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Niko @vVoDee Vottonen and his team Roots Gaming made an imprint on the Elite division in their inaugural season as an exciting squad of up-and-comers. Despite falling short of the playoffs, they're taking away one seasons worth of experience, which will be big for them moving forward.   When he was younger, Niko @vVoDee Vottonen spent a lot of time at the hockey rink. He played hockey all the way until high school. He reveals that the several injuries were among the reasons for him eventually quitting. “Hockey came into my life right from the start. I started at Jokerit Hockey School at the age of seven and played until the end of high school. The reason for quitting was constant injuries and then later as a teenager I was interested in doing much more than being in the gym 3-5 times a week. I took a couple of years off from everything related to hockey."  He says he had his first contact with the NHL 19 series. However, it wasn't clear from the start that the young man would succeed in the game. But little by little, some of his potential started to show. "I can't say exactly, but I noticed somewhere that I was really starting to do better against high level players. Also, some of my former teammates told me that there could be some potential in me, which made me realize I should perhaps aim a bit higher." The young man reveals that he, as a player, benefits greatly from a general playfulness as well as the good game perception he has gained from playing hockey in is youth. He says he has never considered a particular player as his role model, but enjoys watching others play and adapt according to that: “I have never really had a role model in terms of gaming, of course I have watched a lot of other teams on tape and especially how their defenders play and tried to take notes, but mostly I've always had an idea of what kind of player I want to be and played accordingly.” As the best memory from virtual hockey, he definitely mentions the Elite Qualifiers, where Roots Gaming managed to beat his former team VISU Gaming and thus secured a place at the highest level. He states that in his current team, the absolute positive thing is the continuity of their lineup. He also emphasizes that the team’s style of play has suited him really well. “The core has always remained the same and the style of play has been to my liking. The good atmosphere within the team has also helped. Communication is great and I like the fact that you can speak up about any issues you might have, etc. The objective of the team is to solidify ourselves as an a reputable Elite squad and try our best to make the Playoffs”, Vottonen continues. We asked the youngster if he could choose one feature from another player, then what would it be. Vottonen reveals that he would like to steal @imosi's hockey sense, as he is always in the right place at the right time. In recent seasons, we've seen several young players elevate their level of play in new teams, and Vottonen is now joining that group of individuals as one of the Elite talents to look out for. ”A lot of young players put a lot of work into their own gaming and development. However, our scene is still so small that the talent is noticed quite quickly, and that way the talent quickly gets picked up into more established rosters.” Vottonen plays as a defender. That’s why we asked him what qualities he sees in a perfect defender. ”A perfect defender is able to play a lot with the puck, create plays and be that cornerstone that other players can rely upon. Puck skill and an eye for the game are important.” Despite not qualifying for the playoffs in their first Elite campaign, Roots Gaming and Vottonen managed to put forth a good effort, gaining them a chance to try again next season, which lies a bit shy of two months away. The young team now has some time to think things over and hone their skills, to come back even better after some downtime.

