Windsor Tomcats

Harry Palm Press

Avid readers have already digested Harry’s article regarding the recent tilt between the Tomcats and Sandwich Skipjacks – and he indeed hit the nail on the head by indicating the second game was stolen by Bearcat.  For a goalie who doesn’t come out too much for the Tomcats it was nice to see the veteran put in a solid effort with saves that simply demoralized the Skipjacks, and eventually won Bearcat first star of the game.  Being a classy organization, even with the two wins the Tomcats gave the Skipjacks their praise – noting the organization had some really good players.  While not nearly as organized as the Tomcats – I mean Tomcats drafted their lines on that sweet paper plate – none the less the Skipjacks showed they could be a team to contend.  It was further a relief to both managers when both teams, regardless of the score played hard, fair, and whenever things got toooo competitive each side later ‘hugged’ it out. 

The Skipjacks had only just recently gave themselves a name, and maybe even an identity they had been lacking; considering they had core members who had played in ananominity for the past ten years.  Historically the origins of the team are still muddied, and the team learned a valuable lesson or two from playing the Tomcats, a well established organization.  The Tomcats have grown slowly to become what they are according to Stevo, the President of the Tomcats, who commented – “I respect where the Skipjacks are as a group, I remeber the early days of very few players coming out.  Now I have to vet new players and we have several desperately wanting to join’. 

While the Skipjacks may not have won a game, several players we quietly being watched by the Tomcats organization and have earned themselves a trip to tonights game.  Look for Nick Wilson, Maciej “Matt” Dziedzic and Paul Corda.  Recent sources have indicated both Matt and Nick are sure to show, but Corda is still working on being let loose from work duties.  Another great thing to come out of the game was that both teams combined were able to raise $150 for Special Olympics.  Good coin from good guys leaving everything on the “Tilston Dome”.  Hats off to the Tomcats on capturing the first ‘Tilston Charity Cup’.  Skipjack manager Skippy indicated a trophy will be quickly made and presented to the winning Manager in the very near future.  The Tomcats were very impressed not only with the hockey itself, but at the very fine facility the Skipjacks have secured.  Assistant Captain, Lovie indicated, “The facility was top notch, and our team was warmly welcomed and hands were shook at the end – Classy move by both teams, cause I’ve seen losing teams just not man up and congratulate the victors”.

Sources indicate Tomcats management is now considering to participate yearly in the Skipjacks efforts to raise funds for their charity.  Tomcat Team Captain, Sparky commented, “It is a strong possibility the Tomcats would come out again next year, I mean how can you have a cup won and not provide the chance to the other team to win it back?”.

After the game Danish from the Skipjacks indicated he was pleased with the teams showing, “We had a real chance that first game to win – it was a 9-9 tie and we missed a great opportunity early on to end it.  I was real happy as I had expressed a concern we’d be killed”.  Thankfully for the Skipjacks that wasn’t the case and several players expressed the desire for a re-match in the future.  With all games there’s always a ‘game within a game’ for managers selecting lines and starting goaltenders.  Fans noted Danish got the nod, and I caught up with Skippy afterwards to ask him about the decision – “I had to go with the hot hand, I admit to not playing well recently and Danish has had my number for several of our usual Sunday tilts.  When I reviewed all the stats from 2011 the numbers bore out my decision easily as Danish has the better win/lose record and G.A.A.  Sometimes great manages have to recognize when other s are playing well and go with them….If that first game would have been a win-well as much as I hate to say it Danish would have gone back in, if we had lost the second game and if a tie breaker needed to be played – he deserved to go back in and play the rubber match as he played very well for us in that first game”.

With the addition of possibly 3 Skipjacks to tonights game an easy prediction is another minitournament in which Skippy is slated to play.  Fans will be closely watching how the netminder reacts as statistical insiders alreay know he has yet to win a mini tournament and currently sits at a 3.06G.A.A for the 2011-current date. Falcon is out with a lower body injury and the Danish is out with the flu and will not be called up from Peoria.  So look for Hollywood to be lacing up the pads tonight.

When I tried to bolster the lads confidence I looked down and said, “Skippy – Yuri HANDZONMECAC”

Yuri