Patriots, Winning on Thin Ice

After faltering in the play-offs, settling for a third place finish after a first round loss to the Blue Devils, Les York stepped back to look at his Patriots. Spirits were broken and the team needed a spark, but instead they got a wildfire. Nearly half the roster parted ways with the Pats, leaving for higher play in other venues, including his stalwart captain, Butch Hutchinson. With some last minute roster juggling, Mr. York was able to just fill the bench by the time the puck dropped for the first game.

In that first game the Patriots defined their m.o. for the season, the scoring was lead by the Stickmen, but the late game rally leaves a one goal victory. That one goal falls for the Pats in the opener, the first of seven one goal games. The second game was a rare four-one blowout against the misplaced Snipers, but in week three they fell in the shoot-out to the Ice Bats, a team with only one scorer that night, Eric Petty, Les wouldn't forget that name. In week four there were more roster problems and the champion Blue Devils come up with a two-one win. The following week the Pats defeat the Komets by one goal, and though they lost to the DFW Titans the week after, they pulled a point out by pushing it to overtime. In week seven, the Patriots go to overtime again, this time they beat the Brewzers, but to close the regular season they lose in their second meeting with the Komets, failing to overcome a three goal lead. With only four victories on their record for the regular season, the extra points of taking those games to overtime would be the thin edge that would secure the Pats a spot in the play-offs.

As the fourth seed in the tournament they would face the favorite Ice Bats who had skated to a one loss record. Returning to the ice after a win over the Blue Devils, and regaining their star player, Eric Petty, who could have guessed that the Patriots would upset. Les York had risen to the occasion, assuming the role of captain so ably held by Butch, he made it his task to prevent Petty from having any opportunities to repeat his performance. New Bats jumped into the openings created by this strategy, but the Patriots muster enough to, in true Patriot fashion, send it to overtime. Without Petty getting to the net unmolested, the Patriots needed little time to claim their spot in the Keg game.

Destiny has intervened, allowing the Patriots to emerge victorious, despite records or phantom goals, the winds are changing. Only one win (and likely, one goal) separates the Patriots from I-league history, and with the venom held for former coach Nate Hodges, can the Blue Devils possibly make the three-peat?

Les has engineered an unlikely contender, after knocking-off the best in the regular season and a match-up set for the defending champs, he could have an undisputed title holder.

Opening Round Closed-out

MAJOR

Patriots (5-2-2) 4
Ice Bats (7-2-0) 3

The number one ranked team in the Majors looked to roll over the Pats on their way to the Keg, but the Patriots had a plan. Travis Lehr puts the Pats up first, Joel Blix ties it up. The Bats take the lead in the second, goals from David Tratham and Blix cancel out the early lead from Brad Allen's goal. The Pats regain the lead with Allen and Lehr again leaving a minute for the Bats to tie it-up. Did Danny's shot ring off both posts or the pad in the back of the net? The officials say no goal. The Patriots look forward to the match-up with former coach, Nate Hodges. Nate believes it is his destiny to play for the Keg every year. Perhaps, but he certainly hasn't won every year. . .

Brewzers (3-4-2) 4
DFW Titans (3-5-1) 3

Dead even in shots and goals after three periods, and an overtime, Josh Sutton proves to be the difference maker for the Brewzers. Not only did the controversial young player open the scoring for the game and then send it to overtime with a shorty, but he ends the fourteen player shoot-out. Titans lose despite goals from Tyler Klunder, Lincoln Foster, and Justin Mason. The Brewzers collect one goal from Matt Walker, in addition to the Sutton tallies.

Blue Devils (6-2-1) 6
Komets (5-3-1) 1

Oh the humanity! In what looked to be a tight match on paper the game falls apart almost immediately. The Blue Devils score two goals in the first: Charlie Heine, Danny Flinn. In the second, the Komets finally pierce the Devil front with Dustin Nation's goal making it two to one, no one believed it was close, despite the score. The Devils roar back with goals from Flinn, Billy Trull, Heine, and Scott Speelman. Was coach Al too concerned with the Cowboy's game? The Devils are dissecting the Patriot's game at this very moment.

Snipers (3-5-1) 2
Stickmen (4-4-1) 1

The Stickmen debut Jesse "Lunchbox" Henderson in net, the Snipers respond with a call to local celebrity Mike Moore. And, it's Moore who is exposed first when the Sticks take the early lead with Lynne Young's goal. But the Snipers regroup and limit the shots on net to ten, while firing back with a goal from Chris Davis. The Snipers get the win with a late third period goal from sometimes I-leaguer, Lee Miller.

minor

Puckers (6-3-0) 2
LSI (7-2-0) 0

The Puckers have made their climb from the I-league doldrums to the pinnacle of I-league (minor), with the second period goals of Rick Gregory and Jon Padilla, and the play of Turtle in the net, number one ranked LSI could find no path to the championship. Gabe Rivera and Katherine Levesque see their combined pointstreak, that lasted the entire session end in the first round. Is it for better or worse that the Puckers made their impact this session instead of last session, leaving me off the hook for cheerleading duty? Next up, the Whalers in the anti-Keg game.


Whalers (6-3-0) 2
Privateers (6-3-0) 1

The Whalers again triumph over the Privateers, due in large part to the play of Gregg Mata in net. The first period was the site for all of the Whaler's offense, a goal to Andy Thomas and then to Paul Thurston "Howell III" Mata turns away thirty Privateer shots, the lone goal against comes from Bob-O. You can't really call it a grand defensive effort, the play concentrated itself in the Whaler end, the Whalers only managed eight shots on net. What sort of drama and excitement awaits in the anti-Keg match-up of these two powerhouses?

Silverwings (2-6-1) 1
Grave Diggers (4-5-0) 5

In the first the Wings kept it close, Jason Neal's goal is sandwiched between the Digger's Billy Quinn and Randy Chappel. The Diggers make the most of the openings provided by the so-called Silverwing defense with three more goals: Bruce Davis, Bobby Sirkis, and Quinn again. Bobby's goal is met with a chorus of boos from the Wing bench, and taints the performance of the Diggers in the eyes of the media and the fans.

Team Euless (1-8-0) 1
Chiefs (4-5-0) 0

Euless finally gets a win. The score was actually seven or eight to one, all but one of those goals come on my watch. I gave-up a lot of chances to the Privateers and their personal vendetta against me, they made me pay. I still don't know the nature of the fights that caused the removal of four players from the rink. It was inspiring to watch the first pair of fighters leave the rink simultaneously (a mistake not repeated by the solitary ref), through the glass no one could hear what they were saying to each other, then you could feel the dread and helplessness of everyone on the rink watched them walk toward each other. . . they bumped knuckles and went to their respective lockers. The second fight did not offer any such redemptive conclusion.

The Table is Set

The final week of the regular season is here and this is how it went.

minor

Team Euless (0-8-0) 2
LSI (7-1-0) 6

Team Euless completes the elusive perfect season, not exactly in the most enviable fashion. It started off with a hat trick in the first period to Gabe Rivera, of LSI. Euless collects a goal with the help of Rick Gregory in the second, and Gabe gets yet another goal a few seconds later. James Macha closes out the second with an LSI goal. In the third Macha tallies another one, late, and Mike Ginnard pads his stats with the final Team Euless goal of the regular season. Both of these teams may have proven that they don't belong in this league, LSI will almost certainly move on, Euless may face extinction. . . of course only to make room for some other hockey amalgam.

