The epicenter of the earthquake was recorded just two miles from the rink, though reports cannot confirm that the earth was shaking in response to the weight of Komet's player/coach Wil Dobson's ego approaching the Starcenter. More likely, Euless was sobbing at the prospect of not having me in town for another fantastic Saturday night. But you guys were there, and this is what was happening while I was pursuing my dream job as a pajamist.
I-league
Whalers (4-0-0) 3
Mutineers (1-3-0) 2
The Whalers continue their conquest of the I-league. Patrick Haley appears to be the only consistent offense for the Mutineers but tonight he is denied the hat trick. His first goal gives the early lead to the Mutes, but the Whaler's own offender, Brian Hamstra, ties the game. Richard Walter finds the back of the net to put the Whalers ahead. The scoring drought runs for the duration of second period and is only ended by Haley's second opus. The Whalers muck about for most the final period of regulation, unable to find the winning shot until an unlikely hero emerged. . . Darrin Ellis strikes with an unassisted goal to save the Whalers from sudden (and possibly, certain) death. Possibly certain. . . yeah, I said it.
Silverwings (1-3-0) 1
Puckers (4-0-0) 5
The first period was like a seventh graders' first date, lots of awkward contact and no scoring. But immediately in the second, the Puckers get one from Jason Arias and another from Steven Niekamp before the first minute passes. Niekamp strikes again at the end of the period for a three to nil Pucker lead. Jimmy Studer is the next Pucker to contribute, then the Silverwings make a go at it. A. J. DiBenedetto feels the pain of his goalie (since his recent attempts at filling the net) and pops in the first goal in a series of. . . well, one. Studer gains his second of the night when the Wings go on an ill advised and desperate empty net strategy. Casey Jenkins collects the games only penalty, the thug! So maybe it was too many men, that doesn't sell papers.
Shockers (2-1-1) 4
LSI (2-1-0) 5
Catherine Levesque makes her triumphant return to Euless with two early goals for the Imports. The Shockers return the game to even with goals from Eric Yepez and William Dobson. Nick McMacken breaks the tie in favor of the Shockers but the Imports equalize with Linda Mason's goal and regain the lead when the Shockers put them on the power play- Mason passes to Tim Thompson for the score. Jared Holt keeps the Shocker dream alive with a goal in the final five minutes of regulation and the battle continues through the extra period, and twelve shooters before William Cravens' demonstration goes unanswered by the Shockers, assuring the LSI victory.
Spiders (2-2-0) 0
Snipers (1-1-1) 3
Two goalies squared-off for a battle royale, after most of the first period had passed Kyle Rybak comes away with the first goalie puzzler. It takes another fifteen minutes before Jeremy Brown gets beat again, Sniper Jamil Jabri puts his team up by two. Brown finds himself digging-out Rybak's second goal from the back of the net early in the third. The Spiders try to make use of the four minutes of power play, end up losing some of that time to a penalty of their own, and can't find the answer for their persevering net minder. The Spiders are looking for a spark, a game against the Snipers is often the panacea for a struggling team, Matt Reid delivers the shut-out tonight.
Soul Patch (1-2-0) 4
Grave Diggers (0-2-1) 3
My compatriots lose another close one, Soul Patch makes the first goal off a shot from Brad Aho, but the Diggers equalize with Tom Edwards' goal. The Patches put their stamp on the game with another from Aho and their third goal from James McClelland. The Diggers rally back again to tie the game in regulation with goals from Randy Chappell and Chilly Willy. The night leads to another shoot-out and the Soul Patch's first shooter, Josh Jones, finds the twine. Despite throwing their best shooters at the problem, the Diggers fail to equal the feat and settle for one point.
Warriors (2-2-0) 5
Brewzers (0-4-0) 2
Nothing could stop these Warriors tonight, even short handed they were a force to be reckoned with. Chris Dolbee gets the ball rolling and Clark Sandlin gets the second Warrior goal, followed by another Chris tally. The Brewzers finally capitalize on a power play when Kevin Cook's shot squeezes past Matt Reid. Mitch Gnatowsky and Clark Sandlin both score in the final minute of the second. Kevin Cook collects his second of the night in the only offensive action of the final frame. Michaelides doesn't look as hot in his second consecutive night out of the net, know your role!
Blue Devils I (3-1-0) 4
Stickmen (3-1-0) 0
Perhaps the earthquake hit the Stickmen? The previously undefeated Sticks make it through the first unscathed but in the final seconds of their power play, they lose possession, then the lead, as Mike Zahner collects the shorty for BDI. In the third, another Shorty (this one to Matt Weinrich) seals the Stickmen's fate. The Blue Devils I rolls with a goal from Mark Millard and even Val Kuntz. Kyle Rybak looks good in net, in spite of the "L", turning away 27 of the thirty-one he faces, and Ol' Blu gets a shut-out.
SND
Patriots (1-3-0) 2
Komets (4-0-0) 3
The Pats feel a rush of confidence as they look back to see Doug Phillips in their net. . . Two goals find their way past the Komet's Brent Bryant, one from Jeff Vaughn, the next from Mac Miller. The Komets know their destination- Dustin Nation fires-off the first in the Komet flurry. Dustin's goal is followed in a minute by Kellen Kaufman's. With the game tied in the third, the Patriots withdraw again and lose their third straight as late in the third Billy Ashman vaults the Komets into their fourth win.
Privateers (3-0-1) 4
Blue Devils (1-2-1) 0
The Blue Devils take another step back in their see-saw season, they manage only sixteen shots in this release of testosterone. Young Kim punches in the first Privateer goal in a relatively tame first period. In the second things started to heat up- sure Randy Perry and Bob-O both score for the 'Teers, but the real heat generates between the goal lines. The Devils pile-up eight penalty minutes, Privateers two. In the third it goes crazy on you with thirty-four Blue Devil penalty minutes and a meager fourteen for the 'Teers. . . oh, and Tony Finazzo scores a Privateer goal on one of those power plays. I wonder if Blubaugh has any Sticks left after this game?
Ice Bats (1-2-1) 6
Canadiens (2-2-0) 5
A. J. DiBenedetto finds the first goal of the game behind him when Ice Bat forward Mark Smith shoots past his prone body, but he finds the gumption to skate the full length of the rink and collect the equalizer for his team mates. Gabe Rivera and Chris Gallagher take his cue and add to the Canadien's lead, but a spurt from the Bats reverses course, Tim and Tony Marra both score for the tie and Chuck Dolbee takes the Bat lead. Rivera scores again for the tie, but his efforts are expunged by more Bat droppings: David Trantham and Jaqueline Zee. Gallagher tires of sitting on his hands and scores another goal to put the Canadiens within one but they can do nothing with the remaining three minutes. The Cans are crushed by the opportunistic Bats offense, they were clicking tonight, in a clean game. . . coincidence?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mutha's Day
It has been a difficult time for me recently. . . lit-up by the 'Teers for nine, followed by another circus against the Canadiens, I even forgot about Mother's day. Next week I don't think I'll be able to muster the courage to even show my face in the place. Here's the belated news from the weekend.
