Twenty years ago, the BRHL2 was announced to the public. The BRHL2 came to be when Bryce had the idea of increasing the competition level of Simulation Fantasy Hockey.  Looking to amplify the enthusiasm that was already existent in the BRHL, yet do something that few had ever attempted, and almost none had successfully established at that point - making Simulation Fantasy Hockey a premium service. The idea: offer the same structured success that the BRHL had going for it, allowing GMs to buy in for a yearly $50 fee, while returning the money based on performances during the season.

Bryce wanted more from the Sim Hockey experience, and if anyone was going to figure that out, it was going to be him. He took the idea to Eric, as he knew that together they could work out a format, while Eric could handle the day-to-day simulation. The core ideas were similar to the Sim Hockey world, but charging $50 per year would prove to be their hurdle. Other leagues have attempted to charge in the past, but with the combined 10 years of sim experience between Bryce and Eric, they could effectively convey that the BRHL2 would not be a flash-in-the-pan experience. “I just remember the Hansfords, Eric, and others saying we needed to make it a cash league, got many guys who said they’d be in and wanted it. There were only a couple others then (like now), and they were shady AF. We were early 20s punks that people trusted to do it and hold the (money), which was pretty cool.” Bryce commented on the beginning. 

Initially, the league would fill up to about halfway within the first week, slowly adding new members as it grew. Throughout the recruitment process, Bryce and Eric would answer questions on their message board from GMs already on board to those asking questions before joining the league. 

As the league filled up, it was ready for its initial 50-round Fantasy Draft. Handling multiple rounds at a time while running the drafts on mIRC. Once the draft was finished, the league was able to move forward to its inaugural season. 

As expected, and often communicated between Bryce and Eric, the first 2 years were going to be the most difficult. After that, most of the details would iron themselves out, whether that be through continuing to maintain the integrity of the league rules, thus conditioning the league opportunities to self-govern when incidents arose. “Getting outsiders to the league or the original BRHL in general to adapt to the league rules and how to try to duplicate the NHL experience is something that took time. Bryce and I knew that there was a learning curve, and recognizing that as much as we might want to copy the NHL, applying it to Sim Hockey requires customization,” Co-commissioner Eric had to say about the beginning. That hurdle, combined with the limited ability to overcome technical, server, and web site were the foundation of most of the headaches early on. The two often found a solution or a compatible workaround to move past and on to the next issue. 

“The division of labor between us has stayed relatively the same throughout the years, and it’s gotten to the point where most of our communication regarding the leagues is now confirmation that something is being worked on or it’s already been taken care of,” Eric added. Eric handled the simming, day-to-day processing of trades, and roster management changes for the entire league. In addition to that, he handled the development of the site, the message board, and mostly anything computer-related. Bryce would handle the player ratings, league rules, and a majority of the human elements that came with wrangling 28 other GMs with different NHL knowledge, Sim understanding, personalities, communication skills, etc. Neither of them had it easy.

For the first couple of years, the league used the FHL Sim, eventually switching to the STHS Sim after a few years, and they’ve been with the STHS since. Bryce has handled the BRHL/2 ratings throughout the years, eventually developing them into a venture where he was able to provide the ability for other leagues to use the BRHL Ratings. It’s one of the more polarizing aspects of the league, and while nothing is perfect, the ability to deliver results comparable to the NHL has often been Bryce’s goal. Adapting to the changes in the NHL rules, styles of play, the Sim’s software updates, and structural changes always kept Bryce on his toes. 

“Initially, most of the stuff outside of the sim was done manually. Trades were emailed, team lines were emailed too, Free Agency was an HTML Table that was edited as bids came in via email, drafts were done in a chat room, etc. The worst part of the league was that first Free Agency period, where Bryce and I were updating that table every 5 minutes for a week. If there was one point where either of us looked at (the league), and thought maybe this isn’t working or this isn’t worth it. It would’ve been that initial Free Agency. Once we got through that, and then improved the process, it’s been fine.” Eric stated. As the technologies of the STHS Sim, Web development, and maintenance improved and, more importantly, changed, Bryce and, more importantly, Eric started to realize they were in over their heads. The two opened up their co-commissionership to deputize others who possessed the knowledge to get them over the hump to make the website passable. Initially, Leigh King filled that role while the league moved to a Web Portal version of the site. Afterwards, Tyler Shedden, aka Sheds, took the helm and has been an invaluable and contributing member to the team. Countless others have lent their hands in many different ways. “It would be impossible to name them all, but they know who they are. Anyone who helps with any Data Entry or anything else helps Eric or me out so much.” Bryce said about the help with the league throughout the years. 

The league has continued since its inaugural 2006-07 season, with no signs of stopping, while Bryce and Eric have found more ways to satisfy their quest to raise the ceiling of their fantasy sport empire. Running additional leagues such as: BRHL Juniors (a league using junior hockey and NCAA players), BRHL Europe (a league using players from the major European hockey leagues), BRHL World Cup and Olympic tournaments (temporary tournament leagues of International play), BRHL Retro (a league using the Franchise Hockey League computer sim), BRHLDraft (a quick version of the BRHL with a full fantasy draft at the beginning of each season so every year was different). Those were the leagues that ran for some time, and unfortunately, no longer exist; their lasting impact and contribution to the current landscape deserve appreciation. Two other leagues are flourishing: BRBL (Baseball league using the OOTP Baseball Simulator) and the BRFL (Football league using the FanGM Sim Fantasy model). 

“I’ve often heard a saying, ‘never go into business with your friends,’ and I can understand that saying. But I can also say it doesn’t apply to how I feel about Bryce. Our friendship and working relationship have always been strong, and it’s funny. There are times when one of us will have a strong opinion, and won’t budge, and the other will find a way to either compromise or adapt so that we’re not missing a step.” Eric said before continuing, “It’s rare, and we could probably each count on one hand the number of times where one of us has felt strongly about something, taken a day or two, and then come back to the topic, and said the other might, possibly, have a better take on the topic. Those are the few badges of honor we proudly display between us.” When asked what’s next, “I think a lot more of the same, but also some surprises. This is my superpower, an ability to run a league like this, while also constantly thinking of ways to improve.” Eric said and then continued, “Additionally, there are things in the works for the BRHL, BRBL, and the BRFL (to an extent, considering it successfully runs on the FanGM platform). I think the only thing I’d like to try but haven’t is something involving soccer. The financial structure, players' transactions, team management, and tactics would make for such a unique experience.” Conversely, Bryce added, “Best thing had always been the family we’ve built, from meeting many of the people in person, and just knowing and caring about each other's lives. The sports are secondary. But, I would love to add something involving horses.”

Who knew that twinkle in Bryce’s eyes over two decades ago would flap its wings to give meaning and purpose to your online sports presence? That twinkle, developed and fostered by two born from simple enthusiasm, quietly changed the lives of a lot of people who never would have connected otherwise.