Silverwings (2-5-1) 2
Grave Diggers (3-5-0) 7

The Diggers once again finish strong, I doubt anyone seriously believes that this will translate into a winning record for next session, but it finally happened for the Puckers, so who knows. Brian Lochkos starts the ball rolling for the Diggers and the ailing Bryan Brookman evens the score with a shot heard round the world! Randy Chappel scores three consecutive goals for another first period hat trick on the gold rink. In the second Justin McCullough tries to build some Silverwing momentum, but the period is a wash when Bruce Davis makes his fourth goal of the session. Bob Sirkis returns to the open ice and scores a goal for the Diggers in the third, along with another goal from Chappel. Amazing, the Diggers finish in sixth out of eight teams, is that a historical high watermark?

Chiefs (4-4-0) 2
Puckers (5-3-0) 1

The mighty Puckers were looking to present a new face to the league, and started off with what looked to be a tone setting goal two minutes into the game from Chris Kirton. The Chiefs had nothing but pride on the line for this game, but that would prove to be a strong motivator, Bill Broad nets the equalizer in the middle of the period, and in the middle period Ryan Brett sinks the game winner. The Puckers raise questions about their viability in the post season when they cannot come up with the tying goal despite having four straight minutes of power play in the third.

Whalers (5-3-0) 0
Privateers (6-2-0) 2

The Whalers and Privateers end their seasons with a knock-down, drag-out, tooth-and-nail battle. The first period sees a penalty from both of the heart and soul players for these teams, Hamstra for the Whalers and Cody Payne for the 'Teers, but neither team can capitalize on the advantage. The second was a blood bath, twelve minutes worth of penalties but still no goals. In a game where shots were hard enough to come by, one goal would likely be all it would take, Jeremy Boyd finally perforates Mata in the Whaler goal, just two minutes into the third. The Whalers fail to tie the game and Bob-O gets the empty netter. Both goalies face fourteen shots, the Whalers have more time on the power play, Ryan Haley-Willhoite is raising her level of play at the right time, her third shut-out this season.

MAJOR

Brewzers (2-4-2) 2
Stickmen (4-3-1) 5

The Sticks ride their horses, Eysermanns and Henderson, and fulfill their part in a top four bid, they would need a Komet loss to get in. It's Eysermanns for the Sticks first followed by teammate Glenn Listman. In the second, Jesse Henderson puts the Sticks up by three. League favorite, Jennifer Leonard starts the Brewzer rally and is followed by Jamil Al Jabri to put the Brewzers in striking distance for the final period. But, Mike Moore once again collapses in the clutch, goals rain in from Eysermanns and Mika Hyytiainen, is it time for a sabbatical?

Snipers (2-5-1) 4
DFW Titans (3-5-0) 3

Mike Kirkland logs the only goal of the first period, putting the DFW Titans up by one. The Brewzer sister team draws the venom from its wounds and spits it back on the Titans in the second, the Snipers collect four goals: David Counce, Jamil Al Jabri, Jeff Vaughn, and Jamil again. Mike Kirkland wedges his second goal of the game into the middle of the scoring frenzy. The third is host to the birth of new heroes, Lincoln Foster scores a goal to put the Titans within one, but no Titan would seal the deal, it would be Matt Walker who would pick-up the mantle (that Mike Moore has dropped?) as he holds-off the Titan rally for a rare Sniper win.

Komets (5-2-1) 3
Patriots (4-2-2) 2

The Pats needed to establish a trend for the upcoming post season. The Komets, however, have a burning in their bellies that can only be quenched with puck filled nets. Scottie Baldree finds the net through traffic, at an impossible angle. At the close of the first, Alex Atkins catches Ellis sleeping and rips it over his outstretched glove. In the second, the Komets strike again, Dustin Nation puts the Komets up three nil. The Pats pull together in the third with absentee Sabrina York getting credit for two goals before five minutes can pass. The Komets put the clamps on the Patriot offense, and get a little luck to secure the win, closing-out the Sticks from the play-off picture and putting the Pats against the number one ranked Ice Bats.

Blue Devils (5-2-1) 1
Ice Bats (7-1-0) 2

The number one ranked Ice Bats take on the champs from last season and the Blue Devils put them under early with a goal from Mike Redmon, in the second. The Bats looked to be giving-up the game in the third, they put themselves on the penalty kill instead of concentrating their efforts on the tying goal. . . or was it all part of their plan? With the reigning champs leading the game and running their power play, Scott Hunton knocks the Blue Devils on their arse with a short handed goal, that would force overtime. After a tense four minutes of back and fourth scoring opportunities, the Bats make the final goal of the game, cementing their reputation as the team to beat, or is that player to beat?

Next week is the opening round of the play-offs, the championship rounds of each league break down like this. . . I think.

minor:

#1 LSI vs. #4 Puckers
#2 Privateers vs. #3 Whalers

MAJOR:

#1 Ice Bats vs. #4 Patriots
#2 Komets vs. #3 Blue Devils

P.S. Someone please remind me, who beat the Ice Bats? I cannot seem to find the stat.

Coast to Coast

Digging through the garage trying to locate all of the miscellaneous pieces of non-goalie hockey equipment that I have gathered throughout the years, stumbling across many memories in the process. My first goalie jersey, my first team jersey, a jersey that I designed for a team, my first helmet, my first trapper, the pieces of my first blocker, etc. . . I had just about everything I would need to make the jump to right wing, and create another memory.

Virtually every minute of my hockey "career" has been played in the crease- well, scratch that, as a goalie. Including this past Saturday, I have played out two and a half times. The first time I was ejected halfway through the game for wearing goalie skates (a safety hazard!). The previous time, I played "D", I didn't have any elbow pads. If you combine your first time on player skates with no elbow protection, you end-up with some bruised elbows. This time I would play as a forward, with elbow pads.

Playing as a forward means no responsibilities, and that's what I wanted to try.

The Patriot's game ended just as the zam was leaving the ice for the Grave Diggers, so I missed the shoot-around. This was a little disheartening, I was looking forward to taking a few shots at Bob's noggin, oh well. When the first shift ended, I skated to the bench and made a u-turn for the face-off. When the puck dropped I jumped out to the blue line looking for the outlet pass, then realized we didn't have possession anymore and fell down. I repeated this same sequence throughout the night. I definitely had some hustle. . . I must have fell down on every square inch of the ice.

Trying to find the right time to hit the bench was not as easy as I thought it would be, we were rolling forwards due to our odd number. I have heard that people can get pretty upset about their ice time, I am not used to worrying about that, but I didn't want to take anything away from anybody. I made an effort to be generous with my ice time, I don't know if it came across or not, I really wanted to be out their the whole game. I'm a goalie, it's in my nature.

Somehow, I was credited with the primary assist on the first goal. If this actually happened or not, I can't say. I got in one other good pass to our center, right in front of the goal, it was deflected into his skates, unfortunately. Several times I made some good efforts at forechecking- meaning, into position, try to move stick onto puck, fall down. But, what should have been my shining moment. . . I caught the pass from my defenseman as I started my break for the goal. It was just me and Ryan Haley. I was struggling to keep the puck in the spot I wanted it to be, while watching her position in the net. Soon I was about fifteen feet from the net on her glove side, too low to have much of an angle for a shooting chance, when I saw my center in the middle of the slot. With Ryan already dropping, all I had to do was throw the pass out to my team mate for the go ahead goal. So what did I do? I fired it right into her belly, of course. I have relived this moment over and over, I am so ashamed of myself.

One other highlight, as I made a streak down on the forecheck, behind the net, Brooks gives me a head fake, looked over his shoulder to make eye contact and casually feigned recognition, "Oh, I thought it was actually somebody on the forecheck". I was cracking-up.

Career face-off win percentage- 0%, dang it Chris.

