The final night of hockey went off without a hitch. In a season that saw very few mini tournaments, there was just enough guys to play a mini (18). Early arrivers decided playing 3 teams with one sub each was better than 2 teams with 2 full lines.
As well, early arrivers including Skippy, Ricki, Rocky, LaBamba, Sunny and Bulldog had to dissemble the banquet tables that had been left across the Kapusta floor from Easter holiday celebrations. Kudos out to these gentlemen for taking quick action to prepare the floor for hockey.
At this point, we usually talk about the three teams, the lineups and who won…but not this time. In the end, this was the night cap for this season…a season that saw many new changes/obstacles/etc…new president, late start due to roof repairs, and almost cancelled tournament which had to be started early at the last minute, struggles fielding goalies, lots of season long injuries, etc. So rather than focus on the hockey played, let’s focus on what really matters…enjoying a drink and laughs on stage afterwards.
The Tomcats provided more than enough beer and mixed drinks. As well, The Rake took Tuesday off from work to prepare giant sub sandwiches for the boys. He also ensured some side dishes such as potato salad and coleslaw were available to round out the post-game meal. LaBamba had the tunes blaring as guys reminisced about the season. Great end to a great season! Also a shout out to Sparky for taking all the empties and clearing out the equipment room.
Announcement – The Board of Director’s are opening up the final year-end meeting to any Tomcat. It is scheduled for Tuesday May 2nd at Casa de Rocky (2672 Paul Martin Court). Rocky needs to know who will attend by next Tuesday, April 25th. Text Rocky if you plan on attending. Meeting will commence precisely at 6pm! Come have a say in the future of the Tomcats!
And speaking of Rocky, here is note from the president:
Fellow Tomcats,
As my first season of being president comes to a close, I wanted to take time to thank everyone for a successful season. I had lots to learn so I appreciate all the patience as I tried to fill the shoes of Stevo…not an easy task. Hopefully the year was enjoyable and hopefully Tomcat hockey still provides something to look forward to each Tuesday. As I look back on the year, there are definitely observations I have and truths that will always come with being part of this fine organization. In no particular order, here are the items that I believe are truths:
- There will always be a core group of guys that help set up and tear down…unfortunately, there is also a group that never assists. Don’t be in the last group.
- Certain guys will always let me know if they are in or out…others will always need to be chased…don’t be in the last group.
- Whenever I or the Tomcats need something, guys like Snowpants, Doc, Sunny, Kamikaze, Sparky, The Rake, Hollywood, The Falcon, Stevo can be counted on to help out and take the ball if needed. This place keeps moving along because of guys like this.
- Soupy, Sunny, LaBamba, and Matador will always try to pay each other’s $5 nightly fee and everyone also tries to cover Sparky. Sparky also tries to always pick up the tab for some other Tomcat. Several other Tomcats randomly pay for other’s hockey…love seeing that!
- I am glad we found The Terror and Scuz as several nights of hockey would have been cancelled had we not due to lack of goalies. Shout out to Falcon who is easily the most consistent goalie that we can count on week to week.
- Speaking of goalies…we always need to have one of three goalies for a given Tuesday to be a two-way player (can play out as well)…many times we head into a Tuesday thinking Mini, but end up with only two teams so having a goalie that can play out is a huge bonus (Chico, Hollywood, Stevo, Hurricane, Matador).
- Last minute cancellations are like death and taxes…so flexibility and agility is needed each week (see the above bullet)
- Physical play will always creep in so “Play the Ball” shouts will always be required to help remind guys there are no NHL scouts watching. However, competitive juices are good to have, so we just have to manage this. Play hard, but play fair is how I see it.
- We all miss Lovie’s on-stage stories…
- If Labamba is playing, that means we will have tunes blasting afterwards
- Guys like Rake, Cribzie, Sheepdog will always bring out some special snacks randomly…and Sparky will always get the shout out for it.
- Tomcats will always be a great group to be part of
So until next season,
Tomcats Forever!
Windsor Tomcats 