more pictures here: http://eulesshockeystop.blogspot.com/2008/03/keg-night-april-5-2008.html
The Army of the Twelve Monkeys end their inaugral session in a spectacular, high scoring contest with the veteran Pats. The first period was all together different from the rest of the game with the Patriots slowing down the game with solid possesion hockey. Tight passes and outstanding playmaking, the Pats were able to net the only goal of the opening frame, an incredible pass from Les York at Talley's right to the hungry Gabe Rodriguez, on the left post. The Monkeys seemed to have difficulty, as many new teams do, with finding their chemistry, with their best scoring chance ending with a shot ringing off of the post of an empty net(bonehead Ellis pass/turnover).
The second was when things got really crazy. The Monkeys even it up on Les York's highsticking penalty with an all out onslaut on the net lead by Mike Missel. Creating a short side shot out of the scrambling Patriot D, Ellis had only one chance for the rebound but Kent Taub lifts it over the protruding stick for the heads-up goal. Sharma gives it to Butch Hutchinson to regain the Patriot's lead. It was beginning to really open up offensively as demonstrated by the following Monkey goal. After losing a man for a trip, ATM makes use of their quick, aggresive forwards and forechecks the equally aggresive Ellis, who turns over the puck again. Geoffrey Goodson easily nets the go-ahead goal. The coaching philosophy of the Monkeys may have changed on that very play, as the man advantage seemed to hold no advantage, the penalties began to pile up. Travis Lehr beats the Pats shorthanded again when A.J. Fierrero springs him for the break away, putting the Pats behind for the first time. Sharma manages to deke his way behind Talley to make the third anyman's game.
The Patriots looked to be imposing their will on the Monkeys in the third, limiting the odd man rushes and both goalies (who had posted pretty pedestrian numbers to this point) began to respond to the pressure. Twelve minutes of penalties but still no score. It would take the forward thinking of Chuck Dolbee to clench the game, with a ticky-tack slash he skated to the box with a gleam in his eye, 66% of their offense to that point had occured while on the kill. As Geoffrey Goodson popped in the fourth Monkey goal, Chuck smiled from behind the door, watching the Patriots implode from the best seat in the house.
Never fear, the new session commences immediately with all players reporting to camp next week. The slate is wiped clean and hopes are high for every player looking to recapture some halcion moment that collects cobwebs within their adolescent minds. At least that's how I feel.
Our Conne Smythe winner is...
TRAVIS LEHR, 2 goals, 1 assist
Here are the other games, quickly:
Warriors 4, Stickmen 3, OT
An incredible back and forth game with all the dramatic elements. Short handed and power play action, a hat trick, a penalty shot and an overtime period. The Sticks appeaered unable to overcome their first round loss but manage to keep it close, almost in hand, their main poison: Eric Johnson, who has no problem obtaining a hat trick on the talented Mr. Blubaugh. David had a less than fabulous night but did defuse the penalty shot with a dramatic poke check as almost seen in this photo
Over time was resolved with Eric Johnson's third goal that practically crawled over the top of the reclining Blubaugh, Blubaugh then retrieved his stick and left the ice without congratulating the Warriors.
Brewzers 4, Puckers 0
Mike Moore claims a shut-out, apparently protests about Casey Jenkins on the Pucker's D were a little premature. Jamil Al Jabri leads the Brewzers charge with two goals, Walker and Sutton follow. Donaghue must be weighing his options very carefully after this.
Snipers 3, Komets 2
Mike Moore plays another excellent game (.929). Jamil gets two more. Wil Dobson, Alex Atkins, and the Komets come up short. The old ball and chain are weighing heavy on Sniper goalie Nick Murphee and the Snipers find themselves looking for a goalie for next session. Will the Komets survive the creation of Team Mini? Sorry, no photos.
Iceholes 3, Spiders 1
The Holes allegedly hired the services of David Blubaugh for fifty dollars, and he delivers the one goal against victory (maybe the Sticks should start paying-up?). Harrington and Missel combine for the first two goals and assists, respectively. Joan Crook makes the third. Andrew Patty collects the Spiders garbage goal. The focus for the Spiders tonight was squarely on the Cross Bar. Believe me, they won up there.
Grave Diggers 3, Blue Devils 2
It was never even close. Blue Devil threat Ryan Wacker is suffering "flu-like symptoms" and can't deliver. The Diggers on the other hand, look like a team finally becoming a cohesive unit. Curtis Zoil gets credit for both of the late Devil goals.
Take a look at the after game activities:
Yes, that's Blubaugh proving that he does know how to shake hands.
Hope you had as much fun as me,
bcIII
P.S. you may recognize the face of former Euless player, Samantha Arthur, at the end of that table, congratulations to her as she gets her first ever goal, unfortunately, it's at NYTEX.
