Hockey » Metropolitan Hockey League: 1936 Offseason » 4/25/2025 3:27 pm |
Hey everyone, got an update now that school is done.
Unfortunately a couple weeks ago my browser was getting slow, so I decided to completely clear all cookies. What I didn't realize at the time was that meant my MHL ZenGM file would be deleted. While it sucks that it's gone, that doesn't mean I'm giving up on this. I have basically all the team information saved in various spreadsheets, as well as key players. It'll take a while to get things set up again, but I've got the time to do that now.
If you wanna help out by getting some names in to the scouting report, I can add them as new players, since a lot of guys are gonna be lost to time.
As for the official explanation universe-wise, I'll just say a bunch of people randomly died, idk.
AltLB » AltLB - 2025 Season » 3/27/2025 1:56 pm |
Hockey » Metropolitan Hockey League: 1936 Offseason » 1/08/2025 10:03 am |
1936 MHL Offseason: Off the Ice
Quebec rejoins MHL for one last chance
Les Quebecois were unable to participate in the 1935-36 season for financial issues, and the league said they could take a one-year hiatus, but the MHL would be strict if they couldn’t get their finances back in line. There are a few American businessmen interested in the team if their second chance isn’t successful.
1935-36 Hackatt Trophy Winner unveiled
The 1936 Hackatt Trophy was awarded to New York’s Jack Lilly, in his first year with the team. His 39 goals led the league by 7, and he finished 2nd in points. The 29-year-old former London Locomotive has now lead the league in goals twice, and is signed with New York for 4 more years.
5 branding changes in the offseason
5 teams made changes to their logos/jerseys in the offseason, but none were too major or groundbreaking.
Chicago, upon finding a local manufacturer, moved from the plain canvas pants to a new blue design, matching their secondary color.
In Montreal, the Greys made the biggest change of any team, ditching their loved/hated barberpole home jersey for a design that matched their away, but with thinner stripes. These thin stripes were also put on the away, though the general design did not change otherwise.
In New York, the Blue Birds slightly edited their pant striping, and added new socks with a unique orange top on the home, and blue top on the away.
The Toronto Lakers found a new manufacturer for their jerseys, but the color of blue used is slightly more saturated than before. The only change is the color of the blue, everything else stays as it was before.
Lastly, the Washington Bats slightly edited their logo again, making the W thicker and outlines smaller.
Hockey » Eastern Canada Hockey Organization » 1/07/2025 10:35 pm |
That's a nice cleanup of the original logo. Good work!
Hockey » Metropolitan Hockey League: 1936 Offseason » 1/05/2025 8:40 pm |
1936 MHL Playoffs: Abbott Cup Final
(W1) Chicago Wildcats (30-25-9) vs (E1) Brooklyn Kings (29-24-11)
The Abbott Cup final for the league’s 1936 season was between the two #1 seeds, both of whom finished the season with the same point total.
The series started with a bang, as just 15 seconds in, Chicago’s Henry Baumgartner took a shot that bounced off of the shoulder of Brooklyn goalie Randall Thomas, and into the net. The home crowd, which was already loud, got even louder with the perfect start. Still early in the period, Lawrence Tabor sent over a perfect pass cross-crease to Michel Bergeron, who just had to direct the puck in with his stick. It was 2-0 Chicago just 6 minutes in. Brooklyn would get an opportunity for a power play soon after, and blown coverage would lead to Raymond Mullins scoring his second of the postseason to get the Kings on the board. the remainder of the period was still intense, but had no goals. The Wildcats were up 1 after 1.
Chicago would get a turn on the power play in the second, and 2:09 into the middle frame, Christophe Jacques took a burst of speed to get past the defense, and beat Thomas on a rare PP breakaway. After that, the game’s pace would slow down and shift to a tighter, closer-checking game. Few chances happened on both sides, which Chicago was fine with. The hosts did have a couple good looks, but Thomas did well in his limited reps in the second. After 40 minutes, Chicago was up 3-1.
