Lady's Night?

Komets (2-0-1) 1, Puckers (0-3-0) 0

Brent Bryant and Patrick Donaghue square off with the first game of the evening, while Tom Yockey and BC participate in the Broadway on ice on the green rink. And, despite stacking their rosters, neither team can manage a single goal for 23 minutes of stellar play. That's when Mellisa Knourek puts in her first goal since. . . uh, gosh I don't know. I'm pretty sure she's scored before, at least she told me she has. Anyway, the Komets take the lead and then Ryan Smith fires off his big mouth and ends up in the sin-bin, putting his team on the kill, and the lead on the line, but they bail him out. Donaghue made twenty saves, Bryant sixteen. Bryant carries "Supergirl" off the ice (she finally earns her nickname) while shunning Smith.

DFW Titans (3-0-0) 4, Grave Diggers (1-2-0) 1

The Diggers hit the ice fresh off of last week's win and for the third week in a row they score first, Tom Edwards off the feed from Mel "Supergirl" Knourek (what is going on tonight?) before the first period ended on a screen shot. Half way through the second Titan's Jake Jordan ties it up. In the third, the stalemate held up for almost eight and a half of the eleven minutes, that's when the DFW Titans put their skate on the Digger's throats. The game winner goes to Mark Seacht, unassisted. As time winded down the Diggers started the press which backfired, the loss of defensive coverage was abused by the Titans who knocked in two more before the game finished: Lincoln Foster, Jocelyn Zee (that's two games with female goal scorers, so far).

Snipers (2-1-0) 2, Whalers (0-2-1) 1, OT, Shoot-out!

The Whalers take another run at this ice hockey thing and they score first when goalie newb, Matt Walkertinov, loses focus at the close of the first period and allows Brian Hamstra (is he the bearded Whaler?) to take the lead. Early in the second, Chris Hale cleans up a rebound to put the Snipers on the score board and that would be all that regulation could handle. Overtime, too, would not be enough to decide this battle royale, and the refs pulled out their handy-dandy-notebook, to start the shoot-out. Of the first three shooters for both teams only one could score (meaning, once again, Eysermans would not come away with the game winner) then the extra shooters hit the Ice and "Big" Joe Tomme comes up big and his goal goes unanswered, that makes two in a row for the Snipe.

Iceholes (3-0-0) 2, Patriots (1-2-0) 1

The Pats are in a slump right now, they score first and hold-off the Holes for most of the game but Roy Haenselmann's goal would not stand throughout the third period. Those mechanical wonders, the Iceholes, continue to plod through their system, confident that there would be a pay-off, and they were right, again. On a power play just past the halfway point of the third the all estrogen line makes what should have been a two assist goal with a shot from the bottom of the right circle deflected off of the skate of the center to Nicholle Palomar, all alone on the left post. A minute and a half later, Gino Ropos wins the game sweeping in a rebound off of Ellis. The Pats need to right this ship, they will have a short bench next week against the Moose, this could define their season. The Holes continue toward the Keg.

Blue Devils (3-0-0) 2, Hitmen I (1-2-0) 1

DB and BD, together forever. Hitmen I is limping along, they score first (James Macha) but can muster no more. The Devils take all the Hitmen have then square-up and knock the Hitmen out. Again, it's the women, Gloria Buell scores off the feed from Val Kuntz. Followed by a goal from Josh Shechter. The Blue Devils are on a role and David Blubaugh has a lot to prove, which is when he plays best. watch out for these guys, er and girls.

Moose (1-2-0) 2, Stickmen (1-2-0) 1

Bad news for the Pats, the Moose pull out a win in a one goal game. The Sticks have reinstated their long lost goalie Steve McCollister, but Sergio Castillo still recognizes him, and beats him twice. By the time the third started up the Stickmen were just about mentally done, they come within one just a minute two into the period but muck it up with six minutes of penalties and never string together that last goal. Was it the hangover of the David Blubaugh fiasco? It is certainly strange that the Moose' first win would be against the Stickmen, maybe they need more women on their roster?