I didn't fulfill many of my goals for the game but we played well enough to win, and I had a lot of fun.

It seems I have had several opportunities this year to make some of my dreams come true, especially on the hockey front. There is still one that I haven't had a shot at. . . I have had some shooting sessions with some very talented players, even took a slapshot from a Hull, Bobby Jr., but still pretty cool. This week Bob Sturm made me very jealous, as he faced Mike Ribiero in a breakaway competition. Maybe, someday. . .


Of course, the game was also the triumphant return of Bob Sirkis to the net. He has borrowed my gear to play the goal before, but I never got to witness it. He is a very aggressive goalie (surprise, surprise!), and he lives and dies by his stand-up goaltending style. It was very interesting also to hear the reactions of the team on the bench as Bob made a high risk play. I fully supported his play. No one seemed shocked by that.

Bob enjoys the change of pace, playing goal, but I don't think he is a day to day goalie. But if you think you could be, or maybe you already are but need some help developing your game, the goaltending clinic is practically a reality. I still don't have the details: time, date, cost, number of spots, etc. . . but I need to hear from all of you out there that are interested in making use of this unique event. There will probably be one spot for the wannabe goalie that has little or no equipment of their own, so make your case.

stickysaves@gmail.com

I hate when that happens ...

Don't you just hate it when your team puts a guy on waivers and he does this?

ST. LOUIS (AP)—B.J. Crombeen scored three goals, including the game-winner with 3:43 to play as the Blues defeated the Nashville Predators 6-3 Monday night.

Doh.

Any Day Now. . .

minor

Chiefs 6pts(3-4-0) 2
LSI 12pts(6-1-0) 5


Although Bill Broad opened the scoring for the Chiefs the scene quickly shifted to a common LSI phenomenon. The most prolific line in the league (I say with absolutely no research) has to be the Mulder and Scully combination of Gabe Rivera and Catherine Levesque, they team-up for the first two Import goals, securing the lead before the first period ended. In the second Gabe gets the assist on Cliff Bogle's goal, Tom Harnitchek scores to put the Chiefs within one. Rivera could not be contained, in the third he scores two more for a total of five points on the night. Bill Broad takes himself out of the game late with penalties.

Silverwings 5pts(2-4-1) 2
Whalers 10pts(5-2-0) 3


Watching this game in person, the speed was overwhelming. Could this be I-league, it looked to be at least a mid to high level D. The first period is sum zero, a Wing goal from James Pickett and a Whaler goal Brad Watson. In the second the Hamster Brian Hamstra puts one away for the Whaler lead. The "C" train left the station as Sergio Castillo ties the game, exactly one minute later the Whalers wrestle it back with a goal from Paul Thurston. With a period left to play, the Silverwings only needed one more juicy rebound, but there would not be another. The Whalers are on a slippery slope, with their history they need the wins to unite the team, but if they accumulate too many points, they could end up in the MAJORs.


Puckers 10pts(5-2-0) 4
Privateers 10pts(5-2-0) 2


The Puckers allow plenty of opportunities, but overcome with a huge upset. Rick Gregory and Rob Constantine score the only two goals of the first period, both for the Puckers. Robert Meassengale cuts the lead in half early in the second, Don Lyle ties the score at the three minute mark. The Puckers find the game winner late in the third with the help of Steve Niekamp. In the third the Puckers tighten the screws and not only keep the 'Teers at bay but net one more goal from Larry Nounemany. Is this the 'Teer's December swoon? What will become of the Privateers after this session? The rumors abound that they may not return, or if they do it may be as a completely different look.

Team Euless 0pts(0-7-0) 3
Grave Diggers 4pts(2-5-0) 4


The switch in goal for the Diggers meant I would make my debut as a forward, masquerading as "Don Ells", amazingly, Billy Quinn's goal (the first of the game) is off my assist (can't say I remember). In the second Euless evens it up with a goal from Robert Massengale (I think that's the correct spelling), but lose the lead to Danny Grimes on the potent Grave Digger power play. The third was a shooting gallery. It started with the quick hands of Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr to put the Diggers ahead by two, then late in the period, Robert Massengale tries to close the gap for Euless. The Diggers fire back less than a minute later with a goal from Bruce Davis. The ill-fated Euless rally ends with a goal from Marie Lindley. Bob Sirkis plays a very aggressive stand-up style, leaving several tasty rebounds but comes up with a couple of game changing stops, inspiring his offense. Another Digger session ends strong, sure they will probably play themselves into a hole early next session, but they always grow together as the season continues. . . It's hard to not have fun with this team.

MAJOR

Ice Bats 12pts(6-1-0) 2
Komets 9pts(4-2-1) 1


The strongest Komets team in recent history roars onto the ice, playing for a place in the play-offs, Scottie Baldree leads the charge as per usual, scoring the opening goal unassisted. Chuck Dolbee resurrects the Ice Bat resolve, evening the score before the period ended. In the second, Mitch Gnatowsky takes the lead for the Bats in the last two minutes. The Komets prefer to ride a lead into the third, and cannot find the extra gear they need to save the game, they lose to the league favorite.


Snipers 3pts(1-5-1) 3
Stickmen 7pts(3-3-1) 4


Wiry Kevin Cook opens the game with a Sniper goal setting the tone for the Sniper bench, could this be the night? The Sticks respond with a goal from Damon Flores to close the first. Just fourteen seconds into the second the Snipers beat Blubaugh again, this time it's Chris Davis. The Snipers follow that up with a goal from the omnipresent Jamil Al Jabri. The Sticks regroup with goals from Wil Dobson (Whore!) and Todd Smith. The final five minutes of the middle frame, both teams batted each other around looking for weaknesses, with no results on the scoreboard. Back in the corner, Burgess Meredith slapped the Sticks in the face, cut open their eyes and sent them into the ring for the final round, the upstart Snipers continued to deliver blow after blow but it's Steve Hart who lands the knock-out for the Stickmen. Matt Walker shows glimpses of greatness in the Sniper net. Blubaugh gets his second win of the night.

Brewzers 6pts(2-3-2) 2
Patriots 10pts(4-1-2) 3


A scoreless first period leads into a heated exchange between goalies at center ice as "diva" Mike Moore taunts SNH reporter Jon Ellis over perceived besmirchment in the press. Moore gets the first laugh, when Steve Daniels makes an incredible redirect on the Eysermanns shot to put the Brewzers on top. John Newell puts the Pats on the board before the second ends. In the third Eysermanns gets one of his own on the rebound, but the roaring Brewzer bench is silenced when Brad Allen sends it to overtime late in the third. The Pats playoff hopes are kept alive when Kendall Bernard finds the twine with less than a minute left in the overtime period. Somewhere along the way, Dallas Lehr made a save of his own against a hard Brewzer shot, maybe he saved the game?

DFW Titans 6pts(3-4-0) 1
Blue Devils 10pts(5-2-0) 2


The Blue Devils hold fast to their playoff hopes, could this be a three-peat (*check stats to make sure they won last two before posting!)? Despite a strong James Barber start in the Titan net, recording a shut-out first and third period, and allowing only two goals on twenty shots, the Titans have been quashed. Steven Hart puts the Devils on the board first with an early goal in the second. Kenneth Rawson ties it up just a couple of minutes later, but in just two more minutes, Jay Peters ends the Titans' season. Look-out for the Devils!

P.S. Look for my post on playing out this week, hopefully with some video! Hope I didn't misspell too many things, can't make Blogger work for me tonight. Happy hockey!