In the third period, Lawrence Tabor, not exactly known for his shot, made a nice toe drag before firing a shot past Thomas to make it 4-1 for his Wildcats. Chicago had the upper hand in possession and shots, and at the halfway point, Allan Gibson would bat in a blocked shot past Thomas, effectively putting the game out of reach. Chicago wouldn’t let their foot off the gas, but the fifth goal would end up being the final one of the game. The Wildcats took the opening game at home, by
Hockey » Metropolitan Hockey League: 1936 Offseason » 1/03/2025 11:30 am |
1936 MHL Playoffs: First Round
(W2) Philadelphia Minutemen (30-25-9) vs (W3) Toronto Lakers (26-23-15)
It was the first ever playoff game for the Minutemen, and it was at home, something few expansion MHL teams could say. In their way were the Toronto Lakers, who had never lost in the opening round of a 6-team playoff. It wasn’t going to be easy, but it was possible.
The first period started well for Philly, as a defensive zone turnover led to Neil James outwaiting Trevor Walker and slotting a puck home less than 5 minutes in. However, just 50 seconds later, Toronto also took advantage of a turnover, and John Mitchell put home his own rebound. Before the halfway point, Philly took the lead again, with Alfred Basil scoring on a rebound created by Clarence Leonard. The shots were all in Philly’s favour, but the Lakers would capitalize on their few chances. Benoit Cyr would score on a shorthanded breakaway, his second point of the period. Then, in the literal dying seconds of the opening frame, Patrick Stone collected a loose puck and beat Richard Parent, who had conceded all of the three shots he faced. Toronto led 3-2 after 1.
The second period saw Toronto with all the momentum. They went from being heavily outshot to not only tying, but overtaking Philly in shots over the course of the second. However, Parent played much better, as he seemed to recollect himself during the first intermission. He turned away all the Laker shots he faced in the second frame, and Philly wasn’t able to do much on their end. Toronto continued leading after 40, with the same 3-2 scoreline.
Toronto started the third period with a power play goal from Matthew Daubney, giving them some insurance. Philly overall played much better, but Trevor Walker was doing his best to turn them away. Philly had a netfront scramble partway through, but he stood tall and turned it away. On the other end, Parent stopped a breakaway, giving them a chance.
Hockey » Metropolitan Hockey League: 1936 Offseason » 1/02/2025 2:35 pm |
Slapshot Kirby wrote:
Glad to see the Bluebirds back in the playoffs! Even if they have a .500 record, but one can hope.
Also, what happened to Hank Strafford? Who owns the Detroit Guardians now? Do you have a list of all the owners in the MHL by chance?
I could have sworn I wrote the story of his dismissal, but looking through, it turns out I didn't. Basically, the league had enough of his skirmishes with his own players and basically said "change or leave". He refused to do either, so the league kicked him out. The team is now owned by Millard Huggitt, well-known in Detroit's automotive industry.
As for all team owners, I don't really have a list, but I can make one.
Boston: Mary Pine (widow of deceased owner Gordon Pine)
Brooklyn: Nathaniel Lewis (Lumber businessman/politician) & Marcus Francis (journalist)
Chicago: Caleb Sandy (lawyer)
Detroit: Millard Huggitt (automotive)
Montreal Barons: 3 businessmen (Georges Bouvier, Stéphane Maurice, Pierre Giroux)
Montreal Greys: Bill Peterson (former player) & Wed O'Byrne (bootlegger)
Nassau: Vincent Merran (former army general) & Henry Peters (doctor)
New York: Lloyd Oliver (former army general)
Philadelphia: Eugene Coombs (radio executive)
Quebec: Toussaint Petit (healthcare magnate)
Toronto: Warwick Lewis (son of deceased owner Windsor Lewis)
Washington: Theodore Michaels (former player)
Hockey » Metropolitan Hockey League: 1936 Offseason » 12/31/2024 4:00 pm |
1935-36 MHL Season: Second Half
The parity the MHL had seen in the first half continued throughout the second half, and resulted in one of the craziest playoff races the league had seen. Virtually every team was still in it until the very end.
Finishing atop the West for the 2nd time in 3 years are the Chicago Wildcats. They also clinched the #1 seed overall, by virtue of a tiebreaker with both a team in their conference, and a team from the East. Trevor Alrick had an amazing second half of the year for them, topping the league in points, and setting franchise single-season records in assists and points Patrick Quinn and Henry Baumgartner both finished in the top 5 in goals as well, so it’s no surprise that Chicago finished with the best offense in the league, the only one to average over 3 goals a game. The Wildcats finished at 30-25-9.
