Les Géant Tueurs

The formidable Sticks entered the session without anyone believing they would make a run for the Keg. Even the Stickmen themselves were unsure if they could make any impression on the league.

Their first game was much like any one of the Stickmen games from the past. It takes four periods to knock off the hardknock Puckers, they only scored two goals (what proves to be a trend when shooting on Patrick Donaghue). No one took notice. The Puckers were never going to be able to generate an offensive threat against the always solid David Blubaugh. Besides, everyone had their eye on the Army of the Twelve Monkey's.

In week two they barely get by the 'Holes. It was late in the third before they netted the game winner, again only two Stickmen goals. Two more goals in week three to beat the Brewzers? So, you beat the Brew? Woopty-doo.

Finally in the fourth game they manage a colossal three goals. The Blue Devils were a middle tier team, maybe there was something to a shut-out against them, nah. When they beat the rollin' Spiders, that's when I started to notice. To that point Nina Bonifaz had an incredible GAA, but the Sticks put three behind her.

Against the Diggers, they raised their offense to four goals (not unexpected). But the following week they go to a shoot-out against the little Komets. I had some doubts, but they were assuaged when they handily dispatched the Warriors.

At the beginning of the session I had thought that the Army of the Twelve monkeys would be force to be reckoned with, the Sticks a forgettable middle of the pack team with an ill-tempered goalie. After watching the season develop, there was no doubt in my mind who would emerge victorious. The Stickmen had all the earmarks of a championship squad, and they were (for the most part) on the rise. Even with their scouting team the Warriors facing the Stickmen in the week prior, there was no way that they could muster the fortitude to dismantle them on the second attempt. Well, my predictions have been less than accurate and ATM made it happen, again.

The "play-offs" start... sometime in the future, and there are several great teams vying for their place in I-league history. The Stickmen may have lost this game, but they still go in as the top seed. All other teams, take notice, on any given Saturday (or Sunday A.M.) any team can win.

Here's the quick recap:

Patriots 1, Spiders 0

Nina Bonifaz returns to form but one mistake proves to be enough as she is out dueled by Ellis and the Pats. Winkleman gets the goal, and Brookman another point.

Warriors 6, Komets 3

Gunslingers converge on the gold rink. Eric Johnson comes away with a hat trick. Geoffrey Goodson collects a few more points. Baldree, Castillo, and Ryan Smith score in the losing effort.

ATM 4, Sticks 1

The Stickmen never lead in this clinic put on by the Monkeys. Travis Lehr collects a goal, Goodson one goal, one assist.

Brewzers 1, Puckers 0

Jack Germaine had the game tieing goal on his stick but couldn't hit the open net, allowing the Brewzers, with Ellis in net, to escape with Steven Daniels' single goal. Donaghue played amazing, but gets no support.

Iceholes 5, Grave Diggers 2

The Diggers actually had a lead at one point in this game. Ellis' third game sees him come back down to earth. Hole's scorers are: Mark Dunning, Chris Pringle (2X), Gino Ropos, and Joan Crook. A great lead in to the play-offs for the Holes.

Snipers 3, Blue Devils 2

Nick Murphee returns with a .923 save percentage and scores the opening goal for the Snipers (marriage, that dream within a dream!). Despite Gloria's constant irritation, he skates away with the victory. Some other people scored.

And now what you've all been waiting for...

The winner for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, showing perseverance and heart,

PATRICK DONAGHUE

The winner for the Calder Memorial Trophy, as the league's best rookie,

TROY RAMSEY

The winner for the Frank J. Selke as the best defensive forward,

LYNN KRESTA

The winner for the Jack Adams Trophy as the league's best coach,

AL ZARAGOSA (too bad he couldn't have mad more of their games)

The winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the best defenseman,

ED VOGEL

The winner of the Lady Byng Trophy displaying honor and sportsmanship with a high level of play,

BRYAN BROOKMAN

The winner of the Maurice Richard Memorial Trophy for the league's most prolific scorer,

ERIC JOHNSON (11 goals!)

The winner of the Art Ross as the league's best point scorer,

A Tie, ERIC JOHNSON & BRYAN BROOKKMAN (both with 11 points)

The winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's most valuable player,

GEOFFREY GOODSON (our league's best set-up man)

The winner of the Vezina for the best save percentage,

DAVID BLUBAUGH (.941, 9 games)

The winner of the William Jennings fro the best goals against average,

PHILLIP TALLEY (.73, 7 games. Below 1, amazing!)

There is no way I can possibly understand how these play-offs are put together, but as soon as I get the word from Yockey I will put it up here.

bcIII

P.S. We're all winners, just for showing-up and having a good time with our fellow puckheads. Some of us are just better winners. Keep your stick on the ice!