I-league
Spiders (2-1-0) 4
Brewzers (0-3-0) 0
The Brew crew suffers another week starting from the drop of the puck. Brian Couture holds his spot on the team, normally, by sleeping with the coordinator- but tonight he gets the first Spider goal and an assist on the goal from Mike Reeves. "Ready" Freddy Gilbert makes a comfortable three goal Spider lead before five minutes have ticked off the clock. After more than a period of resting on their laurels, Andrew Patti delivers the Spiders parting shot. One moral victory the Brewzers can take from this one is the strength of their penalty kill, flawless through ten minutes, oh, and certainly better than me.
Silverwings (1-2-0) 0
Stickmen (3-0-0) 5
The first period was shaping up well, both teams hitting each other about the face for minutes on end with no resolution, save a bunch of winded old men, but late in the frame a Lunchbox goal breaks the stalemate, Clint Tippet doubles the offense soon after. Kyle Rybak carries-on with the onslaught with two more Stickmen goals. And, to finish things off, Henderson gets another- first and last word for the Sticks. McCollister mocks me with his twenty-two shot shut-out.
Shockers (2-1-0) 4
Mutineers (1-2-0) 3
A more competitive game breaks-out on the gold rink. Jeremy Boyd's goal puts the Mutineers out front but the lead is stolen by the Shocker's four goal run. Wil "William" Dobson ties it, Thomas Mathias takes the lead, Joe King scores on the power play, and Matt Russell does his best to put the game out of reach for the Mutes. The Mutineers weren't ready to give it up yet though- Erick Ahlstedt and Patrick Haley score in quick succession to bring their squad within one, and although they had more than four minutes and another power play opportunity, if you hadn't noticed by the score at the heading, they fail.
Snipers (0-1-1) 1
Puckers (3-0-0) 2
Your appetite for competition whetted, the main course is served. Pucker Matt Roberts puts Michaelides behind the eight ball with the first goal of the game and Bobby responds by shutting down the Red Menace for the remainder of regulation. Jamil Jabri bails-out his netminder in the third with the tying goal. Overtime is not enough. In the shoot-out, the Puckers and Snipers are sent away two at a time, but the third Pucker shooter, Rick Shelby, drains his bid. Donaghue proves himself in the clutch with the final save for the victory.
Grave Diggers (0-2-0) 2
LSI (1-1-0) 7
Things started out in ordinary fashion, Randy Chappel scores for the Diggers beating Topher McPherson on the first shot against. . . Then things got weird. Topher goes end to end and ties the game. Mel Knourek beats him back to the net to restore the Digger lead, but Topher again ties the game. With one more rush up the rink, Topher takes the LSI lead and gets himself a hat trick. Mike Bierwiler plants the flag for the Imports and there was still a full period left to play. Matt Dever, Cam Bogle, and the prodigal Jeff Vaughn cap-off the night for a big LSI win.
Soul Patch (0-2-0) 3
Whalers (3-0-0) 4
The Hamster scores the opening Whaler goal and assists on Richard Walters' tally and that would begin a twenty-three minute dry spell for both offenses. When the levee breaks it brings with it a dramatic lead change. Soul Patcher Brian Lochkos goes first, the tongue twister Nick McMacken ties the game, and Rich Weller delivers the SP lead. The Whalers put the razor to the Soul Patch with Junior Honeycutt's equalizer and who else but the Hamster should secure the Whaler lead? Uh, I guess nobody, since he did. . . sure.
Warriors (1-2-0) 2
Blue Devils I (2-1-0) 3
The Devils farm team scores first on the shot from Matt Weinrich, kill-off two penalties and score again, this one belongs to D.A.R.Y.L. Wieland. The B.D.I. power play ends in disaster as the Warriors get a shorty first from Sean Griffin then again from Bobby Michaelides on his second game with a skinny stick- lifetime stats. The amateur Devils fight back to destroy any meaning that might be attached to that goal by winning the game in regulation with a wrister from Todd Smith in the meat of the third. This was Bobby's second game of the night, perhaps his new found vigor would have been better served between the pipes.
SND
Canadiens (2-1-0) 7
Patriots (1-2-0) 3
“May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human enough hope to make you happy.” I have certainly assured my humanity. Gabe Rivera picks up the first of many juicy rebounds to put the Canadiens out front. Cam Bogle puts in another one on the power play. Chris Gallagher cleans-up the garbage for the third Can goal. Rivera strikes again ending the run for the Canadiens with a four nil score. Butch Hutchinson gets the Pats on the board. Mike Crook's quick hands put in another puck for the Habs, and the Pats respond with a Jeff Vaughn goal. The Pat momentum is arrested when Gallagher scores on the final second of the power play, I couldn't cover the puck fast enough. Kendall Bernard tries to right the Patriot ship but his goal is the last for his team. The only goal of the third period is Bogle's second. Last week's biggest losers: A. J. DiBenedetto and myself. This week. . . just me.
Komets (3-0-0) 9
Ice Bats (0-2-1) 5
Take a look at these Komets. The first nine minutes of the game were the sole property of those Komets goals from Brian Panice, the Green Giant, and Ram Lavani set Dobson at ease. The Bats bring it within one when Chuck Dolbee and Stanley Kim find the twine, but the Komets quash their attempts with a string of six unanswered tallies including Kelly Harris, Jeremy Hill, Brian Panice's second, and the completion of a Giant hat trick. Michael Davenport nibbles at the Komet lead and David Trantham takes a couple swipes at it, but the rally sputters and the only goal left for the stat sheet belongs to Komet forward Scott "Mindo" Dolbee.
Privateers (2-0-1) 4
Blue Devils (1-1-1) 3
Tony Finazzo, fresh off his hat trick last week, opens Privateer scoring again, tonight. Charlie Heine responds in the second to tie the game. The Devils go on the power play in the third and capitalize with a shot from Chase Hannah. Raul Gilbreath records the rare goal for himself and the 'Teers to tie the game again, but the Devils pull ahead again when John Parker befuddles Sexton. Late in regulation the 'Teers send Young Kim to the front of the net and he emerges with the tying goal, sending ti to overtime. Three shooters are chosen to end the contest and all of them score. . . except for Blue Devil Val Kuntz, the Privateers win.
I will see you all in a couple weeks after my sabbatical. Some of you may suggest that I have already been on sabbatical for a couple weeks and to you I say, well played.
Would anyone out there be interested in a goal stick signed by Eddie Belfour? It is not a game used stick, but an unused Christian, in a box. This could be a raffle item if there is enough interest. Let me hear from ya'.
