I league Playoffs Preview...

Better Late than Never...

Stickmen vs Ice Holes 6:30pm (Gold Rink) ConsulationRound (gold division)
If the Ice Holes can score, they will win, its that simple. Hockey Lord Chris Skupien may arrive for this one. Stickmen need goonery from Ken Halford and a good game from Jesse Henderson to win the day.
Prediction: Ice Holes 2-1 win

***Mayhem vs Stingers 7:30 (Green Rink) Gold DivisionChampionship
From head Coach Bobby Sirkis from his midweek press conference, " All those who love America should watch tonight, as we are continuing the war on terror against Islam and his followers."
Rumors have it that the Stingers will be skating Jason "Islam" Isham at forward to combat John "Jihad" Pinnard. Sirikis would later add, "Am I scared about islam?? Hell no. I am gonna have naked women riding swine passing out bags of nuts. The naked women alone should be enough to make him want to gouge out his eyes. Total eclipse…..i am working on a deal with Mc Donalds to make our helmets look and smell like big macs. And just in case Olson is reffing the game, an apparent conflict of interest due to the man love between him and islam, we will have 3 15 yr old cheerleaders to work the penalty boxes. And who is Josh Briscoe?"
Jason Isham had this to say about the game, "Sirkis needs to take notes on how I skate, shoot, and play overall. It would really help his game. Allah Akbar"
Josh Briscoe wasnt silent either about this game, "We are going to play to win, we are going to throw everything we have at Mayhem, with me, Isham and Nickerson, no one can stop us." This will be an epic battle, probably one of the best championships ever. Mayhem has overall better skaters, but The Stingers have better superstars.
Prediction: Stingers 4-3

Borrachos vs Warriors 7:45pm (Gold Rink) Consulation Round (gold division)
Penalties should abound in this one, and hopefully there will be an all our bench clearing brawl. Then we'll all go drink upstairs, just as thor desires it. Stuckemans should combine for 4 goals, while Eric Johnson and Dallas Lehr should get a couple.
Prediction: Borrachos 4-2

***Komets vs Blue Devils 8:45pm (Green Rink) Silver Division Championship
This intense rivalry reaches its pinnacle tonight as all the cards will be placed on the table. Blue Devils had a surge to break their slump as they crushed the Puckers last week. Blue Devils will throw Mark Cameron, Chris Zolle, David Ogle against a stingy Komets Defense. The Komets have Chris Gallagher, Nate Hodges, Alex Atkins along with underated weapons in Sergio Castillo and Sean Keirr (Both of who have been on fire as of late). Todd Smith thugging will be abounding and Ray Workman has promised to lay out a certain member of the Komets. An epic Battle awaits...
Prediction: Komets 4-3

Fugaweez vs Brewzers 9pm (Gold Rink) Silver Division 3rd Place Game
The Fugaweez are red hot and where a point or so back of playing for the keg. Shamefull that they can't. Mark Gragg, Matt Osbourne will carry this team to victory. Brewzers need a good game from Jamil Jabri to get the upset. WHO DAT!
Prediction: Fugaweez 5-2


Patriots vs Spiders 10pm (Green Rink) Gold Division 3rd Place Game
Jeff Vaughan was found today in a taquileria in San Pacos, Texas drunk and crying saying, "Patriots suck, we're finished. There is no God!" Indeed it was a disappointing season for the Patriots who had higher expectations this season. The same goes for the Spiders who also held first place for a good majority of the season. Question is which team will play for pride and Sparta? The holy Trinity of Defense may make its final appearence tonight. Fisticuffs are rumored to be occuring in this one.
Prediction: Patriots 4-3 win

Shockers vs Leftovers 10:15 (Gold Rink) SilverDivision 8 vs 9 game.
These teams actualy had epic battles last week as the leftovers were able to get their first win of the season. The winner of this game will play the spiders platinum team later on tonight.
Prediction: Shockers 4-2

Puckers vs Snipers 11:15 pm (Green Rink) SilverDivision 5th Place Game
Two teams that deserved much better fate (and a much better time slot) will battle in an almost meaningless game. Puckers had torn up the silver division after their first game loss to the spiders, only to fall to the Blue Devils in a must win game. Snipers also did well this season, but couldnt win the big games when needed. Puckers should chip it up a little tonight, but the snipers are equaly up to the challenge.
Prediction: Puckers 3-1

Spiders Plat vs Winner of Shockers/Leftovers game11:30pm (Gold Rink) Silver Division 7th Place game.
Spiders should win this game, regardless of who they play. Whitney Freeman should have at least two goals.
Predicion: Spiders Plat 4 whoeverelse 1

