minor
Silverwings (1-1-2) 8
Shockers (1-4-0) 0
The Shockers' inaugural session has been at the very least, forgettable. Going into this weekend only two teams had a worse record: the Ice Holes and the Silverwings. The Wings get a modest start, just one goal late in the first from Justin McCullough, but in the second, "ringer" talk reared its ugly head. The Silverwings collect goals from Sergio Castillo, Steven "Chilly Willy" Janis, and Kyle Ammann. . . all on the power play. Jason Vrendenburg scores two more for the Wings at even strength. In the final period, things were getting dramatic, the Shockers had lost Justin Driscoll to penalties and the bench was erupting at every call or non-call from the officials. The Shockers end-up in the box on two more occasions and give-up two more goals, Ryan Kelley and Kyle Ammann. Run time may have saved me from witnessing too much violence, and it probably helped usher in the first shut-out for Eric Spivey.
Warriors (4-0-0) 2
Mutineers (2-3-0) 1
The pregame forecast called for a few more goals but the defense was out in force for both teams. Finally in the second the Mutineers' Jr. Honeycutt drives one through Boby Michaelides, and with the quickness on the Mutineer roster, the Warrior system looked all washed-up. After a pep talk in the second intermission the Warriors used their patience to control the neutral zone and make some quality scoring chances, Ryan Haley smothers everyone. Scott "Mindo" Dolbee has turned the corner, elevating his game to I-league minor standings and refuses t let his goal streak die, late in regulation he ties the game, then just before time expires secures the win. The Warriors are tied for the fewest losses, but due to the odd scheduling at the opening of the session, are second in wins.
Ice Holes (0-4-1) 0
Puckers (3-2-0) 3
The Holes can't buy a win. The Puckers lost a big game last week and appeared to be in total disarray, but rebound with a dominant effort scoring two in the first period alone. The first goes to Charlie Heine and David James follows suit soon after on the power play. In the second Chris Kirton proves 2009 to be his year scoring the final goal of the game, his third of the session. Chris is having a career year. The Puckers hand Blubaugh a shut-out to Blubaugh with there best defensive game in recent memory, only twelve shots against.
Chiefs (5-0-0) 3
Grave Diggers (3-2-0) 1
It was the feel good event of the year. In the first, Richard "Oven Chicken" Wojcio puts the Chiefs up on a breakaway, but can't get an other despite throwing twenty-five more shots on net. Finally in the third, Harold Banks buries the puck On Ellis' open backdoor, in what looked to be the killer for the Diggers. But no, the Diggers counter immediately, penetrating Josh Ayala with a sweet feed from behind the net to Tim Rivers. With only one goal between the Diggers and sweet, sweet overtime the Chiefs went into a full court press culminating in a goal from Ben Stillwagon, preserving their perfect record and destroying whatever may have been left of the Grave Diggers' pride. . .
MAJOR
Patriots (7-0-0) 8
LSI (2-5-0) 2
The Pats are rolling, it's a John Newell goal sandwiched by two Brad Allen goals in the first and in the second Butch Hutchunson makes short work of the power play opportunity to put the Pats up four to zero. James Macha sinks an LSI goal to end hopes for a shut-out but Jeff Eagle kills the attempt at momentum scoring a Patriot goal only thirty seconds later. In the final period, Brad Allen starts-off Pat scoring by completing the hat trick, subsequent goals from Jeff Eagle and Doug Phillips put the game out of reach for the Imports but Gabe Rivera puts one more on the board to keep his personal stats up. Ellis' personal stats look terrible, two goals on six shots.
Privateers (5-0-0) 3
Komets (3-3-1) 0
The Komets give a valiant effort with a huge part of the falling at the skates of netminder Brent Bryant. The 'Teers score first, Brian Zientek, putting the Komets behind in the second minute. They have to hold fast to that one goal, as Bryant wouldn't allow another until the third when "Z" solves him again. Patrick Haley collects the final goal of the game, redeeming himself for the six minutes of penalties he piled-up on the game. Bryant turns away twenty-seven of thirty shots.
Canadiens (4-1-0) 8
Whalers (1-6-0) 1
LSI returns to the rink in their alter ego and exact a measure of revenge on Ellis who stands between the pipes for the Blow Holes. Cameron Bogle puts the Canadiens on top but the Whalers quickly even it up when Paul Thurston tickles the twine. Mike Kirkland finishes the first with a Canadien lead. . . and the game winner. In the second, Chris Gallagher kills the penalty in fine fashion scoring a breakaway shorty low on the glove side. Mike Kirkland scores another, this one on the power play. Gallagher makes another shorty in the third period and Kirkland gets the hat trick. Ellis makes an acrobatic save to stop Gasllagher's hat trick but still gives-up two more Canadien goals to Lisa Rieck and Rob Diaz.
Brewzers (1-6-0) 2
Stickmen (2-4-1) 4
The Sticks get a much needed win, even if it's against the Brewzers. The scoring was back and forth leading with the goal from Stickman Brad Bynum. The Brewwzers answer with Steve Sepeda. Alex Eysermanns ptus the Sticks back up on the power play, but the Brewzers tie it again with a goal from Steven Collyard. Stickmen guest, Bryan Brookman scores the game winner and David Counce puts it out of reach for the Brewzers.
