Farewell BBKL - My Official Resignation

[Robin Hood]

I hate hate hate doing this, but I am officially resigning as the GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

I had told myself that I would quit after the Finals, win or lose. But I have gone back and forth on this ever since. *Note: I am not quitting because I lost. Far from it. Anton is a well-deserving Champion.

I have even been talking trades with some of you today, all the while debating this with myself lol.

But I've finally made up my mind.

My reason for quitting can be attributed to a Quarter Life Crisis of sorts. I'm turning 25 so I want to focus on my career. I'm planning on writing my GMATs and LSATs possibly in the next year and starting my own business. Time is scarce and I want to focus all my energy on establishing a solid career instead of being half-pregnant about it. Some of you will say "But Shiv, you can always divide your time wisely/take a short break." My mind really doesn't operate like that. If I'm in the league, I won't be able to help but spend some time on BBKL every day. Best thing to do it to go cold turkey.

That being said, if in the future I do get time, I will DEFINITELY approach you guys to rejoin the league. I have full faith that this league will continue to exist for years to come.

To My Fellow GMs:

This is the smartest group of hockey fans I've met. I've learned a lot about hockey in my time here. When I first joined, someone asked me about Sami Vatanen in a deal and I just threw him in because I had no idea who he was. Now I know draft picks years ahead and into the late rounds. The GMs in this league have actually made it incredibly hard to talk hockey with people outside BBKL because none of them seem to know nearly as much.

To Admins/Mods:

Thanks for all the hard work guys like Mike, Mash, Scott, Kareem, Anton, Steve, Shoalzie, Chuck, Luke, Mik etc etc. have put in to make this possible. Also, Mike & Lee thanks for paying for this league out of your own pocket - something I think people really appreciate considering how many students are a part of this league.

To Anton:

Great Final man. I had really hoped to win so that I didn't leave any unfinished business here. But no matter how many fantasy leagues I've won/will win, losing by 4 Points this year will forever be a regret when it comes to fantasy hockey for me haha. Congratulations!

Things I've Learned from My Own Experience and Other GMs in this League that Will Help you Win:

Mike and Shep: Never Overpay. Accumulate assets slow and steady.
Scott: I'm always willing to Overpay for something I want (Who said conflicting philosophies can't coexist?)
Scott: As long as your NHL roster is full of studs, your prospect cupboard is always full.
Anton: Why would I ever make a deal unless I get exactly what I want?
Steve: What would Fair Deals Steve do?
Steve: Customer Service is more important than winning a trade. It ensures repeat business. I've seen Steve give GMs players for free because he traded them a player who retired a week later.
Kareem: You only need to be good at 9 out of 16 categories to win.
ChrisBUF and Tony: Focus on Categories undervalued by others and be better than everyone at them.
Nick: Collect Elite Talent and never let them go.
KyleBOS: If it ain't Broke don't fix it.
Shiv: Trade. Trade. Trade.
Shiv: Step 1) Trade for Value. Step 2) Trade for Stats.

I'm sure I've missed others.

Final Thoughts

This is the toughest league out there, and my exit now makes it easier (No Shiv Exit would be complete without a little "I'm Better than You" thrown in ).

I'll still be around on MSN and the Forums (don't delete my account Mash haha) once in a while if you guys ever want to chat hockey/want an opinion on a trade.

Thanks Boys. It's been a pleasure.

-Shiv

P.S. Please don't rape the new Pens GM. I put a lot of time putting this team together haha. BUDDY SYSTEM!

[Mike]

Sad to see you exit. All the best with real life. As someone turning 25 this month as well I can understand the desire to focus on being a productive adult.

We'll try to bring in a worthy replacement.

[Mike]

Oh and, again, Lee paid for CBS this year.

[Robin Hood]

Oh and, again, Lee paid for CBS this year.

Oh. Thanks Lee! Added you in .

[Shep]

SHIV YOU MOTHER FUCKER!

I just turned 25 3 weeks ago, and I'm engaged and all that shit. BBKL4LIFE

Never good to see a great GM go, but I'm sure we'll be talking on MSN.

Cheers brother, you'll be back next season once you realize the NHL season is just not the same without BBKL.

[Shep]

Oh and, again, Lee paid for CBS this year.

THANKS LEE

[Nick]

Sad to see ya go Shiv. Have a good one my friend and I hope you can come back.

As a fellow 25 year old I def understand the career focus - hell move to the north island and vote for me - anyways go kick ass, we'll be here.

[Peter]

Best of luck man

[Chris]

Man, I was right. I told Steve a few weeks ago that I had a gut feeling you were going to quit, win or lose. I have always had the impression that you were a very driven individual; for that, I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavours. Of all the GMs who have recently left, I am going to miss bartering, arguing, debating, and swearing at you the most. Of all the GMs, you are (were?) my favourite. I hope you do come back, Shiv. BBKL was always a fun experience with you.

[KapG]

Sad to lose a solid GM, good luck with life though Shiv.






Sucks getting older :S.

[tyler]

just read ur message about making some trades ... then i saw this. counter productive lol.

have a good one shiv.

[Lee]

Always entertaining talking with you Shiv. Hope you'll be back.

[Arian The Insider]

yeah definitely sucks you have to quit but doing well on your GMATs and LSATs is much more rewarding and important. good luck with everything.

[Nick]

yeah definitely sucks you have to quit but doing well on your GMATs and LSATs is much more rewarding and important. good luck with everything.

Bah, maybe at the time it feels that way - nothing but a small step there, take them with ease and you'll find them easy.

[Arian The Insider]

yeah definitely sucks you have to quit but doing well on your GMATs and LSATs is much more rewarding and important. good luck with everything.

Bah, maybe at the time it feels that way - nothing but a small step there, take them with ease and you'll find them easy.

it's still an important step, and certainly a priority over fantasy hockey

[cliff11]

good luck with everything man

[Sensfanjosh]

Sad to see you go, but wish you nothing but the best going forward. I'm sure we'll continue to chat.

[Florida Chris]

Good luck Shiv, hope to see you back at some pt..

[Shoalzie]

All the best to you, Shiv! I hate to see another key member of the league leave but we can't do this forever though...take care man!

[Robin Hood]

Really appreciate all the warm comments guys. Lol first thing I did when I got home was click the BBKL button on my favourites toolbar. I'll definitely stick around the forums for the hockey talk.