So fur, so good – and ‘yes’ ‘fur’ is a nod to the St.Felix Tomcat….Week 2; after 500plus days off went exceptionally well; considering a full two games were played; and games played continued to be very tightly contested affairs. In case you missed week 1 -really – how could you? – the stands were packed at full capacity; those that did forever etched themselves into the Tomcats history books; and also received that sweet/sweet season opening ‘cool’ (WINK WINK) swag. Did you see that glorious picture taken? You bet those players were a ‘stick’ apart for Covid safety concerns; and some of those ‘sticks’ were bigger than others (That’s what she said!).
The first night was one of excitement; considering that scare about possibly stalling the season due to the double booking. Glad to see all parties were able to work it out and now we’re full steam ahead! I was really looking forward to seeing which Tomcat would come back sportin an extra few Covid pounds. I secretly was hoping it would have been Beep, or Snowpants; I mean which Tomcat defenseman wouldn’t want to slow those two guys down? Nope; the boys looked pretty good; except poor Skippy – whom after 28minutes looked like he was about to lose his lunch. Despite a very tightly contested ‘short’ game; in which both goalies looked stellar; Skippy announced his ‘retirement’ from playing net. When asked he explained it wasn’t fair to the players that his back wouldn’t allow him to give a full nights effort anymore; plus it seems during the season start lapse maybe cardio wasn’t worked on as much as could have been… Instead it looks like Skippy will switch to a ‘D’ man; and Coach Sealion is already putting together a cardio program; along with keepin a close eye on the rest of the boys.
Speaking of ‘fit’; did you see Bullwinkle? DAMN – now there’s a fella that’s been itching to play – having spent the entire off season packin on the muscle whilst not forgetting about the importance of cardio and isometric workouts. When asked about the change Bullwinkle replied; ‘I was bored during Covid – So I just started working out everyday for like 2hours’. That work impressed Coach Sealion and several other payers whom only said; ‘Guess we gotta call him the Shredder now’.
Week 2 has already been reported on; and it indeed went much better. The arena was cooler; both goalies were in top physical shape; and with the addition of the Solaris boys the pace was much quicker. As mentioned the lads were split apart; not out of play making ability; rather I think to bring the median age of each bench down as both teams featured some ‘senior’ Tomcats. Not only did the Solaris boys bring youth; but they also brought out some sweet sweet moves, and maybe even the goal of the night. You had to be there – a shot fired over Falcon’s head ricochets off the backboards only to hit poor falcon right in the back and bounced directly into his net. Pro line doesn’t even have a stat line for that one! After the game I caught up with Chico and asked about the goal and tight game. His reply; ‘Coach Sealion always says you gotta save more than you let in’. Classic! Genius!
While you wondering what that season opening swag was; and which of the other Tomcats ‘beefed’ up during the time off – will you be there for week 3? Let Rocky know.
Signing off for Yurri: Cura Glans
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All posts for the month September, 2021
With the Kapusta being less of an oven, and with some first night jitters out of the way, week 2 saw more hockey played (4 full periods). The better conditions (and better conditioning) saw the pace of hockey start quick, and stay quick.
The pace was certainly helped by having the young Solaris boys in attendance. The Sons of Sunny were split across the two teams and ensured the elder Tomcats on each side of the floor were kept on their toes with these young whippersnappers flying around with endless energy.
Stevo made his first appearance of the season and did a stellar job balancing the teams for some pretty even hockey all night. While Black won both games, the scores were close. Nice job Stevo!
Reminders:
For those that have not paid their start of year $50, please get to Rocky the next time you play. It comes with a cool gift!
Let Rocky know if you are in for next Tuesday, 6:30pm game start (be there before 6:30pm)
Local Requirements – With recent WECHU directives for sports facilities, Tomcat Management is looking into what we have to do to remain in compliance. Discussing with the hall to ensure both they and us are not in a position to be fined for non-compliance. More to come on this.