I Leauge. Week 8 Recap

3 Stars

1. Josh Briscoe- Stingers: 1 Goal/1 Assists (GWG). 3-1 Stingers win a huge playoff against the pats.

2. Todd Smith- Blue Devils: 3 Penalties, thuggery, and game ejection rally the Blue Devils to 6-3 win.

3. Matt Osbourne- Fugaweez: 2 Goals, Assist. Runs over what was thought to be a strong Komets Defense.

Goalie of the week: David Blubaugh: Stingers. 26 Saves on 27 Shots. Stingers 3-1 win.Total Eclipse would be proud.

Stingers 3 Patriots 1

In what was a very hyped up game, the playoff destinies of both team lay in the balance. However the Stingers had Hockey messiah Josh Briscoe, who arrived back in town from the Holy Land late Saturday afternoon. (we are not kidding, the dude was in London on Saturday morning). The Stingers would go up 2-0 on a Mike Best Goal and a Josh Briscoe goal. Patriots would rally in the third on a wicked Jeff Vaughan puppy slaying wrist shot. Patriots turned the heat up in period throwing 13 of their 27 shot at David Blubaugh who was solid in net. Tom Candalino scored to bury the dagger in the Patriots on a one timer from the blue line. After being checked repeatedly in the game, but yet still scoring, Briscoe said, "I am the Hockey Messiah, don't you ever forget that). That's the last time we check the chosen one.

Blue Devils 6 Puckers 3

Todd Smith Goonery was forecasted as the make or break aspect of this game, and he performed flawlessly. Smith's abrasiveness led to his ejection in the 2nd period, but the Blue Devils rallied around this and secured their place in the championship game. Blue Devils fell behind early on a goal from "Andrew" to put the puckers up one. Blue Devils retaliation was mighty as they score six unanswered goals. "Scott"?, "Dan"?, Chris Zolle, David Loggins all scored while Mark Cameron scored twice. The Puckers had two goals from "John" and from Ryan Rintala to make the Score 6-3 Blue Devils, but too much. Blue Devils advance to the keg for a second straight season. The Komets stand in their way of Glory.

Fugaweez 5 Komets 4 (SO)

Fugaweez pull off a nice little upset with a shootout win over the keg game bound komets. Patrick Steward scores as does Glenn Engelhoffer, while Matt Osbourne scores twice. We dont have the shootout winner. Blast. The komets were matching Fugs in goal for goal almost as the great outspoken Sean Keirr scored twice as did the great Chris Gallagher. Komets will have their hands full with the blue devils next week.

Mayhem 6 Spiders 3

Mayhem absolutely abolishes the spiders in this one. The always dangerous conner brothers strike 3 times in this one (one we heard was from outside the blue line). Greg Mersberger, Ryan Smith, and Dr Karim "abdul" Jamal also scored in this bloody show of force. Spiders did try to make a game of it with two goals from Chris Gallagher and one from Andrew Patti. Spiders will take on the Patriots for 3rd place next week, while Mayhem vs Stingers will be a game for the ages.

Leftovers 3 Shockers 2

Leftovers avoid the no-win season with a nice little win over the shockers what was described by many has a thug fest. No confirmation on this though. Both team matched each other for goal in this one: Bryan Vosquil score was followed up by a "Bill" score for the Leftovers. A Jason Howell score for the shockers was then answered by an "AJ" goal midway through the 3rd. It would be AJ again who would be the hero to give the leftovers their first win of the season, as he scores with 36 seconds remaining in regulation. Good Game.

Borrachos 2 Stickmen 0

Superb goaltending by stickmen's keeper David Blubaugh kept this one from being 8-0. Jim Stuckeman scores twice, while the Borrachos denied any attempt at stickmen scoring. Checking was abundant and quite glorious, the way hockey is meant to be played. Hoorah! Speaking of checking and devastation, the Borrachos are matched up against the Warriors next week...oh joy. 

Brewzers 4 Spiders Plat 2

Brewzers almost surrendered a 2 goal lead in the thrid period, however are able to rally and deal another heart breaking loss to the Spiders. (the lack of last names on the score sheets is killing us)...Matt, Brit, Rob and illegible score for the brewzers (individual stats probably wont be taken next season), while Patti Greco and Whitney Freeman score for the spunky spiders squad. Jeff Vaughan observed this game from afar and said it was a game best watched with a flask by your side.