The Pro playoffs’ opening act is now done, once again with some more or less surprising results. Now it is time to turn our eyes towards the quarterfinals, beginning already tonight. The teams have so far secured around 300€ each, which of them can go even higher? Schedule     Preview (1) Reality Check - Dynastia (14) The number one seed not only in their group but also the whole division, Reality Check had a rather impressive showing in the first round, as was expected. It was not a perfect sweep though, with Hokurit taking the third game by a three goal margin on Friday before Reality Check rebounded yesterday with a 6-1 win in game 4, fueling them to another win in the next one to get the job done with a 4-1 series score.  The game scores were a bit all over the place in Reality Check’s series, showing their ability to find wins in different ways. Other than in games 3 and 4, the eventual winners did have the majority of puck possession when looking at the statistics. An interesting note is the amount of deflections: they did not have a single one in the whole series. Even though the numbers were expected to go down a bit after the recent patch, it is surprising to see how much of a difference it has actually made. While Reality Check were naturally the favorites in their first round matchup, Dynastia had to overcome Group 2 runner ups GHETTO FIREBIRDS to get here. Before the series it was clear they could compete IF they found a way to return to their early season form, which they did. In the series’ first and last games Dynastia were seemingly able to put on a lot more pressure than their opponents did. In between though, the stats were nearly identical as the teams’ respective routine levels of play would have suggested. They suffered a devastating 5-0 loss in the fourth game on Tuesday, but were able to bounce back and close out the series on Thursday with a 4-2 series score. Now that we are up to date on their recent performances, let’s get into this pairing. Reality Check should remain favorites in every matchup at least until the finals, though Dynastia proved in the last round to perhaps be better than their initial seed shows. As was said before the last round, Dynastia can make this one close but they still have a cliff to climb to get it done all the way. The games should not necessarily be expected to have any crazy fireworks and a ton of scoring, instead showing much more conservative play where small margins are the deciding factor.   @Mikka’s prediction: Reality Check 4-2 @viivimaria's prediction: Reality Check 4-1   (2)  JYP Jyväskylä - noRex Gaming (13) JYP’s first round performance was, at least results-wise, what should be expected from a team that has been the clear number one contender since the beginning. They took GIFU Hockey down cleanly with a 4-0 sweep, only conceding one goal in the process. GIFU was able to mount a challenge surprisingly well, but JYP’s experience showed when it mattered and they were able to turn the tight games into wins. Similarly to Dynastia, noRex Gaming were able to take down the opposite group’s runner up in six games to get here. The first three games against HanaaHC were quite high scoring, though still decided in the overtime. One goal margins and overtimes seemed to be the name of the game, as the series wrapped up with three 1-0 contests, the last two of which went to OT. Even though the scores were similar, each individual game played out in quite different ways. In the end the German organization found multiple ways to win and were able to prevail. Thus far this season, JYP has seen a bit of a dip in their performance every time they have been exposed to the Central server. For that reason noRex’s chance to strike should be in their home games. It will be interesting to see if the Finns can steadily plow through another opponent with a clean sweep, or if they meet some actual challenge in noRex. Patience is a virtue, and noRex will need to find that against JYP. In the first round they were at times able to defend relatively well against HanaaHC’s possession, they just need to shut down the net front and keep JYP cycling on the outside. The center matchup will be crucial in this series which is quite heavily tilted to JYP’s side.   @Mikka’s prediction: JYP Jyväskylä 4-1 @viivimaria's prediction: JYP Jyväskylä 4-2   (5)  Tohtorit - Stargazing  (10) After a surprisingly good regular season, Tohtorit had a tougher time than expected with Sulkavan Sudet, only getting the deciding fourth win in game 7. Another series with solely one goal margins except for the third game, Tohtorit were still able to dominate at times. Quite a meaningless, though still interesting fact is that the home team won every game in the series.  