The History of MJK
The History of MJK:
2004-05: I first joined the CPHL taking over a struggling Florida Panthers franchise. They were a league worst 14-65 and needed a complete overhaul. This was my first sim league so I wasn’t sure how to tackle the seemingly impossible task of taking my team from the cellar to the top, where I wanted them.
My first season as a GM I struggled and failed to make the playoffs. I spent most of the season talking to experienced GM’s and learning just how to make a successful team. I decided that the only way for me to make major changes as quick as possible was to trade. I traded and traded and traded. I would flip my players for other players if I knew another GM liked them and was willing to pay more. I always tried to win my deals and I would like to think I got pretty good at trading. I was ruthless and usually found a way to get who I wanted. GM’s were not real people to me, they were business associates and I did whatever I could to exploit their weaknesses. I could be sarcastic, mean, bossy. If you didn’t give me my player, I just kept coming back over and over until I had a guy you might like. This is how I traded and became successful at it.
2005-06: I brought my Panthers all the way up the standings and finished 5th overall in the CPHL. My trading had paid off and I had learned a lot. I was hanging out at my buddy’s house one night showing him the CPHL and how it worked. I told him it took a TON of time to build a team like I did but it was possible. My friend was very interested in this game and asked me how he could join. Well folks, my friend is now the GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins and has been very successful.
I continued my torrid trading pace and I knew my team was only going to get better. I continued to do what I knew best and I was able to win a lot of hockey games. My goal was to be the best and as far as I was concerned I was almost there.
2006-07: Record: 55-24 Position: 1st in CPHL
I had done it. I had taken a team with the worst record in CPHL history and brought them all the way tot he top in 2 years. No one spent more time working than I did. No one had committed themselves like I had. I was the most active GM in the CPHL. The problem here is that I expected others to be just like me. I wanted all other GM’s to trade trade trade because I knew if that happened, there would be some great deals out there for me. I found myself getting very frustrated with when GM’s didn’t commit themselves and didn’t seem overly interested in playing the game. I eventually started lashing out at a lot of GM’s and I made several enemies during this year. I still saw everyone as just a business associate so feelings did not stop me from saying some pretty harsh stuff. Some of what I said came from a monster that was created by the CPHL brass at the time I was in the league. I am sure most of you will remember “The Jerk”. The league was ran very differently back then and activity was important. So when certain people saw how vocal I was, the made “The Jerk” and I posted away, taking shots at almost everyone. If the league was unhappy with someone they would request that “The Jerk” call them out on the board, and it worked.
When there was a commish change in the CPHL, “The Jerk” died with it. However, I didn’t need The Jerk and instead of logging into that account I just continued posting what I felt and I didn’t care what I said or who read it.
It was in March 2007 that I made a move that would change my life. I packed up and left the safe, comfortable home that I knew in Newfoundland and headed north to Nunavut, where I still live today. This change made me realize just how much time I was spending on CPHL and my interest level dropped significantly. I was no longer logging on MSN and I could care less what happened to my team. I talked to Goffie a lot about quitting but I didn’t have to. During the second round of the CPHL players I was fired as GM of the Florida Panthers. At first I was pissed because I had no warning at all. But deep down I knew I was just going to continue being a jerk until I got fired anyways. The CPHL was no longer interesting to me.
2007-08: I spent a bit of time in a different league but it just wasn’t the same as the CPHL. I ended up quitting that one. I headed to Calgary for Xmas in 2008 and finally met with some GM’s face to face. I met Jiri, KG and SuperFraggle AKA SuperNerd. It was surreal because now these guys were people to me, no longer just business associates. I think these guys realized that I wasn’t a monster, just a guy who played the game very hard and let it get out of control. No hard feelings and it was great to meet all of them. Grant and I briefly discussed the CPHL and the possibility of me coming back at some point but I kindly declined. I was out of sim hockey. I had a new life and was focused on that.
2009: I received a PM from Grant earlier this year about me coming back as a GM but once again I declined. I was still not ready to come back knowing that I couldn’t give the time that I use to. I wished him good luck and all the best with the CPHL.
FAST FORWARD: About a month ago I contacted Grant and expressed interest in re-joining the league. I told him I was willing to play but that I would not be the same GM I once was. My involvement in the CPHL would be dramatically reduced. He said it was fine and that the league has come a long way in 2 years. I can see that it has and I feel comfortable coming back to a league with little pressure.
What can you expect from MJK: Expect lateral moves to be made for players I like. Expect a team that is willing to compete now, there will be no rebuilds here. My philosophy is, if you are going to play sim hockey, you might as well play to win. I intend to do my best with the Blue Jackets and compete for the cup one day. I just don’t see it happening as fast as I did it before with the Panthers.
I will play this game but I can only do it at my own pace. For those who did not like the MJK of the past I am sorry. Please take the time to get to know me now.
I am a father now. My son, Cameron, is 2 weeks old. He is my main priority.
Thanks!
|
