Top Ten Most Powerful GM's (from 2002!!!!)

[MatthewFlames]

Top 10 Most Powerful HFNHL Owners
by Joshua Pitt
April 14, 2002

Hopefully after reading this, everyone will have a better idea of who the real players are in the league, and it might help many of us to not forget those 5 or 6 people who give up so much time and effort for little or no reward, especially in situations where things are not always running smoothly.
1. DREW NIECE
The man who makes the league work. Runs the daily sims, and does a whole lot more including setting up ratings for the every player, controlling waivers, and much, much more. Without a doubt he would be the HFNHL’s most difficult member to replace, should he ever decide to leave (hopefully we won’t have to find out!) and for that, gets the nod as the league’s #1.
2. MATT GLEDHILL
As HFNHL Commissioner, he has the responsibility of making the tough decisions to ensure the leagues success. Its not as glamorous as it might seem, and as a result, a lot of flak can come with the territory. Gledhill rarely puts his foot down, but make no mistake, the power is there when it needs to be used, and has once or twice this season.
3. RICH EPSTEIN
Love him when those trades go through, hate him when they don’t. Epstein is a vital part of the league and factors in trades, contracts and many extra’s to boot. It isn’t a fun position to be in, especially when you have to shatter someone’s dreams of a blockbuster deal. Isn’t afraid to shake up the league by sending his superstars left, right and center either.
4. DOUGLAS EMERSON
Handed over the reigns as HFNHL commish at the beginning of the season, but is still as respected as anybody around. When he speaks, everyone involved listens. Still contributes to the running of the league, though he has moved a little bit away from the spotlight.
5. SEAN GAFFNEY
His Rangers have made a massive surge this season, and have brought a bit of the spotlight with it too, but Gaffney is not just a GM of the year candidate. His work on the HFNHL site ensures that the experience of participating in the league is a good one for everyone, and like those above him, there is little (if any) personal gain from the time and effort he puts into it.
6. STEVE WRIGHT
The HFNHL’s assistant commish. The position doesn’t carry the same responsibilities that are bestowed upon the commissioner, but there are still a lot of extras that come with the position. Wasn’t entirely happy with the move to Ottawa, but a Cup could change that. Regardless, the high profile team only adds to his stature.
7. JOSHUA PITT
A major contributor to Cover articles etc. His involvement is the only reason for the GM of the month nominations, as his team just plain sucks! Suspected by some to have an involvement in Wright’s move to Ottawa, even though he claims he was more than happy for Steve to stay. If there was involvement, then maybe he should move above his new found rival purely on string-pulling ability, however that remains just a nasty rumour.
8. DION ONG
The first non-admin team member to make the list. While his team is in a really rough situation, he has become the ‘recap guy’, contributing to the HFNHL site along the way. Has essentially become the HFNHL’s non-official admin member.
9 (tie) ROB KRUEGER
The ‘other’ option on every poll from now until the end of the league will be a part of the Krueger legacy. Contributes to most areas of the league, and is a valued member of the admin team. Rumours that the Bruins star players have been involved in a keg smuggling scandal has left a black eye on the organisation, and allowed Wright to catch him on this list
9 (tie) NICK QUAIN
Like Krueger, is an important member of the admin team. Would have finished a little behind Krueger if not for the fact that there were one or two who extra people that I wanted to mention, and a top 11 or 12 just doesn’t sound right does it? So any excuse will do, even a bad one.
10. BILLY JOHNSON
With his Sharks storming to the presidents trophy, and being the Cup favourites, Johnson has a pretty big impact on the league. Could very well be the last man standing among owners and GM’s in the playoffs, and that brings some recognition with it.
A notable mention to Martin Brassard, the last of the leagues Dirty Dozen, who’s Canadiens are still defending champs.

[kasper11]

I think it says a lot about this league how many of us are still here more than 10 years later.

[Ohio Jones]

That's simultaneously awesome and horrifying.

As impressive as the longevity and commitment of the core is, I think of just how much talent, enthusiasm and dedication we've added since that time. The league is *so* much stronger now than it was in those days, and the careful recruiting process has contributed a lot to that. Where we have new GMs (at least, newer than 11 years ago!), they're really GOOD GMs. Hats off, gentlemen!

[HFNHL Red Wings GM]

Love it. It's one small point in time snapshot but it highlights what a large percentage of our current and past GM's have stepped up at different times. I know I was ecstatic when Matt stepped up to take over simming duties and has done a better job than I.
Today's key movers and shakers are very different but as committed and key to the leagues success as any group there has ever been.

This is why the HFNHL has been the long lived success it is.