Based on the small sample size of a six game series, Stargazing’s points distribution seems to have evolved towards being more even throughout their forwards. They took down a similarly skilled Sinister side with a 4-2 series score, yet again with one goal margins after a 0-2 loss in the first game. A big percentage of goals from both sides were scored during the last few minutes of play. Even though Stargazing did not get their goal scoring rolling at the same top level as Tohtorit did during the regular season, both teams are at their core more offensively inclined and possess a lot of individual skill. Still, hopes should not be held too high in regards to eventful high octane hockey. Mistakes will be costly and either team could win, but Stargazing takes the edge on paper due to the big difference in experience. Goaltending and neutral zone play should be at the center of this matchup, as well as overall team defending.   @Mikka’s prediction: 2-4 Stargazing @viivimaria's prediction: Tohtorit 4-3   (6)  Herlev Eagles - RCTIC  (9) Written by @viivimaria For the upcoming playoff series, Herlev Eagles will go out as a slight favorite after beating Deadly Phantoms 4-1 in the first round of their postseason. That series was a very tightly contested fight and all games were low-scoring bouts. It's very telling that two of those games extended to overtime and three matches ended with a difference of only one goal. In the first round of the playoffs against Deadly Phantoms, Herlev Eagles' decisive players were Jere @keranee Keränen, who totaled 10 points throughout the series, whereas Steffen @Mr Steffmeister Sutherland and Martin @vibholm10 Vibholm both scored eight points each in the five games played. RCTIC also defeated Renascor 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs. If the series between Herlev and Deadly Phantoms was eve, so was this one. With four out of five matches ending with a difference of just one goal and three requiring a decisive goal in overtime.  RCTIC's win in the first round series was guaranteed by the teams attacking trio, who managed to inflict a lot of damage at the opponent's defensive end. In the first round, the teams top scorer was Janne @Limbe65 Lindberg, with his ten points through five played games. Tomi @yrjoo Nenonen and Niko @Naikou88 Heikkilä are at nine points each. We're expecting these two to fight it out in a very tight series, which is why high-scoring games and beautiful connections might not be the theme. Accurate defensive play and high conversion percentage on chances given are the main points. Both teams certainly have the skill and desire to advance, now it comes down to the form of the day. @viivimaria's prediction: Herlev Eagles 4-3 @Mikka’s prediction: Herlev Eagles 4-1   As always, thanks for reading and good luck to the remaining teams! PS: We would love for you to follow our social channels, as they are an integral part of the ECL season. Discord Instagram Facebook Twitch Twitter

The ECL Winter '22 Lite season is already in round 2 of the playoffs! Most of the matchups in Round 1 went in favor of the better seeded teams and very few upsets were seen in the end. This time, the teams are more evenly matched, and a lot of tough battles could be seen. We are expecting some of the teams like Powerhouse HC and Project X to continue their success stories. FILADELPHIA ACADEMY (1) vs Toxicity (25) Toxicity eliminated Tadpole in a full seven game series. That might have been exhausting while FILADELPHIA ACADEMY had a little easier series a 4-0 sweep of RoKi eSports. Toxicity had very good attacking games in their previous series against Tadpole and exploded int two 7-goal victories, but also had some tighter games, which could indicate some form fluctuation. They have capabilites for good discliplined defensive also but there is some firepower in their attack, @topetsi with 5+7=12 points in the previous round as an example. Thus far, FILADEPLHIA ACADEMY hardly have shown all they got and beat RoKi in rather tight one goal margin games, with one exception. They are a strong favorite and are expected to continue in their winning ways. Prediction: 4-2 to FILADELPHIA ACADEMY Prima eSport (2) vs Project X (22) We've got a favorite vs a minor underdog situation on our hands. In the first round, Prima had to struggle all the way to a game 6, whereas Project X managed to overgome Arkham Asylum, quite surprisingly with relative ease. In the Prima eSports vs Ace Hockey series the games were mostly very tight but in the end the difference in individual skill began to show. Project X is definitely a step up from their previous opposition, so Prima eSports need to boost their level in order to advance. Prima eSports is a minor favorite in this series but Project X should not be forgotten. @Henka0009 with 4+9=13 and @oggezed with 9+3=12 have been lethal for Prima, and Project X will