Mike Moore's Goaltending Clinic

I have heard from Tom Yockey that Mike Moore's Goaltending Clinic may very well make an appearance at one of the practices at the beginning of next session. There will be plenty of opportunities for returning goalies to have their game inspected by the clinic staff, and there will be a spot for at least one lucky goalie-curious player, equipment provided!

How much would you pay for just such an opportunity? $500? $400? $300? I don't know actually. . . I haven't got the word yet on whether there will be an additional charge to the I-league fee. Billy Pye may make an appearance, a little bird tells me, if that does anything for you. Of course everyone wants to know. . .

Will Mike Moore be there?

The short answer is yes. . . probably.

His manager has informed the staff at SNH that Mike is not to be approached by any of the players or fans without the escort of his bodyguard. The schedule does call for a one hour photo and autograph session before the clinic begins, photos for the autograph session will be available for $10 each.

bciii

P.S. Seriously, this thing is going to happen, I need to know how many Goalies to start planning for, so RSVP to stickysaves@gmail.com

Which way did it go?

Saw this on a Stars blog and couldn't help but steal it.
This is one season to be thankful you didn't buy the season ticket plan.

In other news, we've arranged a Sunday morning pickup game at the NYTEX rink. (see link at right) It's 8-10:15 a.m. tomorrow, and $15 CASH ONLY at the door. Two goalies are committed.

Get off your lazy rump.

BC

Thanksgivings

In the spirit of the season, I thought I might review some of the things that I am thankful for. . .

1. I am thankful that I discovered and, debatably, learned to play hockey before I got to old and out of shape to enjoy it. Several years ago I was working with Brandt Eng. when they won the contract to build a couple of ice rinks for the Dallas Stars organization. I worked extensively at the site in Euless and became infatuated with every aspect of the game. After the completion of the job, I moved to the Barnett plaza tower and during my lunch break I would often practice skating at the Tandy Center rink. I met Cody Bateman, who managed the rink there, he has since moved on to manage the AAC ice. Good Times!

2. I am thankful for the drop in the price of gas. The trip from Burleson to Euless was becoming quite a drain on my budget. Since this is supposed to be a positive, thankful type column, I won't get into what gas prices may be masking. . . or the rest of the economic issues buffeting us about. . . I have a job.

Thank you Gas!

3. I am thankful for pumpkin pie. I could easily eat the largest pumpkin pie available, and now the public demand for pumpkin has spawned an entire pumpkin food group. . . bread, shakes, lattes, ice cream, rolls, cookiez wwqefg80uh ftg sorry, wiping the slobber off my keyboard.

4. I am thankful for the BCS.

5. I am thankful for my lovely wife, she is so understanding of my obsessive compulsive tendencies. Whether it is hockey or running or music or National Geographic collections, she rarely complains. I love her, so much!

6. Petroleum Jelly. Running for a long time tends to produce some very uncomfortable chaffing, in very sensitive spots.

7. I am thankful for the opportunity to write this column, and to have a great group of friends like all of you to share my tiny thoughts with, and play a great game with, and even have a drink with every once in a while.

8. I am thankful that the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade finally made the viewing for adults just a bit more entertaining. . . I got Rick rolled.

Enjoy your time with the family, if you have the chance, we'll see you again whenever the schedule ultimately says.

bciii


The HCS rankings (only one computer on this poll)

TOP 15

1. M Ice Bats, 10 pts
2. M Komets, 9 pts
3. M Blue Devils, 8 pts
4. M Patriots, 8 pts
5. M DFW Titans, 6 pts
6. M Stickmen, 5 pts
7. m Privateers, 10 pts
8. m Lone Star Imports, 10 pts
9. M Brewzers, 5 pts
10. M Snipers, 3 pts
11. m Puckers, 8 pts
12. m Whalers, 8 pts
13. m Chiefs, 6 pts
14. m Silver Wings, 5 pts
15. m Grave Diggers, 2 pts


Honorable mention to Team Euless (zero points)

The End is Near!

Minor:

Puckers (3-3-0) 1
Team Euless (2-4-0) 5

The Puckers faced-off with another Euless mutation, Patrick Haley of the Privateers makes the first Euless goal. Steve Niekamp ties it up in the second, but Brewzer, Joshua Sutton puts Euless back on top before the period is over. Sutton scores another in the third sandwiched by two goals from Daniel Howard. The first in a night filled with upsets, the Puckers hold fast to .500.

Grave Diggers (1-5-0) 4
Chiefs (3-3-0) 0

After handing the 'Teers their first loss of the session, the Chiefs had a hangover, I also loaned a jersey to Chief goal tender, Josh Ayala, tainted with knock-out gas. Steve Smith launched the Digger assault with the lone first period goal. Randy Chappel followed it up with the only score of the second. At just over two minutes into the third, the Diggers added two more goals, another from Chappel, and one from Supergirl. . . finally she scores! The Privateers shrug at the dominating performance of the Diggers. There is some dispute over the Digger roster. . . of course! Look for a goal tending change in the next Digger game. . .

Silverwings (1-4-1) 0
Privateers (5-1-0) 2

Speaking of the Privateers, a big bounce back game, the score masks the story of the game. The wings generate only five shots on net, while the 'Teers throw twenty-two hot ones at the net. Patrick Haley scores the game winner half-way through the first period, but Eric gets his Spivey senses going to hold the Privateer offense off until Robert Meassengale cranks one past him late in the third. Although that last sentence might be un-diagramable, The Privateers have regained their form and will likely play their way out of J-league in a few weeks.

Major:

Komets (4-1-1) 3
Blue Devils (4-2-0) 0

The mighty Blue Devils looked to assert themselves against the upstart Komets, but the whip is reversed. A scoreless first leads into an active second, where according to Blue Devil's net minder, David Blubaugh, the defense collapsed. Three Komet goals in less than three and a half minutes: Scottie Baldree, Mike Bierwiler, and Dustin Nation. The nugget from this game is the fact that the Komets hold onto the shut-out despite being outshot, that kind of defense and goal play will do them well in the play-offs, if the play-offs started now the Komets and Ice Bats would be the top seeds. Unforunately, no one knows exactly when or where a lightning bolt will strike. We do now, professor, we do now.

Ice Bats (5-1-0) 2
Stickmen (2-3-1) 1

How about those Bats? The Sticks were not favored in this game, but they put up quite a fight, which started at Blubaugh's net. He faced thirty shots, compared to ten shots generated by the Sticks. No one scores until the third period when Bats forward Damon Lacey takes the lead in the second minute. Lunchbox sends it to overtime with his goal in the closing minutes of regulation. In overtime the Bats continue to swarm the Stickmen's net until David Tratham banks one of the right post, off the back of a prone Blubaugh's outstreached glove, and into the net for the win. The second period was full of theatrics, resulting in the removal of one Stickman and two Bats, one being their undisputed scoring leader, Eric Petty. No word as to weather any suspensions will come out of this.

Brewzers (2-3-1) 4
Snipers (1-4-1) 1

The Brewzers and Snipers have an incestuous battle with predictable results. . . sort-of. One of the most unlikely occurrences, Snipers' scoring is lead by one Jennifer Leonard, she scores the first goal of the night, the only of the first, and sadly the only from the Snipers. In the second, the Brewzers make the most of the last four minutes with goals from Jamil Al Jabri, Steve Daniels, and Brit "Backhand" Broostrom. With their spirits beaten out of their sweaters, the Snipers give-up one more in the third, this time to Jamil's little brother, Nidal. It's unlikely these teams will matchup again at anytime in the near future, welcome to J-league Snipers!