Brewzers (2-1-0) 3, Chiefs (1-1-1) 1

The Brewzers are demonstrating the overall proficiency of their team, scoring, defense, and goaltending (yawn. . . when needed). Tonight they rev it up early: Rob Walker scores unassisted, then the lovely Jen Leonard puts away her first of the season. The Chiefs try to reset the tone of the game with Rich Wojcio's period ending goal, but the Brewzers would have none of it. They apply the pressure rink wide, limiting the Chiefs to nine goals for the game and regaining their two goal lead before the end of the second via MacKenzie Funai, another woman, it's an epidemic! Don't count these Brewzers out, they have finally come into their own.

Privateers (2-1-0) 3, Silverwings (1-2-0) 1

The Silverwings open the scoring with Chris Hale's second of the night. But in the second, the Privateers find their rhythm and utilizing this rhythm method, they score twice in the second: Steve Haley and John Schwartzbaugh. The Wings make their impact on the second with eight minutes of penalties and no scores, impact? The third started off with the Privateers on the power play and Cody Payne collects the cushion goal. Despite ending the period on the power play, the Wings see the game slip away and the 'Teers are back above .500, their only loss is the opener against the stumbling Patriots. Will Ryan Haley (or whatever her last name is now-a-days) be welcome back in the Privateer net?

Thanks to my parents for allowing me to borrow their computer while mine is hauled off the ice on a stretcher. Everyone beats their sticks on the ice, she waves her mouse to the watching players, unable to turn her monitor in the restraints. You're in my thoughts, sweetheart.

Blubaugh Retraction

The word has come down that Blubaugh will continue to play on Saturdays contrary to what was previously reported here. We at SNH find it regrettable that our integrity has been compromised in this fashion and those responsible for the poor research of the article "Buh-Bye", of Wednesday, August 6, 2008 are being disciplined accordingly. There is, however, no truth to the rumour that the story was put forth as a tactic to sensationalize the SSHL or to increase our readership by it's manufacture. SNH tries to present an evenhanded and well researched point of view on every topic that graces our pages and this incident, though convenient, was entirely accidental. While we at SNH understand that this is not an excuse, we hope that you, dear reader, will continue to come to our site to stay in touch with the activities of the SSHL in Euless, trusting that this matter will be resolved and that we will not allow a mistake of this magnitude to escape our editors again.

Thank you,
jon ellis

P.S. It's all David's fault anyway. . .

Buh-Bye!

I got a phone call earlier this week, it was more than a little surprising. It seems that one of our more recognizable players will be taking a sabbatical. He is choosing his career over his hockey, can you believe it?

You love him.

You hate him.

He's David Blubaugh.


He has been a perennial member of the Stickmen and recently made the very controversial move of joining the Blue Devils, starting on the night they played for the Keg. While juggling commitments to both teams has been a little awkward, the times ahead for both teams look to be rockier still.

David had a chance to move up in his field and that also meant giving up his Saturday nights. I guess we can all see where his priorities lie.

David has always been one of the best goalies in our league statistically, but putting himself in the middle of controversy was certainly one of his greatest talents. I will miss him.

I've gotten to know the sometimes abrasive goaltender, and I appreciate his competitive drive and his ability to, get this, have fun on the ice. Some time back he and I staged a fight (Nate's camera phone sucks!) between periods, which he claimed to have won, and we had planned on playing one game in tandem, switching out at every whistle (Pointstink would have loved that), and who knows what other crazy antics would appear on the horizon. If you haven't noticed, I put fun ahead of just about everything on the ice, and I thought that it was amazing that he apparently had a similar desire.

Of course, as a member of this blog, I will miss his negative stuff, too. You might have your own personal axe to grind against Blubaugh, you wouldn't be the only one, but I'll let you in on a secret: the blog thrives on controversy. I do try to cultivate the camaraderie and the competition and all of the positive aspects of our league, but if you look at the posts with the biggest reactions, it's usually the ones about ringers, or reckless penalties, or something David did. A double secret: he welcomes that aura.