Ice Bats (4-2-0) 6
Blue Devils (4-3-0) 4
The Devils start the game holding their m.o. two goals in the first fall to Ryan Wacker and Jay Peters. They score two more unanswered goals in the second: Val Kuntz and Ckarlie Heine. But in the third, Eric Petty breaks the dam with the first Bat goal, Joel Blixt scores one more and Andrew Latham scores two to tie the game before the third minute of the final period can pass. The Devils go into a tail spin and their desperation turns into penalties which the Bats convert into a winning game, those goals belong to Joel Blixt and Frank Casperson. The Devils step out of the driver's seat for the play-off hunt with this loss.
Snipers (1-4-0) 1
Spiders (4-1-1) 2
A great goaltending match-up. The Spiders deliver the first goal in the middle of the first, Andrew Patti spends the remainder of the period and all of the second with his sphincter in a pucker as Matt Walker turns away all Spider shots and at the other end Syzmonik eventually gives away the lead to Jeff Alenik. Roger Gray responds on the next shift, regaining the Spider lead leaving Syzmonic and the defense to hold on for the remaining seven and a half minutes, they answer the bell and the Spiders have third place in the majors locked-in just above the log jam of eight point teams.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Self Value and Athletics
I read a story today in the Ft. Worth Star Telegram about a minor league baseball player who died of an overdose. Some are blaming his decent into drugs and alcohol dependence on the public humiliation he suffered for being dealt from on team to another for ten maple baseball bats. Upon reading this story I was reminded of Eddie Shore's legendary trade of Jake Milford to a Buffalo minor league team for a couple of nets. Milford was surely the butt of many jokes, but never let the trade define him as a man. Milford had a respectable career as a player then went on to become the general manager of the Los Angeles Kings (back in the days of purple and gold) and was inducted into the hockey hall of fame in 1984 based on his outstanding management of the expansion franchise.
The point being, professional sports is a business, predicated on making money. The trade for this baseball player was changed from a player for cash deal to the player for bats deal because the general manager thought the cash deal made the organization look financially unstable. I am not here to argue the reality of that fact, it's the way the executive perceived the situation, so he did it. Incidentally, the bat trade drew so much media attention that Ripley's Believe It or Not bought the bats with a $10,000 donation to a children's charity, making the trade a huge success for all involved. . . so it would seem. Team makes money, team gets publicity, struggling player keeps a job, charity gets large donation.
Am I being too callous?
Not everyone can play at the professional level, sometimes you have to give-up the dream and move on to other things. In today's fast paced world, children are often pushed hard into an athletic venture at an early age, the earlier they get started the better chance they have of achieving success in that field, so the logic goes. Does it limit the child's self value, to where they cannot imagine themselves without the external validation of their chosen sport? I don't know if that is the history of this young man, but if his death is related to the trade incident, it truly is tragic that he would let himself be overrun by the perception of his athletic shortcomings.
What really shocked me about this story was the reaction by other readers, calling those involved in the trade jerks, gladiator promoters, and MURDERERS! Ridiculous.
The point being, professional sports is a business, predicated on making money. The trade for this baseball player was changed from a player for cash deal to the player for bats deal because the general manager thought the cash deal made the organization look financially unstable. I am not here to argue the reality of that fact, it's the way the executive perceived the situation, so he did it. Incidentally, the bat trade drew so much media attention that Ripley's Believe It or Not bought the bats with a $10,000 donation to a children's charity, making the trade a huge success for all involved. . . so it would seem. Team makes money, team gets publicity, struggling player keeps a job, charity gets large donation.
Am I being too callous?
Not everyone can play at the professional level, sometimes you have to give-up the dream and move on to other things. In today's fast paced world, children are often pushed hard into an athletic venture at an early age, the earlier they get started the better chance they have of achieving success in that field, so the logic goes. Does it limit the child's self value, to where they cannot imagine themselves without the external validation of their chosen sport? I don't know if that is the history of this young man, but if his death is related to the trade incident, it truly is tragic that he would let himself be overrun by the perception of his athletic shortcomings.
What really shocked me about this story was the reaction by other readers, calling those involved in the trade jerks, gladiator promoters, and MURDERERS! Ridiculous.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Mea Culpa
Yes, I did it. I looked at the twenty-eighth, it was a Saturday, I clicked on it and took my cue for a night off. What can I say, I had a very active weekend and wanted to go to bed. I'm sorry.
MAJOR
Blue Devils (4-2-0) 2
Spiders (3-1-1) 1
The Spiders get the first goal of the game from Jennifer Gray, I mean Heather. The Devils counter with David Ogle's opus. I was getting ready for a goalfest. . . The Blue Devils can barely get it out of their zone and every beautiful series of Spider passes ends up ringing a post or beneath the carcass of David Blubaugh. The event terminates in a shoot-out. Brett Syzmonik, who had played an outstanding game when called on, despite two years of rust on his game, is exposed in the first attempt, and the second, and when Roger Gray fails to deliver the stay alive goal the Spiders, he left the ice vowing to never return, or at least not for three years.
Komets (3-2-1) 4
Brewzers (1-5-0) 3
The Komets were cruisin' in spite of the absence of Coach Al they had a goal in the first from Wil Dobson and opened the second with a goal from Bryan Brookman. They never saw the Brewzer wrath awaiting them in the third. Rookie net minder A. J. DiBenedetto, falls victim to back to back goals from Rob Walker, tying the game, and then John Parker, singlehandedly, scores the third Brewzer goal for the lead. Realizing their arrogance and ignorance the Komets push for the win in regulation, without Al to turn to they send Scottie Baldree to the front of the net, and then the game was tied. Then, after nearly thirty shots against, the mighty Mike Moore allows the winning goal to punk-ass Wil Dobson. The Komets are in the hunt again this session, how will they let it slip away this time?