DFW Titans (3-3-0) 4
Patriots (3-1-2) 3

With the door left open by the Blue Devil's loss earlier in the evening, the Pats were licking their chops. After a scoreless first they draw blood with an early second period goal from Jeff Eagle and a late one from Bryan Brookman. The Titans manage to cut the lead in half before the period ends on an Ellis mental hic-cup. In the second minute of the third the Pats reclaim their two goal lead with a goal from Brad Allen. The Titans take it back with the ill-advised play of Pats' defenseman Dallas Lehr who deflects a shot into Ellis pad for a wide open rebound and resulting goal from Mark Schacht. In the tenth minute of regulation, the Titans throw in a shot off an offensive face-off, and pound the rebounds, one after another, until they come up with the tying goal off the stick of Mac Miller. In over time Justin Mason sets-up from a bad angle on the bottom of the right circle, then looks Ellis off, with a quick shot between the pads the game was over.

P.S. If you would like to read about the near death match between me and my sister in the half-marathon outside of Lubbock a couple of weeks ago, she writes it up here. Or my take here.

The Sun Will Come Out, To Morrow

O captain! My captain! The season is only 18 games old, and it is already over. Things have not been going very well for the Stars this year. Last year's season ended just two wins shy of the Stanley cup finals, to the eventual champions, leaving many with high hopes for this year. The pre-season was pretty dismal, and the regular season hasn't been much better. Turco usually gets off to a slow start but this was not normal. The defense was putting him on the spot with sloppy neutral zone play, and critical turn-overs. The offense, the best aspect of this team, is a mediocre tenth in the league in even strength goals, nineteenth in total goals. The man responsible for nearly ten percent of that offense left the ice last night with an undisclosed injury.

The word now is torn ACL. The official press release says a minimum of six months to return to full health. No one anticipates any permanent damage.

Modano says he expects the surrounding players to pick-up the slack, like they did last season with the injury to Zubov. I love you, Modano, but I don't see that happening this year. Maybe, even this early, we should start preparing for next year.


Pacific Division -W----L---OTL---P----GF---GA
San Jose----------16----3----1----33---73---49
Anaheim----------10----9----2----22---65---70
Los Angeles-------8----8----2----18---47---47
Phoenix------------8----8----1----17---42---44
Dallas--------------6----9----3----15---51---68

Wasting Time On the Net So You Don't Have To

Here you go, the lamest effort yet. I have had absolutely zero inspiration and the only project that I have in progress is no where near fleshed out, so it's time to release the bits and pieces of things that just didn't make a full column.

One of the things I really wanted to write-up was sledge hockey. I had the privilege a few years ago to watch a sledge hockey tournament first hand. I know that I'm a big softy, the dolphins make me cry, but it was very inspiring to see this group of people from all walks of life, all ages, coming together for their one common love, HOCKEY. I have stated before that I would be playing this game until they cart me off the ice. . . These men and women cart themselves off the ice, and they just keep coming back. And, this thing is full contact, it's violent and competitive. I don't recall any fights, but it wouldn't have surprised me.

The coordinator of the tournament told me that they have a league in Addison, but I haven't been able to find a current incarnation.




When I was a kid video games were incredibly crude, and expensive. We played outside most of the time, but when the weather outside was frightful, card games and board games filled the gap. Lots of kids played baseball with playing cards, my sister and I created a version of playing card football one summer. My other sister would play one game of chess, then expect me to play ballroom dance with her dolls on the "marble dance floor" chess board.

I don't think I could make it through one quarter of my football game these days, but I think I would rather do that than play this. Some guy created the game and spent quite a bit of time making diagrams and a complete set of rules. Heck, I might prefer ballroom dancing

I have saved a lot of broken hockey sticks over the years, and at some point I will transform them into something special. Inspiration struck when I was visiting the Valley Ranch Starcenter and saw the beautiful deck chair of goalie coach Chris Fries. There are many styles of these things out there, some you can buy complete, others just the plans. This one looks great- simple, elegant, cheap. If you have one of your own, I would very much be interested in a look-see.




If you're new to hockey, this site is a good primer. I found one aspect particularly interesting: The physicist in the "ice" section disputes the theory that your skate melts the ice as it makes contact, letting you slide on a tiny layer of water. He claims that the structure of ice has a quasi-fluid layer on top, that gets thicker as the temperature increases. Your skate slides on this layer, the thinner the layer the less friction your skate has to fight- Colder ice, faster ice.

What about those battery powered skates that actually do melt the ice? I don't know if that's hogwash or not. . .

Hope something tickles your fancy,

In hockey,
bciii

I-League Hockey, Fighting Global Warming Half an Acre at a Time

Does anyone own a grapefruit spoon?

LSI (5-1-0) 3
Grave Diggers (0-5-0) 2


The Diggers may have been mathematically eliminated from the minor championship in week one, but tonight they played an all-star caliber game. After ending the first period in a stalemate, The Diggers score two goals, first Bruce Davis, next Andrew Davis, making an unexpected, but comfortable, two goal lead. The Imports premier scoring line promptly returns the score to even, a goal from Catherine Levesque, then one from Gabe Rivera. With eleven minutes to determine the hero, the Diggers collapse their defense around their net, effectively screening Ellis who cannot locate the rebound before Levesque. She scores the game winner early in the third, and the Sparrow seals the deal. Are the Imports still in a lurch after the loss to the 'Teers last week? Ordinarily this team would make minced meat out of the Diggers.

Silverwings (1-3-1) 1
Puckers (3-2-0) 2


When the Wings went to play against Pucker
Patrick made their offense look the sucker
And they would only tell Ginger
That Casey's a ringer
'Cuz Casey's a big mother. . .

So what if Ginger and ringer don't actually rhyme.

The first was scoreless, but the Puckers get on the board first. Larry Nounemay's goal was erased just a couple of minutes later when the sole Silverwing to make the scoring summary, Ryan Kelly, ties it up, unassisted. Early in the third Casey J feeds John Ward for the game winner. The Silverwings could use a rematch with the Diggers about now.

Privateers (4-1-0) 3
Chiefs (3-2-0) 5


OMG! After emerging victorious in the much vaunted battle with LSI, the 'Teers get owned by the Chiefs! Robert Meassengale starts the Privateers off on the right skate, but former Chiefs netminder Ben Stillwagon reverses the tide with the first of a deluge of Chief goals. David Dahms and Ryan Brett leave the score at three to one for the close of the first. Joel Bush sinks his teeth into the fight with a goal in the second but the period ends in a wash with another Chief goal from Stillwagon. In the final two minutes of the third period Stillwagon gets the hat trick, Patrick Haley tries to save a little Privateer pride with a garbage time goal. The Chiefs are turning this thing around, and it looks like the biggest factor in the new direction is goaltender Josh Ayala, perhaps the best addition to the league this session. Brooks Willhoite was spotted at the bottom of a pit after the game, Stone Cold above him yelling,"It puts the lotion on its skin, or else it gets the hose again!"

Whalers (4-2-0) 3
Team Euless (1-4-0) 2


The Whalers are staying the course, surprising all of the odds makers. These guys work on the stock exchange. . . When things were going well with the economy, the Whalers sucked, now that we're in the toilet, the Whalers rock. . . What kind of a trade-off is that? Paul Thurston buys in with the ground floor goal, but shares drop when the rag-tag Team Euless gets the equalizer from Will Turner. Fortunately the close the period on a gain with another Whaler goal from Thurston. The second was bearish for the Whalers, without a single goal for, Euless ties it up with a goal from Rick Gregory. When Brian Hamstra rang the opening bell for the third period, the Whalers rallied to finish the game with a victory, the game winner in the middle of the period falls to who else but Paul Thurston, a hat trick.