need to eliminate these two, while keeping other threats in check in order to cause a minor upset in this one. This could be a tight series, definitely extending to more than four games. Prediction: 4-3 to Project X Golden Nights (3) vs Armada Hockey (19) Golden Nights are continuing quite convincingly on the path they took in the regular season, and are one of the biggest contenders in winning the jackpot. They've got so much talent on their roster and move the puck with speed unlike many other teams in the division. Especially players like @JJimbo-, @xSaski_ and @Patadevils have stuck out as their top performers to this point. Armada Hockey caused some waves in the first round by eliminating favorite Kymmenelta Baariin. They are still an underdog in this one and lightning rarely strikes twice in the same place. Despite their strong showings and history of eliminating big dogs, Armada won't be able to match the speed and talent of Golden Nights. Prediction: 4-1 to Golden Nights   Linköping HC (4) vs Spirit (17) Linköping HC was dominant in their round 1 series against Central Hockey Canucks despite the relatively close results. Linköping HC did what the favorite is expected to do and by keeping their standard level high, eliminated their opponent. Spirit eliminated The Last Line unexpectedly in four straight games although winning was not a major surprise itself. I'd say that the Swedes are still a favorite in this series, but the opposition gets considerably tougher, and Spirit might be able to challenge them. Spirit is definitely able to handle tough situations, as they extended into OT in three games out of four in round 1 and handled the situations nicely. @Toivonen_ scored the OT winning goal in two of their wins. He showed great qualities in critical moments like a star player should, something Spirit will desperately need in this series.  Prediction: 4-1 to Linköping HC   Bellizzi (5) vs Alliance HT (15) Bellizzi was one step ahead of their previous round opponent SEVERSTAL CHEREPOVETS throughout their first round matchup, which eventually pushed them through. Alliance HT, on the other hand, managed to beat Including Me for four wind required to move on. Now, the challenge is really tough for Bellizzi, who will especially need to overcome Alliance HT final lock, experienced goaltender @s_w1ld_rus, who can steal games for his team when at his best. The goalie duel will be fierce, as Bellizzi's @LT-XI_ also boasts a great 87,1 SV% and 2 shotouts. Low scoring games are a likely outcome if the goalies are in form in this series. Prediction: 4-2 to Alliance HT   Mora IK (6) vs Bastu (13) One of the most interesting pairs in round 2. Both have been in great shape this season and they have continued in good form in the playoffs. Game 7 won't be a miracle in this series. You can expect even games with two good teams with minimal difference compared to each other. Focus and the form of the night will play a massive role in these games. One moment of lack of concentration can be crucial. Mora IK has a slight advantage when it comes to mental attributes and team play, whereas I'd see that Bastu is the slightly more skilled team on an individual level. The player to watch in this bout is Bastu goaltender @Giinis, who played an excellent round 1 with an over 92 SV%. Prediction: 4-2 to Mora IK EHC TATNEFT AK BARS (7) vs Powerhouse HC (12) EHC TATNEFT AK BARS eliminated Stone Age in four games which were close ones, whereas Powerhouse HC managed to beat Baby Goons in the first round, with @L4nnisto being the dominant figure in the decisive 5-3 win. Powerhouse HC needs to be careful with @Gavrilov95, who scored several important goals for AK BARS in the first round series and now leads his team in scoring with 4+3=7 together with @Nester4343. Powerhouse HC has firepower to oppose that threat as @Burritokuningas was one of the dominant figures in the series against Baby Goons with 5+9=14, and players like Lannisto mentioned before have that X-factor to explode at any given moment. I'd expect this series to extend a bit further than four games. Prediction: 4-2 to Powerhouse HC   Valco (9) vs Hunters (10) This could be an interesting one, the established roster of Valco is going up against Hunters, who are a rather new club in the scene. @itspardytime 9+2=11 and @Teme 3+6=9 were the key figures in Valco's first round series against Ultimatum, which they took home with a sweep in brilliant fashion. Hunters had a close series against TTK with @Vale16 5+4=9 coming up big when needed the most by his team. Both goalies, @Jugi9 with 88,68 SV% for Valco and @Miettinen14 with 76,32 SV% for Hunters are in form. The experience of Valco could be what pushes them through in this series, but Hunters will pose a good challenge. Prediction: 4-2 to Valco Good luck to all teams!  

