So its been six years since I did an update on the history of this league. Chapter I is here for those who have not read it. As we finish our milestone 10th SHL season- I think it’s a good time to reflect on this league that began in 2010. Over the last six years the league has seen a lot of change, new general managers and some veterans moving on but through it all the league has gotten stronger and more competitive.

New Ratings

During the summer of 2015 I worked with Adam (Chicago GM), Pete (GVFHL commish) and Johan (Los Angeles GM) to update our ratings system. The goal was to take a deep dive on how FHL sim uses each individual rating to produce results. We systematically went over each category to test what the impact of each rating was in the sim to see what the result would be. We looked at available NHL statistics and dug down on how each would relate to individual ratings. It took several months but the creation of our own ratings improved the results and also allowed the creation of ratings calculator to provided general managers the ability to project ratings in-season, which has become a very valuable planning tool.

More Expansion

In the summer of 2018 the SHL expanded to 31 teams with the addition of the Vegas Golden Knights. AJ, the former Islanders GM, was appointed general manager after a competitive interview process involving several SHL candidates. The expansion draft was similar to NHL rules and was done on the forum over a week, it created a lot of interest and intrigue and really isn’t that why we all do this? The league also realigned the divisions to match the NHL with four divisions in 2 conferences – 15 in the West and 16 teams in the East. There has been chatter around SHL circles about another expansion with the NHL adding a 32nd team in Seattle but currently those are unconfirmed rumors.

The SHL Gets Unionized

In 2018 the league also added an executive committee (EC). The addition of a committee was an important step to improve decision making and provide general managers in the SHL a stronger voice in league operations and direction. Along with an EC, the league also opened up formal positions such as a media coordinator, UFA coordinator and awards coordinator. The additions have proved successful and has given general managers the opportunity to contribute more to the league they enjoy by having a bigger seat at the table and sharing with the many league day to day operations.

The Last Six Seasons

At the end of the 2013-14 season we had 14 general managers that are still in this league today. While some teams have had several general managers over the course of 10 season, there is a strong core of people who remain dedicated to this league today. The 2014-2015 season started with a bang as I won my first SHL cup. It was a team led by Jordan Eberle and included my franchise player, Gabriel Landeskog. My team beat Rui and the Flames in six games and it was cool to do but less fulfilling than winning the cup in other leagues. It’s an odd feeling when you run a league you compete in. I run this league for the people in it, I get enjoyment from seeing others succeed. It was cool to win but I honestly take pride in seeing others win it all knowing how hard we all try to beat the sim.

The sixth season brought the first SHL World Cup. Eight teams in multi week tournament with Rich leading the US over Jamie and the Czech in a surprising gold medal final. 2015-16 was also my second straight trip to the finals but ended at the hands of Luc winning his first SHL cup. His Sharks made short work of my Leafs taking us down in 5 with Ben Bishop capturing the MVP. The seventh season began the era of Connor McDavid whose Kings won Johan his first SHL Cup. The Kings bested Adrian’s Panthers in six with Carey Price winning the MVP. McDavid has gone on to win other hardware including an Art Ross, Rocket Richard and a Hart to go along with his cup ring.

Season eight saw another long time general manager Saif finally break through the crust to capture his first SHL cup in a dominant five game win over Luc and his Sharks. Another tender took home the MVP with Devan Dubynk leading the Caps to victory. It was great to see Saif finally win it all after years of icing highly competitive rosters but always falling short. The end of the 2018 season also brought the first Fall Classic to the SHL. The Fall Classic is a double elimination tournament that replaced the preseason and all-star games. Chris of Philly won the Championship bracket over Rich and the Red Wings while Adrian captured the Consolation Bracket over Alex and the Ducks.

Season nine was a rematch of the Fall Classic Consolation Bracket but the results were not the same. In a stunning four game sweep Roberto Luongo and Alex’s Ducks took out Adrian and the Panthers. It was second time unlucky for Adrian whose Cats were heavily favored against the scrappy Ducks. It was nice to see Alex win and started a trending hashtag #UnderDucks. While Adrian suffered defeat, his team continues to push each season punishing the competition. Its only a matter of time until the Panthers win it all.

Our tenth season seen the crowning of Luc as the leagues first repeat winning general manager. While the Blues have two cups in their trophy case, those teams were led by different general managers. Luc has been around since the start and his masterful trades and management have led him to his second cup victory in his third cup finals. Luc has a Presidents Trophy to go along with two general manager of the year awards. He will be a first ballot hall of fame builder when his time comes and still will undoubtedly add more hardware to his impressive collection.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead to the future, we march on. I hope this league can continue for many years. Its been a pleasure running this league, more than I thought it would be. I enjoy all the personalities I have met over the years and I won’t lie, there have been some cringe-worthy moments over 10 years – but those a very few and far in between. I love this league for what it promotes, exemplifies and does- good, honest, fantasy hockey fun.