This weekend will be the last time to see Blubaugh in I-league.

So good-bye, David. . .
How long until you're back?

What controversial figure will be next to leave our ranks, my sources say it could be Rahul Sharma!

P.S. Isn't there someone out there interested in trying their hand at goaltending? How many games will I have to play before someone puts me in my place?

Whalers/Privateers video

Someone who's handy with a video camera and editing software sent this footage of the 7-0 drubbing the Whalers took from the Privateers. Enjoy. (Yes, the video proves that you are slower than you think you are -- even those of you who win 7-0.)

Commentary from contributor Darrin Ellis: "On Saturday, August 2, 2008 the TDA Whalers took it on the chin as they were shut out 7–0. 'Mike the Goalie' filled in between the pipes for Kelso and did a fine job considering how many shots were fired at him. The second period was brutal for the Whalers, but the team came together and kept the Privateers scoreless in the third period."

If anyone else wants to put up video of their games, we'll advertise it here. Just drop an email. You should keep the lengths under five minutes.

BC

Are We in Bizarro World?

Brewzers (1-1-0) 3, Puckers (0-2-0) 1


The Brewzers take the ice with Patrick Donaghue in their crosshairs. The first score falls to them when Brian Flashbart beats Pat in the middle of the first. The Puckers come back in the second to soil Mike Mooore's new pads with the equalizer, via Chris Kirton on the power play. At this time the Pucker's lack of conditioning became an issue. In the third period there were no more shots from the Puckers, their struggle was to get the puck out of their zone. And, a struggle it was. The Brewzers put two more away, the game winner to Flashbart, the third goal to Nidal Al Jabri. Time to register for that spin class!

DFW Titans (2-0-0) 3, Chiefs (1-0-1) 2, OT, Shoot-out


The Titans maintain their perfect record but not without some schedule benefits. With the victory over the Puckers last week, they now add a squeaker over the Chiefs this week. The first period played host to most of the action with the first goal going to Tim Marra, on the assist from Lincoln Foster. Mark Millard puts one away for the Chiefs, then Justin Mason returns the Titans to the lead. Deep in the third, the Titans put the Chiefs on the power play again and this time Bill Broad (who had the assist on the first goal) sends it to overtime. Overtime comes and goes, and the shooters take the ice one by one. Stahnke of the Titans and Stillwagon of the Chiefs turn away their first three without allowing a single goal, but Ben Stillwagon, on his first extra shooter, gives-up the game winner to Chris Holder.

Privateers (1-1-0) 7!, Whalers (0-2-0) 0


Hot off their opening day loss, the Privateers take vengeance on the tenderfoot Whalers. Last week the Whalers left their battle with the Hitmen after losing the high scoring game in the third, feeling proud of themselves. They reviewed their game film thinking that the road ahead would not be as difficult as they had thought. Reality struck back this week. The first period was manageable, Mike Moore stands-in for the Whalers in net, allowing only two from the 'Teer barrage. The other end sees Matt "sexy town" Sexton, turn aside the only Whaler shot in dramatic fashion, on a breakaway, fifteen feet in front of the net. In the second, the 'Teers get the remainder of their seven. A game of monkey in the middle occurred in the third, which the Privateers won. The scorers: Don Hurt, Cody Payne, Dan Lowery, Casey Payne, Casey Payne, John Swartzbaugh, and capping it off, Joel Bush gets his first of the season.

Blue Devils (2-0-0) 5, Komets (1-0-1) 4, OT


The first period showed no signs of what this game would become, not a single goal scored, only Komet penalties. But, in the second things started to catch fire. Chris Zoll opens for the Devils, then Chuck Dolbee gets one for the Komets. Charlie Heine snags two goals for the Devils before the third period started. In previous seasons the Komets would likely have rolled over in the third down two, but not this time. Dolbee scores again to bring it within one, Ray Workman takes it back with his Blue Devil goal. Sean Griffin puts in two more for the Komets to tie the game, then with just seconds left on the clock, David Blubaugh makes the clutch save for the Devils one on one, point blank, preserving the tie. Inspired by their goalie, the Blue Devils' John Lloyd wins the game just half a minute into the overtime. The Komets cried into the phone with Bruce Frankel, all night long.