Privateers (4-0-0) 4
Whalers (1-5-0) 2
It was billed as a blood bath, but only generates a pedestrian twenty-two minutes worth of penalties. The 'Teers collect a slashing from Joel Bush and a roughing from Jonathan Horton to open the game. After Bush collects another two minutes for roughing, the Whalers crack back with a back to back slashing and tripping combo from Richard Walter. Tony Finazzo counters with a Privateer tripping minor, but before he can even get out of the box, Thomas Aarons, of the Whalers, pounds home a cross check. In the third, Gus Mask scores the elusive double minor with a roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct. The Hamster shows he can carry his weight with a garbage time penalty, and Mask goes for the hat trick with a holding call before the game can end. Also, the Privateers scored two more goals than the Whalers. Six goals, only one on the power play?
Patriots (6-0-0) 3
Snipers (1-3-0) 1
Rookie defenseman, John Thompson, logs the first Patriot goal, the only goal of the first period. In the second, the Snipers emerge from the chaos in front of the Patriot net with the tying goal, Kevin Cooke claims the bounty. Thompson takes it personally and delivers another goal for the Pats, and spends the remainder of the night controlling the neutral zone to insure he gets the game winner. Steve Benefield plays the lead differently, carrying the puck in for a security goal- the best defense is a good offense. The Pats continue to cut a swath through the I-league, what does it all mean?
Ice Bats (3-2-0) 6
LSI (2-4-0) 3
James Macha puts LSI out in front on the first shift and it takes until the last shift of the period before Eric Petty can tie it back up. Gabe Rivera puts the Imports on top again, but the Bats get a goal from Jason Doyton to strike it out. The teams trade goals again: LSI- Gabe Rivera, Ice Bats- Billy Quinn; to take a tie into the third, that's when things went awry for the Imps. Doyton sets up his line mates for two goals, the first to Danny Grimes, the second to Billy Quinn. With the game all but lost the Imports wave the white flag and Grimes plants the Flag with one more goal putting the Bats above the .500 mark. If this team doesn't implode they will be a force in the second half of the schedule.
Canadiens (3-1-0) 2
Stickmen (1-4-1) 1
Brad Bynum scores a Stickmen goal in the middle of the first, and it looked like it might stand-up. McCollister was certainly doing his part as the Canadiens rained down shot after shot. But the barrage takes its toll, not just the goal from Ryan Smith to send it to overtime, but the fatigue plays a part in the ensuing shoot-out also. With only eleven shots against, the rookie DiBenedetto, looked fresh and turned away all three shooters without the prize. McCollister sees his stupendous effort go for naught when the second shooter, Jason Neal, grabs the brass ring- sending the Sticks into the cellar.
minor
Ice Holes (0-3-1) 0
Grave Diggers (3-1-0) 2
The Holes were a force to be reckoned with for about three minutes, after having nothing to show for it they retreated into their zone depending on Jayson Jones. The returning netminder was up for the challenge, turning away nearly two periods worth of Digger offense. Stephen "Chilly Willy" Janis sinks the Ice Holes' battleship with his period ending goal. The Holes fail to answer the Chilly goal and end up allowing 29 shots on their own net, one more of those finds its way on to the waiting stick of Bob Barr who puts the game out of reach for the Ice Holes.
Shockers (1-3-0) 2
Mutineers (2-2-0) 5
The Shockers are in a ditch, and despite calling in veteran goalie Jesse Gonzales from Richardson, they cannot overcome the relentless Privateer wannabes. Those Mutineers had some difficulty putting the puck behind Gonzales, it takes more than eight minutes for Don Lyle to score. Eric Yepez ties the game on the power play, but John Swartzbaugh restores the Mutineer lead. Yepez closes the first with another Shocker goal to kill the momentum, unfortunately the momentum he killed belonged to the Shockers- they fail to score again for the duration of the game. The Mutineers score the game winner in the second from Spider perennial Mike Ginnard, a second in the second from Nathan Hamilton, and finally in the third, Patrick Haley makes the fifth. Sister, Ryan, was spotted swigging a fifth in the parking lot.
Silverwings (0-1-2) -
Warriors (3-0-0) -
Okay, this one I am pretty sure is legitimate, it doesn't appear to be on Pointstreak. Strangely enough, I was watching this game whilst listening to the woes of Louis Greco and should know who won it, but I don't remember now. Too many jello shots and Ryan Haley anecdotes.
Chiefs (4-0-0) 4
Puckers (2-2-0) 1
Yes, Old Blu is a friend of mine, but sometimes I can hardly stand to watch him play . . . Josh Ayala skates out of the Chief net and gets an assist on the first goal, scored by Bill Broad. In the middle frame, Broad plays the set-up man on the goal from Ryan Brett. The Puckers strike back with a Rob Constantine goal, causing the Chiefs to question their decision to put Stillwagon back in net, but rather than give him the chance to prove himself they score two more goals: Mark Millard, Bill Broad. Twice as many Chief shots as Puckers'.
MAJOR
Blue Devils (4-2-0) 2
Spiders (3-1-1) 1
The Spiders get the first goal of the game from Jennifer Gray, I mean Heather. The Devils counter with David Ogle's opus. I was getting ready for a goalfest. . . The Blue Devils can barely get it out of their zone and every beautiful series of Spider passes ends up ringing a post or beneath the carcass of David Blubaugh. The event terminates in a shoot-out. Brett Syzmonik, who had played an outstanding game when called on, despite two years of rust on his game, is exposed in the first attempt, and the second, and when Roger Gray fails to deliver the stay alive goal the Spiders, he left the ice vowing to never return, or at least not for three years.