Don't forget to set your Tivo for Wednesday's Caps/Pens game seven!
I-league
Spiders (2-1-0) 4
Brewzers (0-3-0) 0
The Brew crew suffers another week starting from the drop of the puck. Brian Couture holds his spot on the team, normally, by sleeping with the coordinator- but tonight he gets the first Spider goal and an assist on the goal from Mike Reeves. "Ready" Freddy Gilbert makes a comfortable three goal Spider lead before five minutes have ticked off the clock. After more than a period of resting on their laurels, Andrew Patti delivers the Spiders parting shot. One moral victory the Brewzers can take from this one is the strength of their penalty kill, flawless through ten minutes, oh, and certainly better than me.
Silverwings (1-2-0) 0
Stickmen (3-0-0) 5
The first period was shaping up well, both teams hitting each other about the face for minutes on end with no resolution, save a bunch of winded old men, but late in the frame a Lunchbox goal breaks the stalemate, Clint Tippet doubles the offense soon after. Kyle Rybak carries-on with the onslaught with two more Stickmen goals. And, to finish things off, Henderson gets another- first and last word for the Sticks. McCollister mocks me with his twenty-two shot shut-out.
Shockers (2-1-0) 4
Mutineers (1-2-0) 3
A more competitive game breaks-out on the gold rink. Jeremy Boyd's goal puts the Mutineers out front but the lead is stolen by the Shocker's four goal run. Wil "William" Dobson ties it, Thomas Mathias takes the lead, Joe King scores on the power play, and Matt Russell does his best to put the game out of reach for the Mutes. The Mutineers weren't ready to give it up yet though- Erick Ahlstedt and Patrick Haley score in quick succession to bring their squad within one, and although they had more than four minutes and another power play opportunity, if you hadn't noticed by the score at the heading, they fail.
Snipers (0-1-1) 1
Puckers (3-0-0) 2
Your appetite for competition whetted, the main course is served. Pucker Matt Roberts puts Michaelides behind the eight ball with the first goal of the game and Bobby responds by shutting down the Red Menace for the remainder of regulation. Jamil Jabri bails-out his netminder in the third with the tying goal. Overtime is not enough. In the shoot-out, the Puckers and Snipers are sent away two at a time, but the third Pucker shooter, Rick Shelby, drains his bid. Donaghue proves himself in the clutch with the final save for the victory.
Grave Diggers (0-2-0) 2
LSI (1-1-0) 7
Things started out in ordinary fashion, Randy Chappel scores for the Diggers beating Topher McPherson on the first shot against. . . Then things got weird. Topher goes end to end and ties the game. Mel Knourek beats him back to the net to restore the Digger lead, but Topher again ties the game. With one more rush up the rink, Topher takes the LSI lead and gets himself a hat trick. Mike Bierwiler plants the flag for the Imports and there was still a full period left to play. Matt Dever, Cam Bogle, and the prodigal Jeff Vaughn cap-off the night for a big LSI win.
Soul Patch (0-2-0) 3
Whalers (3-0-0) 4
The Hamster scores the opening Whaler goal and assists on Richard Walters' tally and that would begin a twenty-three minute dry spell for both offenses. When the levee breaks it brings with it a dramatic lead change. Soul Patcher Brian Lochkos goes first, the tongue twister Nick McMacken ties the game, and Rich Weller delivers the SP lead. The Whalers put the razor to the Soul Patch with Junior Honeycutt's equalizer and who else but the Hamster should secure the Whaler lead? Uh, I guess nobody, since he did. . . sure.
Warriors (1-2-0) 2
Blue Devils I (2-1-0) 3
The Devils farm team scores first on the shot from Matt Weinrich, kill-off two penalties and score again, this one belongs to D.A.R.Y.L. Wieland. The B.D.I. power play ends in disaster as the Warriors get a shorty first from Sean Griffin then again from Bobby Michaelides on his second game with a skinny stick- lifetime stats. The amateur Devils fight back to destroy any meaning that might be attached to that goal by winning the game in regulation with a wrister from Todd Smith in the meat of the third. This was Bobby's second game of the night, perhaps his new found vigor would have been better served between the pipes.
SND
Canadiens (2-1-0) 7
Patriots (1-2-0) 3
“May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human enough hope to make you happy.” I have certainly assured my humanity. Gabe Rivera picks up the first of many juicy rebounds to put the Canadiens out front. Cam Bogle puts in another one on the power play. Chris Gallagher cleans-up the garbage for the third Can goal. Rivera strikes again ending the run for the Canadiens with a four nil score. Butch Hutchinson gets the Pats on the board. Mike Crook's quick hands put in another puck for the Habs, and the Pats respond with a Jeff Vaughn goal. The Pat momentum is arrested when Gallagher scores on the final second of the power play, I couldn't cover the puck fast enough. Kendall Bernard tries to right the Patriot ship but his goal is the last for his team. The only goal of the third period is Bogle's second. Last week's biggest losers: A. J. DiBenedetto and myself. This week. . . just me.
Komets (3-0-0) 9
Ice Bats (0-2-1) 5
Take a look at these Komets. The first nine minutes of the game were the sole property of those Komets goals from Brian Panice, the Green Giant, and Ram Lavani set Dobson at ease. The Bats bring it within one when Chuck Dolbee and Stanley Kim find the twine, but the Komets quash their attempts with a string of six unanswered tallies including Kelly Harris, Jeremy Hill, Brian Panice's second, and the completion of a Giant hat trick. Michael Davenport nibbles at the Komet lead and David Trantham takes a couple swipes at it, but the rally sputters and the only goal left for the stat sheet belongs to Komet forward Scott "Mindo" Dolbee.
Privateers (2-0-1) 4
Blue Devils (1-1-1) 3
Tony Finazzo, fresh off his hat trick last week, opens Privateer scoring again, tonight. Charlie Heine responds in the second to tie the game. The Devils go on the power play in the third and capitalize with a shot from Chase Hannah. Raul Gilbreath records the rare goal for himself and the 'Teers to tie the game again, but the Devils pull ahead again when John Parker befuddles Sexton. Late in regulation the 'Teers send Young Kim to the front of the net and he emerges with the tying goal, sending ti to overtime. Three shooters are chosen to end the contest and all of them score. . . except for Blue Devil Val Kuntz, the Privateers win.
I will see you all in a couple weeks after my sabbatical. Some of you may suggest that I have already been on sabbatical for a couple weeks and to you I say, well played.
Would anyone out there be interested in a goal stick signed by Eddie Belfour? It is not a game used stick, but an unused Christian, in a box. This could be a raffle item if there is enough interest. Let me hear from ya'.
