A Slim Margin

Grave Diggers(2-2-1) 3, Komets(1-4-0) 1

On the opening drive the Komets' Sean Kier makes an all-star quality redirect, high, blocker, to score on their first shot. For the remainder of the period they maintained quality possessions and gave up little on defense. The Diggers could not be held back. In a hitherto unforeseen elevation of ability, goals from Randy Chappel, and last sessions most improved player, Steve Culps, the Diggers take the lead. Early in the third, Randy ices the game with his second (unassisted), and the Komets succumb to what was last session's undisputed worst team. Some members of the Komets are calling out MHOA on this one, but without Bob Sirkus in the line-up, who would be responsible for such transgressions? (Actually, Bob has zero penalty minutes in all four games played. Congratulations.)

DFW Titans(3-2-0) 0, Brewzers(3-2-0) 0 FORFEIT!

Half of success, I've heard, is just showing up. The Titans collect their half on a scheduling mistake by Jamil Al Jabri, sources say. It has been reported here before that the fate of the Brewzers is carried on Jamil's shoulders and it seems the hypothesis is proved to be true. I couldn't tell you what happened on the ice for the hour that the Titans were there, but I certainly hope there were no injuries. The Brewzers winning streak (yeah, those words just don't seem to belong together) comes to an end. Don't get down on yourself just yet, Jamil, Yockey may turn this one into a reschedule, rather than a forfeit.

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

The Chiefs have been inspired and secure their first win and remove themselves, for now, from the worst team debate. Donaghue looked uncharacteristic in net allowing many rebounds and although he maintains a perfect first period, Richard Wojcio beats him singlehanded for the Chief lead. Larry Nouanemany evens it up before the period expires only to see the game get completely out of hand in the third. Wojcio gets the assist on a goal from Bill Broad, and Ryan Brent scores another to put it out of reach. The Puckers have got to generate more shots to get back to .500, Casey is out, right or wrong, you still have at least four steps (some say, 14) to make it through in this grieving process.

Bleu Devils(4-1-0) 2, Snipers(2-3-0) 1

Fill-in goalie David Blubaugh allows a goal in the first to Sniper, Ed Vogel, but hangs tough (now that song is stuck in my head) until his Bleu Devils can bail him out. Charlie Heine ties it in the second and Joshua Schecter gets the winner in the third, only two minutes in, though. I'm sure David never really felt the pressure back off until the final buzzer (when he surely shook hands with everyone he saw). Thirty minutes of penalties in this game including a ten minute roughing misconduct to Jesse Henderson of the Snipers.

Privateers(4-1-0) 6, Moose(0-2-1) 2

The Moose are the worst in the league. It is not however, proof that starting a team of true instructional level players can't be done in Euless. Roster issues abound with this fledgling team, from short benches to late arriving players. It's more about some stability than talent at this point. The Privateers have proven that they are an elite team, or at least Cody Payne is. Of the six Privateer goals on the night, he scores four, take away his output and the Moose go to overtime, at least on paper. Patrick Haley and Joel Bush score the remaining Privateer goals in this skills competition. Matt Campbell gets credit for both Moose goals. It's amazing to me that the Privateers can afford to keep this high octane offense on the road at 3.50 a gallon.

Stickmen(4-1-0) 2, Silverwings(3-2-1) 1

David Blubaugh, in his second game, gains the same score but in different fashion. The Sticks are on a quest to silence their critics, after opening the schedule with a loss they have seen naught but wins since. In this one they never let their skates off of the throat, a scoreless first is followed by goals from Alex Eysermans in the second and Brad Bynum in the third. The Wings manage a half rally in the closing of the third as Jason Neal spoils the shut-out. More handshakes must be in order.

Warriors(2-3-0) 2, Ice holes(2-3-0) 1

The holes are in unfamiliar territory now, a losing streak. Travis Lehr finally finds his rhythm and leads the Warriors to victory. He claims his first goal in just over a minute into the game and Talley and the Warriors hold on until the highly effective Jon Bird finally beats the netminder in the final minute of the second. After sitting on his hands for ten minutes waiting for someone else to end the stalemate, Travis assumes the role of a Super Delegate and nets the winner.

Patriots(5-0-0) 3, Spiders(1-3-1) 2

In another one goal game the Pats just keep a rollin'. Junior Lindamood sweeps in the first goal for the Pats, and things were looking good, until Arvin Manalo scores on a harmless looking screen shot from the point. But, in just over a minute later Gabe Rodriguez wrestles the lead back. The second period sees Ellis fend off a vicious attempt from Lynn Kresta then fend off sleep for the remaining ten minutes as Nina Bonifaz plays out of her mind at the other end. After holding the rapacious Patriots off for over eighteen minutes, Nina allows the cushion goal in the third, nevertheless the Spiders summon all of their reserve and with the powerplay goal of Mike Reeves to pull within one, they pull the brown footed booby from the net and mount an all out assault, sort of. The Spiders struggle to get out of their zone have to put Nina back in, pull her again, and . . . well, it didn't work out that great.