Komets (3-2-1) 4
Brewzers (1-5-0) 3
The Komets were cruisin' in spite of the absence of Coach Al they had a goal in the first from Wil Dobson and opened the second with a goal from Bryan Brookman. They never saw the Brewzer wrath awaiting them in the third. Rookie net minder A. J. DiBenedetto, falls victim to back to back goals from Rob Walker, tying the game, and then John Parker, singlehandedly, scores the third Brewzer goal for the lead. Realizing their arrogance and ignorance the Komets push for the win in regulation, without Al to turn to they send Scottie Baldree to the front of the net, and then the game was tied. Then, after nearly thirty shots against, the mighty Mike Moore allows the winning goal to punk-ass Wil Dobson. The Komets are in the hunt again this session, how will they let it slip away this time?
Privateers (4-0-0) 4
Whalers (1-5-0) 2
It was billed as a blood bath, but only generates a pedestrian twenty-two minutes worth of penalties. The 'Teers collect a slashing from Joel Bush and a roughing from Jonathan Horton to open the game. After Bush collects another two minutes for roughing, the Whalers crack back with a back to back slashing and tripping combo from Richard Walter. Tony Finazzo counters with a Privateer tripping minor, but before he can even get out of the box, Thomas Aarons, of the Whalers, pounds home a cross check. In the third, Gus Mask scores the elusive double minor with a roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct. The Hamster shows he can carry his weight with a garbage time penalty, and Mask goes for the hat trick with a holding call before the game can end. Also, the Privateers scored two more goals than the Whalers. Six goals, only one on the power play?
Patriots (6-0-0) 3
Snipers (1-3-0) 1
Rookie defenseman, John Thompson, logs the first Patriot goal, the only goal of the first period. In the second, the Snipers emerge from the chaos in front of the Patriot net with the tying goal, Kevin Cooke claims the bounty. Thompson takes it personally and delivers another goal for the Pats, and spends the remainder of the night controlling the neutral zone to insure he gets the game winner. Steve Benefield plays the lead differently, carrying the puck in for a security goal- the best defense is a good offense. The Pats continue to cut a swath through the I-league, what does it all mean?
Ice Bats (3-2-0) 6
LSI (2-4-0) 3
James Macha puts LSI out in front on the first shift and it takes until the last shift of the period before Eric Petty can tie it back up. Gabe Rivera puts the Imports on top again, but the Bats get a goal from Jason Doyton to strike it out. The teams trade goals again: LSI- Gabe Rivera, Ice Bats- Billy Quinn; to take a tie into the third, that's when things went awry for the Imps. Doyton sets up his line mates for two goals, the first to Danny Grimes, the second to Billy Quinn. With the game all but lost the Imports wave the white flag and Grimes plants the Flag with one more goal putting the Bats above the .500 mark. If this team doesn't implode they will be a force in the second half of the schedule.
Canadiens (3-1-0) 2
Stickmen (1-4-1) 1
Brad Bynum scores a Stickmen goal in the middle of the first, and it looked like it might stand-up. McCollister was certainly doing his part as the Canadiens rained down shot after shot. But the barrage takes its toll, not just the goal from Ryan Smith to send it to overtime, but the fatigue plays a part in the ensuing shoot-out also. With only eleven shots against, the rookie DiBenedetto, looked fresh and turned away all three shooters without the prize. McCollister sees his stupendous effort go for naught when the second shooter, Jason Neal, grabs the brass ring- sending the Sticks into the cellar.
minor
Ice Holes (0-3-1) 0
Grave Diggers (3-1-0) 2
The Holes were a force to be reckoned with for about three minutes, after having nothing to show for it they retreated into their zone depending on Jayson Jones. The returning netminder was up for the challenge, turning away nearly two periods worth of Digger offense. Stephen "Chilly Willy" Janis sinks the Ice Holes' battleship with his period ending goal. The Holes fail to answer the Chilly goal and end up allowing 29 shots on their own net, one more of those finds its way on to the waiting stick of Bob Barr who puts the game out of reach for the Ice Holes.
Shockers (1-3-0) 2
Mutineers (2-2-0) 5
The Shockers are in a ditch, and despite calling in veteran goalie Jesse Gonzales from Richardson, they cannot overcome the relentless Privateer wannabes. Those Mutineers had some difficulty putting the puck behind Gonzales, it takes more than eight minutes for Don Lyle to score. Eric Yepez ties the game on the power play, but John Swartzbaugh restores the Mutineer lead. Yepez closes the first with another Shocker goal to kill the momentum, unfortunately the momentum he killed belonged to the Shockers- they fail to score again for the duration of the game. The Mutineers score the game winner in the second from Spider perennial Mike Ginnard, a second in the second from Nathan Hamilton, and finally in the third, Patrick Haley makes the fifth. Sister, Ryan, was spotted swigging a fifth in the parking lot.
Silverwings (0-1-2) -
Warriors (3-0-0) -
Okay, this one I am pretty sure is legitimate, it doesn't appear to be on Pointstreak. Strangely enough, I was watching this game whilst listening to the woes of Louis Greco and should know who won it, but I don't remember now. Too many jello shots and Ryan Haley anecdotes.