Finishing second and making the playoffs for the first time in their history were the Philadelphia Minutemen. Despite being the only playoff team with a negative goal differential, they played well in the home stretch, enough to almost be the #1 seed in the entire league. William Bilodeau had a breakout year offensively and defensively, and the former Quebecois player may end up being the team’s franchise talent. Other players such as rookie Jack Alexander and G Richard Parent also played really well. Philadelphia finished at 30-25-9, behind Chicago on head-to-head.
Finishing in third and staying in the playoffs are the Toronto Lakers. They went below 0.500 in the second half, but had more ties than wins or losses, so they were able to stay in the playoffs on a tiebreaker. Few of their players had notable years, with the exception of Ajax Sorensen, who came third in points. The Lakers finished with an amazing home record and awful road record, so being the last seed in the West isn’t ideal for them. It’ll be on them to break the narrative. Toronto finished at 26-23-15, ahead of Detroit on a
Hockey » Metropolitan Hockey League: 1936 Offseason » 12/28/2024 12:12 pm |
1935-36 MHL Season: First Half
The 1935-36 season may end up being the one with the most parity the league has seen. Every team in the league from top to bottom is separated by only 9 points at the halfway mark, and everyone is still easily in the playoff race. As well, after a shocking offseason trade, we saw another big trade that only added to the drama.
Atop the Western Division and currently the #1 seed are the Toronto Lakers. Their play at home has been the biggest reason for their position, as they’ve gone a crazy 11-1-3 at the Toronto Garden. On the other hand, their road play has left a lot to desire, being the worst of any team in a playoff position. For individual players, Ajax Sorensen has been one of the best players in the league, being tied for the point lead with New York’s Jack Lilly. Quebec pickup Matthew Young has been great for them as well. Toronto sits at 17-12-3.
Second in the West at 0.500 are the Detroit Guardians. Based on their expectations it’s a little disappointing they aren’t above even, but they’re still playing a whole lot better than their extremely disappointing 1934-35 season. Their offseason moves have all been good, with the exception of struggling centre Will Breton. There is some concern the Detroit may regress, as their goal differential is negative. It’s ultimately up to them to decide their fate and try to make the playoffs for the first time. The Guardians sit at 14-14-6.
In Third and the final playoff spot are the Chicago Wildcats, but they’re only third because of fewer games played. They’ve played like the #2 in the West, but their defense and goaltending have cost them multiple games. Starting goalie Claude Kepkay has a woeful 0.854 save percentage, and the team’s 92 goals allowed are 2nd-worst in the entire league. On the bright side, 21-year-old Patrick Quinn is breaking out and starting to become an offensive star. He’s 2nd in the league in
Hockey » Metropolitan Hockey League: 1936 Offseason » 12/26/2024 12:07 pm |
1935 MHL Offseason: On the Ice
Notable Retirements:
Thaddeus Morgan - W (MTB 1920-34)
Montreal’s long-time captain, all-time leader in games played, and the current skater record holder for games played with one franchise, Morgan was one of the league’s more underrated players during his career. As of the end of the 1934-35 season, he ranks 5th all-time in games played, 7th in goals, and 5th in points. Once the league has a hall of fame, he’ll be in as a founding member.
Joseph Ocking - C (PIT 1920-27, NWK 1928-29, TOR 1929-33)
Ocking is another surefire hall of famer in the future. He is currently the only MHL player to have over 300 career goals, with his total of 324. He also had the points record for a while, but was passed a couple seasons ago. Despite never winning an Abbott Cup, he was highly regarded for his all-around game, and while he was putting up points, was also renowned for his defensive play. A true legend of the early days of the league.
John Young - C (NYB 1920-24, TOR 1924-34)
Young was a consistently good player his entire career. While he was never the best of the best, he was always a reliable scorer for both New York and Toronto. He technically won an Abbott Cup with both teams, but didn’t play a single game in either postseason. Nevertheless, he still had a very solid career, finishing at over half a point per game, impressive considering the low scoring seasons.
Grant Meeks - D (BRK 1920-25, MTB 1925-32, MTG 1932-34)
For a defenseman, Meeks was a solid goalscorer. his 154 career goals are in the top 5 for MHL blueliners. He unfortunately never won an Abbott Cup, with each of his teams winning the trophy within 3 years of his leaving. Overall, while he was never the best defenseman in the league, he still had a heck of a career.
John Lavigne - D (OTT 1921-24/1927-32, NYB 1924-26, PHI 1932-34)
Lavigne was more of a defensive defenseman, but was still