Snipers (1-3-1) 1
Ice Bats (4-1-0) 8


It's a tough thing. . . Roaring out of the bat cave was Eric Petty and then in the final minute of the first period was the second Bat's goal, from Tim Marra, the Snipers were spinning. The second period scoring started-off with a goal from Nidal Al Jabri, followed by a bench full of Snipers clapping loudly and chanting, "I do believe in Snipers, I do believe in Snipers, I do, I do!". But it would take more than pixie dust to get this thing going. . . Four unanswered Ice Bat goals wrap-up the middle frame: Joel Blix, Eric Petty, and two from David Tratham. In the third the Bats let the limping Snipers off easy with only two more goals, the first from hat trick owner, Eric Petty- the last to Danny Grimes. Matt Walker was able to be revived and should be ready for next week's game. An eight goal game, it looks like the Ice Bat's dungeon master got them stuck in a never ending orc chasm.


Komets (3-1-1) 2
Patriots (3-1-1) 3
Jeremy Irons and Wil Dobson, separated at birth?












The goal tenders at either end turned away all attempts in the first with tension building between the two teams, the Komets trying to avoid a second loss, the Pats trying to stop the bleeding, the tension built until Wil Dobson stumps Ellis in the final second of the period. With a losing streak hanging over their heads the Pats finally get past the emotion of the first period with the help of a power play goal from Travis Lehr, the only goal of the frame. In the third, the Pats find their winning ways with two more goals from Lehr, completing a hat trick (how many hat tricks is that for tonight?). The Komets take advantage of the Pats, busy patting themselves on the back, and cut the lead to one when Bryan Brookman slides the puck through a mass of humanity and just under Ellis' leg. With little more than half a minute left in the game the Komets go on the power play. Coach Al calls a pow-wow at the bench and returns his troops to the front, but they cannot find the tying goal. The Pats and Komets are now tied for second (or third, depending on how you note these things) with only three games left.

Brewzers (1-3-1) 0
DFW Titans (2-3-0) 4


Some are questioning if Mike Moore is devoting too much of his time and energy into his goal tending clinic, especially after his collapse in the second period of this game. In a boring, scoreless first period, Mike and the Brewzers escape with their best goal differential of the night. In the second the Titans kick it into gear launching three pucks past Mike, first from Mike Kirkland, next from Justin Mason, and finally from Mac Miller. In the third the Brewzers leave it all on the ice only to see another goal late in the period to Mason. James Barber, unbelievably, figures out how to play goal turning away 23 of 23 shots for his first ever shut-out? Mike Moore would do anything for puck, but he can't do that. . .

Stickmen (2-3-0) 0
Blue Devils (4-1-0) 1


In a blood match between these two teams, you have to throw records out the window. Scoring was limited for the Sticks by penalties, of the twenty-two minutes worth of penalties in the game, twenty of them go to the Sticks. Gloria Buell scores the loan goal of the night for the Devils in the middle of the first period and the Stickmen spend the rest of the game trying to beat themselves. I guess you could say they won that fight. Kyle Ryback deserves a medal for his valiant efforts in the Stickmen net, turning away all but one of the twenty-six shots he faced. The Ice Bats and Blue Devils share the top spot, now you know. . . And knowing is half the battle.

P.S. Have you seen this one yet?

The Spirit of I-League?

Last week, I missed out on the happenings at our rink so that I could go to Lubbock and get beat by my baby sister in a foot race. So I needed to find a few people to cover my games. The Patriots all ready have a stand-by goalie on the roster, Doug Phillips, who ordinarily plays wing. It would not be a problem for him to pull out his old gear and act as my substitute. The Diggers on the other hand were not so fortunate.

Without a win on their record (yet) and no other guy with a set of pillows in the closet, it looked like they would face a difficult situation. But no, coordinator Bob Sirkis has the burning urge to fill the net.


Bob's son plays goalie in the mites (I think) and he decided he should give it a try, just to see what his little guy has to deal with. He let me in on his plan, and I was more than happy to loan out my sack-o-biohazard for the weekend. I had a pair of shorter pads hanging in the garage, the rest of the stuff would be close enough to fit for one night, except of course the cup, ahem. Donning a hodge-podge mix of older and newer equipment he hit the ice.


I have been trying to encourage the development of goalies in our league with little more than a nominal effort in practice sessions from skaters, some don't get any further than just asking about equipment, and techniques, and whether or not it hurts.


The equipment is really not very heavy, you get used to the bulk of it and learn to move within the parameters of it, hopefully utilizing every square inch in the process. When it comes to techniques, there are plenty of books and videos and whatever to aid in that. I am not the picture of technique, that's for sure, but whatever it takes to stop the puck (safely) is the key to goaltending. Technique changes from year to year in goaltending, some of the biggest innovations come from people who either broke the rules or played unconventionally, so make it work for you. Does it hurt? Not usually, in this league, if you are ever fortunate enough to spar with a really talented shooter, and actually stop a shot you will have respect for Turco and all the pros, where every shot is harder than the hardest shot you will ever see on a Saturday night. Making a desperation save in the NHL is often painful, despite the equipment. There is about three inches of padding in my leg pads and I have worked with guys before that make my shins sting, that's pretty amazing. Meaning, even a save that you are set for can leave a bruise.


So how did the experience go for Mr. Sirkis? He had a good time. It surprises me when people tell me how tiring it is to play net. I have read that you lose eight pounds in just one game. Bob claims he lost fifteen, we'll see. It gets hot in that gear and as Bob found the only thing you can do is skate around in circles during play stoppages to cool-off. Did you wonder why those guys are wandering around back there? He also learned to hold still until the whistle. The first shot wedged itself between his left arm and his chest, when he turned his body to look behind for the puck, it fell into the net. I know what a downer it can be to allow a goal on the first shot. . . and the second. But mainly it was about perspective, you have to follow the action through the bodies in front of you, always at the ready. A shot can come at any moment, so that tension builds in your stance until that shot finally heads your way. That sudden release of the puck fills you with such urgency, especially if it catches you by surprise, so that even the slowest shot can seem like a lightning bolt.


Perhaps the most difficult part of playing goal is that no matter how good you play, you can't score a goal and win the game yourself. It isn't much fun to see your forwards struggle all night and then you go and allow a goal against.

I was very proud of Bob for giving it a go. He doesn't think he'll become a regular, in fact he doesn't think he'll play net again until next session, maybe.








If anyone else is interested, drop me a line and I'll see what I can do to help.

Back To Hockey!

There are no perfect teams in the Majors anymore. But, in the Minors, the Privateers prove that in the regular season at least, offense triumphs over defense. The 'Teers are flawless and looking ahead at their schedule, I can see no losses. . . or wins for that matter. Is there a schedule on the way?


declare your
Major

Stickmen (2-2-0) 2
Komets (3-0-1) 1

Komets lose but hold onto first place


Coach Al sent the Komets in to battle preparing them for another tough opponent, and they respond with an early goal. Just barely half a minute into the game, Dustin "Domi-" Nation puts the Komets in the driver's seat. About the time Dustin's shift ended, Damon Flores ties it up leaving Al looking up to the heavens. Both goalies, Bryant for the Komets and Blubaugh for the Sticks, bow-up under the pressure, neither allowing the compromise of their nets. Blubaugh turns away twenty-nine of thirty. The Sticks needed to finish off the Komets in regulation in order to keep them in the middle of a three-way race for first, but Bryant would not buckle, not even in overtime, in fact, it takes six Stickmen shooters before the game would finally fall to the Sticks. The Komets lose the battle but still have the upper hand in the war. . . for the KEG.