Don't forget to set your Tivo for Wednesday's Caps/Pens game seven!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Sinking de Mayo
"True" I-league
LSI (0-1-0) 1
Whalers (2-0-0) 6
The arguments for ringers on the roster surely loom for the Whalers, last week they dispatch the BD-I, this week the Imports fall to their harpoon. The game was over at the end of the first. Thomas Aarons is the lead-off shooter for the Whalers and his tally is joined in short order by team mate Joshua Monaco- his goal turns out to be the game winner. The lone Lone Star Imports goal belongs to Mike Bierwiler. David Svoboda picks-up the Whaler offense again and Monaco closes the first period with his second. The formalities ensue and two more periods equals two more Whaler goals, Brad Watson and James Penney. Welcome to true I-league, Topher.
Spiders (1-1-0) 4
Warriors (1-1-0) 2
The Spiders had a disappointing opener last week, losing by a three goal margin, this week they waste no time establishing a three goal lead. Brian Couture capitalizes on the power play, Freddy Gilbert follows suit at even strength, and Couture scores again before the Warriors finally make it on the board. Sean Griffin makes the first Warrior goal and Lisa Michaelides tries to make a game of it, bringing the Warriors within one. . . The Warriors have most of the third period but without Dallas Lehr's appendix, they fall short, eventually giving-up an empty net goal to Couture- a weak hat trick. Sexton allows only two goals on the twenty-eight Warrior shots.
Mutineers (1-1-0) 6
Grave Diggers (0-1-0) 3
The Mutineers reverse the whip on the champion Diggers, last week they lost six to three. Patrick Haley returns to I-league after his failure in the 'Teers goal last week and opens scoring for the Mutineers. Stephen Smith gets his Diggers on the board and ties the game, but Nate Hamilton regains the Mute lead and Patrick collects his second of the night on the power play. He completes the hat trick about four minutes later. With nearly two full periods of play left the Mutineers heap-on two more goals: Brooks Willhoite, Casey Payne. Tom Edwards scores with only two seconds left in the second period trying to turn the momentum but fails to inspire more than one late third period goal on the power play, it falls to Tim Rivers. Making the final score Mutineers three, Grave Diggers three, and Privateers three. . . how will we ever sort this out?
Snipers (0-1-0) 0
Stickmen (2-0-0) 7
This one was one of the most lop-sided games in the history of beer league- not only could the Snipers fail to score a single goal, they couldn't road block one man: Kyle Rybak. Rybak scores the first five goals of the game. In the third period he takes a break to sign autographs while Steph Trapp and Lynne Young carry the offense in his absence. McCollister posts a shut-out on eighteen shots, Matt Walker was smiling when I talked with him after the game.
Shockers (1-1-0) 5
Soul Patch (0-1-0) 1
The Shockers roar back with an expansion team whoopin', their sophomore session makes it time for some freshman hazing. Josh Rooker delivers the first Shocker and just before the first period ends two more Shockers find the twine: Jackson Chang, Justin Driscoll. Driscoll doubles his total with the only goal of the middle frame. The third takes a while to develop, but Eric Yepez drains the fifth Shocker goal in the eleventh minute. With ninety-four minutes left in the game Joey Otsuka sees his shut-out stolen away by Brad Aho, only eight shots against- he may have been a little cold.
Brewzers (0-2-0) 2
Puckers (2-0-0) 3
The Puckers are marching toward another top four finish. It was an auspicious start for the Puckers, generating next to nothing in the way of scoring chances they watch as Jamil Jabri beats Donaghue in the first and John Parker befuddles him in the second. But the Red Army rallies the troops and when Parker puts his Brewzers down a man Jason Arias starts the charge up San Juan hill. Rick Shelby ties the game only half a minute later and in the ninth minute Kyle Boltz makes it three for the Puckers. Patrick Donaghue seals the deal and maintains the perfect record for the team, BULLY!
Blue Devils I (1-1-0) 1
Silverwings (1-1-0) 0
The Silverwings entered the game with a win, the Blue Devils with a loss. Penalties were six minutes on the Devils, none to the Wings. Shots were 18-18. The advantage appeared to be for the Silverwings. The game winner belongs to Casey Jenkins, the only goal of the night when he beats Eric Spivey with a slow, low shot from the point. The Silverwings can't find a weakness in the Blue Devil's defense.
SND
After last week's one goal games who could have predicted these blow-outs?
Ice Bats (0-1-1) 1
Komets (2-0-0) 8
The Bats never had a chance, the first shot of the game, from Ram Lavani, ends-up behind Nunn. Scott Baldree and John Thompson give Nunn a couple more goals against. Rodney Forehand and Dustin Nation get goals in the second period, two times apiece. The Komet domination is briefly interrupted by an Ice Bat whimper from Corby Antropik. In the final period of this demonstration the Green Giant completes the hat trick with his third national deposit. It was a rude awakening for the Sunday morning pick-up stand-by, David Nunn, without his strong third period his save percentage would have been below 50%.
Privateers (1-0-1) 9
Patriots (1-1-0) 2
My sad, sad story started with a close win last week- one that had as much to do with luck as skill. Entering this one I knew that I would have to turn out another stellar performance if the Pats were to gain the victory. My head would soon be shrunk by the appearance of the rare triple hat trick. . .
The first period begins with a sweet feed from behind the net from Joel Bush to the waiting Tony Finazzo, who directs it into the elbow of the goal above Ellis' glove. The Pats fought hard and escaped the period without any more damage on the scoreboard but in the second the shot from Matt Taylor in the first minute finds the back of the net. Tony Finazzo draws Ellis off his angle and puts one over his outstretched right pad. Joel Bush collects two (one off Ellis from behind the net) making an all but insurmountable lead before Kendall Bernard finally bags the first Patriot goal. Finazzo makes his hat trick soon after. Joe Picardo tries to keep it close with his coast to coast Patriot tally, but more hat tricks had to be handed out. Joel Bush has his dealt to him on a silver platter with a deflection off his belly of an errant Ellis clearing attempt. Taylor makes two more goals to complete his without any more resistance from the Pats. Ellis will likely be putting a lot of work into his game this week.
Blue Devils (1-1-0) 7
Canadiens (1-1-0) 1
A. J. DiBenedetto lays his defeat squarely at the feet of Chris Gallagher, it's not likely he would have many arguments from the rest of the league. The Devils get their first goal from Scott Speelman on the power play, but have to toil away for thirteen minutes before David Ogle gets their second. Martin Berryman collects the third Blue Devil goal and at the end of the second period Chase Hannah drives home another Blue Devil power play. Nate Hodges finally shows-up for the Devils with his first goal, right off the face-off in the third. Charlie Heine picks his spot, not to be denied and then Val Kuntz cleans-up DiBenedetto's rebound in her favor. Everything was roses for Ol' Blu at the other end until William Ashman spoils the shut-out lees than four minutes from the horn.
