian Dominion                2   1  0  1   11   7  +4    2
3 New Rotterdam City               1   1  0  0    8   3  +5    2
4 East Leaf Republic               2   1  0  1    5  11  −6    2
5 Crpostran                        1   0  1  0    3   3   0    1
6 Nova Calania                     2   0  1  1    5   6  −1    1
7 Imporia                          2   0  0  2    4  10  −6    0