Patriots (2-1-1) 1
Blue Devils (3-1-0) 2

Pats half-ass into losing skid


Can you blame the lack of schedule for this? In what should have been one of the more important games of their regular season, the Pats only bring half of their players. Questions of commitment are popping-up around goaltender, jon ellis, and the absence of Captain Les York did not go unnoticed, either. The Devils came prepared, their extra manpower allows them to fight through six minutes worth of penalty kill until in the second period they finally get a power play opportunity of their own. Jay Peters collects the goal to put the Devils on top. Bryan Brookman evens the score a few minutes later, but the short bench catches up with the Pats after another Blue Devil goal, this one belongs to Charlie "Kiss My" Heine. The Devils hold-on for the win in the third.

Snipers (1-2-1) 5
DFW Titans (1-3-0) 3

Snipers shock the major world


Matt Walker had a good week at Mike Moore's goaltending clinic, and comes up with an impressive win. It certainly wasn't just the work between the pipes though, Jesse Henderson and Chris Hale prove to be a very effective combination the team-up for the first two goals, Henderson gets the first, Hale the second. Tyler Klunder puts one in for the Titans, but Henderson gets the assist on another Sniper goal, this time it's Ed Vogel with the "g". All of this Sniper offense before the fourth minute ticks off the clock. . . Then another goal from Henderson in the last minute of the first? Maybe James Barber, Titan netminder, needs to do some self-examination? Bill Turner scores one for the Titans early in the second, but the Snipers tie the period and hang-on to their three goal lead until the third. Sniper, Chris Davis, puts the Titans on the advantage one too many times and Mike Kirkland makes them pay. . . I guess, the Titans still lose by two. Lunchbox has a four point night with no penalties, he was due.

Brewzers (1-2-1) 3
Ice Bats (3-1-0) 4

Bats, a one man crew


After a long, boring first period, the Brewzers, vias John Parker, manage to generate a goal, the first one to get past Tony Marra this season (according to my records). Before the period ends, Eric Petty steps-up from the point to even the score. In the third, Petty takes the lead and then one more. Young Joshua Sutton of the Brewzers scores two of his own to tie the game, the second on the power play. But unable to contain himself, Petty skates to the other end and grabs the winner, with less than thirty seconds left in the game.

contributing to the delinquency of a
Minor

Privateers (4-0-0) 3
LSI (4-1-0) 1

Privateers triumph in best test so far


The Privateer offense wasn't able to run free as in some games, but Steve Haley does get the only goal for the first period. Kevin McGlaun commits a hooking penalty as time expires putting the Imports on the power play to start the second, but the 'Teers kill-it-off and hang on to the one goal lead until the third. In the final frame the Privateers punch one more in off the stick of Patrick Haley, LSI needed something. Gabe Rivera maintains his scoring streak and brings the Imports to within one, with nearly half the period left to play. Ryan Haley makes a key save just after the seventh minute, and spots a breaking Joel Bush, she hits him with the pass at center ice where he carries it in untouched for the spirit killer. A few more awesome saves and Ryan secures the Privateer win.

Whalers (3-2-0) 3
Chiefs (2-2-0) 1

Whalers, get-up, stand-up


After a scoreless first, despite having a power play opportunity, the Whalers stir it up with a goal from Paul Thurston. They have to wait until the third to get another, it comes from Ben Schechter. Thurston is jammin', and collects one more. On their exodus to a three nothing shut-out the Whalers give-up a goal in the last half of the period, Jimmy "Stone-Cold" Welch sends one in from the point and Tom Harntichek tips it in past the otherwise flawless Gregg Mata. The Whalers have only one love this session, and that is winning. Could this session be the Whaler's redemption song? Couldn't work-in "No Woman, No Cry".

Grave Diggers (0-4-0) 2
Puckers (2-2-0) 4

Puckers bury Diggers


Ellis is still out, and Bob Sirkis ably fills-in. . . David James scores two unanswered goals for the Puckers. Randy Cappel finds a way to beat Donaghue at the other end. Prodigal forward Teresa Leon gets a goal (first time, in a long time) to pad the Pucker lead. Chappel scores another, but proves to be the only one able to solve Donaghue, the Diggers give-up one more to Larry Nouanemany, before falling-out of the play-off picture. While Sirkis played well in his debut, the Maestro at the other end has convinced him to hang-up the pads forever. . . or at least until next session.

Silverwings (1-2-1) 4
Team Euless (1-3-0) 5

Someone had to win


The "C-train" Sergio Castillo, leaves the station right on time, scoring a Wing goal in the first minute. Paul Reid adds to the lead a couple of minutes later. Late in the period, Casey Jenkins stops the bleeding with a Euless goal. In the second, Val Kuntz ties the game with her power play goal, and Guy Riggs puts Euless on top. Scott Alcon knots it up again leaving the decision for the third. Larry Nouanemany scores on the power play for Team Euless, and Rick Gregory makes the lead into two. The C-train pulls-in again but this is the end of the line, there would be no hat trick, no over time, no shoot-out, just a sick feeling in the pit of the Silverwing stomach.

In the News

Here's something different, let's see if I survive.

The economy is in the dumps, and just like with everybody else, the best way to make things better is to spread it around. Therefore the stock market is falling on the Stars. Marty isn't the best goalie in the league as per usual, he's not even the best Marty in the league, despite Brodeur being inactive now. Biron is kicking his arse. It isn't all on Marty, though. How much longer can we go without Lehtinen and Zubov? I really liked the idea of signing of Avery, and it is now obvious that not only would I make a terrible NHL general manager, but so would a couple of other guys. . . Oh my sweet lord, someone please help the Stars!

Are there any good teams in the area anymore?

What about me?

This weekend, I will be burying my head in the sand. After being showed-up by the Privateers, Ice Bats, and for Pete's sake the Chiefs.

I had been looking forward to dealing out a little sumthin'-sumthin' to those Blue Devils, but I just don't think I can show my face in the place.

I am retreating to Lubbock, to sit at the feet of Mike Leach. To learn how to win. The remainder of my free time in the work week will be spent at the Mike Moore Goaltending Clinic. So watch out next week.

Elsewhere. . .

Do you remember how you felt in the weeks after 9/11? There was a feeling of patriotism that permeated the entirety of the country. It cut across racial and political lines. You felt proud to be an American.

Unfortunately, it came at a great expense. And, the intense sadness of the whole event often overpowered the collective embrace. Often, there was an anger boiling-up.

I voted for the first time last week, and I Barack-ed the vote. I felt good doing my part as an American. I didn't start to feel anything as powerful as those seven years ago until last night.

I am only thirty-two and I'm not black, and will never be able to understand the extent to which the American life can be distorted just by the color of your skin, but it is humbling to think of how much has changed in what is only a long lifetime. On the verge of tears myself, I listened to the testimonies of men and women who had endured inhuman treatment, constant oppression, and their overwhelming disbelief, to be at the precipice of such a moment in this nation's history. The unthinkable. A black president.

I certainly hope that no matter your political affiliation that you will realize what a positive moment this is, how much healing and unity can result from this one event. I feel good to be an American, again. It doesn't solve everything. It doesn't solve a lot of things. It is a huge step toward the American ideal, where anyone can go as far as their will can carry them.

I don't know if this will come across the way I want it to, but, this time it is a purer feeling, because it comes without that expense, without the sadness, fear, and anger. The payment is the event itself.

We May Have Something Here. . .

Things are finally getting interesting in the fourth week of the schedule. . . LSI and the Privateers are battling for dominance in the minors: LSI had zero goals against until this week, the 'Teers have (in the three games that I have records for) twenty goals for. One of these teams will be graduating the Minors at the end of this session, should be quite a battle when they eventually meet.

