Good friend and fellow sports writer, Harry Ballsonue, asked me to step in and cover this week’s Tomcat game as he is off on special assignment to cover the possible establishment of a Tomcat farm club team in Puerto Rico. If Jamaicans can bobsled, then you better damn well believe Puerto Ricans can be trained to play hockey.
I enjoyed by view from the media suite high above the Kapusta Kow floor, and the free hors d’oeuvres and drinks were nothing to sneeze at. Quite frankly I was glad Harry was not there as I have no interest in having his balls on me.
While the final game of the 2012-2013 season at the Kapusta did not turn out to be a mini, Tomcat Nation was still provided some stellar hockey. A traditional Black vs. White with games played to 7 proved that even without the time pressure of mini games, the play can be fast and furious. There was no let up in this one, and sweat-soaked shirts were everywhere. The teams suited up this way:
Men in Black – Hurricane, Chevy, Rake, Rocky, Cribz, Doc, Spinner, Ogie, and Razor
White Men Can’t Jump – Hollywood, Soupy, Bulldog, Turk, Mez, Chico, Sparky and the Falcon
The rising Spring temperatures, which made for a hot and sweaty evening in the old Palace, didn’t stop both goalies from making tremendous saves all night long. In the first game, Falcon was peppered with shots by the MIB. The MIB jumped out to an early 4-1 lead, only to see the vertical-leap challenged gang claw their way back and take the lead 4-6. Even though MIB kept the shots coming, Falcon was stopping everything. In a moment of frustration, Chevy slammed his stick against the net and wall. This seemed to be a rallying cry as the MIB mustered a brief rally of their own, to bring the game to 6-6 tie. However, WMCJ had the last laugh taking the game 6-7. Afterwards, Mez was heard saying “that was the longest game ever played.” Of course, he says that after every game that takes more than 30 minutes.
After a brief break to allow the goalies to refill their water bottles and mop the sweat from their faces, the second game was underway. Determined to avenge the earlier loss, MIB stormed out to another lead, 3-1. Once again, WMCJ found an answer and was able to match MIB 4-4. Undeterred, MIB kept pressing and with a final shot from the resident sniper Spinner, MIB was able to secure a victory 7-5. All players agreed it was much too late for a third game, and the cold beer on stage was more appealing than a rubber match.
Later on stage, the Rake pulled off a super-solid by bringing sausage for the boys to enjoy along with the beer. Sparky was heard saying ever so eloquently, “I always knew hockey would somehow turn into a sausage fest.”
All Tomcats are reminded of the Outdoor Classic next Tuesday evening starting at 6pm sharp. Regular sticks allowed. See the email sent a couple of days ago from Bulldog. Beer and Pizza back at the Polish club afterwards and the new Tomcat jacket will be handed out.
No need to put Harry Ballsonue…people only remember Howie Feltersnatch

Gotta give a shout-out the the beer bringers this week. Cold, frosty Moosehead complimented by the Tomcat staple, MGD. No froo-froo lite or light beers or lo-cal near beers. It was a pleasure!