LSI (0-1-0) 1
Whalers (2-0-0) 6
The arguments for ringers on the roster surely loom for the Whalers, last week they dispatch the BD-I, this week the Imports fall to their harpoon. The game was over at the end of the first. Thomas Aarons is the lead-off shooter for the Whalers and his tally is joined in short order by team mate Joshua Monaco- his goal turns out to be the game winner. The lone Lone Star Imports goal belongs to Mike Bierwiler. David Svoboda picks-up the Whaler offense again and Monaco closes the first period with his second. The formalities ensue and two more periods equals two more Whaler goals, Brad Watson and James Penney. Welcome to true I-league, Topher.
Spiders (1-1-0) 4
Warriors (1-1-0) 2
The Spiders had a disappointing opener last week, losing by a three goal margin, this week they waste no time establishing a three goal lead. Brian Couture capitalizes on the power play, Freddy Gilbert follows suit at even strength, and Couture scores again before the Warriors finally make it on the board. Sean Griffin makes the first Warrior goal and Lisa Michaelides tries to make a game of it, bringing the Warriors within one. . . The Warriors have most of the third period but without Dallas Lehr's appendix, they fall short, eventually giving-up an empty net goal to Couture- a weak hat trick. Sexton allows only two goals on the twenty-eight Warrior shots.
Mutineers (1-1-0) 6
Grave Diggers (0-1-0) 3
The Mutineers reverse the whip on the champion Diggers, last week they lost six to three. Patrick Haley returns to I-league after his failure in the 'Teers goal last week and opens scoring for the Mutineers. Stephen Smith gets his Diggers on the board and ties the game, but Nate Hamilton regains the Mute lead and Patrick collects his second of the night on the power play. He completes the hat trick about four minutes later. With nearly two full periods of play left the Mutineers heap-on two more goals: Brooks Willhoite, Casey Payne. Tom Edwards scores with only two seconds left in the second period trying to turn the momentum but fails to inspire more than one late third period goal on the power play, it falls to Tim Rivers. Making the final score Mutineers three, Grave Diggers three, and Privateers three. . . how will we ever sort this out?
Snipers (0-1-0) 0
Stickmen (2-0-0) 7
This one was one of the most lop-sided games in the history of beer league- not only could the Snipers fail to score a single goal, they couldn't road block one man: Kyle Rybak. Rybak scores the first five goals of the game. In the third period he takes a break to sign autographs while Steph Trapp and Lynne Young carry the offense in his absence. McCollister posts a shut-out on eighteen shots, Matt Walker was smiling when I talked with him after the game.
Shockers (1-1-0) 5
Soul Patch (0-1-0) 1
The Shockers roar back with an expansion team whoopin', their sophomore session makes it time for some freshman hazing. Josh Rooker delivers the first Shocker and just before the first period ends two more Shockers find the twine: Jackson Chang, Justin Driscoll. Driscoll doubles his total with the only goal of the middle frame. The third takes a while to develop, but Eric Yepez drains the fifth Shocker goal in the eleventh minute. With ninety-four minutes left in the game Joey Otsuka sees his shut-out stolen away by Brad Aho, only eight shots against- he may have been a little cold.
Brewzers (0-2-0) 2
Puckers (2-0-0) 3
The Puckers are marching toward another top four finish. It was an auspicious start for the Puckers, generating next to nothing in the way of scoring chances they watch as Jamil Jabri beats Donaghue in the first and John Parker befuddles him in the second. But the Red Army rallies the troops and when Parker puts his Brewzers down a man Jason Arias starts the charge up San Juan hill. Rick Shelby ties the game only half a minute later and in the ninth minute Kyle Boltz makes it three for the Puckers. Patrick Donaghue seals the deal and maintains the perfect record for the team, BULLY!
Blue Devils I (1-1-0) 1
Silverwings (1-1-0) 0
The Silverwings entered the game with a win, the Blue Devils with a loss. Penalties were six minutes on the Devils, none to the Wings. Shots were 18-18. The advantage appeared to be for the Silverwings. The game winner belongs to Casey Jenkins, the only goal of the night when he beats Eric Spivey with a slow, low shot from the point. The Silverwings can't find a weakness in the Blue Devil's defense.
SND
After last week's one goal games who could have predicted these blow-outs?
Ice Bats (0-1-1) 1
Komets (2-0-0) 8
The Bats never had a chance, the first shot of the game, from Ram Lavani, ends-up behind Nunn. Scott Baldree and John Thompson give Nunn a couple more goals against. Rodney Forehand and Dustin Nation get goals in the second period, two times apiece. The Komet domination is briefly interrupted by an Ice Bat whimper from Corby Antropik. In the final period of this demonstration the Green Giant completes the hat trick with his third national deposit. It was a rude awakening for the Sunday morning pick-up stand-by, David Nunn, without his strong third period his save percentage would have been below 50%.
Privateers (1-0-1) 9
Patriots (1-1-0) 2
My sad, sad story started with a close win last week- one that had as much to do with luck as skill. Entering this one I knew that I would have to turn out another stellar performance if the Pats were to gain the victory. My head would soon be shrunk by the appearance of the rare triple hat trick. . .
The first period begins with a sweet feed from behind the net from Joel Bush to the waiting Tony Finazzo, who directs it into the elbow of the goal above Ellis' glove. The Pats fought hard and escaped the period without any more damage on the scoreboard but in the second the shot from Matt Taylor in the first minute finds the back of the net. Tony Finazzo draws Ellis off his angle and puts one over his outstretched right pad. Joel Bush collects two (one off Ellis from behind the net) making an all but insurmountable lead before Kendall Bernard finally bags the first Patriot goal. Finazzo makes his hat trick soon after. Joe Picardo tries to keep it close with his coast to coast Patriot tally, but more hat tricks had to be handed out. Joel Bush has his dealt to him on a silver platter with a deflection off his belly of an errant Ellis clearing attempt. Taylor makes two more goals to complete his without any more resistance from the Pats. Ellis will likely be putting a lot of work into his game this week.
Blue Devils (1-1-0) 7
Canadiens (1-1-0) 1
A. J. DiBenedetto lays his defeat squarely at the feet of Chris Gallagher, it's not likely he would have many arguments from the rest of the league. The Devils get their first goal from Scott Speelman on the power play, but have to toil away for thirteen minutes before David Ogle gets their second. Martin Berryman collects the third Blue Devil goal and at the end of the second period Chase Hannah drives home another Blue Devil power play. Nate Hodges finally shows-up for the Devils with his first goal, right off the face-off in the third. Charlie Heine picks his spot, not to be denied and then Val Kuntz cleans-up DiBenedetto's rebound in her favor. Everything was roses for Ol' Blu at the other end until William Ashman spoils the shut-out lees than four minutes from the horn.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
I Think Hockey is Swell
The schedule is up, just look for the Euless mark on the right side of the screen. I still don't know if the weekend of the eighteenth means anything for our records.