Chiefs (4-0-0) 4
Puckers (2-2-0) 1
Yes, Old Blu is a friend of mine, but sometimes I can hardly stand to watch him play . . . Josh Ayala skates out of the Chief net and gets an assist on the first goal, scored by Bill Broad. In the middle frame, Broad plays the set-up man on the goal from Ryan Brett. The Puckers strike back with a Rob Constantine goal, causing the Chiefs to question their decision to put Stillwagon back in net, but rather than give him the chance to prove himself they score two more goals: Mark Millard, Bill Broad. Twice as many Chief shots as Puckers'.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
What's the Frequency, Pointstreak?
There was a lot of action in the rink this weekend, I witnessed most of it. At 4:30, I had my first game and eventually my second game arrived at around 10:30, whatever time it was, it wasn't right on the monitor. I don't what that said or what that was. Okay, but I can't look on Pointstreak, there's no scores on it! There's NO SCORE THERE! What does that mean, "no games on this day"? I don't know what that means. . . end the Blog? I can't do it. I guess I should have done it live. We'll DO IT LIVE, FORK IT! I'll write it and we'll DO IT LIVE! The FLIPPIN' THING SUCKS!
That's it for the weekend, we'll leave you with crossbar talk. . .
Now, the schedule said 10:15 for my last game but there is a problem with the new 13 minute period that has not been accounted for in the ice management. For some reason if you add six minutes of clock time, associated penalties, stoppages (with changes), and whatever unforeseen events that are associated with a beer league game you just can't cram it into the same one hour of real time that was scheduled before. The Refs are none too happy about the situation, either. You may have your opinions about what the refs do or don't do in the games but the fact is they schedule with the rink a certain amount of time out of their personal lives to collect a modest paycheck keeping our asses in line, as best they can. When they sign-up for a night of I-league, the schedule shows six hours worth of games and can end up going seven and a half easily. The word is that the pressure is put on the refs to speed the games up to get everyone out of the building on schedule: players, coaches, Zam operators, and the rest of the staff. It's a trend that hasn't gone unnoticed. Some refs are sticking to their guns making every call, while others are letting everything go just to get the game caught up.
The simplest solution, it seems, would be to just allow an extra fifteen minutes on the schedule per game. When the ref has to try and balance so many off ice issues with the action on the surface, things can quickly get out of control. If the refs are scheduled for the appropriate time to begin with then they would be less likely to feel imposed upon and carry that attitude into the games.
Everyone will still have their problems with refs and the schedule will actually quote the 4:30 starts all the way to the last one at midnight, but it's better to start at midnight rather than sitting in your gear in a smelly locker room for ten or fifteen minutes. . . Okay maybe that smell is just me.
I was completely distracted by the talk in the crossbar and couldn't tell you much about any of the games except the two I actually played in, so we'll have to catch-up on the scores later in the week.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
And the Nominees Are. . .
minor
Mutineers (1-2-0) 2
Puckers (2-1-0) 3
Patrick Haley gives a strong performance in the opening act, putting the Mutineers up late, but his presence is overshadowed by Pucker David James before the scene change. In the second act boom mic operator, David Blubaugh lowers his equipment into the shot and allows Kirkland to steal the show, putting the Mutineers up again. After administering a Christian Bale style tongue lashing, Kyle Burns rescues the Pucker cast from the doldrums and ties the game. In the final act, our protagonist overcomes- Pucker, Rick Shelby lays the puck behind Ryan Haley, sobbing could be heard off camera as the Mutineers drift below the .500 mark.
Chiefs (3-0-0) 7
Shockers (1-2-0) 0
The Shocker deliver a tour d'force on the scale of Heath Ledger, not in Batman, of course, more like in the hotel room. The Chiefs, who were once the worst team in the league, score goal after goal starting with one in the first to Tom Harnitchek, two in the second to Bill Broad and Ben Stillwagon, respectively, and concluding the story of Job with four in the third: Ryan Brett, Tom Harnitchek, Ben Stillwagon, and Lee Morgan. To further demonstrate their dominance, the Chiefs limit the Shockers to eight shots. The only drama in this screen play originates with the eighteen minutes worth of Chief penalties, and the twenty-seven minutes of Shocker penalties.
Warriors (3-0-0) 6
Ice Holes (0-2-1) 0
James Barber tried-out his first pair of goalie skates. . . in a game. This wouldn't be the only first in this nominee for best original screen play. Scott "Mindo" Dolbee and Dallas Lehr close the exposition with a catastrophic two goal flurry. The climax is foreshadowed by the second goal by Mindo in the middle of our story. The clean game is frenzied with the attack of Kyle Overton, and the audience's blood lust finally quenched when Mindo achieves his first career hattrick. A palpable chuckle could be felt when the denouement closed with Fred McDonnell's goal. The 'Holes could be up for best supporting actor in the Mindo hattrick. . .
Silverwings (0-1-2) 2
Grave Diggers (2-1-0) 3
Who could have guessed that the quiet opening frame of the lowly Diggers' and S-Wing's would yield one of the most breathtaking performances of the season. Late in the middle frame the Silverwings hit two goals on back to back shifts (Jason Vrendenberg, Kyle Ammann) but the momentum swing is arrested when Grave Digger Tim Rivers caps the second with a goal to bring the Diggers within one. The netminders at either end turn away all comers except the one game tying goal from- Jon Ellis? That's what the score sheet says, I'm stickin' with it! After a lagging overtime the picture concluded with a thrilling shoot-out. The only shooter to find the back of the net is Grave Digger Billy Quinn. Ammann wasn't the only one to leave the rink in tears.