Warriors 2 Ice Holes 1

A defensive struggle in this one (when is any game with the ice holes not?) Warriors get two goals from Travis Lehr, both assisted by Damon Lacey. While the Ice Holes get their goal from Jason Junker. Warriors had a lead going into the third, only erased by the Ice Holes' goal. But lehr's goal with under two minutes was the savior for the warriors in this one.

(lack of creative recaps will be forgotten by next week's masterpiece for preview/recap for playoffs)

I league Playoffs...

Thus the scheduel for this weekend is thus...

Stickmen vs Ice Holes 6:30pm (Gold Rink) Consulation
Round (gold division)

***Mayhem vs Stingers 7:30 (Green Rink) Gold Division
Championship

Borrachos vs Warriors 7:45pm (Gold Rink) Consulation
Round (gold division)

***Komets vs Blue Devils 8:45pm (Green Rink) Silver
Division Championship

Fugaweez vs Brewzers 9pm (Gold Rink) Silver Division
3rd Place Game

Patriots vs Spiders 10pm (Green Rink) Gold Division
3rd Place Game

Shockers vs Leftovers 10:15 (Gold Rink) Silver
Division 8 vs 9 game.

Puckers vs Snipers 11:15 pm (Green Rink) Silver
Division 5th Place Game

Spiders Plat vs Winner of Shockers/Leftovers game
11:30pm (Gold Rink) Silver Division 7th Place game.

Note...Gold and Silver Keg games may be flipped. Will learn more from Yockey tomorrow.

(also a typo on the shockers w-l-ot stat. No effects on the standings.)

to read how this weekend went down, be back tomorrow....evening.

It's Looking Good at NYTEX

So, we finally made it over to the NYTEX complex. Things are really shaping up over there. (However, all the new paint raises a good question: How much purple is too much purple?)

Hockey honcho Knute Anderson offered the nickel tour, and we paid 20 bucks for their weekly hockey lesson-and-pickup combo. It's the deal of the week. Brahmas coach Dan Wildfong put about 10-15 of us through the paces in an hourlong lesson. The focus was pretty basic -- proper stance, stride, stickhandling. Lots of individual attention. The class is 15 bucks if you don't want to do the pickup game afterward.

The pickup was a mite crowded but fast and fun. Lots of youngsters. The ice was on the soft side, but we're told they're working to get the humidity under control in there.

Knute says pickup at NYTEX will be every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 p.m. The classes (for which you can just show up) will continue every Thursday at 8 p.m. The website, www.nytexsports.com, should be up and running soon.

Other tidbits: A slew of I-league teams are said to have signed up, and D-, C-, and B-leagues are already underway. The pro-shop is open. Looks like nothing real fancy, but it's nice. And like all the others, you get to pay $215 for a stick if yours breaks.

And, there's news on the fate of the former Olympic-sized rink over there: It will be a massive volleyball arena. A local volleyball club has agreed to rent it. The sand floor will be paved and covered with an all-sport surface that can be used for v-ball, rollerhockey or whatever else.

We're not shilling for these guys (promise), but it's obvious they have their sh*t together. We predict a real drain on the Euless StarCenter, or at least a need for the Stars to step up and compete for our business. Any way you look at it, that's a good thing.

BC

Preview: Week 8

Hope everyone's 4th of July was a wild, crazy and somewhat safe holiday...
this weekend will be as follows...

6:30pm Gold Spiders- Plat. vs. Brewzers
There will be a record about of chicks playing in this game. Enough said.

7:30pm Green Stingers vs Patriots
First game of the Gold Playoffs has one of the greatest rivalries in the league. Briscoe vs Vaughan: A Battle of Titans.

7:45pm Gold Fugaweez vs Komets
Komets have clinched a spot in the keg game, Fugs are playing for pride and sparta. Mark Gragg looks to show up his old comrades.

8:45pm Green Spiders vs Mayhem
The second gold playoff game will be a classic, From Coach Bobby Sirkis, "We will have the game in hand by the first period, and run time by the second period".

9:00pm Gold Shockers vs Leftovers
Battle of last place teams, can the leftovers get their first win?
Jeff Vaughan says push a nerd in a trashcan and watch this game...

10pm Green Borrachos vs Stickmen
The spectacular goaltending of David Blubaugh meets the scoring might of Jim Stuckeman. This is the first game since the Borracho/Warrior brawl. No idea who will be playing still...