In other news. . .
The first round of the Stanley Cup Play-offs is in the books. It probably doesn't surprise many followers of the fin that San Jose has lost their bite in the post season, yet again. The best in the west falls to the eight seed Ducks winning only two games before retreating to deeper waters. The Ducks for their part will not have any laurels to rest upon as they face the Wings next- Detroit's post-season level of play tends to be the exact opposite of the Sharks.
My goaltending heart goes out to Martin Brodeur, in an uncharacteristic manner, he gives up the one goal lead and the Canes end up winning game seven in regulation. He will fall short of 100 post-season wins by two- Roy has him by 53 (we'll have to wait a few more years for that one to fall), the Hurricanes will have another great goaltender in their future as Tim Thomas and the Bruins await them next.
If Rafael Nadal v. Roger Federer didn't get you going. If you long for the halcyon match-up of Magic and Bird. If you were disappointed that Mario and Wayne never played against each other. Saturday afternoon is your panacea. The two biggest forces in the NHL right now will meet for the first time in the post-season. Need I say more?
The Metroplex may not have a dog in this hunt (Mavs are a different hunt), but you have to love the way this is playing out.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Is This Week One?
"True" I-league
Whalers (1-0-0) 3
Blue Devils I (0-1-0) 2
The storied Blue Devil franchise establishes its first farm team, and it may be awhile before any of these prospects makes the show. After nearly ten minutes of deadlock defensive hockey the Devils strike first with a goal from Todd Smith, but the Hamster puts the Whalers back to net zero. The story is the same in the second, only the names are changed to protect those who value their reputations: the Devil goal belongs to Jamil Jabri and the Whalers get the tying goal from Richard Walter. But the story concludes (finally) in the third period, the Devils miss their cue to score but the Mighty Hamster doesn't miss his. The Whalers win their first game on Brian Hamstra's shoulders, a role that Brian has not relished in the past, will any one step up in his support this session? Perhaps Greg Mata will be the one, he faces twenty-eight shots and allows only two goals.
Puckers (1-0-0) 6
Mutineers (0-1-0) 3
The Puckers watched their play-off hopes fizzle away last session and looked to be suffering from the hangover as the first two Mutineers shots find the back of the net. Patrick grits his teeth as John Swartzbaugh and Casey Payne throw their 'hood up. Rob Constantine feels the wrath of his netminder and delivers the first in a long line of Pucker goals. Dusty Smith is next followed by Constantine, again. Then, a couple from Jason Arias, and to cap-off the scoring spree, Guy Riggs waltzes in shorthanded and makes it six to two in favor of the red menace. In the death throes of the Mutineers opening game, Bob-O collects a meaningless tally, making sure that no matter the outcome of the Mutineer's trail of tears, he will still have his personal stats in order.
Stickmen (1-0-0) 4
Brewzers (0-1-0) 0
The Sticks live through the Patriot 2-0 loss and don't even have a mark on their record, tonight they reverse the whip. During the first period, the Sticks observe the Brewzers wandering about the rink from their blind, taking tedious and careful notes, awaiting their time. That time came in the second. Clint Tippet puts away the first Stick goal, then Kyle Rybak Scores twice on the same shift. Ken Halford scores the fourth and final goal of the contest. Although shooting was dead even from both competitors the remainder of the games statistics fall easily to the Sticks, such as hits, er. . . face-offs (I assume), Penalty minutes, and of course goals. Hits, by the way, result in penalties in our league.
Warriors (1-0-0) 2
Shockers (0-1-0) 1
The Shockers flounder through the first period but gain the lead thanks to Jared Holt with just a couple minutes left in the second. With a cheerful intermission they return to the ice, only to surrender the lead to a late period shot from Warrior Carl Mason. In the final minute of the game Sean Griffith collects the Warriors game winner, bailing out rockstar goalie Bobby Michaelides who turned away more shots than his team could put on the other net, .950 SP.
Spiders (0-1-0) 1
Silverwings (1-0-0) 4
Sergio Castillo's therapy session does gain a Silverwing win but unfortunately yields only one Castillo assist. . . A. J. DiBenedetto seeks refuge from the big lights of the SND goal and gets the assist on the first Silverwing goal from Ryan Kelley, Kelley gets the assist on Bryan Smith's power play goal, and Andrew Patti breaks the Wing streak by capitalizing on the Spider's man advantage. It's Kelley again for the Silverwings, with his second goal and when Mike Ginnard goes into the box for the second time the Silverwings collect another power play goal, this time from Bryan Brookman. The good news for the arachnids is that Mike's third and final time in the sin bin has no ill result on the scoreboard, not much to hang your hat on.
SND
Privateers (0-0-1) 5
Canadiens (1-0-0) 6
Young Kim scores on the first shot for the 'Teers filling all the swashbucklers with confidence and A. J. with dread for the game ahead of him. The Canadiens score next to tie the game, but William Cravens goal is erased by the second Privateer shot on goal- Chris Palmer's goal. Tony Finazzo scores the next Privateer goal, James Macha the next Canadien goal. When Matt Taylor scores the fourth Privateer goal it was only the sixth shot on net, yet somehow before the third period ends, and with the stellar play of Gabe Rivera and Clinton Tippett, the game was knotted at four all. In the final period of regulation, Chris Gallagher nets what he hoped would be the Canadien's game winner but Taylor strikes again for the 'Teers just eight seconds later to tie the game and send it to overtime. Gallagher efficiently utilizes the sudden death period to win the game just 39 seconds in. I criticized Ryan Haley's save percentage last week, perhaps I spoke too soon- this weekend she turns in an unimpressive .667 SP against the Puckers, while A. J. posts a dismal .643 here. Good thing he has Gallagher in reserve.
Ice Bats (0-0-1) 1
Patriots (1-0-0) 2
A tense and hard fought game built for over thirty minutes of game time while both teams continued to hit each other in the face, to no avail. Things were not shaping up well for the Pats who could not get a shot on goal despite having a five on three for nearly ninety seconds. The Patriots do manage to get on the board first when John Newell comes out on top of a goal line scramble. But there were still more than twelve minutes left in the game and a goal line scramble erupts at the other end, this time though David Trantham's effort dies half way across the line under Ellis' right leg. With two minutes and five seconds left Butch Hutchinson puts the Patriot's one goal lead into peril- peril that proves to be far too perilous. The Bats look like piranhas on an Amazon stranded calf around the net, and eventually pulled their goalie, putting six on the Patriot's four. Just as the penalty expires David Trantham takes another swipe at the goal, it rebounds high off the stick of Ellis but hits the shaft and Ellis redirects it back into the goal. Five seconds of staunch puck possession leads to five minutes of the same. In the shoot-out Ellis turns away Tim Marra, Dallas Lehr scores for the Pats. Ellis closes the five hole to block Mark Smith, Marra shuts-down Kendall Bernard in similar fashion. It once again comes down to the match-up of David Trantham and Jon Ellis. With the pressure on both men, David abandons his signature left to right move across the crease and barrels straight at Ellis, Ellis bites on the shoulder fake but when Trantham shoots for the open stick side the diving goaltender Ginsu-s the puck under the blade of his stick. The Patriot bench erupts, the game won.
