Well the off-season is over, time to head to training camp and make ready for the new session. The (week) long off-season was pretty good to me, I should be showing up only a couple of pounds over my playing weight, and i have been keeping up with my off ice training while away from the rink, even getting in a pick-up game. Our first (and only) practice this session is tonight and I am geeked! Our team is supposed to have five or so fresh faces, true "I-leaguers", and this is great. A lot of people like to discuss the level of play in Euless on Saturday nights, and everyone has their own unique opinion. I think that while the overall level of play may not be "I" that the majority of us have not lost sight of the goal of I-league as I see it: to create a welcoming, fun environment for people of all ages and skills to learn about and play the great game of hockey.
I rarely hear the negative word about the new player that shows up at our doorstep, in fact, I'm often amazed at the reception of the guy who in his/her own eyes cost the team the game. Up in the crossbar all is forgiven. I heard a story from one of our now long time players that, although I have not yet hoisted a keg, gave me a feeling that I think would rival any championship lap around the rink.
It seems that when this player was just starting to play here in Euless that she made a huge mistake in a game that, I think resulted in a goal, and she was very down on herself. I really didn't think it was a big deal and told her so,"It's only a game, it's not worth it if you're not having fun" I had said. and I thought that it was just one of those passing remarks. she told me that it reassured her and put her in the mindset to grow and above all have fun in our league. It was amazing to think that just one little positive word could make an impact on someone that I now consider a good player and friend.
So if you're at practice tonight or not, just remember that all the newbs are looking to you and you are the ambassador of the game. Have fun, make sure those around you are having fun, too.
This is a great, balanced, inclusive league and everyone should make sure that Yockey knows it. Don't shun the new player, in a couple of short sessions they may be the one that sends you the sweet assist for the keg.
All right, I'm off my soap box...
9:00- Komets, Puckers, Brewzers
9:30- Gravediggers, Blue Devils
10:30- Stickmen, Snipers
10:45- Warriors, Iceholes
11:45!- Spiders, Patriots
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
You Had a Bad Day
Ever had this kind of day?
Watch this video.
Be sure to turn up your audio enough to hear this poor man's scream.
BC
Watch this video.
Be sure to turn up your audio enough to hear this poor man's scream.
BC
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
The Stanley Keg is in the Building
Player's of the week:
Jon Bird- 3 goals
Mike Drago- 2 assists, 1 goal
Brian Listman- 2 goals
Goalie of the week:
David Blubaugh
Stickmen 3
Snipers 2
The few, the proud, the Snipers. The first goal goes to the Stickmen as the Listman's connect on Brian's first goal, but in just 19 seconds Joe Tomme evens the score. The second period tips into Sniper favor with a Yockey goal, but the momentum slips away as Brian Listman and his throng score again. Jeff Thomas puts it away in the third.
Blubaugh was reportedly upset to see Nick Murphee steal away his penalty streak. What is up with these emo goalies?
Blue Devils 3 OT
Spiders 2
To look at this scoresheet you might think that Mike Drago, with his two assists and the game winner would be the story of the game but no... The shrewd coaching of Nate Hodges, who generally ignores goalies, gained the upper hand by abandoning a struggling Doug Taylor for the (much) younger Garlow (i think?), who refuses to allow another puck passage between the pipes (say that three times fast!). The only overtime game of the night ended halfway through the extra period as Drago lulled Ellis to sleep and slid the game piece under his left pad.
Congratulations to Carina Manalo who Barry's the rebound in the second to tie the game momentarily... ZING!
Iceholes 5
Gravediggers 2
The Iceholes stun Euless and the world with their potent offense. Jon Bird owns the hattrick, Mark Dunning a goal, an assist, and a penalty. Doug Taylor enters this game with a vengance and allows only two goals (albeit on 8 shots). Not exactly sure how Ellis managed to play two complete games simultaneously but if anyone can, it must be him. Apparently 9 year old Jake Sirkis was charged with a hooking penalty in the Digger's losing effort. Those Sirkis boys, brutal at any age.
THE BIG ONE
Warriors 4
Patriots 1
It would seem that Nate Hodges was satisfied with one win because the fix was in. 15 total penalties, 2Warrior's goalies, what was going on in Patriot town? The Warriors connected on every pass, made every loose puck, and scored with increasing frequency. Lindamood tried to right the Patriot ship, but before a minute had passed the Warriors were back on top. Daniel Grimes appeared to be the heart and soul of the keg champions, solid on defense, physical, and scores the last tally of the contest. Michaelides enjoyed watching this game not even realizing he was playing until mid way through the second.
Sources say Nate Hodges is laying down the ultimatum for change in Foxboro: "It's me or the team!"
Les York is consulting with Yockey.
Komets 3
Brewzers 2
On the undercard, the undermanned Brewzers nearly pull this one out. Alex Atkins stands out among the Komets with an assist and the game winning goal. Jamil Jabri, unable to get onto the scoresheet in his usual fashion, shows off his tripping and roughing skills. Perhaps next session the Komets will build on this victory and return to their once (near)greatness. Perhaps the Brewzers will play to the level of their AWESOME jerseys. Perhaps Jen Leonard will show up in the crossbar after a game.
Side note:
The green side of the rink was the stage for some of the most physical ref-ing this blogger has ever witnessed, throughout all the games, including throwing one Blue Devil to the ice. So, here's to you Mr. Soderstrom, what were you thinking?