As always, with each new NHL game comes the risk that EA may inadvertently introduce a bugged mechanic that players can abuse to gain a distinct advantage. Whilst ‘R1 blocking’ another player has been in the game for a couple years now, we feel that it has gotten to the stage where a post is required to get everyone up to speed on what is, and what is not, allowed regarding it.   What is allowed: Trying to reach the puck with your stick extended towards the puck Staying in front of your opponent while skating towards a loose puck Blocking a passing lane Preserving previously gained body position by standing in your opponent’s way and having them skate around you What is not allowed: Purposefully and actively blocking your opponent’s skating lane Blatantly blocking the opposing player by putting your stick / arm in front of them without trying to reach for the puck Negating your opponent’s body position advantage by wrapping your stick / arm around them from behind. Then is some overlap in what is allowed and what is not as ultimately some level of blocking naturally occurs over the course of a game. However, the intention of this is to eliminate people exploiting the fact that the game does not recognise interference unless you hit an opponent who does not have the puck – i.e., do not do something that would be classed as interference in real life. In the event of cases where a player toes the line between what is allowed and what is not, some level of leniency will be applied. Do not take this as an invitation to routinely test how far LA will bend on the matter however, as whilst the benefit of the doubt will be applied in one-off cases, we will still nevertheless punish those that we feel are making it a habit of pushing the boundary between legal and illegal. Naturally, this benefit of the doubt will not be applied if we also deem the blocking to be blatant. It should also be mentioned that cases involving blocking allegations need to be reported immediately, not days after the fact, and be paired with good quality video material. Cases that have not been reported via the support tool will NOT be investigated by LA. To further illustrate the line between legal and illegal, we have attached four videos:   Clip One In this, between 26:32 – 26:37, the LW (green icon) for the team in white was interfered with. This is due to the defender on the other team purposefully and actively blocking their skating lane, moving in front to block the LWs path whenever he attempted to skate around him.   Clip Two The defending player for the team in white was initially blocking a passing lane with his stick, and therefore was abiding by the rules. However, towards the end of the play they turned into the attacking player and blocked them by putting their stick / arm in front of them without trying to reach for the puck. This turn was highly questionable and whilst on its own it did not elicit punishment, any further reoccurring incidents like this from the defending player could bring about punishment. It should be noted that the quality of this clip is not up to the quality we expect to be provided and handheld recording should be avoided.   Clip Three The defender for the team in orange interfered with the forward from the team in white by blatantly blocking the opposing player by putting their stick / arm in front of them without trying to reach for the puck. By extending their stick / arm across the body of the attacking player, the defender slowed down the opposing player, reducing the danger of the potential breakaway.   Clip Four The defender for the team in green interfered with the RW (blue icon) on the opposing team by purposefully and actively blocking their opponent’s skating lane. We have received some questions regarding why we haven't suspended people for the so-called "R1-block". There are a few things that contribute to this. The original rule was written for blatant cases like clip 4 (which was not a League Administrative case and settled between the two teams). The rulebook now links to this thread to give the reader concrete examples of what we hope explain clear and unclear cases. We have received quite a lot of "R1" footage where we could not without a shadow of doubt say that the intention was interference rather than blocking the passing lane.  The "R1 block" in clip 3 is probably the most blatant use we have seen and while we contemplated a suspension of two games for the player in question, we recognized that we have not successfully drawn the line before in cases like this and the player in question's team has previously been told - about what we see as unclear cases of R1 blocking -that there was no interference. As such, we are now slightly tuning the rule to make it more clear and sharing how this rule will be interpreted   We hope that this has cleared up some questions regarding rule 9.2.4 as well given everyone an insight into what we (LA) deem to be legal vs. illegal. If you have any further questions that you would like to be answered regarding this, please do not hesitate to let us know down below and we will do our best to try to answer them – after all, given that this issue is fundamentally a judgement call, we all need to be on the same page and understand what is allowed and what is not. As a general thought though, with reference to rule 9.1, if you are ever unsure about whether an event in game should be allowed (does not have to be exclusive to legal vs. illegal interference with a player), ask yourself whether you would be happy being on the receiving end of what you are doing – if not, do not do it. Again, as this is possibly the most subjective rule in the rulebook, we ask that we are able to have an open and non-judgemental discussion to find a community consensus on what you see as interference and what not. Please share your thoughts in the comments section, as we are willing to adjust the rule ahead of ECL '22: Spring based on community feedback.