Komets (1-0-0) 3
Blue Devils (0-1-0) 2
Blubaugh looks to resurrect his weekend winning percentage, but this is not your father's Komet team. With Dobson replacing Coach Al at the helm, they roar out of the gate with goals from Ram Lavani and Kelly Harris. there were rumblings that the Devils were on the verge of an all out team collapse, but Tim Schmidt nips it in the bud with a Devil shot past Brent Bryant (apparently Dobson has chosen to drop the starter goalie A. J. for a goalie who can start), and following that the tying goal from the face of the franchise, Charlie Heine. Dobson watches as the lead evaporates all the while plotting his counter move. Overtime loomed but he doesn't flinch, even as the final seconds tick down. Just as he stratagized, John Thompson makes the open ice steal and slides the winner in with only one second left on the clock, leaving no recourse for the Blue Devils. . . Mu-Wha-Ha-Ha!
You fiddle around with the puck too much, Nate.
Whalers (1-0-0) 3
Blue Devils I (0-1-0) 2
The storied Blue Devil franchise establishes its first farm team, and it may be awhile before any of these prospects makes the show. After nearly ten minutes of deadlock defensive hockey the Devils strike first with a goal from Todd Smith, but the Hamster puts the Whalers back to net zero. The story is the same in the second, only the names are changed to protect those who value their reputations: the Devil goal belongs to Jamil Jabri and the Whalers get the tying goal from Richard Walter. But the story concludes (finally) in the third period, the Devils miss their cue to score but the Mighty Hamster doesn't miss his. The Whalers win their first game on Brian Hamstra's shoulders, a role that Brian has not relished in the past, will any one step up in his support this session? Perhaps Greg Mata will be the one, he faces twenty-eight shots and allows only two goals.
Puckers (1-0-0) 6
Mutineers (0-1-0) 3
The Puckers watched their play-off hopes fizzle away last session and looked to be suffering from the hangover as the first two Mutineers shots find the back of the net. Patrick grits his teeth as John Swartzbaugh and Casey Payne throw their 'hood up. Rob Constantine feels the wrath of his netminder and delivers the first in a long line of Pucker goals. Dusty Smith is next followed by Constantine, again. Then, a couple from Jason Arias, and to cap-off the scoring spree, Guy Riggs waltzes in shorthanded and makes it six to two in favor of the red menace. In the death throes of the Mutineers opening game, Bob-O collects a meaningless tally, making sure that no matter the outcome of the Mutineer's trail of tears, he will still have his personal stats in order.
Stickmen (1-0-0) 4
Brewzers (0-1-0) 0
The Sticks live through the Patriot 2-0 loss and don't even have a mark on their record, tonight they reverse the whip. During the first period, the Sticks observe the Brewzers wandering about the rink from their blind, taking tedious and careful notes, awaiting their time. That time came in the second. Clint Tippet puts away the first Stick goal, then Kyle Rybak Scores twice on the same shift. Ken Halford scores the fourth and final goal of the contest. Although shooting was dead even from both competitors the remainder of the games statistics fall easily to the Sticks, such as hits, er. . . face-offs (I assume), Penalty minutes, and of course goals. Hits, by the way, result in penalties in our league.
Warriors (1-0-0) 2
Shockers (0-1-0) 1
The Shockers flounder through the first period but gain the lead thanks to Jared Holt with just a couple minutes left in the second. With a cheerful intermission they return to the ice, only to surrender the lead to a late period shot from Warrior Carl Mason. In the final minute of the game Sean Griffith collects the Warriors game winner, bailing out rockstar goalie Bobby Michaelides who turned away more shots than his team could put on the other net, .950 SP.
Spiders (0-1-0) 1
Silverwings (1-0-0) 4
Sergio Castillo's therapy session does gain a Silverwing win but unfortunately yields only one Castillo assist. . . A. J. DiBenedetto seeks refuge from the big lights of the SND goal and gets the assist on the first Silverwing goal from Ryan Kelley, Kelley gets the assist on Bryan Smith's power play goal, and Andrew Patti breaks the Wing streak by capitalizing on the Spider's man advantage. It's Kelley again for the Silverwings, with his second goal and when Mike Ginnard goes into the box for the second time the Silverwings collect another power play goal, this time from Bryan Brookman. The good news for the arachnids is that Mike's third and final time in the sin bin has no ill result on the scoreboard, not much to hang your hat on.
SND
Privateers (0-0-1) 5
Canadiens (1-0-0) 6
Young Kim scores on the first shot for the 'Teers filling all the swashbucklers with confidence and A. J. with dread for the game ahead of him. The Canadiens score next to tie the game, but William Cravens goal is erased by the second Privateer shot on goal- Chris Palmer's goal. Tony Finazzo scores the next Privateer goal, James Macha the next Canadien goal. When Matt Taylor scores the fourth Privateer goal it was only the sixth shot on net, yet somehow before the third period ends, and with the stellar play of Gabe Rivera and Clinton Tippett, the game was knotted at four all. In the final period of regulation, Chris Gallagher nets what he hoped would be the Canadien's game winner but Taylor strikes again for the 'Teers just eight seconds later to tie the game and send it to overtime. Gallagher efficiently utilizes the sudden death period to win the game just 39 seconds in. I criticized Ryan Haley's save percentage last week, perhaps I spoke too soon- this weekend she turns in an unimpressive .667 SP against the Puckers, while A. J. posts a dismal .643 here. Good thing he has Gallagher in reserve.
Ice Bats (0-0-1) 1
Patriots (1-0-0) 2
A tense and hard fought game built for over thirty minutes of game time while both teams continued to hit each other in the face, to no avail. Things were not shaping up well for the Pats who could not get a shot on goal despite having a five on three for nearly ninety seconds. The Patriots do manage to get on the board first when John Newell comes out on top of a goal line scramble. But there were still more than twelve minutes left in the game and a goal line scramble erupts at the other end, this time though David Trantham's effort dies half way across the line under Ellis' right leg. With two minutes and five seconds left Butch Hutchinson puts the Patriot's one goal lead into peril- peril that proves to be far too perilous. The Bats look like piranhas on an Amazon stranded calf around the net, and eventually pulled their goalie, putting six on the Patriot's four. Just as the penalty expires David Trantham takes another swipe at the goal, it rebounds high off the stick of Ellis but hits the shaft and Ellis redirects it back into the goal. Five seconds of staunch puck possession leads to five minutes of the same. In the shoot-out Ellis turns away Tim Marra, Dallas Lehr scores for the Pats. Ellis closes the five hole to block Mark Smith, Marra shuts-down Kendall Bernard in similar fashion. It once again comes down to the match-up of David Trantham and Jon Ellis. With the pressure on both men, David abandons his signature left to right move across the crease and barrels straight at Ellis, Ellis bites on the shoulder fake but when Trantham shoots for the open stick side the diving goaltender Ginsu-s the puck under the blade of his stick. The Patriot bench erupts, the game won.