P.S.
those of you lucky enough to attend Samantha Arthur's AAC extravaganza, please send me your photos: stickysaves@gmail.com
Jon Bird- 3 goals
Mike Drago- 2 assists, 1 goal
Brian Listman- 2 goals
Goalie of the week:
David Blubaugh
Stickmen 3
Snipers 2
The few, the proud, the Snipers. The first goal goes to the Stickmen as the Listman's connect on Brian's first goal, but in just 19 seconds Joe Tomme evens the score. The second period tips into Sniper favor with a Yockey goal, but the momentum slips away as Brian Listman and his throng score again. Jeff Thomas puts it away in the third.
Blubaugh was reportedly upset to see Nick Murphee steal away his penalty streak. What is up with these emo goalies?
Blue Devils 3 OT
Spiders 2
To look at this scoresheet you might think that Mike Drago, with his two assists and the game winner would be the story of the game but no... The shrewd coaching of Nate Hodges, who generally ignores goalies, gained the upper hand by abandoning a struggling Doug Taylor for the (much) younger Garlow (i think?), who refuses to allow another puck passage between the pipes (say that three times fast!). The only overtime game of the night ended halfway through the extra period as Drago lulled Ellis to sleep and slid the game piece under his left pad.
Congratulations to Carina Manalo who Barry's the rebound in the second to tie the game momentarily... ZING!
Iceholes 5
Gravediggers 2
The Iceholes stun Euless and the world with their potent offense. Jon Bird owns the hattrick, Mark Dunning a goal, an assist, and a penalty. Doug Taylor enters this game with a vengance and allows only two goals (albeit on 8 shots). Not exactly sure how Ellis managed to play two complete games simultaneously but if anyone can, it must be him. Apparently 9 year old Jake Sirkis was charged with a hooking penalty in the Digger's losing effort. Those Sirkis boys, brutal at any age.
THE BIG ONE
Warriors 4
Patriots 1
It would seem that Nate Hodges was satisfied with one win because the fix was in. 15 total penalties, 2Warrior's goalies, what was going on in Patriot town? The Warriors connected on every pass, made every loose puck, and scored with increasing frequency. Lindamood tried to right the Patriot ship, but before a minute had passed the Warriors were back on top. Daniel Grimes appeared to be the heart and soul of the keg champions, solid on defense, physical, and scores the last tally of the contest. Michaelides enjoyed watching this game not even realizing he was playing until mid way through the second.
Sources say Nate Hodges is laying down the ultimatum for change in Foxboro: "It's me or the team!"
Les York is consulting with Yockey.
Komets 3
Brewzers 2
On the undercard, the undermanned Brewzers nearly pull this one out. Alex Atkins stands out among the Komets with an assist and the game winning goal. Jamil Jabri, unable to get onto the scoresheet in his usual fashion, shows off his tripping and roughing skills. Perhaps next session the Komets will build on this victory and return to their once (near)greatness. Perhaps the Brewzers will play to the level of their AWESOME jerseys. Perhaps Jen Leonard will show up in the crossbar after a game.
Side note:
The green side of the rink was the stage for some of the most physical ref-ing this blogger has ever witnessed, throughout all the games, including throwing one Blue Devil to the ice. So, here's to you Mr. Soderstrom, what were you thinking?
P.S.
those of you lucky enough to attend Samantha Arthur's AAC extravaganza, please send me your photos: stickysaves@gmail.com
Monday, January 07, 2008
Need goalie gear?
A gentleman came by the Sunday morning drop-in game with some fliers advertising lots of goalie gear. He's giving up the fine art of goaltending.
He offers:
-- A full set of adult gear (Heaton protector, pants, cup, Cooper neck protector, Ferland pads, Beaver mask and CCM bag) for $350.
-- A set of 36" white Vaughn Legacy pads that were made for Roman Turek the year the Stars won the cup. They're embroidered with his name. $750
-- Size 9 1/2 CCM goalie skates in "very good condition," with accessories. $45.
-- Assorted stuff: Ferland lefty blocker, lefty sticks, etc.
Contact: George Whitaker at 817-468-5981 or email mikeflags@yahoo.com
If anyone else has extra gear they want to swap or sell, drop me a line at blogcaptain@yahoo.com.
BC
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Not So Fast ...
That's right: The blog is unretiring. Hey, Michael Jordan did it.
Our savior is BC3. We'll leave his identity a mystery unless he chooses to identify himself. He's an I-League player who stepped forward last week and said he wanted to try this.
We think he'll do great.
Everyone please welcome him aboard. His first post should be forthcoming in a few days.
BC
Stars Game on a Whim
Yes, you can get into a sold-out Stars game at the last minute. I tried it Saturday for the Red Wings game. Got on the train and went down with a few bucks in my pocket but no ticket. The first wino-looking scalper I approached at the AAC would sell them only two at a time.
Half hour before game time, I go to the box office. I flash my StarCenter VIP card and say I want a half-price ticket, best they have. A man with a clipboard standing behind the ticket vendor says the half-price deal (did you know we get those?) doesn't apply on Saturdays, but he'll cut me some slack. They sell me a half-price ticket for $49.50.
I sit here, 10 rows off the glass:
Too bad the Stars didn't show up.
BC
Half hour before game time, I go to the box office. I flash my StarCenter VIP card and say I want a half-price ticket, best they have. A man with a clipboard standing behind the ticket vendor says the half-price deal (did you know we get those?) doesn't apply on Saturdays, but he'll cut me some slack. They sell me a half-price ticket for $49.50.
I sit here, 10 rows off the glass:
Too bad the Stars didn't show up.
BC
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