What a night of hockey!! After a some organizational snafus Rocky and Sparky, who were filling in for an absent Stevo (Rumoured to be in the Caribbean scouting new talent for Snowpants escort service), found that enough players had filed into the Kapusta and fans were treated to a mini tournament. Considering there are just a few scant weeks left till the annual Tomcats Tourny, it provided players with a taste of what was to come. And if the play on the night was any indication, what a tournament it’s going to be. Arguably each respective Captain on this night centered their lines on defense, particularly considering there was only one game played which separated teams scores by more than one goal. Even more striking statistically is that there was a mere 23 total goals scored on the night.
That being said, what I found most amusing, considering the recent Tomcats-Skipjacks game in which some heated exchanges took place, is that I’ve decided tourney’s of any colour simply bring out the competitive drive in all players. Last night was no exception, and I think it’s the first in history where I recall the ref had to blow a play dead due to rough play in the corners. When the whistle did blow, everyone looked around and I think missed the inevitable yell of Stevo’s voice saying, “Play the ball!” Afterwards Rocky was seen sporting a new welt on his shins and he remarked he was contemplating returning to wearing shin guards. I saw Skippy in the corner grinning as he was overheard muttering, “Guess the Skipjacks are not that bad after all.”
While Rocky may have a new welt, he also has another mini win under his belt as his team mates Soupy, Crazy Joe, Bam Bam (Fred Flintsone), Jingles, Sparky and Skippy lifted the Sparky’s Sparkplugs to a solid 3-0-1 performance on the night. Cribz, a member of the Hollywood Hookers, consisting of Sunny, Snowpants, Chico, Hollywood, and Razor went 1-2-1, was particularly pleased to see Skippy seemed to have shaken off his recent tourney loss – and with a great effort on the night, claimed one of his first mini wins of the season; further eliminating that monkey off his back. Afterwards Cribz remarked, “Tournaments are always a tough go, as a team you really got to pull it together, and while I drafted 3rd I think I put together a team which will challenge for Stanley’s Cup this year.”
Doc’s Demons consisting of Doc, The Matador, Chevy, Yuri, Hurricane, and Falcon ended up with a disappointing 0-2-2 record. Doc however remained upbeat and stated, “When it counts for the real tourney I think my teammates with the Chevy Sharks will prove to be contenders.” On paper I have to agree with Doc. Chevy has arguable put together a near dream team of Tomcats superstars; Beep (Who as I earlier predicted did in fact go 1st pick), Rocky, Sparky, Snowpants, Doc, Chico and Falcon. A very solid looking team that I predict will be in the final game. The tougher picks are deciding who will be there with them, but I gotta settle on Cribz Crown Royals or Hollywood Hookers as one of the two remaining teams who will see a chance at a cup; which means I am boldly predicting no repeat for The Mauraders.
My contemplations consist of not yelling at Pattyn who filled in for me at the Tomcats-Skipjacks game – he missed the star selection!! For the record it went Biebs, Falcon and Snowpants. Snowpants was provided a t-shirt for 1st overall selection, which he discovered was a woman’s. After his initial shock Snowpants stated, “I know I can rock out the leather pants, but I won’t be rockin this thing out – hopefully it’ll fit Mrs Snowpants.”
Last nights stars selected were Sparky, Snowpants and Soupy.
Further contemplations consist of remarks I overheard from Rocky, who while watching the games was debating the Skipjacks game play which consisted of young players. Rocky had a quick look at the Tomcats at the mini and figured the median age was probably pushing 36, which lead to thoughts of future plans consisting of recruiting new fresh blood. “As an organization we have found some great new players like Beep, Chico and Crazy Joe, but we gotta start looking a bit younger; I really don’t know how much longer we’ll have some of the veterans.” When Sparky overheard Rocky’s remarks he rebutted with, “I’m not ever hanging it up, cause when I do I’m sure I’ll begin to feel my real age.”
Regardless of the median age , the Tomcats have a healthy crop of players who are always eagerly anticipating a good Tuesday tilt; just as I am always looking for that special someone to place their HANDZONMECAC.
Yurri