Like a first date, I expected the action for the very first game of 2013 Tomcats season to be a slow start. Kind of like the awkward pretend stretch a teen would do in a movie theatre to sneak their arm around a date. Apparently the Black demons lead by the very dangerous trio of Shovey, Spinner and Lovie think a first date means getting to at least third base. For most of the game the Black Demons had the same play; set up one of the big three shooters at the point and let them simply chip away at the Falcon. It worked as they quickly were able to net 5 goals; but since the Tomcats have seemed to adopt timed games of 30 minutes verses the first team to score 7 goals, games have been more spirited in nature. I’ve watched close, and noted more than 1 player now creeps a look at the clock, probably trying to figure if there’s enough time left to mount a counter offensive and maybe just steal the game from the opponent.
The White Knights lead by Sunny, Snowpants and Stevo did make that first game interesting only losing 5-3. Despite the loss, they had the satisfaction of knowing they held the Black Demons to 0 goals over the last 11 timed minutes. That may have just been the spark they needed to win a very close 2-1 second game; of which featured the most hilarious lopsided corner battle seen in quite some time. Skippy – yes Skippy, whom at the very last minute was pulled to play out vs. his more comfortable net minding duties, found himself in a very tight corner fending off Shovey. When the dust settled, Skippy surprisingly had the advantage, of which Shovey would later remark, “Yup, I too was surprised, and it took all my good will not to simply make him part of the wall; call it my New Year’s resolution put to the test – trying to be less Shovey”.
As pointed out by Harry, in an 80 minute confirmed timed game (Remember the clock did go out in the third game), a mere 9 goals total were scored by the Black Demons. That means an average of 1 goal was scored every 8.8 minutes; a testament to Falcon’s goal tending, who despite a 1-2 record on the night played very well.
In terms of quotes, my favorite on the night came from Lovie, who upon the clock malfunctioning remarked, “O crap, what possibly do we do now, what ever did we do in the past to keep track of the score?”. Hilarious, and regarding the clock sources have indicated Sparky has taken his pride and joy back to Santa’s workshop where with the help of a sledge hammer it will be put back into service very quickly.
With the recent change up of the captains for the very popular tournament, only Cribzie missed the first night back and time will tell if that 1 single game will make a difference in whom is selected to his team. 1 prediction I boldly make is Beep going 1st pick overall. Speaking of other tournaments, the annual Tomcats vs. Skipjacks game for charity is fast approaching and Rocky has indicated the roster for the Tomcats is pretty much set. That news was a bit of a surprise to Bubbles, whom I had a chance run in with while on vacation. After filling in Bubbles on hockey news, he remarked he was not aware of the two teams tournament and may be looking to secure himself a spot. I figure it might be because he has already commented he will be missing this year’s tournament, and simply wants to play in a tournament style game format. Regardless, with the New Year I expect other minor tweaks to the Tomcats roster, which may include more net time for the Danish; who has been pressed into service to fill in for an injured Bearcat at the Tomcats tourney. Place your bets now and draw up your own fantasy team, actual picks take place this Tuesday. And while the picks are being made, I will be waiting for a lucky Tomcat to place their HANDZONMECAC.
Yurri
Windsor Tomcats 