Specialty Nights: The BoD suggested having some special nights this season where we add an element of unifier as to hockey…for example, “Big Nets Night,” where we use larger nets to open up the scoring. Stay tuned for dates.
Nope, not a typo in the title. While the Windsor area is known as the 519, the Tomcats welcome everyone to the 559. Last night marked the triumphant return of Tomcat hockey to the Kapusta after a staggering 559 day layoff!! It had been 559 days between games. By far the longest break between official Tomcat games in the club’s 32 year history.
As players entered the Kapusta, you could feel the weight of such a long break lift. Smiles abounded as the fellas were able to say hello to each other for the first time in a long time.
A traditional 2-team night started off very quickly, as if no time had ever been taken away. The teams were:
Black Beauties – Skippy, Beep, Anvil, Tonto, Soupy and Bullwinkle
White Wonders – Chico, Killer, Hurricane, Lizard, LaBamba and Snowpants
Only a 2-period game was played as the Kapusta was stifling hot and the boys needed to ease into the season. Score? Who cares (but it was close). All that matters is the Tomcats are back (remember, Tomcats Forever).
Huge shout out to Hollywood, the birthday boy. While not able to play due to injury, and on his birthday no less, he showed up to grill some sausages for the after-game celebration. He also brought a 12 pack to boot! What a guy!
Also a shout out to Sunny for bringing some beer (guess which brand?). The Rake made a brief appearance as well to help clear the gym floor due to voting taking place the day prior. Many others showed up early to help clean as well, so hats off to all those that helped. As always, Snowpants does all he can to set up and teardown. Never has to ask. Tomcat spirit personified!
Start of the year gifts were given out…Tomcat logo on anything is the motto:
Despite huge challenges, the Tomcats are back. Let Rocky know your status for next Tuesday by this Friday
Howie Feltersnatch
Unfortunately, bad news. As hard as it seems to believe this, the Windsor Tomcats have been kicked out of the Kapusta. Yes, the hall has rented out the gym several nights a week to a baseball group who have set up batting cages that cannot be moved or disassembled easily. They have guaranteed quite a bit of money each week to the hall through March of 2020. As of right now, the Tomcats have no home. We just were notified on Sunday and the BoD mer last evening.
In order to save the season, we need every Tomcat to use your connections and social media to solicit other locations we could play ball hockey. We want to leave no stone unturned.
Please give this some thought and provide me your ideas.
We are pretty upset with how the hall handled this. We have supported them in many ways (food purchases, golf tournament, etc) and they just give us the boot after 30+ years. We ask that all Tomcats no longer support the hall in any manner after this.
Stay tuned for next steps. For sure, we want to find a way to get the Tomcats back together this fall, even if it means we play outdoors or gather for reasons other than hockey.
Sorry for the bad news, but we will work to salvage what we can.
Tomcats Forever right?
As Tomcat Management continues to prepare for the season, we are seeking permission to do a pre-season clean up of the floor, stage, Tomcat room, etc. Confirmation is forth-coming. When given the go ahead, we will look for some dedicated Tomcats to come help one evening to ready the Kapusta for September 14th. More to come shortly.
Start of Season Gift – Per usual, we have a gift planned for the start of the season when you pay your initial dues. Due to COVID, the gifts may not arrive until the second week of hockey (sorry about that). Everything takes longer right now 😦
Injury Report – Word from training camp is that Rocky May start the season on IR due to a rotator cuff injury suffered while climbing the Himalayas on a recent expedition. No timeline set for recovery but rehab is already underway.
Hockey Stick Clearout – At some point early in the season, the Tomcats will ask each player to gather their sticks from the Tomcat room. Any stick not claimed will be moved to the other room on the other side of the stage because we simply have too many twigs to deal with and they always topple over and create a mess. Maybe we end up donating those to father/son flag making duo in London that the boys at SSN so graciously have supported??