The Komets stand alone atop the Majors, as the Pats fall in the shoot-out this week. In fact all of the major games were very close except for the Komets, who mopped the floor with the misplaced Snipers. The Snipe will have to set their sights on next session when they will be rightly placed in the Minors. Definitely some discretions on Yockey's part for the Major/Minor division, unfortunately the Snipers will suffer the most from this decision.

Minor

Privateers (3-0-0) 7
Grave Diggers (0-3-0) 1

left : Brooks Willhoite, Jon Ellis, Cody Payne (l,r)


Well, I threw down the gauntlet. . . The 'Teers lit a fire in front of the Digger's net and no matter how much gasoline I threw on it, I just couldn't put it out! The Privateer tide rolled in quickly, in the fourth minute of the game, Casey "Bring the" Payne puts one behind me, Bush gets his only point of the game for the assist. In the seventh minute it's Patrick Haley who comes away with the tally. To finish off the first period, Cody "Max" Payne, puts up the third unanswered goal for the 'Teers. The second sees an early goal from Robert Meassengale (pointstreak spelling, AKA Bob-O) and a counter punch from Bruce Davis of the Grave Diggers. For a moment it looked like the Diggers might have a chance. At the other end, Ryan Haley responds to the pressure with timely saves on every Digger scoring chance, crushing their hopes. In the third the Diggers returned to the ice with their heads hanging, breathing through their mouths, with heavy skates they chased the 'Teers as the chasm widened between the two teams. Steve Haley scored first, followed by a goal by Erick Ahlstedt, and Casey scores the final goal of the night. They bested me with their wood, their composite. They bested me with speed. They must have out-played Ellis, and a team that can do that can plan my castle onslaught any day.

Calm down a bit, Willhoite, we're all havin' fun here, right?

Whalers (2-2-0) 4
Puckers (1-2-0) 3


The Whalers got the first franchise victory last week against the hard luck Diggers but prove it was no aberration with the start of a streak. The Puckers, on the shoulders of Patrick Donaghue, get behind in the first minute, as Brad Watson scores for the early Whaler lead. Chris Mosely ties the game half way through the period, only to give back the lead late in the period to Whaler, Kenneth Thomas. The Puckers win the second period with the first goal coming from John Ward. Brian Hamstra, Whaler captain, gains the the lead, but with their second goal of the second period, Steve Niecamp knots the score leaving the third period for the colossal battle between these two Minor power houses. Both teams lock down their defenses until halfway through the frame when Kyle Boltz puts the Whalers on the power play, Captain Hamster finds a way late on the advantage to sink the winner. The Whalers may be figuring this thing out, heck if you work with the stock market 9-5, I-league shouldn't be too hard.

Team Euless (0-3-0) 0
Chiefs (2-1-0) 3


The collection of leftovers, known as Team Euless got on the ice without a goalie, Bob Sirkis made a great stick save on the first Chief shot but could not find the rebound directly between his skates, Troy Clarkson does. . . Ellis arrives to try to stop the bleeding, throws a pass to the wrong color jersey, Bill Broad skates it back in and scores high glove. Team Euless takes a moment to breath, collect themselves, and make it to halfway through the second before Thomas Harnitchek holds Ellis to the post before sending the puck to David Dahms in the slot, who delays then beats Ellis top shelf. The Chiefs play most of the third in the Euless end, but somehow fail to score again. Ayala gets his second consecutive shut-out. Do you smell what the Chiefs are cookin'?

LSI (4-0-0) 5
Silverwings (1-1-1) 4


The last game on the gold rink was a doozy. After nearly seven minutes of scoreless hockey the usual LSI suspects show up on the score board. First, it's Gabe Rivera quickly followed by Katherine Levesque. Sergio "The C-Train" Castillo blazes down the ice to put a dent in the Import game with a late goal. In the second, Castillo hits it again on the power play, and before the Imports can adjust their game plan, he makes the hat trick. In the third, Ryan Kelly puts the Wings up by two but the Imports knuckle down. Just five seconds into their power play opportunity, LSI goal leader, Gabe Rivera, gets his second. And, with only little more than a minute left in regulation, Erik Todd steals the momentum with his tying goal. In over time, A flurry erupts in front of Silverwing net minder Eric Spivey and in just thirteen seconds it all comes to an end: Mark Haman sends it to Linda Mason, Mason finds Ken Lentz, Lentz drills it home for the LSI victory. LSI had no goals against, until tonight, where they proved that they have the fortitude to when in the clutch. The poor Silverweinies find a new way to lose.

Major

Patriots (2-0-1) 2
Ice Bats (2-1-0) 3


The new look Patriots take the ice limiting shooting from the Bats to three shots in the first and scoring on the power play with forward Bryan Brookman. In the second it was more of the same, the scoring this time from Brad Allen. In the third the Patriots dug in to ride the lead in, but the Bats, more specifically Eric Petty, would not go down, on the power play, Petty gets some space and beats Ellis with a quick one over the glove. Petty scores again late in the third with a deflection off a defenseman's skate to beat Ellis on the ice this time for the tie. Over time would not be enough and in the shoot-out, it's Petty again, on the first Ice Bat shot who scores off the cuff of Ellis glove. . . no one else could net a thing. Last session, the first loss for the Patriots proved to be a defining moment, has the team got the character to overcome this time?

DFW Titans (1-2-0) 2
Stickmen (1-2-0) 3

The Sticks pull-out their first win against the hot-and-cold Titans. It's the Sticks who score first with the goal from Lynn Young in the second minute. The Titans strike back with a goal from Lincoln Foster to tie the game. The second was the Clint Tippet show as he scores for the Stickmen two goal lead. Brittany Boisvert brings the Titans within one with her early goal in the third but, despite having nearly ten minutes to tie the game, the Titans fall short. Blubaugh looked less than stellar but comes away with the win.

Blue Devils (2-1-0) 3
Brewzers (1-1-1) 2


In Blubaugh's second game, his offense shows up first with a goal from Devil Jake Reynolds, the only goal of the first. In the second Scott Spellman puts the Devils up by two but sees his efforts erased by the goal from Brewzer lightning rod Joshua Sutton, he would draw on this later. In the third the Brewzers' Nidal Al Jabri draws on the last meeting of these two teams and this time it is he who bests Blubaugh to tie the game. After a deadlocked over time, the shoot-out commenced, and it's Spellman who uses his anger to strike Mike Moore down on the first Blue Devil attempt. But in the last Brewzer attempt it was Nidal's chance again to send it to extra shooters, he slides to Blubaugh's glove side, Blubaugh stacks the pads, Nidal lifts the puck, but it hits the edge of Blubaugh's glove. . . The Blue Devils hold on to tie for second in the standings.

Komets (3-0-0) 5
Snipers (0-2-1) 0


In the final game on the green rink, the Snipers laid their head on the chopping block. The Komets are the talk of the league these days, and without a loss on their record, they certainly deserve to be. This week it would not be another tight one goal lead though, they drill five goals while maintaining a shut-out for long time Komet netminder, Brent Bryant. Wil Dobson gets an assist on Rodney Forehand's goal. After only a few more seconds, Wil gets his own goal, followed by a lull of nine and a half minutes of scoreless grab-ass-ery. After a power nap between periods the Komets come roaring back with another goal, this one from Dustin Nation, Dobson gets the assist. Ram Lavani rams one home to close out the period. Early in the third, Bryan Brookman gets an unassisted goal before the Komets crawl into a shell to finish the game. A three point night for Dobson, it is however, against the Snipers. Maybe things would be different if Matt would wear his business socks.