MAJOR
Blue Devils (3-2-0) 5
Komets (2-2-1) 4
A. J. DiBenedetto goes toe to toe with veteran David Blubaugh- Blu blinks first when Wil Dobson delivers the handcuffs, putting the reigning champs down early. The Devils avenge their goalie with goals from Scott Speelman and Charlie Heine. Komet nation rebounds to tie the game when Scottie Baldree takes control of the puck. Heine wrestles back the lead, Danny Flynn adds to the Blue Devil lead. Baldree scores another Komet goal, co-goalie Brent Bryant ties the game again, but late in the game the Devils find their winning ways via Todd Smith. If A.J. had any doubts about taking the leading role, surely he has put those to bed now.
Stickmen (1-4-0) 4
Whalers (1-3-0) 0
The Sticks do a period piece, hearkening back to the near-glory days of the Stickmen, if for only on night. . . "Big" Joe Tomme opens the scoring, putting the Sticks on top. Lynne Young takes the honor of the supporting goal, in the Stickmen's route. In the closing of the game the Hamster tries to spur the Whalers but instead ends up in the box watching Clint Tippet score on the power play. The Sticks stick a fork in the Whalers with another goal from Young. The Whalers seem to be writing a Cinderella story in reverse.
Privateers (3-0-0) 9
Brewzers (1-4-0) 1
Another lopsided game on the night, perhaps it was a product of the leftover angst from the Mutineer loss. The first was all 'Teers: Casey Payne, Brian Zientek, Dan Lowery, and another from Zientek. Joel Bush starts the second with more Privateer fanfare, Tony Finazzo scores the next 'Teer tally but the streak hits a hiccup as the Brewzers spoil the shut-out with their only goal, Steven Collyard is the fortunate man to be on the power play at the right time. The Privateers re-boot with goals from Bob-O, Gus Mask, and another from Dan Lowery. Z-tek fails to get his hat trick despite having two periods and a tired Mike Moore in net (Mike faces thirty-four shots).
Ice Bats (2-2-0) 3
Snipers (1-2-0) 0
Billy Quinn scores the game winner. . . in the fourth minute of the game- how did we stay with this one for an hour and whatever. It takes until the third period for another player to find the twine, that player is Raul Gilbreath, two times. That must be why we stuck around, thirty-six shots, allowing only three goals to the Ice Bats- Matt Walker is cementing himself in the Brewzer net, if only he could get some support at the other end.
Patriots (5-0-0) 4
Spiders (3-1-0) 2
The opening frame was more exciting than most would have expected from a Spider/Patriot collaboration, a fluke goal from the top of the left circle puts the Pats down early. Andrew Patti's goal is quickly joined by a deflected shot from Mike Ginnard for a two-nil Spider lead. John Newell starts the Patriot charge and before the first can end Travis Lehr gets the equalizer. In the closing throes of the second period, Roy "Hands" Haenselmann nets the game winner and in the third the Pats put a spotlight on the remainder of their games, holding-off the Spiders and with the help of John Thompson, winning their fifth straight game this session.
LSI (1-3-0) 1
Canadiens (2-1-0) 3
Sibling rivalry culminates in a win for the Canadiens, it was never in question, but with all of the cross pollination of these two teams, could their really be a loser- technically, yes. Rob Diaz and Ken Lentz start the Canadiens off and Mike Kirkland joins them with the third Canadien goal. Catherine Levesque and Gabe Rivera combine in regular LSI fashion for the only goal in the losing effort, Gabe puts it in the net this time. Chris Gallagher was in tears when he flipped the coin before the game to determine who would win.
. . . And the winner is . . .
A. J. DiBenedetto
Mutineers (1-2-0) 2
Puckers (2-1-0) 3
Patrick Haley gives a strong performance in the opening act, putting the Mutineers up late, but his presence is overshadowed by Pucker David James before the scene change. In the second act boom mic operator, David Blubaugh lowers his equipment into the shot and allows Kirkland to steal the show, putting the Mutineers up again. After administering a Christian Bale style tongue lashing, Kyle Burns rescues the Pucker cast from the doldrums and ties the game. In the final act, our protagonist overcomes- Pucker, Rick Shelby lays the puck behind Ryan Haley, sobbing could be heard off camera as the Mutineers drift below the .500 mark.
Chiefs (3-0-0) 7
Shockers (1-2-0) 0
The Shocker deliver a tour d'force on the scale of Heath Ledger, not in Batman, of course, more like in the hotel room. The Chiefs, who were once the worst team in the league, score goal after goal starting with one in the first to Tom Harnitchek, two in the second to Bill Broad and Ben Stillwagon, respectively, and concluding the story of Job with four in the third: Ryan Brett, Tom Harnitchek, Ben Stillwagon, and Lee Morgan. To further demonstrate their dominance, the Chiefs limit the Shockers to eight shots. The only drama in this screen play originates with the eighteen minutes worth of Chief penalties, and the twenty-seven minutes of Shocker penalties.
Warriors (3-0-0) 6
Ice Holes (0-2-1) 0
James Barber tried-out his first pair of goalie skates. . . in a game. This wouldn't be the only first in this nominee for best original screen play. Scott "Mindo" Dolbee and Dallas Lehr close the exposition with a catastrophic two goal flurry. The climax is foreshadowed by the second goal by Mindo in the middle of our story. The clean game is frenzied with the attack of Kyle Overton, and the audience's blood lust finally quenched when Mindo achieves his first career hattrick. A palpable chuckle could be felt when the denouement closed with Fred McDonnell's goal. The 'Holes could be up for best supporting actor in the Mindo hattrick. . .