Iceholes (2-0-0) 3, Stickmen (1-1-0) 2


The 'Holes' methodical, patient system is working its way back through the ranks toward the keg. No scoring in the first. In the second the Sticks take the lead, on the goal from Brad Bynum. The Sticks make a goaltending change as Blubaugh gains completes his BD game and Ellis makes his way to the gold for the Patriots. That's when Michael Crook ties the game. The third period opens with the inebriated Jayson Jones giving up a soft goal to Stickman Ken Halford. But the 'Holes never panic, and with Back to back goals from Joe Picardo they add their name to the short list of perfect record teams.

Silverwings (1-1-0) 3, Patriots (1-1-0) 2


Speaking of Ellis. . . The Silverwings and a gaggle of subs, made short work of the goaltender putting three behind him in the first period. Paul Reid freezes Ellis out and beats him high glove on the first shot of the game. Corey Howard beats him on the second shot of the game from a ridiculous angle. The Patriots rally for a quick shot from Kendall Bernard, but see it erased with the Silverwings collecting another from the chaos in front of the Patriot's net. Just past the halfway point of the third the Pats come within one, and at the final minute of the game, go with an empty net and a full-on assault of the Silverwing net, but are unable to penetrate the plane. Silverwing goalie Eric Spivey makes thirty saves on thirty-two shots.

Grave Diggers (1-1-0) 5, Moose (0-2-0) 2


The Diggers played a close game with the juggernaut Iceholes last week and this week let loose all of their angst on the struggling Moose. Danny Grimes opens up the proverbial can of whoop-ass in the first and Billy Quinn adds another Digger goal before the period ends. Danny puts in another for the Diggers in the second. Brian Hamstra, the Moose saviour, scores one, quickly followed by Danny netting his hattrick goal, the crowd goes wild. The third period sees Billy Quinn grab another goal and Hamstra gets another, as well in the final minutes. Everyone shakes David Blubaugh's hand.

Snipers (1-1-0) 2, Hitmen (1-1-0) 1


The final game of the night is a rematch of Spivey and Ellis in opposing nets, with Ellis guaranteeing a victory. The first was all goaltending, neither man blinks. Finally in the second, Alex Eyesermans puts the puck behind Spivey and the Snipers on the board. Hunter Lamoine puts the Snipers up by two, and the Hitmen call for their reserves. As Ellis taunts Karen "sparrow" Powell on her scoring opportunity she dishes to Gabriel Rivera who beats Ellis for the sole Hitmen goal. It wasn't all Ellis, though, Kendall Fries single handedly dismantled one of the Hitmen's best rushes, a two on one with a couple of key stick checks, and breaking up a pass with her skate blade, and then following up the play with coverage on one Hitman preventing a turn over in the slot, BRILLIANT!

The above image has nothing to do with this game, just thought it needed to be shared.

Pointstink, and New Logos?

Most of the games have been posted to Pointstreak now. Most of. . .

Anyway, here are the records so far:

Blue Devils 1-0-0












Chiefs 1-0-0















DFW Titans 1-0-0












Hitmen 1-0-0












Iceholes 1-0-0












Komets 1-0-0












Patriots 1-0-0












Stickmen 1-0-0












Brewzers 0-1-0












Grave Diggers 0-1-0












Moose 0-1-0












Privateers 0-1-0












Puckers 0-1-0












Silverwings 0-1-0












Snipers 0-1-0












Whalers 0-1-0












Near as I can tell (bear in mind I'm not really a numbers guy) that makes an EIGHT way tie for first place! I think that, with tieing no longer an option, next week the largest number of teams tied for first would be. . . five (Hitmen, DFW Titans, Patriots, Stickmen, and Blue Devils, check me on Sunday), the lowest number should be three (the Hitmen and the Pats are the swing teams, as they are the only winning squads playing teams with losing records).


P.S.
You don't have to put out a red light.