Komets (1-0-0) 3
Blue Devils (0-1-0) 2
Blubaugh looks to resurrect his weekend winning percentage, but this is not your father's Komet team. With Dobson replacing Coach Al at the helm, they roar out of the gate with goals from Ram Lavani and Kelly Harris. there were rumblings that the Devils were on the verge of an all out team collapse, but Tim Schmidt nips it in the bud with a Devil shot past Brent Bryant (apparently Dobson has chosen to drop the starter goalie A. J. for a goalie who can start), and following that the tying goal from the face of the franchise, Charlie Heine. Dobson watches as the lead evaporates all the while plotting his counter move. Overtime loomed but he doesn't flinch, even as the final seconds tick down. Just as he stratagized, John Thompson makes the open ice steal and slides the winner in with only one second left on the clock, leaving no recourse for the Blue Devils. . . Mu-Wha-Ha-Ha!
You fiddle around with the puck too much, Nate.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Bonus Vicis Hockey Somnium
The truncated opening night leaps-off with no downtime, once again. Some teams made appearances at the tournament in Farmer's Branch, in particular the Blue Devils. The Devils have added some potent members to their offensive lines and came away with a shoot-out victory after a three all tie to an Oklahoma City band of flyboys in the novice division. I know their were more than three games on but can't find the records for any of them. I only played the first period of the Patriots/Stickmen game, but I was told by a reliable source that the game was one by my Pats two to nothin'. Look up Wil Dobson (who seems to be popping-up all over the web) to find out what became of the Komet game, and which ever opponent they faced.
This session marks the beginning of the Saturday night D-league, and the downsized true I-league. Here's the best I can do. . . no additional commentary needed from the likes of you.
Saturday night D-league
Spiders (6-6-1) 4
Brewzers (3-10-0) 2
Bill Wessel shows-up in the season opener as a one man hockey machine, he scores the first two goals, unassisted, for an early Spider's lead. Steven Collyard tries to rally the Brew-crew with some aggressive play but finds himself in the box watching the Spiders hit the net again with a Wessel assisted Mike Ginnard goal. The Spiders build a four goal mountain when Arvin Manalo carries the puck down from the point and tucks the game piece behind the overwhelmed Mike Moore. After a rabid tongue-lashing from the net minder, the Brewzers come to life in the third. Steve Daniels takes the reigns and scores the first Brewzer goal. The second Brewzer goal comes from Dennis Sutton, unfortunately it's the last one. If the Spiders are trying to improve on last sessions final win total you wouldn't know it to look at the bench.
Real I-league
Puckers (5-4-2) 2
Shockers (5-6-0) 1
The Puckers welcome back their storied, franchise goaltender, Patrick Donaghue. Is this a permanent roster move or just a publicity stunt by the team that failed to live-up to their post season expectations? Jason Arias is the first Pucker to pay tribute to his goalie, in the form of a late opening frame goal. The Shockers counter with the tying shot from Matt Russell. Pucker offense really picks it up, throwing shots at a better than two for one toward the Skocker net and Joey Otsuka does fall once more, giving the game winner to Steve Niekamp. The Shockers were unhappy with the level of play in the so-called I-league last session, though they made a strong finish, what will they say after this manhandling?
Warriors (6-4-1) 2
Mutineers (4-7-0) 4
The Warriors are a shadow of the team they once were. The Mutes control the first two periods limiting the Warriors offense to three shots. For their part, a goal from Nathan Hamilton and a rare goal from Chris Kirton. In the closing frame the Warriors finally make their presence felt, Phil Brown cuts the Mutineer lead in half, but Hamilton gets it back. The Warriors get another goal from Brown leaving only one goal for the tie. . . Ryan Lewis drains the feed from Kirton to make an easy win for the Mutinerds. Ryan gets the win but a terrible save percentage allowing two goals on seven shots, hey, it's opening night.
Sidenote: it must suck to be a Sharks fan
Is this one of the most disturbing commercials currently on television?
This session marks the beginning of the Saturday night D-league, and the downsized true I-league. Here's the best I can do. . . no additional commentary needed from the likes of you.
Saturday night D-league
Spiders (6-6-1) 4
Brewzers (3-10-0) 2
Bill Wessel shows-up in the season opener as a one man hockey machine, he scores the first two goals, unassisted, for an early Spider's lead. Steven Collyard tries to rally the Brew-crew with some aggressive play but finds himself in the box watching the Spiders hit the net again with a Wessel assisted Mike Ginnard goal. The Spiders build a four goal mountain when Arvin Manalo carries the puck down from the point and tucks the game piece behind the overwhelmed Mike Moore. After a rabid tongue-lashing from the net minder, the Brewzers come to life in the third. Steve Daniels takes the reigns and scores the first Brewzer goal. The second Brewzer goal comes from Dennis Sutton, unfortunately it's the last one. If the Spiders are trying to improve on last sessions final win total you wouldn't know it to look at the bench.
Real I-league
Puckers (5-4-2) 2
Shockers (5-6-0) 1
The Puckers welcome back their storied, franchise goaltender, Patrick Donaghue. Is this a permanent roster move or just a publicity stunt by the team that failed to live-up to their post season expectations? Jason Arias is the first Pucker to pay tribute to his goalie, in the form of a late opening frame goal. The Shockers counter with the tying shot from Matt Russell. Pucker offense really picks it up, throwing shots at a better than two for one toward the Skocker net and Joey Otsuka does fall once more, giving the game winner to Steve Niekamp. The Shockers were unhappy with the level of play in the so-called I-league last session, though they made a strong finish, what will they say after this manhandling?
Warriors (6-4-1) 2
Mutineers (4-7-0) 4
The Warriors are a shadow of the team they once were. The Mutes control the first two periods limiting the Warriors offense to three shots. For their part, a goal from Nathan Hamilton and a rare goal from Chris Kirton. In the closing frame the Warriors finally make their presence felt, Phil Brown cuts the Mutineer lead in half, but Hamilton gets it back. The Warriors get another goal from Brown leaving only one goal for the tie. . . Ryan Lewis drains the feed from Kirton to make an easy win for the Mutinerds. Ryan gets the win but a terrible save percentage allowing two goals on seven shots, hey, it's opening night.
Sidenote: it must suck to be a Sharks fan
Is this one of the most disturbing commercials currently on television?
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