Silverwings (0-1-2) 2
Grave Diggers (2-1-0) 3
Who could have guessed that the quiet opening frame of the lowly Diggers' and S-Wing's would yield one of the most breathtaking performances of the season. Late in the middle frame the Silverwings hit two goals on back to back shifts (Jason Vrendenberg, Kyle Ammann) but the momentum swing is arrested when Grave Digger Tim Rivers caps the second with a goal to bring the Diggers within one. The netminders at either end turn away all comers except the one game tying goal from- Jon Ellis? That's what the score sheet says, I'm stickin' with it! After a lagging overtime the picture concluded with a thrilling shoot-out. The only shooter to find the back of the net is Grave Digger Billy Quinn. Ammann wasn't the only one to leave the rink in tears.
MAJOR
Blue Devils (3-2-0) 5
Komets (2-2-1) 4
A. J. DiBenedetto goes toe to toe with veteran David Blubaugh- Blu blinks first when Wil Dobson delivers the handcuffs, putting the reigning champs down early. The Devils avenge their goalie with goals from Scott Speelman and Charlie Heine. Komet nation rebounds to tie the game when Scottie Baldree takes control of the puck. Heine wrestles back the lead, Danny Flynn adds to the Blue Devil lead. Baldree scores another Komet goal, co-goalie Brent Bryant ties the game again, but late in the game the Devils find their winning ways via Todd Smith. If A.J. had any doubts about taking the leading role, surely he has put those to bed now.
Stickmen (1-4-0) 4
Whalers (1-3-0) 0
The Sticks do a period piece, hearkening back to the near-glory days of the Stickmen, if for only on night. . . "Big" Joe Tomme opens the scoring, putting the Sticks on top. Lynne Young takes the honor of the supporting goal, in the Stickmen's route. In the closing of the game the Hamster tries to spur the Whalers but instead ends up in the box watching Clint Tippet score on the power play. The Sticks stick a fork in the Whalers with another goal from Young. The Whalers seem to be writing a Cinderella story in reverse.
Privateers (3-0-0) 9
Brewzers (1-4-0) 1
Another lopsided game on the night, perhaps it was a product of the leftover angst from the Mutineer loss. The first was all 'Teers: Casey Payne, Brian Zientek, Dan Lowery, and another from Zientek. Joel Bush starts the second with more Privateer fanfare, Tony Finazzo scores the next 'Teer tally but the streak hits a hiccup as the Brewzers spoil the shut-out with their only goal, Steven Collyard is the fortunate man to be on the power play at the right time. The Privateers re-boot with goals from Bob-O, Gus Mask, and another from Dan Lowery. Z-tek fails to get his hat trick despite having two periods and a tired Mike Moore in net (Mike faces thirty-four shots).
Ice Bats (2-2-0) 3
Snipers (1-2-0) 0
Billy Quinn scores the game winner. . . in the fourth minute of the game- how did we stay with this one for an hour and whatever. It takes until the third period for another player to find the twine, that player is Raul Gilbreath, two times. That must be why we stuck around, thirty-six shots, allowing only three goals to the Ice Bats- Matt Walker is cementing himself in the Brewzer net, if only he could get some support at the other end.
Patriots (5-0-0) 4
Spiders (3-1-0) 2
The opening frame was more exciting than most would have expected from a Spider/Patriot collaboration, a fluke goal from the top of the left circle puts the Pats down early. Andrew Patti's goal is quickly joined by a deflected shot from Mike Ginnard for a two-nil Spider lead. John Newell starts the Patriot charge and before the first can end Travis Lehr gets the equalizer. In the closing throes of the second period, Roy "Hands" Haenselmann nets the game winner and in the third the Pats put a spotlight on the remainder of their games, holding-off the Spiders and with the help of John Thompson, winning their fifth straight game this session.
LSI (1-3-0) 1
Canadiens (2-1-0) 3
Sibling rivalry culminates in a win for the Canadiens, it was never in question, but with all of the cross pollination of these two teams, could their really be a loser- technically, yes. Rob Diaz and Ken Lentz start the Canadiens off and Mike Kirkland joins them with the third Canadien goal. Catherine Levesque and Gabe Rivera combine in regular LSI fashion for the only goal in the losing effort, Gabe puts it in the net this time. Chris Gallagher was in tears when he flipped the coin before the game to determine who would win.
. . . And the winner is . . .
A. J. DiBenedetto
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Mid-week Grab Bag
While cruising the net looking for anything hockey related, I came across this little jewel.
So, if you're looking for that extra edge without exerting yourself in anyway, this could be just for you.
In what I hope will be a popular regular feature, we've hosted two hockey chicks-of-the-month. On a blanket request for interesting show and tell photos, I got visual confirmation that Miss January enjoys doggy style. . .
What? Double on tawn what? I don't know what you're talking about. . .
Here's a contribution from the much maligned Bob Sirkis, Sr. Step inside the head of the diminutive sire of a gaggle of hockey savants:
Bob Sirkis. . .
Why I Play Hockey
Have you ever thought about why you play hockey? I had not until the recent Silver and Goals Tournament.
At first I thought I played hockey because it is fun and I have a great time playing. I play on the Euless I-League Grave Diggers; many believe we are better at digging graves than playing hockey. That may be true but we have a heck of a lot of fun.
Then I thought ‘it is great exercise’, hockey keeps me in some semblance of shape, and that is important since I had a triple bypass- or as ‘Doc’ would say a cabbage, when I was 36. Doctors say exercise is very important to good heart health. Running (no matter what ‘Sticky Saves’ says), walking, or Stair Masters just won’t cut it.