10:15pm Gold Puckers vs Blue Devils
This is a playoff game in every way. Winner will go to the Keg to challenge the Komets. Blue Devils threw away their birthright for a bowl of stew last week. Puckers are playing great hockey...Todd Smith Goonery needs to make a comeback, or the Blue Devils are doomed.

11:15pm Green Warriors vs Ice Holes
The "best of the rest" in the gold playoffs continues. Dallas Lehr will battle against many of his Spartans teammates in this defensive struggle of might.

11:30pm Gold Snipers - Practice
Sniper should come out of this one victorious.

Gold Division Playoffs Set/Silver Division Recap

Playoff Seedings for the Gold Division have been announced, while the Sliver Division goes into their last week of regular season play.


#1 Stingers vs #4 Patriots: 7:30pm

#2 Spiders vs #3 Mayhem: 8:45

Consolation:

#5 Borrachos vs #8 Stickmen: 10pm

#6 Warriors vs #7 Ice Holes: 11:15pm





On to the silver division...


3 Stars
1. Mark Gragg: Fugaweez- 1 Goal, 3 Assists (GWG). Fugs 8-2 win
2. Sergio Castillo: Komets- 1 goal, 2 Assists. Komets 4-2 win.
3. Jeff Vaughan: Snipers- 1 goal, champion defensive play/shut down Whitney Freeman. Snipers 5-0 win.

Honorable Mention: Jesse Henderson: Snipers- 1 goal, 1 Assists (GWG) and he’s (Expletive) Jesse Henderson! Snipers 5-0 win.


Goalie of the week: Chris Duran: Shockers- 27 saves on 29 Shots. Shockers 1-2 OT loss.

Brewzers 2 Shockers 1 (OT)
This one was all Brewzers, except for in the scoring/shooting department. Brewzers threw 29 shots at shockers’ goalie Chris Duran, who managed only to let a couple in. On the flip side, Brewzers’ goalie Greg Nata faced the gargantuan total of 4 shots. The great Chris Conner scored the lone shockers goal, while Paul Thruston scored in regulation for the brewzers. In OT, it would be Steve Sepeda on a Ken Thomas feed for the game winner as the brewzers get their 9th point of the season. Rumor has it that the shockers have been renamed “Dain Bramage”…confirmation?

Fugaweez 8 Leftovers 2
Once again the New Orleans Saints defeated the Dallas Cowboys in complete devastation. (Trust us, there are underlying football rivalries here). What many consider the most underrated player in the Silver Division, Mark Gragg, was nearly unstoppable as he rattles off a goal and three helpers in the winning cause. Also scoring was Patrick “Captain Picard” Steward, Mike Garcia (who had two strikes), Glenn Englehart, John Rassmussen, Nick “Spawn of Dan Grimes” Grimes and Matt Osbourne. Leftovers tried, but just clearly couldn’t compete, though the leftovers got their two goals from David Monfroy and A.J. Ferreiro. Talk from the Leftovers’ locker room indicated that if the leftovers lose two of their next three, Scott “Mindo” Dolbee will have his hair shaved in shame by Stone Cold. Please don’t let this inhumane act to transpire.

Komets 4 Blue Devils 2
Inspired by the Patriots glorious and overcoming win over Mayhem earlier this season, The komets finally shake off and defeat their demons (no pun intended). In what many are calling the biggest win in Los Komets history, a great back and forth battle ensued. Rich Duval and the great Chris “Former Holy Cross Forward” Gallagher opened up an early 2-0 lead for komet nation. In the 2nd, the evil empire rallied on a Chris Zolle goal. The komets would get the momentum they needed on a glorious one timer from Melissa Ross to regain a two goal lead, now up 3-1. Blue Devils would get one half way through the third on a Dave Loggins goal to trim the deficit to a single goal. However with the goalie pulled, the Sergio “Mexi-CAN” Castillo ices the game on the empty net tally. This will be a glorious keg game if it comes into being. From Ray “Prancing Poodle” Workman, “We underestimated the komets, but it will be the last time they beat us for another 4 years.”


Snipers 5 Spiders Plat 0
Inspired by their hired-mercenary-leader-guy Jeff “Han Solo” Vaughan, the Snipers had their biggest win of the season. On pretty much every shift, the snipers outmatched the spiders, even Nina Bonifez was baffled in net by spectacular snipers play. Jesse Henderson and Vaughan’s goals built a 2-0 lead after the first. It was added upon by Joe Tomme in the 2nd while Greg Martinez and Ken “Goon” Halford added their own goals in the third. We must compliment snipers coach Stephen Frye, who despite having his legs all but removed from his body, showed up and coached his boys to an excellent win.