You would have never known there was a thing called a summer break with how the first game of the season started out; a raucous 40 minutes of hockey that featured a close 7-6 score for the victorious White River Dogs. It was almost like hockey had never ended for many a Tomcats player, and both goalies played exceptionally well. The second game saw the Black Wolves take it 4-2.
When I first arrived in the parking lot of the Kapusta I knew the night was going to be special, particularly after spying a car full of elderly ladies who were sitting knitting patiently near the players entrance door. Upon striking up a conversation with the ladies they excitedly stated they were waiting for Snowpants. Ethel the groups spokesperson commented, “I saw a picture of Snowpants from last years Christmas party – the one in which he was sporting those sexy leather pants. When I shared the photo with my group all the ladies agreed he was super yummy, and we all swore an allegiance to be Tomcats fans”. As I watched I can’t say for certain, but it certainly looked like the ladies were working on some kind of knitted lingerie; maybe to pass along upon completion to their favourite player as fan keepsake?
The ladies weren’t disappointed…. in the second game Snowpants proved his worth and assited the Black Wolves to a gritty 4-2 win. The game was really put away in the last 30 seconds with the Black Wolves up 3-2 and Snowy assisting on an empty netter that was scored by Sunny. After 80 minutes of hockey neither team could claim ultimate superiority, considering each team took a game. Doc with the Black Wolves may disagree particularly after he pointed out his hard work on the night was finally rewarded with a hard fought goal. Matador of the White River Dogs begrudgingly mumbled Doc may have gotten the better of him on a skirmish in the corner; but he was also quick to remind me of his great up close goal. Rewinding the tapes it was nice to see both players had been rewarded on what was a well battled first night of hockey.
Players may have also been very relieved to have played a regular start to the season instead of a mini tournament; and it was the lack of a mini tourny start to the season I found most interesting. I figured every Tomcat would have been out in full force. Notably absent was Beep, as we know from the St. Felix article, Beep secured a lucrative promotion in the civilian field which will affect his playing time this year and his skill set will be greatly missed on the Kapusta Kow Floor.
Speaking of players, I can’t help but note in 80 minutes – 80 MINUTES of play, both goaltenders only allowed 9 goals apiece. That’s a mere goal every 8.8 minutes; and it was really the second game in which the goalies took over; because after 40 minutes the score was a measly 4-2. The fourth goal being an empty netter. Regardless neither tender was able to clearly dominate the other as both made redonkulous saves that are liklely to be featured on top 10 countdowns nation wide.
The night ended on an high note as Stevo provided each player present with a 25th year personlized Tomcat program. It was one of the first times I ever heard it so quiet on the stage after a game as each player was engrossed with reading of Tomcat stars from yesterday; along with checkingout their own bios of course! I can only imagine what week 2 will bring and until Tuesday rolls around; Ethel – Yurri HANDZONMECAC (Sorry Snowpants – she’s frisky!)
Yurri
Windsor Tomcats 