Then I thought ‘If I play hockey, the boys have to listen to me when I tell them what to do’. If you have seen me play and seen my boys play you know what a joke that is. I have three speeds: Slow, slower, and slowest. I have played all positions on the ice, including the boards, the sin bin, and goalie. How I survive is anyone’s guess.
My oldest son, Bobby, coaches my I-league team, well- he says it's coaching, I think he just gets ninety minutes to tell off the old man. He does tailor his advice to my game, I guess. My two favorites are:
When he's coaching my team- “Go wide and slow down!” of course I thinking “if I go any slower, I’ll stop”.
Then when he is on the other bench- “See the guy with the red helmet? He plays ‘D’. Dump the puck, you will wear him out.”
The Grave Digger's back-up goalie is my son Jake, who at age 7 ½, skates backwards in his goalie equipment faster than I will ever skate forward. And of course he is laughing all the way saying “come on Daddy, anybody can skate backwards”. Or, on the rare occasion when I play goalie his favorite refrain “Guard the post!”
For the last few years I have been fortunate to play in the annual Christmas Tournament put on by the Dr. Pepper Star Centers. It is a tournament I look forward to because I get to play with some excellent hockey players and have a great time. These players are Bobby, Tommy, and Jake- who for the first time joined the tournament team as back-up goalie. One thing in life anyone (Ryan Smith) needs to remember is there are no secrets when a 7 ½ year old is around. During one of the games I took a penalty. Bobby was going to say something but before he could say anything Jake was all over me:
“That was a stupid penalty! They just scored! You cost the goalie a shutout! I’m so mad at you. . . I’m telling Mom when we get home!”
Everyone on the ice was laughing, both benches, score keeper, even Olsen took pity on me.
Playing on a line with Bobby and Tommy you might think I would have scored. Well, I have three speeds remember? Slow, Slower, and Slowest. They can only do Russian circles so long.
Anyway the Christmas Tournament is one thing I look forward to every year. I get to play hockey with my boys and have a great time doing so. That is why I play Hockey!
Bob Sirkis (Sr).
Tommy, Bobby, Jake, and Bob Sirkis- 2008 Silver and Goals
So, if you're looking for that extra edge without exerting yourself in anyway, this could be just for you.
In what I hope will be a popular regular feature, we've hosted two hockey chicks-of-the-month. On a blanket request for interesting show and tell photos, I got visual confirmation that Miss January enjoys doggy style. . .
What? Double on tawn what? I don't know what you're talking about. . .
Here's a contribution from the much maligned Bob Sirkis, Sr. Step inside the head of the diminutive sire of a gaggle of hockey savants:
Bob Sirkis. . .
Why I Play Hockey
Have you ever thought about why you play hockey? I had not until the recent Silver and Goals Tournament.
At first I thought I played hockey because it is fun and I have a great time playing. I play on the Euless I-League Grave Diggers; many believe we are better at digging graves than playing hockey. That may be true but we have a heck of a lot of fun.
Then I thought ‘it is great exercise’, hockey keeps me in some semblance of shape, and that is important since I had a triple bypass- or as ‘Doc’ would say a cabbage, when I was 36. Doctors say exercise is very important to good heart health. Running (no matter what ‘Sticky Saves’ says), walking, or Stair Masters just won’t cut it.
Then I thought ‘If I play hockey, the boys have to listen to me when I tell them what to do’. If you have seen me play and seen my boys play you know what a joke that is. I have three speeds: Slow, slower, and slowest. I have played all positions on the ice, including the boards, the sin bin, and goalie. How I survive is anyone’s guess.
My oldest son, Bobby, coaches my I-league team, well- he says it's coaching, I think he just gets ninety minutes to tell off the old man. He does tailor his advice to my game, I guess. My two favorites are:
When he's coaching my team- “Go wide and slow down!” of course I thinking “if I go any slower, I’ll stop”.
Then when he is on the other bench- “See the guy with the red helmet? He plays ‘D’. Dump the puck, you will wear him out.”
The Grave Digger's back-up goalie is my son Jake, who at age 7 ½, skates backwards in his goalie equipment faster than I will ever skate forward. And of course he is laughing all the way saying “come on Daddy, anybody can skate backwards”. Or, on the rare occasion when I play goalie his favorite refrain “Guard the post!”
For the last few years I have been fortunate to play in the annual Christmas Tournament put on by the Dr. Pepper Star Centers. It is a tournament I look forward to because I get to play with some excellent hockey players and have a great time. These players are Bobby, Tommy, and Jake- who for the first time joined the tournament team as back-up goalie. One thing in life anyone (Ryan Smith) needs to remember is there are no secrets when a 7 ½ year old is around. During one of the games I took a penalty. Bobby was going to say something but before he could say anything Jake was all over me:
“That was a stupid penalty! They just scored! You cost the goalie a shutout! I’m so mad at you. . . I’m telling Mom when we get home!”
Everyone on the ice was laughing, both benches, score keeper, even Olsen took pity on me.
Playing on a line with Bobby and Tommy you might think I would have scored. Well, I have three speeds remember? Slow, Slower, and Slowest. They can only do Russian circles so long.
Anyway the Christmas Tournament is one thing I look forward to every year. I get to play hockey with my boys and have a great time doing so. That is why I play Hockey!
Bob Sirkis (Sr).
Tommy, Bobby, Jake, and Bob Sirkis- 2008 Silver and Goals
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